Professional Etiquette for Aspiring Innkeepers: My Secret Recipe for Success

Are you an aspiring Innkeeper or just starting out in the business? Here are some of my own personal tips that will set you apart from your competition:

1. As highlighted in my recent post, a small Welcome Basket can go a long way in showing hospitality to your guests! Many guests are paying up to $400 for a night at your Inn, I’m sure it would be nothing to spend a few dollars and a little time to show your appreciation of their patronage.

2. Have a little cove where you can display local pamphlets, maps and coupon books for your guests to rifle through. Make sure that they are categorized by activity, presented professionally and contain current information.

3. Include a well-designed binder/folder full of the quirks/rules of the Inn, local delivery options, TV channel guide, WiFi password, and room service/package options.

4. Designate a preferred window of time for check-ins. Many Inns promise to be on-site between 3 pm and 6 pm, but I find that 3 pm to 8 pm is a more realistic window, especially for Friday evening. Keep an eye out for their arrival so they aren’t standing at the front door wondering if they are at the wrong house. Greet them warmly, shake their hands, call them by their names and congratulate them on their special occasion (this means finding out the reason for their stay when they book their reservation).

5. Provide them with dining out options and offer to make a reservation for them (especially since they will be exhausted from their travels). If they are celebrating a special occasion, jazz up a bottle of Champagne or box of truffles and place them on the bureau in their room. This will show that you are attentive and accommodating.

6. Ask about dietary restrictions/allergies at the time of booking. Many people who are restricted in diet are wary about staying at a B&B due to a reputation for decadent cuisine. Become proficient in gluten-free baking and diabetic needs and advertise this knowledge in your marketing. As far as your non-restricted food? Take the time to bake as much as you can from scratch and decorate it beautifully. People do not spend hundreds of dollars per night to be served muffins from a boxed mix and frozen quiches.

7. Find out their desired breakfast time when you check them in. This way, they won’t have to wait long for a hot breakfast, and you won’t get slammed by the breakfast rush all at once. I've seen people serve breakfasts in courses, but in my professional opinioin, anything more than a "Fruit" course and a "Main" course is anxiety provoking for the guests. Don't make them feel like they have to rush through their courses or sit through a longer breakfast than they anticipated. Plus, less courses, less dishes you have to wash.

8. Offer to put together an itinerary based on the nature of their trip. This way, they won’t be wandering aimlessly around a town, completely unaware of the amazing excursions that exist around them. This is an instance of going above and beyond the call of duty.

9. Leave your attitude at the door! I get it, we all have bad days, especially in the hospitality industry where you are pretty much married to your work. Time and time again, I read reviews about grumpy Innkeepers and it breaks my heart. Hospitality means making people feel comfortable, and you can’t do that with a sour-puss look on your face. If your heart isn’t in the business anymore and all you care about are dollar signs, please sell the business to someone who has the passion needed.

10. Cross-train your employees. I always see Innkeepers bending over backwards to clean 6 or 7 rooms a day, cook breakfast, do check-ins and handle the finances and that will burn you out quickly. Don’t be a control freak. If you hire an assistant Innkeeper or housekeeper, train them in ALL fields of your business instead of limiting them to scrubbing toilets and then complaining that you do too much. Teach them to prepare and plate the breakfasts, interact with guests, handle check-ins, run the gift shop, and reservation bookings. If something happens to you, God forbid, now you know that there is someone trust-worthy that can handle your pride and joy. This does not mean hiring an interim Innkeeper and making them an indentured servant. A good employee doesn’t quit the business, they quit the boss. Be a nurturing and compassionate employer who wants their employees to learn and grow, but also to run their business with professionalism and courtesy.

11. Maximize your Social Media presence. Join Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, everything! Link your blog to all of these and write at minimum one entry a week, which should not only highlight your Inn, but upcoming local attractions, food reviews and decor/style tips.

12. Respond to ALL reviews, not just the bad ones. If you do receive a bad one, DO NOT GET DEFENSIVE. Be apologetic and professional, and always offer a solution or alternative to their complaints to encourage them to give your business a second chance. When you receive a positive review, be gracious and enthusiastic for the guests' return.

13. Hairdryers, ironing boards/irons, and robes go a long way in terms of convenience for your guests. This will also warrant higher ratings from hospitality organizations reviewing your business. Also, consider featuring a gift shop area where guests can buy souvenirs, local products and extra amenities. Designate an actual section of your inn to display instead of strewing your product around the entire inn as "Decorations with Pricetags." Tacky.

14. Consider hosting weddings and events when your business starts to run smoothly. Special events can bring in wonderful revenue, provide stunning professional pictures for your website, and set you in a league apart from the rest. Form business relationships early on with local reputable caterers, cake designers, and party planners and attend workshops centered around event coordinating.

15. Identify your Inn's niche. If you want to market yourselves as culinary gurus, creative decorators, professional soap artisans, dog lovers, whatever you feel passionate about--set yourselves apart from the other run-of-the-mill inns in your area. Keep it simple and master your featured talent. Also, stay up to date with fluctuations and innovations in interior design. Replace sheets and comforters often, freshen up color schemes and revamp furniture when needed.

Join the "Inn-Crowd" with These Helpful Tips to Ensure A Memorable B&B Experience

June is a popular month for weddings, graduations and anniversaries. Many people make reservations at their tried and true hotel chains, or stay with friends (which can sometimes be restrictive of your privacy). While I love the predictability of a hotel or the comfort of an old friend’s home, I will attempt to open your eyes to an often underrated means of accommodation: a Bed & Breakfast (or an Inn).

Bed & Breakfasts are typically owned by a single person or a couple, and you are essentially being welcomed into their lavishly decorated home where they want to cater to you and give you the best experience possible. You would only be sharing their attention with approximately 6 other rooms, which is a pretty good ratio for getting individualized support. Innkeepers have been in the business for a long time and have hospitality down to a science. They know where to send you to get exactly what you want to eat (and will even make the reservation for you, since they know the owner). They can redirect you around traffic and point you in the direction of secret, locals-only hiking trails. They can plan a weekend itinerary for you filled with horseback riding and picnics in the woods, and have flowers and handmade truffles waiting for you in your room when you return. Large hotel chains may win you over with a warm cookie upon arrival, but consider this: When you arrive to a B&B, you are beckoned with lush, empyrean gardens and landscaping; stunning, ornate furnishings and soft, 1000-thread count sheets; doting Innkeepers, who are a wealth of knowledge about the area; and quite possibly, an entire oven full of fresh, warm cookies to greet you. You are guaranteed a gourmet
 breakfast and fresh coffee when you wake up, and by the end of your stay (if the Innkeepers have their hearts in it), you will feel like you just inherited a new extension of your family.

On the other side of the token, I do feel that B&B’s aren’t for everyone. Some people like to be completely secluded with minimal interaction with other parties, others want to accumulate their hotel travel points for valid reasons. I also believe that there are common misconceptions that surround a Bed & Breakfast. An attentive innkeeper will do everything in their power to ensure that you are provided a quiet guestroom to relax in. They will be open and honest about soundproofing quality and will not offer you a room above a noisy kitchen if they know you want a serene getaway to catch up on sleep. Some B&B’s offer family style dining, where everyone sits at a large dining room table for breakfast. I tend to prefer café-style tables set up in a large dining room so that patrons can have their space but still feel the energy of the morning bustle. If this is something that you prefer, be sure to read up on your dining accommodations so that you get exactly what you pay for. A hospitable innkeeper will also respect your intentions of enjoying a private getaway by being available to their guests but not intrusive.

Here are the key DO’s and DON’T’s when considering a B&B:

DO call the Inn before booking to address any specific questions you may have or ask about special rates.

DON’T try to intimidate or bully the innkeeper into giving you a discount. They usually only have on average 6 rooms to rent, and while they will most likely give you a discount on the weekday, a weekend is when they make the majority of their revenue.

DO contact the Inn before your stay to make them aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have.

DON’T demand a custom menu or wait until your breakfast arrives to let them know you are a diabetic gluten-free vegan allergic to vegetables.

DO inquire about rooms with private entrances or balconies.

DON’T use that as a way to sneak in guests or throw all-night soirees on the veranda.

DO request to purchase a nice package from the Inn in advance for your significant other to make their stay special.

DON’T wait until the day of your reservation to frantically order a bouquet of long-stemmed roses and chocolate dipped strawberries.

DO provide your Innkeeper with a time of arrival. Innkeepers love to be on property to greet their guests and give them a tour. They take great pride in their business and want to give you a fantastic first impression.

DON’T demand that an Innkeeper wait until 9 or 10 pm for your arrival when you committed to a 3 pm arrival. Oftentimes, Innkeepers have families and dedicate 24 hours a day/7 days a week to their B&B, and it is presumptuous to expect them to put their lives on hold to wait at the front because you had to make an impromptu stop at the outlet mall for 6 hours. There are a few exceptions such as inclement weather or poor traffic conditions that are beyond your control, and any Innkeeper will be more than understanding of this. Be sure to give them a courtesy call if this is the case.

DO ask your Innkeeper to provide extra pillows and duvets or to ensure that your bed won’t be adjacent to a drafty window or door.

DON’T take it upon yourself to rearrange furniture, remove headboards or take amenities from other rooms. I have heard of guests un-anchoring large, heavy headboards because they “made too much noise.” BIG faux pas.

DO ask your Innkeeper to give you a tour of their available, clean rooms for your next visit.

