This post has been sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions expressed are solely my own. #BaronessPatches #CollectiveBias
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “How do you manage to do it all?” I’d undoubtedly be a millionaire! The honest truth is, there are very few days when I don’t pose the same question to myself, because each day presents its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. As a dedicated work-at-home mom to seven wonderful children – with three of them being home with me throughout my workday – adaptability isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life. I’ve learned to navigate the unpredictable, embracing flexibility and refusing to let the minor setbacks derail my focus. For many, this lifestyle might sound overwhelming, and I won’t deny that there are moments when it truly is. Yet, this dynamic energy is precisely what I cherish about my life. There’s an exhilarating absence of monotony, and I’m consistently inspired to rise to the occasion, tackling tasks head-on and finding innovative ways to ensure everything gets done!
In this article, I’m excited to share some of my practical strategies on How I Get It All Done, along with an incredibly simple yet delicious recipe for a Mushroom & Corn Salad that’s perfect for busy evenings. Plus, stay tuned for details on an exciting giveaway where you could win over $4000 in Walmart e-gift cards!
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Navigating the Beautiful Chaos: A Day in the Life of a Work-at-Home Mom
Life with seven children, especially when three are home with me during work hours, is a constant adventure. Just last week, I experienced one of those quintessential “mom moments” that perfectly encapsulates the beautiful chaos of our home. I had carefully placed Olivia in her playpen, settled the baby nearby, and engaged Joseph with a set of colorful building blocks, all so I could quickly step out to handle a pressing work task. I was gone for no more than five minutes, but upon my return, I was met with a scene that was both exasperating and oddly endearing: Olivia’s hair was thoroughly coated in diaper rash ointment, which I had mistakenly left within reach after her last diaper change. Joseph, in his well-intentioned (yet spectacularly messy) efforts to “help,” had climbed into the playpen, liberally applied the ointment to his sister’s head, and then attempted to clean up his handiwork with an entire roll of toilet paper, which now lay shredded around them.
My reaction to such moments, and to challenging days in general, isn’t always the same, but there’s a recurring theme: I often shift into what I call “mommy mode.” In this state, distractions fade, minor mishaps become manageable, and I simply focus on getting things done. It’s a blend of deep breaths, problem-solving, and a healthy dose of humor. This resilience is vital because being a work-at-home parent isn’t just about managing schedules and tasks; it’s about embracing the unexpected, finding creative solutions on the fly, and maintaining a sense of peace amidst the pandemonium. It means knowing when to power through and when to pivot, ensuring that both my professional responsibilities and my family’s needs are met, often simultaneously. It’s a continuous learning curve, but one that has taught me invaluable lessons in patience, adaptability, and the sheer joy of a full, vibrant home.
Your Secret Weapon for Busy Weeknights: Quick & Easy Meal Solutions
Motherhood, especially with a large family and a demanding work schedule, is undoubtedly a marathon, not a sprint. We all need a reliable wingman to help us through those days when our energy reserves are running low, and the thought of cooking a full dinner feels utterly insurmountable. On such days, much like the resourceful Baroness – and you can discover your own Baroness patch by taking this fun personality quiz here, plus grab a fantastic $0.75 ibotta offer here – I turn to dependable, convenient solutions. My go-to is often a delicious Red Baron pizza, which I consistently stock up on at Walmart. Having a few of their pizzas stashed in the freezer is a genuine game-changer, acting as my culinary rescue squad when the evening rush hits. It’s an effortless way to “save the day” without compromising on taste or quality, ensuring my family gets a satisfying meal without me spending precious time slaving over a hot stove.
My children’s absolute favorite is the classic Red Baron® Classic Pepperoni. The crispy crust, savory sauce, and generous toppings are always a hit, satisfying even the pickiest eaters at our table. What makes Red Baron pizzas even better is their incredible versatility. While they are fantastic on their own, I love pairing them with a fresh, homemade side dish to add a touch of healthful balance to our meal. My easy Mushroom & Corn Salad, for example, complements the rich flavors of the pepperoni pizza beautifully. In fact, it’s so versatile that I sometimes even use it as a flavorful topping for a plain cheese pizza, instantly transforming a simple dinner into something a little more gourmet without any extra effort. This combination ensures that even on the busiest nights, we can enjoy a wholesome and enjoyable family meal together, reinforcing the idea that convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or a healthy twist.
Elevate Your Dinner: Easy Mushroom & Corn Salad Recipe
This vibrant Mushroom & Corn Salad is a fresh, zesty accompaniment to any meal, especially a warm pizza. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the richness of a Red Baron pizza. It’s not just a side; it’s a quick way to introduce more vegetables and bright flavors to your family dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2-3 ears of fresh corn on the cob (or 1.5 cups frozen corn, thawed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Approximately 1 lb cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Begin by boiling and cooking the corn on the cob until tender, usually about 5-7 minutes after the water comes to a boil. Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the water and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully chop all the corn kernels off the cob. Set the kernels aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let them brown too much. Once tender, transfer the sautéed onions to the same large bowl with the corn kernels.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook and stir the mushrooms frequently until they release their moisture, begin to shrink, and develop a beautiful tender, dark brown color. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The browning process is key to developing their rich, earthy flavor. Once perfectly cooked, add the sautéed mushrooms to the bowl with the corn and onions.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
To the bowl containing the corn, onions, and mushrooms, add the freshly squeezed juice from two lemons and two limes. The citrus juices will add a fantastic bright and tangy note that elevates all the flavors. Drizzle with an additional tablespoon of fresh olive oil if desired for extra richness. Gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. Serve this delightful Mushroom & Corn Salad immediately alongside a hot, crispy slice of your favorite Red Baron pizza. It’s a perfect pairing that’s both satisfying and surprisingly fresh!
More Than Just a Meal: Creating Priceless Family Moments
At the end of a long, often demanding day as a work-at-home mom, the ability to simply toss a tasty Red Baron pizza into the oven for my always-hungry, sometimes-picky eaters is more than just convenience—it’s a priceless gift. It means I don’t have to stress over meal prep when my energy is depleted, and it frees up valuable time that would otherwise be spent cooking. This simple act of choosing an easy dinner allows me to genuinely sit down at the table with my children, engaging in conversation, listening to their stories from the day, and truly enjoying their company without the added pressure of kitchen duties looming over me. These moments of connection, of shared laughter over a comforting meal, are what truly matter. They are the building blocks of family memories, forged in the everyday rhythms of life. Red Baron pizza, coupled with a fresh, vibrant side like my Mushroom & Corn Salad, helps transform a potentially stressful weeknight into an opportunity for togetherness and genuine enjoyment, proving that smart choices can indeed lead to more quality time with those we love most.
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