The First Day of Autumn!

September 22, 2012September 22, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Knock…knock…knock…what is that knocking on your door? Why it is autumn! And I don’t know about you but I am welcoming autumn with open arms…a cozy sweater…pumpkin pie…and a visit to Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm….

Well, truth be told, we welcomed the first day of Fall a little early this year. Yesterday my two younger kiddos and I meet up with our playgroup at Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm. Gust Brother’s Pumpkin farm is the essence of autumn, upon arrival they have wagons and wheel barrow to borrow on your adventures through the farm. They have animals on the farm including, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc. that the kiddos so enjoy seeing. There are also tons of, well, pumpkins!

They also sell gourds, apples, eggplant, Indian corn, hay, fruit crisps, etc. basically anything Fall related. Also, no matter which way you turn the view is a pure vision of autumn, if you get a chance to visit I dare you to take a bad picture, seriously …the scenery is amazing!

The kiddos and I got out some of our Fall decorations this morning….and our Fall books….

Thought I would share some fun Fall Riddles and Poems…

Riddle: Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater

Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,

Had a wife but couldn’t keep her,

Put her in a pumpkin shell,

And there he kept her, very well.

Song: I’m a Little Pumpkin….tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”

I’m a little pumpkin

Orange and round.

Here is my stem,

I grew in the ground.

When I get all cut up,

Don’t you shout!

Just open me up

And scoop me out!

Poem: A Child’s Calendar November

by John Updike

The stripped and shapely

Maple grieves

The ghosts of her

Departed leaves.

The ground is hard,

As hard as stone.

The year is old,

The birds are flown.

And yet the world,

In its distress,

Displays a certain

Loveliness—

I am so looking forward to all the splendor Fall has to offer including….the leaves changing, leaf rubbings, pumpkin pie, carving pumpkins, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin lattes (you get the idea), long nature walks in the park, sweaters, picking apples, apple pie, hayrides, Halloween, Thanksgiving, fires in the fireplace,….and so much more!

So what is your favorite season of the year? How do you welcome autumn…do you have a family tradition? Do you and your kiddos have a favorite autumn inspired book, riddle, or poem that you read? Please share…

Moms’ Timeout Episode I (video)

September 21, 2012October 2, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

I need to first apologize to anyone who tried to tune in and watch our show live on Monday. We experienced a few technical difficulties for our first show and it did not go live, unbeknownst to us. We actually went through the entire show and then noticed that we were not being seen, so disappointing! But we handled the situation with class; we had a glass of wine and then did the exact same show again. If you don’t succeed at first try…try again…and so we did! So without further ado, Moms’ Timeout Episode I….

And Part II….

Do you have any Time Management or planning tips to add to the list? Or perhaps you can relate to some of the issues we discussed?

Please share your thoughts, ideas for future shows, suggestions for the format of the show, any and all comments are graciously welcomed so please share. Don’t worry; you will not hurt my feelings.

Tailgating Tuesdays: Vegetarian Recipes & GIVEAWAY ($70 value)

September 18, 2012September 18, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Okay, so I tailgating often means you are eating food that mom usually wouldn’t approve of, but isn’t that part of the fun? My hubby would say yes! Well… to be more precise he would say something along the lines of…there is no Tofu in Tailgating! And he might be right? But why not think outside the box, or rather, the bun. We need not limit our tailgating experience to meats that fit in bun! Right!?!

Besides, tailgaters come in all different shapes, sizes, team colors, weird superstitions, and yes, each even has different dietary needs. So, if you hadn’t guessed, this Tuesday’s Tailgating topic is vegetarian tailgating recipes…. I am saying yes to Tofu and tossing the buns!

The first recipe is Asian inspired and I think it tastes scrumptious!

Asian Toasted Tofu (yummy side)

Ingredient:

1 package extra-firm tofu
1 cup peanuts (plain or honey roasted)
1 onion sliced
1 bottle Kraft toasted Asian sesame dressing

Directions:

Marinade tofu in dressing for at least 30 minutes before grill….just enough dressing so that it is submerged, about half a bottle.
Grill onions till tender.
Grill Tofu for roughly 5-6 minutes on each side (this will vary depending on the temperature of your grill so keep an eye on it.
Remove from grill and cut into bite sizes. Add peanuts, onions, and remaining dressing toss gently and enjoy!

