Month

June 2015

Overnight Oats: How I Was Finally Convinced Chia Seeds are Ok

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This post was compensated with products from NOW Foods, however what I whip up and opinions regarding the products are 100% my own.

I am always willing to try new things. I try not to be picky. Since having children, I am especially conscience of this. I want the kids to know that trying new foods should not be that scary, and they might find something they actually like if they just try.

However, I have always had a problem trying Chia Seeds. For some reason they freak me out. I have a mental block. What is ridiculous, is that they are so tiny and they are so incredibly healthy.

 

I know what it is, though. When I was a little kid, I got horribly sick one time. I was prescribed a medicine that could only be given to me in a capsule form. I was way too little to be taking capsules as I was used to taking liquid medicines. So, the pediatrician told my parents to break open the capsules and put the medicine in applesauce. Then, I would easily be able to swallow the medicine. I would be fine.

I was not fine.

The texture of the little seed like medicine in the applesauce made me gag. It was terrible. AWFUL! Since then, I have not had applesauce or anything seed like. I know. It was like 30 years ago, and I am still harboring this not even that traumatizing experience.

When I saw we had Chia seeds in our NOW Foods gift bag, I told myself, this was it! The research began, and here we are. I started slowly. At the NOW Foods event we used them as a binding ingredient for the quinoa burgers, and I didn’t even know they were there. Perfect! Next, I started adding them to smoothies. HOORAY!

Then, I made overnight oats combining a few of my favorite flavors, vanilla, strawberry, and banana. This has helped tremendously with my fear of Chia Seeds, and now I think I am over it.

 

Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats (makes 4 servings)
1 1/3 cup oatmeal
1 1/3 cup milk (you can use almond or dairy)
1 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 tsp Ellyndale Organic Vanilla Extract
4 tsp NOW Real Foods Organic Agave Nectar
2 tsp Organic Chia Seeds
1 large banana chopped into small pieces
8 or 10 strawberries cut into small pieces

 

Get four small glass or plastic containers with tight fitting lids. In each container add: 1/3 cup oats, 1/3 cup milk, 1/3 cup yogurt, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp agave, 1/2 tsp chia seeds, 1/4 of the sliced banana, and 1/4 of the sliced strawberries.

 

Put the lids on the containers and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best.

 

This is the perfect breakfast or snack on the go, while working, or to combat a weird fear of a Chia Seeds.

 

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Eating Healthy Never Tasted and Felt So Good: Gluten Free Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup with NOW Foods

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I was compensated with free products from NOW Foods, but all the opinions expressed regarding these products are 100% my own. 


If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter or on Facebook (if you don’t why not?), you’ll see that a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to cook in the NOW Foods test kitchen with Chef Suzy Singh. Let me say that again. I got to actually chop, stir, sauté, and sample food in a real test kitchen with one of the most amazing chefs in the country. It was one of the most amazing experiences, and definitely something I have always wanted to do.

After learning more about NOW Foods, we got to take home $130 worth of products to try at home (and stick around later this week, and you can have a chance to win them too!). In the last few weeks, I have been experimenting and sampling all of the things I have been given. 

Having a husband, three kids and loving to try different things myself, I am used to having to please many different palettes, different dietary needs, allergy needs, and cooking requirements. I also am pretty skeptical of “health foods” or foods that are allergy safe for my kids. They often have an unnatural taste. With NOW Foods, everything is natural including the taste! 

Look at these Gluten Free Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup I made. Do they look like “health food” to you?

Gluten Free Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup

Pancakes
1 Cup Living Now Gluten Free Baking and Pancake Mix
1 egg
1 tsp melted butter, cooled
1 tsp NOW Organic Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp sugar OR 2 tbsp NOW Real Foods Sugarless Sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tbsp butter OR 1 tbsp NOW Ellyndale Coconut Infusions Butter

In a large bowl, mix together mix, egg, melted butter, vanilla, sugar, and milk. 

Then, heat a large pan or electric skillet to medium heat. Put butter or coconut oil on skillet and spread around to coat pan to make a surface for the pancakes. 

Take 1/4 cup of pancake mixture and put on hot surface. When pancakes begin to bubble and edges are firm (about 2 minutes) flip pancake and cook on other side for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Blueberry Syrup
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup water
1 cup sugar OR NOW Real Foods Sugarless Sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp corn starch

In a small sauce pan, over medium heat add blueberries, water, sugar, and lemon zest, stir occasionally. 

