CMA Stroller Tour

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending The Cleveland Museum of Art's Stroller tour.  Simply stated- I LOVED IT!

It was a lovely way to spend a cold winter morning with Francesco and a couple of moms from our mom's group.  The Stroller Tours are designed for parents or caregivers with kids 18 months and younger.

We were given a tour by the museum educator who also teaches the children's art classes. She was great with the kids and understands if you need to break away from the group to tend to the wee-one's. She showed us the Chinese Art exhibit and in an hour we were all wrapped up!

Afterwards, the mom's and I (with the kids) went down to Gallery One. Talk about COOL!  There's a blend of art and technology to appeal to the former geek in me.  It also offers lots of room for the kids to play.

Francesco played with the interactive wall for a bit and loved it.

Then we headed to the Kid's Area.  An area with toys, books, and interactive stations for little one to discover, learn and play.

Afterwards, we headed to lunch in nearby Little Italy and enjoyed a casual lunch at Presti's.  Yummers! Little man had some pasta while I enjoyed a paleo-friendly salad.

All in all, it was a good day out exploring some of what Cleveland has to offer.  I recommend this experience for mom's of pre-toddlers to get out and do something for yourself with the little one in tow.

Until next time...

Coconut Chicken Soup

Saturday, January 11th I began the Whole Life Challenge.  This is an 8-week nation-wide healthy lifestyle initiative where you try to incorporate healthy choices into the day-to-day.

With this challenge, came a change in what to eat.  So, I immediately began looking for recipes the entire family would enjoy.  Luckily, while going through my January Parents Magazine I came across a delicious looking Thai Coconut Chicken Soup.

Good Thai food is something I miss--dearly!  I've been living in the Cleveland area for three years now and haven't found a GREAT Thai restaurant.  Most are mediocre in my opinion.  And, since Asian food is outside of my culinary comfort zone, I rarely enjoy good Asian.  But, I digress...

The recipe was compliant with the Intermediate level of the Challenge, so I decided to give it a whirl. Let me tell you, it was YUMMERS!  It was even better the next day. Since, the recipe is a keeper, I decided to share it with you:

Coconut Chicken Soup (from Parents Magazine, January 2014)

Total Time: 35 Minutes
Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. packed light-brown sugar
• 1 lb. organic chicken tenders
• 1 14oz. can unsweetened (light) coconut milk
• 8 oz, sliced baby bella mushrooms
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 limes

Directions:

1. In a 5-6 Qt Dutch oven combine the broth, onion, 1 cup water, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the onion is tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cute the chicken into 1/2 in. pieces; stir into the soup along with the coconut milk, mushrooms and rice.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked, about 5 minutes.  
3. Stir in the cilantro and squeeze in the juice of 1 lime. 
4. Optional: serve with a lime wedge and top with additional cilantro leaves before serving. 

Super easy and so delicious and nutritious.  

Buon Appetito!

In case you're wondering, I'm doing AWESOME on the challenge!  I'm also looking into other Asian recipes that are compliant with the challenge, since this one was so easy.

About Me

Thirty-something Chicagoan living in Cleveland. Wife to a wonderful and loving man. Mom to the most adorable little boy (I'm biased) and cute fur ball-- Bruno. Former digital marketing professional, turned Stay at Home Mom. Experiencing one of the most challenging, yet rewarding roles I've ever had-- raising a happy family.

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