Mushrooms typically do not come to mind when you think of healthy produce but they are actually extremely nutrient dense and low in calories. This fantastic fungi is packed with B vitamins, antioxidants and a host of phytonutrients. Because I have been in a taco, chips and salsa kind of mood lately, I have been searching for delicious taco recipes that included mushrooms. *H&H Tip: Wrap your taco guts in lettuce instead of tortilla or taco shells. It’s bikini season ladies. We don’t need the extra carbs.

Mushroom & Poblano Tacos

Mushroom Tacos with Truffle Oil

Mushroom, Rajas, and Corn Taco with Queso Fresco

Savory Mushroom Lettuce Wrap – my personal favorite!

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

by Alexis Novak

As far as I can tell, there are only really two types of parents; the ones that find out the sex of their baby and the ones that want a big “surprise” in the delivery room. I subscribe to Team Finding Out, which is still a surprise, just earlier, and allows you to mentally and physically prep for that little booger to enter your universe. The teensy problem is that my husband’s on Team Grand Surprise. And since I am a woman that hails from a family of lawyers, I think it’s smart to negotiate with him on the finding out procedure for a future pregnancy now, before I’m actually pregnant again.

I’m losing ground in this household debate however, because my team already won. Twice. And I have a husband yelling “technical!”*

My first pregnancy I wanted a girl. I dreamed of pink from the moment I saw the two little ept lines ‘til week 20 when it was confirmed my hunch was right. I was elated! I ran out that day and bought a newborn-sized fuchsia tutu from Gymboree. For reals.

The second time we had a well-meaning plan of not finding out (hey, fair is fair), which meant I was going to find out, not tell a solitary soul, and it would still be a big surprise for my husband on game day.

Here is how the 20 week appointment went. He left the room so the tech could tell only me. She confirmed what I already thought- another girl! Sisters! He came back in the room and I made my face stoic, emotionless. I tried to focus on boring things like my grocery list instead of succumbing to the thought that was leaping and dancing in my head- matching pink tutus! Problem was he knew that I thought I was carrying another girl so as soon as we entered the next exam room, he said all huffy-puffy, “I know it’s a girl because you have a gloating look on your face!” I told him to chill. That I was neither going to confirm or deny his conjecture; he didn’t want to know so I wasn’t going to spill. Hours went by. Later that evening I was reading. He came in and stared at me for a long time. I ignored him, sensing what was coming. “Just tell me. I know it’s a girl. Just say it.” I told him that I wouldn’t give any hints either way; that I was honestly trying to honor his wishes. This tug of war literally went on for four days. I tried to keep to myself, not make eye contact. No quick movements. I was over him following me around the house and giving me the evil eye. His nagging was wearing me down. So finally, one last time he begged for it, “I know it’s a girl, just tell me!” “Fine”, I said, “YES, it’s a GIRL, OK?” And then this look of horror flashed across his face like he really didn’t want to know and couldn’t believe I told him. (And men think women are crazy).

Now, while it seems like my husband should really truly get his way this future third time around, I have to say I’m not sold this time either. Because deep down he probably would really like a son and how will the surprise go if he’s secretly hoping for a little man to throw a football with and then another tutu-wearer emerges from my womb? Surprise! And our girls would love to know early if they are having a brother or sister. We could talk names, paint the nursery accordingly, include them in all the fun planning; they can be Team Baby. I especially want one of those trendy gender cake reveal parties, where you slice in and then your family squeals in delight, “Pink cake!” or “Blue cake!” But most importantly, if I have to balloon to the size of a wildebeest, don’t I deserve to to know what’s growing inside me? Moms’ rules rule, right? Or am I depriving myself and my husband of the biggest and coolest surprise nature ever intended?

Did you and your spouse agree on the finding out? If not, who got their way and how was it decided? Do tell.

Written by Alexis Novak • 4 Comments

Name: Susie Romans

Kids: Noella Faye (4 months)

Occupation: Business Development, Marketing & Shaklee Enthusiast!

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

H&H Interview with Susie:

1.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Apples, Coffee, Ground Turkey

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

BLOGS! Mark’s Daily Apple is a health favorite! Also reading Copyblogger for blogging insight.

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the grind?

Watching Parenthood or having a Starbucks Frappucino.

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Prayer cards.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Bachelor and X Factor.

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

Any fun flavored martini’s…last week I went out with some girlfriends and I had an amazing Key Lime Martini. Yum!

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

Noella is trying to put anything in sight into her mouth, she is 4 months old. Today she tried to eat the dog!

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

“God writes well on crooked lines”- Father Godwin

9.  What is your most dreaded household chore?

LAUNDRY, It’s a tiny laundry room in the basement and I just can’t seem to stay on top of the hundreds of loads! Note to self: Buy next house with laundry room UPSTAIRS!

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Natalie Grant. She is a famous Contemporary Christian artist. Her most recent song is “Your Great Name”. She stays grounded, has faith and a beautiful, loving family.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am very family oriented, I love big families and staying close, Sunday church and brunch is a weekly must!

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Smiling, Being Positive, ZUMBA and yes, I indulge in sweet treats once in a while…I don’t completely deprive myself of favorite foods. All things in moderation!

*Follow Susie at StayatHomeSusie.com*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Have you ever found yourself staring at a wall full of baby products and felt completely overwhelmed? There are 157 binkies in front of me. Which one will calm crabby pants the quickest?? Okay, I know I need to get a BPA-free bottle. This should be easy. Oh, shit. They are ALL BPA-free. Now what? Well, a very good friend and previous Hot Mama of the Week, found a solution to our woes. She founded TeetheMe to take all of the guesswork out of today’s overstuffed baby market. When you subscribe to TeetheMe, every month you will receive 4 to 5 of the hottest baby products handpicked by the savviest of moms and delivered straight to your door. This should save you at least a couple of trips to Target.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. TeetheMe members can also rate, review and dish all about the products with each other. Just feel like reading? Then check out their ever-clever blog, The Daily Drool. Also, coming in April, they will be launching an exclusive Teether Social Network where you can connect with other parents and share all of baby’s milestones.

TeetheMe is truly a one of a kind new business!

Join TeetheMe

Facebook TeetheMe

Tweet TeetheMe

Reader Note: This is the third fellow mom and friend this year who has had the incredible courage to follow her dreams and launch her own business. I have to say how big my heart grows when I hear of another woman who takes this leap. When we support each other, we cannot fail. Love you all!

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment