Here’s how you can prepare a delicious Chicken Parmesan dinner in 15-20 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 2 TBsp Parsley
• 1 Egg
• 1 cup Marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (I make my own – put two slices in the toaster and then put them in the blender, add ½ teaspoon of Italian Seasoning until they are blended into breadcrumbs)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh

DIRECTIONS

Disclaimer! When I say “clean,” I don’t mean to put it in soapy water as my best friend did in college. I mean for you to cut off the fatty whitish-looking pieces from the chicken.

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, brush with olive oil.  Adjust oven rack so that is in the second from the top space. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Clean and cut the chicken breasts in half and pound to even thickness. Pounding it is the reason it will take less time to bake, so this is very important.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
4. In one shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper.
5. In another shallow dish, whisk one egg.
6. Dip one chicken breast into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture.  Ensure chicken breast is fully coated in the crumb mixture, and gently press with your hand do help the crumbs stick to the chicken.  Place chicken breast on prepared baking sheet, repeat with remaining pieces of chicken.
7. Place baking sheet in oven on the second from the top rack.  Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.  Flip chicken, pour 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with cheese.  Place back in the oven.  Turn on the broiler.  Broil for 2-4 minutes, until cheese is melted, and bubbly and edges of chicken are browning.

The post Chicken Parmesan (Oven Baked) first appeared on Xochoble.

My husband immediately said that they weren’t good apples to eat. Since he said it so matter-of-fact, I took his word for it. Three years later (present day), I decided to enlist the twin’s help to pick up the fallen apples off of the ground so Erik could cut the grass. BUT… to keep them from eating the apples (some which had worms or bugs in them from the ground), I told them they were poisonous. The cautionary tale of the Snow White fairy tale was fresh in their minds, so were determined to heed the warning.

Gloved up, all three of us bagged up the apples and I began to think, it would be so nice to be able to eat our own apples from our tree. Even our neighbors had remarked about eating the apples. I gave them Erik’s warning that they were bad. But, then, like Eve, I began to question my man.

“Why shouldn’t I eat the fruit on the tree?”

“How does Erik know this?”

I decided we would try the apples, and I would show the kids reaction as I taste-tested our “poisonous” apples. Their reaction was hilarious and Erik was wrong. There’s nothing wrong with the apples. They were actually quite tasty.

Click on the video below to see how it all went down.

To check out suggestions for apple picking locations in Central New York, click here.

The post Apple Picking Prank first appeared on Xochoble.

In January of 2021, Syracuse dropped the mic when it introduced the Salt City Market, a new public market/food hall concept that beautifully blends culinary cultures, cakes, cocktails and communal space. Syracuse is a diverse, artsy, funky, Foodie city, and this public market/food hall successfully captures the Do Your Thing vibe of the town.

I had heard about the plans for this venture years before it hit the streets, and now that it was finally open, I was eager to try it out. My first time venturing into the market, was solo, on a cold winter day, on my lunch break. Upon entering, I was greeted by a sign that invited you to “grab a drink” from the Salt City Bar and “browse the market or enjoy your food at the bar.” If I didn’t have to go back to work, I would have enjoyed taking in the scenery over a cocktail, but that was for another time.

What I immediately noticed was the open, modern, lofty and sleek layout, as well as the worldly selection of food: Middle Eastern, Jamaican, Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, Soul Food, Southern, and more! “Regional and international cuisine from entrepreneurs” in the neighborhood is part of the market’s theme. I wanted it all but had to quickly browse the menus and let my stomach select, so I could get back to work. It chose Miss Prissy’s Pink Plate (oxtails and white rice) and Erma’s Island’s Beef Patties. I was craving Ahki & Saltfish but was told it would be coming soon (I’ll be waiting).

Back to my office I rushed, with my new bags of gold. When I finally sat down to eat, it was a “close my eyes and moan” type of experience. The oxtails were falling off the bone and the patties were seasoned just right!

My next venture to the Salt City Market was when my best friend, Brooke, came to visit. I hadn’t seen her since last year, due to the pandemic, and knew she would enjoy checking out the market. This visit was an experience! We walked in to hear music that we like to vibe to… and even better, it was coming from a live DJ! Who I later found out was there to promote his new business, Imprinting at The Life, that was having it’s Grand Opening in the market that very day!

We also noticed how there were accommodations for kids – high chairs and even small tables and chairs. Brilliant!

We browsed around for a while because there were too many mouth-watering choices, but we finally settled on Mamma Hai’s Báhn Mì (also known as Báhn Bao or Bao), which offers a choice of homemade steamed chicken sausage, char siu pork, or sliced pepperoni, served inside their signature pâté. Brooke was familiar with the dish, so I followed her lead, especially after I asked the clerk for silverware and they both replied in unison that I was supposed to eat it with my hands. I was horrified at the thought in this new pandemic world and made a trip to the ladies room to scrub my hands. After the first bite, I didn’t give a $%@# about the hands. My Bao had one of the most glorious flavors, mixed with the pork I chose, and I immediately wanted more!!!

Halfway through our Bao, we decided to grab some cocktails – Brooke ordered a Mule. I went back to my roots and savored the Old Fashioned.

Then we had to try the Baghdad Restaurant’s Hummus and Shawarma (beef) Salad. I have to say, no lie, it was one of the best salads I’ve ever had (I still dream about it.)  the There was so much synergy in the market – from the food, to the aesthetics, the music, the people – everything about it just felt so chill and inviting.

Four hours later, we had moved to some tiered seating near the DJ to enjoy the 90’s R&B music, before finishing our drinks at the bar. Four hours. I guess time does fly when you are having fun.

As we were heading out, I bought cupcakes for my twins from the Cake Bar, which had such lovely looking pastries, it was hard to choose.

When we got back to my house, my husband asked, “Where are my Jamaican Beef Patties?”

Didn’t have to twist our arms. Within minutes, we were back in the car, for another adventure at the Salt City Market, to pick up Erik’s food. It was the least we could do since he had sponsored our girl’s day out.

To get the inside scoop on the Market and to learn about kid-friendly features, check out this cool video interview with Market Manager Adam Sudmann below:

The post Salt City Market: Soul of the City first appeared on Xochoble.

Check out what this full-time nurse is cooking up just for you by clicking the video below.

You can find Trois Filles Scentual Scents some Saturdays at the CNY Regional Market or online at Trois Filles-Scentual Scents – Candle Store (troisfillesscentualscents.com)

The post Trois Filles Scentual Scents first appeared on Xochoble.

As a child, popsicles were a special treat on a hot summer day. They were usually store bought (stored in the freezer) or delivered to our neighborhood via the beloved Ice Cream Truck. If I was in Alabama for the summer, visiting my grandparents on the Gulf Coast, it was FROZEN CUPS (frozen Kool-Aid) sold for $0.25 by the Freeze Cup Lady (my grandparents had two such ladies on their street). Some of ya’ll know ‘bout the Freeze Cup Lady.

As a mom, I aim to give my children the same joy with frozen treats. My neighborhood, as nice as it is, doesn’t have an ice cream truck or a Freeze Cup Lady (sigh), and I try to stay away from processed treats, artificial flavors and food coloring. Although there are companies that make natural popsicles, it’s really quite simple to make your own. So, I’ve created a new tradition with my family by making popsicles out of fruit.

Why Watermelon?

Watermelon was the first one I ever attempted to make when my twins were a year old, and they loved them and still do. I chose watermelon because it is mostly made up of water, doesn’t consist of as much sugar as other fruits, and has a long list of health benefits, including being good for your heart, aids in digestion, contains antioxidants, prevents heat exhaustion/heat stroke, and more! Also, did you know that watermelon was one of several foods that were transported from Africa, along with slaves, to the Americas?

