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- 1 large piece of flank steak without removing the fat----> We had a 2.2 pound flank
- 4 lb Brazilian Sal Grosso (rock salt) ---> I used Himalayan rock salt
- 1 cup of olive oil
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- ½ cup of chopped parsley
- ¼ cup of cilantro
- 2 soup spoons of fresh chopped garlic
- 1 soup spoon of dry oregano
- 1 soup spoon of red crushed pepper
- Salt to taste
- Prepare an open flame grill, charcoal or wood; a medium to high temperature is required and the flames must get very close to the meat
- Apply a generous amount of salt to the flank steak without rubbing it, the salt must be loose or the meat will be too salty.
- Take the meat to the grill and cook for about 5 minutes each side for medium rare, turning only once.
- Once ready, grab the flank steak with a large tongs and hit the meat with the side of a large knife to eliminate the extra salt.
- Let the meat rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it.
- Using a large chef knife chop the parsley and cilantro, move to a bowl and add all other ingredients.
- It can be used as a marinade for beef and chicken or as a sauce for the meat after grilled.
- The chimichurri can be refrigerated for about 2 weeks.
- kids in preschool through kindergarten.
- Includes a sweet story, game time, craft time and time to decorate cupcakes together.
- Price of $15 includes everything you need to make your craft, decorate a delicious cupcake to enjoy at the store or to take home and a choice of beverage.
- BODYARMOR comes in 7-great tasting flavors: fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana, tropical punch, lemon lime, mixed berry and grape —> Tropical Punch was by far my favorite.
- New York Metro/Suburbs: Target, King Kullen, Fresh Direct and Food Emporium
- Boston: Target, Shaw’s, Market Basket, Wegmans, Roche Bros., Alltown, Tedeschi’s
- DC/Baltimore: Target, Wegmans, Mars, Royal Farms
- Philly: Target, Wegmans, Wawa, Sunoco A Plus, Heritage’s, Walgreens
- Atlanta: Target and Publix
- Detroit: Meijer and Target
- LA: Ralph’s, Target, Stater Bros and Alberton’s
- SF: Raley’s, Target, Lucky’s
- Seattle: Target, Fred Meyer, Albertsons
- Cinci: Target and Meijer
- Cleveland: Giant Eagle
Family Day with Toddlers at Hersheypark
June 23rd, 2015
Last month we introduced our family to Hersheypark knowing that perhaps it would be a small introduction to roller coasters, rides, shows and more. Since we have a set schedule with our girls we were unsure how engaged or excited our girls would be with the amusement park but I was very surprised that they endured close to 7 hours of non-stop rides and distraction.
We had a small window of time in our weekend to decide when to go to Hersheypark and at one point I thought I would go to the park by myself with my girls but I was SO glad that my husband was able to go with us because it was a lot of park to cover with two little girls. We decided not to take a stroller with us because we thought we would not need it but in retrospect since we stayed so long, it would have been great to place our girls in the double stroller to rest. I was just so happy that the girls had so much fun that they still keep talking about it.
When we entered the park we had the girls measured by height to see what rides they would be able to get on. I loved the fact that wherever they measured they referred to a Hershey candy so my girls were both Hershey kisses. As we started walking the park we were easily able to point out the rides the girls could ride. It was challenging not to rush since the girls were so excited.
There were rides that allowed the girls to ride by themselves without a parent and usually the girls asked to ride the same ride several times. Since we were at the park a little before the official summer season started, the girls were allowed to ride more than once. If there was a ride that required a parent, my husband would have to ride with both girls or sometimes even alternate with each of them but on occasion I could ride if my pregnant belly did not get in the way.
My girls are 2 and 3.5 years old and they were sorely disappointed that they could not ride the big roller coasters. It was quite amusing to hear complaints and pouts but it was a great teaching opportunity. I was VERY surprised that my youngest got on so many rides because she tends to be a little more hesitant but as long as her older sister was riding she was on the same one.
We did not do any meals at the park but had had a nice lunch at the local Fuddruckers before going to the park but after a while we all got hungry so we were able to buy delicious snacks that made us all happy like kettle corn, pop, and water.
While we did not get to do EVERYTHING like ZooAmerica, shows or even the water park we really do look forward visiting again with our kids because it is all they talk about. Hersheypark definitely made an impression on them and I love that memories have already been created. Here are a few more things that families can do and plan on while visiting Hersheypark.
