Review of the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium

Discover the Secret Life of Insects at the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium!

We spent a good portion of our morning at the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium when we were visiting and liked it so much! For one it was a great way to get out of the rain but we also make the aquarium a priority whenever we are visiting a new place. At the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium, we were able to learn so much from the captivating world of these tiny creatures. They had interactive exhibits as well as unique species to see for the first time. If you are visiting, get ready to explore and learn about the behaviors and habitats of insects like never before. Below I am sharing more from out visit about the world of aquatic species as well as the insects that are at this one-of-a-kind attraction in New Orleans.

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More Details on the New Orleans Aquarium

Inside the New Orleans Aquarium we saw so many species, the Audubon Aquarium is home to over 3,600 animals and 250 species! This aquarium is right next to the Mississippi River which is a whole different perspective going in rather than the Boston Aquarium that we visited so often that is right on the ocean! The Audubon Aquarium has many interactive exhibits that let us get close to so many species. Some of my favorites to see were the African Penguins and the Louisiana white leucistic alligator which was so rare to see! They also had South American Sea Nettles which are a species of jellyfish, Giant Sea Turtles, and Sea Horses, as well as various sharks and stingrays. A fun fact that I thought was pretty cool is that it is in the top 10 of best aquariums in the United States, definitely worth the visit!

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Details on the Insectarium

I don’t think we had ever been to an Insectarium before this but we enjoyed it and will be adding them to our to-dos when they are available! Walking into the Insectarium was so cool, right away there was so much to look at. They had different beetles, ants, bumblebees, carpenter bees, grasshoppers, cockroaches and so many more. Then in the butterfly house, there was so much to look at, tons of zebra longwing butterflies, monarch butterflies, and more stating that there are over 20 species of butterflies within the butterfly house. They also had giant sphinx moths, Halloween pennant dragonflies, and Florida walkingstick are just a few. Again there are tons of interactive displays and informative signage so that visitors of all ages can learn in a hands-on way more information about these fascinating creatures.

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Pricing Details on Both Spots

You can buy tickets online or in person, we bought them in person when we were there but I believe you might save some money if you pre purchase them online. As of right now, in Spring 2024, when you buy them online the ticket for the Aquarium is $30 per person for a non-member and the Insectarium is $30 per person for a non-member. If you purchase them together though the total for both the Aquarium and the Insectarium is $40 per person which is a huge savings. This is the option that we did and I believe it was similar in cost per person when we visited and bought them.

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Details on Food & Drinks

After exploring the interactive exhibits, you may find yourself feeling hungry and in need of a break. Luckily, between the Insectarium and the Aquarium, there is a restaurant with a ton of options. The menu has so many New Orleans-style options including a roast beef Po’ Boy, a Gulf Shrimp Salad, Crawfish Etouffee, Gumbo, and then other options like chicken tenders or a delicious-looking turkey sandwich and chips. There are kids’ meals as well and in the cooler were tons of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from. The indoor seating was nice as it overlooks the Mississippi River, the perfect stop between seeing the aquarium and the insectarium.

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Lots to say about the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium but honestly such an unexpected find on this trip. So many unique species, and interactive exhibits to explore and learn about these creatures. Whether you love all things animals like me or just need a rainy day activity, the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium is one for the bucket list! If you have any questions at all, comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

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Gluten Free In New Orleans

Hi Friends!

There were tons of options when we were in New Orleans for gluten-free options and I wanted to make sure that they were all in one spot for you guys to reference when you need it! I also have a whole blog post for New Orleans Where to Eat, Stay and Play that I will link here for you guys if you want to check that out and get an idea of other things to do while you are in the city! Below are the spots worth sharing!

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Where to Eat in New Orleans, Louisiana:

Deanie’s Seafood - This is where we went to dinner the first night we were here pretty much right after we got checked into the hotel. We were so hungry! They didn’t have a huge gluten-free menu but when I saw that they had gluten-free fried seafood I didn’t hesitate. For dinner, I got the fried catfish and a side of sweet potato fries, as you can see from the picture it was SO much freakin food. I feel like I didn’t even scratch the surface of eating everything on my plate. The portion was plenty for two so learn from my mistake! It was so yummy though. Dustin got the Jambalaya and was impressed, we both really liked our meals!

Bons New Orleans Street Food - This place was so exciting to me that we ate here one day and had gluten-free beignets and then the second day we came back for breakfast and we both got the gluten-free chicken and waffles…. OHHHH my goodness those were killer. I loved the fried chicken so much! A 20/10 on the chicken and waffles, the gluten-free beignets were meh… Like I got them because they were gluten-free but they were pretty dense and had this weird spiced flavor to them, I would call them more like donuts. Dustin said that he liked the ones that were not gluten-free though and he would have those again.

The Will and the Way - We actually stopped in here two different times on different days because we liked it so much! I had probably too many of the Saint Luke which was blueberry, basil, and black tea-infused vodka with lime and simple syrup… SO good, I want to recreate it at home! We also loved their Loaded Korean Hot Fries… OH MY GOSH, they were good! They were almost like a poutine style with kimchi, beef bulgogi, gochujang aioli, and peanuts… We had like three servings of these dang fries! 10/10 recommend this bar, it was our favorite!

Thaihey NOLA - After the steamboat ride, we were hungry but really wanted to head back to the hotel to warm up! We stopped at Thaihey and got an order to go. It was so good! For an appetizer we got an order of their chicken poppers which were like chicken nuggets tossed in a spicy green curry sauce, so good. And then we both got the same thing for dinner which was their soft shell crab pad Thai and that was also delicious both dishes were gluten-free and we liked them a lot! We probably could have eaten in the restaurant, it had a really cute vibe to it. We would eat here again!

Bars in New Orleans, Louisiana:

The Saddle Bar - This is the bar that we went to the first night we were here. There weren’t a ton of people in there but it was a Thursday night. Some groups would wander in and out but not consistently busy overall. It was a country bar which wasn’t usually our scene but they had games on some of the tables, beer pong, and a mechanical rooster so there was plenty of entertainment. The bartenders were nice and the drinks were good, we would go back!

The Will and the Way - see above for a more in-depth review but we loved this place!

The Pothole NOLA - I don’t feel like I have a good enough review for this bar. When we were in there we only had one drink, I got a Nutral, and Dustin had a Jack and Coke that he said was awful. The bartender was fine but seemed annoyed that we were there and it was just overall pretty boring. Again, it was the middle of the afternoon but it was a Saturday so I’m not sure, it could be more fun at other times of the day. Keep in mind there were other bars that we stopped into in the middle of the day that were more fun, so it just seemed like the bar was a dud.

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Again, New Orleans was such a fun city to visit and it was filled with delicious gluten-free food options! If you have any questions at all, please comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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New Orleans: Where to Eat, Stay and Play

Hi Friends!

Are you in need of a break from the daily grind? Look no further than the lively and historic city of New Orleans, where vibrant music, delicious food, and rich culture await you! Dustin and I visited back at the beginning of February, not knowing that it was Mardi Gras and we literally had the time of our lives. We have been to a lot of places and this trip was just to much fun, I would say in my top five trips that we have taken together. It was also the perfect time to go, the weather was a little chilly at night but still so perfect, I say chilly but I live in Florida and anything under 65 is basically freezing. I would say the nights didn’t get below 45 and it was honestly just perfect! In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the best gluten free spots to eat, where to stay, and what to do during your weekend escape to New Orleans! From indulging in mouth-watering Cajun dishes to exploring the charming architecture of the French Quarter, get ready to fall in love with this Southern gem the way we did!

Where to Stay: Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension

We stayed at Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension and it was an amazing stay! The room was perfect, it had a little kitchen with a small fridge and microwave as well as cutlery, cups, plates, and other things. Everything seemed updated and new! We loved the location, it was just one street back from the Mardi Gras Parades which was honestly a happy accident. Check-in was quick and easy and the staff, security, and concierge were so nice and helpful. Our room was actually a couple of doors down from the lobby but that wasn’t a problem at all, they showed us to the entrance of the door on the street and we used our key card to get into the main street door and then again to get onto the elevator. It was a very secure building right next to a liquor store and a little convenient shop for snacks and things! We would absolutely stay here again!

Where to Eat in New Orleans, Louisiana:

Deanie’s Seafood - This is where we went to dinner the first night we were here pretty much right after we got checked into the hotel. We were so hungry! They didn’t have a huge gluten-free menu but when I saw that they had gluten-free fried seafood I didn’t hesitate. For dinner, I got the fried catfish and a side of sweet potato fries, as you can see from the picture it was SO much freakin food. I feel like I didn’t even scratch the surface of eating everything on my plate. The portion was plenty for two so learn from my mistake! It was so yummy though. Dustin got the Jambalaya and was impressed, we both really liked our meals!

Bons New Orleans Street Food - This place was so exciting to me that we ate here one day and had gluten-free beignets and then the second day we came back for breakfast and we both got the gluten-free chicken and waffles…. OHHHH my goodness those were killer. I loved the fried chicken so much! A 20/10 on the chicken and waffles, the gluten-free beignets were meh… Like I got them because they were gluten-free but they were pretty dense and had this weird spiced flavor to them, I would call them more like donuts. Dustin said that he liked the ones that were not gluten-free though and he would have those again.

The Will and the Way - We actually stopped in here two different times on different days because we liked it so much! I had probably too many of the Saint Luke which was blueberry, basil, and black tea-infused vodka with lime and simple syrup… SO good, I want to recreate it at home! We also loved their Loaded Korean Hot Fries… OH MY GOSH, they were good! They were almost like a poutine style with kimchi, beef bulgogi, gochujang aioli, and peanuts… We had like three servings of these dang fries! 10/10 recommend this bar, it was our favorite!

Thaihey NOLA - After the steamboat ride, we were hungry but really wanted to head back to the hotel to warm up! We stopped at Thaihey and got an order to go. It was so good! For an appetizer we got an order of their chicken poppers which were like chicken nuggets tossed in a spicy green curry sauce, so good. And then we both got the same thing for dinner which was their soft shell crab pad Thai and that was also delicious both dishes were gluten-free and we liked them a lot! We probably could have eaten in the restaurant, it had a really cute vibe to it. We would eat here again!

Bars in New Orleans, Louisiana:

The Saddle Bar - This is the bar that we went to the first night we were here. There weren’t a ton of people in there but it was a Thursday night. Some groups would wander in and out but not consistently busy overall. It was a country bar which wasn’t usually our scene but they had games on some of the tables, beer pong, and a mechanical rooster so there was plenty of entertainment. The bartenders were nice and the drinks were good, we would go back!

The Will and the Way - see above for a more in-depth review but we loved this place!

The Pothole NOLA - I don’t feel like I have a good enough review for this bar. When we were in there we only had one drink, I got a Nutral, and Dustin had a Jack and Coke that he said was awful. The bartender was fine but seemed annoyed that we were there and it was just overall pretty boring. Again, it was the middle of the afternoon but it was a Saturday so I’m not sure, it could be more fun at other times of the day. Keep in mind there were other bars that we stopped into in the middle of the day that were more fun, so it just seemed like the bar was a dud.

What to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana:

I think I should preface this list by saying this trip was very casual and leisurely for us and we didn’t do a ton of planning before getting there because we wanted to have a low-key go-with-the-flow getaway trip. But in the time that we were there, we saw a lot! I also think we could go another weekend and have a full weekend without doing anything again, there was so much to do and look at, and it was so much fun! Keeping that in mind, there will be things missing from this list that are major attractions that didn’t get to see, all the more reason to go back!

Audubon Aquarium + Audubon Insectarium - We always visit aquariums when we visit a new place, we both really like them so when we saw there was an aquarium just a couple of minutes from our hotel walking and it was pouring rain one afternoon, we knew we would be checking it out! It was really cool and I liked the Insectarium a lot. Tons to look at, and really cool interactive learning spots throughout the building, they had a couple of snack counters which was nice! They also gave a discount for buying a ticket to both the aquarium and the insectarium which was nice! I really liked the butterfly enclosure, so many types to see there!

Walk around Jackson Square - this was cool because this is where artists sell their art and they will also work on new pieces right in front of you which was neat to watch!

Steamboat ride - One night that we were there we decided to do a ride on a steamboat as a fun little adventure. It was cool but it was VERY cold doing it at night. Honestly, I would only do this if it isn’t cold while you are visiting because there is limited space inside and the wind is just a lot to handle. We opted out of the dinner that they were serving because we didn’t want to deal with my allergy so we just had a couple of drinks and listened to the live jazz band. That was another odd thing, the band would only play for like 30 minutes at a time and then there would be a 45-minute break which I understand but it was only like a 2-and-a-half-hour boat ride leaving lots of quiet time during the ride.

Pharmacy Museum - Stopping in here was sort of an accident, but a good one! The sign outside looked old and cool so we decided to stop in and the woman at the desk said that it was $10 a person to look at the museum. The first floor looked cool from what we could see so we decided to do it. There were tons of interesting things to look at and we ended up spending about 40 minutes wandering the three floors reading about all of the history of medicine. I would recommend it if this is something that you are interested in!

Shopping, lots of random shopping:

-Stop in the art galleries, they are all over the place and we went into lots of them!

-There were a few antique shops as well!

-Sassy Magick was a witchy type of bookstore that we went into! I ended up getting two books from there, the first one is The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic and the other one is Green Witchcraft: A Practical Guide to Discovering the Magic of Plants, Herbs, Crystals, and Beyond - they were just too cool to pass up! I linked them both for you guys! There was lots to look at and they also had a lengthy list of services as well if you are interested in that!

-Earth Oddesey Crystal Shop - We/I loved this store! We spent about an hour in here looking at the crystals and talking to a couple of the people working there. It was so reasonably priced and I like that they also have an online store, I will be buying from them online as well in the future!

-Beckham’s Bookstore - We went to this bookstore one afternoon to see what they had to offer. I ended up grabbing a couple of coffee table books and I actually got A Court of Wings and Ruin there for $8 which was a really good find. Worth a stop if books are up your alley!

-Bourbon Street (we didn’t spend a ton of time here but we made sure to stop and wander through it a few times)

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I'‘ll wrap it up but needless to say, New Orleans is a vibrant city filled with delicious food, adorable places to stay, and endless opportunities for entertainment. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun weekend getaway, New Orleans has something for everyone and there is no shortage of things to do. So next time you're planning a weekend getaway, consider New Orleans as your destination. If you have any questions at all, please comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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Sedona, Arizona: Where to Eat, Stay and Play

Hi Friends!

Dustin and I just got back from an amazing trip to Sedona, Arizona. It was full of beautiful red rock formations, amazing eats, beautiful spas, and all the nature and art you could want. It is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those searching for a tranquil getaway. If you are looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, delicious dining, and a dash of culture, Sedona has it all. 

Our trip inspired me, so I made you a Sedona Travel Guide that will take you through the best places to eat, stay, and play in this enchanting desert town.

Where to Stay: Los Abrigados Resort & Spa

First things first, let's talk about accommodations. When in Sedona, consider staying at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. This charming resort offers a perfect blend of comfort and luxury, surrounded by the stunning Sedona landscape. Relax by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, and bask in the serenity of this amazing and tranquil retreat.