These popsicles are so easy and good for you, I wonder why we hadn’t done it sooner – pre-kids.

Watermelon Popsicle Recipe (makes at 4-6)

Ingredients

• ½ Watermelon (medium size)

Tools

• Blender
• Popsicle Containers (or substitute with ice trays)

Directions

1. Cut watermelon into smaller chunks that can fit into blending unit. Take out seeds if you like. I actually gave up. My seeds weren’t that big and blended right in.
2. Pour liquidized watermelon into one of the popsicle containers. I use either the Frozip plastic baggies or the Ice Pop Molds.
3. Place in freezer for at least four hours or until frozen.
4. Serve and enjoy!

I have also experimented with various other fruit to create tasty hybrid fruit popsicles. Check back for other frozen treat ideas. If you’ve tried them, or have a good tip, Ieave a message in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

The post DIY Watermelon Popsicles first appeared on Xochoble.

If you are from the south or learned to cook by someone from the south, you’ll know that we don’t always measure ingredients. It’s always “a little of this” or “pinch of that” or just a “feeling” of when to stop pouring for the right amount. I learned by watching my mother and grandmother (who learned from her mother and so on) and inherited their non-measuring method. So, as I write down some of these recipes, I sometimes have to back track, and remake the dish, while “guesstimating” to the correct measurements of the ingredients.  

That’s why during the holidays last year, I decided to record my mother as she made her delicious, southern-style gravy – a recipe that has been passed down orally, like a family folktale.

Based on the interview I did with my mother, while making her gravy, I was able to document a more accurate measurement of the ingredients. My mother is probably reading now and will likely dispute the measurements I have below, so I challenge her, and you, to watch the video and tell me if I got it right. Watch how my momma makes her southern-style gravy.

Homemade Southern Style Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ Onion
• 3 TBSP Flour
• 3 TBSP Olive Oil
• 1 cup Water

Directions

• Finely dice onion into smaller pieces.
• Add 2 TBSP of olive to a saucepan on medium heat.
• Add in onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until they start to slightly turn golden.
• Add in flour and continue to stir and let it brown (not burn) for another 5 minutes (keep stirring).
• Add in 1 cup of water and stir until evenly blended.
• Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring, until thick.

If you’d like to add a protein, Mom suggests to fry chicken or pork chops and then add into it into the gravy, and let simmer for about 10 minutes on the low setting.

The post It’s all Gravy Baby! first appeared on Xochoble.

I’ve always been a busy body. I inherited it from my mother, who got it from my grandmother. Now, I watch my three-year old daughter carry on the family trait. She is always moving. Yet, her twin brother is content to just… chill, like his father.

Being a full-time mom, working from home (most days) while managing a department, juggling zoom calls and twin toddlers who need attention every waking moment, and serving on three boards, I’ve had to learn to put myself in timeout. I’m discovering that I like the peaceful, quite moments. Plus, I no longer look like Jack Nicholson holding the ax in the latter part of the “Shining”.

Here are some simple steps I take to maintain my inner peace in order to put out positive energy into the world.

