Switch up Your Thanksgiving Meat

If you are like my family you may be tired of having turkey every Thanksgiving. Not only is it exhausting to cook a turkey but it gets old. Say you buy a turkey it is freaking expensive. Every year my family starts and ends the Thanksgiving season complaining about cooking or eating turkey. Don’t get me wrong we eat turkey every week but on Thanksgiving it is getting old. Join my family in the decision to have a Turkey free Thanksgiving. You may ask now Deb, what are we supposed to eat now? Girl, I got you! I found some amazing recipes that are fun and different; but will leave your Thanksgiving guest extremely happy.



I have included a huge variety of recipes and meat. I got nitty gritty about including all types of meats. I also choose recipes that fit the fall menu pallet. I do not want to rock your boat and have you pair weird flavors with your Thanksgiving sides. Even if you still want turkey I encourage you to make one of these as well and see how many people at your Thanksgiving choose the alternative meat or both. It is a season of change in American, let’s change up the Turkey tradition.

1.       Maple Walnut Crusted Salmon: This is the recipe I am making this Thanksgiving. It has great fall ingredients and will wow your guests. Recipe Here!

2.       Dutch Oven Pot Roast: This is a simple and easy solution for your Thanksgiving. It also takes you back to the original Thanksgiving since they would have cooked in Dutch Ovens. Recipe Here!

3.       Venison Meatloaf: I love eating dear meat. Not to mention if you have a hunter in the family I am going to bet you have some deer meat sitting in your deep freeze right now. Congrats you are saving money this Thanksgiving. Your welcome! Recipe Here!

4.       Deep Fried Quail: This may be hard to come by. You could have some quail if your husband’s hunts or maybe your local health food store of butcher shop can sell you some quail. But deep fried quail is one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten. Recipe Here!

5.       Tomatillo Elk Verde Stew: You may be thinking I am crazy by all the exotic meat but do not worry chicken is next. Just stop and think about it what is more Native American & Immigrant Settlers than a hearty Elk Stew. Recipe Here!

6.       One Pan Apple Cider Chicken Skillet: This is for anyone who does not want to venture far away from the traditional turkey. You can sub it for Chicken with a good apple cider spin on it. Recipe Here!

7.       Fall Burgers: Thank you Rachel Ray! Yes, sometimes we just want a good old burger for Thanksgiving. Here are some fun fall burger recipes to do just that. Recipe Here!

I truly hope this has helped you. You and your family are going to enjoy this fun change. Be sure to let me know what you are cooking for your meat this Thanksgiving by tagging me on Instagram @fit_chick_missdeborah



Happy Thanksgiving!

The Medela Pump in Style Vs The Freemie Breast Pump

If you stumbled upon this you are probably lost in the decision of which breast pump to buy. It is a hard one. I took the advice of my sister the first time and it turned out very well. My sister always researched these kind of things. I got lost in all the recommendations. It was extremely hard to choose. The second time around I went with a new one I had been eye balling in the second year of breastfeeding my son and pumping at work. I mean why not I had my first one which still worked well. If all went wrong I had nothing to lose. I wanted to share with you my two experiences and a comparison chart.

My first experience was with the Medela pump. I was not able to get my son to latch at the hospital due to poor instructions and a very sleepy little boy. I was send home to pump and bottle feed him as well as supplement with formula. I was pumping often. The Medela was the perfect pump strength wise for this. It helped me get my supply up without successfully nursing. I used it after every attempted feed for the first few weeks and then as needed for the next two years. It did get old holding the pumps. I got very good at propping them up awkwardly on my legs so I could play on my phone or eat. They helped me be able to go to work and still breastfeed David. All in all the Medela pump was great.

My second experience was with the Freemie pump. My daughter was a breastfeeding champ from the start. I used the pump at first to help with my oversupply and release pressure. Then later on I pumped two to three times a week to have a supply if I wanted to go out or in case I get sick. The pump is amazing if you have a toddler. While using the freemie pump you can continue being productive. It is extremely important to boil the parts before use and follow the instructions. I had a little panic attack because my pump stopped working when really I should have just read the instructions. All in all the Freemie is perfect for someone who has a good letdown that can easily pump and for someone who wants to multitask. 

I wanted to compare and contrast for you the Medela and Freemie breast pump. I never exclusively pumped, but I did pump while at work or simply to have a supply if I needed to go out. I used the Medela pump for over 2 years. I have been using the Freemie for 7 weeks now. Both are amazing pumps but they have very different pros and cons. No pump is perfect for everyone. In order to help guide you in your purchase I want to give you my honest opinion on both pumps.



How is the Noise Level?

Medela: It can be super loud and at times for me it made slurping noises. This is not a pump to use in public unless you want everyone to know what you are doing.

Freemie: The Freemie pump is extremely quiet. If you were in a room with white noise or soft music playing you would not be able to hear it.



Is it comfortable to use?

Medela: It does not hurt at all to use and the settings are extremely customizable. It is a pain however to always hold them on or if you are good find an awkward way to sit where they balance on your legs or a pillow. Yes you can get a special bra or holder for them but that seems like a pain.

Freemie: It is slightly awkward to wear looks wise being that your breast size would have double by putting them on. It does feel super comfortable and is a gentle suction but effective. I do suggest you get a comfortable stretchy bra like this one.




How easy is it to use?

Medela: It’s easy to turn on and adjust the settings. But you are super limited as to what you can do while pumping. You can basically only watch TV.

Freemie: It is super easy. You do not have to stop what you are doing to use it. You just put it in your bra and keep going. You would not want to bend over but you can drive, work at a desk, vacuum, or walk. It is hard to get all the milk out, the pour option does leave behind about 5 big drops of milk.



How easy is it to wash?

Medela: It can be a pain. The little yellow piece always got stuck for me if I did not immediately wash it. I had to use pliers to get it off a few times. Other than that the other pieces are easy to clean and assemble.

Freemie: It is extremely easy to clean. It was a bit hard to put together the first time, but now that I have done it, it is easy. My husband will not try to put it together though it is a little intimidating with all the odd pieces.

I would like to end with who I think each pump would be good for. The Medela is great for a first time mom. You have no clue if making milk will be easy or hard for you and the Medela is a very strong pump and super adjustable. You can find replacement parts at your local Walmart or Target as well which makes it convenient. The Freemie is amazing for a veteran mom. If you have pumped before and know you have a strong enough let down that a gentle pump will work; get this one. It truly does make life easier. Freedom while pumping has changed the work load amount I can do. Most importantly momma I want to encourage you on your breastfeeding journey. As a mom who breastfed for 2.5 years with my first and am on week 7 with my second, it will not be easy but let me tell you it is worth it. It is worth it on a bonding level for you and baby, health level for baby, hormonal health for you, and weight loss help for you too. I am proud of you choosing to do this for you and your baby; you got this!