{parenting} Red Rover's First Parenting Round Table with Naperville, IL Moms

Lifestyle, Parenting
On November 28, 2011, Red Rover App, a new social networking site and mobile app geared towards busy moms, held it’s first ever Parenting Round Table event in Naperville, Illinois hosted by Black Finn American Saloon in beautiful Downtown Naperville, with Red Rover Chicago Community Manager and Chicagonista editor, MJ Tam and myself.In the Red...

{holiday} My Christmas Lesson

Lifestyle, Parenting, Holiday
As I write this, I am literally wiping the tears off my eyes.This evening, I sat on the living room floor with my husband, fussing over wrapping presents for the family for Christmas. We sent the kids away to my parents where we will be meeting tomorrow so that we...

{lifestyle} Momma Cuisine, a Real Food Blogger Advocate for Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Lifestyle, Parenting
“We want to change the way America eats by educating every child about food, giving families the skills and knowledge to cook again, and motivating people to stand up for their rights to better food; which in turn will fight the epidemic of obesity“Like many people, I first learned about Jamie Oliver on TV. I...

{lifestyle} McDonald's Pink Slime - I'm Lovin'...Whaaa?!!

Lifestyle, Parenting
The picture above has been all over the news as reports of McDonald’s stating that they will no longer use the pink slime filler in their burgers have made headlines across the country.In the McDonald’s website, their Media Statement says:Discontinued Use of Select Lean  Beef Trimmings SLBT“At McDonald’s, the quality and safety...

{lifestyle} Lexicon of Sustainability Project

Lifestyle, Parenting
I was going about my evening, planning to write the recipe of what dinner was this evening (Tilapia con Salsa), like I always do, when I was sidetracked by a conversation that was starting on Twitter called #reclaimfood.I learned about the chat from @perennialplate, the Twitter handle of chef and...

{lifestyle} Hunger Hits Home Documentary for Share Our Strength

Lifestyle, Parenting
This video is hard to watch. Hearing straight from the kids about living without food for days is heartbreaking. It will bring you to tears.On one side of the coin our country is experiencing a great epidemic in childhood obesity. This is something we are constantly talking about, and rightfully...

{Announcing} Buick & Momma Cuisine Summer French Market Tour

Travel, Lifestyle, Parenting
Starting on June 16, 2012 in Lisle, Illinois, I will be touring six Chicagoland French Market locations with Buick. The French Markets, managed by Bensidoun USA are popular attractions throughout the Chicago suburbs and city as market goers clamor to meet farmers and local food artisans.This year, the French Markets have partnered...

{parenting} Keeping Kids Healthy During Summer Break

Lifestyle, Parenting
Now that it’s Summertime, the kids are lounging around the house and playing with the neighborhood kids. And if they’re anything like mine, they will pummel through a refrigerator full of food in one weekend!At school the kids have scheduled times to eat. (What they’re eating is a different blog...

by @DavidGrotto: Cocoatmeal Pancakes from @Hersheys #ModNatn

Lifestyle, Parenting
I first met David Grott0, RD at an event hosted by Chicagonista, MJ Tam at the Paint Chicago Red event sponsored by the California Strawberry Commission. There he taught me and the invited guests about the nutritional values of strawberries as well as got to sample some pretty amazing foods highlighting the star of the evening,...

{lifestyle} RedRover App

Lifestyle, Parenting
 Like many things created by moms, Kathryn Tucker, mother and critically acclaimed independent film-maker, sought out an answer to a personal need and founded RedRover App.The RedRover App is a PRIVATE social networking website and application where you share events and whereabouts with your REAL FRIENDS in real time. Some tech experts have...

Last Minute Valentine's Day Hacks

Lifestyle, Holiday, DIY & Tips
Valentine’s Day is approaching and you may have just realized that it crept up on you and you are totally unprepared! Check out these Valentine’s Day hacks that will save you from sleeping on the couch this weekend. You’re welcome.Cookie cutter by WiltonHeart-Shaped Cookie Cutter: Buy heart-shaped cookie cutters in a...

