What's in the Woods?: Sugar Rush Essentials

As a mom, I have come to realize the importance of self-care.  Whether it's doing a face mask in an attempt to mask the years of no sleep and crow's feet, or relaxing in a nice bubble bath with a beautifully scented bath bomb, finding a few moments for self-care is so important.  So naturally when I heard of a great local business with all hand-made products to help make me feel refreshed and relaxed, I had to check it out!  When asked "where in the Woods can I find pampering goodies without driving for hours or waiting on a Lush order?" I always respond with "Sugar Rush Essentials!"

If you are looking to pamper yourself or a loved one, Jayce Williams, owner of Sugar Rush Essentials has something for you.  Jayce is a mother and military spouse local to the Fort Leonard Wood area!  Her product offerings include handmade bathbombs, sugar scrubs, essential oil rollers, bath salts, shower jellies, shower soothers, artisan soap dipped loofahs, foot spa tablets, charcoal masks, coffee exfoliator, hydrating honey oat exfoliator, shaving cream, Origami Owl Charm Bombs, and Pokebombs.  She works on new creations all the time, so there is always something exciting happening.

Sugar Rush Essentials is such a great addition to our area!  Jayce uses a variety of essential oils and is able to cater to individual's needs as necessary for allergies, sensitivities, or personal preference.  Her items are produced in small quantities with excellent quality control standards--and each item is handmade by Jayce!  With the holidays approaching, be sure to check out Sugar Rush Essentials for your holiday gifting.  These items would make perfect stocking stuffers, and Jayce is offering a $10 discount on all basket orders placed before Christmas! Be sure to contact her for further details.  She also offers discounts on bulk orders.  To learn more about Sugar Rush Essentials, check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SugarRushEssentials/ and be sure to join her VIP Group! 

Pictured are (top) bath bombs, (center) charcoal peel off mask, and (bottom) artisan dipped loofahs.  How great do these products look?

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation for writing this business showcase. The opinions shared are based on an interview with the business owner and are an unbiased publication of the owner's response.

Photos are property of Jayce Williams and Sugar Rush Essentials.

New Traditions; Old Roots

It's been five years since my husband and I were back "home" for Thanksgiving.  As a military family, traveling a long ways away (and any army base is a LONG ways away from Wyoming!) just isn't always that doable.  Plus, spending 17 hours in the car with two toddlers is frankly quite nauseating.  Like most military families, we have learned to bend and change to make holidays special for our children, and ourselves so we spend them among our new found family wherever we are. 

As I was explaining the history of Thanksgiving to my son, who was convinced there would be presents involved of some sort, I was thinking about how our new tradition these past few years of spending this particular holiday with friends is not unlike the roots from which it sprouted.  In a
nutshell, Thanksgiving was a time when people from different backgrounds who have shared different cultures, customs, and ideas with each other came together to celebrate that.  They were thankful for the differences that made them a community; they were thankful for friendship; not unlike military families.  The ultimate traditional Thanksgiving is among friends.  There's kids playing and laughing, tons of food, plenty of wine, more than plenty desserts, warmth, love, and memories.  The kinds that can really only be made among friends. 

Military families are especially unique.  It doesn't take us long to form very strong bonds.  Finding "your kind of people" in a field of less than two percent isn't always that easy but somehow we don't let that stop us.  We just jump right in and find them.  We find the people who like coffee and wine.  The people who are in our same or similar life stages; newlyweds, parents, people who live life in leggings, people whose big kids love our little kids tagging along with them, empty nesters...the list goes on and on.  Bonus points if the husbands' get along, too!  Seriously, though. That can be the toughest part sometimes.  I am so thankful that our thanksgiving was spent with delicious foods, lots of laughs, some tasty wine because mommy's kind of need that to be nice sometimes, and pies.  There may have been 16 pies...who's counting, right?  Holidays are best spent in the company of those friends that feel just like family.  For those friends who will always be like family, I am thankful.  Our new traditions in this life have grown from the old roots planted so many years ago. 

Why All Moms can Love 'Sing!"

It's rare that I find a movie that my children love that I don't get sick of hearing play at least twice daily for days on end.  I have seen enough 'Cars', 'Home', and 'Planes' to last 1 million people a lifetime, and if I ever see or hear another freakin' minion again, I may vomit.  I really, really can't stand those yellow gibberish-speaking, hyper, assholes.  Lightning McQueen is okay, he learns some good lessons and let's be honest--we all get a kick out of Mater!  Oh is also alright.  His voice drives me crazy, but the music in 'Home' is spot on (I mean the movie only, not the crappy spin-off show Netflix made; stick to 'Stranger Things' guys).  However, there is one kids movie I can totally get behind and that's 'Sing!'. 

 It's not the super hip soundtrack.  It's not that the gorilla has a dreamy voice.  It's not the amazing love of music and art that the film portrays to kids.  It's not even the lesson in chasing dreams and those from many backgrounds banding together to accomplish a common goal.  It's Rosita.  It's ALL Rosita (voiced by Reese Witherspoon). 

Because Rosita is my spirit animal.  Literally--the movie is all animals.  But it's more than that.  Rosita embodies all of the things that I feel about myself as a stay-at-home mother.  Rosita personifies (pigsonifies? whatever) all of it.  For those unfamiliar with the film, Rosita is a stay-at-home mother of like 45 kids (she's a pig, they have had a few litters by this point!) with a husband who works long hours out of the home.  She has a beautiful talent, singing, that is so often lost in the daily rigmarole of motherhood and housework. She is seen early on in the movie singing 'Firework' by Katy Perry which is such a fitting song.  Hands up if you have ever felt like a plastic bag floating through the wind, wanting to start again; am I right?  I know that in the heat of the chores, and the kids, and the cooking, and the dog, and the chaos that is my everyday life I feel like this used up, old, crinkly, plastic bag who just wants to be recognized as worth something again!  In those moments, I am sure we all have felt that way.  Back to Rosita!  As the movie goes on, she finds the flyer for an "American Idol" esque singing competition and decides to try out while her 6 million kids are in school and husband is at work.

So she goes and is finally recognized for having a great voice, even though her moves are something to be desired.  She is partnered with the amazing Gunter, a fellow swine who may not be the best singer but damn, that pig has got some moves!  As the contest rehearsals continue, Rosita battles with the struggles of still having her motherly and home duties while wanting to focus also on something for herself.  Her children don't listen to her (I feel her on that), her husband falls asleep when she is trying to tell him her big news about making it into the competition (I feel her on that), and she struggles with finding herself in a life full of giving to others with no gratitude returned.  There's even a scene where she has to take her "sick" child to a rehearsal with her and in a hyper whirlwind he messes up the whole room--basically me every single time I have to tote my two hyper heathens anywhere important with me.  Like meetings. 

As the film continues, Rosita is finally able to recenter and find herself again through her singing.  She even finds a little sexy mama in there, too, thanks to the sweet dance moves Gunter teaches her.  Gunter is definitely Zumba certified. Has to be. I recognized those moves for sure.  Rosita deals with a lot of crap during the movie--not just the whole taking care of the family bit, but also feeling unsure of herself.  She often wonders if the "spark" just can't be relit anymore.  She finds herself in the grocery store, just busting a move while shopping alone in the produce aisle.  I love shopping alone for basically the same reason.  Only alone can I bust a move next to the gauc in peace.   At the end of the movie, they get to perform their big duet to "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift, which, seriously is such a good mama mantra.  I need to get better at just shaking it off--like Rosita learns not so obviously through the duration of the movie.  Her family finally sits and focuses their attention on her and they are literally blown away by what their mama can do.  None of the kids or her husband had any clue she had such a great voice; because they took for granted what they heard everyday in the trenches of life.  But when the focus was on her (and Gunter dressed as a washing machine, the best) on stage doing the thing she was passionate about for her, they saw how awesome she was.  They realized she was a person (a pig? whatever) all her own--not just a wife; not just a mama. 

What I love most about Rosita's character is that she shows the whole 'can't pour from an empty cup' thing.  I think for most mom's watching her is literally like looking in on our own lives in animal cartoon form.  It's so true.  If we can't refuel, eventually we will burn out and the stresses of daily life will begin to slowly break us down into a routine based on going through motions we know, without the passion we had.  No matter your passion, be like Rosita and fuel it!  We as moms are all Rosita in some way. 

If you are a stay-at-home parent like me, and you have yet to see 'Sing!' go watch it.  You will totally relate to Rosita as well.  So much love for her.  I want her to be my friend. Rosita can be in my tribe anytime!     

What's in the Woods?: Party Time? I'm There!

Everyday I notice one thing on local Facebook groups in the Fort Leonard Wood area; people posting "there's nothing to do here!"  I keep scrolling usually thinking to myself. "there are so many cool things here, I wish people knew about them all!"  Then, it dawned on me; why not create a weekly post highlighting some unique business or service offered in our area.  Since my daughter can't make it 10 minutes in the car without screaming like a banshee, I am a huge supporter of local businesses and through this have discovered so many great offerings in our area.  This week I am excited to highlight "Party Time? I'm There!" as my first of many 'What's in the Woods?' Wednesday posts!

If you have a superhero fan in your house, no matter what age, then Party Time? I'm There! may be exactly what you are looking for.  Steven Williamson, owner and actor, currently offers two characters; Spider-Man and Deadpool.  He uses movie-quality costumes and hopes to add more characters to his lineup soon.  Steven is able to book parties for kids and adults, which I think is really cool!  He stays in character the full time and customizes character actions for the age group attending.  I mean, I know my husband would be little-girl giddy if Deadpool showed up at our house on his birthday, and let's face it; so would my son.

Steven is not only a business owner, but also an artist creating high-quality horror costumes.  His attention to detail in his work is impeccable, and it is evident he is passionate about his art.  He is also able to cosplay the horror characters Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees P7, and Freddy Krueger.  These characters are geared for an older/adult audience.  If you choose to support Steven by booking a party with his business, you are also supporting an artist, small business owner, and a United States Marine--all great reasons to support his small business.  The best part? He's right here in the 'Wood!