1. Be Still. Sometimes, all it takes to recharge, is just to lock yourself in a room for 10 minutes (or longer), with no TV, no phone, no music – and just breathe. Take deep, slow breaths. This is hard for people like me.
2. Remove the Toxic. Whether it’s a person, place, or thing – if it’s toxic, get it out of your life! Toxic people, jobs, situations, only bring you down, make you question your worth and can lead to a road of depression. If it brings negative vibes/energy, drains my energy, or brings me down I dismiss it from my life, or at the very least, I distance. People come into your life for a reason and sometimes, only for a season. Learn from the experience and then move on.
3. Be Easy. I’m extremely hard on myself. The house isn’t clean enough. I didn’t follow through on XX projects fast enough. I haven’t met my physical goals. I haven’t challenged my children enough. The dog doesn’t get walked enough… The list goes on and on. I’ve had to learn to back off of myself and just BREATHE. My aunt sent me a sign to hang in my house that says, “Good moms have laundry piles, sticky floors, dirty ovens, and happy kids.” She didn’t know it but I needed to read it at that time. I’m learning to do what I can, while I can. If I go to bed and have two more loads of laundry unfolded or unwashed, what’s the harm in leaving it? I know I’ll get there… eventually. But harping on what I haven’t done or how inefficient I am, just raises my anxiety and stress level, which isn’t good for the energy I give off as a mom or as a wife.
4. Learn to say “No!” This one is really hard for me. I feel like everyone expects me to be superwoman, so I never say no…  serving on this panel, speaking at this engagement, volunteering at that food pantry, serving on this and that board, knowing I was taking on too much but not wanting to raise the white flag because I was NIKITA! I DON’T FAIL. I GET STUFF DONE! If you are like me, you always want to help, and don’t want to disappoint. However, I realized that when I take on too much, I’m on edge at home and bringing an imbalance to my family. I’m working on it. So, I’ve started to cut back, by withdrawing from some of my volunteer activities, politely declining new ones, and taking things slower pace that works for me, for now.
5. Meditate. If you know me, you know God is the center of my world. I’ve heard that praying is when you talk to God, but meditation is when you listen to God. This is near and dear to my heart because meditation centers me. It’s the one time that my mind quiets down and I force myself to sit still. I connect with the world on a spiritual level and truly feel God’s love and direction.
6. Be a Blessing to Someone Else. “To whom much is given, much is expected” (Luke 12:48). If you’ve been blessed, pay it forward to someone else. When my twins were born, we had so many friends and family giving us baby clothes, toys, gift cards, etc… So when we no longer needed these items, instead of selling them, I gave them away to someone else who could use them. You’ll help someone else and feel good at the same time. Click here for 6 Types of Kick@$$ Charities You’ll Want to Know More About.
7. Do what makes you happy. I used love dancing! Being so busy and trying to adult, I forgot all about it, until I spent my last birthday during the COVID shutdown this past summer. After the cake and presents and my family went to sleep, I stayed up and played old jams from college and danced my butt off. It felt so good and I realized how much I missed that feeling – going to Salsa nights in various cities – and how much joy dancing used to bring me. So, now I play music with my twins and have dance parties on a regular.
8. Walk (exercise.!): I’ve always been physically active. As an adult, running is the activity that I circle back to but I’ve been finding my Zen by walking my dog at least 30 minutes around the block lately. Maybe it’s just me, but there is something about walking in the rain with my dog that just calms me. Pop in your ear (or air) pods, play your favorite music and walk it out.
9. Get a massage. Oh euphoria. I’m living for massages again. It’s my time to let someone pamper me and rub out all of the stress knots that have been building up in my back and shoulders. Okay, so sometimes I snore my way through them, BUT my body certainly knows it’s being relieved of stress and I return home one happy and chilled out mama. Yes, these can be expensive but worth it. They make great Christmas gifts. Plus, some are also found at a good discount on GroupOn.
10. Be grateful. We are not promised tomorrow or the next hour. Life isn’t perfect but one thing it teaches us is that the rain brings rainbows. There are sunny spots in our lives that we need to be grateful for – physical health, clothes on our backs, having someone that loves us, or just having breath in our lungs. Think about what you are grateful for each day. It makes a difference. 
11. Let it Go! I know. Easier said than done, right? There is a song from the 90s by Toni Braxton (yes, I’m dating myself), called Let it Flow. It’s all about letting go of the pain and negativity that may be holding you hostage. Whether it’s a lover’s quarrel, a family dispute, friend drama, work anxiety, or whatever “just let go, let it flow, let it flow…” We can only control what is within our grasp. We can’t control anyone else. Do the best you can, take a deep breath and know everything is going to work out as it should. You only hurt yourself rehashing and holding onto drama. Life is too short. Smile. Work out what you can and move on. You will find that everyone else is ready to move on as well.
    
