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Nov 24

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No more clutter: gifts preschoolers love and parents appreciate. 

👉🏽 Pssst… Send this to someone who has a preschooler on their shopping list! They will thank you later. 

If you’re shopping for a preschooler (roughly ages 3-5), these are the gifts that actually get played with long after Christmas morning. Think open-ended, durable, imagination-boosting favorites that work for busy little hands and tired parents alike.

🎁Want the full list? Comment “gift guides” and I’ll send it straight to you.

Why our gift guides are different:

• We’ve been creating gift guides for 12+ years
• 50k+ people used them last year
• Updated yearly with fresh ideas and current links
• Organized by price range for easy browsing
• Every idea includes an image

Comment gift guide to have this list for your holiday shopping!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/gift-guide-girls-ages-3-5/

#preschoolgifts
#giftguide2025
#preschoolmomlife
#holidaygiftideas
#kidsgiftguide
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Nov 21

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Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

Our Thanksgiving week meal plan sponsored by @hyveecolumbia  is here! We’re keeping meals simple, cozy, and family-friendly—saving the big cooking energy for Thursday! Wishing you a week full of good food, gratitude, and time with the people you love.

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals 
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-november-24/
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Nov 20

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Ok people… why did no one tell me about this? Maybe you did and I just ignored your amazing advice for far too long.

This little “time timer” has genuinely helped my kids manage their time so much better. It’s especially great for kids who struggle to conceptualize time (which is… all of them! Haha). 

It’s so simple yet gives them a visual for how much time they have left. Ideas for use:

- Mornings before school
- Timeouts
- Video game limits
- Bedtime countdowns 

Truly endless possibilities. I welcome more ideas below!

If you have kiddos, I highly recommend getting one.

Comment “Send Link” and I will DM you the affiliate link. 

https://amzn.to/3X47pBx
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Nov 18

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Mashed Potatoes with a Delicious Twist: Boursin Cheese!

Recipe below or comment send link if you want me to DM it to you. 

These simple-to-make yet gourmet-tasting Boursin Mashed Potatoes elevate any holiday table or meal. Yukon gold potatoes plus the soft, creamy garlic and herb cheese yield a velvety, moist, decadent side dish.

COMMENT SEND LINK FOR THE RECIPE 

INGREDIENTS

-3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces; about 8 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces)
- 1 (5-ounce) container Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin cheese (sub: Alouette Garlic and Herbs Cheese)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Boil the potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Cover and bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes. 

2. Drain the potatoes: Drain the potatoes in a colander and return to the pot. Let them sit for a minute or two to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.

3. Mash the potatoes: Add in the milk, unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir everything until the butter is mostly melted. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth (do not overmix or they will become gummy). 

4. Crumble the Boursin cheese over the top and stir until melted and thoroughly incorporated.  Add more milk if the potatoes aren’t moist enough. Taste and add salt, as desired.

Enjoy!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/gourmet-boursin-mashed-potatoes/
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Nov 18

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The stress-relief tool you didn’t know you needed.

If you or your kids tend to pick, bite nails, or have restless hands, this little picky pad gives that urge a better place to go. 

I originally bought one for a single kiddo… and now all three are obsessed. They keep telling me how satisfying it is.

Each pad keeps their hands busy for hours. Pro Tip: I set out a small cup for the pieces they pull so it all stays contained and mess-free.

Ordering more for their stockings because these have been a total win.

👉🏽 Comment send link and I will DM it to you right now. (Affiliate link)

https://amzn.to/3XF3gUA

#fidgettoys #sensorytoy #anxietyrelief #adhdsupport #adhdtools #stressrelief #sensorytools  #momfinds #anxietytools #sensorykids #calmingtools #stockingstuffers
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Nov 17

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Listen. Not everyone loves pumpkin pie. Myself included. The good news is, we have a solution for your table! 

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect swap that will still scream pumpkin dessert but is a hit with all ages, pumpkin pie haters included. 

Want to try it out?

Comment recipe and I’ll DM it to you. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/pumpkin-dump-cake/
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Nov 16

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Why This Is My Favorite Soup
--Rachel

⭐️It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep! I always double it and freeze the extras for lunches.
⭐The creamy broth gets its complex flavor from a powerhouse ingredient–garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese, which you can easily find in most grocery stores.
⭐️It’s gluten-free and filled with veggies and lean protein, yet so comforting and decadent tasting. Be sure to serve with your favorite crusty bread!

Scroll through the photos to see how it comes together. Comment SOUP and we'll send you the link:
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/boursin-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-gluten-free/
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Nov 13

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Day 5 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // Boursin Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This comforting Boursin Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is simple to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, gluten-free, and packed with complex flavors and texture. 

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to serve company.

To save time, I ordered my groceries online from Hy-Vee. 

Since Hy-Vee has higher quality ingredients, I’m hardly ever disappointed with what my shopper delivers. 

Comment SEND LINK and I will get this recipe right over to your inbox!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/boursin-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-gluten-free/
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Nov 12

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Day 4 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // Italian Chicken Thighs

Over 100,000 people have made this recipe in the past few years — and it’s easy to see why. It’s super simple, freezer-friendly, flavorful, and downright delicious.

It’s even one of my 14-year-old’s favorite Thriving Home dinners!

Here’s all you need:

👉🏽 Garlic powder
👉🏽 Onion powder
👉🏽 Salt & pepper
👉🏽 Italian seasoning
👉🏽 Poultry seasoning
👉🏽 Paprika

That’s it! I keep these stocked in my pantry year-round — all Hy-Vee store brand (budget-friendly and just as good as name brand!).

Want the recipe?

Comment RECIPE and I’ll DM it to you right now. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/italian-baked-chicken-thighs/
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Nov 11

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Tired of the same Thanksgiving dishes every year? 
Try one of these 5 unexpected crowd-pleasers that’ll steal the spotlight:

1️⃣ Apple Cranberry Sauce - Sweeter than the typical cranberry sauce. All ages love it.

2️⃣ Crock Pot Pumpkin Spiced Latte - A perfect drink to have out to sip on before or after your meal. 

3️⃣ Ham and Cheese Sliders - Perfect for kids who don’t love turkey. 

4️⃣ Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette - So flavorful! 

5️⃣ Pumpkin Dump Cake - A delightful twist on pumpkin pie. 

Comment THANKSGIVING and I’ll send links to these your way. 

https://thriving-home.kit.com/c8a01feb40
11 12

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Nov 11

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Tired of the same Thanksgiving dishes every year? 
Try one of these 5 unexpected crowd-pleasers that’ll steal the spotlight:

1️⃣ Apple Cranberry Sauce - Sweeter than the typical cranberry sauce. All ages love it.

2️⃣ Crock Pot Pumpkin Spiced Latte - A perfect drink to have out to sip on before or after your meal. 

3️⃣ Ham and Cheese Sliders - Perfect for kids who don’t love turkey. 

4️⃣ Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette - So flavorful! 

5️⃣ Pumpkin Dump Cake - A delightful twist on pumpkin pie. 

GET THE RECIPE >>>

https://thriving-home.kit.com/c8a01feb40
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Nov 11

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Two Truths and a Lie: Have you commented your guess yet?

Don’t keep reading until you do! Promise?

OK - only after you commented you can read the answer below!

1. TRUTH: Polly IS banned from running Facebook ads. At some point in 2017, Polly ran an ad that violated a mystery policy. (They never told her what she did wrong). Despite many appeals, she is still blocked from running ads. 

2. TRUTH: It sounded like such a great idea in the moment! Sadly the url was never used nor did it sell for close to that amount. Whoops. 

3. LIE: Rachel almost had a major oops! When we filmed our segment for the Hallmark Home & Family Show, she thought we were just doing a practice run. She was THIS CLOSE to stopping mid-filming to ask a question — until the crew wrapped up and said, “That was great!” That’s when she realized… it was the real deal! 😅
16 6

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Nov 10

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Day 3 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // Sausage Rigatoni

Dinner in 20 minutes? Yes, please. This creamy, tomatoey Sausage Rigatoni is packed with flavor and couldn’t be easier to make.

With just 4 main ingredients, you’ll be amazed how much flavor this dish delivers. Boursin cheese (the secret flavor bomb!) melts into marinara sauce and browned Italian sausage to create a rich, velvety coating for the rigatoni. It’s comfort food perfection—especially on busy nights.

I grabbed everything I needed from Hy-Vee. Love that I can pick up groceries and a few household essentials all in one stop.

