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The Happiest Omen for the New Year includes the fruit found in these two recipes! (FYI: they have anti-aging effects!)

January 6, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

So what is this fruit? Here are a few clues: people often mistaken it for a vegetable, its skin contains phytochemicals, it is full of antioxidants, it protects cells from the effect of free-radical damage, thus it has anti-aging effects (um, yes, please!),it is packed with fiber, and it is a good source of potassium and magnesium. Not too shabby for a fruit, right!? Did the clues give it away? It is the Eggplant!!

The Japanese have a proverb that states, “The happiest omen for a New Year is first Mount Fuji, then the falcon, and lastly eggplant.” Thus what better fruit to include in your meals this New Year than the eggplant? I have two mouthwatering dishes that your family is going to love! So much so that there will be no leftovers, I repeat, no leftovers! You have been warned!

The first recipe is the one I shared on WTOL Saturday morning, Eggplant Parmesan with a twist, it is breaded with QRUNCH.

Click on the link below for a quick demo on how to prepare the Eggplant Parmesan Breaded in Qrunch & the recipe can be found directly below the clip.

Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan Breaded with QRUNCH

Ingredients

1 package QRUNCH burgers, toasted to perfection (found in the Organic area at your local Kroger’s)

1-2 eggs

1 eggplant

1 cup gluten-free flour (I used coconut flour)

1 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning

1 bunch of fresh parsley chopped

Parmesan Reggiano (optional for topping)

Directions:

Toast or prepare 1 package of QRUNCH burgers in the toaster.

When cooled, place the burgers, Italian seasoning, and parsley in a food processor until it has a coarse consistency.

Slice the eggplant and prepare an egg wash in a separate bowl.

Dip the sliced eggplant in the gluten-free flour, then dredge in the egg wash. Note: For a true vegetarian/vegan option, you can use your favorite almond milk or coconut milk.

Cover with QRUNCH crumbles and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce.

And the second eggplant recipe, Eggplant & Bacon Rollups! This one has quickly become an ALL TIME FAV in our household. Kiddos beg me to make this!!

Eggplant & Bacon Rollups

Ingredients:

3 medium/large eggplants

One package of bacon sliced in two (short way)

Butter (2 Tablespoons melted)

One container Organic Ricotta (14oz) (I purchased mine at Claudia’s)

2 Tablespoons of Basil Pest (or any pesto you have on hand)

Cup of Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Slice eggplant 1/4 inch thickness long-ways (keep skin, that’s where all the antioxidants are!)

Place eggplant slices on cookie sheet, brush on melted butter, and place in oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes until eggplant is tender & golden brown

While eggplant bakes mix ricotta cheese & basil pesto in bowl

Remove eggplant from oven, for half the eggplant slices place a slice of bacon or two (depends on size of bacon) over eggplant slice, add roughly a Tablespoon or so of the filling on top of the bacon down the middle vertically, and then roll it up. Place in a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. For the remaining half of the eggplant slices place bacon on a cutting board, place eggplant on top, add filling, and roll. Eggplant rolls should look similar to a chess board.

Top with a bit or Parmesan cheese & Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and turning golden. Then enjoy!!!

Have you ever had eggplant before? What is your favorite Eggplant dish?

Here’s to the Happiest New Year!! Cheers!!

My New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 (cringe)

January 4, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

Since today is the first day back to our “regular” routine I consider today to be the first day of my New Year’s resolutions. Did you know you could do that? Why should January 1^st have all the fun? I say we spread that lovin throughout the month, shoot, even the year, if need be. You officially have permission to begin your New Year’s resolutions whenever you would like, weight lifted, feel lighter? (By weight I mean burden on your shoulders, not the weight you physically want to lose, you’re gonna still have to sweat a little for that one!).