    

The post 11 Ways to Protect Your Peace first appeared on Xochoble.

THE PRESSURE

The elder women in my family began questioning me about potty-training the twins when they were six months old. It seemed like everyone in my family learned to successfully piss on the toilet when they celebrated 12 months outside of the womb. So why would I break the strong family tradition?

Early on, when I tried to get them on the potty at a year old, they were uninterested. I was frustrated. My husband was confused as to why I was attempting it at that age. I was stressed and ended up aborting the mission. I stopped harassing my twins and tuned out all the yapping about my family’s history with successful potty-training after proving they could keep a tiny human alive for 12 months. I had enough going on in my life, and it felt good to just let it go for a while. We could all breathe.

Later, I joined a Facebook group for mothers trying to potty-train and learned that many of them were also feeling the pressure from their families. One mom shared some really good advice, “When they are ready, they will just do it, and it will be so easy” she advised. I have never heard words more true when it comes to this topic.

PANDEMIC POTTY

6 Pots to Piss In: My Potty Reviews

At the beginning of the pandemic shutdown, my twins had just turned two. Now, I told myself, is the time to train them because, #1. Xochi had started to bring me her diaper and ask, “Mommy, can you change me?”

Each time, I had to bite my tongue from saying, “If you are old enough to tell me you need a diaper change, you are old enough to sit your @$$ on the potty and do it yourself.”

#2. Noble had discovered himself and made it a norm to have his junk outside of his pants and was pissing all over everything (not all boys do this but my son was part of the small percentage that did).

At the time, my husband was working from home and I was furloughed, and since the kids were now home with us 24/7, I knew it was time!

I just knew Xochi, would catch on first, since she had been working on it with our childcare provider prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. She had already peed on the potty at home with me occasionally. Plus, THEY say girls always potty-train first (who is “they?”).

Noble, never seemed interested. But once they were home with us 24/7, Noble began peeing on a regular, every time I took him to the potty, every 20- 30 minutes. However, if I didn’t remind him to go, he’d wet himself.

Xochi, now, showed no interest at all.

“No thanks,” was the two-word response I’d receive from her when I encouraged her to at least try.

Even if I sat her on the potty, she would sit there for 1.2 seconds, get up and say, “All done.”

From March to October, our routine was reminding Noble to go potty and executing mental wars with Xochi to try.

It had to be easier than this! One week, I went to the store to do our weekly grocery run and forgot to pick up pull-ups. Noble was having more accidents on the floor and Xochi started randomly taking off her pull-up and running around bare butt. I was DONE! SEVEN MONTHS of unsuccessful potty-training was more than I could take. Something had to give.

I asked my husband to pull up the large rug in the living room (we had hardwood floors throughout the house) and notified him that we were doing the Oh Crap method.

The Oh Crap! method is pretty much making your kids go bare butt for at least three days and accepting that they may crap or pee on your floor, furniture and/or their toys, but would have a successful outcome of being fully potty-trained in 3-5 days (in most cases).

We went for it and it worked! I kept notes, so if you’d like to know the step-by-step routine, keep reading.

Click here to see our reviews about the different potties we’ve used.

PANDEMIC POTTY NOTES:

Day 1 – Monday, October 5, 2020

I explained what we were doing with both prior to starting. They love playing on their Tablets, so I used that as motivation. If they were successful, they could have they tablets after they pooped on the potty.

