You Gotta Try This #StonyfieldGreek Smoothie

I usually eat a lot of Greek yogurt. It's been my go-to for the last couple of years and in my busiest days I can easily eat it for two meals. My kids also love yogurt, but I can't convince W to eat Greek yogurt for some reason. The other two love it and my guess W doesn't because I've been pushing it on him so much. And why wouldn't I?

Did you know that Stonyfield makes Greek yogurt in 13 different varieties? And they just perfected the recipe, so they found a way to make it even better, as well as introduce new flavoes like black cherry and cafe latte (the hands down personal favorite in our house so far).

Anyway, in my attempts to get W to eat Greek yogurt I put it in a smoothie and suddenly it was delicious.

I just went through the freezer and fridge and used what was on hand: frozen bananas, frozen blueberries from the summer, and a handful of kale.

I threw it all in the blender with Stonyfield Organic Greek Blueberry yogurt and a little almond milk.

And - BINGO - W unknowingly ate and enjoyed Greek yogurt.

Even better, I've been eating cleaner since our cleanse (more on that tomorrow) and was reminded how much I enjoy smoothies and can continue to get more fruits and vegetables in my diet. I've added some chocolate protein powder to mine... Which I bought six months ago when I vowed to get back in shape. But, then life got in the way.

So, now it's time for me to get back on the wagon - especially since we're going on vacation at the end of May. My plan: a mix of running, core power yoga, and the occasional P90X in the basement... Now just to find the time.

Disclosure: I am a Stonyfield Yo-Getter and received complimentary product.

Be Bold Go Red Girl’s Night Out: Ticket Giveaway

I don't get out much these days. Most moms don't, which is usually just fine with me. Between work and trying to get some quality time in with the boys, I'm usually pretty fried by the end of the night and just want to relax or cross things off my mounting to-do list. So, I've become a lot more picky about the things that I commit to these days.

But, we do live in an amazing city for people looking for a social life. With so many great things to do I often get a little bummed when I pass on some of the fun stuff going on. I mean, Top Chef is great and all, but isn't that what DVR is for? And, seriously, skipping a bedtime routine is just fine with me, especially when your 8 month old insists on screaming hysterically through each change of diaper or clothing. (But, that's a story for another day, right?)

With all this talk of going out, you're looking for a girls night, right? Me too. So, I've marked my calendar for the February 29th Girls Night Out Benefiting Go Red for Women. I went last year and can honestly tell you it was a really fun event, supports an important cause, and allows for some pampering.

Hosted by Sassy Moms in the City along with WBBM Newsradio, K-HITS and B96 the “Girls Night Out Benefiting Go Red for Women!"

Date: February 29th

Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Place: Alhambra Place

Cost: $30 VIP ticket includes red carpet treatment, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, swag bag filled with goodies, mini spa services, fashion show and more!

I would include a photo of me from last year looking all sassy and like I'm a mom out for a rocking good time. But, in reality, I was six months pregnant and didn't have anything red and didn't really feel like I needed to jump in front of the step and repeat for a photo. I wish I had, though. That would be a really fun photo to have on hand. And compare to this year's photo where I will for sure have a cocktail (or three) in my hand.

Anyway, this event is really, really fun. Even better, it supports a great cause that is close to our heart as I mentioned last year. All ticket sale proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. Guests are encouraged to bring gently used handbags and professional shoes to help support Dress for Success. (Donations with be accepted from 6 pm – 10 pm at Alhambra Palace.)  

Fun + Philanthropy = WIN. And now you can WIN tickets!

Here's how you can enter my giveaway for TWO TICKETS:

1. Comment on this post about why you need a fun night out. Be sure to include an email address if it doesn't connect back to your blog. (You must comment to be entered!)

2. Follow Hannemaniacs. (Look on the right side bar to follow.) Click on the "Join this Site" button.

3. Like the Hannemaniacs Facebook page.

4. Follow Hannemaniacs on Twitter.

5. Mention this giveaway to your network on Facebook and/or Twitter (one entry for each) by pasting this in your status: Enter to win 2 tickets to an awesome Girls Night Out out at www.hannemaniacs.com. 

Please let me know which of the above actions you have done to be counted.

