It’s hard to believe it’s September. Last year, I realized that I dislike Winston-Salem the most during the summer, so I’m not sorry to say goodbye to the heat! Here’s what’s been happening in the last month.

LIFE

Things have just felt hard lately, to be honest. Thomas must be going through something developmental because, wow, he’s had some big, big, big emotions lately. But the fun side of that development is that his imagination is incredible, and he is so fun. He’s very into Ghostbusters and wore his Ghostbuster shirt nonstop for almost a week straight (even sleeping in it). I was finally able to sneak it away to put it in the wash last night, and of course, he asked about it 10 minutes into the cycle.

Charles continues to be the happiest little thing. He is such a joy, and I love how much joy he brings to others since he smiles at everyone. He rarely cries unless he’s hungry or tired, and I do not take that for granted since Thomas was NOT an easy baby. Charles started solids last month, and it’s funny how nervous I am about it. I wasn’t really nervous with Thomas, and we did Baby Led Weaning. With Charles, I’m much more comfortable with purees, so that’s mainly what we’re sticking with so far. I would have expected the opposite with a first vs. second kid.

At the end of the month, our basement flooded. We had the plumber out, and they thought the water line from the washing machine was clogged, so they flushed it, and we thought it was resolved. Then, we did laundry again, and it flooded- but even worse. It turns out the sump pump had failed, and we had standing water everywhere- including under the floors- so we had to get all the floors ripped up. While I hate that the real issue wasn’t identified the first time, it’s also partly a blessing because I’m not sure we would have realized there was water underneath the floors if it hadn’t flooded a second time. There was definitely water under the floors the first time, but the second flood made it evident since even more water had pooled, and when you stood on the floors, water came up between the cracks. I’m so thankful it was the basement, not the main or upper level, which would have been worse.

It’s a pain to deal with (especially since the playroom and my workout room are now out of commission), but I’m incredibly grateful for our contractor, who came out the very next day (before a long weekend, no less) to rip out the floors to make sure we avoided mold issues. I’m telling ya, if you are in Winston-Salem, you can do NO better than using QFC for home renovations. Since they did our renovation, we now have access to them for all maintenance-type work, and it’s such a blessing.

TRAVEL

The big thing we did in August was travel to Utah to see my family! After we went to Utah for Memorial Day last year, I realized it was the BEST visit for two reasons: first, we weren’t in Salt Lake City, and second, everyone was together. When I visit my hometown, all my family is working, so we’re trying to fit in quality time around their work schedules, and it can be challenging. And my hometown is now SO big and so crowded that it doesn’t really feel like home.

Plus, I love it when my entire family is together. We’re so blessed that everyone gets along—all the siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews not only get along, but we like each other. And it’s just so fun and special to be with everyone, where we have lots of time doing things away from the day-to-day grind of life.

My favorite memories growing up are with my family over Memorial Day Weekend and our family campouts, and I hope Thomas and Charles get to make those same memories. So, my plan going forward is to schedule my Utah trip around those two things. It’s a lot more work than just flying into SLC since we have to drive 2-3 hours after flying to get to where my family spends time for MDW and camping, but it’s well worth it. (Remind me of that on the day we’re traveling. Woof, it’s a long day.)

Thomas had an absolute blast and is still talking about his cousins and asking when they’re coming to visit. I need to work on the Chatbook from our trip since we look at those at bedtime every night, and he loves them. He calls them “Thomas books,” lol—main character syndrome, much? But I really do think that helps him remember the names of my Utah family since we talk about them every night! (Hot tip if you use Chatbooks – email yourself funny things your kids say and then print them in the book. I have a quote page at the end of every book since I started doing it, and I love it so much. Use the code TERILYN when you order Chatbooks.)

WORK

I only had a few sponsored campaigns in August, so it wasn’t too crazy, which was nice after the madness of the Nordstrom sale! In August, here’s what went up:

Colleen Rothschild – I had a few IG stories go up about CR, which is always easy since I use their products daily and love them! I’ve worked with them for over a year now, and they are one of the kindest brands I’ve ever worked with. If you haven’t tried their cleansing balm, tinted eye cream or hair mask, you must! (Full Colleen Rothschild review here!)

Adidas – I’ve worked with Adidas a few times over the years, and while this campaign wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked (we had some issues with the shipments), I thankfully LOVED the featured product – the Dropset 3 training shoes. I’d needed to buy better shoes for lifting since I’m spending more time in the gym and this campaign came at the perfect time. I did CrossFit for years, and these are by far the best shoes I’ve used for lifting and plyometrics. See the Adidas reel from that campaign here.

Target – The 3rd round of content for my partnership with Huggies through Target went up in August. I’d used Coterie diapers for years; I found them when Thomas was six months old, and it was the only brand that didn’t give him a rash. They’re super pricey but very soft and didn’t irritate his skin, so I just stuck with them. But when this campaign came up, I tried the diapers out and was elated that the new Skin Essentials diapers are almost as soft as Coterie, a lot cheaper, don’t irritate Charles’s skin, and are much easier to get since they’re at Target. I canceled my Coteirie subscription and have been so happy! The Huggies Skin Essentials wipes are great, too (also better than Coterie!). I do miss the convenience of a subscription, but it’s easy enough to add the Huggies to my Target orders. You can see the August Huggies content I published here.

Mejuri – I’m always beyond flattered when Mejuri reaches out since it’s a brand I LOVE and I wear almost daily. They make the most beautiful jewelry (I have a full Mejuri review here) and for this campaign, I got to review a variety of pieces (earrings and rings). They requested a YouTube video which is always a bit out of my comfort zone, but I do think video is a great platform for that type of content to really show the quality and what makes it different! You can see the August Mejuri video I did here.

These weren’t sponsored, but you can see the two most popular IG post from August here and here and my personal favorite IG post here. My favorite blog post that went up was the Oliveda Internals blog post because those products have really helped my joint pain, and I’m so grateful.

As always, I’m so thankful when you engage with my content since it’s a major way that brands evaluate my campaign performance, and if I get to work with them again. On Instagram, comments and shares (simply sending my post to a friend!) are especially helpful!

—

Alright, I need to get out of bed and go help Tommy with the boys! I’ve been up since 5 since Charles ate then, but thankfully he went back to sleep, and I’ve gotten some time to write!

The post Letter from TeriLyn – August 2024 appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

A healthy lifestyle has been important to me for well over a decade but even more so since we had kids. Household cleaners and products are some of the worst offenders when it comes to harsh ingredients and toxins. If you are careful about what you put on your body, you should also care about what you’re touching and breathing day to day. That’s where Branch Basics cleaning supplies come in.

While I’m certainly not perfect when it comes to clean living – I don’t buy all organic food, I highlight my hair, and I’m always on the hunt for the BEST mascara (this Tarte mascara holds the #1 place currently) – I do try to make a conscious effort to switch to better products that we use in our daily life. Progress is better than perfection. (And definitely better than not trying at all!)

My Honest Branch Basics Review: What I Love and What I Don’t

Over the past few years, I’ve really focused on improving what we use for our household cleaning supplies. We have used Branch Basics for 5+ years. I like it for some things but not all, so I’m sharing my honest thoughts below.

What is Branch Basics?

Branch Basics is a concentrate and multi-purpose cleaner that is plant and mineral-based. It removes grease, grime, dust, and dirt without the harmful chemicals typical multi-purpose cleaners leave behind. The unique thing about Branch Basics vs. other “clean” cleaners you’ll find is that you only have to buy ONE product. How? You can use their concentrate to create almost any type of cleaner. More details are below on how that works.

How does Branch Basics work?

The Branch Basics concentrate is simply mixed with water. The exact ratio of concentrate to water varies depending on the type of cleanser you’re making, e.g., laundry detergent vs. counter spray vs. hand soap. You can add essential oils for scent or leave it as is. This short user guide is helpful.

What can you use Branch Basics for?

Everything. In short, the concentrate is safe for practically every surface. We’re talking your garage floor, your delicate laundry, sneakers, ovens, driveways, and also even your PETS. I put a star next to the ones I’ve used it for and recommend.

• Shaving
• Produce wash
• Hardwood floors * (I use a TINY amount in my Tineco)
• Bathing your pets
• Cleaning your jewelry
• Washing cloth diapers
• Cleaning your coffee machine
• Body wash * (This is what I use on my toddler!)
• Tubs *
• Sinks *
• Showers * (I use Force of Nature for mold, however)
• Mirrors
• Toilets *
• Floors *
• Cleaning grout
• Dishes
• Countertops *
• Stovetops *
• Oven
• Fridge *
• Stainless steel
• Grills
• Cars
• Outdoor furniture *
• Bikes *
• Toys * (My son loves washing his toys, inside and out, and I appreciate this safer option for him)
• Driveway
• Laundry * (It’s okay but not great – more on that below)

Branch Basics Concentrate Ingredients

• Purified water
• Decyl glucoside
• Organic chamomilla recutita flower extract
• Coco-glucoside
• Sodium citrate
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Sodium phytate

The concentrate is:

• Human safe
• Plant and mineral-based
• Free of harmful preservatives
• Biodegradable
• Not tested on animals
• Non-GMO

Branch Basics mark their bottles with guides so you know how much concentrate + water to use per “product”. So instead of buying a million different products, you only need one bottle of concentrate + water + bottles to hold your mixtures.

