Costco Haul

FAVORITES FROM COSTCO :)

• KID FRIENDLY OPTIONS - Below are some of our favorite kid friendly options that our boys love!

These are so yummy, healthy, and great for on the go!

Some days my boys don’t get enough fruits/ veggies in so we love these pouches..and they love them too!

The boys definitely like this yummy snack…and so does mom;) ) beware—highly addicting!

Easy lunch idea!

Healthy chicken nugget option! Takes about 8 minutes in the air fryer (Asher will literally eat like 7…gotta get his protein in lol)

Great/ easy breakfast idea when guests are in town.

Pop in the microwave for an easy & healthy breakfast/ snack!

Love how Costco carries great gift ideas such as books/ learning toys!

Don’t need to constantly buy diapers when you can buy them in bulk at Costco!

• FAVORITE SNACKS - Some of Adam and I’s favorites.

ALL TIME favorite chips. Tough enough to scoop up chili and super good to use for oven nachos! Multigrain is an added plus!

Great salsa and super tasty in my easy taco crockpot shredded chicken recipe.

One of the Thielen households favorite.

Adam’s go to night time snack!

Tried these a few weeks ago and not bad!

Just amazing.

• SWEET TOOTH - Two of our favorite desserts below (we enjoy them both in the fridge!).

• MEALS & FRUIT/ VEGGIE OPTIONS - We love the produce area and meat selection at Costco. Adam has steak the night before every football game and he loves Costco’s steak the most. They also have great quick meal options as well (I try to go for the healthiest options as much as I can).

Love to make pancakes with this. Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein to it!

Tried this fish a month or so ago and it is so good!!

So good!

Super easy lunch/ dinner option… or game day ideas!

We love this ground bison! We use it for chili, tacos, spaghetti.

Quick and yummy broccoli to have as a dinner side! (kept in the freezer)

All time favorite salad!

Comes in little pre packaged smoothie bags full of healthy veggies/ fruits! We love these!

Adam puts these on his oatmeal every morning. Hudson will eat a whole bag if it’s in front of him! I love them in a yogurt parfait mixed with granola. (warning— they turn your hands very blue)

• MISC — Other great finds that our family loves are below. We buy a lot of bulk products (water bottles, sparkling water, toilet paper, etc) here as well.

I buy a lot of honey here due to how much I make my energy balls:) They offer great options like this one and the ones below!

We also buy red solo cups for when guests are in town, and the to go coffee mugs for when we are on the go!

(I DID’NT POST ANY BUT COSCTO HAS A LOT OF GREAT FURNITURE as well. WE HAVE BOUGHTEN MOST OF OUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE FROM HERE AND IT’S HELD UP GREAT!)

I hope you all enjoyed this haul of mine from COSCTO!!! I’m sure there will be more things that pop up or I find there in the future and I’ll be sure to share.

xoxo,

MRS T

10 tips for traveling with a toddler

Adam and I have traveled quite a bit this offseason and a few of those trips we brought little man with us. So I thought I would share what I learned from traveling with Mr Asher and offer a few tips for handling little ones on an airplane. The first thing I would say before I get to my 10 tips is to try and schedule your flight around nap time (if you can help it). I know it's sometimes difficult to do this so it's fine if you can't, but it's especially helpful  if they are an "on the clock" napper. It really will help you and your sanity if they sleep for even some of the flight.  

Here are my 10 tips below...

1.) Snack , snacks, snacks, and more snacks

Luckily Asher is a great eater...always has been and still is! So when he's acting fussy or can't seem to sit still we pull out his favorite snacks. Whether we are in church, in the car, or in an airplane snacks come in handy big time. Asher has many of his teeth now so he can eat pretty much anything. I usually bring his favorites which include goldfish, animal crackers, fruit, pb & J, and sometimes I'll get a greek yogurt before we board so he can snack on that for awhile too. If your child has a favorite snack I suggest bringing that:)  Eating can keep them busy for at least a little while...and sometimes I play a game with Asher and his snacks. (I like to put a goldfish in one hand and he tries to guess which one it's in) 

2.) Favorite show/ video game

Asher started watching shows when he turned one...obviously we don't let him watch too much tv but when you're on a three hour flight you let your kid watch 3 hours of Mickey Mouse if he's willing to sit still;)  Asher's favorite shows right now are Mickey Mouse and Elmo. I suggest bringing an iPad and downloading some of your child's favorite shows (if they have any). If they don't have any shows maybe download some that look fun or some with music... anything that you think will hold your child's attention. Asher will watch in  spurts... like 15 minutes watching Mickey and then he'll want to stand up or do something else. So we'd do something else and then eventually come back to the show at some point and he'd keep watching. Having a show or video game your child can watch for a while is very helpful. Asher also loved watching Adam and I compete on a basketball shooting iPad game. 

3.) Books

If your little one is into books then I'd at least bring a couple along on your trip. Asher loves books and will actually sit on my lap and listen to them! I usually bring two or three of his favorites in my backpack. Books are another great distraction. A good idea (I've never done) would be to get a new book that you think your little one would love and show it to them for the first time on the flight. It might hold their interest longer!

4.) Favorite stuffed animal/blankie

I know many kids usually have a favorite blankie, pillow, or stuffed animal that helps comfort them. It would be a great idea to bring that with on your trip. Asher doesn't really have one specific blankie he likes..he just loves balls and a bunch of random stuffed animals lol! I actually have brought a mini football on the plane for him because it's his favorite (although it's not the best idea to bring a ball on the plane because he just wanted to throw it the whole time.. whoops:)). 

5.) Pacifier/Nuki

Asher still loves his nuki! We usually only give it to him during naptime and bedtime. Being on a flight is a different story. We give it to him on airplanes or car rides when he's being extra fussy and loud. It really does help calm him down...plus when he is being whiny it usually means he's tired so the nuki helps put him to sleep. If your little one still takes a nuki I'd definitely recommend bringing a couple (and some wipes for when if it falls on the icky airport ground). 

6.) Milk

Asher drinks whole milk now days. So I usually either ask the flight attendant to heat up a little for us and then I pour it into his bottle or I buy some before we board. Milk is something that has always been soothing to Asher. When I was breastfeeding him it was so much easier and more convenient to do on the airplane and he would usually fall asleep right away. I suggest having some milk (whether whole milk/breastmilk) on the plane with you...especially if your little one loves it/ helps put them to sleep.

7.) Coloring/ Activity book

Asher has a couple activity books that he loves. Some activity books that could hold your child's attention might include sticker books, coloring books, or interactive books. Asher has one that I usually bring that has pictures that when he touches an object it says the word. If your child has a specific activity book they like I recommend bringing that (unless it's super big).

8.) Walk up and down the aisles

Adam and I have taken turns walking with Asher up and down the aisle just so he can let a little steam off. Especially if your toddler seems super wiggly and won't sit still to do anything else, it's ok to let them stand up and move (unless the pilot says to stay seated). If they are too young to stand and walk then carry them. I remember when Asher was about 6 months old he loved to look around and observe everything going on so I would get up from my seat and just stand in the aisle. It distracted him for awhile because he got to see what everyone else was up to.

9.) Change diaper before you board

Only one time have we made the mistake of not changing Asher before boarding the airplane. Halfway through the flight I turned to Adam and said, "I think Asher's pants are wet!" It was not smart of us to not change him before we left. Asher had peed out the side of his diaper onto his shirt a little and on his pants. It was not fun having to then change his soaking diaper and take his dirty pants off on the plane (and of course I didn't have a second change of clothes). Good thing the final destination was warm because he was just walking around, rocking his onesie with no pants. Change your baby before you board! Even if you just changed him before you got to the airport..it's better to be safe than sorry:) 

10.)  Ignore the haters

Ok so you know before you had kids and you would sit next to babies/toddlers on a flight and you would be like oh boy this could be a long flight. Yea, well that was me. Now that I have a child I know that the parent feels the same way. It is stressful enough bringing a child/children on a flight with you that you don't need the nasty looks and comments as well. I try and ignore people as much as I can when they look at us weirdly because we have our baby onboard with us. Most of those people doing that have never had kids so they have no clue what it's like. If your baby is acting out on the plane just try and take deep breaths, try anything you can to calm them down, and always remember...this too shall pass. 

