Fruity chicken salad recipe

chicken saladI typically don’t care for chicken salad, because it’s usually drowning in mayonnaise – yuck! I was pleasantly surprised at a church event by this light and fruity chicken salad. I liked it so much that I got the recipe and make it for special occasions during the spring and summer months. It’s also simple and inexpensive to make – Win, Win! Continue Reading…

You’ve been robbed!!

Thief-CartoonHow social media is stealing your most precious commodity…

After giving birth to Lucille Faith, thoughts of life and death raced through my mind like Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Talladega. Does this happen to all women?

One moment mesmerized by Lucie’s deep sea blue eyes, the next longing for my grandpa to rub my cold feet like he used to, then realizing I’m getting older and those who are older than me are getting even older. All of a sudden time seems to be flying by.

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The power of words…

kindness

Close your eyes and remember a time when someone’s words built you up so high you could fly…Now remember a time when words tore you down to a point you needed help getting back up.

No matter what your belief or background most of us can agree that words are powerful. They affect our feelings, future and relationships. In third grade we were assigned a dinosaur report. I accidentally forgot to take my science book home and wrote a report on a stegosaurus, but made a play dough triceratops. During my presentation my classmates made fun of me and called me stupid. My teacher rolled her eyes at me. That was a perfect recipe for the fear of public speaking. From that point forward I’ve always struggled with public speaking. The good news is that I’ve become more comfortable after taking public speaking classes, but I still don’t like it.

Here are the most powerful words in my life.

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Post pregnancy must haves…

Lucie at 13 days old

Lucie at 13 days old

As most of you know I’m a planner who flourishes in the comforts of routine and schedule. I learned pretty quickly that I could only prepare for motherhood to a certain point, which was challenging for me. Every mom, magazine and nurse told me what I would need when I returned home from the hospital with Lucie. Most of it didn’t apply to me as every labor and delivery experience comes with different needs, but there are the few things that I think apply to all women. Continue Reading…

My labor & delivery story – it was a God thing…

Lucille Faith Zirbes

Lucille Faith Zirbes

Throughout my entire pregnancy I remained at peace about the labor and delivery stage. I did my homework so that I would know what to expect and then decided to maintain a good attitude about it, believing for the best!

One of my best friends, Mairim Smith, had a baby boy just a few months before my due date.  She shared her birthing plan with me when I was only a few months pregnant. It was a beautiful plan that outlined what she was believing God for. It detailed what she did and didn’t want for her labor and delivery with scripture supporting the entire plan. I edited the plan based on a few things I wanted to do differently and then I shared it with my family and close friends so that they could be in agreement with my plan and keep me, Ryan and Lucille in their prayers.

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Caffeine during pregnancy

Caffeine during pregnancyDuring my first preggo doctor visit, I was nervous to ask Dr. Bush the question: “Do I have to give up coffee?” I enjoy a tall Starbucks coffee about 3 days a week, along with a few peices of dark chocolate throughout the day. It saddened me to think about giving up that ritual. It really helps me rock-out my morning to-do’s. But of course my future little bundle was worth the sacrifice…

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Nonnie’s pork chop recipe

crockpot

Who doesn’t love grandma’s cooking?! After Ryan bragged about his grandma’s pork chops for over two years, I finally asked him to get me the recipe. When he gave it to me, I wondered if she left a few things out because it seemed too simple. He encouraged me to just follow the instructions, so that’s what I did (except for a few minor changes that he approved). I skeptically watched the crock pot, wondering if it was really going to turn out as good as Ryan had remembered. Continue Reading…

3 tips to a happier pregnancy…

Jessica Zirbes Ryan ZirbesBaby Girl Z has been very good to me, but I won’t give her all the credit, I had a lot to do with my overall positive experience. Many women are surprised to hear that I’ve had such a pleasant pregnancy. Pregnancy doesn’t need to be dreadful. With only two weeks till Baby Z comes I haven’t thrown up, only had two three cry fests (the last few weeks have been the most emotional for me), no constipation or hemorrhoids and barely any limitations. Sure you could contribute this to good genes and being healthy, but I mainly contribute it to maintaining a good attitude.

 

 

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Tips to stop snoring

how-to-stop-snoring

I don’t snore, but I have several friends and family members that do. Quality sleep is VITAL to putting your best foot forward every day. Whether you snore or a loved one is keeping you up at night try these tips.   

Side sleeping

This is the BEST sleep position for people prone to snoring, because when you lie on your back the base of your tongue falls into the back wall of your throat, which can cause snoring. This particular snore sounds like the person is struggling to breathe.

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The secret sauces to keeping your honey happy (part 2)…an interview with Ryan Zirbes

Jessica Zirbes Ryan Zirbes

Is it money, quality time, gifts? Yes, those things play a role, but are not the golden key. Consistency (in my opinion) is the golden key to keeping a woman satisfied, which doesn’t take an excessive amount of time and resources – it mainly takes your focus.

Right now I’m working over 65 hours per work week. When I get off I head over to the new home my wife and I bought about a month ago that I had to TOTALLY gut, because the people that lived in it were slobs. The good news is that with the help of good friends and family the house will be move in ready by next weekend. I share this with you because, in the midst of exhaustion, total body pain and the most stress I’ve ever faced (did I mention that Jess is due to have our first baby in four weeks!) I have been able to keep her happy. Even though I’ve been away from her a lot, I stay connected with her through notes, phone calls, texts and pictures. Even though it’s a really busy time I read the bible, pray and stay connected to my core people EVERY DAY, which keeps me grounded and lifted up. If I can stay consistent with my honey during this grueling season so can you! Continue Reading…

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