You can buy the spray bottles directly from Branch Basics, which are made with measurement lines on them, or use your own bottles and measure the Branch Basics concentrate and water yourself. Branch Basics offers both plastic and glass bottles. And the glass ones are so pretty, you almost want to clean with them. (In fact, I do weirdly love wiping the counters down.)

My Honest Branch Basics Review

Branch Basics Laundry Detergent

You know that concentrate that I just mentioned? You can use it as laundry detergent. I loved it for a few months (especially its simplicity, just adding the correct measurement of water and voilá, detergent), but after a few months, I noticed that my clothes were feeling stiff and hard. I started to hate how our clothes and towels felt, so I switched to the Force of Nature Detergent Sheets (which I love).

BUT, Branch Basics also just released a laundry detergent that’s separate from just the concentrate. I have a feeling this will be much better, so I would 100% try it (I’m going to!).

Branch Basics might be an excellent option if you are super sensitive to most detergents. Since the ingredients are so clean and simple, it’s an excellent option to try. If you try Branch Basics concentrate for your laundry, use just 3/4 – 1 capful! And it’s also a small cap!

Branch Basics Oxygen Boost

I don’t love the concentrate as my detergent, however I do love the Oxygen Boost (one of the only other products they sell, other than the concentrate). I add it to the wash whenever I’m washing towels or sheets.

Branch Basics Hand Soap

All you need for this is a foaming hand soap pump and you can add various essential oils to it. Or, you can buy their hand soap pre-made, which is much better, honestly. I don’t love a foaming hand soap and I keep the premade one in my kitchen.

Brand Basics Multi-Purpose Cleaner

I use the multi-purpose cleaner mixture in my kitchen to wipe down counters, remove fingerprints from cabinets, and clean my Peloton and yoga mat. I also keep one in my workout area in the basement.

For cleaning bathrooms and disinfecting the kitchen sink, I prefer Force of Nature cleaner.

Using Essential Oils

While I was initially iffy about Branch Basics, I realized that I liked it a lot more once I started adding essential oils. I am actually really sensitive to scent and hate scented laundry detergent, garbage bags, etc., but I do like the freshness that an essential oil brings to the Branch Basics cleaning products!

Is Branch Basics a Disinfectant?

No. It is not a sanitizer, either. Branch basics works to remove germs from surfaces the way soap and water do from your hands. If you want a disinfectant, definitely go for Force of Nature (full review linked).

Are typical cleaning products actually toxic?

Yes, many are. Many of the products in our homes are harmful for us. In fact, they even contribute to things like respiratory issues, fertility issues, cancers, immune system issues, and more. There are so many chemicals in the products that we use every day, and making the switch to a brand like Branch Basics is such a simple but effective choice for your family’s health.

How to know which cleaning products are toxic

To evaluate what’s under your sink, Branch Basics recommends thinking through these things:

• If there isn’t an ingredient list, toss.
• If the bottle says WARNING, CAUTION, or DANGER, toss.
• If fragrance is listed as an ingredient, toss.
• And if it says UNSCENTED or FREE & CLEAR, without an ingredient list to verify, toss. (“Fragrance” will often show up in these!!)
• If it contains synthetic preservatives, toss. Words to look for: methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol.
• If it contains ethoxylated ingredients, toss.

Branch Basics Starter Kits

Below are a few options to get your “cleaner” cleaning going.

Premium Starter Kit

This Premium Starter Kit is the option I started with, since I knew I wanted to replace as many cleaners as possible from the get-go. It comes with the 33 oz concentrate, three empty spray bottles, one foaming wash bottle, one laundry bottle, and one Oxygen Boost. This kit costs $75 and you’ll only need to buy more concentrate and Oxygen Boost going forward.

The Premium Starter kit comes with plastic bottles which makes it more affordable, but if you prefer glass (I do!), you can order the Premium Starter Kit in glass for $125.

Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass

The Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass includes a 33-oz. concentrate and three empty spray bottles. This kit is $89, but if you prefer plastic bottles, you can order the same Cleaning Essentials Kit in plastic for only $67.

Laundry Kit

The laundry kit comes with a 33 oz. concentrate, one laundry bottle and one Oxygen Boost. You can get this in glass or plastic. Glass is more expensive at $85, plastic is $69.

Trial Kit

If you’re just trying to see if you think you’ll like Branch Basics, start here. This trial set comes with a mini concentrate, which has just enough concentrate to make one full bottle. It’s only $5, and a complete no-brainer.

Other starter sets

If you’re a teacher, you may be interested in the Classroom Essentials Kit and if you REALLY love Branch Basics and want to take it with you while you travel, grab the Travel Kit.

Where to buy Branch Basics

Right now, you can only buy Branch Basics directly from Branch Basics online. You can simply place one-off orders or put your Branch Basics on a subscription and save 10% (this is my preference since I love not having to think about ordering new cleaning supplies).

Shop The Post

The post My Honest Branch Basics Review: What I Love and What I Don’t appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

We are back from Utah after a week with my family! The logistics were intense, as were the travel days, but it was well worth it. Here’s what else I’ve been up to over the last month!

Letter from TeriLyn – July 2024

Travel

Before I had kids and after I left Corporate America, I traveled to Utah to see family multiple times a year. Now it’s a lot harder to make it home, but I make it a point to go once a year with everyone and then one more time by myself. I’ve lived in North Carolina for 16 years, and my hometown has changed so much in that time, that in many ways, it doesn’t feel like home. And I realized during last year’s Utah trip over Memorial Day weekend that I prefer to travel for big family events since everyone is together and off work vs. trying to see people in town around their work schedules and fighting traffic. 

Memorial Day weekend in the Uintah basin and the annual Hutcheon Campout have been family traditions for decades and my fondest childhood memories are during those two things. So my plan now is to make our Utah trip during one of those two events (or maybe both if I’m feeling particularly brave… and feeling rich… flights + car rental + VRBO gets SO expensive haha). 

We don’t have any concrete travel plans for the rest of the year as a family. Tommy has a golf trip to Oregon in October and I have a wedding to attend that same week (yikes, childcare will be hard) and we’re hoping to plan a fall beach trip with my in-laws but nothing is on the books. (Maybe Kiawah?)

We’re also still trying to figure out a trip for my 40th birthday (working with Heather Christopher Travel) but we haven’t finalized anything yet. We’re considering Turks & Caicos. Oh, and we’re trying to decide whether or not to go on a trip to Greece next summer. It’s a trip retracing some of the Apostle Paul’s journeys, and I know it’d be incredible, but I just can’t wrap my head around leaving Charles when he’ll only be 16 months old (especially since I breastfed Thomas for 2 years). Anyway, lots of travel thoughts but nothing planned since it’s all kind of overwhelming me – I’m accepting advice! 

Family

Like I mentioned above, we had GREAT time in Utah with my family! Thomas was obsessed with the cousins and kept asking to see the cousins as soon as he woke up each day. (“I see my cousins! Where the cousins? The cousins come over? I play with cousins all day.” ) And he’s still asking now that we are home. It’s seriously so sweet. He has cousins in NC, but we’ve never told him they’re his cousins so I need to start emphasizing that. 

All of the cousins are older than Thomas (they range from age 8 to 24) and they were all so sweet with him. I can’t even explain how much it meant to me that they all gave him so much attention, and that I trusted them completely to take care of him. My sister-in-laws all wanted to snuggle Charles too, and my tough-as-nails brother, Roger, probably gave my boys the most attention of all (which you wouldn’t expect but he’s a major softie with kids). I just felt so blessed by family the whole time, and I’m hoping some Utah cousins can come out to NC to visit soon. My dad stayed at the cabin with us and it was sweet to see him with the boys in the morning too. He LOVES being a grandpa. And it’s hilarious that the boys are almost as big as my tiny mom!

Work 

Now that the Nordstrom Sale and Prime Day are behind us, we’re shifting into transitional fashion that will work from summer to fall and have already planned out most of Q3 blog content that has a heavy emphasis on wedding guest dresses, jeans and booties!

It felt great to take a true vacation from work after the insane month of July. I only opened my laptop ONCE while I was in Utah, and that’s only because I felt like it, not because I had to do anything. I love working for myself, but it’s almost impossible to take time off (especially since Instagram can quickly become a major time suck with DMs). So, to help, I turned off email on my phone, turned off Voxer notifications, turned off story DMs on Instagram and stayed out of Asana. (More on all my work apps are in this post.) 