Disclosure: We did receive complimentary tickets to enter the park. All opinions are my own.
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LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace meals: Quick and Healthy Options for Busy Moms
June 22nd, 2015This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyNewLeanCuisine #CollectiveBias
I have to truthfully say that this third pregnancy has been a lot more challenging that my other two. While I have been able to get meals prepared for my family, the desire to eat or even to have something prepared for myself has been really difficult. A lot of people might not realize that every day has been different with different desires and food aversions. One of the things I did not realize I would enjoy would be the convenience of frozen meals.
I did not grow up eating frozen meals nor did I start eating them when I got married to my husband except for frozen pizzas but somehow the convenience of frozen meals has seemed much easier on days that I could not cook or even know what I could eat. What of the things I noticed that I really needed to make sure I had enough protein to sustain energy and even be able to function with my girls at home.
When I happened to be at Walmart I checked out the new LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace meals which I recently found out now offers NEW Organic, Protein and Gluten-Free Varieties making it easier to grab a few from each to incorporate in daily life. I knew that lunch time was always the most challenging meal for me since I am always out and about with my girls and the convenience of having a healthy delicious tasting meal seemed exciting.
I loved having a punch of protein when I knew my energy slump came around 3pm when I needed to get my work done while the girls napped so I was glad to have a small meal that would give me the energy to keep going when a nap was not possible. The LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace Sweet and Spicy Korean-Style Beef was savory and tasty packing in 15 grams of protein. Not only was this meal a perfect portion, but the flavors were a perfect combination of spice and sweetness which was perfect for this mom.
While I tried getting by not eating on occasion, I learned the hard way and was repeatedly reminded that I had to eat something but the key was making sure it was small and packed with protein. No matter how many people told me I needed to make simple plain meals, as a foodie, I only heard that I needed to eat simply tasteless cardboard or meals that were not exciting. I am just not that person and I loved having the convenience of choosing different meals in different categories depending on my mood or state.
Although I am not advocating frozen meals as being the most ideal substitute for anyone, I am glad that I got to taste the new LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace meals at a time that seemed so necessary and ideal. Convenience is sometimes great and perfect in a time of need especially when I have a hankering for just a plate of macaroni and cheese. I know LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese will do the trick because it is so creamy and comfort food without the guilt. I loved eating it with a green salad which was already ready in the fridge.
Now with even more craveable dishes, LEAN CUISINE® is offering new recipes with modern health benefits tailored specifically for you too! For those with dietary restrictions, I knew I would enjoy the gluten-free option LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace Spicy Beef and Bean Enchilada. It was just one enchilada with Mexican-style rice that also delivered a great amount of protein and SO much variety for a small portion. I look forward trying the other gluten-free option that was not available at the time: Marketplace Comfort Chicken in Sweet BBQ Sauce.
I definitely look forward trying more options in the line as a busy pregnant mom of almost three girls. Convenience with great tasting options is on occasions a great thing to incorporate in life especially when it is a sometimes overwhelmingly a tough time. LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace meals sure do impress. Check out more LEAN CUISINE® offerings on their Pinterest and Facebook pages. Also, look for the special offer June 14-28 in the Superfridge. It may not be in your store, but if it is, please share about the deal.
Be sure to check out more delicious LEAN CUISINE® meals at Walmart. I’d love to hear your favorite!
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Texas de Brazil Flank Steak Brazilian Style and Chimichurri Sauce for Father’s Day
June 19th, 2015I know I am late posting a recipe idea for Father’s Day but better late than never. I finally got around to purchasing a nice flank steak since I know it is my husband’s favorite cut as well as mine. When I think about the type of meals we could get a restaurant at the end of the day meat and potatoes is the way to my husband’s heart.
Since I have a busy weekend, I decided to make a surprise dinner tonight in lieu of Sunday’s meal, but I have something planned for that day after church. Shh, don’t tell him!
Anyway, Texas de Brazil reached out and shared a recipe for me to share with readers. I was intrigued since I love going to Brazilian steakhouses but had not been to one in a long time. When I make my steak recipes I make my Chilean recipes and everyone loves them but I noticed that the recipe sent to me was super simple with a chimichurri sauce I had not tried before.
I prepared my potatoes for creamy mashed potatoes, prepared the chimichurri sauce, washed and prepared the salad and then lastly placed the flank steak on the grill all which was ready within the hour. Super easy and so delicious. YOU have to stop any menu plans and just make this meal because it is going to make your loved one melt. Simple but gourmet.
