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

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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.

Thirsty Thursday: Water with Refresh2Go

I was compensated for this post with product, but the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I know that water doesn’t offer the same amount of excitement that you are used to for a Thirsty Thursday. Typically, you are used to fun mixed cocktails, blended smoothies, hot concoctions, or some fun facts about a great beverage. However, the only time we talked about water for a Thirsty Thursday, I infused a bunch of stuff into that as well, and we have never just talked water which is the most consumed beverage in the world. 

The health benefits to drinking water are enumerable. Besides being good for maintaining good daily brain, muscle, and digestive functions, water is great for your skin, can help promote weight loss, prevents fatigue, boosts immunity, and can actually keep you more focussed. 
Drinking enough water is a habit I picked up in college when I was training for a marathon. Since then, I have maintained the healthy habit, and have passed it down to my kids. They are forever carrying water bottles, and I can always be found with this:

Yes, the laptop, but more importantly, it’s my water cup. It pretty much comes with me everywhere. You know how there are people who constantly are looking for their phone? I am the girl that is constantly looking for her water cup. My kids will tell you that I say, “Can someone grab my water cup and bring it down/up/inside/outside/from the car/when you pass by please?” I bought it many years ago, and what drew me to it immediately was the straw.
When I was pregnant with my oldest, I was put on bed rest for close to a month. I was specifically requested to lie on my left side, all day. Getting up only to use the bathroom. That’s it. In that time, I fell in love with straws because it was so much easier to lie down and drink out of a straw while watching hours of TV, and reading entire books in one day. Since then, I haven’t turned back. Straws only, please.
That is why when I met Lyndsay Palkon of Refresh2Go at the Sassy Moms in the City Blog event in September, I was immediately drawn to her amazing straws. 

Lyndsay created Refresh2Go straws (and later water bottles which have been great for my kids) as a way to have  clean, good tasting, filtered water wherever you go. Refresh2Go reusable straws contain a filter. As someone who has grown attached to my water cup, I was elated about just having to switch out my straw. 
I was also happy that I could fill up my water cup anywhere and have filtered water. Whether it be running errands, at soccer practice, ballet, volunteering at school, heading out to an event, or filling up out of the tap at home, the water is always clean and tastes great. Refresh2Go straws also give me the added bonus of not having to pay for bottled water or having to create tons of waste. (Did I mention I still get to use my same water cup?)
As you can see, I am not the only fan of Refresh2Go. These are a great option for when you know kids will be filling up water bottles when they aren’t at home. You know they will happily be drinking more because no matter where they fill up, the water will taste good. 

As I am working on getting some things done on my holiday to do list, I have already planned on buying some straws for the teachers. 
For more information about Refresh2Go check out the website, follow them on Facebook, or Twitter, or look at their video below.

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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.


Mitchell’s Premium Ice Cream: It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Summertime

Mitchell’s treated me and my family to ice cream, however, the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

There are times when I am called to do a visit to a restaurant or establishment for a review and I am, of course, excited to try anything new (hello foodie). However, when Mitchell’s Premium Ice Cream and Candies reached out, I jumped at the opportunity. You see, even though growing up in the far South Suburbs of Chicago I had been to Mitchell’s countless times, it is considered an institution. 

With every email that passed back and forth planning my visit, I was having more and more flashbacks of marshmallow sundaes, chocolate waffles cones, and almond bark.

Since my oldest two boys have pretty severe food allergies, we decided to make this a Girls’ Day Out. I invited my Mom and my niece to join Caroline and I for a farewell to Summer Ice Cream Day at Mitchell’s. While we were sad that my niece was heading off to college, Caroline is starting preschool, the days would be getting shorter, and the weather is soon going to be cooling off, we are pretty much ok with it knowing that Mitchell’s is open year round for us to enjoy all of those sweet treats including seasonal ice creams and candies (ahem egg nog ice cream for the Holiday Season).

The decor has changed a bit from when I was there as a kid, but it is still reminiscent of an old time soda fountain, which was right up my Mom’s (Chicago) alley. Caroline was happy as a clam coloring at the the kids’ size tables with Nana, and I was able to snag a few pictures.

As I walked around taking pictures of candies and ice cream and all sorts of treats, the chocolate sugary smell wafting through Mitchell’s brought me right back to childhood. I could remember one of my first visits to Mitchell’s with my sister as a kid and ordering my first adult size Marshmallow Sundae. As simple as the memory is, it is one of my favorites, and Mitchell’s is a part of it. Places like Mitchell’s are hard to find, so when you do find a place like it, it is worth the trip to make memories like that with your own kids. 

When it was time to order Caroline knew she wanted something with whipped cream (shocker), so I ordered her a Kid’s Sundae, which was the perfect size for her. 

My Mom, who was having a hard time deciding between a sundae with home made butter pecan ice cream or an old fashioned chocolate soda, but decided on the sundae she couldn’t resist the though of hot fudge. 

My niece grabbed an old fashioned chocolate shake, which at Mitchell’s comes in a tall glass with whipped cream, but also served with the extra in the metal container they mix it in (that’s old school). 

Finally, I couldn’t resist flashing back to childhood to my old standby which was a marshmallow sundae but added a little hot fudge for good measure.

Oh, and we took some treats home too!

If you live in the far South Suburbs or are in the area, Mitchell’s Premium Ice Cream and Candies is worth the visit. Stop in for a sundae and take some treats home with you, or better yet host a party there and make some memories of your own.

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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.


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Free Friday: Food Allergies

My kids have food allergies.

When they were little babies, they had eczema. So, with the guidance of our wonderful pediatrician, we had the necessary blood test to figure out what exactly they were allergic to. We found out at that time they were allergic to ALL NUTS, egg whites, and soy. We were advised to avoid those foods.

So began my life of cooking and baking and label reading.

Also, began my life of carrying Epi Pens.

A few weeks ago, almost 6 years later, we experienced our first ever serious allergic reaction at a professional soccer game. There was vomiting and hives, and it was terrible. A trip to the ER, a dose of epinephrine, steroid, and Benedryl, and we were on our way. However, it could have been much much worse.

We are lucky.

Oh, so lucky.

At a follow up appointment with our pediatrician, we decided it was time to do some more testing, see an allergist, and see what could have caused the reaction. After two appointments (and with a few more to come), we know the kids overall allergy counts are high. This means that not only are they allergic to foods, but there are environmental things such as pollens, molds, pet danders, and dust mite allergies. One of my children is asthmatic. One of the kids’ peanut, tree nut, and egg allergies have worsened over time, and they also may have developed some other food allergies like to wheat.

We were always careful and diligent before, but now knowing that perhaps things could be worse, we are treading new waters. Every day, I am learning how to be even more careful as the kids might be more sensitive to these allergens, and until we can find treatment.

So, in the interest of educating myself, my family, my friends, and anyone who has an allergy sufferer in their life who they love, I think it is time I start FREE FRIDAY. This is where I will share any information, recipes, tips, or guest posters on living a life that is allergen free.

Stay tuned next week for back to school tips and a GREAT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE recipe!

Don’t those look awesome?

Surviving Busy

Summertime is in full swing. When people talk about the lazy days of summer, I scoff. As much as I really tried to preserve one last summer of care free days, I still cannot believe how busy we are! Does anyone else need a summer vacation from their summer vacation?

The kids being in a few organized activities along with Brian and I having a few things going on (like my Writing Show at Second City opening), all seemed to converge at the same time, and two weekends ago, we were in a pattern of non-stop go mode for 5 days straight. This summer was supposed to be “the summer of easy” but in order to survive the the busy, I knew I would have to do some serious planning ahead. Here is my list of ways to SURVIVE when you have a busy time going on.

 

Last run through before show!

1.) Clean your house (and keep it tidy): Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I let making the bed or picking up toys slide. However, there is nothing worse than when you are running from one activity to the next and you have to change clothes or pack a bag quickly, and you are tripping over shoes in the hallway or legos on the floor. Do a thorough cleaning of the house ahead of time, and keep up with the daily small chores throughout the busy surge. You’ll be glad you did when you can get through simple tasks quickly because the house is clean. You’ll also be glad when you collapse on the couch when its all done and you don’t have anything to do but relax!

 

2.) Do all the laundry (ALL OF IT): A few days before the busyness started I was insane about making sure every piece of clothing and every towel in the house was clean. We were going to be so busy,  that I knew it was going to be a couple days before I could get to do any laundry. I wanted to make sure the kids bathing suits, and my favorite summer outfits were clean, and ready to go for the weekend.

 

Basking in the glow of our favorite band, Guster!

3.) Stock up the fridge and cabinets: When there is a lot going on it is a perfect excuse to eat out, however, I am the type of person that can only do that so much in a short period of time before I start feeling yucky and my wallet starts feeling too light. I stocked up on lots of convenience foods like cut up veggies, fruit, home made hummus, flavored waters, mason jar salads, and a few frozen pizzas, so that we could eat on the go. The kids had to have a babysitter a few nights of this busy time too, and it was nice for her to have a lot of things at the ready for hungry kids.

 

4.) Communicate: We kept a detailed plan on the side of the fridge where we would be and when for the entire weekend so everyone would know. We also kept reminding the kids what was coming up each day and in what order so they knew what to expect and would transition nicely from activity to activity. Also, Brian and I were in constant communication with each other when we weren’t together via texts. Finally, our babysitter knew every detail of what was going on and besides texting us an update at bedtime, we have a sheet that we print off with all kinds of information for her. My favorite babysitter sheet is this one from Balancing Acts of Motherhood.