Here goes, the moment I have been dreading (cringing). I am not usually one to share my resolutions, that way if I don’t succeed no one knows, I thought it was genius but this year is going to be different, this year I am striving for success! Thus, I read somewhere that in order to stay true to your resolutions you should have an accountability partner, a person who knows what your resolutions, goals, etc. are and is there to support you in your efforts as well as be willing to call you out when you fall short. I figure who better to have as my accountability partner than you, my readers. If you see me slipping up, feel free to post a comment here, via Facebook, twitter, etc. I have thick skin, I can take it (kinda, well, don’t be too brutal). Thus, without further adieu, my resolutions for 2016……

Walk children to school at least once a week (there & back, gets me 2 miles, score!)
Get to daily Mass at least once a week
Take a Belly Dancing Lesson as a Ladies Night Out
Introduce family to a new cuisine each week
Redecorate the girls room
Take 15 minutes of quiet time each day for peaceful reflection (remove the noise from the day)
Volunteer once a month AS A FAMILY
Do something that scares me a little each week, something outside my comfort zone

And exhale. Okay, there you have it folks, those are my resolutions. How did I arrive at these resolutions you may be asking? For that answer CLICK HERE (New Year’s Resolutions: like a kid in a candy store).

Now it is your turn accountability partners, share your resolutions…..are you going to go for that new career this year? Lose that weight? Reconnect with a long lost soul? Read that book you have been dying to read? Revamp your wardrobe? This is killing me, I want to know! What’s going to be different about you at the end of 2016?

Latest Fashion Obsession & LulaRoe Giveaway!!!

January 2, 2016January 2, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

This morning I find myself deeply conflicted. I am sitting her, sipping coffee, and literally daydreaming about leggings, yes, I said leggings! I fear I may lose all self-control. My willpower is weakening by the hour. If I don’t give them away soon I am busting those suckers open and wearing them!!! You are probably thinking I have officially lost it, and perhaps I have, but I don’t want to go back to the way life was pre-LulaRoe!! My obsession started a couple days ago.

The leggings arrived in an ordinary, kinda plain, quiet, packaging, totally the opposite of the items held within. I tore that sucker open like a kid on Christmas morning. No tip-toeing around the adhesive side gracefully opening it, nope, when I was done with it you couldn’t even make out what it was originally. But I couldn’t help myself, I could hear the loud screams of the stylish leggings held within, I had to set them free, I had to see the funky, fun, fashionable designs! It was love at first sight! But wait, it gets better!

I tried them on and it was unlike any experience I have ever had with a pair of leggings! They were so unbelievably comfortable!! They felt the way my naked legs used to feel before I got married, when I would spend a crap load of money on fancy razors, shaving creams, and lotions, when I used to shave my entire legs. They were so silky smooth, like butter!! Clearly this was a match made in heaven because only the angels could have created something this magnificent! I never ended up taking that first pair off, I couldn’t go back, I had experienced comfort on a heavenly level; there was no way I was going back! I wore them all day and not once did I have to tug, adjust, or remove a wedgie. I was officially hooked and it wasn’t just me, they also have them for little girls. My little fashionista has request her entire wardrobe be LulaRoe!! (She slept in her legging, I had to beg her to take them off for bath time).

So you are probably wondering why the conflict? These LulaRoe legging sound amazing, why would I be remotely conflicted? Because I have two sweet pair sitting up on my nightstand right now, they look amazing, feel amazing, but they are not for me, I am going to share….I. AM. GOING. TO. SHARE!….I might still be trying to convince myself of that fact! I am not a selfish person, honest, I share everything, clothes, food, house, everything but my pillow & toothbrush (those are sacred!), but I fear I may have to add my LulaRoe to that short list! You can’t judge if you have never tired a pair, you just wouldn’t understand! Thus, I wasn’t going to run this giveaway until next week but my willpower is weakening by the hour! They are just so comfortable, stylish, compliment attractors, etc. Oh the agony! They have got to go, now!

Here is a pic of these sweet treats….talk about eye candy! Lol!

Both are sized Tall & Curvy, recommended for sizes 10-22. If you have long legs you are gonna love these, they actually cover your entire leg not just to the mid-calve.

To enter the giveaway for 2 sweet pairs of LulaRoe leggings complete the following steps:

Go look in the mirror, smile, (there, that’s better) now repeat these words “Lookin good beautiful!”
Share this post with a friend and include the following message, “You are amazing! Saw these and thought of you, you deserve something stylish & comfortable!”
Lastly, post a comment below sharing your favorite fashion trend EVER!!

Winner will be randomly selected January 12th @ 11:59pm and winner’s name will be posted on the blog and Facebook page the 13th. Good Luck!! (giveaway limited to US states, excludes Alaska & Hawaii)

I am off to do some more shopping! CLICK HERE to Shop Jacque & Cindy’s LulaRoe Group. What’s on my list? Why more leggings of course, thinking I need one for each day of the week and my little fashionista needs at least one if not three twirly dresses!! Eee!! We are going to be styling this year, 2016 won’t know what hit it! Lol!