Where to Eat in Sedona, Arizona:

Sedona's dining scene is a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds tingling. Here are some must-visit restaurants for your foodie adventure:

• Wildflower (Breakfast): Start your day right with a hearty breakfast at Wildflower. Their menu is filled with mouthwatering morning options.

• Coffee Pot Restaurant (Breakfast): Known for its extensive menu and charming atmosphere, Coffee Pot Restaurant is the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast.

• Secret Garden Cafe (Lunch & Dinner): This charming spot offers a delectable menu inspired by the freshest local ingredients. Dine amidst lush gardens for a truly magical experience.

• Oak Creek Brewery & Grill (Lunch & Dinner): Craft beer lovers, rejoice! Oak Creek Brewery not only serves up fantastic brews but also delicious food with scenic outdoor seating.

• Hideaway House (Dinner): Perched on a hill, Hideaway House offers breathtaking views of the red rocks. Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes and sunset vistas that will take your breath away.

What to Do in Sedona, Arizona:

Sedona is a treasure trove of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Here's your adventure itinerary:

• Slide Rock State Park: Cool off in the refreshing waters of Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park, where natural water slides and swimming holes await.

• Hike Red Rock Crossing via the Baldwin Trail: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a stunning journey through the iconic red rock formations.

• Rainbow Trout Farm: Channel your inner angler at the Rainbow Trout Farm, where you can catch your own fish and have it prepared for a delicious meal.

• Snoopy Rock: Snap a photo of the famous Snoopy Rock formation for a whimsical memory.

• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: Immerse yourself in Sedona's artsy side at Tlaquepaque. Explore boutique shops, and art galleries, and enjoy live music.

• Crystal and Jewelry Shops: Sedona is renowned for its crystal and jewelry shops. Find unique souvenirs and spiritual treasures to take home.

• Art Galleries: Explore the thriving art scene with visits to local galleries, where you can admire and purchase beautiful creations.

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Sedona isn't just a destination; it's an experience. Whether you're hiking through the rugged terrain, savoring delectable meals, or exploring the artistic heart of the town, you'll be immersed in good vibes and unforgettable moments. So pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure🏜️✨

Much Love, 

Emma

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Gluten Free Favorites From Amazon

Gluten Free Favorites From Amazon

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| FRENCH FRIED CRISPY ONIONS | SAVORY STUFFING MIX | SIMPLE MILLS ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKE MIX | OREO DOUBLE STUFFED AND ORIGINAL | SIMPLE MILLS SEA SALT SNACK PACKS | KATZ DONUT HOLES VARIETY PACK | PISTACHIOS VARIETY PACK |

| SIMPLE MILLS ALMOND FLOUR BARS | MADE GOOD CHEDDAR STAR PUFFED CRACKERS | HEAVENLY HUNKS OATMEAL DARK CHOCOLATE | GLUTEN FREE CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP | RED LOBSTERS CHEDDAR BAY BISCUITS | PROGRESSO GLUTEN FREE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP | SIMPLE MILLS CHOCOLATE BROWNIE SWEET THINS | BOBS RED MILL FLOUR |

Spooky Halloween Sangria

Spooky Halloween Sangria

I always say that these posts are going to be short and sweet so I’m not sure why I start each post by saying that! Lol but I also think that I say that so if you’re new here you don’t to this post and be like “OMG I don’t care how she stumbled upon this recipe standing on a cliff looking out into the water looking at a baby dolphin learning to swim” hahaha! Some recipes just need to get to the point!

I wanted to create a Spooky Halloween Sangria recipe for you guys with things that you probably have in your kitchen! Much like a charcuterie board, I think to some extent…especially with a sangria, you can play around with it and make it what you like. There is a little more wiggle room with sangria because you can literally use any fruit you like, any wine you like.. red or white! You can add rum, brandy, vodka.. pretty much anything you have on hand! So without further ado… I will share the recipe!

This recipe makes one pitcher so if you are wanting more for like a get-together or something, double it! OR triple the recipe depending on how many people are going to be drinking it!

