Author: mindyp87

I'm a try to do it all mom. I work full time and have my own business I'm trying to grow. I love my family and they love me....most of the time my amazing husband, 2 kids and dog keep me busy. My mind is always moving and diy projects, refurbishing furniture, gluten free cooking and party planning are some of my favorite things.
Things I love

Do you love your bra?

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Do you love your bra? Or do you struggle to find a good bra? I have struggled for years to find a bra that fits me well and I dislike bra shopping for several reasons. I have always struggled to find my correct size. I have a small band size, big cup size and to top it all off I’m asymmetrical like many other women. I will think I found a bra that will work and within a week of wearing the bra, it starts to fit poorly. I have even ordered online in the past, but after trying several different brands, the same size that all fit different and nothing worked. I feel I have wasted a lot of time and money shopping in local retailers or online for bras that do not fit me.

The end of June I decided it was time, I was in dire need of some new bras. I had bought a couple at a local store in town that I settled for and a week after wearing them they did not fit anymore. Facebook seems to be able to read minds and must of know my boobs were need of some support! Thirdlove had popped up in my news feed. I had heard of thirdlove before, but I didn’t think they would have anything for a woman my size. I clicked the link answered some questions about my current bra, my breast shape and size, my build and so on. The questions were straightforward and thoroughly explained with graphics also. After answering the questions, they provided me with my ideal bra, the t-shirt bra. I ordered two bras, black and nude for $68 each. By ordering two bras, I received a $15 discount on my order. So just like that in less than five minutes, I had two bras coming to my doorstep in less than a week. Hmmmmmmm now could it be that easy?

I received a shipment notification and an estimated date when my bras would arrive. Then to my surprise, my package came a day early!!! I felt like a kid on Christmas. I know I know calm down its just bras……….but really if they fit how awesome would that be.

I opened my box to very nicely packaged bras wrapped in tissue. There was instruction on how to try them on correctly. Their return policy was clearly stated on a card, don’t take the tags off till you try them on! My first impression, the T-shirt bra appears to be constructed well with just the right amount of padding. The material seems breathable, and there are beautiful gold metal accents. The bra fit well with no gapping or bulging anywhere.

I felt I needed to wear them a couple of months before I could write a review. So I have been currently wearing the two bras rotating them based on what shirt color I wear. I wear the nude a little more than the black one. I can honestly say I’m thrilled with the bras. The fit and comfort are far better than any of my VS bras I’ve had in the past, and they have held up great. I wash them once a week and retighten the straps. There is nothing I dislike about these bras.

My favorite things about Thirdlove has been the ease of ordering, fit, comfort, quality, and that the company celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. Thirdlove entirely stands behind their products. They provide no hassle returns, and you can even “try before you buy.” Pay $2.99 for shipping and wear, wash and live in your bra for 30 days. If you hate it, return it, and all you pay is the $2.99 for shipping. They will then donate your bra to women in need. If you love it, which I’m sure you will, then you pay $68.

Overall even with the initial cost, I would highly recommend Thirdlove. You can even Save up to $40 with ThirdLove Bra Bundles!  Let me know if you try them and what you think.

 

 

DISCLAIMER:

To help keep my blog running I may receive monetary compensation for purchases made through links on Messy DIY Mom website. Messy DIY Mom (Mindy Pfankuch-Zaragoza) is a participant in the Thirdlove Affiliate Marketing Program, an affiliate advertising and marketing program that pays advertising fees to sites that advertise and link to thirdlove.com.

 

Healthy Home

Who’s Your Farmer?

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Recently as I was perusing Facebook a friend shared a post from a local farm here in the Flathead Valley offering full and partial CSA shares. For those of you that don’t know what CSA stands for it’s, Community Supported Agriculture. Most CSA shares are for vegetables and herbs but you can even find CSA’s that contain eggs, milk, flowers and fruits.

Community Supported Agriculture is so cool because it benefits not only you but also your local farmer.

Consumer Benefits:

  • Extremely fresh local produce with high nutrients value
  • Get creative using what’s in season and trying new recipes
  • Use it as an opportunity if you have kids to educate them on new vegetables and where their food comes from
  • Keep your money local

Farmer Benefits:

  • Plan their crop season and volume
  • Provide fresh produce to their local community
  • Consistent cash flow to keep the farm running

Also it’s pretty fun for the Farmer and the Consumer to meet each other too. Things to consider with a CSA is that you assume a shared risk. The shared risk being if the crop season doesn’t do well for whatever reason your CSA share will reflect that. Although things typically don’t go wrong on the farm it is possible. But also when it’s a bumper crop year, you will benefit greatly from that.