BEST of 2015

December 26, 2015December 27, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

2015 has been such a fabulous year, filled with fun road trips, delicious food, and awesome experiences! It has been such a joy & delight sharing all our excursions….

Here are the top 10 of 2015: (click on post titles to be redirected)

1. Falling in Love with Loveland: Castle in OHIO!

2. Wauseon: An Affair to Remember

3. Grand Rapids: Gastropub, Paleo Farm, & More

4. I left my Heart in Holland

5. Playtime

6. Wapakoneta

7. It’s just a Red Ball? Au contraire!

8. Au Revoir Redball Project

9. Let’s Talk Salsa

10. Ladies Nights Out!

It is going to be hard to say goodbye to 2015 however my heart is a bit lighter knowing that 2016 will be filled with new adventures, recipes, and fashion!?! Yep, you heard correctly, for 2016 we will be adding fashion to the Mom on the go in Holy Toledo mix!!! How was your 2015, what was the highlight? What are you looking forward to in 2016? What would you like to see Mom on the go in Holy Toledo include and/or discuss in 2016? I can’t wait to read your thoughts!! Cheers!!

Moment that defines an Experienced Mom vs. A New Mom

December 16, 2015December 16, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

What a day! We (my preschooler & I) have been running errands all day, Costco, candy & mints shop for teachers’ gifts, etc. with a few brief pauses in-between for lunch, and to pick up kiddos from school. With Christmas only 10 days away we have a lot of people and gifts to still cross off our list, thus, after my son got picked up for basketball practice this evening the girls and I set out to run a few more errands. Perhaps I was biting off more than I could chew; I mean, how long can a 5 year old run errands without something happening?

Our last errand of the day, Barnes & Nobel! The girls and I strolled in, located the items we needed, and started to make our way to the exit. We were so close to the door, in the main/central aisle, and then it happened, my little precious 5 year old started having a coughing fit. Now this might not seem like a big deal to most but my little lady isn’t like most. See, she is getting over a cold and has a bit of mucus, she hates mucus! Unlike her sister and brother she can’t handle excess mucus; can you guess what is coming next? She looked up at me with that gaze and I knew I knew she needed to get outside STAT!! But instead of moving she stood her ground, more like claimed her ground. She stood their coughing and coughing until she coughed up her dinner right there in the central aisle of Barnes and Noble during the busiest season of the year!!

Oh the looks, the verbal displays of dismay, the crowd that formed around us, fingers pointing at my poor little lady now in the center of a little pool that was once her dinner. I sprang into action, first order of business, eliminate my little lady’s embarrassment. I ran over to the Starbucks counter & retrieved as many cocktail sized napkins as I could to cover up the evidence. Then I walked around the store trying to locate an associate but I was unsuccessful, so I went over to the Starbuck’s barista and inquired about towels or mop to assist in the cleanup. She was a bit nervous; this must have been her first kid puking in the middle of the aisle incident. Don’t worry, I talked her through it, Lol! She got on the phone trying to contact someone and I assured her things would be okay, we were going to get through this if she could just part with a few paper towels and perhaps a couple bags. She handed me said items while still holding the phone and eagerly trying to contact help. I knelt down and cleaned up the mess, it took a few trips to the garbage, a few more glares and verbal declarations of disgust from strangers, and I had the mess almost entirely cleaned before the barista came over with a wet floor sign. As I gently guided my 5 year old up and we strolled outside I couldn’t help but grin from ear-to-ear, I kinda totally rocked that entire situation!

As I helped my little lady into her booster seat I couldn’t help but think back to when I was a new mom, back when my eldest was my youngest age, and how different the outcome of a situation like that would have been. My first inclination back then, as a new mom, after my child started vomiting in a crowded public place like that would have probably been one of total mortification. I would have become beat red in the face and overly consumed with other’s judgements and opinions of me as a mom. I probably would have beaten myself up and convinced myself that it was my entire fault. It would have probably taken me weeks to recover. So, why share my thoughts on this situation? Because, I want all those new moms to know that they are not alone, we have ALL been there at one time or another, it is not your fault; and yes, it will get better, promise! And I want us experienced moms to rejoice and be thankful for how far we have come, how much wisdom and knowledge we have attained.