So, that's SIX possible entries per person. Contest ends at 9 am Friday, February 17th. Enter now!


UPDATE: THIS GIVE AWAY IS NOW CLOSED. The winner (chosen by Random.org) is Tricia @Nightowlmama.

Thanks for participating! 

Disclaimer: Join Sassy Moms in the City along with WBBM Newsradio, K-HITS and B96 for a fun and charitable event on Wednesday, February 29^th, at the “Girls Night Out Benefiting Go Red for Women” at Alhambra Palace Restaurant. I was selected to host this giveaway by Sassy Moms in the City and provided two complimentary tickets to the event. All opinions are my own.

I'm a Kidgrade Ambassador!

When you have kids your eating-out habits are going to change. It's inevitable. For us, it means we  don't eat out as often. And, when we do, we find ourselves at different restaurants than we used to go to and are looking for the best possible place for us to have a good meal and feel comfortable with our kids.

Some restaurants just aren't kid-friendly, which is OK. Maybe they're missing a changing table or only have one high chair. Or maybe they're just complete jerks about the fact that you have kids. Or the food takes fooooorrrreeeevvveeeerrrr and the kids menu is gross and overpriced. All of those things can ruin an experience with kids. We learned early on that when dining out with kids you're looking for good food, an environment accepting of your kids, timely food service, friendly servers, and clean changing tables and high chairs.

To make that easier we have Kidgrade, a site created to help families navigate the places that are worth your time and those that just aren't. It helps take trial and error out of the rare opportunities to go out for dinner.

We've learned a lot of by our own trial and error. I've changed diapers in very creative places and enjoyed my meal with a kid on my lap. We've been the only family in a too-quiet restaurant or waited beyond tantrum time for our food. And every time it sucked.

Matt once commented that it would be awesome if there was a website that rated places for families to help make going out easier. What if parents could find the best fit for them before going out to dinner instead of finding out the hard way? So, imagine how happy I was to find the site already existed and - even better - I get to partner with it!

Check out Kidgrade! Be sure to submit your favorite spots or check the rating before the next time you head out!

Six Years In

Today is our sixth anniversary. Somehow our anniversary always falls on a really beautiful day and we've taken advantage of it. We went to the Oktoberfest in Wilmette and tonight are going out for dinner followed by coffee at a really neat coffee place I currently love. Super low key.

Last year we had a really great anniversary, but this year won't be nearly as exciting. We had one of the best meals I've ever had at Quince in Evanston, as I mentioned in last year's anniversary post. What I didn't mention is that I ended up being a total mess... Like a 17 year-old at a kegger. We had dirty martinis before dinner and then a few glasses of wine with dinner. This should not have been that big of a deal, but I was sick all night. The next morning we learned that I was actually pregnant with B. It was an awful way to find out something really amazing. It was the best anniversary gift we could give each other. It feels like yesterday. These years are just flying by.

In six years we've hosted countless parties, created an incredible group of friends, adopted one dog, purchased two homes and two cars, had plenty of arguments but still trump them with laughs. And, most important, we've had two really special kids. I can't think of any better reason to celebrate.

Our New Year's Eve at Revolution Brewing Company

We had an awesome New Year's celebration this year. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been able to say that before, as New Year's is one of those holidays that constantly raises our expectations and then doesn't deliver.

Call me cynical, but seriously... New Year's just usually ends up disappointing. You pay too much money and have to wait in lines for drinks and eat cold food and the bathroom is always dirty or never has toilet paper and drunk people get pushy and you have to fight for a cab to get home. And then you wake up with a hangover.

But, not this year! We went to the family-friendly party at Revolution Brewing Company after our friends, Kari and Anthony invited us to join them. They hosted a 5:00-7:00 party before their regular party and I was apprehensive at first, but it was pretty awesome. We all had a great time and I'm loving this whole family-friendly New Year's party thing. So, I wrote about it for TheChicagoMoms.com. Check in out here.

You Know You Have Good Friends When You Have Bad Plumbing

Our living room is full of 13 adults and a few kiddos. A rare moment of silence and Matt jumps on the opportunity to announce: “So, we’re having some plumbing issues. If you all could help by keeping toilet paper use and flushing to a minimum, that would be great.”

"Ok, ok, you can flush the toilet. Just be a little careful with using too much toilet paper." I tried to save face a little, but seriously, our friends didn't seem to care, made plenty of jokes about "if it's yellow..." and carried on with the party. It didn't even seem to make a difference in the amount of beer consumed.

Matt was just being honest. We are having plumbing issues due to tree roots infesting some pipes. It's been going on for four months, but has now gotten to the point that we have to repair the pipe, which means there is currently a 12 foot hole outside of our door. This also means that all the cash we were hanging onto for a sunny trip to Florida is going to pay for repairs. Apparently, our insurance company considers this to be "maintenance" since we had no interior damage. Does this look like maintenance to you?

This is the view from right outside of our kitchen door. There is a 12 foot hole under those pieces of plywood and cones. Lovely, no?

Anyway, the old, tall, big trees that we were one of the things that made us purchase this house in the first place are not good for old pipes, it seems. So, we're repairing some big problems that the roots have created.

We learned a lot about our water use last weekend. We had to be *very* careful, which meant no laundry or dishwasher, quick showers, careful bath draining, and limited toilet flushing. We were a really good example of water conservation. We tried to minimize the number of utensils each day, yet still cooked and carried on normally. But that's not the point of this story.

There are two points:
1. Once again, an old house can come up with some unexpected (and really expensive) curve balls. Like plumbing.
2. We have really great friends who aren't going to let a few plumbing issues get in the way of a good time.

Well, Hello Tow Mater

You know you live with a 2 year old when... You just about finish your water and see Tow Mater staring at you from the bottom of the glass.


Not sure how he did it, but he did. Man, I love this kid.

First Annual Packers vs. Bears Party (and a recipe)

Matt and I have a mixed football marriage. He is a Packers fan, I am a Bears fan. Today we hosted the First Annual Hanneman Packers vs. Bears party and decided to feature Wisconsin and Chicago foods and drinks. We had a Wisconsin cheese platter, homemade queso dip, Gino's East pizza, beer boiled brat bites with sauerkraut and stone ground mustard, pretzels, buffalo chicken dip, and a selection of New Glarus beers and Stump's bloody mary mix and hot olives. And then our friends all brought plenty of other good stuff. (New Year's resolutions start tomorrow, right?)

Packers won. So, that means at next year's party W will be wearing a Packers t-shirt (ugh), which is the deal we've agreed to: W wears winning team's t-shirt for the following year's party. Consider this your save the date.

Happy little Bears fans (and one half fan).

Can you tell the majority of guests were Bears fans and wouldn't even touch a Packers cookie?

Here is the recipe for the queso dip I made. It's scary good. My mother-in-law got it from her former hairdresser way before Southwestern food had made its way to Wisconsin. She's been making it ever since and it's pretty incredible. I recommend using a fondue pot (this is the only thing I actually make in ours), but you could use a non-stick pan.

Queso: Melt 2 T butter and add 1 chopped onion, a 4 oz. can of chopped green chilies, and 3-4 finely chopped jarred jalapenos. Saute until tender. Add 15 oz can of tomato sauce. Then mix in 1/2 lb. of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 lb. of shredded swiss cheese. I've also added monterey jack. Stir often. Delicious.

Christkindlmarket: Seven Years Later

Ever since Matt and I started dating he has wanted to go to the Christkindlmarket at Daley Center. A Christmas beer tent caught Matt's attention back then and has held it ever since. Every year it comes up. And every year it just hasn't worked out, mainly because I'm too busy with work and then it's just too damn cold.

One year, even despite my best intentions of having friends meet us there as a surprise for Matt's birthday, we still didn't make it. I *may* have skipped the whole checking the schedule thing and quickly realized when we met there that the fest was set up, but not opening until the next day.

So, finally, finally, finally... Tonight we made it. We had plans for dinner to celebrate our dear friend Jennifer's birthday. Reservations were for 6:30 and I came up with the brilliant idea of finally making Matt's German Christmas dreams come true.

It would have been a different experience back in the day when we could have killed a few hours in the beer tent, snacked on pretzels for the night, and then jumped on the blue line home. It was a very different experience than the one we originally hoped to have there. Life has changed. We waited seven years to spend 20 minutes checking out the vendors, snacking on cinnamon/sugar almonds, and making some really excellent jokes about Germans (which we both happen to be, so don't get all offended). It was worth the wait.