I don’t have a lot of sponsored content right now, but usually it starts to pick up in September and October (or at least I’m hoping it does!). This month, I have campaigns with Target, Colleen Rothschild and Adidas so when you see those go live, leaving a comment or sharing with a friend helps so much! Instagram values “shares” these days and brands value engagement. And, of course, purchases so if you use my links to shop, it helps me get future campaigns (and supports my business, which employs multiple women).

Since I have a slower month with sponsored content, I’m considering doing another live round of Let Me Pick Your Brain. I’m going to gauge interest soon so keep an eye out for that! You can always buy the recorded version at any time for a discount, but I think the live versions are the most fun and helpful since I can answer questions in real time about your business.

Another amazing work thing is how fun Oliveda has been. I keep hearing from so many poeople that their skin looks better since switching to Oliveda from Beautycounter and I’ve had the same experience (you can see my skin before and afters in my Oliveda review). I sold more in my first full month with Oliveda than I did in my best month with Beautycounter in 2023 (and that’s including Black Friday with a promo). Crazy! And I’m so grateful – thank you so much for shopping with me!!

Alright, I need to go eat something so I’ll wrap this up! The boys are sleeping in like CRAZY (it’s 9am and they’re both still snoozing) and I know I should wake them (especially Charles) to get on a better routine and adjust to the East Coast time but I just can’t haha. It’s been too nice sitting in bed, working and watching the crazy storm (Hurricane Debby is DUMPING rain on us). Storms are my favorite and working in bed is my favorite so I’m kind of in heaven.

Shop The Post

The post Letter from TeriLyn – July 2024 appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I am strangely passionate about my cookware and bakeware. Maybe that’s showing my age, but it’s the truth. I’ve loved cooking for decades, and over the last few years, I’ve discovered a brand of cookware that puts my Le Creuset and All Clad to shame. I found Caraway Home a few years ago, and since trying their non-toxic cookware, I’ve become a loyal fan. In fact, I bought a full second set of Caraway for our vacation home in Boone, because I didn’t want to cook or bake without them when I’m there.

And before you laugh, I do get asked about my cookware fairly often, so it’s not just me who feels passionately ;).

Today, I’m sharing a general review of my Caraway Home cookware, my favorite pots and pans, and then answering some frequently asked questions below. Hopefully you’ll find this helpful if you’re shopping for new cookware or if you’re a new Caraway owner!

Let’s jump in!

Caraway Pans Review

In general, I love Caraway Home cookware because it’s non-toxic AND non-stick and it’s just plain GORGEOUS. It’s priced fairly well too, for high quality cookware. I love that they come in sets, which save you money (you can also purchase pieces individually). And I love that they’re really easy to cook with (as opposed to stainless cookware that can be difficult for non-chefs).

Each pan/sheet is made with an aluminum core and ceramic coating on the inside and outside of the pan. They also have a nonstick, non-toxic coating that’s free of teflon, PEFE, heavy metals, and PFOA. The pans have a stainless steel plate which makes them safe for electric, gas, and induction. Oh, and they take less than a minute to heat up!

I’ve had my Caraway cookware for over 5 years now, and I even bought a second set for our other home in Boone. We’re obsessed, so say the least.

The best bang for your buck is to purchase a cookware or bakeware set, since they’re significantly discounted when you purchase that way!

Let’s talk about each piece that I have (I’m including cookware AND bakeware here!).

Fry Pan

The frying pan is $95 and it’s perfect for eggs, sautéing veggies, flipping pancakes, heating tortillas, you name it. I will say, this pan sticks slightly more than I’d like (especially with eggs), but I’m able to clean it with a little elbow grease! I use olive oil or coconut oil when I cook; I never use nonstick spray, since that will NOT come off easily.

Saute Pan

I LOVE this saute pan! It’s the perfect size for making bigger dinner dishes, like black bean tacos or bolognese. It’s $145 on it’s own, but does come with a lid. This is such a great size for dinner. I use this multiple times a week.

Sauce Pan

The sauce pan is great for making smaller batches of pasta, soup or anything you need to reheat. I use this at lunchtime quite often, since I work from home.

Dutch Oven

I LOVE this dutch oven for making pasta or soups. I noticed right away that water boils SO much faster in Caraway pots than my other pots, which are stainless steel. This pot is $135 and comes with a lid. The Caraway website states that their pans heat up in under a minute and retain temperature more efficiently than most traditional cookware, which is probably why it boils faster.

Large Baking Sheet

The nonstick factor of this large baking sheet is shocking. It honestly blew me away the first time I used it! The size is perfect for roasting a large batch of vegetables. The large is $55 and the dimensions are 18×13.

Medium Baking Sheet

This is nice for making smaller batches of things or reheating a few pieces of pizza. If you’re getting just one, I’d always for for the larger size. The medium size is 15×10 in size, and $45.

Circle Pan

Circle cakes pop out of this pan SO easily. I plan to buy their other baking items as mine need to replaced because I’ve been so impressed with these!

Caraway Magnetic Pan Rack

This pan rack is absolutely genius. It allows you to store your pans horizontally, so that you can pull them out as needed, versus stacking them. I HATE having to pull everything out at once to get what I need and this rack makes it SO easy. How have I never had one until recently? These come with cookware sets and you cannot purchase them separately.

Okay, now let’s talk about the pans I don’t have yet. 

Mini Fry Pan

The new mini collection is perfect for someone living in a smaller space, like an apartment, or if you’re only cooking for 1-2 people. This mini fry pan is great for single serve eggs or dinners for two. Since this is $85, I’d opt for the regular size, if possible, for $10 more.

Mini Sauce Pan

Same situation here. The mini sauce pan is great for SMALL recipes. Think rice for 2, homemade sauces, one can of soup, etc. It’s $105, and you can get the larger size for $10 more.

Minis Duo

This set of the mini sauce pan and fry pan is a good gift for college students or newlyweds living in a small space; I think I’d stick to the full sizes for any other scenario!

Bread Pan

My bread pans need to be replaced BADLY. They’re rusting and bread baking season is ahead!! This is $40 and I’m grabbing it the next time Caraway has a sale!

Rectangle Pan

This pan is great for casseroles, baking chicken, baked oatmeal, you name it! This is $55.

Square Pan

Great for the same reasons as above — but a little smaller. This is $40.

Muffin Pan

The Muffin Pan is on my list to purchase, since I use my current one pretty often, actually. This is $50, so if you typically use muffin or cupcake liners, you may not want to invest in this pan, since sticking is a non-issue with liners.

Cooling Rack

I specifically love that this cooling rack doesn’t have “feet” to stand on, so it doesn’t take up space when storing it. It’s raised off the counter to help with cooling, but it’s not propped up like most cooling racks I’ve seen. It nests right inside the large baking sheet , which is nice for storage. This is $40.

Pros

You’re probably researching Caraway pans for all the reasons listed below!

• They’re beautiful.
• They are non-toxic.
• They heat up and cook food quickly.
• They’re long-lasting. I’ve had mine for + years!

Cons

• Require somewhat gentle care but I think all non-toxic, ceramic cookware does.
• You can’t use nonstick spray on them. They stick somewhat easily with certain foods.
• The bottom of them gets stained easily, but I’m never quite sure what causes it. Most of it comes off with a good scrub but not all.

Caraway Pans FAQ

How to clean Caraway pans:

Hand clean them with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth. When I’ve had food that was hard to get off (or my husband or nanny accidentally used nonstick spray, which is a nightmare in Caraway), a Scrub Daddy (or Scrub Mommy!) worked well without damaging the pan.

Are Caraway pans dishwasher safe?

Not really. The detergents and the abrasive cleaning of dishwashers breaks down the coating after time. If you hand wash, they will last much longer.

Can you put Caraway pans in the oven?

Yep, they are safe up to 550 degrees.

Are Caraway magnetic pan racks sold separately?

Caraway makes pan racks so that you can store your cookware horizontally, instead of stacking them in a cabinet or in a drawer. It also come with a hanging fabric rack for the lids that sticks to a cabinet door. However, racks are only included when you purchase a cookware set or bakeware set. You cannot buy them separately.

Do Caraway pans work on induction cooktops?

Yep!

How long do Caraway pans last?

Likely 1-3 years, depending on how well they’re taken care of. All non-stick coating eventually wears off, but I’ve been pleased with mine for the last two years. Caraway does have a limited one-year warranty covering any major damage to the body, handles, lids, or anything else that functionally impairs the cookware, other than discoloration or damage through wear & tear.

How to care for Caraway pans:

It’s best not to use metal utensils on them, since that can scratch the coating. Wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon utensils are all great for Caraway products. I just got these cooking utensils and love them!