DON’T embark on a self-guided tour of the Inn. Remember, this is someone’s home and also guests may very well have forgotten to lock a door when they left for the day.

DO address any issues with your accommodations while you are on-sight so that they may be remedied immediately during your stay.

DON’T wait until 3 am to ring the Innkeeper about a running toilet or write a snarky review on TripAdvisor after your departure. Small businesses thrive on reviews and inns pride themselves on hospitality and being able to handle any situation as it arises. Unless your stay was absolutely horrid, there is no reason to wait and write a nasty review.

DO interact with other guests at breakfast and partake in lively conversation with the staff.

DON’T insult or belittle the staff; or bring up taboo topics at the breakfast table. Be aware of social cues in case some of the guests just want privacy. Sidenote, showing up in your pajamas to the formal dining room is a huge no-no. You don't have to dress up, but please look presentable.

DO ask your housekeeping staff to provide clean sheets daily or replenish your amenities. If you are staying 3 nights, typically the housekeeper will change your sheets for the 3rd night, but some people prefer extra freshening.

DON’T leave your room a pigsty with trash strewn about and hair clumps in the Jacuzzi. Leave your
 room in a way that wouldn’t embarrass you if your mother walked in. The staff is more than happy to freshen your room each morning when you go out for the day, but often they have a limited window of time to straighten all the rooms, so the tidier you leave it, the more thoroughly it will be cleaned.

DO leave a tip for the staff in your room as you depart. Customarily, if the service was exemplary, $10-$20 per day is standard.

DON’T leave leftover alcohol (many times, inn staff is under 21 years) or uneaten food as a tip.

DO return the next year with your significant other for a yearly getaway. The Innkeepers will fondly remember you and will try to make your second experience even more memorable.

DON’T return later with new “guests” every time. Even though an innkeeper will always show you respect and privacy regardless of your lifestyle choices, it is tacky to bring a different partner to the same place every time. Telephone the innkeeper and ask if there is another local B&B that they could recommend. They would be happy to assist you, especially if it would help them avoid a potentially awkward blunder.

A Bed & Breakfast can be a truly magical experience, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion with your loved one. Enjoying the single life? Treat yourself to a couple nights of pampering and relaxation! Some of my most incredible vacations have been solo ones, where I have the liberty to go off and explore a new area at my own leisure, partake in savory cuisine and meet people from all different walks of life.

Be sure to thoroughly browse your options, reading reviews and asking others for recommendations. If your personal style is more rustic chic, but you are booking your stay at a frilly Victorian Inn, that will not suit your preference. Comb through the online pictures and choose a B&B that is both aesthetically pleasing to your eye and has outstanding reviews for food and service.

Looking for a Last Minute Getaway this Weekend? Follow your Spirit of Wanderlust to this Quaint Mountain Town

It’s the beginning of June and summer is upon us—that means time to plan the last minute getaways! For those of you who may be local to the PA, MD, NY, NJ area, I will be sharing my experiences in a scenic little mountain town called Hawley, PA. Hawley is located in the Northern part of the Pocono Mountains and boasts stunning views, a refurbished Silk Mill (which is now home to a bevy of eclectic little shops) and charming places to stay.

If you are whisking your kids away on an impromptu family vacation, there is no better place to awaken your children’s excitement than Woodloch Resort. Woodloch is a sprawling, all-inclusive,

family-friendly resort that is so large it should have its’ own zip code. As you pass through the impressive tree-lined entrance, you will see a variety of lodging options, on-campus restaurants, snowtubing hills, lakes, archery stations, playgrounds, indoor fun-rooms and your favorite TV characters nonchalantly strolling along the wooded paths (Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo, Cookie Monster, Dora the Explorer, etc.). 

Upon check-in, the concierge gives you a colored rubber bracelet which will grant you access into any of their impressive facilities. You can choose from magic shows, indoor playgrounds, lakeside games, water parks, the list goes on and on. The bracelet will also make you an honored guest at one of their all-you-can-eat dinner services (they determine which dining hall you will attend based on the location of your lodging so that it doesn’t get too crowded). The dinners are themed so the characters will make a special appearance mid-way! Rylan’s favorite part of the dining experience was seeing “Bob Bob Pants” (Sponge Bob Square Pants) and eating 3 different kinds of dessert. If you partake in too many activities and would prefer to lounge in the comfort of your spacious guest room (many with lake-front balconies), Woodloch Resort has convenient store options that sell fresh cheese, upscale/healthy snacks, milk and other beverages and souvenirs. 

Every detail is covered at Woodloch and you won’t need to leave the campus for any reason. They even have convenient shuttles that come around every few minutes and take you to your desired location (trust me, the place is HUGE—there is no way it is entirely walkable). Not only do they have amazing amenities and cheerful concierge, but it is completely affordable! My mom, Rylan and I snagged a February special of a gorgeous guestroom for 2 nights, all-inclusive (dining as well) for around $160/night. This includes the kid-friendly activities! And for the exhausted adults who may need a minute to yourselves, Woodloch does offer a few nightlife options as well (though I’m sure you won’t get to see Sponge Bob). 

Hawley is not just a town with giddy children running amuck, though. Hawley is also home to the most charming, cozy Bed & Breakfast, the Settlers Inn. This little mountain inn is located on somewhat of a centralized, main road, but you still get the benefit of the breathtaking mountainous views, while having proximity to the Wine & Beverage store. In all honesty, with the Inn’s elegant and rustic breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, you may not need to venture out at all! 

Even the way the Settler’s Inn smells is beyond delightful. When you walk in the ornate front doors, you are greeted with the oaky musk of the grand fireplace and the sweet floral scent of the soaps in the gift shop (their heavenly hand soap smells like someone bottled clean mountain air and fresh flowers). On the left of you, their cozy Victorian dining room is bustling with relaxed guests and hospitable staff. Every table is full of house-made breads and butter florets, and decadently plated and inventive cuisine. My breakfast experience was pumpkin waffles with a blackberry reduction, topped with curried ricotta and candied nuts. It was a new level of ecstasy. My lunch rivaled my lavish breakfast with a simple shrimp flatbread topped with drizzled balsamic, heirloom tomatoes and artisan greens from their outdoor garden.

   The rooms embrace a vintage Arts & Crafts style décor and are adorned with luxurious sheets, fluffy down comforters and delicate artwork. The color schemes are tranquil and inviting, and the bathrooms are clean and airy with a lavish whirlpool tub, stand up shower and high-end soaps. Although the rooms sit atop the restaurant and main area downstairs, you can’t hear any of the background noise. 

Whether you are traveling with the whole family or looking for a romantic rendez-vous, Hawley has just the right amount of charm and clean mountain air to refresh your spirit. If you find yourself venturing up that way, feel free to contact me and I can give you some pointers on places to go for hikes, kayaking, dining, or shopping. Happy travels, friends!

Post Memorial Day Weekend Woes? Beat the Burger Blues with a Tangy Watermelon Avocado Salad

It's Tuesday morning and barreling around the corner comes the emotional “hangover” that comes with the acceptance that you are going back to your routine life after a blissful 3-day Memorial Day Weekend…I was dropping my son off at school this morning and as he sat down at the little breakfast nook, he locked his fingers with mine and said, “Best friends, momm-ay.” I felt my eyes well up with tears knowing that our perfect time together of splashing in the pool, playing Bocce ball and making campfire cones was coming to an end (even though we just planned our weekend wilderness getaway to the Pocono Mountains for late June!).

We spent the weekend at my parents’ house, as their community has a luxurious pool, spa and ice cream bar (err…for the kids, right?). Rylan loved sampling all of our ice creams and playing in the fountain at the shallow end of the pool. In the evenings after we grilled our dinner, we took waffle cones and filled them with marshmallows, chocolates, berries and nuts; wrapped them in foil and tossed them on the grill for a few minutes—Campfire Cones! Be forewarned because the undercarriage of the cone is prone to getting charred—but if you keep a watchful eye on them, the combination is ooey gooey amazingness! I especially delighted in the melted dark chocolate with the blackberries.

The relentless May sun began to do quite a number on my delicate and newly homed peach verbenas and royal purple salvia buds. I ended up venturing to the garden market for the fourth time in a week, bright and early on the morning of Memorial Day in search of a leafy banana plant to shade my
parched plants. The fabulous attendant scoffed at the thought of the poor banana plant scorching in the sun, and sent me home with none other than my absolute favorite plant in the world—a tiny Meyer lemon tree. The Meyer lemon is a phenomenon from China, brought back by Frank Nicholas Meyer in the early 1900’s. It bears similarities to both a traditional lemon and a mandarin orange, and is sweeter and less tart than the lemons we find on the rim of our iced tea. They contribute to tangy cocktails and your mama’s lemon bars will pack a punch at the next Memorial Day BBQ if you use Meyer lemons! Stay tuned as my little tree begins to yield fruit, and we will get into all the joys of making Meyer lemon soaps and curds (and perhaps, a very berry Meyer lemon trifle as well)!

Speaking of tantalizing food—my, oh my were there some amazing dishes churned out this Memorial Day Weekend! My favorite epicurean delights were simple grilled basil & lime grilled shrimp kabob,

tangy strawberry and spinach salad with walnuts; and a mixture of diced watermelon, tomato, avocado, cucumber, balsamic vinaigrette and fresh herbs. 

For the Salad:
1 pack of grape tomatoes, in assorted colors, cut in half
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup 3/4-inch-cubed red seedless watermelon chunks
1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

For the Dressing:

1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs, in any combination: basil, tarragon, chives, cilantro, lemon thyme
1/4 teaspoon coriander seed
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Assemble chopped ingredients in large bowl. In separate bowl, mix balsamic, olive oil, coriander seed, and herbs/seasonings and drizzle over the chopped ingredients and gently toss.

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Three-day weekends are a fantastic opportunity to spend rare quality time with your loved ones while enjoying outdoor fun in the sun, but it's also a great time to really, truly feel the gratitude in the depths of our souls toward those who have suffered for us to have those freedoms (and those who continue to sacrifice so that we can maintain our privileges). Carve out time to reflect on where you are in this moment, hopefully with food on your tables and joy in your hearts, and know that you are so very loved--and return that infinite love to others. They say the truest concept of "enlightenment" is to be able to look up at the sky and want nothing more from life than to be where you are; to feel the absence of desire or suffering. Let's all strive to feel a fraction of that calm and content, and project our positivity onto those around us. You are enough.

Parenting on a Budget? How to Make a Magical Space to Call Their Own on a Dime!

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again. 

~Elizabeth Lawrence

Between the morning rush to get dressed and out the door by 6:30; the chaotic dinners that feel like Hell’s Kitchen with a 2-year old Gordon Ramsey; a million post-it notes around the house reminding you to wash their naptime blanket for school over the weekend, only to forget it on Monday; the doctor’s appointments, the vet appointments, the potty training, the school cupcake baking, the laundry folding, the work traveling, the snack packing, the activity chauffeuring….between all that scheduled craziness that has become our norm, when do we find the time to make those Instagram-worthy memories with your children? You make the time.

Every child should be granted the opportunity to have a carefree childhood filled with magic and wonder. We know this going into our role as parents, and are hit with the gravity of that promise from the minute we hold that innocent being in our arms for the first time. 

Rylan and I live a simplistic lifestyle, in a cozy farm-style townhouse in modest rural suburbia, with our two sweet dogs. The most magical part of Rylan’s week is hearing the familiar lullaby of the ice cream man’s truck chugging around the corner. His eyes light up like Christmas lights and he exclaims, “ICE TWEAM MAN!” over and over. His excitement is infectious, and I can feel my heart fill up with warm enthusiasm as he skips and hops around the yard yelling, “HOORAY!”

One day, we were driving to Rylan’s grandparents’ house and I happened to spot a little dual-sided shelf on the side of the road with a “FREE” sign taped onto it. I pulled the car over and snatched it up, with no idea what I could possibly use it for. When we got home that day, I took it out to the back deck where all my flowers and potting supplies were. Rylan eagerly picked up a garden trowel and a tin can of pansies and put them on the front ledge of the little shelf. A lightbulb went off in my head and I realized that this little shelf would be the perfect potting station for him and his newfound passion for horticulture. He takes such pride in arranging his shovels on the little ledge and watering his flowers now!

Ever since Rylan was a baby, we have nurtured his love for books (my mother is a retired elementary school librarian so that was no surprise). I wanted to make a cozy reading nook for him in his room, away from the chaos of the house—a place of his very own where he could immerse himself in fairytales and lands of dinosaurs. I ordered a kids tipi off of Amazon (can be upwards of $100, but they really can be used for years as your child grows) and slid his old crib mattress in there as a little couch. Rylan loves lounging in his little tipi, playing with toys or pulling out books. It was one of the best investments I ever made for his imagination.


Even though my background is in the Culinary Arts and I am always finding myself in the kitchen cooking, when I was a child I did not know the slightest thing about preparing food. Even my American Girls cookbook could not help my peanut butter cookies fromturning into molten pools on the baking sheet. Rylan is in the stage of his childhood where he is craving the ability to do things independently (with supervision, of course). He finds himself feeling frustrated watching me cook in the kitchen because he wants to be the one stirring the sauce or checking on the cakes. I started brainstorming ways that he would be able to help prepare his dinners without having to cut things or be exposed to direct heat. I tested an idea of using an unplugged crockpot and letting him add his ingredients one by one to make a slow-cooker chili for his grandparents. He had the time of his life plopping in meatballs and using the wooden spoon to stir his concoction! A few weeks later he asked to help me bake cookies. I pulled out our toaster oven (not preheated), and used the little baking tray. I formed the balls of dough and Rylan rolled them in sugar and assembled them on the tray. I took over putting the tray in the toaster oven and setting the temperature, but it was the perfect little size for him to be able to see through the glass without endangering himself near a huge oven.

We as parents are doing the absolute best that we can at any given point in time. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to other parents who can afford the elaborate vacations and houses full of electronics, and that is amazing that they are able to have those luxuries! But for a lot of us, dusting off the old camping tent and swimming in the lake may be the yearly family vacation. My fondest memories in life were made around a campfire, with the stars shining through holes in the sky, listening to the chorus of bugs and birds and running water. (That doesn’t mean that our family vacations to Disney World as a child weren’t the most amazing thing ever!!!!) The trick is not in how much money you spend or what you are doing, but in how you personally can find the magic and wonderment in every little thing. If we keep waiting for huge things to happen to make our lives memorable, we will be waiting forever. The beauty is in those little moments, some that happen every day, some that may be out of the ordinary. I will never stop trying to make Rylan’s life as special as possible.

Inexpensive Summer Ideas for Toddlers:

1. Wood Pallet Garden

2. Outdoor Potting Area

3. Plant flowers in old plastic dump trucks and boats (drill draining hole)

4. Reading Nook (use a tent, tipi or blanket fort, string lights, pillows, etc)

5. Outdoor fort for space under the deck (plant shrubs as a border/fence and fill area with sand, toys, small hammock)

6. Learn to cook using unplugged crockpot/toaster oven (parental supervision)

7. Hang a plastic shoe rack inside a pantry door to organize daily snacks, so toddlers can pick out what they’d like to eat

8. Fill an old picnic basket with plastic foods, blanket and camping plates

9. Go camping in the backyard/deck

10. Write a few different day-trip scenarios on popsicle sticks or glue a picture at one end of each and let toddler choose where they’d like to go on their adventure day!

11. Find a local festival (Harry Potter festival, Fairy Festival, etc.) and go to your local thrift store and you and your toddler put together an awesome costume to help their imagination come to life!

12. Let your toddler pretend to be a photographer and learn to capture all those magical moments by giving them an old camera

Tired of the Living in a Fog? Reset Your Body and Mind with Whole30 Challenge

Take a minute to answer these simple questions:

Do you need to drink 3+ cups of coffee a day to stay alert?
Do you constantly fall victim to the after-lunch fog?
Do you feel sluggish or lack energy more often than you care to?
Do you suffer from digestive issues (heartburn, acid reflux, feeling hungry or full all the time)?
Do you have skin problems for no reason (acne, random rashes, hives, dry skin)?
Do you feel sugar or carb withdrawals?
Does your diet revolve around sugar, carbs and dairy?

Around the holidays, I was horrified to stumble upon pictures of myself at a company holiday party and couldn’t believe how round I had become in the year past. It was so discouraging to see that my overconsumption of Christmas cookies and seasonal beer had caused me to look like a lump of rising sourdough, expanding slowly day by day. I feverishly embarked on a carb-free diet which consisted of nutrient-lacking protein shakes and cheese. I was so deflated 2 months later to realize that those empty calories were not making the weight melt off.

In late April, I overheard a coworker talking about a month long challenge that she was mid-way through, called the Whole30. She described it as a body reset, eliminating grain, dairy and sugar and sticking to the basics of meat, fruits and most veggies. Her complexion was glowing and she seemed so alert, and she was only halfway through the challenge! I was immediately intrigued because I love a challenge and a month did not seem like an overwhelming amount of time to take a step in the right direction toward improving my health and wellness.

I fully recommend reading up on the Whole30 program before starting it, as there are a good amount of restrictions that you absolutely cannot get around. For me, I cut out all condiments but increased the seasonings and fresh herbs used. I use only coconut oil to cook with, and coconut and almond flour to coat meats only. I opt not to eat any nuts and limit sweet potato consumption (for those who have higher carbohydrate needs, sweet potatoes will be your best friend). I drink my coffee black with a splash of coconut milk but I do not use any sweetener of any kind. I have completely cut out snacking in between meals and put the most emphasis on a filling breakfast (usually 2 hardboiled eggs, a banana and black coffee). For the first 10 days, I did not get inventive with recipes because I wanted my body to FEEL the changes I was making, instead of replacing bad food with a healthier alternative. I wanted to rely on the primitive aspect of eating plain (mostly raw) vegetables, and taking whole pieces of fruit for a meal. On day 11, I started experimenting with different flavors, seasonings and preparation methods. Everything that was being churned out of my kitchen was zesty and vivid in color.

I started making video blogs (vlogs) to chronicle my experiences for friends who had a desire to try the challenge. I made one for Days 1-10 and Days 11-20 (I am currently on Day 23 and will record my final one on May 31). It was super encouraging to see the way my face had slimmed down from the first vlog to the second. I even had a dewier complexion and my eyes were brighter. I was initially going to wait until I was completely done with the challenge to publish a blog post about the Whole30, but I am being approached by many people about the challenge and I feel compelled to share my story to inspire those of you wishing to make a life change and feel phenomenal!

I recommend briefing yourself on how you will feel on a day-to-day basis on the Whole30. It really does help explain why some days will seem darker than others, and some days you will feel on top of the world. My best advice for starting—DO NOT treat yourself to a binge-day before starting. Anything you put in your body before the Whole30 WILL BE DETOXED out of you and it will make you feel like crap-ola. If you have a day of cramming donuts in your mouth while watching Netflix, you will have a sugar come-down for the first few days of the Whole30. A sugar come-down pretty much consists of migraines, tiredness, mood swings and intense cravings. JUST SAY NO. This isn’t a diet, it’s a change of life where you will now be aware what you are putting in your body and how it affects your entire system. Also, if on Day 14, you are having a hankering for that baby shower cake in the break room…know that it will completely throw you off track in the worst way…and they DO say you will have to start completely over from Day One. I have literally had a spoon of buttercream icing ripped out of my hand by a conscientious objector. On that note, TELL EVERYONE YOU SEE. You know how vegans tell everyone they’re practicing veganism? Probably because they need their friends to help them stick to their dietary change or they would lock themselves in the utility closet at work with a handful of Slim Jims and pork rinds in a moment of meat-induced weakness. So tell your biggest cheerleaders that you are embarking on this challenge and let them encourage you. The positive reinforcement is one of the best parts of the Whole30 because people will see your willpower and your dedication. It’s not easy. Certainly not for foodies like me—when I say icing was forcefully removed from my iron grip, that is no exaggeration. There will also be a point in time when you will dream about sugar-laden delectables. This is normal—this is your body mourning the loss of a certain way of life while your mind embraces the new routine. STAY ON TRACK!

If you need inspiration and encouragement, feel free to watch my vlogs whenever you need to! They cover how I felt day to day, how you will feel if you happen to get a cold during the challenge, and how reinforce how amazing you are for taking this day by day for yourself and your health!

I will also be periodically posting paleo and whole30 approved recipes to inspire you throughout your journey! 

Turmeric Rubbed Chicken with a Mango Avocado Salsa

Ingredients: For the Chicken
4 chicken breasts
2 tbs turmeric
1 tbs red pepper chili flakes
1/2 tsps red cayenne pepper
1 tbs chopped basil
1/2 tsps coarse salt
2 limes
1 clove minced garlic

Combine tumeric, chili flakes, cayenne and salt in a bowl and coat chicken evenly, rubbing in the spices. In a pan on medium heat, heat 1 tbs Sesame Oil (or coconut oil) and garlic. Sautee chicken evenly on both sides until golden brown, and baste with lime juice when they are done.

Ingredients for the Salsa:

2 ripe mangoes
2 ripe avocados
1 red onion
10 grape tomatoes (optional)
1 tbs chopped cilantro
1 clove minced garlic
Juice of 1 lime
Zest of 1 lime

Dice all ingredients and combine in bowl. Serve cold or warmed overtop chicken.

BUTT-KICKIN RESOURCES:

The WHOLE Whole30

What to Expect Day by Day

Recipes/Meal Plans

Business Insider Article about What the Whole30 is Like

My personal experience with the Whole30:

Days 1-10 Vlog

Days 11-20 Vlog

Bring the Childhood Magic Back into Weekend Mornings

My favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning is to wake up with the sunrise and take my toddler to the neighborhood diner in his pajamas. I live for the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting into the booths, and the way the intricately iced cakes rotate in the carousel as little ones crowd around it, noses pressed against the glass. As I sit cuddled up with my son next to me, I watch all the different stories unfold around me—young kids voraciously feasting before a big soccer game; loving grandparents treating their grandkids to a special meal; single parents who have their little ones for their custodial weekend; shy young couples on their first breakfast date together getting to know each other over French toast; college students sleepily refueling after an all-too-familiar all-nighter.

The best part about Saturday mornings at the diner is the squeal of excitement escaping my son when his Mickey Mouse pancake is put in front of him. Seeing the elation in his eyes sparked the idea that I could create that glimmer of magic in our own home every Saturday morning with breakfast food that depicted his favorite stories and characters. For the past couple of months, every weekend morning when my baby starts to stir, his sandy-colored hair disheveled from his adventures in dreamland, I ask him what he wants for breakfast. Without fail, he exclaims emphatically with his eyes still closed…”Pancakes!”

Thus my affinity for whimsical pancake art was born! I love using cuts of fresh, colorful fruit; multicolored chocolate chips; and a questionably steady hand while pouring the batter into funky shapes in the hot, buttered pan. The hard part is not dreaming up concepts, but keeping sticky little fingers from grabbing a strawberry nose in the process!

If you want a great way to bond with your kids, treat your significant other to a piece of culinary art, or just reliving your own favorite childhood wonders, see what you can come up with this Saturday morning.

