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Top 5 Metabolism Boosting Foods

Monday, January 10th, 2011

We all know exercise plays a large role in how efficiently our bodies burn calories.  But did you know that food impacts your metabolism as well?  In fact, there are a number of delicious foods that not only bump up your metabolism to influence weight loss but also help create sustained energy throughout the day.  Who could say no to that?  The only caveat is that these metabolism boosting foods are not found in a box, package or plastic wrap.  That’s right…they are real, whole foods that need a little tender love and care (i.e. cooking) before you put them in your mouth. Here are the most fantastic fat burning foods and a few inspirational tips to make them unbelievably tasty.

Dark Leafy Greens- Kale, Collard Greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli, and Swiss Chard are all amazing metabolism-boosting foods that many of us forget to eat.  Ideally we should eat these vitamin-loaded greens twice a day.  That’s right…twice!  Sauté kale with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish.  Quickly steam broccoli and toss with sesame oil, lemon and tamari for a taste of heaven or cookcollard greens with chopped sweet potatoes and coconut milk.  Yum!

Daikon- A long white radish, daikon is best pickled, grated into salads or throw into a rich beef stew to soak up all the amazing juices.  For a quick pickle, chop daikon and sprinkle it with salt.  Let it sit for 30 minutes then drain the excess water.  Toss with pepper and sesame oil and you are good to go!

Radish- Their innately spicy crunch makes radishes the ideal food to take your metabolism to the next level.  Eat them with hummus or eggplant spread for an easy snack or throw them in a salad with avocado, orange and mint.  A perfect combination!

Shiitake Mushrooms- Shittake mushrooms not only aid metabolism but also bolster the immune system and clear the body of excess mucus.  Simply chop the mushrooms and sauté with onions, carrots, broccoli and olive oil for a satisfying stir-fry.  Add them to soups for an added bit of texture, or slice and bake with red onions and garbanzo beans for a delicious protein-rich dish.

Onions, Garlic, Scallions and Leeks- If you don’t already cook with these, I don’t know what to say!  Honestly though, onions, garlic and their cousins scallions and leeks are some of the healthiest, inflammation-reducing, calorie-burning foods on the planet.  How to use them? Put them in everything!  Try a red onion frittata and throw freshly chopped scallions into your salads or on top of your sautéed kale.  Leeks add a hearty sweetness to soup or are perfect caramelized and thrown on top of baked potatoes.  And as for garlic, well…think of garlic as onion’s twin.  The two shall never part.  If you are worried about becoming “fragrant” after eating these lovely alliums, don’t worry.  Just make sure everyone else around you eats them too.  Enjoy!

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Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Coaching. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Coach with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

To get more great health info and recipes become a JAMIE LIVING Facebook Fan, read the JAMIE LIVING blog or follow her on Twitter.

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Alexis Bailly Vineyard

Sunday, January 9th, 2011

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The Girl’s Guide to Beer

Monday, July 26th, 2010

On a sweltering summer day at the ballpark or a friend’s BBQ, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold brew. This summer ditch that prissy pink cocktail and back away from the Budweiser. With a little beer savvy you can discover some great brews that will satisfy your taste buds and impress even the guys.

There are 4 main ingredients in beer: grain, yeast, water and hops, but the creativity when it comes to brewing is endless. There are beers with fruit, smoked beers, beer made with chocolate and even beer brewed with bacon. Navigating your way through the numerous types and styles of beer can be daunting, but here are some helpful hints about the most popular styles that can help you choose a winner for your next potluck or outdoor summer event. Who said beer had to be just for the boys? Go ahead, embrace that summer night CRAVING.

India Pale Ale (IPA): This beer has a light pale to golden color. Its crisp bitter flavor is attributed to the high hops and alcohol content which helped preserve the beer during the long journey across the ocean when British brewers began to export to India.
Try: Lagunitas IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma, CA, 5.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Drink with: Spicy foods like a Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry

Hefeweizen: Perfect for summer, this German style wheat beer is distinguished by fruity notes, cloudy appearance and high carbonation. This beer is usually served with a slice of lemon and its bright flavor is often accented by citrus, banana, clove or nutmeg flavors.
Try: Widmer Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Portland, OR, 4.7% ABV
Drink with: Classic German food such as chicken sausage topped with brown mustard or a salad tossed with candied pecans and feta.

Stout: Familiar to many because of the popularity of Guinness, Stouts have a heavy body and are very dark in color. This beer has a high alcohol content and is often characterized by caramel, coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal flavors.
Try: Chocolate Stout, Rouge Brewery, Portland OR, 6.3% ABV
Eat with: This beer could be a meal in itself, but pairs nicely with desserts like tiramisu.

Pilsner: This all American beer represents nearly 90% of the major beer brands sold in the U.S. Pilsner is golden in color and tends to have a light, clean, drinkable flavor sometimes compared to toast or fresh bread.
Try: Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA, 5.3% ABV
Eat with: All American foods like hearty chili or a grilled burger and fries

Brews to CRAVE this summer
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema

This is by no means a complete list of all the styles out there so experiment, go to a brew festival this summer, and discover which styles and breweries make you CRAVE more. For a fun new adventure, why not grab your beer drinking gal pals and do a brewery tour? Try this for a fun weekend or birthday activity. For more information on beer and the female movers and shakers in the beer industry, check out the Pink Boots Society at pinkbootssociety.org.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

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Celebrate Bastille Day at the Corner of Selby and Snelling!

Monday, July 12th, 2010


Grab a baguette, a beret and your girlfriends and hit the shops. Vive La France!