Bottom Line

I love them, despite the few cons. I have purchased two full sets of cookware and am gradually buying the bakeware (which I may love even more than the cookware). If you want pots and pans that are pretty enough to leave on the counter or just want an aesthetically pleasing set that is also non-toxic, I doubt you can find anything better!

Shop the Post

The post Caraway Pans Review – Pros, Cons & FAQs! appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’ve loved ginger chews for years — I first discovered them in college — my love grew even deeper when I realized that they have benefits beyond just tasting great. I eat them daily like candy, and they were one of the only things to help my first trimester nausea and morning sickness during early pregnancy. And now, even that I’m not pregnant, I still have Prince of Prince ginger chews on autoship since my husband and I eat them daily!

So, why do I like ginger candy so much? I’ve had stomach issues on and off for 20+ years. Most of it is related to my gut and digestion, which I manage well with my diet, but sometimes, I’ll get an upset stomach even when I’ve been careful about what I’ve eaten. One of my essentials for dealing with indigestion and nausea is Prince of Peace Ginger Chews.

Today I’m sharing the benefits of ginger chews and why I eat them regularly.

But first, what are ginger chews? Ginger chews are pieces of pure natural ginger root that are boiled to soften and then coated in a thin layer of sugar. My favorite brand is Prince of Peace Ginger since they don’t have too much sugar. They also have flavored versions, like peanut butter, lychee, mango, mandarin orange, and lemon. My favorites are the original and mango flavors. My husband likes the lychee best.

Ginger Chews Benefits

So what is so good about ginger chews? Ginger a well-known stomach soother to help fight nausea and motion sickness, and ginger has anti inflammatory properties as well. And beyond that, ginger has compounds that provide various health benefits. It contributes to antimicrobial, anticancer, antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses in the body. It even has some cardiovascular and respiratory benefits (source), and research suggests that ginger may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (source). It’s also been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels in recent studies!

Here are five reasons I always keep them around!

Ginger Chews For Nausea

As I mentioned, I lived on these during my first trimester to help ease pregnancy nausea. I literally never left the house without them—I keep a handful in my purse. At home, I had some at my desk, by the couch, and in the kitchen. Our pantry is always well-stocked with ginger chews!! A small dose of powdered ginger for morning sickness is recommended, and these chews were the perfect way for me to get just enough in my diet.

Ginger is a well-known stomach soother that helps fight nausea and motion sickness. And beyond that, ginger has compounds that provide various health benefits. It contributes to antimicrobial, anticancer, antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses in the body. It even has some cardiovascular and respiratory benefits. (Source)

Ginger chews are also recommended for people going through chemotherapy since nausea is a common side effect of treatment. (But, of course, before you take anything new when you’re working with a doctor, be sure to ask them first.) These are amazing for helping relieve nausea. It’s no wonder so many people tell you to include ginger in your diet.

Ginger Chews For Digestion

I also eat them after every single meal. Why? Ginger helps move food through the body more quickly, and since slower digestion is a common issue during pregnancy (thanks to hormones!), ginger chews quickly became a must after meals when I was pregnant. Just one chew helped a lot with my heartburn and the feeling of “Why do I feel so dang full?! I didn’t even eat that much!” that so many pregnant women experience, myself included.

I still eat them after most meals now!

Ginger Chews For Upset Stomach

If you’re a runner, you may have experienced upset stomach woes after a long run or race. Ginger chews are one of my go-to’s when that happens. Soothing my stomach quickly is essential since refueling after a hard workout is so important (and so is fueling before!). But if your stomach is upset, it makes it hard to eat a real meal.

Similar to helping food move through your system more quickly, ginger also helps expel intestinal gas, which relieves an upset stomach. (Gas often builds up after races or long runs due to the fuel you’re taking in, gulping air when drinking water, and just the general stress on your body.)

When I’m logging serious miles, I usually end up eating a few Prince of Peace ginger chews in the afternoon after my workout. And I also plan to take the with me to every race from now on, after my great pre-Boston puking disaster.

Ginger Chews For Motion Sickness

Despite how much I travel, I hate flying. I get really anxious during take-off and landing and if there is any turbulence, I am VERY on edge. (I had a full-on panic attack on a plane one year, where they had to call for a medical professional on the plane. Oof.) On top of that, I also get motion sickness from flying. Consequently, I NEVER fly without ginger chews. Not only do they help with the nausea I get on planes, but they’re a comfort food since I eat them at home so often.

Ginger also helps with carsickness. When we head up to Boone, NC, I pack extra ginger chews since the roads there are very curvy and wind all over the place. While sitting in the front, or ideally, driving, helps with my nausea a lot, I’m a small person, so I often get relegated to the backseat. And holy moly, nausea is a LOT worse for me when I’m sitting in the backseat. So, popping ginger chews is necessary.

Ginger Chews For Acid Reflux

Ginger can reduce inflammation, which may relieve some of the symptoms of acid reflux. Typically acid reflux is caused by the inflammation of the esophagus, and if that is less inflamed, you won’t feel acid reflux as strongly. Not only that, but ginger also helps with gastrointestinal irritation and lessens gastric contractions, which helps reduce the risk of acid flowing from your stomach from your esophagus…sorry for the TMI!

Ginger chews have just the right amount of ginger to help, without too much that can cause irritation.

Satisfying a craving for something sweet!

They taste GOOD I hope that was obvious in the introduction when I told you I’ve loved these for a long time, but I really do eat them like candy. My husband and I eat them after lunch and dinner and treat them almost like a piece of gum. They’re sweet and spicy with the texture of a Starburst. I’m like both the regular and the lemon flavor!

These taste better than most sweets, which makes me want to keep eating more and more (ahem, ice cream sandwiches). The POP Ginger Chews don’t have nearly as much sugar as some other brands I’ve tried, and the spicy ginger kick makes them so that just 1-2 chews is plenty to satisfy my afternoon or evening sweet tooth. My grocery staples are all in this post.

Convenience

Prince of Peace Gingers Chews are individually wrapped (they are not like Tootsie rolls in a parchment paper wrapper; these are in little bags you tear open), which makes them easy to keep in your purse and take everywhere—which I do!

Are Ginger Chews Good For You?

Short answer: yes! Longer answer: Yes! But in moderation.

Ginger Chews have tons of health benefits (which you’ve already read about) and they can be a great aid for people suffering from stomach issues. However, too much ginger can cause heartburn, so make sure you’re not eating Ginger Chews by the handful ;).

A few (I probably eat about 2-4 a day) is great. And since they’re individually wrapped, you don’t need to worry about eating too many without thinking. As with any candy, sweet treats are always best in moderation, even when they have the great health benefits of ginger. Each ginger chew is 15 calories.

While ginger tea is certainly another option to get all the benefits of ginger, I’ll be honest, I never make it, especially in the heat of summer when pregnant! And I definitely don’t want all the sugar that comes with ginger ale. (I also can’t stand sweet drinks). So ginger chews are the way to go for me!

Prince of Peace Ginger Chews Nutrition

So what is in Prince of Peace Ginger Chews? Not much! Cane Sugar, Tapioca Starch, Ginger and Coconut Oil are the only ingredients in the Original Ginger Chews.

They’re 100% natural, gluten-free, and vegan. One chew has about 15 and 3 grams of sugar.

Where to buy

I typically buy them online at Amazon or Whole Foods. You can also find them at Target (new in the candy section!), Rite Aid or Vitamin Shoppe. You can use this Store Locator to find them near you.

You can also find other brands of chew ginger candies (like Ginger People/Gin Gins) on Amazon, however I’m partial to Prince of Peace Ginger Chews.

If you’re a fellow ginger chew addict, I’d love to hear why you love them! Snag them here.

Shop the Post

The post Ginger Chews Benefits + 5 Reasons I Eat Them Regularly! appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’ve tried dozens of protein powders over the years but Arbonne Protein Powder is the one I always go back to. Here’s why I love it, with a breakdown of ingredients, taste, and cost.

Arbonne Protein Powder Review

Arbonne has been around for over 30 years, and I think they’re mostly known for their skincare. However, the main products I buy from them are supplements, including their protein powder and greens powders. As a fitness junkie (I originally started as a running blogger!), I feel like I’ve tried every kind of protein powder. Orgain, UCan, Vega, Truvani, Just Ingredients, Clean Simple Eats, you name it, I’ve probably tried it (I have another blog post about the best protein powders for runners here). The one I like best is Arbonne’s Protein Powder, since it tastes great and is easy to mix up after a workout. And as a busy mom with two young kids, a quick post workout drink is essential.

Different Types of Arbonne Protein Powders

Arbonne has a variety of protein powders, so you can choose which you like best for your needs. Their shakes are also gluten-free. My favorite is the Essential Meal, since it has more staying power with added fats and slightly higher calories and since I’m breastfeeding and trying to put on muscle, I don’t skimp on calories.