Read the Summer Issue of Great Everyday Meals Magazine

Parenting, Lifestyle, Holiday
Read the Summer Issue of Great Everyday Meals MagazineEditor’s NoteSimplicity of SummerWith the kids out of school, take the time to enjoy the simple joys of summer, bond with the family and remember that you can create life-long memories without spending a lot of money.I am the first to admit, that...

Twitter Party: #GEMFoodMag celebrating 100 years of Kenmore on Thurs 9/19 at 8pm EST #Kenmore100

Lifestyle, Holiday
Great Everyday Meals Magazine is hosting #GEMFoodMag sponsored by KenmoreGreat Everyday Meals Magazine curated by Momma Cuisine, is launching it’s first issue on December 21, 2013, bringing Recipes, Food and Family Travels in a digital magazine experience featuring celebrity chef, Fabio Viviani! Great Everyday Meals Magazine is about celebrating simple ingredients &...

Enter A Healthy Recipe For A Chance To Win a @kenmore Double Oven

Lifestyle, Holiday
new year. new you.Recipes with resolve.. for a healthier lifestyleIt’s that time of year again, and we need your help to execute the “eat better” New Year’s resolution. Share your most delicious healthy recipes so that we all have some great ideas with which to start our new healthy lifestyle....

{lifestyle} Planning for Your Event

Lifestyle, Holiday
Planning a gathering in your home can seem like a daunting task. Having to clean the house, straighten up backyard, and especially preparing all the food, can almost make you feel like backing out of your special event.However, having your best friends and family around to enjoy each others company...

{travel} Holiday Travel Tips for Families by Contributor, Christine Potthoff

Travel, Lifestyle, Parenting, Holiday
No cooking.  No cleaning.  No ‘who’s hosting?’ debates.Is it any wonder that holiday vacations have become so popular?More and more families are choosing to spend their holidays on vacation for the holidays rather than ‘home for the holidays’.  Popular family destinations are responding to that demand with amazing holiday decorations...

{travel} Chicago Area Family-Friendly Holiday Festivities by Contributor, Christine Potthoff

Parenting, Lifestyle, Holiday, Travel
Staying in the Chicagoland area this holiday season?  There are no checked baggage fees or weather delays at this fun events!SHORT TRIPS:Santa’s Candy Cane Express at the Hesston Steam MuseumLa Porte, Indiana (Michigan border)12/10-11A great day or overnight trip, the Hesston Steam Museum offers Santa’s Candy Cane Express during the first...

{sponsored post} The Healthier Holiday Cookie by Smart Balance®

Lifestyle, Holiday
With the Christmas season in full swing, cookie exchanges are popping up throughout the country as bakers and cookie lovers alike dust off their cookie cutters and baking sheets for the giving season.Smart Balance®, with their popular “Put a little love in your heart campaign” promoting heart-healthier gluten-free products, is...

{holiday} Hyatt Regency Chicago's #NYEBlitz, New Years Eve Event

Lifestyle, Holiday, Travel
Hyatt Regency Chicago  and RedEye by Chicago Tribune, are hosting a New Years Eve ballroom event called #NYEBlitz in Downtown Chicago.Hotel New Year’s Eve events aren’t new, but what is new is Hyatt Regency Chicago’s 90 million dollar renovation that boasts everything from a “complete remodel and transformation of the hotel’s 2,019 guest rooms and suites, as well...

Interview with @BonAppetit Magazine Restaurant Editor, Andrew Knowlton at @Chicago_Gourmet

Lifestyle, Travel, Holiday
On September 29 -30, 2012, Bon Appetit Magazine, once again hosted the Chicago Gourmet festival at Millennium Park for a weekend of gourmet food, drinks, chef signings, demonstrations and more! I had the opportunity to chat with Bon Appetit Magazine's Restaurant & Drink editor, Andrew Knowlton about their October issue...