Chili Cheese Burrito

Ingredients:

1 can Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can Kidney beans
1 can blackeye peas
2 tomatoes diced
1 onion sliced
1 pepper diced
1 package of lightlife Smart Ground Original (faux beef)
8 cheese sticks (whichever type you prefer)
1 package tortillas (I like the whole grain)

Directions:

To make chili: Place chili ready tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, blackeye peas, tomatoes, Smart Ground and pepper in slow cooker on medium heat for a couple hours before you plan on tailgating. Either leave in slow cooker or take entire container or place in smaller containers.
Once you begin tailgating place the little griddle or aluminum foil on grill then add one tortilla, a couple tablespoons of the chili o the center of the tortilla, one cheese stick in the center of tortilla on top of chili and then top with a few slices of onion (I like mine grilled first but you do not have to grill them first).
Leave on gill for about 4-5 minutes and remove once cheese starts to melt.
For added texture and flavor … dab a tablespoon full of plain Greek yogurt in the center.

Enjoy!

And for Dessert…Buckeye cakes! Yep, that’s right, I said Buckeye!

Ingredients:

1 chocolate cake mix
½ stick of butter at room temperature
2 cup confession sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 Tablespoons of Milk

Directions:

Follow directions on the back of the cake mix box and cook in cupcake forms.
For frosting…mix butter and peanut butter into mixer at medium speed. Add milk and slowly add sugar until it is the right consistency.
Frost cupcakes after they have cooled otherwise the frosting will melt.

Enjoy! And go Bucks!!

And now for the giveaway!

I am not sure who had a chance to view the vlog from the first Tuesday’s Tailgating post so I thought I would include it here for those who did not view it so that you know more about the products that are in the giveaway.

This giveaway includes:

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Lantern
Grate Chef Stainless Steel Wipes (6 wipes)
Grate Chef Non-Stick Grill Wipes (6 wipes)
Grate Chef Firestarters
Grate Chef The Groove All-in-one cleanser-filled scrubbing pads (3 pads)
Grate Chef Flare Down
Set of 4 Plate-N-cup

And is valued at $70!

In order to enter the giveaway you will need to

Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo facebook page (if you haven’t done so already)
Follow Mom on the go in Holy Toledo blog
Like Thermacell facebook page
Like Grate Chef facebook page

And last but not least, comment to this post stating you have done all four and share what college football team or NFL team you root for!!

Good Luck!

Moms’ Timeout: Launches in 2 days! (vlog)

September 15, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Each of us moms have been carefully researching and putting together our best segments in order to provide a show full of substance that will help you on your journey through motherhood.

Our topic of discussion for our first show is Time Management & Planning. I am curious, where do you feel you could use better time management in your day? Is it in the morning? Do you fall prey to morning mayhem? Or maybe it is around dinner time? Do you feel like there simply isn’t enough time in the day for “me” time? Please share your thoughts…

On a more personal note, I am praying that the first show goes smoothly on Monday but if it doesn’t it will be nice to know that I have my amazing friends sitting next to me, our family and followers supporting us, and our senses of humor. When all else fails sometimes you just have to laugh, so if there are glitches please feel free to laugh along. Let’s not take life to seriously, let’s have some fun!

Be sure to tune in, simply click on the www.momTV.com widget, or image, in the right-hand column Monday evening at 7pm ET.

Friday’s Family Favorite: Children’s Art Kelly Kits (Get a FREE kit today! $9.99 value)

September 14, 2012September 14, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Are you looking for a fun creative way to spend time with your children? How about turning that experience into a learning experience? Or perhaps you are looking for a birthday gift that is outside the box? Or maybe you simply need an activity to occupy your children while you prepare dinner? Moms, look no further, Kelly Kits are the answer!

Kelly Kits encourage art play using a wide variety of creative tools & materials beyond what coloring books can offer. The Original Kelly Kit comes complete with one set of five unique activities that cover the five art disciplines: painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, & collage.

Each kit contains all of the tools & materials needed for the activities; the user just needs access to a kitchen! To increase functionality for homeschooling parents, each activity includes an instruction card with an enrichment idea to adapt the art activity to a school lesson. Kelly Kits are designed to encourage creativity & teach!

To learn more watch the following clip….

Get a FREE Children’s Art Kelly Kit Delivered to Your Door! A $9.99 Value http://www.kellykits.com/free-kit-2/ Promo Code: USFG99

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

September 12, 2012September 12, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Thank you to Enchanted Seashells for nominating my blog! I am happy to say I have been blogging for one year and have found it to be extremely rewarding. I have grown quite fond of the blogging community; I have learned so much from other bloggers, in particular blogging moms. I have come across some fantastic books, arts & crafts, kiddo activity ideas, and even received some fantastic advice and suggestions from other bloggers and followers. I so appreciate all of you taking the time out of your busy day to check in and see what Mom on the go in Holy Toledo is up to!

