Food Fridays: Celebrate St. Pat’s with Irish Street Tacos {Recipe}

March 15, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Food Fridays:

Today’s Food Friday is actually from one of my favorite places to eat (and drink) in Dallas, the BBC! I’ve been working with them for a couple of months and they truly have a great team and know how to have fun – especially on St. Pat’s. So since this weekend is St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing this great and SUPER EASY dish for Irish Street Tacos shown today on today’s D: Living!

IRISH STREET TACOS

This dish is easy to make and has a southern twist, it consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing and tortillas.

For the Meat you will need:
Corned beef 3#
Water 3 Quarts
Spice packet 1 Each
In a medium stock pot add your corned beef and water. If the corned beef comes with a spice packet add it to the water. Bring to simmer and let cook until meat is tender but not falling apart, (about 2 hours) you want to be able to cut it into strips. If your corned beef doesn’t come with a spice packet, you can add your own spices. I recommend: 6 peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and about 2 tablespoons of salt.

For the Russian dressing you will need:
Mayo 2 Cups
Ketchup 1 Cup
Dill relish ½ Cup
Hard boiled eggs 3 Each
In a mixing bowl add all ingredients and mix well, and then chill before serving.

For the Sauerkraut you will need:
Sauerkraut 2 cans (about 16oz)
Bacon 6 strips
Yellow Onion (Medium Size) 1 Each
Oil 2 Tablespoons

To start open the sauerkraut and drain off juice, set aside. Next cut the bacon into about ½ inch chunks, set aside. Next dice the onion (small to medium dice), set aside. In a medium sauce pot add the oil (medium high heat), when oil is hot add the bacon to the pan and let render till it is almost crispy, then add the onion and cook till translucent. Turn down heat to a simmer so not to burn the bacon. Once the onions are translucent, add the sauerkraut and stir till well incorporated. Turn off the heat, and cover.

To serve:
4” corn Tortillas 24 ea
When the beef is tender, place on a cutting board and slice into 4 inch long strips, if the meat is really thick, cut the strip in half. Lay out the tortillas and place the corned beef down the middle and then top with sauerkraut (as much as you like, me personally I like a lot). Then top with a dollop of Russian dressing and serve. You may serve this with some chopped cilantro and diced raw yellow onion, just for some extra flavor. Serve with Green beer. Delicious!

Garnish with swiss cheese.

Looking for something fun today in DFW for St. Pat’s Day? Make sure you check out all the fun they are having at the BBC — with a bagpiper, green beer, brunch, balloon drop and whole bunch more!

Want-It Wednesday: 5 Moves to a Perfect Bikini Body

March 13, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Want-it Wednesdays:

What is it I want this Want-It Wednesday? Yep, it’s a body that looks good enough in a bathing suit that it doesn’t resemble Shamu strung up in net! I’ve been working for several months, but not without a few ups and downs. So when I had the chance to speak with a woman who literally lives in a bikini all-year long, I figured she’d have some great tips to get me (and you) ready!

National bikini competitor Angeles Burke shares her secret workouts that keep her bikini-ready throughout the year! A member of the National Physique Committee (NPC), A.F.A.A. certified fitness instructor and Celsius sponsored athlete, Angeles knows the importance of staying fit and healthy. Her experience competing has taught her workouts that pinpoint and tone areas of the body that will make that swimsuit look great – and have you look your best, as well. Her workouts are great to sneak in anywhere, whether you’re at the gym, on the beach mid-vacation or on the go that will lead to a fitter, more sculpted you this vacation.

Photo credit: angelesburke.wordpress.com

Angeles’ Beach Body Workout:

Crab Squat Walks:

Just because you’re on vacation does NOT mean the workouts are over! Whether you’re lounging by the beach or at the gym, this workout will help give you the legs you’ve always wanted! If you’re on the beach, don’t give up until you reach the lifeguard chair – this is a pretty silly looking move, but it will get your booty burning!

Stand with your feet in a wide stance.
Drop your glutes down so that your thigh is parallel to the ground.
Hold that position and then take 12 steps forward and 12 steps back. You must remain as low as possible, keeping all the weight in your heels.

Seashell Reaches:

While you’re walking on the beach, why not kick it up a notch and make it a workout? Every few steps, practice this workout to pick up shells or rocks. If you’re at home, use a dumbbell for an intensified workout!

Stand on your left foot.
Lift your right foot behind you and bend your knee so your right lower leg is parallel to the floor.
Bend forward at your hips, and slowly lower your body as far as you can. Pause, then push your body back to the starting position.
As you come up, think about using your glutes to push your hips forward instead of lifting from your back.
Keep core engaged and chest up during the entire movement.

Towel Side Planks:

While you and your friends are lying pool or ocean-side, why not get an ab workout in while you tan? These side planks are a great way to tone up – and you can do them on your towel!

Lie on your left side with your knees straight.
Prop your upper body up on your left elbow and forearm.
Raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders.
Hold this position for 30 seconds.
Turn around so that you’re lying on your right side and repeat.

Surf-Climbers:

This workout takes the mountain climber exercise and revamps it! Before running into the water or off to the pool, take a runner’s stance on the ground and get revved up to run into the surf. This will make the waves more fun – and let you burn a few calories before your swim!

Get into push-up position with arms straight and hands directly under shoulders.
Walk feet forward, staggering them so your right knee is bent under your chest while your left foot is behind your with knee slightly bent.
Pushing powerfully into your legs, switch your foot positions, bringing the left knee in and extending the right leg.
Continue alternating for 1 minute, and then take off with a final burst of energy and sprint into the waves! If at home, do a small sprint!

Need a better visual? Then check out Angeles’ workout routine here!

Tour Dallas with NEW Urban Scavenger Hunt on Your Smartphone

March 12, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Try-it Tuesdays:

With spring just around the corner, my list is mounting for all the things I’m looking to do in DFW for Try-It Tuesdays! Here’s one I came across I think would be so much fun for a team-building activity or a great way to see the city with visiting friends or just a great way to explore Dallas as a family. And here’s a chance for you to try-it with a special discount!

Think you know everything there is to know about Dallas? Think you’ve seen it all? Then test your skills with the next level in trivia and tour guide in one with the Urban Scavenger Hunt!

Highlighting downtown Dallas, this smartphone-guided adventure allows you and your family experience the fun like on “The Amazing Race” in 2-3 hours. You solve clues and complete challenges while learning about Dallas in a fun new way. This family-friendly adventure is appropriate for ages 7-70 and is perfect to get the family out on a day of doing and learning. Start on your schedule and play at your own pace.

Want to see how it works before you commit? Check out a demo here!

Cost: $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promo Code: USFamily (This is a special discounted code!)

Time and Dates: Play anytime during daylight hours

For more info visit: http://www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Me Mondays: Save Time with a Whole Meal in the Microwave {Recipes}

March 11, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Every Monday I bring you things on mamachallenge.com that really matter to mom (at least to me!) This morning “Me Monday” took on a whole new meaning because this Monday I (me) was on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas making a whole meal in the microwave – and in only 4:30 minutes! Not only was it easy and healthy, but it also was quick so you can spend more time with your family and spend less time cooking in your kitchen!

Check out my debut:

Are you ready to take on this challenge yourself at home? Then here are the recipes!

Ham & Swiss Stuffed Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 – 8 ounces each)

Salt and pepper

1 slice of Swiss cheese (about 1 ounce) or use Provolone

1 slice of deli ham (about 1/2 ounce each)

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Steam bags (Ziplock, Glad, etc.)

Mustard Sauce

2 tablespoons regular or light mayonnaise

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Pinch of salt (about 1/16 teaspoon)

1. Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 – 8 ounces each) in half horizontally almost all the way through leaving far edge intact and open up like a book. Cover with plastic wrap and pound opened breasts gently to even thickness (about 1/4 inch), being careful not to tear chicken. Sprinkle open (cut-side) of chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Cut 1 slice of Swiss cheese (about 1 ounce) in half. Wrap each half of cheese in 1 slice of deli ham (about 1/2 ounce each), folding ham over cheese on all sides to fully surround cheese. Place one ham and cheese bundle on each chicken breast.

4. Put stuffed chicken breasts into steam bag with thickest part of chicken breasts toward outer edge of bag.

5. Seal bag and place in microwave. Cook on full power for 5 – 5 1/2 minutes, until chicken is cooked through, with no trace of pink. If needed, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until chicken is done.

6. Allow bag to stand 1 minute before handling. Carefully open bag. Use spatula to remove chicken from bag. Serve with mustard sauce.

