First Lady Michelle Obama, Eli Manning and the Partnership For A Healthier America

So this happened Friday... I attended the Partnership for a Healthier America Summit on March 8, 2013 at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. The energy in the room was infectious. This fitness foodie totally geeked out. I loved learning about the Farm to School program, hearing the dynamic Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, NJ, and discovering the Reebok's BOKS (Build Our Kids' Success) program from its ambassador New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning. Listening to the First Lady deliver the closing keynote was pretty cool, too. OK, REALLY COOL! (so was getting a press pass with "White House" on it.) Now, I'm even more inspired by her Let's Move! campaign. What's inspiring you today? … [Read more...]

A “Mad Men” Guide to Visiting Scottsdale, Arizona

I'm guest posting over at Mom It Forward again, this time about traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona. I went there for a conference and found inspiration, mainly in the decor of the Hotel Valley Ho. It was very Mad Men. Click over to Mom It Forward to check out my tips on how to vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona like a 1960s celebrity. … [Read more...]

Easy Chickpeas-y Curry Rice

Learning to eat gluten-free has been a challenge. I’ve found that I cannot eat most convenience foods; I have to prepare the majority of my meals – there’s no grabbing and going from the refrigerator or pantry. Just before I made this diet change, I was invited to be a member of the WORLDFOODS Maryland Fusion Taste team by Liza of (a)Musing Foodie. WORLDFOODS makes ready-to-use sauces in a variety of Asian flavors. I panicked a little. How was I going to review Asian flavors with my diet restrictions? Fortunately, the hamper I received from WORLDFOODS was complete with gluten and dairy free sauces. Score! And the flavors are amazing – very robust, just the right amount of spice, perfect for dressing up any dish. Seriously. I improvised with what I had in my pantry and the Thai Green Curry Paste and I now have a new favorite dish. This side-dish is so good, I’ll eat it as a meal. And I don’t share. Go make your own! Easy Chickpeas-y Curry … [Read more...]

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

August turned my kitchen upside down and its taken me longer than I thought to get it straight again. Just before my daughter’s first birthday, she had an allergic reaction to a graham cracker. She took one bite and her face broke out in a rash. It was that quick. Because of our family history, we were planning to have her tested for food allergies at her one-year check-up. I just wasn’t prepared for the results. Wheat. Garlic. Soy. Eggs. Peanuts. Treenuts. Bananas. The only food allergen she shares with my son is eggs (he outgrew his peanut allergy). Since I’m still breastfeeding my daughter, I’ve had to adopt her diet, only not as strictly. For example, I can eat foods with soy or garlic near the end of the ingredient list but not as a primary ingredient. No tofu or roasted garlic for me. So, I’ve been learning to eat – and cook – gluten-free. Its been a hard adjustment; it was when my son was diagnosed, too. I miss bread. Yet, I’ve discovered a few … [Read more...]

Watermelon Salsa Recipe at Prime Parents Club

Celebrate National Watermelon Day with this salsa recipe I'm sharing over at Prime Parents Club. … [Read more...]