According to the rules, I need to thank the blogger that nominated me (thank you again Enchanted Seashells), add the nomination logo (done), list seven things about myself:

1. Faith- As the years pass I am learning that my faith is what eliminates anxiety and brings about a peaceful state of mind. Once you learn to let go of the worries and the materialistic anchors the world is a much more beautiful place.

2. Family- family is my fortitude; it is amazing how much life changes once you have children. My grandfather once said his life didn’t start until he had children and I understand what he meant now. Life really moves fast when you have little ones depending on you. I love being a mom, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I do not thank God for entrusting me with these 3 amazing little souls.

3. I am more than what I do…I am an Environmental Interior Designer but that is not who I am, but rather, one of my passions in life. I want this planet to be a better place for my great-great-great grandchildren because I was on it.

4. I have always enjoyed journalism, in fact my goal in college was to one day be a writer for an Interior Design Magazine. I admire the comfort, power, and strength that journalism and words in general provide.

5. I love a good intellectual conversation. I like it when I come across an individual who can have an opposing viewpoint than I and we can have civilized conversations and learn from one another.

6. If I won the lottery I would love the opportunity to anonymously pay off friends and family’s bills. How cool would that be to just wake up one day and your house has been paid off. That would be a fantastic opportunity but I suppose I should start playing the lottery first, lol!

7. I have found the key to lifelong happiness, you ready? You might want to write this one down, Forgiveness! It has taken me sometime but I have found that forgiveness allows you to remove the metaphorical weight off your shoulders or chest and to breathe, to be unshackled from the grudges that can eat you up inside. You may think that grudge is harming the other person but the truth is the only person you are harming is yourself. Work on letting go and forgiving, it is the most freeing thing you can do for yourself.

Next….

Nominate fifteen others and link to them:

Lilly’s Kitchen Lab

Piper and the Kids

This Mumma’s Life

Family Life with Mom Who is all Hart

Brownswissmommasblog

Reporter Turned Mommy

Tend the Farm

The Goon Room

Crafting Play

Weigh Beyond Motherhood

From Holy Toledo to You

When the Kids go to Bed

The Good, the Bad, and the Saggy

Indeed a Mom

Lipstick and Mommy

The rules to the Very Inspiring Blogger Award are as follows:|

1. Display the Nomination logo on your blog

2. Link back to the person who nominated you

3. State 7 things about yourself

4. Nominate 15 others and link to them

5. Notify those bloggers of the nominations & award requirement

Tailgating Tuesdays: Tailgate Ajar

September 11, 2012September 11, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

When tailgating preparation is key! Prep food prior to tailgating, and one of my favorite allies when it comes to preparation is the Mason jar. What does preparation mean?

It means:

Cut veggies (onions and mushrooms for burgers or sliders),

Have patties formed ahead of time and seasoned then placed between wax paper so they do not stick together.
Have cheese sliced, placed between wax paper, and ready to go
Eggs mixed and ready… just shake and pour onto griddle (yes, you can have eggs and bacon wraps thanks to the little griddle…make certain eggs are kept in the cooler with ice and used within a couple hours)
Have salad layered into a Mason jar then simply flip upside-down onto your plate…I know what you are thinking, salad and tailgating do not mix but wait….

Here is a great example of a Tailgating friendly salad recipe that even the men will enjoy……

Spicy Buffalo & Blue Cheese Salad

What you will need:

¼ head of lettuce
½ a tomato washed and sliced
½ a cucumber washed and sliced, then quartered, the smaller the better
½ a green pepper washed and sliced into small pieces
¼ cup shredded cheese (any kind)
10 Wheat Thin Spicy Buffalo crackers broken into small pieces
2 tablespoons Bolthouse Blue Cheese dressing (or your favorite blue cheese dressing)

Makes one Mason jar or two serving

Directions:

Place lettuce in the bottom of the Mason Jar
Add tomatoes to jar
Add cucumbers to jar
Add green peppers to jar
Add cheese
Add Wheat Thin Spicy Buffalo crackers on top
Pack your favorite Blue Cheese dressing (Bolthouse has an amazing Greek yogurt blue cheese dressing I like and it is less fat) and add prior to eating.

Preparation is not limited to the main course, don’t forget about dessert! Here are a few yummy recipes that can be made before you leave your home and enjoyed while tailgating.

S’more Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in mason jars

What you will need:

2 graham crackers
One package/ two Reese’s Peanut Butter cups
4 tablespoons of Fluff

Makes one Mason Jar or 2 serving sizes

Directions:

Breakup a graham cracker into bite size pieces and place in bottom of Mason jar
Add 2 tablespoons of Marshmallow Fluff
Breakup one Reese’s cup into pieces and place on top of the Fluff
Breakup a graham crackers into bite size pieces and place on top of Reese’s cup
Add 2 more tablespoons of Fluff
hen place the other Reese’s cup on top!

What you will need:

2 Premade angel food cakes or any individual dessert cups
8 medium strawberries washed and quartered
4 tablespoons Stonyfield French Vanilla yogurt

Will make one Mason jar or two servings

Directions:

Add one cake cup to bottom of Mason jar
Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt
Add half the strawberries
Place second cake cup on top of strawberries
Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt on topAdd remaining strawberries

Enjoy!

But wait! There is something missing from the Strawberry Stonyfield Shortcakes, chocolate!

Follow the above directions but simply add one Kashi Chocolate Soft-Baked Square to the top.

Neon Tiki Tribe Party (vlog) and GIVEAWAY

September 9, 2012September 25, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Here are some pictures from our event…

GIVEAWAY

Once lucky follower will win…(a $30 value)

The Neon Tiki Tribe getting to know the characters sheet.
Neon Tiki Tribe: Tiki Beach Battle! (Dyslexic Friendly)
Neon Tiki Tribe: Dog Rescue Mission! (Dyslexic Friendly)
Neon Tiki Tribe: Bullies: Playground Push-Around (Dyslexic Friendly)
Three coupons for 25% off The Neon Tiki Tribe store
And one cool pair of Neon Tiki Tribe glasses

To enter the giveaway you will need to:

Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo facebook page
Like The Neon Tiki Tribe facebook page
Follow Mom on the go in Holy Toledo

Once you have done all 3 post a comment stating so and please feel free to share your enthusiasm.

Winner will be selected Sept 16^th.

By publishing this post, I received free products as part of a promotional program with MomSelect. All opinions are my own

Calling all Mom Bloggers (with kids K-5)

September 8, 2012September 24, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I’ve been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.

K5 includes 4 reading and math programs! Check it out today!

Earn Money for Local Schools at Meijer and Pinterest Contest!

September 8, 2012September 8, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Meijer and Produce for Kids are teaming up to host the second annual Healthy Schools, Healthy Minds campaign. Now through September 29th, local shoppers can contribute to this cause and support your local schools by adding produce to their Meijer shopping lists. During the campaign, participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers will make a donation based on consumption of their fresh produce items to DonorsChoose.org, which will support local classroom projects.

Shoppers/Moms, be on the lookout for the Produce for Kids display unit, featuring characters from popular Sprout shows, LazyTown™ and Noodle and Doodle, in the produce section of your local Meijer store. The more items you add to your shopping lists, the more local classrooms will benefit! My kiddos had a wonderful time selecting produce to place in our cart today.

Meijer is also featuring the Ideal Meals™ program from Produce for Kids in the produce department. Ideal Meals cards provide 12 quick, easy, and healthy chef-created/dietitian-approved complete meal solutions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. I let each of my kiddos select one Ideal Meals card. The toddler took her time selecting the perfect card.

Then it was off to see the fish…

Also, Produce for Kids just launched a fun and exciting contest on Pinterest. Be sure to check it out! The full Pinterest contest rules can be found here: http://www.produceforkids.com/sweepstakes/fall2012/family/index.html

I put the following recipe on my grocery list from Ideal Meals….

Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna

Serves 8

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 5 hours

Ingredients:

· 2 Tbsp. olive oil

· 2 cups mushrooms, chopped

· 1 cup green bell pepper, seeded, chopped

· 1 large onion, finely chopped

· 3 cups spinach, loosely packed, chopped

· 1 lb. 2% cottage cheese

· 2 cups (plus ½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

· ¼ tsp. salt

· 26 oz. jarred low sodium pasta sauce

· 2 large zucchini, sliced, ¼-inch thick rounds

· 8 oz. no-boil whole wheat lasagna noodles

Directions:

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat; add mushrooms, peppers, onions and spinach. Cook 5 minutes, or until water evaporates. Season with salt and pepper. 2. In mixing bowl, mix cottage cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese and salt. Divide into 2 portions. 3. Grease slow cooker. Cover bottom with ⅓ of sauce and assemble as follows: single layer noodles, ⅓ of cooked vegetables, single layer zucchini, 1 portion of cottage cheese mixture, single layer of noodles. Repeat layering once in same order. Add layer of remaining sauce, cooked vegetables and zucchini. 4. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top. 5. Cook on low for 5 hours or until noodles and zucchini are tender.

Nutrition Information:

Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna: Calories 490, Fat 16.32g, Protein 31.17g, Carbohydrate 50.81g, Fiber 4.64g, Cholesterol 51mg, Sodium 379mg, Calcium 614mg, Vitamin A 2696 IU, Vitamin C 39.07mg, Iron 2.88mg