Make a nice green salad and your favorite mashed potatoes and you have a complete meal. Enjoy!
Happy Father’s Day!!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Fondant Art for Cupcakes with Cake Art by Amy
June 18th, 2015I learned how to be a cupcake master with Cake Art by Amy. All opinions are my own! #CupcakeswithAmy
Last week I had an amazing Girls’ Night Out with a group of ladies at Cake Art by Amy in Collegeville. While I knew we would be decorating cupcakes, I thought we would be learning different way to ice and frost cupcakes but when I arrived I looked at the table set up for our group and was REALLY excited to find out we would be learning how to make fondant cupcake toppers.
It has only been a little under a year that I learned how to ice cupcakes through another class I took but I had not planned on learning any more until the far future. I loved the surprise and the intimacy of the class set up so we could all be watching each other learn. Before we started we had delicious appetizers and had delicious mini cupcakes prepared by Amy herself. There were so many flavors it was hard to stop at just one which was not an issue since they were MINI!
Before I share how exciting our class went, I want to share a little about Amy and her family’s passion for their business. After a being laid off from her job, Amy decided to pursue baking and started her business out of her home by upgrading her kitchen. Orders started piling in but as time went by, the need for a new space and the demand of customers required them to find a new place for their family. Check out their awesome Kickstarter video:
Cake Art by Amy 2014 KickStarter Campaign from Kenzie Media on Vimeo.
When I also find out that they have a heart to give back to their community and to the world I also was amazed by how much they wanted to be doing. It definitely makes a difference when you find out peoples’ passions when starting their business because it gives a unique perspective and a desire to support even more.
Since Amy has now opened her own shop in Collegeville, she has started offering classes, private events, and she is also even offering classes for moms with young kids. I am totally interested in taking my 2 girls to Amy’s Storytime and Sweets! which is for:
Now, how did our fondant class go?
We learned how to handle fondant and I learned how easy it was just to mold and craft it in different ways. Amy had different patterns and examples of fondant toppers we could replicate but she also encouraged us to create our own designs which many of us did. After an hour and a half of rolling various colors of fondant, cutting, folding, molding, Amy quickly showed us how to ice our chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, and we topped each cupcake with our handmade fondant toppers.
I have to say I was one proud fondant maker. I never realized I would be working with fondant any time soon but I left feeling like my time was so relaxing, therapeutic, and pleasant sharing with other women. I hope you get a chance to check out Cake Art by Amy in Collegeville because she has AMAZING cupcake flavors available and even fancy cupcake flavors that change weekly.
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BODYARMOR: All-Natural Sports Drink {Review}
June 17th, 2015This is a sponsored post with Rolemommy. All opinions are my own.
In the last few weeks we have been able to try a brand new natural sports drink that all of a sudden I have seen everywhere! Now that it is summer, the chance of getting dehydrated is super high especially with small kiddos. It is important to keep everyone in a family hydrated while playing or hanging out in the sun. I have noticed my girls get red faces after playing in the heat for a long time or even after a long day at HersheyPark like us a few weeks back. I know my youngest and I suffered from heat-related migraines due to being dehydrated and overheated.
Why is BODYARMOR different than any other sports drink out in the market? Well, it has more potassium-packed electrolytes than any other coconut water, and vitamins and is low in sodium and contains nothing artificial. Many of the top professional athletes have chosen BODYARMOR over all other sports drinks, including Andrew Luck, Richard Sherman, Mike Trout and James Harden –and Kobe Bryant is a major investor in the brand. We think that it’s time to educate all athletes and their parents that there is a better for you sports drink out there, and we want you to give it a try and tell us what you think.
We took the drink on several outings even while we watched my husband play softball one evening. My girls definitely loved the flavors as did I. The only thing was the amount of sugar each serving included which only replaces what energy has been burned. I loved feeling rejuvenated after drinking one of these.
In fact, now that I am pregnant, I get overheated easily and while I walked 30 minutes after taking a break in Alexandria, Virginia a few weeks back, I found myself super thirsty and overheated. I stepped into a Walgreen’s and lo and behold there was a fridge with choices of drink to choose from. There in front of me was BODYARMOR calling my name and yes, I purchased a bottle and consumed the whole bottle while waiting in line to pay for it. It was so nice and cold and refreshing.
BODYARMOR is available at the following retailers:
