Holly is an intersectional feminist, cat enthusiast, gamer, and stress baker living in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She is a longtime blogger, sporadic poet, and the founder and editor of Woman Tribune.
There are few things in life that I thoroughly enjoy more than settling in for a night of really great television. Whether I’m tuning into the latest episode of a show that I wait all week to see or binge-watching an entire series, making an event out of chilling out in front of the television brings me more joy than you could possibly imagine. Go ahead, call me out for being a giant couch potato. I admit it, I totally am. This January, FX Networks will premiere a new period drama that is sure to have us all cozying up on the couch in our comfiest PJs with our favorite snacks week after week.
Taboo is a gritty crime drama set in 1814 London. While London may be rich in culture and entertainment now, it was a far darker setting in the early 1800s. Poverty-stricken and overwhelmed with devastation, 19th century London was overcrowded and rampant with disease and early death. Trash filled the streets until it could be used as fertilizer. Most of the city’s residents during the time barely earned a living working in coal mines. Women and children as young as 5 also worked in the coal mines until at least 1842, when the first law was passed to prevent women and children under 10 from the mines. Many of us can’t imagine building our lives in such deplorable conditions. This is exactly why it is an ideal setting for such a dark series.
Tom Hardy stars as James Keziah Delaney, a man who has been to the ends of the earth and comes back irrevocably changed. Believed to be long dead, he returns home to London from Africa to inherit what is left of his father’s shipping empire and rebuild a life for himself. But his father’s legacy is a poisoned chalice, and with enemies lurking in every dark corner, James must navigate increasingly complex territories to avoid his own death sentenced. Encircled by conspiracy, murder, and betrayal, a dark family mystery unfolds in a combustible tale of love and treachery.
Conspiracy; murder; betrayal. Taboo certainly has all of the makings for a series that will captivate, entertain, and show us just how dangerous of a man James Keziah Delaney is to know.
Taboo premieres January 10 on FX Networks. Created by Steven Knight with Tom Hardy and Chips Hardy, Taboo is the third collaboration of Hardy and Knight following Locke and Peaky Blinders.
‘Taboo’ Exclusive Diamond Giveaway
To kick off the premiere of FX’s new original series, two lucky souls will be rewarded a secret collection of diamonds worth $3,000. Will you find your fortune? Enter the Taboo diamond giveaway for a chance to win. Winners will be chosen January 4 and January 11.
“Did some of us get a limited edition handbook that others didn’t get? You know the one that gives instructions on how not to suck?”
That is the question Luvvie Ajayi tweeted on August 4, 2014 after discovering that a “journalist” had plagiarized her work. It is the same question she asks in the introduction of her new book, I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual.
We all have plenty of ideas about things we could do or should do every single day. Most of the time, we forget about them and move on with our lives. Ajayi, on the other hand, decided that she would be the one to bring that limited edition handbook to the masses.
I have been reading Ajayi’s hugely popular and widely-respected pop culture blog, Awesomely Luvvie, for years. I began my own blogging career in 2007 with a feminist and social justice website called Menstrual Poetry before eventually shifting my focus over here to Woman Tribune full-time. It was when I was a part of that niche that I first discovered Awesomely Luvvie. It has remained one of about a handful of blogs that I largely credit with keeping me entertained and enlightened.
I’m Judging You is a series of humorous essays that dissects our cultural obsessions and calls out bad behavior in our increasingly digitally connected lives. Contrary to what the title of the book suggests, Ajayi isn’t casting her judgments on us without taking a long look in the mirror first. The first chapter of the first section of the book is a lengthy admission of perpetual lateness. When she proclaims that we are the worst, she is totally including herself. And she has suggestions for how we can all collectively do better.
This book is full of laugh out loud gems (“Behind every ain’t-good-for-nothing man are bedroom skills beyond measure.”) But there is also a time for serious conversations, and those take place in the Culture section.
Folks, this is the book we need. It is the book we deserve. Every side-eye and dose of shade — we had it coming. Every bit of it.
We are still having conversations about what an unarmed black person did to get themselves shot and killed. We are still asking what a woman was wearing to get herself raped. We are still arguing about whether two people who love each other should be allowed to get married or raise children. We are still explaining why street harassment isn’t flattering (“Girls are being sexualized by random toads and goats on the streets and told to smile about it.”) We are still legislating women’s bodies.
We can all do better. We should do better. We need to do better. We need to do the hard work and have the uncomfortable conversations. We need to be able to admit the harsh truths about ourselves and know when to laugh about it. We will be better off for it, and maybe we might even leave this world in better shape than how we found it.
When we know better, we do better, and Luvvie Ajayi is side-eyeing us until we do.
Growing up, any time I wanted to know the answer to something, my grandmother told me to look it up. Who invented something; the roots of a tradition; the motivation behind a movement. Whatever it was, she would send me upstairs to the bookcase that stood in her hallway to find the encyclopedia (yes, the encyclopedia!) that contained the information that I sought. She didn’t send me to look up an answer because she didn’t want to help me, but rather, because she did.
As she would tend to a project or chore, I read aloud from the thick books and we would discuss whatever the topic happened to be. If it was more sensitive subject matter, which came up more frequently as I developed an interest in politics and social justice, she would encourage me to share my opinion and how I came to it. Sometimes she shared a different point of view and challenged me. More often than not, one teachable moment would lend itself to another. Before we knew it, we had spent the day (or wee hours of the night, being classic night owls) in deep discussion.
My grandmother always made learning exciting, and she still does. Because of this, it should not come as a surprise that I actually enjoyed school. Well, for the most part anyway. There were some years during high school when I was not so enthusiastic about school, but hey, that’s being a teenager for you. Even so, I know how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to attend school. To learn about the history of the world; develop and hone skills that would serve me into adulthood; do well so that I could do well in the future.
But not all girls have the opportunity to attend school and receive the education they deserve. For more than 100 million girls around the world, hunger, early marriage, extreme poverty, and threats to safety are all barriers that keep them from attending school.
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty with a commitment to empowering women and girls. They have worked tirelessly to eliminate barriers to education for girls in developing countries. They know that when you invest in education, children will pay it forward. Equipped with knowledge and confidence, educated children grow up to lead healthier, more productive lives.
Bridget, pictured above, is inspired to work hard so that she may become a doctor. There is no health clinic in her community and patients in need of care must walk over six miles to get medical attention. She hopes that access to education could help her make a difference.
The CARE Simply Said campaign inspires girls around the world to continue their education and follow their dreams, regardless of adversity. Moni is an 11-year-old fourth grader whose education inspires her to someday be able to take care of her family. She wants to be successful in life, and in order to do so, she says she will study accordingly. Having watched her parents suffer since her early years of school, she is inspired to get an education and then a job so that she can one day take care of them.
Click here to join the CARE Simply Said mission and write a letter of encouragement supporting students in developing countries who are working to achieve their dreams.
This blog post is part of a paid Megan Media and Petco Repeat Delivery blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.
There are a number of unspoken rules you come to live by when you have a pet in the family. If you happen to have four cats like I do, they include keeping your cool when you’re abruptly woken up by them running over you during 5 a.m. playtime; adjusting to the early morning breakfast demands that come with bops on your head, whiskers against your nose, or when that doesn’t work, having your eyelids licked (always a fun time!); and the one-sided agreement that you are responsible for doling out pets and cuddles on their schedule, never yours.
And then there’s knowing that you are almost always, without fail, running out of something.
Four cats go through a lot of food and litter, and I can’t tell you the number of times I have gone to scoop a litter box or groggily walked to the kitchen still half-asleep after being woken up by a cat demanding breakfast to find that I was running low or was completely out of the supplies I needed. When you live in a rural area about 20 miles away from the nearest pet supply store, it isn’t always easy or even possible to quickly run out and grab something you need. That is precisely why I was so thrilled to find out about Petco’s Repeat Delivery service, and instantly became a loyal customer.
Petco makes stocking up on pet essentials easier than ever by delivering everything you need to keep your pets happy, healthy, and taken care of right to your front door. You don’t need to go into a Petco store to get started, or even have a Petco near you. Simply navigate their website to shop for your pet’s favorite products, like litter, food, treats, catnip, and more, choose how often you would like your supplies delivered (anywhere between every two weeks to 12 months), check out, and wait for your delivery. Talk about a better system than realizing you’re out of something your pets need last minute and having to drive 20 miles to the nearest store and back!
The process is so easy and takes just a few minutes, plus Petco stocks a wide assortment of brands, including specialty brands, so you can rest assured knowing that you will still be able to give your fur babies the very best, which is what we all want for our pets. Repeat Delivery also offers savings that really add up, with discounts of up to 20% off select items and everyday free shipping on purchases of $49 or more.
There are a few exclusions to scoring free shipping — for instance, it doesn’t include cat litter, namely because have you ever had to lug around a bulk-sized box of cat litter? It is heavy! However, by planning our delivery schedule accordingly, it can still be an awesome savings, plus I won’t have to pick up those heavy boxes or pails more than from my front door to the litter box, which is great. And if you realize you need something sooner than the schedule you had originally set your deliveries up for or wanted to put off a shipment, you can do so easily by accessing your Petco account.
Would Petco Repeat Delivery make your life as a pet parent easier?
I received the Waring Belgian Waffle Maker for the purpose of this publication. No other form of compensation or incentive was received and opinions are my own.
Mother’s Day is next week and while you will find plenty of information about what mom might be hoping for as a celebration of her day and unique gift guides from the best of the blogosphere, it is our experience that the one gift that never goes out of style is quality time spent with those you love. So why not choose a gift that can double as a memorable experience? Enter: the Waring Belgian Waffle Maker.
Restaurant-style and professional quality for home use, the Waring Belgian Waffle Maker can make up to 14 waffles in 30 minutes, so not only will you be able to make gourmet breakfasts and desserts for mom, but also the whole family without being stuck in the kitchen for hours. The brushed stainless steel unit features an extra-deep well for 1-inch-thick waffles that are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. The easy-to-handle rotary feature provides even baking on top and bottom, a browning control knob for custom baking, and blue LED lights that indicate when the unit is ready for batter and when your waffle is done and ready to enjoy. The nonstick coated grids make it easy to release your waffle when it’s done and cleaning the unit when you’re finished and ready to surprise mom with a gift she will be able to use again and again is practically effortless.
While I am not always a morning person, I am definitely a breakfast person. Pancakes, french toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal… I love it all, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, “brinner,” or even dessert. Knowing this, you can probably imagine how long I have wanted a waffle maker, and freedom from the toaster-style waffles in the frozen food section. To say that I have gotten a lot of use out of this little kitchen appliance would probably be an understatement. That’s what makes it such a great gift for your mom, grandmother, in-law, sparent, or any other important woman in your life that you want to celebrate this Mother’s Day — it may not be something that she would have bought herself, but she will definitely enjoy using it.
Looking for a killer waffle recipe? I’ve got you covered there, too. Here is my favorite basic waffle batter recipe. It’s simple to put together and easily adaptable for any mix-ins you love, like blueberries and chocolate chips.
Homemade Waffle Batter Recipe
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour, if you prefer)
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat waffle maker. Beat eggs in large bowl with a hand beater or stand mixer until fluffy.
Beat in flour, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla just until smooth. Pour into waffle maker wells and bake according to the specifications of your waffle maker.
So easy, right?! You can keep this batter covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just be sure to give it a good whisk before use.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with MODE.
Is there a link between creativity and mental illness? My grandmother has always told me that there is a fine line between genius and madness, and even the Stanford Journal of Neuroscience [PDF] has delved into the prevalence of manic depressive disorder (or bipolar disorder) and schizophrenia among artists, noting a link between these altered mental states, creative thinking, and artistic production. For lived experiences, simply look to some of the most influential artists throughout history, many of whom based much of their work on the inner conflict brought on by mental illness, and some who eventually succumbed to those illnesses and took their own lives — Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, and Anne Sexton, just to name a few. One of those creative geniuses was Virginia Woolf, who committed suicide 75 years ago this month at the age of 59.
Virginia Woolf touched on the subject of mental illness in many of her books, we can assume by pulling from her own experiences with bipolar disorder that stemmed at least three mental breakdowns and numerous suicide attempts throughout her life. Her last attempt proved successful when on March 28, 1941, she filled the pockets of her overcoat with stones and walked into the River Ouse, drowning herself. Her last manuscript, Between the Acts, was finished just two weeks before her suicide and was published posthumously by the efforts of her surviving husband.
But there is so much more to Virginia Woolf than her suffering, and it can be debated for as long as there is psychology whether her mental illness was what informed her creativity and artistic production. One of the modernists of the Twentieth century, Woolf was a literary pioneer who earned accolades for her nonlinear, free prose style. The English writer and author of Mrs. Dalloway and A Room of One’s Own was also a pacifist and second-wave feminist.
Check out the story slideshow below for even more insight and intrigue about the life and works of the great Virginia Woolf, 75 years after her death.
Note: If you are running an ad blocker, you will need to disable it to see the slideshow.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health estimate that at least 40 million Americans suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders, and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleep issues. Moreover, the CDC recently concluded in their first nationwide study on self-reported healthy sleep duration that more than one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. I am one of those people.
For as long as I can remember, I have had trouble getting consistent restful sleep. Throughout childhood, I was very much “that child” who was never tired come bedtime — except I really wasn’t and would contentedly occupy myself until I finally fell asleep, whenever that happened to be. As a teenager, my dad would say goodnight to me when he went to bed at midnight every night and I would stay up playing on the computer or doing whatever else teenage me was up to those days. Most recently, due to the fact that I work from home, and have throughout the majority of my adult life, not only does the sporadic bout of insomnia still hit, but establishing and keeping up with a normal sleep schedule is something I consistently struggle with.
Aside from chemical imbalances and sleep disorders, there are a number of reasons why people typically experience sleeplessness. Stress is a major factor for many, as well as the amount of caffeine and/or alcohol you may consume regularly. Not to be forgotten are those that have unfortunately chosen incorrect mattresses on which to sleep because they didn’t read which would be the best mattress for them to get a full night’s sleep. If you are one of the millions of sleep-deprived Americans out there craving some quality shut-eye, here are five things you can do to achieve a more consistent and restful sleep.
1. Make Sleep a Priority
In December 2010, Arianna Huffington spoke at TED Women about the power of a good night’s sleep. After collapsing from exhaustion in 2007 while working to build her wildly popular news and opinion website, The Huffington Post, she began the journey of rediscovering the value of sleep.
Somewhere along the way, we as a culture have come to believe that in order to be successful and accomplish the things we set out to do, we must sleep less. In actuality, however, the key to a more productive, inspired, and joyful life is sleep.
Researchers have found connections between lack of sleep and high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, depression, poor memory, and an overall shortened lifespan. Not getting enough sleep is literally killing us, and it’s imperative that we make sleep a priority in our lives. Instead of staying up those few extra hours into the night to finish some task you’ve fooled yourself into thinking you need to get done right now, look at it with fresh eyes in the morning — your well-being and that task you’ve finished better than you would have on no sleep will thank you.
2. Implement a Bedtime Routine
You may have a bedtime routine for your child, but it’s just as important to have one for yourself. Winding down from a particularly hectic or stressful day can be challenging, and it’s common to be surprised by how late it has gotten when you’ve just begun to gather yourself again. Giving yourself a bedtime (yes, really!) and dedicating the hour before bed to preparing your mind and body for sleep can significantly improve the amount and quality of the rest you get.