Lastly, it is so important that we support one another, both old and new moms. We can learn so much from one another. Encourage, inspire, strengthen, and love one another no matter where we might currently be strolling on the path called motherhood.

Cheers!!

What are your thoughts? Are you a new mom, experienced mom? How have you grown in motherhood?

Facebook killed the Christmas card

December 11, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

The following message has been circulating on Facebook: If you would like to exchange Christmas cards send me a PM with your address.

I must admit, that message rubs me the wrong way. What happened to the good old days when you would eagerly open that mailbox and wonder will there be Christmas cards today, and if so, from whom? We have removed the excitement, anticipation, magic. We have removed that warm heartfelt feeling of knowing that you are important to someone, that they thought of you exclusively, and wanted to make certain you received a card. What ever happened to giving because you care, appreciate, and love someone as opposed to giving in order to receive?

Now, I am not naive, I realize Christmas cards are expensive and you can only send out a limited amount. But sending out a message to have people PM you if they wish to exchange cards might end up hurting someone’s feelings, including your own! You may not have enough cards to send to those who PM you their addresses. Or, you might be disappointed to see that only a couple friends want your Christmas card. Is there a solution?

The answer is, I don’t know. I fear that just like video killed the radio star, Facebook is killing the Christmas card. Let’s be honest, we spend hours a week connecting with friends and family who live both near and far, it is like a virtual Christmas card all year! What is the point of sending a card with a photo of your cute babies when everyone sees them every day on Facebook? (Should be noted that I appreciate & LOVE each & every card I receive and yes, I do keep ALL of them….I might just be a dying breed?)

Perhaps just like letter writing has become a thing of the past, Christmas cards will too, perhaps our generation will be the last? God only knows what the younger generations will send each other in the future, holograms? Am I just delaying the inevitable? Am I naïve to think others will appreciate receiving our Christmas card? Or am I just mailing out a card that will deliver nothing but more obligation to the receiver during an already stressful time of year? (I hope not, just because you receive a card from me doesn’t obligate you to send one to me, I understand, I just wanted to send some Christmas Cheers!)

What are your thoughts? Do you send Christmas cards?

Harlem Globetrotters TICKET GIVEAWAY!!

December 7, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

Looking for that perfect gift of experience to give this Christmas? One that doesn’t require your child/grandchild having to wait until spring break (sure a trip sounds like fun but in their eyes spring break is decades away!!)!? This one delivers a quick turnaround and is something the entire family will enjoy (kids and kids at heart). Tickets to see the world famous Harlem Globetrotters!!!

The Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will bring their unrivaled family show to Toledo’s Huntington Center Dec. 27^th @ 3pm!! This show promises incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy & unequaled on-court fan interaction!

And you won’t want to miss the pre-show event! BE sure to get your MAGIC PASS for the pre-show 1:30-2pm. You can actually spend time on the court with the Globetrotters, shooting, trying ball tricks, and photo opportunities!!!

I for one know my son is going to lose his mind when he receives this gift (FYI: looking to have something for your kiddos to open along with the tickets? I am contemplating sneakers and/or a basketball).

Show Date & Time

December 27^th at 3pm

Pre-show 1:30-2pm

Ticket Info & Discount

Click on the link below to print off ticket form……

ticketsMom On The Go in Holy Toledo

Contest

Mom on the go in Holy Toledo is giving away a family 4 pack of tickets

To be entered complete step ONE & TWO:

ONE- must complete 3 of the following, you can decide which 3:

1.Share this post on Facebook. (simply click on button at the bottom of page)

2.Share this post on Twitter #harlemglobetrotters (button at bottom of page)

3. Show the Gobetrotters Facebook page some love

4.Share this post on Pinterest (button at bottom of page)

TWO- Comment below expressing who you wish to take to the show

Winner will be randomly selected December 11th @ 11:59pm. Winners name will be announced the 12th on this blog post thread and on Mom on the go in Holy Toledo’s Facebook page.

Second BEST gift to give!! (ALL my readers get 50% off!)

December 7, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

As most of y’all know I believe the best gift you can give are the gifts of experiences (memberships, tickets to a show, a class, gift card to a local hot spot) and the second best, gifts that commemorate those experiences. That is why every year we create fun photo books and calendars to give to those special individuals who gave us the gift of those awesome experiences. And let me tell you there is no greater joy than seeing their eyes light up as they flip through the pages and see all the fun that their gift of an experience brought to our family. And this year is no exception!

Though, I will admit, with so many calendars and photo books it can get a bit pricey which is why I am always on the lookout for a great deal! A great deal that doesn’t compromise the quality. So I did some research and came across this sweet deal by Mixbook!!

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with their festive and sentimental Merry Christmas photo book. Snowflakes, candy canes and colorful ornaments are featured on joyful holiday backgrounds to showcase your photographs. Layouts allow you to build collages, feature a portrait across the gutter or frame snapshots inside holiday artwork (WHAT!?! Can we say awesome!!) & your personal quotes and tags are highlighted in eye-catching typography.

Merry Christmas is part of their Seasonal Photo Books Collection and is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, just like all of their other photo books, cards, and calendars. Mixbook uses only the highest-quality, heavy-weight papers that are ethically sourced from sustainable forests and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance.

They offer 3 sizes of photo books; printing time is 1-2 business days!!! With Mixbook, everything is customizable. Add your own photos and text change the layout, add stickers and backgrounds – you are free to design a Book that is personal to you!

My readers get to save just in time for the Holidays! 50% off cards & 10×10 photo books + 40% off site wide! http://mixtrk.com/?a=50&oc=13&c=104&p=r&momonthegoinholytoledo=

Toledo Museum of Art FINALLY has an exhibition for the guys!!

December 5, 2015December 5, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

“Finally, something for the guys, I was getting sick of the ballerinas!” (I believe he was referring to Degas & the Dance exhibition, lol!), exclaimed my 8 year old son as we perused the latest exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art, The Rise of Sneaker Culture!

Sneakers have long been loved as a staple of casual fashion, transcending gender, age, and socioeconomic categories to become the footwear of choice for millions across the globe. Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture tells the sneaker’s complex and fascinating story through approximately 150 pairs drawn from the collections of the Bata Shoe Museum; the Northampton Museums and Art Gallery; the Kosow Sneaker Museum; the archives of Adidas, Converse, Nike, and PUMA; and private collectors such as Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder, Bobbito Garcia, and legendary hip-hop group Run—DMC. Source

I have to be honest; I kind of thought the exhibition would be a tad boring. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love shoes just as much as the next girl but sneakers, really!? And then I entered the exhibition and surprisingly found myself intrigued! The exhibition goes deeper than just the sneaker; it addresses the history, structure, cultural connection, value, marketing, fashion, etc.

The Rise of Sneaker Culture includes iconic sneakers ranging from an 1860 spiked running shoe, track shoes from the 1936 Olympics, an original Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1, and early Adidas Superstars, to contemporary examples designed by such prominent figures as Damien Hirst, Christian Louboutin, Kanye West, and Nike sneaker design legend Tinker Hatfield. Out of the Box also features sneakers and related prototype drawings from Nike Archives, which span the career of legendary designers like Tinker Hatfield, as well as a complete presentation of Air Jordans I–XX3 on loan from the Kosow Sneaker Museum, which highlight the pivotal role this coveted series of sneakers has played in the rise of contemporary sneaker culture. Source

My little fashionista enjoyed walking around and seeing all the different styles.

Meanwhile my 10 year old daughter wasn’t much interested until we entered Gallery 28C a.k.a. the room at the end. It was filled with fun, interactive, engaging games, an area where you can design your own sneaker and add it to the gallery for all to see, a spot to post your “shoefie”, like a selfie pic of your shoes.

Then we headed downstairs for the Family Center to make some fun creative masterpieces and get our play on!!

The Rise of Sneaker Culture is a traveling exhibition and The Toledo Museum of Art is the only Ohio venue for this show, so don’t miss it! It is here Dec. 3, 2015-Feb. 28^th, 2016. Admission is FREE!! This makes a perfect date night!! If you have kiddos make certain your visit on a day that the Family Center is open (Tues & Thurs 10am-2pm, Fri 3:30pm-8pm, and Sun noon-5pm). The Family Center is also FREE! Best of all, with all that dough you saved you can grab a snack in the café and/or a souvenir in the store…commemorate the art of quality time together at TMA!

Vlog!! Video Bloggin it today, baby!!

December 3, 2015December 3, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

Video blogging it today! Because, why read when you can watch? (I might need to work on that tagline but you get the gist). I will add links to items in the comments. Also, please feel free to add to the list, what is one thing you would suggest ALL moms get for Christmas?