Playing Barista

"Hi, baristas!" is often what we hear from the back seat when we drive by a Starbucks. Yes, between days spent with my mom and our own coffee-loving ways, our child is very aware of all things coffee. I think "coffee" was one of his first words. He'd point to our mugs in the morning or to-go cups during afternoon trips out and correctly identify what was inside. It doesn't hurt that there is a drive-thru Starbucks near our house and our pediatrician's office.

Last weekend on the way back from Michigan we were stuck in traffic. It sucked, but then we heard a little voice behind us say, "Would you like a grande skim latte?" And so the game of barista began.

Our new traffic game is playing barista. We take turns ordering and William makes our coffee drinks. Every now and then we get to play barista and make him a hot chocolate with extra whipped cream, something he's never actually tried, but seems to think the pretend version is delicious.

Five Years Later...

It was a beautiful, sunny, crisp, hot September day (just like today) that we were married. It's easy to say that it's flown by, but in a way it hasn't. We've started a new job, went to Lake Tahoe, bought a condo, went to Italy, adopted a dog, got pregnant, sold the condo, went to New York, had a baby, bought a house, started a blog, renovated a house, went to Portland, and still both make it to work every day and manage to keep our kid fed (with lots of help). When I put it that way, it really doesn't seem all that fast or we've just done a bang up job of packing it in.

We always swore that we'd keep our relationship first, have "dates" once a week. In this regard we've totally failed. We both admit it, don't worry, we're OK with it... Because it makes simple celebrations like this so much sweeter.

A lot of people have been asking what we're doing for such a milestone. Five years is a big deal, I get it. But, I gotta admit, I don't really like jewelry, travel is simply not in the budget, and we spent whatever extra money we would have blown on theater tickets on an unexpected visit from a plumber earlier this week. (Awesome!)

Today I went to boot camp while Matt and William played in our old hood, then we had pizza at our favorite old place Piece. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at Quince in Evanston, which looks totally amazing. Then we'll find some live music, stroll around, chat, drink too much wine... Sounds pretty damn good to me.

So, the moral of my story is... The celebration is what you make of it. Tonight we'll get all dressed up, go to a really nice restaurant, enjoy live music and drink wine, maybe grab a coffee... And when we wake up tomorrow we'll be married five years and one day and love each other.

Bottle of Joy

Our dear friends have a new baby girl and with that came a new brew. You see, Anthony is the brewer behind Rockmont Brewing and had asked Matt to create a label for the special occasion, which he was thrilled to do.

Matt came up with a few options, but this was the winner! And, our friends Kari and Anthony are even bigger winners with their adorable baby Lyla Jean.

Welcome to the world, sweet girl. Cheers!

Lunch Budget: When Simple Math Makes Me Feel Like a Fool

This summer was a hectic one and grocery shopping and lunch making became somewhat impossible. When we got home from Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon, we took a quick walk over to our Treasure Island to grab something for dinner and I noticed a few choice Boar's Head meats and cheeses on sale for 1/2 price. This is the week we get back to making our lunches, I thought to myself.

I did the math while I waited at the counter: A lunch out is roughly $10. I work in the office three days a week, Matt is in the office five days a week. If we each eat lunch out on those days it's about $80/week. The math is like a slap in the face, especially when you factor in the yogurt parfaits I often grab in the morning along with my coffee, which is another $6 or so. All together I figure we're spending $100/week on coffee, grab and go breakfasts, and lunches. That quickly becomes $400 each month.

I picked up a 1/2 pound each of chicken, ham, and cheddar cheese, which cost me about $8 total. Not too shabby considering you usually have to pay $10/pound for Boar's Head. I bought yogurt to bring to the office for $3. A loaf of bread and other lunch snacks added about $10 and I dusted off my travel mug for home brewed coffee. So, we're looking at about $21/week. No more than $100 a month, even with a cup of coffee here and there.

My goal is to stay on top of lunches and get back to my meal planning as fall approaches. If you need a good exercise to give you and your budget a swift kick in the butt, I suggest you start with your lunch.

Toddler Talk: Some Recent Goodies

The little guy is almost two, but talks like a teenager these days. Seriously, the stuff he comes up with is crazy, so I thought I would share some of his finest comments.

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Scene: Playing with a purple car and a Lightning McQueen car.
Purple Car: "You're the best car ever, Lightning McQueen!"
Lightning McQueen: "Yeah, I get around."

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Scene: Riding in the car. A few hours after Matt and I discussed using his ring bearer tuxedo for Halloween, unaware that he was listening.
William: "I don't want a tuxedo!"

Me: "You already have a tuxedo."
William: "I don't want to have a tuxedo!"

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Scene: Leaving the Farmer's Market, a lot of cash was used.
William: "I have money."

Me: "You do? How much?"
William: "Ten moneys."

Me: "Ten moneys. That's a lot."
William: "No, two moneys."
Me: "Where did you get your money?"
William: "I don't like money. I like helicopters."

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Scene: Grandma drops off William at the end of the day.
William: "Bye bye, honey bunny, bugaboo boogaloo!"

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Scene: Sitting at the dinner table. I take a sip of Matt's beer.
William: "No!"
Me: "What?"
William: "Mama doesn't drink beer!"
Me: "I don't?"
William: "Mama drinks wine!"

Booze Cruise Season

With the quick taste of warm weather we had (and then lost) we opened booze cruise season for the Hannemaniacs. Kid in stroller, wine in plastic cups, water in sippy cup and a stroll after work. It was a great few days.

Unfortunately, we only had a quick taste of this relaxing and enjoyable routine to end our day. We're really hoping Chicago weather takes a turn for good and our booze cruises can continue into the spring season.

An Open Letter to ID Checkers

Dear ID Checker,

My name is Lisa. I'm 31 years old. I am buying wine and there’s a 50/50 chance you will ask me for identification. Granted, I know certain stores will check my ID 100% of the time and, sure, I’m getting to the point that I appreciate it. It feels good to think that you might be thinking I’m 27 or 28. I know you don’t think I’m 20 and you’re checking just in case I’m an undercover shopper or your manager is watching. I get how it works.

Here is what I don’t get: Lately when you look at my birth date the reaction has changed. I used to receive a shrug or nod. Now I’ve graduated to “wow, you look a lot younger” or “huh, I never would have guessed that” or the attempted compliment “Go girl!” REALLY!?! I beg you to rethink this reaction. These are not compliments.

31 is not old. 31 is not the age that I figured I’d start receiving these looks or comments. I know, I know you mean well. Fine, I get it. But, please, stop the madness.

Sincerely yours,
Lisa

Happy Valentine's Day!

We're not big Valentine's Day people. No gifts. Rarely do we do cards. We do share a bottle of Veuve each year (cuz I love it). This picture was actually taken on Super Bowl when Matt and I worked together to create the spiciest damn chili I've ever had. Can't think of a better photo to share on this special day.

Playing Pregnant

Nope, I'm not a pregnant lady, but I did play one at a bar last Saturday night. It seems to be the only way to get out of paying the "all you can drink" fee at a party at a bar these days. Saying you're the designated driver doesn't seem to have the same umph.

My most recent Chicago Moms Blog post discussing my exciting night out can be found here. Check it out.

The Hannemaniac Halloween

This felt like our first real family Halloween, so we were really excited to hit the streets for some trick-or-treating with neighbors. It only took two blocks before our little dragon fell asleep.

We figured we wouldn't wake a sleeping dragon, so we wheeled him into the living room and watched him sleep while we enjoyed some spiked apple cider and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Happy Belated Halloween!

Reasons I Love Fall

Pumpkins. Apple Cider. Big pots of soup on Sundays. Mums. Sweaters and light scarves. The sound of fallen leaves crunching under stroller wheels. College football. Oktoberfest beers. Cranberry orange scones. Crisp morning air. Tights and boots. Crock pots. Tailgates. Corduroy. Roasted vegetables. Zucchini bread. The color brown. Leaves burning. BBQ in the cool evening. Spiced lattes in warm coffee shops. Red wine in big glasses. An extra layer. Little ghosts. Candles. New books. Taking advantage of every last minute outside.

Fall is almost here. I'm happy.