Try taking a hot bath, playing some of your favorite calming music, old-fashioned of (decaffeinated) tea, doing gentle upper-body stretches or meditation, reading a good old fashioned paper book (we’ll cover why in the next point), knitting, or any other relaxing activity you enjoy.
3. Power Down the Gadgets
Our gadgets have significantly improved our work and social lives, but they are wreaking havoc on our sleep.
Studies have shown that the blue light emitted by the screens of our cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions promote wakefulness by restraining the production of melatonin — the natural hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles — making it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, whether we’re answering a few last-minute emails, chatting with a friend, scrolling through social media, or watching a movie, our brains are being engaged and tricked into thinking we need to stay awake longer, ultimately robbing us of the precious hours of sleep we could be getting. After being connected to one device or another all day, our brains need rest by disconnecting from technology for at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Ideally, your bedroom should be a device-free zone. Even if you’re not using your cell phone before bed, it can still disrupt your sleep. Many people keep their phones with them in bed so that their alarm can wake them in the morning, but if your alarm sound is on, your phone can also alert you to texts, emails, calls, and the myriad of notifications you receive. These chirps, dings, and rings will wake you up, or at the very least, subconsciously disrupt your REM sleep.
4. Limit Heavy Meals and Caffeine Before Bed
Food is energy, and eating a large meal before bed will only give your body energy it doesn’t need, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it is when we stock up on the fuel we need — in the form of larger, protein-rich meals — in order to be energized and alert throughout the day. Studies show that people who are sleep deprived tend to eat more fatty foods, simple carbohydrates, and fewer vegetables. Making poor nutrition choices and eating late into the night could lead to sleeplessness. Additionally, caffeine and sugar are stimulants and their effects on the body last for several hours. Because of this, your mid-afternoon jolt could be hindering your ability to fall asleep at night, so it’s best to limit the stimulants you are giving your body and to be mindful of the time when you’re thinking about whether or not you should pour yourself that second cup of coffee.
5. Supplement Your Sleep
As mentioned above, melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the brain that helps control sleep and wake cycles by reacting to darkness and light. When it’s dark outside, your melatonin levels rise and last for about 12 hours, making you feel tired, go to sleep, and stay asleep throughout the night. But sometimes our hormones can get a little out of whack and lead to occasional sleeplessness. When this happens, a melatonin supplement may help balance the melatonin levels in your body so that you can fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed.
Natrol Melatonin
Natrol Melatonin is a drug-free sleep aid that promotes healthy sleep patterns and a more relaxed night’s sleep. It supports combating sleeplessness, jet lag, and annual time changes (like Daylight Savings Time coming up on Sunday). It also assists in establishing normal sleeping patterns, which I have so desperately needed in my life.
Natrol Melatonin is available in two varieties:
Natrol Melatonin Fast Dissolve: a 5mg (also available in 10mg) fast dissolve tablet that dissolves on the tongue quickly — nothing to swallow, no water needed — so you can take it anytime, anywhere.
Natrol Melatonin Advanced Sleep: a 10mg 2-layer controlled release tablet that gives you the initial 5mg dosage to help you fall asleep fast and then releases the remaining 5mg dosage over time to help you sleep through the night.
Key Benefits of Natrol Melatonin:
100% drug-free and non-habit forming
Supports an overall better sleep
Helps regulate healthy sleeping patterns
Wake up refreshed in the morning — no more “sleep hangovers”
100% vegetarian
Want to give Natrol Melatonin a try and start waking up on the right side of the bed? Snag this $2 off coupon! Natrol is available at mass-market retailers, drug stores, online retailers, and natural food and supplement stores. Look for the purple bottle.
When my husband and I were in the process of buying our home, one of the first questions we asked the sellers was what their average annual energy costs were. If you are currently going through this process or will be in the future, don’t be afraid to ask this question, as well as for any documented proof they can provide of utility bills they can give you for the past year. You have every right to know what you can expect to pay to keep your home running smoothly.
Living in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we knew that it would be our energy costs that would be one of our largest monthly investments. Not only do we experience several months of freezing temperatures and seemingly endless snow, me and my husband also both work from home and are almost constantly yolked to one device or another, making for very little energy downtime.
If your electricity costs skyrocket during the winter, here are 3 tips anyone can implement to save big on energy costs, including Direct Energy savings for choice areas in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
1. Turn the Thermostat Down
45 degrees in the spring and 45 degrees in the winter feel like two entirely different temperatures. One feels like rebirth and excitement to finally get outside and feel the warm breeze on your skin, while the other feels like hibernation and sadness.
If you’re the type of person who cranks the heat as soon as you feel the slightest nip in the air, stop. That chill in your bones is an illusion and you’re wasting money trying to quell its lies. By keeping your thermostat set to 65 degrees during the day, you can save a considerable amount of money while still being comfortable. It’s unrealistic to think that you should feel great lounging around at home in just a tank top when it’s 5 degrees outside. Break out your favorite sweaters and sweatshirts and say hello to big energy savings. During the nighttime, set your thermostat a few degrees cooler. The savings will add up over time and there’s no point in heating your home to 65 degrees while you’re tucked away in your warm and cozy bed.
Your thermostat isn’t the only energy-wasting culprit in your home. Most people have their water heaters set way too high; this is especially true if you have a dishwasher. Ditch your dishwasher manufacturer’s recommendations and lower your water heater to 120 degrees. Your water will heat to a temperature satisfying to everyone in your home, and by rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher they will come out clean without needing lava-like heat to scour stuck-on food away.
2. Keep the Cold Air Out
Our home is nearly 100 years old, and while new windows were installed relatively recently, there are two older windows in our living room and kitchen that can get pretty drafty. Drafts can cost you hundreds of dollars every year in wasted energy, so it’s important to do what you can to keep your warm air inside. You are paying for it, after all. Luckily, there are some quick fixes for drafty windows that can help save you money if you can’t afford to replace them.
Once the chill of autumn strikes, use an indoor window insulator kit to seal your windows and keep that cold air out. If window insulating isn’t an ideal solution for you, say if you have five cats who claw through any barrier keeping them from being able to sit in the window (what, you don’t?) a set of thermal lined curtains are a worthy investment.
3. Choose the Right Provider
So many people choose an energy provider simply because they are the most well-known company in their area, they came at a recommendation of a friend or family member, or they have just always used them and are weary of change. However, chances are that there are multiple providers in your area, and you owe it to yourself to shop around. While multiple factors should go into your decision process, ultimately choosing one energy provider over another should come down to quality service for a fair and affordable price.
Direct Energy Savings
Direct Energy powers your home with a fixed-rate energy plan with the peace of mind that you will pay the same rate throughout your contract term. No seasonal fluctuations here, just big energy savings that will have your bank account breathing a sigh of relief. Direct Energy is also the only energy provider to be a part of Plenti that lets you enjoy rewards every month.
Direct Energy offers different savings depending on where you live. Just plug in your zip code on their website and learn about the Direct Energy savings available in your area. Here in Pennsylvania, Direct Energy has special offers for the month of January:
Save up to 16%* over MetEd’s electricity rate, and up to 12%* over Penn Power’s electricity rate. There’s more! Save up to 10%* over Penelec’s electricity rate!
You can also enjoy Direct Energy savings if you live in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
*All savings refers to the current difference between Direct Energy’s fixed rate offer and the Utility’s current Fixed Rate for Basic Service as of January 8, 2016, and does not include any other component of the electricity bill. Utility rates are subject to change and there may be no savings following the respective official utility rate change date. Direct Energy’s fixed rates include electricity supply charges only and excludes delivery/transmission charges, taxes, and all other utility-related charges. Offer is limited and valid for new residential customers only.
Are there Direct Energy savings in your area? How else do you save on energy costs during the winter? Leave your tips in the comments!
We know and love Van’s Foods for their wholesome breakfast, lunch, and snack time options that you can feel good about. We were first introduced to Van’s back in 2014, when we had the chance to snack on their PB&J Sandwich Bars and Multigrain Chips that were instantly a snack time hit in our house. Our enthusiasm for their simply delicious products filled with whole grain goodness, as well as their commitment to non-GMO verified ingredients, has grown right along with their expanding product line, which now includes cereals, pancakes, and even pasta. They also have a variety of gluten-free offerings certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.
Van’s is also the leader in frozen, better-for-you waffles. Whether it’s a quick, warm, nutritious breakfast, an allergy-friendly stand-in for bread, or a delicious whole-grain dessert, Van’s 8 Whole Grain Waffles, Power Grain Waffles, and Gluten-Free Waffles are ready in just 4 minutes in the toaster, and are as convenient as they are nutritious and delicious.
Van’s waffles have been adapted in all kinds of recipes that can be shared again and again; even family favorites you’ve been enjoying for years, like chicken and waffles. Here’s a healthier take on this ultimate comfort food dish with a Chicken-n-Waffles Casserole made with Van’s gluten-free waffles.
This Chicken-n-Waffles Casserole recipe is a healthy family favorite. You can prepare the baked crispy chicken ahead of time (and keep it handy in the freezer for later if desired). The waffles are pre-cooked and the only thing you need to make is the gravy, which comes together in just a few minutes. What could be easier than that?
Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
In a shallow bowl, combine the cereal crumbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Coat a chicken tender with the cereal mixture, dip into the eggs, then coat again with the cereal mixture; place on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Bake until golden and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF and make the gravy. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until golden. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the cream and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with parsley, paprika, about 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Grease an 8x8 baking dish. Toss together the chicken and waffle cubes, then pour over the gravy. Bake until bubbly and golden, about 25 minutes.
If you are one of the many who have made the New Year’s resolution to begin eating more mindfully, we have teamed up with Van’s Foods to get you started on the right foot with some new wholesome eats (and a few extra goodies.)
One lucky winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card, Van’s tote and water bottle, and $25 in coupons for free Van’s Foods products of your choice. This giveaway ends January 13, 2016 at 2:00PM CST.
The bathroom can be one of the trickiest rooms of your home to design and decorate. You want to maximize its functionality, but you also want it to look good. If you struggle to create a welcoming and relaxing environment in your bathroom, we have some incredible bathroom inspiration that will have you planning a makeover of your own.
The Refeathered Roost
High on most every woman’s ultimate bathroom wishlist is a tub that allows the water to cover both her knees and breasts at the same time. This all white Hampstons-style bathroom exudes spa-like luxury with a deep claw foot soaking tub that has been updated with chrome feet. And when you want to get your day started right, a separate glass shower lets you get in and out and on your way.
Houzz
This contemporary shower proves the ultimate relaxation doesn’t have to happen in the bath. The ultra spacious glass shower features a rain shower head, plus a separate handheld shower head and even a seat. This bathroom really kicks the idea of what we think a shower should be into overdrive.
Jenna Sue Design
Forget “shabby chic” and say hello to “modern farmhouse.” We are in love with the rustic design of this bathroom, and it’s a great example of how to transform an unassuming piece like a buffet table into a highend bathroom vanity.
BHG.com
This bathroom strikes the ever-so-delicate balance between masculine and feminine design. The vanity also showcases another wonderful way to repurpose items. The pop of color on the outside of the claw foot tub really makes this space stand out.
MessageNote
And if you really want to experiment with color in your bath or powder room, this hunter green and dark wood combination is full of personality.
desire to inspire
Using tile that is commonly utilized for just the backsplash over your entire space may seem risky at first, but here’s a perfect example of it working. This ultra modern bathroom comes together with a dark brown vanity, black accents, and a full glass stand shower.
When planning your bathroom makeover, keep in mind that it is possible to renovate any size space to meet your needs and showcase your personal style. Even if you don’t have room for a grand soaking tub, a glass shower matches any color scheme you can come up with and will fit seamlessly into any design style. You can find the perfect glass shower with glass shower screens from Sydney supplier.