Hopefully this list can help some of you who are looking to travel with little ones! Many of my tips may seem like common sense but it's nice to have these reminders. It is wonderful to take family trips and you get so many amazing memories out of it, but it IS stressful traveling with little ones..packing for them (and yourself), the traveling part, and just trying to keep on a schedule. If the traveling part doesn't go as smoothly as you wanted, thats ok...just remember it's happened to me and it happens to the best of us!

xoxo,

MRS T

Christmas gift guide

Happy Holidays everyone!! I'm so excited to share with you some of my favorite things for Asher and some of my favorite things for myself. I hope you find this useful and maybe get a few Christmas gifts out of it, either for loved ones, a new baby coming, or just for yourself:) I linked most of the items so I hope it works to open them. If you have any comments or questions you can contact me. I pray that you all have a wonderful, safe, and happy Christmas with friends and family. And yes, I am giving you a gift guide..because come on who doesn't love gifts on Christmas...but we all, even myself, need to stop during this fun season and remember the true reason for the season:) 

The beauty of Christmas is not in the presents but in his presence. 

Gift Guide for babies

Essetinals:

Waterproof Silicone Bib Easily Wipes Clean   --I love these bibs!! They catch everything that Asher drops, they are so easy to clean up, and you can even throw them in the dishwasher.

Aquaphor -Baby healing ointment. -- Great for diaper rash! It works wonders.

NUK learner cup --This was the transition bottle Asher used going from his bottle. It was really the only one he'd use to drink milk out of.

MAM Orthodontic Pacifier --Some babies are picky with nuki's. Asher loves these!

Lillebaby baby carrier- I loved this carriers when Asher was a baby and even now. It has lower back support which is HUGE and Asher can face forward /backwards and you can even wear it on your back!

Toys:

Duplos legos

VTech Spin and Lern Color Flashlight

VTech Stack and Sing rings 

VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck

Leapfrog My Pal Scout

Fisher- Price Grow-to-Pro Junior Basketball

Clothing:

Toggle Toes --These are THE best! They are off etsy. I had them last winter when Asher was only a couple months old...and I bought another pair for him for this year (in purple and yellow, Vikings colors). They are sooo warm and go on and off your babies foot easily. They are super easy to tighten which makes them the best because they actually stay on your babies feet. 

OshKosh & Carters 

Little Wedgies-- They have thee cutest joggers for little boys!

Etsy- Pretty sure every mom know etsy. But it has super cute clothes, shoes, and headbands if you have girls. This is where I get a lot of custom Viking stuff for Ash man.

Cat and Jack 

Books:

*Asher just loves books and flipping through them. Some of his favorites are below...

Goodnight Football by Michael Dahl and Christina E. Forshay

Duck & Goose by Tad Hills (Colors, It's Time for Christmas, A Book of Opposites)- Asher has about 4 of these books (passed down from his cousins) and he just loves them! 

The Creation Story-  (Small Beginnings) Cute little book about how God made the world. Asher loves to look at the stars and moon. 

Taggies Buddy Dog's Soft Book by Taggies  

Asher wearing Toggle Toes-1 month old

Asher wearing Toggle Toes this year- 1 year old

Adam reading The Creation Story to Asher

Aiden & Oak sweatshirt! I have one similar to this and they are so cute and comfy

Asher and I wearing 500 level gear

This dress is from Lulus!

MRS T GIFT GUIDE--Below I'll share just a few of MY favorite things:)

Clothing (where I shop):

500 Level gear (Adam Thielen gear)-  Click here!  I love this website and the shirts are so cute and comfy! If your looking for some cool gear to support Adam look here. I have a few shirts/sweatshirts and I love them!

Kelvin Techstyles- These heated coats are unreal..especially for MN winters! You just charge up a little pack and plug it in inside the pocket of the coat...then you press a cool little button that lights up on the front of the coat and TA DA it gets warm (and actually works and gets warm)! 

Shit that I knit- I recently bought one of these hats and I wear it all the time! The little ball top part can come off and you can put different colors on. They are so cute and I love mine! 

Express

Lulus- Super cute dresses for not a bad price!

Aiden and Oak 

Live Love Gameday- Super cute football shirt sayings/ and other sports! I have like 4 shirts from here:)

Nordstrom/ Nordstrom Rack

DSW, Adidas, Macys, etc.

Beauty/Makeup-- I honestly don't wear makeup most days except when we have an event or going to dinner! I'm going to list a few of my favorites below...

* I honestly love all of the Philosophy products I have..the cleanser, moisturizes, under eye creams

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One‑Step Facial cleanser-- I have been using this for awhile and I love it.

Philosophy ultimate miracle worker-- Great moisturizer with SPF 30 in it too!

For a day to day light tinted mositurizer I wear Tarte BB tinted treatment primer. It's great for a light coverage when your out running around!

Maybelline great lash mascara

NARS Larger than life long-wear eyeliner

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12- hour blush- I have this in exposed and it's very natural/ not too pinky color. 

Tarte rainforest of the sea aquacealer concealer (love this for under eye bags when I'm extra tired)

* Random favs--

I love my Viva La Juicy perfume.

Diamond Dazzle Stik-- If you want your Wedding ring or any other jewelry to sparkle a little brighter, this stuff is legit (and just under 5 bucks)! 

Karen Kingsbury books. She is a great Christian author and her books are so engaging and tell such engaging and inspiring stories. The One Tuesday Morning series is sooo amazing.

xoxo,

MRS T

10 random facts about MRS T

So I started this blogging thing, yes to share more about our family/mom life but also to share about me in general. Sometimes I feel like my identity can get "lost" in my husbands fame and this blog is a great way for me to have my own fun "thing" outside of everything else. I also love how I can share things from my perspective!!! Not my husbands, not my friends or family but mine! So since this is only my second post I thought it would be fun to share some more about me, Caitlin! Here are 10 random facts about me and my life, enjoy:)

1.) My top 5 favorite foods are buffalo wings, (Adam and I are obsessed) pizza, popcorn, frozen grapes, and tacos. There are so many more to list but that would take all day:)

2.) I buy so much off of Amazon, I literally get probably 3 drop offs a week (Adam thinks I'm crazy haha). Anything from baby stuff to Kind bars you can count on Amazon! 

3.) I'm addicted to working out (mainly so I can eat sweets, I do have a big sweet tooth). The main reason is because it makes me feel good, and it is a huge stress reliever of mine! I usually workout 6 out of 7 days (game days= Sundays are off). At the gym I enjoy jogging, doing sprint intervals, weight training, or yoga classes. I like to switch up my workouts and not do the same thing everyday.

4.) Super random but I watch Cupcake Wars every time I do my 4 mile run (which is usually 2-3x a week) ...so weird I know (unless I'm running outside of course)! If not Cupcake Wars I either watch Fixer Upper or 4 Weddings (lol). It just helps the time go by faster! 

5.) I have about 5 shows that I watch religiously (yes, Teen Mom is one of them ahh no shame here!) The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Lucifer, The Challenge, This is Us, The Middle, American Housewives..the list really does go on. 

6.)  I sleep with a retainer every night. I have a permanent one on the bottom but I've continued to wear my top one every night since I was like 14...unlike my husband, naughty naughty! (no wonder why his teeth have shifted a little;))

7.) One of my favorite things to do that makes me  happy is worshipping at Church with my family, whether we go Saturday afternoon or Sunday. It's just so awesome to be there together, singing and holding hands with my husband (a real feel good setting). Plus the music is outstanding every weekend (shoutout Crossroads Church)!

8.) My favorite all time movie is Grease. I grew up dancing to it and knowing every single word to every song. Some of my other top favorite movies include, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, Sweet Home Alabama, Kicking and Screaming (pretty much all Will Ferrel movies), and so many more. Since Christmas is my all time favorite holiday I think you should know that The Grinch is my favorite holiday movie! 

9.) Children have always been a big passion of mine. Growing up I nannied/babysat quite often and loved it! I'm so blessed God gave me a child of my own. I love that I am able to be with him everyday and take in every first laugh, step, and word! 

10.) I am super super competitive. Even if we are just playing a board game at home it gets heated! Adam and I are both super competitive so good luck to our kids (lol). 

OK OK one more...

11.) I was born in WI...yes for those of you asking I grew up a Packers fan. Both my parents went to UW Madison and both sides of my family are from WI. My brothers and I had no choice but to grow up Badger/Packer fans. When Adam and I first started dating it was a compettion every time the Packers/Vikings played. It's ok everyone, I cheer for the Vikings now and obviously want my hubby to win...he does support this family and all (which I am so grateful for;)) At first it was tough for me..but mostly for my family to cheer for the Vikings. Relax Viking fans, we all cheer for them now:)

xoxo,

MRS T