Essential Meal

If you want a protein shake to serve as a meal, Essential Meal Replacement Protein Shake is the one you want. It has 24 grams of vegan protein and avocado oil for a little healthy fats to help keep you full. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. It’s sweetened with cane sugar and stevia.

The coffee flavor is seriously so good. I don’t use this as a meal replacement or for weight loss, but rather, just to tide me over after I workout; I then eat breakfast about 45 minutes later. If I do want it to be a full meal, I have to up the calories, so I blend it with frozen banana, non-dairy milk, spinach, flax and then the protein. And if I have any extra coffee in the pot, I throw that in there too.

This one doesn’t come with a scoop, so just measure out 1/3 cup to add to water. It says to add to 9 oz of water, but I find I need a lot more with this one and mix with 20 oz. This one also has to be shaken very well to get it to blend, so make sure you use a blender bottle.

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 9g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g

Feel Fit

Arbonne’s Feel Fit Protein Shake is their most basic protein powder. It has recently been revamped to include less than one gram of sugar (see the Feel Fit Simply1 section below), but this is the original version and is sweetened differently. The Feel Fit protein powder comes in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.

The main difference between Feel Fit and the Feel Fit Simply1 is that the Feel Fit is sweetened using cane sugar and stevia leaf extract, while the Simply1 is only sweetened by stevia leaf extract (I don’t like the taste of stevia, so I prefer the regular Feel Fit even though it contains more sugar).

This one comes with a scoop, so just add two scoops of protein to 9 fl. oz. of cold water and then shake well (I prefer to add a little more water so it’s not as thick but that’s just me).

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 3.5g
• Carbs: 13g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g

Feel Fit Simply1

Arbonne’s Feel Fit Simply1 pea protein shake is very similar to the Feel Fit above, but the Simply1 has less than 1 gram of sugar (hence the name Simply 1) and only 5 grams of carbs, along with 23 vitamins and minerals. It has 130 calories and 20 grams of vegan protein. 

However, this one uses Stevia Leaf Extract as the only sweetener, and I don’t like the taste of Stevia and it’s definitely prominent in this one. The flavor options are chocolate, vanilla, coffee, or strawberry. 

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 4.5g
• Carbs: 5g
• Sugar: <1g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g

Golden Renewal Protein

The Golden Renewal Protein is their newest protein powder and it does use monk fruit as the sweetener. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m not really inclined to. However, I do love that this one has a botanical blend to support live health and minimize inflammation. But, you can only buy this one as part of the 7-Day Fresh Start bundle. I haven’t bought that yet, but I’m dying to try their matcha so I may have to (I’m on the hunt to find the best matcha)!

Nutrition facts per serving

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 4.5g
• Carbs: 6g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g

Which Tastes the Best?

From my experience, Feel Fit and Essential Meal are the best-tasting, since they don’t contain Stevia (well, Feel Fit does contain Stevia, but it also contains cane sugar which is the main sweetener). I like the coffee flavor the very best, followed by chocolate, mint, and vanilla. I haven’t tried the other flavors, but I know they offer some seasonal options, including cinnamon roll. The mint also seems to be seasonal, since I don’t currently see it on the website.

Arbonne Protein Pros and Cons

Pros

Best Tasting I’ve Found

Unlike most protein powders, Arbonne’s don’t taste chalky or fake. I don’t like monk fruit, which is why I don’t like the very-popular Truvani and almost all protein powders use Stevia these days, and I just hate that taste. While all of Arbonne’s protein powders contain Stevia, two of them also use cane sugar so they taste better. 

Essential Meal is Filling

So many protein powders claim they’re good meal replacements but leave me hungry. Arbonne’s Essential Meal actually satisfies your hunger and leaves you feeling full.

Cons

Can Only Buy Online

Their website isn’t the most intuitive, but once you figure out all the lingo, it’s easy enough to order. I actually keep mine on subscription so I don’t have to think about it. What I’ve always done is sign up as a “Preferred Client” to get a 20% discount and free shipping. It’s a $29 membership fee for a year and the savings you get on just one bag of protein powder almost covers that cost.

I’ve added the link to sign up as a “Preferred Client” to this recommended cart, which has every protein powder listed. Just delete anything you don’t want.

Don’t Like That They Position as a Meal Replacement for Weight Loss

I don’t think protein shakes are sustainable for weight loss or even the healthiest way to lose weight, so I don’t like that marketing language. But, I just ignore it and enjoy my protein shake for what it is – a tasty addition to my otherwise balanced diet, with fruits, vegetables, lots of bread, meat and dark chocolate. 

Uses Stevia 

Three of the four protein powders use Stevia. I don’t love the taste of Stevia so this is a con for me; however, their products still taste better to me than any other protein powder I’ve tried and I think it’s because of the type of stevia they use (more on that below) and that the protein powders I like best use both Stevia and cane sugar. 

The Essential Meal and Feel Fit use a blend of Stevia + cane sugar. The Feel Fit Simply1 only uses Stevia as the sweetener. And the Golden Renewal doesn’t use any Stevia or cane sugar, but instead uses monk fruit to sweeten. 

All the Stevia used in Arbonne products are highly purified extract powders of the Stevia Rebaudiana bertoni leaf vs. pulverized Stevia leaf powder, which is what you typically buy in the grocery store. Extract forms of Stevia allow for quality control of contaminants and a consistent standard of sweetness. They also source their Stevia based on seasonality and to adhere to ethical sourcing, given their ingredient standards to maintain B Corp status. 

Expensive

This protein powder runs more expensive than most. Just how much does Arbonne Protein Powder cost?  

They range from $94-$104 a bag, depending on which type of protein you choose. Essential Meal Replacement Protein Shake is $104 for 30 servings, the Feel Fit Pea Protein Shake comes in at $94 for 30 servings, and the Feel Fit Pea Protein Shake Simply1 is also $94 for 30 servings. So if you do the math, that’s about $3 per serving. That’s more than the average of the five other brands I reviewed in my blog post about the best protein powders for runners. 

The good news is you can get these products cheaper with the code ARBONNE10, and again, if you become a preferred client, they’re even cheaper. When you sign up as an Arbonne Preferred Client for $29/year, you get a 20% discount for a year. You can also earn perks when you order, such as free shipping, 40% off Arbonne Special Value Packs, ReplenishMe benefits, etc. It’s all kind of confusing at first, but the bottom line is that you essentially pay for your membership with one just purchase of protein given the extra savings, so for that alone, it’s worth being a Preferred Client to save 20% when you order protein (I keep my protein on ReplenishMe too). I added the “Preferred Client” option to the recommended cart below, so the best way to make sure you include that in your order is to delete anything you don’t want to buy from this recommended cart.

Conclusion + Bottom Line

I’ve tried dozens — literally dozens — over the years and still go back to Arbonne protein powder. When I was a running/health blogger, I had a lot of protein powders sent to me (and still get some sent to me!), but I still spend my own money on Arbonne since I like it best.

The post Arbonne Protein Powder Review (the Different Kinds & Which Tastes Best) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

We have owned a vacation property in Blowing Rock and now own a second home in Boone, so we spend a lot of time up here! I love helping others fall in love with the High Country since it’s it’s my favorite place in all of North Carolina. My husband grew up in Boone, North Carolina but long before we met, I loved visiting Boone and Blowing Rock, probably because it reminds me a lot of Utah, where I was raised. Blowing Rock is nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina.

The elevation of the “High Country” is over 3300+ feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains so it’s significantly cooler in the summer months than where we live full-time, in Winston-Salem, making it a great spot to escape the heat. Then, in the fall, the foliage is truly breathtaking. People travel from all over the United States to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in the autumn months to see the colors. Skiing and tubing are popular winter activities (although that’s a hard pass for me since I hate the cold!). All that to say, it’s a popular spot year round and is getting more and more popular every year, for better and worse.

We visit Blowing Rock, North Carolina almost every month throughout the year and come more often in the summer, staying for longer periods. Tommy’s parents still live in Boone, which is close to Blowing Rock and a great excuse to visit. (Be sure to check out my post about things to do in Boone too!) And now that Tommy and I have our own townhouse in Boone, as well, we’re up in the mountains much more frequently.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

I feel like I discover something new every time I visit, so here is my most recent list of must-do’s and must-hit restaurants in the Blowing Rock area.

We own a place up there, but if you’re planning a weekend away, and need a place to stay, my friends own two rental houses, one in Blowing Rock and one in Boone. These are the two places I recommend to friends and family when they visit the High Country. I provided some details below about each, and I know they take a lot of pride in providing great experiences for their guests, so I’d book ASAP before their calendar fills up. If you book with them, mention you found their home on my blog and you may get a little surprise at check-in!