If you would like to check out Party Time? I'm There! or contact Steven here is a link to his business Facebook as well as a good email;

E-mail: stevenusmc161@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLWcosplay/ 

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation for writing this business showcase.  Not even a chimichanga.  The opinions shared are based on interview with the business owner, and are an unbiased publication of owner response.

 Photos are property of Party Time? I'm There!

Mask an original work created by Steven Williamson.

Staying on the Meal Train

The meal train.  As a military spouse, I am sure I speak for many when I say that this is something we all know too well.  Don't get me wrong; I am so thankful for them in times of need like after a new baby is born, during a medical procedure or hospitalization for a family member or self, right before a PCS, or when a spouse deploys.  But I also know how easy it can be to fall off the train!  Let's face it; life can be so busy as wives and mothers that sometimes adding another thing to our plates can completely overfill the plate and collapse it.  Thankfully, there are ways to make sure that you don't fall off.  I am all about helping others because I know that if I were in their shoes I would really appreciate it--and have when we have been there; so I do my very best to give back and actually do an okay job of it.  Make the meal train easy on yourself to succeed in getting a nice meal to a friend or fellow spouse!

Pictured is one of my favorite meal-train crowd pleasing meals to take, pierogi casserole.  Recipe included at the end of this post!

Don't Break the Bank
Choosing to participate in a meal train is such a great service for a friend or spouse in need, but you do not have to break the bank with your choice!  Choosing a casserole that is filling yet inexpensive is a great choice; especially for a large family.  Some of my favorites are baked spaghetti, pierogi casserole, and taco bake just to name a few.  All of these meals are inexpensive to make while still filling up tummies.

KISS (Keep it Simple, Silly!) 
No one is expecting a four course dinner complete with beef wellington.  If they are then, well, that's on them.  Truly, the majority of families, if not all of them, are thankful to have one less thing on their plate during a life-changing time.  Choose something that you know how to make, that is easy to make, and you can make successfully.  Something easy is not only helpful for you, but it ensures you can provide a yummy, filling meal to a family.  Making something you are familiar with not only makes it easier for you, but it also helps you ensure safe food is prepped and served. Always remember to cook to the correct temperatures!  If you are taking on the task of creating the meal train, make it easy on yourself and on the recipients and participants by using an easy system.  My favorite is mealtrain.com because it is free and so easy to use.  I also love that it sends out reminders the day of so no one forgets.  Life can get so busy and those reminders are so helpful! 

Don't Create More Work 
When a meal train is put in place, it's usually because some life changing event has recently occurred.  Whether a positive change like a new baby or something more somber like the beginning of a deployment, it is important that your contribution doesn't create a lot of work for the recipient.  One way to reduce the work load is by delivering the meal in a disposable pan.  This way no one feels the need to do dishes, and the plus side for you is that you don't have to worry about whether your favorite baking dish will be returned or not.  Plus, we all know that tupperware lids disappear to a realm unknown to human eyes upon washing.  If the meal needs heated or reheated include cooking temperature, time, etc. on the meal itself.  Just write that information on top of the foil with a permanent marker.  If you can't find one, check in your husband's uniform; there's bound to be about 7,000 in there--especially if it's already in the washing machine.  Hurry!  When contributing a meal for a person whose spouse has recently deployed, I like to split the meal in half in two pans and include freezing and reheating instructions so there is a meal provided for one of those tough or busy days down the road. 

Overwhelmed? Don't be!  The most important thing is that you provided a warm meal for a family in need.  Believe me when I say that the look of gratitude on a new mom's face while her newborn cries and toddler runs wild is the best form of thanks.  As moms, we know that sometimes new mamas just need a full tummy and a warmed soul; because Hamburger Helper and 30 lbs of plain rice from chef ala daddy can get old fast--it's the thought that counts, remember that! 

If all else fails, order a pizza for them!  And remember, wine and a box of chocolates is, in fact, an acceptable meal too. 

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for mentioning mealtrain.com in this post.  I shared their name because it is a site that has been very beneficial to me and I would honestly recommend it to others for use. 

Pierogi Casserole

Retrieved from Pillsbury.com via Pinterest 

Ingredients

1 pkg frozen pierogies (I use cheese, but any filling will do) 

1 tbsp water 

7 oz. kielbasa sausage, cut. 

4 oz. cream cheese (from 8 oz block) very softened

1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute plain Greek yogurt if desired)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/8 tsp course ground black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

1/2 cup thinly, diagonally sliced green onions 

Steps 

1) Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 12x8 in. dish with cooking spray.

2) Place frozen pierogies and water in a microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic.  Microwave for 2 min. on high; stir.  Continue microwaving on high for 1 1/2-2 min until thawed. Place evenly in the casserole dish and top with sausage. 

3) In medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and pepper with whisk.  Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup onions.  Reserve remaining onions for topping.  

4) Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over pierogies.  Cover with foil; bake 22-27 minutes or until center is heated through and internal temperature reaches 165 F. 

5) Uncover and top with remaining cheese ank bake 3-5 additional minutes until cheese is melted.  Top with remaining onions. Enjoy!