Ingredients/What you will need

• 2 bottles of red wine {I used Apothic Red}

• Rum {1 1/2 cups}

• Splash of apple cider {I added the apple cider to each glass to gauge sweetness depending on each person}

• Simple syrup {optional, I thought the apple cider made it sweet enough!}

• 4 red delicious apples {mostly for the color}

• 1 large container of blackberries

• black sugar sprinkles for the rim of the glass

• honey {to get the sugar to stick to the rim

• pitcher

• skulls {I got mine here}

I would love to see if you decide to make Spooky Halloween Sangria for your Halloween festivities! What are your plans for the weekend? Do you have any? Let me know in the comments below or you can send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com!

Gluten Free at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival

So let me start this blog post off by saying that there reallllly weren’t a whole lot of options for us gluten-free people. But this was my first time ever going and it might have been because of the pandemic. I think I tried about 8 food items and then like 4 drinks!

It was nice because everything food-wise was labeled on the menu boards. So I wasn’t having to ask every time I wanted to try something. I appreciate that they added that. They also had things marked for vegetarians I believe! I am going to list the food items in order of my favorite to my least favorite! I will also put which stand they were at next to the food!

1. Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens $5.75 {Citrus Blossom}

   • This was amazing and I kept saying to my mom that it tasted so good it felt like it wasn’t GF.. obviously it was but if you’re gluten-free then you know when you are eating something so good it tastes wrong. Lol 10/10 recommend this!

2. Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon $8.25 {Citrus Blossom}

   • Another really great dish! It was a smaller little snack but it was good nonetheless. It was a delicious lemony lobster bite!

3. Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce {Canada}

   • I was really surprised by this one! It was great and was actually a pretty good size for the price! It was served over this really yummy mushroom sauce! The only downside was using a plastic knife. Lol But we were standing at a table anyway so it really wasn’t a big deal.

4. Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumble, and Baby Herbs {Earth Eats}

   • I was SHOCKED that I liked this. This was the first thing that I tried this day and omg it was good. There were so many intimidating things that it said it had in it but I tried it anyway and I am so glad that I did. The avocado cream pudding situation was so creamy and delicious. The matcha crumbles..who knew that was going to taste good?! NOT ME. But it was so yummy! And then the herbs were just like decretive little flowers that we didn’t eat.

5. Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato and Onions $6.00 {Brazil}

   • This was just sort of meh. The black beans and the pork belly really didn’t make sense together to me but hey, who am I? Maybe it is and I just don’t know! They tasted good separately but I didn’t eat them together in one bite… now I feel like I missed out on something lol

6. Brazilian Cheese Bread $4.50 {Brazil}

   • This was okay but nothing special. If you have bought the Brazi bread from the grocery store it pretty much just tasted like that! They were a bit bigger than Brazi bites but still tasted the same.

Now for the drinks…

1. Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London® with Tito’s Handmade Vodka served in a Mason Jar $15.50 {Earth Eats}

   • This was absolutely delicious. We convinced the people next to us that they needed it and I would love to figure out how to make it at home. It was very tasty and it came in a cute mason jar. Note to self: don’t put the cup in the dishwasher because it will become deformed and you will have to throw it out.

2. La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy $11.75 {France}

   • I really liked this! It was a great size and was really yummy! It wasn’t anything crazy special but it was tasty and I would order it for myself again for sure.

3. Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy $6.75 {Citrus Blossom}

   • It was tasty but it didn’t actually seem like there was any alcohol in it. It kind of tasted like an orange creamsicle! Plus it was VERRRY small.

4. Byejoe Punch: Chinese Bai Jiu Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice $11.00 {China}

   • It was okay. it had a really strong coconut flavor which was nice but then there was a punch of something not so great right after that coconut flavor and I ended up only drinking like half of it!