Blowing Rock Rental Home

“Cone Mountain Cottage” has 3 bedrooms, 5 beds and 2.5 baths. It’s five minutes from downtown Blowing Rock, a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Moses Cone National Park, and has stunning views of Grandfather Mountain. It’s a perfect spot if you want to explore the outdoors but also be able to pop into town for shopping and dining. This house has amazing views – I’m jealous!

Boone Rental Home

“Grand Escape” has 5 bedrooms, 6 beds and 4.5 baths and is centrally located to everything in the High Country, which is great if you want to explore all the different towns in the area. It’s less than 15 minutes to downtown Boone and Banner Elk, less than 20 minutes to Blowing Rock, and a two minute drive to Grandfather Vineyard & Winery. I especially love the backyard and outdoor fire pit at this house.

If you’re looking for a nice romantic getaway, I’d look into Chetola Resort. It’s a historic building with 42 rooms in the lodge, Timberlake Restaurant, and a spa.

Green Park Inn isn’t quite as nice but they do have a fitness center and spa. It’s also an interesting spot because it’s a National Historic Register hotel that has been in business since 1891.

Best Blowing Rock Restaurants

The food scene in Blowing Rock is really fantastic. These are my staples.

Hellbender

This is our #1 favorite place to eat in Blowing Rock. I’ve never had a bad meal here and the drinks (and customer service) are great. We like the outdoor patio since it’s super kid friendly. This is located on Sunset, just off Main Street, so it’s a great spot to stop after a day meandering downtown.

The Best Cellar

Best Cellar is great for an adults-only dinner; ask for a patio seat when you make your reservation if the weather is nice! Our go-to’s are the caesar salad, whatever fish they have on the specials menu (often North Carolina mountain trout) and their parmesan-crusted buttermilk chicken. They also have great Oysters Rockefeller. You’ll find this restaurant inside the Inn at Ragged Gardens on Sunset Dr.

Bistro Roca

The food is fantastic with an upscale-casual setting. They’re known for their wood-fired pizzas and lobster mac and cheese.

Blowing Rock Ale House & Brewery

They have a great burger and craft beer, and the outdoor patios are super kid friendly.

The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop

The Speckled Trout restaurant has great trout entrees (no surprise there) and also plenty of options for the non-fish-eating crowd, like my husband, including ravioli. Their outdoor patio is a great spot for happy hour as well. And I am fairly certain the chef used to work at Gideon Ridge. Speaking of…

Gideon Ridge Restaurant

I have been trying to get a reservation here for over a year. They open up reservations only two weeks in advance, between 12 and 12:30pm ET. If you don’t book RIGHT then, you’re out of luck. I’ve heard incredible things, both about the food and the views. If you go, tell me all about it so I can live vicariously. I WILL get a reservation someday.

Blowing Rock Market

We love this spot for so many things – sandwiches, snacks, and they have expanded their front patio and I think they have grilled food in the summer now. It’s also a great spot to grab a bottle of wine, some beer or kombucha and chill outside on the picnic tables in the evening. They also have clean restrooms.

The Town Tavern

Nothing remarkable about this food (pub food,) but it’s the spot to go if there’s a game you want to catch on TV, or you just need to feed hangry little people easily. There’s usually cornhole outside and plenty of seating. They have everything from fries and wings to tacos.

Six Pence Pub

Six Pence Pub is a British pub that I’ve never been to, even though it’s been around forever. They have indoor and outdoor seating and serve British fare, including bangers & mash, fish and chips, and of course, shepherd’s pie.

Coffee & Dessert in Blowing Rock

Camp Coffee 

This is my favorite coffee spot in the high country. Their chai latte is the best I’ve ever had and their black drip coffee is equally as good. They also have homemade lavender syrup from time to time! Their nitro coffee is fantastic too. Honestly, you can’t go wrong here. Super nice people too.

Kilwins 

A great spot for ice cream and free fudge samples. Don’t stress if there is a line – it moves quickly.

Things to Do in Blowing Rock, NC

Whether you want to shop or get outside and explore, you’ll be happy in Blowing Rock. Main Street has lots of cute shops for browsing, including home decor, clothing, antiques and jewelry.

Shop at Monkee’s

My VERY favorite place to shop in Blowing Rock is Monkee’s. Not only do they carry the cutest selection of clothing, but they have the best customer service. They won’t let you buy something that doesn’t look great on you, and they’ll make sure to find something that does. And they’ll do the shopping FOR you. I’ve learned that my very favorite way to shop is to tell the employees what I’m looking for, and have her pull things for me to try. I always end up trying and LOVING things I never would’ve picked out myself. The owners are very involved in the store and truly lovely people.

Blowing Rock History Museum

This is also right on Main Street. They have American art, history & Appalachian culture exhibits with regular classes & events.

Mystery Hill

This unique spot is a perfect place to entertain your kids. They have optical illusions, gem mining, and a Native American Artifacts Museum, just to name a few.

Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie is an iconic park in Blowing Rock. Their train ride is the most well known attraction (hence the name), but they also have several shows to see and amusement rides. I haven’t taken the boys just yet, but my friends have told me their kids love it.

Blowing Rock Playground

This is right on Main St. and has an amazing playground with sand volleyball, two basketball courts, a gazebo and public restrooms.

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

BRAHM provides an opportunity for you to slow down and take in the unique art of the region while also learning about it’s rich history. They provide hands-on workshops and various exhibits that immerse you in the culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Horseback riding

If you visit the Moses Cone Manor trails, you’ll likely see people on horseback. You can book rides through Vx3 Trail Rides.

Things to Do Near Blowing Rock

There are so many things to do that are only a short drive from downtown Blowing Rock, so I’ve included a few options, if you want to venture out a little further.

Julian Price Lake

Julian Price Lake is a short drive from Blowing Rock and is a beautiful spot to explore. We park in the picnic loop and go down near the bottom of the loop. There’s a spot where kids can get in the river and play and you can rent kayaks at a rental shack near mile marker 297. It costs about $20/hr. It opens at 11am, so I recommend getting there about 10:45. They do include life jackets!

Valle Crucis Park

This is 20 mins from Blowing Rock and it’s a nice park with a great playground for kids. Just a little ways back is a place where you can get into the riverbed to play and walk up & down the river a bit (unless they’ve had a big rainfall – then be careful.) It has clean bathrooms nearby. The original Mast General store is close by.

Skiing

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Beech Mountain

Sugar Mountain

Wineries in the Blowing Rock Area

Banner Elk Winery

Grandfather Winery

Linville Falls Winery

Music on the Lawn

Banner Elk Restaurants

If you want to venture a little further out, you’ll be rewarded with some great spots. For a very nice dinner, definitely make reservations at Louisiana Purchase or Artisanal.

Louisiana Purchase – Great wine list!

Eric’s Wine & Cheese Shop – perfect for grabbing a unique bottle and cheese and crackers.

Banner Elk Cafe – casual spot for breakfast and lunch.

Mountain Grounds –  great coffee and huge tea selection.

Where to Hike & Run

I hope you like the outdoors because there is SO much to do year-round in Blowing Rock. I’ve included activities in and around Blowing Rock, since there are so many great places close by to visit as well. Be sure to download the AllTrails app if you want more hiking options.

I asterisked the trails that are some of my favorite spots for running. (And if you want to run during your vacation, you should consider the Zap Endurance Running Camps – seriously amazing.)

Grandfather Mountain

Hike the profile trail for an active day, or head to the state park with the swinging bridge for a short walk. They start at different places, so be sure to make sure you go to the right spot. While you’re hiking, you can check out Mile High Swinging Bridge, which is slightly scary if you hate heights but worth it for the panoramic views.

Glen Burney Falls trail

This is an easy-to-moderate hike that is right behind Blowing Rock main street. There’s a great waterfall at the end and gorgeous views that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s not super toddler friendly (unless you give them quite a bit of help navigating some rocks on the trail), but I think kids 4 and up would be okay.

The Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock National Park is worth the $7 entry fee for the views alone! Great for all ages and fitness level.

Bass Lake*

It’s a gravel path that’s very flat and very pretty. It’s a great place to take the pup or kids. There are fun trails that run above the lake for longer hikes or runs, too. You’ll often see the Zap Endurance elite runners out there too! I always stop by Camp Coffee Roasters after a run.

Moses Cone Manor *

You’ll access this from the Blue Ridge Parkway and you can hike down 2.5-3 miles (depending which route you take) to Bass Lake and then back up for a 5-6 mile loop. If you need a place to stay while you’re visiting, the Blowing Rock Hotel is my top pick!

Flat Top Fire Tower*

If you park at Moses Cone manor, you can access this trail. If you’re facing the view with the parking lot behind you, go left, past the bathrooms and under the arched bridge. Go straight up the hill on the Flat Top Hill path. It’s 2.5 miles up.