CSA shares can vary from farm to farm but the CSA share I invested in is from Lower Valley Farms. Lower Valley Farms is USDA certified organic and they are approximately 7 miles from my house.  They offer full and partial shares for the consumers. I’m the rabbit in the house and really enjoy my veggies more so than anyone else so I felt a full share would be too much, so I opted for a partial share. The share includes 21 weeks of fresh produce and I was able to choose a convenient monthly billing option at $49 a month.  They also offered several pick up locations in the valley along with a nice newsletter with information on your share for that week and the happenings on the farm. All week I’ve been so excited for today to pick up my first share.

See all theses beautiful veggies (Week 1 of 21)

I have never tried Bok Choy before and am very excited to try it. Tonight we are having steak for dinner and I plan to saute’ the Bok Choy with some garlic and olive oil.

I had been contemplating getting a CSA share this year because I have a hard time keeping up with a garden in the summer. We do not have any built-in irrigation and are typically gone playing a lot on the weekends. I also really appreciate the CSA model of connecting the farmer and consumer. I’m so excited that I decided to do it and after today getting my first weeks share I know I made the right decision. I highly recommend you search locally where ever you are located and try to find a CSA.

Today I feel gratitude towards my local farmers (Jay and Mandy) for growing such beautiful healthy produce. Thank you Lower Valley Farms looking forward to the rest of the season.

 

–Mindy 

 

Gluten Free Cooking

Quick Chocolate Mousse

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IMG_7637This rich chocolate mousse is ready in minutes and can be dressed up with strawberries for a quick weeknight Valentines Day dessert. It’s also gluten and dairy free!

Servings: 4-6

Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 (13.7oz) can of full fat coconut milk refrigerated overnight
  • 3 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt or less depending on your taste
  • 1-2 squares baking chocolate at least 70% cocoa
  • Garnish (shaved chocolate, strawberries, mint, cherries, etc,)

Instructions

  1. Placed unopened cans of coconut milk in fridge overnight or for a full day.  Don’t shake the cans and open carefully. Scoop out the thick cream into a mixer bowl being careful to not splash the coconut water below the cream all over you and down your kitchen cabinets…….it makes a mess! Use the left over liquid for baking, smoothies or just discard.
  2. In mixer bowl with whisk attachment (hand mixer works too) place coconut cream and sugar. Whip until thick and creamy, about 1 minutes. Then add vanilla extract whip again for another minute.
  3. Fold in cocoa powder and salt. Then whip again for another minute. You should have a nice light fluffy mousse.
  4. Shave baking chocolate and fold into mousse. Spoon into your favorite dish or glass and garnish. I did a middle layer of fresh strawberries. If your mousse is not set enough you can place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

I love using wine glasses for more than just wine. They are actually my go to dessert glass. If you love this Montana Wine glass and want to get your own multi use glass you can get one here

https://www.lovemymontana.com/listing/271796154/stemless-montana-wine-glass

Home Design

Hearth & Hand by Magnolia at Target

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I have been patiently waiting for today, November 5th, 2017, not only is it my mom’s 59th Birthday (Happy Birthday Mom), but Target unveiled it’s newest line Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. This new collection is Modern Farm House for everyday use. Now I’m a dire hard, Fixer Upper anything Joanna and Chip Gaines fan. I know TV is one thing but man those two are just so funny and I relate to their core values.  My personal design style is Farm House, but my husband likes a more modern design, so our home decor happy medium is Modern Farm House. When I heard the exciting news that Target was going to have this line I marked the day on my calendar and have been patiently awaiting ever since.

Here in Northwest Montana winter decided to show up the day after Halloween and has been dumping and blowing snow everyday since. This morning I decided the snow and slick roads weren’t going to stop me from getting to Target. I coaxed the kids with a promise of going down the toy isle so they could make their Christmas Wish List (it worked and successful lists). We made it to Target in one piece and I felt like a kid on Christmas Morning. As the doors opened and I walked in there was a sign with the Gaines smiling faces welcoming me, “Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is here”. Ekkkkk!!!! The kids grabbed a cart and quickly followed me.  I rounded the corner and there  it was a beautiful site of green plaid, galvanized metal, faux greenery, wood, Christmas Decor and linen textiles. Ahhhhh I was so in love!!!!! I didn’t even peruse the whole collection before I started adding everything a selected few things to my cart (remembering the budget). The kids were sweet enough to par take in my excitement and started pointing out their favorite things. I felt the quality and price of the products was great. I expected the price range to be higher on most items so I was excited when they fell into my decor budget.

The following items made it home with me today:

Here were some more of my favorites:

The whole collection is great and when I was at Target they were still adding things to the shelves so I’m assuming there will be more items to see when I go to Target later this week. Let me know what you think of this collection, you can  Shop it Online Here.

Save 5% every time you shop at Target with the REDcard

DISCLAIMER:

Messy DIY Mom (Mindy Pfankuch-Zaragoza) is a participant in the Target Affiliate Marketing Program, an affiliate advertising and marketing program that pays advertising fees to sites that advertise and link to target.com.

Gluten Free Cooking

Healthy Banana Split 

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This recipe will take you maybe 5 minutes to make. It’s a delicious alternative to a high sugar favorite. My son loves this recipe and he’s typically pretty picky.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana
  • Plain Greek yogurt a few dollops
  • 4 strawberries (fresh if you have them)
  • 1 Tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
  • Drizzle of maple syrup
  • Sprinkle of Cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Slice banana length wise and place in bowl
  2. Dollop greek yogurt onto banana
  3. Slice strawberries and place on top of yogurt
  4. Sprinkle coconut on top of strawberries then
  5. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Grab a spoon and enjoy!

Gluten Free Cooking

Paleo Chicken Tenders

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Have you ever made something for dinner with ingredients that you know your husband doesn’t like? I have…..I actually do it all the time shhhh don’t tell him! I love my husband so much but he is very picky about food. No nuts, no coconut, very limited veggie, etc. I’ve been on a strict diet as I’ve been trying to lose weight and make sure my efforts at the gym are mirroring my efforts at home. As my trainer Lacey says “Abs are made in the kitchen!” So I came up with this healthy version of breaded chicken strips that my husband loves but he doesn’t know what’s even in it, ha win for me!  This recipe is very quick to make on a week night and multiple sides go well with it. Try it out let me know what you think. 

This post contains affiliated link please read disclosure at the bottom of page.

Paleo Chicken Strips

Time Total: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 

Directions

  1. Pre Heat Oven to 375 degrees
  2. Spray Cookie Sheet with Olive Oil set aside
  3. If using chicken breast cut chicken into 3-6″ long pieces about 1.5-2″ wide.
  4. In swallow dish whisk egg till combined
  5. In another swallow dish combine almond flour, golden flax seed meal, salt, pepper and parsley and stir until combined.
  6. Drip chicken tenders in egg then in almond flour mix until chicken is coated with mixture place on greased cookie sheet and continue till all chicken tenders are breaded.
  7. Bake chicken tenders for 10 minutes then flip and bake for another 10 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees. To get the chicken tenders crispy I switch my oven to broil and broil each side for 1-2 minutes YOU HAVE TO WATCH THEM CLOSELY or they will burn. You do not have to do this step but I like the added crispyness.
  8. Serve hot with BBQ sauce or your favorite dip. 

 

“I Mindy Pfankuch-Zaragoza am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.”
Gluten Free Cooking

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake

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This is the time of year there is Pumpkin flavored everything, I love pumpkin but only when it’s appropriate, ie: pie, cake and coffee!  One of my best friends is literally obsessed about Pumpkin flavored everything I love her dearly but I can’t handle “everything” pumpkin flavored. But I love this Pumpkin Cake with chocolate frosting. This recipe is dedicated to her, except she hates cake but I bet I could get her to eat this cake!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 & ½ cups gluten-free flour mix (I like Nameste or cup4cup)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup coconut sugar or  1/2 cup cane sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest

Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. If you are using coconut oil in your recipe bring eggs, applesauce and pumpkin to room temperature to keep the coconut oil from solidifying once it’s added to the wet ingredients.
  2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease bundt cake pan or metal 9″x 13″ cake pan with coconut oil and set aside.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: gluten-free flour mix, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a bowl and whisk to combine.
  4. With counter top mixer beat eggs and sugar until well combined. Then add pumpkin, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and orange zest and mix until combined.
  5. With your mixer on low slowly add your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix until combined, be careful to not over mix.
  6. Pour your batter into greased cake pan and bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a inserted tooth pick comes out clean.
  7. Let cake cool if using bundt pan. Once cool flip bundt pan upside down onto nice plate cake should easily pop out. If using 9″x13″ pan leave in pan and let cool before frosting.
  8. For frosting in double broiler over medium low heat combine mini chocolate chips, milk, coconut oil  until melted and you have a smooth texture. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let frosting cool about 20 minutes before pouring over cake to frost.

Hope you enjoy this cake as much as I do!