Glazed Carrots

1 pound baby-cut carrots

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 Tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Steam bag

1. Combine baby-cut carrots, brown sugar, butter, cornstarch and salt in a steam bag.

2. Seal bag and shake gently to combine ingredients. Pat carrots into a single layer. Place bag in microwave.

3. Cook on full power for 6 minutes for crisp-tender carrots. If needed, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until carrots have reached desired level of tenderness.

4. Allow bag to stand for 1 minute before handling. Shake gently to coat carrots with glaze. Carefully open bag.

5. Garnish with 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.

Herbed New Potatoes

1 1/2 pounds small red boiling potatoes, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Steam bag

1. Combine all ingredients in a steam bag.

2. Seal bag and shake gently to distribute seasonings. Place bag in microwave

3. Cook on full power for 7 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. If needed, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until all potatoes are done.

4. Allow bag to stand 1 minute before handling. Carefully open bag and pour out potatoes.

Chocolate Mug Cake

Recipe: Makes 1 mug cake (adapted from www.babble.com)

Mug!

4 tablespoons all purpose flour

4 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg – beaten

3 tablespoons skim milk

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 salted caramels, chocolate chips, or anything else you want to throw in there!

1. Into a small bowl add: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix to combine.

2. Pour mixture into a regular sized coffee mug. Drop caramels/candies into center of mixture one at a time.

3. Microwave on high for one minute and 30 seconds. If needed (if cake batter is still gooey), microwave on high for up to an additional 30 seconds.

What did you think?

Food Friday: Texas Turkey Club Burger {Recipe} and {Giveaway}

March 9, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Food Fridays:

On Fridays our family normally likes to go out to eat together to celebrate the end of the week and the start of the weekend. Unfortunately, going out with a 4-year-old and an 18-month-old to a restaurant can sometimes be more work than I’m willing to take on, especially if it’s been a LONG week. So mama has opted a few Fridays to bring the “going out” experience home with quick and tasty meals that my kids love and still feel like they are “Friday night dinner appropriate!”

Since burgers are a win-win at my house, this tasty recipe I put together seemed to marry all the favorite ingredients in the family together and all with a little kick from Jennie-O!

Jennie-O Texas Turkey Club Burger

Serving Note: A package of Jennie-O Turkey Store Jalapeno Jack Burgers contains six patties, so choose your serving size based on your family size! For our family, we do 4 patties. Also, the only place you can purchase these burgers is WalMart until the end of March!

1 package of Jennie-O Turkey Store Jalapeno Jack Burgers
1 package of Jennie-O Turkey Bacon
1 package of Wholly Guacamole Classic 100 calorie Snack Pack Dip
4 tablespoons of mayonnaise (optional)
4 slices of cheese: provolone or swiss
8 slices of Texas Toast
3 tablespoons butter
Optional: sliced tomatoes and lettuce

Fry turkey bacon according to package directions.

Cook turkey patties according to package directions by cooking well done, 165 degrees F (takes around 5-6 minutes on both sides.)

Spread butter on bread and use skillet to toast until golden brown.

Spread mayo/mustard on slices of toast. Add turkey pattie, 3 slices of bacon, cheese and then add guacamole on the top to taste (I like a lot!) Also in complete club style, you can add tomotoes and lettuce if you choose. Even without the vegetables, this is a very tasty and healthy “burger.”

Want more Jennie-O and Wholly Guacamole fun with me? Check out these posts:

Wholly Moly! Making Healthy & Quick Dinners Possible with Dips?

Stuff Dad’sStocking with this Man Must-Have: The iGrill for IPhone and IPad

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/11/27/4443121/stuff-dads-stocking-with-this.html#storylink=

Connect:

Find Wholly Guacamole and Jennie-O on Facebook or follow Twitter at @EatWholly and @SwitchToTurkey. Also find recipes on the Wholly Guacamole and Jennie-O website!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to win a Wholly Guacamole and Jennie-O giveaway prize pack?
You can win:

Wholly Guacamole FREE coupons (valued at $24)

Jennie-O FREE coupons (valued up to $10)

Turkey meat thermometer and other fun promotional items

*ENTER NOW*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To-Do Thursdays: DFW Fun Runs with Zombies to Zebras

March 7, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

To-Do Thursdays:

Many moms are working on things to do with Spring Break coming up next week, but I know a lot of moms are also revving up for the huge number of runs that are coming up – including this weekend. Just know that running is no longer a race, but a fun activity with everything from zombies to zebras.