Figure 8 Trail

You’ll also start this by the Moses Cone Manor. This is a 0.7 mile “hike” (totally do-able for kids) but it feels like a real hike because you’re in the woods the whole time. It’s a big loop – follow the trail arrows, and there are restrooms near the parking lot. Park here: 6570 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC. Walk down to the manor house. If you’re facing the manor house, the trail is up a little bit and off to the left. There’s a sign that marks it. It’s not the big gravel path that goes down the mountain. (That will take you back down to Bass Lake.)

Rough Ridge

It’s a short hike but the trail is pretty rocky with lots of roots. But, the views are INCREDIBLE, especially at sunset (pictured below).

New River Trail

This area is beautiful and especially popular if you like water sports, like canoeing, paddling or swimming. Reference their website before you go since only certain activities are available at certain areas. They have beginner to advance hiking trails and some trails that are handicap accessible.

Trout Lake*

This is a flat trail that’s great for kids.

Linville Falls/Linville Gorge

There are short and longer hike options. The short hikes are family friendly!

Glen Marie Falls

You can make it to these beautiful falls in around 3.1 miles (round trip). This hike has a few spots that are not great for little ones, so be mindful of that.

Cascade Trails

A 0.8 mile out & back trail that walks alongside a creek and down stairs to 2 waterfalls (just to see, not to play in.) This is slightly more challenging but doable. Don’t go if it’s just rained – there are a few spots that would be too slippery. The trailhead is in a large parking lot with picnic tables & restrooms.

This is Moses Cone Manor.

This is along the Fire Tower trail.

At the top!

This is Rough Ridge.

This is on the trails between Bass Lake and Moses H Cone Memorial Park.

TIP: The weather in the High Country (e.g. Blowing Rock, Boone and surrounding areas) can be finicky. The mornings can be cold, even if the afternoons warm up. So pack layers and be prepared for some wind in the fall and winter months!

If you’ve visited Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Linville or Banner Elk, what are your favorite things to do? What is your favorite restaurant?

The post Blowing Rock, North Carolina – What to Do & Where to Eat appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’m sitting in bed at 6:30 a.m. after only getting about 4.5 hours of sleep. I have a hard time falling back to sleep if Charles wakes up around 5:30 a.m. even if he goes back down easily. And that’s where I am today. But, I love sitting in bed working and drinking coffee before everyone else is up.

Life

June was a hard month. My postpartum depression and anxiety has started flaring pretty badly. I think it kicked off when we started sleep training Charles, even though “training” ended up being mostly timing tweaks and not a lot of crying. Given what happened after my birth and then being separated from Charles a lot the first two days after he was born, I have a very hard time when he is upset so I think just the idea of sleep training stressed me out. But, not sleeping also makes my PPDA worse and Charles was definitely going through the 4 month sleep regression in a major way.

So, I reached out to Molly from Sleep Shore and we we did gentle training through June and his overnights are MUCH better now. We’re still working on his naps but she suspected he might do better around 5 months with those and that is turning out to be the case. It always amazes me what small tweaks Molly makes that make such a big difference.

On top of that, we were just VERY busy in June. We went to Boone two weekends to escape the heat and while it was lovely, it also felt hard since we were in the middle of figuring out timing for naps and I constantly felt rushed wherever I was. Then we had a super busy last weekend of June – all good things but I really need down time lately and I didn’t feel like I was getting any. And July is one of my busiest work months all year, so I’m a little nervous about my anxiety getting worse in the next month.

I talked to my counselor at my last appointment about upping my Zoloft medication which I really don’t want to do (but I’m also trying to figure out why I’m so opposed to it if it’d help me feel better… classic sign of anxiety, ha). So I’m going to take a week or two and see if the things she suggested help and if not, I’ll call my doctor. But by then, I’ll be knee deep into the July craziness. Ugh I don’t know what to do. But I bet you can sense my anxiety in this post, right? Sheesh, I can.

Okay, let’s move on to a different category. This started off kind of heavy. Thanks for letting me process on the page.

Work

In June, I made the decision to no longer show the boys faces online and shared that on Instagram. Or to at least do it a LOT less. I already had really been minimizing Thomas on Instagram, and I kept telling myself it was okay with Charles since he was so young, but I just couldn’t get comfortable with that rationale. I fully realize that this decision came up during a PPDA flare, but it’s also something that had been on my mind pretty constantly the last few months. And I am at such peace about it.

I didn’t realize that sometimes I felt like I had to post them just to prove that they were a big part of my life and that I was an involved mom. When I have my busy work months, I hate that I get to spend less time with the boys but showing them online is really not the answer. Thank you so much for all the supportive comments and messages. It’s always scary to talk about parenting decisions online because people can be pretty harsh, but y’all showed up with kindness (per usual!).

July is an insane work month but it’s also SO fun. I honestly LOVE the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and all the prep that leads up to it and the work that goes into it during the sale. (Btw, don’t miss this giveaway I’m doing before the Nordstrom sale!) Prime Day is also happening mid-July, which is another big sale I promote. I don’t run marathons anymore so all these sales are my new marathons.

There’s also the Target Circle Deals and Walmart sale but I don’t plan to focus on those since Nordstrom and Prime Day are much more my focus. And there is one other brand having a sale that IS my focus that I can’t share yet but you will want to shop it, so make sure you’re on my email list. I’ll post on IG for sure, and maybe the blog but it’s hard to make sure you see those vs. an email goes right to your inbox. (It’s a huge reason why I focus so much on newsletters in my making-money-online course. Speaking of… I miiiight have a sale on that in July too.)

Another fun thing with work is that I’ve been getting partnerships with very cool brands through ShopMy. I shared here about branching into that affiliate program vs. LTK alone and it’s been a good decision. While none of the partnerships have been paid, it’s always good to be on the radar of brands I like since that can lead to conversations down the road (and the affiliate income is good too.) And to actually get gifted products from companies I regularly shop with anyway, like Tuckernuck, is just plain fun. And I discovered some GOOD jeans that Pistola gifted me.

Another big work change was Oliveda. I shared why I switched in the last letter and I’m continually blown away by how good my skin looks and feels. It feels firmer, looks better and it’s just so soft! And from a business perspective, it’s been just as good. It was scary to lose the Beautycounter income, but Oliveda has been selling even better, which blows my mind. And rightfully so – the products are better. It’s weird to say that since I used and loved Beautycounter for years, but my skin is noticeably different since switching. And I’m hearing the same thing from friends and previous BC clients.

And, in June — when most Oliveda products were out of stock — I sold more Oliveda than I did during my biggest month with Beautycounter in 2023 (which was during Black Friday with a promo). It’s been shocking but so fun. So thank you.

And the company just feels different… I didn’t realize the pressure I often felt with Beautycounter that I don’t feel with Oliveda at all. I think there are a few reasons for that (how the company started, the people involved, the fact that it truly can be affiliate so it feels like the rest of my income streams), but whatever it is, it’s nice.

Health

I touched upon my mental health at the beginning of the most, but physically I’m doing a lot better. I no longer have pelvic floor PT every week but have spread my visits out to every 3 weeks. We did some pretty intense scar massage at my last appointment and it has made a HUGE difference.

I also have figured out that a lot of my joint pain was inflammation related and I’ve been taking this and this which really help. (I didn’t take them to Boone for either trips in June and my joint pain came back within a couple days so I know it was that). I’ve turned into the person who takes inflammation supplements… this is what being almost 40 with an infant is I suppose.

I’m still not running a ton but maybe I’ll want to when it cools down. But I’m loving pilates, both at the studio and on the mat at home with these classes, strength training and the occasional peloton ride.

Okay, that’s probably enough for today! I hope you have a lovely 4th of July and I’m so thankful you’re here.

Favorite Links in June

The post Letter from TeriLyn – June 2024 appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

When I was doing all the baby research while I was pregnant with my first, I spent a lot of time looking at strollers. I knew that if I loved being outside to run and walk by myself, I would LOVE walking and running with our baby. I was so right. Well, I am now. For the first few months, our first son hated the stroller, so we didn’t use it much (now that he’s older, he loves stroller rides). Our second baby was a different story. He loved the stroller from the second we put him in it. And now, he’s 5 months old and a stroller walk is one of the best ways to get him to nap or calm down if he’s fussy. Heck, it helps me calm down too!

While I’m going to get into the pros and cons below, in short – the Uppababy Vista V2 stroller is our most-used baby item and was the first thing I put on my baby registry. If you want a high-end stroller that has a very smooth ride, both for your little one and for you to push (I promise it does make a difference for the moms and dads too), you’ll love it. I don’t know anyone who regrets buying it and a lot of my friends own it too.

While we do have 4 strollers (I’ll explain which ones below) the stroller that has gotten the very most use in 3+ years is definitely the Uppababy Vista. When I was pregnant, my husband was skeptical of a $900+ stroller. Yeah, the Uppababy Vista stroller is pricey. But now, he and I both agree that it’s worth every penny. And today, I’m sharing why.