👉 Comment “Send Link” for the recipe!
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/sausage-rigatoni/
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Nov 10

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This is what I do when I’m completely overwhelmed by a big cleanup!
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Nov 7

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Day 2 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // Chicken and Dumplings

Your home will smell amazing while this comforting meal cooks away. The best part? It’s easy, hearty, and the perfect cozy dinner for a chilly night.

I grabbed a few ingredients I didn’t have on hand from Hy-Vee (#ad). Their short lines and friendly staff make shopping a breeze!

If you’re looking for a fun, out-of-the-box slow cooker meal to try this fall, this one’s it.

👉 Comment “Send Link” for the recipe!

 https://thrivinghomeblog.com/crock-pot-chicken-and-dumplings/

#slowcookerrecipes #fallcomfortfood #cozydinnerideas #easyfamilymeals #chickenanddumplings #instantpotrecipes #weeknightdinner #homemadecomfortfood #thrivinghome #fallrecipes #warmandcozy #makeaheadmeals #heartymeals #souprecipes #familyfavorites
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Nov 7

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Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

Dinner just got easier! Our newest meal plan sponsored by @hyveecolumbia  is ready—with fresh flavors, cozy comfort, and a week’s worth of family-friendly meals you’ll actually look forward to.

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.
#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-november-10/
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Nov 6

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Don’t start cooking until you see this Thanksgiving guide 🦃✨

We’ve rounded up our tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes — the ones we’ve tested for years and serve to our own families. From make-ahead sides to foolproof main dished and irresistible desserts, it’s all in one place.

👇 Comment THANKSGIVING and we’ll send you the guide!

https://thriving-home.kit.com/0eb3f25b61

#thanksgivingguide #thanksgivingfood #thanksgivingrecipes
7 22

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Nov 5

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Day 1 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // 4-Ingredient Boursin Chicken 🍁🍲

I had no idea a recipe could be so easy but also so flavorful. This is why this 4-Ingredient Boursin Chicken is a perfect cozy fall night recipe. 

👉🏽 Pure comfort food
👉🏽 Comes together in just 25 minutes
👉🏽 Only requires 4 main ingredients

When chicken breast goes on sale at Hy-Vee, stock up and use this recipe on repeat. Don’t forget to grab your Boursin cheese there too!

Comment RECIPE so you don’t lose this idea!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/4-ingredient-boursin-chicken/

#boursinchicken #fallweeknight #weeknightmeal #cozymeal #cozyfallmeal #easydinner #easychickenrecipe #boursincheese
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Nov 5

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Our 13 different Holiday Gift Guides have hundreds of ideas for all ages and all price points.

Here is what makes our Gift Guides different: 

✅Quality Ideas - We take each recommendation very seriously.
💫 Updated - We prune and update every single year.
😍 Easy to Browse - Pictures for each idea.
👍🏼 Separate Guides for Different Ages - Easy to find ideas for who you are looking for.
💰Organized by Price - Each guide lists ideas by price range.

We’re so excited to get these in your hands to make holiday shopping less stressful. 

Comment Gift Guide and I will DM you the link!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/holiday-gift-guide/

#HolidayGiftGuide #GiftGuide2025 #GiftsForEveryone #HolidayShopping #HolidayGifts #ChristmasGiftGuide #GiftIdeas #GiftInspo #BestGifts2025 #GiftGivingMadeEasy #GiftsForHer #GiftsForHim #GiftsForKids #GiftsForTeens #GiftsForMoms #GiftsForDads #GiftsForFriends
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Nov 3

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The perfect blend of comfort and flavor with these heavenly Sweet Potato Biscuits. They are perfectly moist, made with a tender crumbly texture, and have a subtle sweetness that takes a classic biscuit recipe to the next level. 

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup salted butter (cold and cubed)
1 cup buttermilk (cold; plus more as needed)
1/2 cup sweet potato flesh (cooked, cooled, and mashed; about 1 small sweet potato)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.

Cut in butter: Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix butter into dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form.

Mix wet ingredients: Whisk or blend buttermilk and sweet potato until mostly smooth.

Combine: Stir wet and dry ingredients together just until a dough forms.

Shape biscuits: Roll dough ¾-inch thick on a floured surface and cut into rounds. Place on pan without touching.

Bake: 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
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