When: Saturday, July 17th, 12:00pm to 5:00pm (rain or shine)
Where: Shops at the at the Corner of Selby and Snelling
Participating shops include:

Allee. metro chic
A Michele
Everyday People
Flirt Boutique
Heddy Freddy
Initially Yours
LULA
Patina
Tennis on Selby
The Drawbridge
Two Smart Cookies

Pick up a ‘Bastille Day’ postcard at any of the shops in the coming weeks or on the day of the event and collect stamps by visiting all eleven boutiques. Turn in your card with your best contact info, and enter to win a $500.00 shopping spree on the corner!

…look for French goodies, alley vendors and afternoon fun! See you there!

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World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.

America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!

Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina

Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.

Ingredients:

1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.

Party Sangria- Spain

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec

Preparation:

  1. Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
  2. Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
  3. Chill overnight.
  4. Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

Potato Salad- Germany

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes
¼ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

  1. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into ¼ inch pieces.
  2. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
  3. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
  4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands

Ingredients

2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
  2. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
  3. Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
  4. In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
  5. Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
  6. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

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Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.

Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.

Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.

1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.

2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.

3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.

4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.

5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.

6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.

7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!

8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company

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Sweeten Your Summer

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Summer is full of childhood memories of popsicles by the pool, ice cream cones melting down your arm while you lick it as fast as you can and s’mores around the campfire. Maybe our tastes have developed from way back then (or maybe not), but a summer treat is still a great recharger when it is sweltering outside! Even if you haven’t been to yoga and pilates in a few weeks, you deserve a sweet treat just for hanging in there during these dog days of summer in Minneapolis. We’ve been on the search for some summer treats and are excited about what we found!

Birchwood Café

Pie, me oh my, we love pie! The desserts from Tracy Singleton’s Birchwood Café will satisfy your craving for the goodies your mom used to make. Chocolate banana cream pie, key lime pie, carrot cake, fruit cobbler- you may want to come with friends so you don’t have to choose just one! Don’t forget to make it a la mode, or maybe even through a root beer float into the mix. Click here.

Cake Eater Bakery

At the Cake Eater Bakery, owners/bakers Sheela Namakkal and Emily Moore Harris have an extensive collection of cupcake flavors with classics like chocolate with vanilla buttercream all the way to baklava and mojito (yes, these are still cupcake flavors). Other bakery items include muffins, cookies and great scone flavors including orange date and chipotle cheddar which are, in their own words, “warm like a hug”. Click here.

Salty Tart

Let’s face it, if we could live on bread alone-and not feel guilty about it- we would! At Salty Tart, they believe if not just bread, a gal can live on bread and pastries. The artisan sweet and savory options from Michelle Gayer definitely leave our mouths watering. Can’t plan an expensive trip to France this summer? Pick up a freshly baked cream-filled brioche, caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, a crème fraiche filled cake, or a rustic baguette and picnic in the park while you whisk yourself away with each bite. Click here.

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Destination – La Cocinita!

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

We have dear friends who regularly make the 50 mile trip from Excelsior to Bayport – just to dine at La Cocinita!  They grew up in the Phoenix area, and know great Mexican food. So on a recent beautiful Saturday afternoon, when my husband and I were CRAVEing authentic guacamole and margaritas, we decided to hit the road in search of a food adventure.  Our meal at La Cocinita was well worth the trip…

La Cocinita, “the Little Kitchen,”  is the culmination of the dream of owners Angelina and Patrick, “to have a restaurant complete with two window seats.  A place where you can have good food, drink of your liking and most of all enjoy  each others company.” The food is Mexican-inspired, featuring Angelina’s family recipes.  Their fabulous salsa has been named Best Mild Salsa at St. Paul’s Cinco de Mayo People’s Choice Salsa Tasting Contest in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

We started our evening out on their charming sidewalk-patio with the well-deserved award winning salsa, guacamole and margaritas on the rocks (made with el Jimador Repasado tequila). Muy bueno! Although the weather was beautiful, we moved into the quaint dining room for our meal.

Everything on the menu is made to order with the freshest ingredients.  We chose the Marbled Enchiladas and the Mexican Cornbread Bake. The enchiladas are offered with your choice of corn or flour tortillas, and chicken or ground beef. We had the flour tortillas with a mixture of ground beef, sauteed mushrooms, garlic and onions topped with both white and red enchilada sauces and cheese. It came to the table bubbling straight from the oven. These are not your standard enchiladas – the melding of the sauces and the sauteed mushrooms makes for a much richer, complex dish than you will find at most Twin Cities Mexican restaurants. We loved it. Angelina’s Mexican Cornbread is the foundation of the Bake which is then covered with a wonderful black bean chili, chicken, and cheese. The cornbread is perfect, and is one of the family recipes that make this such special menu. Each of the dishes was served with Mexican rice and refried beans.

Take my advice and make the trip to La Cocinita.  The food is superb and the hospitality can’t be beat.  I also have to give kudos to the entire staff for one of the “cleanest” dining experiences I’ve had in a long time.  The restaurant was spotless and the rest room was immaculate. Always a great sign of the care and attention everything is given.  Bayport couldn’t be an easier trip, especially on the weekend. Just two miles south of Stillwater, on Hwy. 95.

To Go:
lacocinitarestaurante.com
338 5th Ave. N
Bayport, MN  55
(651)439-2795
Closed Sun, Mon, Tues

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Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.

When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.

Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.

Top 5 pantry foods to replace

Bread crumbs

OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.

Broth

OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).

Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays

OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.

Salad Dressing and Sauces

OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.

Vanilla

OUT - Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at www.jamieliving.blogspot.com.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

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Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!

1. Pick a Location:

  • At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
  • On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
  • At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
  • In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
  • On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.

2. Picnic Menu Items:

We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!

  • Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
  • Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
  • Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!

3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:

  • Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.”
  • Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
  • Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
  • Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
  • Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
  • Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.

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Posted in Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Travel | 1 Comment »

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