 

5.) Take care of yourself: This is advice I should have followed better myself during that time, but if you know sleep is going to be limited, try and sleep when you can. Also, stay hydrated and try to eat healthy foods throughout the day. This will help you try and keep up your energy and have more fun!

 

What are your tips for surviving busy?

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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.

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Unplug and Play: 50 Games That Don’t Need Charging: A Book for Kids of all Ages

While the kids aren’t quite out of school yet, my mind is
already thinking about when we are all home. (All day. Every day.) I have been
looking forward to summer, and love rest and relaxation, but I also have been
trying to plan ways to keep the kids busy while we are at home. (All day. Every
day.)
When I was asked to take a look at Unplug and Play, 50 Games That Don’t Need Charging by Brad Berger,
I was thrilled to have a one stop shop for games and activities to do with
the kids that doesn’t require much other than some paper, pencils, and a watch.
This book is filled with 50 different games and puzzles that
you can play with your family and friends, and not one of them requires you to plug in the Wii. The games are divided into types of games for easy navigation throughout the book, and while each of the games has specific examples and rules, our favorite part was how adaptable some of the games were to the people who were playing them.
Don’t get
me wrong, we have always been a fan of board games in our house, but there is
just something nice about not having to travel with our small version of Chess
or Battleship (all those pieces!). Also, because of Unplug and Play our first instinct when heading out to a restaurant or to a waiting room won’t be to grab the iPad to keep everyone busy. Now we have some games we can all play together. I am especially looking forward to bringing it this summer when we hit the road for vacation.

Upon first glance of the book, I have to say I was worried
that my kids wouldn’t be able to play many of the games as they are younger. The
games require reading and writing skills, however, I was happy to see that many
of the games give very basic rules and principles that can easily be adapted
for kids of any age.
For some of the games, we played teams where kids would be
paired up with an adult, and for others the kids were able to draw pictures.
Also, I tried to simplify some of the rules by making the listing games less,
and the matching  and grouping like games with pictures. This is definitely a book our kids can
grow into, but also that is very adaptable for early readers and kids who are
almost ready to read.
Also, because I can just keep it in my purse for when we are
out and about, I was thinking it would be fun for I cannot wait to bring to my
next family party, girls night out, or even as an alternative to watching a
movie with some friends.

Unplug and Play is
available on Amazon. Can you imagine trying to buy 50 different apps or 50 different board games? Trust me, this book is well worth it. 
For more information about Unplug and Play: 50 Games That Don’t Need Charging you can visit www.bradbergergames.com or check out the Tween Us interview with author Brad Berger.

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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.


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A May 2014 Wrap Up

Happy Sunday, readers. I typically shy away from posting on the weekends. However, I realized that I kind of miss doing my monthly wrap-up posts. They are a great way to look back, and they actually help me to plan for the upcoming month.

May finally brought with it nice weather in the Midwest, which meant plenty of recipes using fresh and vibrant flavors like mild pineapple salsa. Also, in Spring I cannot get enough of salads, so I shared my favorite tips for making the perfect salad.

In addition to spending more time outdoors planting and playing, I have also loved the opportunity to take my laptop outside and get some work done on the patio. It has been a great respite from being huddled up inside. My friend Kari of A Grace Full Life blog, invited me to a blog tour where I shared more about my writing process and to continue the trend I asked my friend Elizabeth of The Circular Home to share her process as well.

Then, for Thirsty Thursdays (my favorite day of the week and yours) in May I was able to try out some of my new favorite drainable recipes! To get ready for The Kentucky Derby I shared two recipes for mint juleps (Irish Mint Julep, and Virgin Julep Tea) fit for whether your guests like alcohol or not. Then, I tried out some flavored waters by using some fruits and herbs to freshen things up as things heat up. The kids loved trying out a recipe for pure vanilla milkshakes, and I was able to re-create some fresh pink lemonade from one of my favorite movies.

In May, I was also given the opportunity to partake in a wonderful day with hhGregg and Maytag to discuss happy homes, and Home Everyday was able to offer its second every giveaway!

Finally, May saw the first every installment of #FridayFail, where I the first of many stories of mistakes made when it comes to DIY. Let’s just say, we have been much better about checking our light bulbs around here.

Looking back at May, I cannot believe how busy it was, and how fast it went by. Summer is here which means it is time to start sharing some outdoor, and perhaps I will be able to do some painting outside.

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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.


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Thirsty Thursday: Fresh Pink Lemonade

Sometimes when I am up late at night writing or doing homework, I will have the TV on in the background. It is a bad habit, but I swear this story about my weird little quirk will lead to a great THIRSTY THURSDAY, I promise. Brian and I were both on our computers, typing away and chatting, and all of the sudden, Bridesmaids appeared before our eyes. This is one of those movies where we stop what we are doing and watch because well… Bridesmaids. Hello. 

One of my favorite scenes is when Kristen Wiig has a meltdown at Maya Rudolph’s elaborate Parisian shower. It is hysterical because it is so real to the human experience. We have all been in that moment. Who hasn’t had enough and just wanted to punch a hole in a giant cookie? Right before Kristen Wiig is banned from receiving a puppy, she is served some “fresh” pink lemonade. She wants to hate it, but she can’t. 

So this week’s THIRSTY THURSDAY is a recipe for PINK LEMONADE that is so fresh you want to hate it, but you can’t.

So Fresh (You Wish You Could Hate It) Pink Lemonade (makes 1 pitcher)
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup hot water
3 cups ice cold water
Mint for garnish

In a large measuring cup mix together hot water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved and set aside. Puree raspberries in a blender or food processor and strain to remove seeds. (NOTE: You may add a few tablespoons of water to blender for ease of pureeing berries).

In a pitcher, mix together lemon juice, sugar mixture, strained raspberry puree and ice water. Serve with ice and mint for garnish. 

You’ll be saying, “Sh*t, that’s good,” just like Kristen Wiig. I was able to get the mint from our veggie garden, check out how it is progressing so far this season.

What is your favorite scene in Bridesmaids? Do you keep the TV on in the background too?

If you like summertime beverages, try these recipes for homemade lemonade or perfect sweet tea. Or 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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.


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Italio: A Build Your Own Italian Experience

While I was compensated for this post, the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Being a youngest child, I am very much in tune with my inferiority complex. In the course of my life I have been known to say things like, “but I never get anything!” and stomp my feet. I haven’t done this recently as I am now a mature adult trying to set an example for three children.
However, once you are a youngest child, you are for life. So, I am also highly attune to unfairness, injustice, and when I don’t get my way. Therefore, there have been times in my adult life when I am slightly jealous when other areas of Chicagoland get a cool store or restaurant before the southland. This time though, Italio, picked nearby Orland Park to place a restaurant, and I couldn’t be happier (no whining or stomping here).
A few weeks ago, all five of us made our way to Italio for dinner and we enjoyed every part of our meal. From the salad to the pasta, from the bread to the canoli chips there wasn’t one part of the meal that we didn’t like. 
Italio can only be described as a build your own Italian experience. There are different options on the menu like chicken or meatballs, different sauces and other toppings to mix in with your white or whole wheat pasta. If pasta is not your jam, you can make a custom salad complete with fresh vegetables, protein, and delicious italian cheeses. There are also wraps called piadinas that look delectable and would be perfect for a picnic dinner at the soccer field. 
In the past I have talked about how sometimes my kids can be picky. If you have that kind of family, Italio is wonderful as you can customize each person’s dish to what’s suits him or her (this also contributed to no whining or stomping from my children). Everyone was so friendly and accommodating and was willing to offer an extra set of hands with carrying or dinner to the table. 
We will definitely be heading back.
Thank you Italio for a wonderful and much needed night out!
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 FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.


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Guest Post: Tropical Granola

This is a guest post by friend and fellow blogger, Shannan Younger of Tween Us. With the help of her daughter they created a Tropical Granola perfect for the impending warm weather.


Tropical Granola by Shannan Younger


The winter weather has us wishing we lived somewhere warm
and sunny. Our wishful thinking led us to take a granola recipe from a summer
cooking camp for kids and give it a tropical twist with mango and adding more
coconut.
This is fun to have for lunch or a snack. It’s also fun to
make a tropical breakfast parfait by layering granola with fruit like mandarin
oranges or pineapples and yogurt. You can even use some coconut milk and honey
to sweet plain or vanilla yogurt. Arranging mandarin orange slices on top to
look like a sun help us pretend we’re on vacation at the beach, or that the
temperature is at least above freezing.
Tropical Granola
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup macadamia nuts (optional)
1 cup shredded coconut
¼ cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup plus 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
¼ cup oil (vegetable or coconut)
2 pinches salt
1 ½ cups dried mango
Preheat the oven to 300 F. 
In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut and dark brown sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine the maple syrup, oil and salt.  Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet
pans. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even
color.  Remove from the oven and transfer
to a large bowl.  Add the dried mango and
mix until evenly distributed.

The nice thing about granola is that it’s really flexible. Have
a nut allergy or just don’t like macadamia nuts? No worries. Leave them out.
Want to add in another dried fruit instead of, or in addition to mango? Go for
it. Have fun and let’s hope that spring gets here soon.

For a printable version of this recipe CLICK HERE!

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