So get on your running gear and check out this rundown of fun runs happening in DFW:

Zombie Run
March 9, 2013
Forney, Texas

Logo from DFWZombieRun.com

Are you a Walking Dead fan or obsessed with zombies, but now you’ve got a run to get primed in case we the world gets taken over by them!

Before the race, you will be given a belt with 4 flags attached to it. These flags represent your health. During the race, zombies will be scattered across the course to eat your brains… err get those flags. One zombie can only get one flag from you.
No hitting, throwing or real biting allowed.
Upon crossing the finish line, you need at least one health flag intact in order to be eligible for prizes. Should you lose all your health flags, you are still allowed to finish the race and your time will be recorded but you shall be considered “dead” and no longer be eligible for a cash prize. Turn in your belt and get tickets for the non-cash prizes.
If you find yourself out of health flags, you are not considered a zombie and are not allowed to start pulling at other runner’s flags.

Survive the challenge? You can score money, glow sticks, medals, music and free beer.

The Color Run
April 6, 2013

SOLD OUT

(Photo credit: from The Color Run 5K)

The Color Run™ event is a unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with friends and family. Color runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; but everyone toeing the start line has a blast. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of The Color Run™ course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life!

Since you can’t register for this one, you’re in in luck – there’s another fun “color-themed” fun with Color Fun Fest 5K, May 11 and you can sign up now for more than 50% off!

Fort Worth Zoo Run
April 20, 2013

Early registration guarantees a Zoo admission ticket, a race bag, a T-shirt, as well as a timing chip, if desired. T-shirt sizes based upon availability. Strollers are invited to attend at the back of the line! Then of course, visit the zoo when you get to the end of the line!

The Survival Race
April 27, 2013

(Photo Credit: The Survival Race website)

The Survival Race is designed for fun and although you’re going to be running, jumping, climbing, crawling and working hard, it’s more like exercise in disguise…You’ll be having too much fun to think of the challenge, plus the crowds, which may include your own friends and family, are going to be rooting you on!

The Official Survival Race T-Shirt
The Energetic and Awesome Live Tunes From Our Race Band, The Pulse!
Free Digital Picture Suite – Our professional photographers will be dispersed throughout the 5k-race course, waiting to capture the essence of you and your awesome adventure…this is our gift to you, for being a Survival Racer.
Official Survival Race Post-Race Dog Tag – You must finish the race to earn your right of passage.
Chip Timing: Every participant will be provided with a chip timer. You will be able to check your results online or live at the event. Not everyone wants to compete…no worries, simply have fun, take your time and complete the race!

Right now you can get registration for this event at half off, with this link (for a limited time only.)

Tasty Run 5K & Fun Run
May 18, 2013

Are your taste buds up for a challenge? If so, get ready for the 1^st Annual Tasty Run located at the food and fun festival, Taste Addison 2013. The Tasty Run will feature a 5K and Fun Run with Tasting Stations from Addison’s restaurants along the route. Bite size samples will keep runners satisfied and entertained as they race through the streets of Addison. Individuals, teams and costumes welcome! Restaurant booths along the course will have a Best Theme competition and the winner will be announced during the Awards Ceremony. Registration includes food, shirts and admission to Taste Addison!

Your Mess Maker Can Win You Housekeeping for a Year from Dirty Jobs

March 6, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Want-it Wednesday

Do you ever wish you could be rewarded for the messes your children make?

I know I do and would be rewarded hourly with their busy hands!

Photo courtesy of Muppet.Wikia.com

Dirty Jobs, known for their cleaning products that are formulated to handle the dirtiest jobs and more notably their adorable spokesperson, MikeRowe, is launching a nationwide search for America’s top ‘Mess Masters.’

Submit a photo of the messiest mess your own Mess Master makes and if your photo is selected you could win a full year’s professional maid service from MollyMaid, one of the country’s top-rated professional home cleaning service companies as well as other additional prizes!