Healthy Home

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet Easily

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I have always had a love hate relationship with my cast iron skillet. I love the way food tasted when cooked in cast iron but dread the cleaning process (I actually dread cleaning all dishes). In the past I have always used the boiling hot water and brush trick to try to get the skillet clean but some of my precious seasoning has been removed from scrubbed to hard over the years.

Last week I cooked some delicious pork chop in my  cast iron skillet and due to forgetting to buy a new scrub brush I was forced to do some experimenting. Long story short a few months ago I had attended a Norwex Party at a friends house. I fell in love with their cleaning cloths and products so much that I signed up to be a independent sales consultant for them. It’s been really fun and I have earned lots of free products over the last few months and one of them being a dish cloth. Now when I saw this “dish cloth” for the first time I was thinking in my head how does this really work it has holes in it! I washed it and put it under the sink to figure it out some other time.

Well in desperation the other night I pulled that dish cloth out and cleaned my cast iron skillet with it. I have never cleaned my skillet so quickly and easily in all theses years. Score! Now I’m no cast iron skillet expert and I really need to re season my skillet but I just wanted to share what worked for me. If you are interested in where to purchase a dish cloth or want to learn more about Norwex please check out my personal website https://mindypfankuchzaragoza.norwex.biz/.

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Directions to Clean Cast Iron Skillet: 

  • Boil water
  • Pour boiling water into cast iron skillet (make sure it’s on a safe hot safe surface)
  • Let hot water sit until it’s cooled off (VERY IMPORTANT)
  • Then take a Norwex Dish cloth and clean skillet
  • Rinse, dry and re oil skillet
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BEFORE
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AFTER

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I am not a cast iron expert these ideas are what worked for me. I receive a small commission from Norwex for sales made through my website.

 

Gluten Free Cooking

Huckleberry Balsamic Honey Pork Chops

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Today I want to share a huckleberry pork chop recipe. But first a little about huckleberries.

In Northwest Montana August and September brings Huckleberry season. The locals go crazy for Huckleberries and most pick to fill their freezers full for the winter.  Tourist are thrilled to try the delicious berries and buy anything huckleberry flavored. If you have never had a huckleberry they are similar to a blueberry but are not in the same family. Huckleberries can be different colors from purple red to a dark purple berries. The purple red berries tent to be tart and the dark purple are very sweet. My family enjoys picking huckleberries and the dogs even like them too!

Huckleberry Balsamic Honey Pork Chops

Ingredients: 

  • 4 pork chops
  • 1/2 cup huckleberries
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 sprigs fresh Thyme
  • 1/4 white wine
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of ginger
  • 1 Tbsp Raw Honey
  • 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp arrow root powder with 2 tsp water (for a thicker reduction)

Directions: 

  1. Drizzle olive oil in pan and let warm. Season pork chops with salt, pepper and garlic powder and add to warm pan.
  2. Pan fry the pork chops approximately 5-6 minutes per side (this will depend on thickness of the cut). The pork chops need to reach an internal temperature of 150 to 160 degrees. Once cooked cover with tin foil and keep in a warm oven.
  3. Using the same pan add huckleberries, balsamic vinegar, wine, fresh thyme taken off the stems, ginger and honey. Simmer to reduce the volume to about half. Squeeze a half a lemon over reduction and add butter. Once butter melts add arrow root slurry to reduction if you like a thicker reduction.
  4. Spoon your sauce over your warm pork chops and serve immediately.

 

I love this for a quick recipe but feel like it’s something I’d find in a 5 star restaurant. Even better it’s gluten free.  My husband doesn’t like sweet with his meat but the kids and I love this recipe. Pair a fresh garden salad with this and you have a healthy option for dinner.

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Uncategorized

About the messy diy mom….

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My very first post….am I nervous, well yes. Why did I decide to start blogging? Oh yes that’s right I want to help other mommies out there like me!

I live in beautiful Kalispell, Montana, nestled in the Northwestern part of the state. Glacier Nation Park is in our back yard, only 30 minutes away! Contrary to some peoples beliefs we do actually have running water, electricity and do not ride horses everywhere. I’m a daughter, mother and wife. I work full time managing a dental office along with my bosses everyday moves. I also have a business of my own where I make Montana inspired drink ware and decals.

I have a handsome 10 year old son and a beautiful 9 year old step daughter. My husband (he is also handsome) and I were married August 30th, 2014. All three are my rock and I don’t know what I’d do with out them……well I’d probably drink some wine and not have to make dinner! But I would miss them terribly if it was for more than a day.

I’m the person who tries to do it all for everyone but sometimes “doing it all” mean I leave a messy wake behind me so come a long for some good laughs and maybe I can share a thing or two that may help you out some day.

~Mindy 

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