When the blueberries come to a bubble lower heat and stir in corn starch to thicken. 

Let blueberries simmer for 10-12 minutes on medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Stack pancakes, add a pat of butter and blueberry syrup. 

Enjoy in good health like my oldest son, who gobbled them up so fast I didn’t have time to take anymore photos.

If there is extra syrup, you can store in a glass jar or airtight container and put in the fridge for about three days, and maybe put on some vanilla ice cream (just sayin’).

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Meatheads: A Family Favorite and a Giveaway

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I was compensated by Meatheads to write this post but the opinions are 100% my own.

We are an allergy family. A couple of my kids have some food allergies. This makes finding a place to eat out that we can all agree on difficult. Fast food is often out of the question.

Unless it is Meatheads.

When they first opened in our area, I immediately was skeptical about another cool place that we probably would never be able to enjoy, but when I read more about their never frozen grass fed beef and their hand cut fries, I stopped in one day and asked some questions.

After talking to a general manager, I found out Meatheads takes special care with each customer to make sure that each meal is prepared to the customers specifications. Since nuts are a concern for us, and there are no nuts anywhere on the menu not even in their salads there is not a chance for cross contamination with their burgers or fries. I was so happy to finally find a place we could grab lunch quickly.

As you can see, the kids love it!

 

My favorite burger is the Hawaiian. Fresh pinanapple and jalapeños make this burger the perfect combo of sweet, spicy and savory.

Meatheads also has a commitment to community involvement as well as having fun promotional events for kids and families. This summer you can check out their Voracious Book Tour. at your local Meatheads or even take part in Meatheads reading program.

To get you started I have a giveaway for a $25 Meatheads Gift Card! All you have to do is LIKE the Home Everyday Facebook Fan Page OR if you are already a Home Everyday fan, leave a comment. Do it by Monday, June 22, and you could enter for the chance to win $25 to Meatheads!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Pina Colada S’mores: A Nostalgic Summer Get-Together

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I have been compensated by #LetsMakeSmores and #CollectiveBias for this post, but the opinions expressed are 100% my own.


There are two things that can immediately transport me back to childhood. Food and music. #LetsMakeSmores agrees. Not long ago, I heard The Pina Colada song by Rupert Holmes in the movie Grown Ups. This is one of those movies that I am ashamed that I actually like so much because I know so many people who hate it. However, I think what draws me to it, is the idea of reminiscing with old friends. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than sitting around a fire, listening to tunes and talking.

And what better way to get an immediate transport back to yesteryear this summer with my friends by combining this song with another childhood classic: S’mores.

 

This recipe takes less than 10 minutes, all of the S’mores classic ingredients Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Jet Puffed Marshmallows, Hershey’s Chocolate bars, and is perfect for those nights you’re already reminiscing with friends around a bon fire. If a bon fire is not your thing, these can easily be made indoors too.

 

The first trick is to making these awesome S’mores whenever you want for a quick treat is to always have S’mores ingredients on hand. Walmart already has them together for you in store for easy shopping.

 

So, get the old tunes cranked up, and invite your old pals over. It is time for some of the best S’mores you’ve ever had.

Pina Colada S’mores
Honey Maid Graham Crackers
Jet Puffed Marshmallows
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
fresh pineapple cut into chunks
coconut flakes

 

When you’re outside with your friends, and you have a nice hot bon fire and always using fire safety, roast both one Jet Puffed marshmallow AND one pineapple slice. This helps to not only get your marshmallow perfectly gooey on the inside, but also gets the pineapple nice and caramelized on the outside.

 

While you are roasting the Jet Puffed marshmallow and pineapple, have a friend prep your Honey Maid Graham Cracker square with two or three rectangles of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and some coconut flakes.

 

Whether your marshmallow is flaming or just golden, you be the judge of perfection, put your roasted goodies on your prepared graham and top it with one more Honey Maid Graham cracker square.

 

Then, in between bites talk about your fun summer adventures, or the time you waited in line all night for the midnight showing of Star Wars: Episode I and you were the only one not dressed up thus proving you were the nerd of the dorks.

 

In under 10 minutes you’ll feel like a kid again, but with a little grown up fanciness for good measure.

 

When you get together with your old pals this summer, how will you dress up your s’mores? What tunes will be playing? What memories will you be sharing?

 

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Creamsicle Floats

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I am now on this whole float bandwagon. Ever since I mixed beer and ice cream a few weeks ago (trust me it’s awesome), I cannot get enough. I find myself perusing the soda aisle more and more, looking for different sodas to mix with ice cream. I think it is the ease of having a milkshake like treat without having to break out the blender that has me sold on them.

 

I think it is more that these treats remind me of my Dad.

 

So, get ready to see more of these awesome concoctions because I’m starting to see the possibilities are endless!

 

My kids are anti-root beer. It is a bummer too, because with it being caffeine free, it is a pop that I would occasionally allow on a weekend for a treat. However, they recently just tried Orange pop for the first time. And loved it.

 

So this is where the Creamsicle float was born.

I found a great Orange Cream Soda, but my friend Shannan over at Mom Factually is so amazing and fancy that she actually has a recipe for her very own Orange Cream Soda on her blog.

You can make these Creamsicle Floats with her soda or with orange pop and either way they are a dream for anyone. I was even thinking if you wanted a grown up version, perhaps a shot of vanilla vodka might be nice.

Creamsicle Floats (makes one)

1 bottle or 12 oz orange cream soda or orange pop chilled
3 scoops vanilla ice cream
orage slices for garnish

 

In a large glass scoop ice cream.

 

Pour soda over. Serve with orange slices, straw and spoon.

 

Sipping with your shoes off in the sunshine is best!

 

For last week’s Thirsty Thursday CLICK HERE. For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

 

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

DIY Glitter Converse All Stars or There’s No Place Like Home

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When it comes to my wardrobe there are a few staples for which I always rely. A-line dresses, statement necklaces, a good pair of jeans, brightly colored pants, a few nice blouses, cardigans, and Converse All Stars. I know it seems weird that with my preppy style, I love these shoes so much, but I will find any excuse to wear them. Even a fancy occasion. Like performing in front of hundreds of people.

 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rago

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of participating in Listen to Your Mother Chicago for the second time (Squeee! Videos will be released soon). This year a portion of the show’s proceeds were given to the Red Pump Project, and while the cast wasn’t required to wear red shoes, I love a theme.

Also, I love crafts.

 

And glitter.

 

And I wanted to make a pair for my stage partner, Samantha Schultz.

 

Photo courtesy of Balee Images

Also, fellow cast mate (and comedian) David Slattery loves All Stars as much as me.

 

Photo courtesy of Balee Images

However, when you have some butterflies about a performance I find it best to do what makes you comfortable or at home. And nothing says home to me like a good pair of Chuck Taylors on my feet and friends and family by my side.

I have since worn my glittery shoes out and about, and people have asked how they can make their own. Luckily, I took a few pictures on my iPhone of the process.

Supplies:
Converse All Stars
fabric glue
glitter
paint brush
spray clear glaze (I used Dresden gloss I found at JoAnn Fabric)
trash bags

 

First, protect the area in which you will be working. I used trash bags. Also, remove the shoe laces from the shoes.

 

Using a small paint brush and working in small areas of the shoe, paint glue on the shoe. Then carefully sprinkle glitter on the shoe where you applied paint.

 

NOTE: I used a paint brush to spread the glue evenly onto the fabric and to also keep the glue exactly where I wanted it avoiding rubber sides and souls, and metal lace holes. I only did the sides of the shoes, and avoided the tongue as I thought the rubbing of laces would eventually rub the glitter off.


Once I covered the areas I wanted with glitter, making sure to fill any areas that were missing. I let the shoes dry for about 12 hours.

Next, I put plastic bags in the shoes, and took them outside. I also put the All Stars on a brown paper bag. This made them ready for spraying the glaze. This helps to minimize the amount of glitter falls of the shoes.

 

I sprayed three coats of glaze on the shoes waiting about 30 minutes between coats, and letting the shoes dry outside.

NOTE: It is extremely important to do this step outdoors as the glaze is extremely toxic.


I re-laced the shoes and they were ready for show day.

 

Here are some photos from the big day, so you can see how they turned out.

 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rago
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rago

So, I am pretty sure that this is what I am going to do to all my Converse now.




If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.