Send in your best Mess Master photo and you will be entered and eligible to win one of the following great prizes:

Grand Prize Winner – Molly Maid Cleaning Service for 1 year
First Runner-Up – $500 Gift Card
Second Runner-Up – $250 Gift Card
Eleven Weekly Prize Winners will win a $100 Gift Card

Qualifying as the biggest Mess Master requires no special training, just the ability to create the messiest mess (I have two kids and a lab that could easily qualify without any encouragement.) Accepted entries can include kids and/or pets. They just need to make a dirty mess and you provide the photographic proof of their best mess.

Do you think your Mess Maker can take on the Barbeque Bandit?
Then enter this contest and wine housekeeping for a year.

The contest will run for eleven weeks from now through May 9, 2013 and the Grand Prize winner will be announced just in time for Mother’s Day, May 12, 2013 #bestgiftever! It’s easy and simple to get in on all the fun. Just visit www.mydirtyjobs/messmasters to enter your own favorite Mess Master.

About the Sponsor

Available at Walmart, Lowe’s, and Albertsons Market stores across the country, Dirty Jobs broad portfolio of cleaning products are among the strongest and most advanced household cleaning products available anywhere. They are the ideal cleaner-uppers for everyone’s own Mess Master.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Rolling in the Deep: Jiu Jitsu Done Family Style

March 5, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Try-It Tuesday:

Being pinned down on the ground is normally not the way I like to workout (at least not most the time). However, when it involves burning up to 600-800 calories, teaching discipline AND spending time with my kids, I can definitely be convinced.

Don’t worry, that’s not me in the middle since someone had to
take the photo.

And that’s exactly how I found myself at the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in south Arlington. Surrounded by people of all ages, I was able to explore the whole new world of jiu jitsu. Opening its doors last October, the staff (who also work as firemen and other community roles by day) has more than 60 years of combined experience that allow them to focus on not just the sport of jiu jitsu, but also how it can arm women with self-defense skills and help children deal with the ever-growing issue of bullying.

The guy on top? It was his first day and his first class, too.

While I was very hesitant to get into the thick of things, I quickly learned you just had to get in there and do it. From the moment you give respect to the mat (which you do every time you enter the mat area), I felt immediately comfortable and safe as I listened intently to the instructors about how to perform the proper techniques to defend myself by taking the “fight to the ground.” I also learned that the focus of the practice wasn’t just the technique, but also by empowering its students to build confidence, discipline and awareness, I was also arming myself with skills that could prevent me from being put in compromising situations as well as how to protect myself if I was.

Be careful if you see me in a dark alley…I can take care of my own
(with some more practice, of course.)

But what I was most impressed about at the studio was the environment and opportunity it provided not only me, but also for my kids. Bullying isn’t necessarily a new issue for kids to have to deal with, but it certainly is a growing one as kids find new ways to hurt their peers like through texting and internet. As a mom of two young children, it’s definitely a topic I have to deal with; teaching to not bully as well as how to handle themselves appropriately in the case that they are a victim. And just like any parent, I’d like to provide them all the skills necessary to make good decisions and to be the best that they could be. That is also the same mission as the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio’s family classes.

Learning jiu jitsu as a family can teach your kids how to take care of themselves
(and you if you don’t attend with them…just kidding.)

That’s right, game night has changed in 2013 – now we have family jiu jitsu! It’s actually such an incredible concept, as parents are allowed to take classes with their children to not just understand what their child is learning, but also to engage with their child as they learn and grow together in their practice. With parents working so hard to juggle family time, workout time, and the other fuss of the day, Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu allows the entire family to benefit without adding one more tasks you need to try to fit into those already crammed-backed schedules.

If you’re still scared that “fighting” is not your thing, first, understand – it’s all about protection! Second, I invite you to go into any of their classes (see schedule below) and see exactly how comfortable, fun and empowering the experience can be. And if you’re ready to get your grapple on, then give them a call to set up your membership. Best of all, if you mention this article, you get half off membership when you sign up.

Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
7201 South Cooper Street Ste 111

Arlington, Texas 76001

817.475.0500

http://www.facebook.com/ibjja

IBJJA Class Schedule

Monday:
Kids/Family 5:45-6:30pm
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult Advanced 7:45-8:45pm

Tuesday:
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Krav Maga 7:45-9:00pm

Wednesday:
Kids/Family 5:45-6:30pm
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult Advanced 7:45-8:45pm

Thursday:
Adult Basic 6:45-7:45pm
Adult advanced
No Gi 7:45-8:45pm

Saturday:
Kids/Family 10:30-11:30am
Adult Basic 11:30-12:30pm
Open Mat 12:30-2:00pm

You Got the Look: New Gym Staples You Need

March 4, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Me Mondays:

When it comes to going to going to the gym, there are only a few things you need to score a great workout:

A great pair of shoes

Comfortable and cute workout wear

A sports bra with the right amount of support

And for me, an upbeat workout list

But what do you do with all those other things you have to keep up with like a towel, water, your id, keys and your phone? I’ve gone through a myriad of bags to keep up with everything, but when it comes down to it, I don’t need a big gym bag. However, I do need something to hold all my stuff, especially when you don’t have any pockets. Presenting the Go Caddy.

Designed to minimize what you carry, the Go Caddy is the ideal bag to accompany you to the gym, a long walk, going to the park, a bike ride, a ball game and even when traveling. It holds just what you need with a comfortable strap and allows you to carry the bare essentials – handsfree, so you are able to do what you need without a big bag or backpack to keep up with.

Buy the Go Caddy online and at some retail locations across the U.S.

Water is also one of the staple items that you should have with you no matter where you are, but especially when you are doing hot yoga, spin, pilates or a good run. Unfortunately, depending on where you are filling up that bottle, it may not be the tastiest or cleaniest of the water. However, did you know that with the help of a special piece of charcoal, you can create some of the cleanest water imaginable?

Created by the innovative designers black + blum, check out the the eau good filter water bottle. The bottle uses a filter system with binchotan active charcoal, which has been used in Japan as a water purifier since the 17th century. It reduces chlorine, balances the pH and adds minerals to the water. The unique tab on the side hold the charcoal firmly in place and can be squeezed to release for easy washing. The bottle looks like glass, but is actually made of BPA-free tritan, a crystal clear and very sturdy plastic. After about 6 months, the charcoal can be recycled for many uses including removing odors from shoes, the refrigerator, etc. or sprinkled in the garden to help plants grow.

I’ll be honest, you’ll definitely have people looking at your water bottle trying to figure out what’s in it, but rest assured you’ll have the freshest look and taste.

DISCLAIMER:

Food Fridays: Wiener Power at Hoffman Hots {Review}

March 1, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Food Fridays:

First of all, I’m not a wiener-kind of girl…

WAIT – Let me rephrase – I don’t really like hot dogs. I’ll score one at a Rangers game about once a year and then I’m good until next season. However, when I asked my son lately where he’d like to eat BESIDES Chick-Fil-A, he responded with “hot dogs.” Since he loves going over “The Big D Bridge” (Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge) and I couldn’t bare the thought of hitting up the Sonic, we made the best of both worlds work and hit up Hoffman Hots.

I’ll tell you I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since I had done no research except what Google had done to get me there, we parked in the dirt parking lot of the up-and-coming (still very much coming) Trinity Groves and made our way in.

Wow – it was crowded and only on a Tuesday at this kitchy, little diner spot. But we bellied up to the line and made our way through to make our first order for a Oreo Milk Shake (we decided if we were going to enjoy this experience, it was going to include the whole enchilada.) We then checked out the creatively concise menu and chose to get a little of it all:

Asian dog
Sweet and smokey dog
good ‘ole plain
mac n cheese
tator tots
asian slaw
Triple XXX rootbeers
Totalling around $40 (these better be good dogs!)

Seating did not come easy and thankfully, I had only the four-year old who could sit on the stool booths along the wall we’d claimed (babies in carried or boosters, this might not be the place for you). It didn’t take too long and we had our food. Let the fun begin.

All in all, it was good. My son was excited to eat the mac, which tasted like a run-of-the-mill Velveta kind of stuff, classic tator tots and an ok Asian slaw. The dogs were the standouts in the lineup and they should be – with the Sweet and Smokey claiming the prize for the reason I’ll go back to this place #1. Made with a kielbasa, their proprietary bun like you’ve never had, a sweet glaze and a gouda-pimento cheese with bacon, it was really good stuff. Like the kind of stuff you drive to when you want to be really bad and eat a good hot dog.

When we return I can’t wait to try out the outdoor benches and perhaps a real beer and maybe just the big kids next time. It’s fun and worth the drive to see and taste where Dallas is going in the future!

Hoffman Hots

340 Singleton

Dallas, Texas 75212

(214) 760-9977
http://www.hofmannhotdogs.com

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