• 5:55AM – Wake time (both)
• 6AM – Noble peed on potty upon waking, with prodding
• 7:15AM – Xochi went to the potty on her own
• 8AM – Noble went to the potty, with prodding
• 8:45AM – Noble pooped on the floor
• 8:50AM – Xochi peed on the potty on her own
• 9AM – Xochi pooped on the potty by herself (so she could have her tablet)
  • After seeing how his sister won her Table, Noble was very upset that he couldn’t get his tablet after pooping on the floor. He kept trying to squeeze one more out on the potty, with no success. He spent a lot of time in the bathroom. A very sad time as a parent to have to tell you child “no”, and watch him cry. Heart-breaking.
• 10:30AM – I noticed pee in the potty in the Living Room. I asked who did it “Me!” Xochi exclaimed. “Good girl!” I used it as a time to remind Noble to go. He did.
• 11:30AM – Both went potty before going outside, with prodding (of course I put their underpants and pants on before heading outside)
• 12:15PM – Both went potty when they came back in, with prodding, and pants came back off.
• 1PM – Both went potty before naptime, with prodding
• 3PM – Both went potty when they woke up, with prodding
• 4:30PM – Both went potty, with prodding
• 5:15PM – Xochi went potty, with prodding
• 6:30PM – Both went potty, with prodding
• 7:30PM – Bedtime
• 8:15PM – Xochi asked to go to potty after laying in bed for a while. Noble followed along and also went potty.

Day 2 – Tuesday, October 6, 2020

• 6:38AM – Wake Time (both). Neither went potty first thing.
• 6:52AM – Noble went potty, with prodding
• 7:15AM – Xochi went potty, with prodding
• 8:30AM – Noble went potty, with prodding
• 8:45AM – Xochi went potty, with prodding
• 9:55AM – Xochi went potty, on her own
• 11:30AM – Noble went potty, with prodding
• 11:40AM – Both went outside to play
• 1PM – Both went potty after lunch, before naps
• 3:08PM – Noble went potty immediately
• 3:30PM – Xochi finally went potty, with prodding
• 5PM – Both went potty, with prodding
• 6:30PM – Went out to play
• 5:45PM – Xochi peed on herself outside, sometime between 5:45PM and 6:15PM
• 7:15PM – Noble asked to pee at 7:15PM, while getting ready for bed
• 8:10PM – Xochi asked to pee at 8:10PM. Noble went as well.

Day 3 – Wednesday, October 7, 2020

• 6:30AM – Both awake, Noble went potty upon waking
• 6:30AM – Xochi sat on potty with no success
• 8:15AM – Xochi went poopy on potty with a little coaching.
• 8:15AM – I noticed Noble standing on his tiptoes (typical poopy prep). He tried several potties with no luck.
• 11AM – Noble went poopy on his own, with his teddy bear that he set up across from him. He finally earned his Tablet!!!
• 12:40PM – After lunch, I took them for a walk and then they played in the backyard. When we returned to the house, I noticed Xochi had had an accident.
• My notes ended here for some reason.

SUMMARY

In summary, it worked! I have two successfully potty-trained 2 and a half year olds. They go to the potty on their own (without prodding) and even tell me when we’re outside (or out and about) if they have to go. Xochi even wakes up in the middle of the night to ask me to take her to the potty (and wakes up dry). They also stop playing to make the potty a priority.

In all, it actually took about 4-5 consecutive and consistent days. They didn’t like the way the urine felt running down their legs or the way the poop looked in the middle of the floor. My advice:

• Explain the potty process. What you expect and why they are being potty trained.
• Offer incentives. In the beginning, we offered stickers and use of their tablets as rewards.
• Be patient. Don’t yell or show frustration. They can feel it and it may make them have anxiety about going to the potty trying to please you.
• Be positive, reassuring, and consistent. They will get there and one day you’ll be writing your own potty chronicles and tearing up because your toddlers are growing up so fast.

The post Oh Crap! Twin Potty-Training Chronicles first appeared on Xochoble.

“My kids like my meatloaf just fine,” I huffed into the phone.

“I’m telling you. Try mine. They will love it! I’ll send you the recipe,” my replied excitedly.

I rolled my eyes because (1) she couldn’t see me. And (2) because although she’s a good cook, she hates to cook. So since when did she become Bettyf&#%ing Crocker?

“Okay.”

She emailed the recipe but I didn’t make it for another two weeks and I have to admit… she was right! It was amazing! The twins devoured it and my husband (who prefers my cooking over his favorite restaurants) told me that he wanted my mother’s meatloaf from now on. So I dedicate this recipe page to the woman who gave me the recipe to make her meatloaf for the grandchildren that call her Mimi.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef 
• 1 med onion (chopped fine)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 3 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground paprika

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients: 

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• 2 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Line a 9”x5” loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well to combine.
3. Add meat to the loaf pan, gently press meat down and shape evenly and bake meatloaf at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce. Spread the sauce over meatloaf then return to oven and bake additional 15-20 minutes. Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with baking juices from the pan.  

If you have made Mimi’s Meatloaf, have advice, or want to share tips on how you make your meatloaf, please comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

The post Mimi’s Meatloaf first appeared on Xochoble.

Here’s a list of potties we use and how I rate them on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best).

1. Sesame Street Elmo Hooray! 3-in-1 Potty: This was the first potty I purchased. I chose it because of the Elmo theme, and I could place it anywhere – living room, playroom, bathroom, or even vehicle (yes, we have traveled with it to avoid using public restrooms). My kids love using it as a step stool and have fun pushing the pretend flush handle and they love hearing Elmo’s laugh. Plus, any of us can easily empty it, even the kids. Our rating: 10
   

2. Homsis Travel Potty Seat for Toddler: This is the last one I purchased and probably my favorite. Mostly because it is my best friend when we are stuck out in public and we have an immediate potty request. It conveniently folds to fit nicely in my purse/bag (I carry a backpack). Plus, it fits most toilet seats. If you are like me and are absolutely disgusted by public restrooms, fear your toddler hands rubbing the commode, and want zero toilet contact, then you may want to purchase these seat covers to put on the toilet seat, underneath the Travel Potty. Our rating: 10

3. ACKO Step Stools for Kids 2pc w/ 1 Potty Training Toilet Seat: This potty is interesting because it comes with a really comfy, rubber-lined seat (I think it’s the most comfortable of the potty seats we own). The seat has a hook to hang on the wall. It also comes with two step stools. For twins, the two step stools are extremely convenient for when they want to wash their hands in the sink at the same time. Our rating: 9

4. HEETA Potty Training Seat for Boys Girls Kids Toddler: This seat also has a rubber-lined seat but the shape doesn’t seem as comfortable as the ACKO. It also doesn’t come with a step stool, so your kids will have to rely on you to lift them up onto the commode. Our rating: 7

5. Skyroku Potty Training Toilet for Kids: Now this one is interesting because it is a step stool ladder and potty seat, all in one and easily folds for convenient storage. I really like the concept of this potty because my twins can get up all on their own. However, the potty seat is detached and is a little wide for their little bottoms, and doesn’t seem that comfortable for them. They were two when they started using it, and it always seemed like their little bottoms were about to fall through (although they never did). Our rating: 7

6. Foryee Cute Frog Potty Training Urinal : This is for BOYS! My husband and I love this concept. It helps little boys learn how to stand and use a urinal. It also has a moving part that they can aim for to make it spin. My son has mastered this but for some reason, still wants to sit down and to his business (maybe that’s his German side). Our rating: 9

7. BEMIS NextStep2 Children’s Potty Training Round Front Closed Toilet Seat. This is the last and final potty we purchased. We needed a new toilet seat for our commode, so we decided to purchase one that came with a child’s potty seat. It works rather nicely and has a magnet within the seat to keep it attached to the lid if you want to keep it up. It’s also guarantees no slam, and whisper close, which is genius, because my toddlers love to slam things and make lots of noise. Our rating: 9.5

Click here to learn more about my Oh Crap! Twin Potty-Training Chronicles.

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