Sultry Summer Recipe for Turning a Day at the Farmer's Market into a Sizzling Date Night

Social Experiment:

Walk into a crowded room- be it a break room at work, an OBGYN’s office, a salty biker bar, whatever you please…and discreetly utter the words…”Farmer’s Market.” I guarantee about 95% of the occupants of that room will squeal and say, “Oh I just LOOOOVE farmer’s markets!!!” This is because farmer’s markets are a veritable Mecca of local delights, farm fresh produce and an exquisitely opportune time for people watching. And almost every town across the US of A boasts some sort of farmers bazaar. 

Lancaster County is home to the country’s oldest functioning farmer’s market, appropriately named Central Market. As soon as you push open the magnificent side doors, your senses are awoken by the convolution of heavenly aromas: gooey sticky buns dripping with molten cinnamon butter; flowery cardamom dusted delectables from the Middle East stand, the musky perfume of freshly smoked meats and cheeses, the fragrant potpourri of hundreds of colorful flowers transported in pretty papered bouquets up and down every aisle. Wafting in and out of your eardrums are muddled Pennsylvania Dutch exclamations and the sublime sound of the choir singing from the rafters. 

My dream date night would be embarking on a “Market Mystery Basket Challenge.” Once you’ve entered Market, split up and one person visits a spice stand, a produce stand and a cheese stand, and the other selects the meat and additional accompaniments. Remember, you will not be basing any of your purchases off of a pre-planned recipe! Together at home, you can create culinary ingenuity using the random ingredients that you picked up from Market. It would be a brilliant way to fuse teamwork with imagination while supporting local flavor. 

Not feeling inventive? Here's an easy example anyone can do at home!

Protein:
Orange roughy
Vegetable:
Purple Cauliflower
Accompaniments:
Apricot Marmalade
Dijon Mustard
Tarragon
Lemons
Almonds

Apricot and Dijon Glazed Orange Roughy with Roasted Purple Cauliflower Almondine

In a hot pan, melt 2 tbs butter, 2 tsps Dijon mustard and ¼ jar of apricot marmalade. Add in 3 tbs freshly chopped tarragon. Pour over baked orange roughy filets (or marinate them before you cook them). Salt and pepper to taste.

Cut cauliflower into bite sized florets. Toss in a bowl of paprika (or Old Bay), salt and pepper, then squeeze lemon over florets. Place in oven heated at 375 degrees until florets turn golden brown. While cauliflower is roasting, melt 2 tbs of butter in a pan, then add a clove of minced garlic. Sautee slivered almonds in the pan and remaining lemon juice. Pour mixture over roasted cauliflower florets. Serve with fingerling potatoes tossed in olive oil, fresh chunks of garlic and rosemary.

End your evening with a light vanilla panna cotta with mango mousse and a crisp glass of Chenon Blanc under the stars and that, my friends, is a recipe for bliss.

A Minute Out of Monday

In my quest to see the fireworks despite a seemingly never-ending mental fog, it dawned on me that the sparks in life originate from millions of tiny, serendipitous moments all working together to keep the blood pumping through my veins in perfect rhythm; to imprint the soft crinkles in the corners of my eyes from a lifetime of smiles; to feel that rush of warmth every time my child sets his eyes upon me; the prickling of my skin with delighted relief when I hear a song that describes the emotions that my own words have fallen short in conveying. The minutes fall like tiny, fragile snowflakes, each so intricately different but awe-inspiring as they dance in the air, suspended in time long enough to achieve a snapshot to archive in my memory bank. If I try to tangibly touch them, they completely dissipate in my eager palm so all I can do is admire their fleeting beauty with the mindfulness that they could be the last of the season, forcing me to just be in every moment…

My mind works in a way that it is physically and mentally draining for me to make small talk of any kind—I’d rather delve into the nitty-gritty; be granted the exposure to secrets that are kept only by the solace of the silent stars. So when it was suggested to me that I need to start a blog in the shallow attempt to occupy my mind from…well, my own mind…I initially felt panic about the expected hashtag overuse and mindless posts hyper-focused on the agonizing process of dying my hair the perfect shade of Pantone’s color eggplant in what I can only describe as my 30-year identity resuscitation. Maybe this blog doesn’t have to solely conform to weight loss journeys, #fashiongoals or homages to perfect parenting. Maybe this blog can also highlight those [little serendipitous] moments that often go unnoticed as we work in overdrive to beautify our own lives, only to neglect the organic splendor that exists effortlessly within each moment in time. I’m sure you will find over-embellished pictures of avocado toast, outfits-on-fleek days and a veritable shrine to my son strewn amongst my written thoughts…but maybe a glimpse into my little bubble will inspire you to share the beauty in your world with me.

"When your world moves too fast

and you lost yourself in the chaos,

introduce yourself

to each color of the sunset.

Reaquaint yourself with the earth 

beneath your feet.

Thank the air that surrounds you

with every breath you take.

Find yourself in the appreciation of life."