You can find the rest of my postpartum essentials linked in this blog post!

Uppababy Vista Stroller Review

Walking is probably my all-time favorite thing to do with the boys. We try go on family walks in the evening when Tommy gets home from work, and when Thomas was younger, I ran with him in the Thule jogging stroller a couple times a week too. Along with the Uppababy Vista, we also have two lightweight strollers from Zoe that we love for travel and when I want to walk with both boys (one of them is a double stroller). I actually just keep the Zoe stroller in my trunk, since I use it when we’re out on adventures throughout the week and it doesn’t take up much space. (See how easily it collapses here. And use this Zoe referral link for 15% off.)

But back to the Lexus of strollers, the Uppababy Vista V2.

The Uppababy Vista is a convertible stroller, meaning it will grow with your child. It has a bassinet attachment for when your little one is tiny and also has car seat compatibility (we have the Uppababy Mesa car seat which can be used with this stroller base with the proper adapter). You can also buy car seat adapters for a handful of other car seats.  As your little one grows, there is a reversible rumble seat so your little guy or girl can face you or face out. All the different options mean that you can use it from the moment you bring your child home all the way until he/she wants to walk alongside you.

It has a SUPER easy locking system to make sure the seat is in correctly and has one-handed recline for your child’s seat. You can also adjust the footrest as your child grows to support their legs. The telescoping handle bar will allow you to adjust the handle height easily (one-handed, actually) and that option is great for Tommy and I, since we’re such different heights, with almost a 12″ difference.

We also love the massive storage basket underneath the stroller. It has awesome ventilation and super easy access from all sides, so there’s no end to what you could put in there.

Pros

Easy to Find in Lots of Colors

I appreciate that you can get this stroller from so many different retailers. We got ours from Nordstrom (it’s usually included every year in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale), but you can grab it from Pottery Barn, Amazon, Bloomingdales, etc., as well. It also comes in lots of colors, which I appreciate. We have the “Gregory” colorway that has a blue mélange seat and shade and silver frame. It’s easy to re-sell too, once you’re finished using it

Adjustable Handle

This is super important for both me and Tommy. There’s a large height gap between us (he’s 6′ and I’m 5’1″), and the stroller handle adjusts easily with one hand. This is a feature I really miss when I’m using my other strollers, so if you’re short and/or your husband is tall, you’ll appreciate this. The tallest the handle will get is 44″.

Peek-a-Boo Window

I LOVE this. It’s a little window with a magnetic closure on the top of the sunshade. When Thomas was younger, his favorite thing was to sit outward and look around, so I used this little window to look at him without having to stop, put the break locks on, and walk around to take a peak. It’s super convenient and cute.

Front or Rear Facing Seat

When Thomas was smaller, we’d face him towards us (and Charles faces us now). But now that Thomas is bigger, we face him outward so he can look around. Having the ability to do both is essential if you’re going to make a significant investment in a stroller like this, and Uppababy Vista is the only stroller I’ve seen that can do it (if you know of others, please share in the comments). I also love that the Vista stroller has 6 seat recline positions, so naps are possible while you walk, and as your little one grows you can adjust how upright they sit.

Bassinet

We used the bassinet right when we brought Thomas and Charles home. This didn’t get a ton of use when Thomas was little, and we actually prefer the car seat attachment with Charles, but for other babies that love to go on walks as infants, the bassinet is amazing. It fits children from birth to 20 lbs or 20″. It also includes a perforated mattress pad and vented base (great for breathability and comfort). You can even buy a bassinet stand for your house that fits this exact bassinet, which is a great way to make the most out of your purchase.

This was on our first-ever stroller walk with Thomas, a few days after I got home from the hospital. I went half a block and was wiped out!

Compatible with the MESA Car Seat

If you’re getting the Uppababy MESA infant car seat, you’ll appreciate the compatibility with this stroller. It clicks right in, so you can put your baby in the car, put the stroller in the trunk, and then use them together wherever you go. The Vista stroller has lots of accessories that you can buy as well. These are sold separately, which is a con since other strollers (namely, the Zoe strollers) have so many accessories included or built-in (like a snack cup, water bottle holder, phone holder, etc.).

Expandable for 2 Children

I think this is a huge selling point, especially as a mom of two. This stroller fits two children, which makes the investment that much easier! The VISTA fits two infant car seats, two bassinets, two seats – or a combination of those to make it a great double stroller (although Uppababy does have a traditional umbrella double stroller that would be great for twins as another stroller option). It gave me peace of mind knowing that I would be able to use this if we had a second (and now we do).

This photo is from Vista’s website, showing how you can use it with up to THREE children! There isn’t room for three seats, but if you have an older child, they can stand on the back with this piggyback ride along board.

Smooth Ride

It may sound crazy if you haven’t pushed many strollers, but the way this stroller feels is unlike any others. It’s a very smooth ride, easy to push on uneven terrain, easy to maneuver with one hand, etc.

I took the way that it glides for granted, since I thought it was normal, until I pushed other strollers with average or below-average wheel suspension. The Vista stroller has all-wheel suspension and independent shocks which makes it incredibly comfortable. It’s the best in it’s class. You can also use the front wheel lock to keep the stroller aligned and steady on uneven terrain.

The UppaBaby Vista stroller feels like a Lexus: smooth, sturdy, well-made, etc. And considering how much you’ll use a stroller, this is a really nice perk for the parents!

Brakes

The foot pedal parking brake is convenient and easy to use. Nothing fancy but it is easier to use than my other strollers’ lock brakes, which you have to push up on with your toe to unlock. On the Uppababy, you push down to lock and push again to release.

Uppababy Vista Accessories

You can find all sorts of accessories for this stroller like this snack tray, foot pedestal for a second or third older kid, a stroller caddy basket organizer, etc. We got the waterproof leather handlebar cover and it looks so nice. Since all of these are sold separately, you may want to add a few to your registry since it gets pricey with all the add-ons.

Uppababy Vista Storage

The bottom of the stroller has SO MUCH SPACE, and is easy to access, which is amazing for a diaper bag, snacks, or whatever else you need. The bottom is a vented base so it is breathable if you were to put groceries in the bottom. The storage basket holds up to 30 lbs, so there’s no end to what you could put down there.

Cons

Price

The price is a significant investment at $999.99. But because you can use it for so long AND with multiple kids, I think it’s a worthwhile purchase. You can also buy it used if you keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace, but they go quickly so you have to act fast. Or snag it during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale!

Size

Now that I’ve had other strollers that are more compact, this feels enormous by comparison. But as long as I’m not trying to take it around town too often, I don’t mind at all, since it just stays in my garage.

Not Easy to Fold and Pack

It’s definitely not a travel stroller but it’s easy to break down. First, you remove the seat, and then the base collapses and folds. It takes up a lot of space and it’s not one handed like other strollers. So this is more of a stroller you’d keep at home, not one you’d want to take around town too often. It’s not too heavy, but it does take a couple extra steps and is larger than compact strollers.

It fits in the back of my small SUV, and since the seat takes up so much space, I end up packing things into the seat itself (I took this pic as part of a Justin’s partnership, but it really is what I do with the seat storage if I am taking it somewhere).

How to Clean Uppababy Vista

To clean the frame, I typically use a damp cloth and wipe everything down. I will use Force of Nature cleaner for this in most cases. When the seat itself is super grimy, I will take it off the frame and hand wash it or spot treat it with Force of Nature cleaner or sometimes a mild laundry detergent. Then I lay it all flat to dry outside in the sun.

I love that the fabric is removable and washable. While I don’t wash it too often (I should probably wash it more!), it’s never a real pain when I do.

Uppababy Vista Stroller Specs

What’s Included?

• Frame
• Four wheels
• Bassinet with bug shield and storage bag
• Toddler seat with rain and bug shield canopy + sun shade (UPF 50+!)
• Bumper bar

Dimensions

Stroller Weight: 26.6 lbs (frame + toddler seat)

Weight Limit:  50 lbs (toddler seat)

Stroller Dimensions: 25.7″ x 36″ x 39.5″ (WxLxH)

Fold Dimensions:  25.7″ x 17.3″ x 33″ (WxLxH)

Handlebar Height:  39.5″ – 42.5″

Where to buy

• Nordstrom
• Pottery Barn Kids
• Bloomingdales
• Amazon

Bottom line: Is Uppababy Worth It?

I LOVE this stroller. My husband and I both agree it’s one of the best things we got as first-time parents. We truly love how smooth the ride is, the extendable handlebar that allows for both my tall husband and and I to push it with ease, the front wheel lock that makes it easier to steer, and the ability to use it with two kids. I truly can’t say better things about this stroller…the hype is indeed real.

Shop the Uppababy Vista at Nordstrom here.

Shop the Post

The post Uppababy Vista Stroller Review and Is It Worth It? appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.