5. 3 Daughters Raspberry Lemonade Dry Hard Cider $4.50 {Appleseed Orchard}

   • Puke. Gross. Worst Cider I have ever tried. I’m usually not this dramatic but I literally threw it away after two sips. The second sip was to make sure it was gross and I wanted to throw it away. Lol

My Go-To Gluten Free Snacks

A couple years back when I found out I couldn’t have gluten anymore, one of my bigger worries was what was I going to have on hand for snacks. For meals, that was easier but the grab and go quick and easy snacks is what took some time to figure out. I am a big snacker! I have snacks throughout the day to tie me over between meals! I won’t make this post too long, its really just a list of the things that I like to have on hand when I am hungry. I should also mention that these aren’t specifically healthy, its just the things that I like!

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1. Blue Diamond Almonds - No, not the nastily plain tasting bland sad almonds lol I love the Blue Diamond brand because they have so many flavors! My favorite is the Habenero BBQ {I don’t like spicy, so don’t let the name scare you away}. I also love the Salt and Vinegar and Honey Roasted. I have also recently found the Gourmet flavors and the Garlic Herb and Olive Oil are my favorite of those!

2. Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn - I love this stuff! We always have a bag of this, its healthier and tastier than normal popcorn {usually, sometimes the real stuff sounds better}. But I have to be careful otherwise I could eat wayyyy too much. I usually put it in a bowl to keep myself aware of the amount I’m having. It’s an easy thing to mindlessly eat, for sure.

3. Cheese Sticks - I like how many flavors there are nowadays. We usually have Pepperjack, Mozzarella and Colby Jack cheese sticks on hand. I like to eat the cheese sticks with a handful of the Simple Mills Gluten Free crackers - which in my opinion are the best GF crackers out there.

4. Gluten Free Pretzels - This is something that I have a favorite of but I will still always try new versions of gluten free pretzels. They just aren’t the same as the regular gluten filled pretzels.. but I try to find the closest! I love the Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps. They don’t leave that weird after taste in my mouth that other pretzels do. This is also really random but I love eating pretzels and drinking apple juice - the best combination!

5. Perfect Bars - I get the kids size because the larger ones are too much for me to eat- I love the peanut butter flavor. I think its because they are so thick/dense and the big ones are just too much of the same texture. The kid Perfect Bars are just right for me! I usually have one before I teach early in the morning so that I am not super hungry for my workout and then I can come back and eat breakfast after the gym. Great for tying me over!

6. Oh Snap Pickle Bites - This isn’t something that I always have on hand, I really only grab it from the store if I remember but I do love them! Its a prepackaged crunch with great flavor, I meal hello- pickles. The only downside with these is that I usually can’t finish them, there are a lot in the package which I guess is good and bad. But if you take them to work and don’t finish them then you either waste them or have to bring a container for the rest of them to go in.

7. Rice Cakes - They are seriously boring on their own but I like to have mine with Laughing Cow cheese {any flavor} and Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top! Another way I like to eat them is with peanut butter and banana or peanut butter and chocolate chips on top!

8. Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Bites - Oh my gosh you guys, these are ADDICTING. I usually just stock up when I find them at TJ Maxx or Marshalls but I do know that they have them in Amazon as well. My favorite are the oatmeal dark chocolate ones but I know they have other flavors as well! You really can’t go wrong with any of the flavors!

Easy Gluten Free Crockpot Chili

Hi guys! If you know me, you know that I am on a steady diet of chili for lunches pretty much from when the first fall leaf hits the ground until at least Valentine’s Day. I seriously make it in the crock pot on Sundays and eat it every day until Friday! I don’t know how I never get sick of it but I don’t and I’m pretty sure you won’t either!

If I am being completely honest, this post has been sitting in my drafts since JANUARY 13th!! About the time I share this recipe!! Don’t ya think?!

INGREDIANTS

1 lb - cooked ground turkey, ground beef or veggie crumbles (all three are good, I use whatever I have on hand)

1/2 of a diced white onion

diced mushrooms (amount for preference)

1 can (29oz) of tomato sauce

1 can (15.25oz)- black beans (drained)

1 can (15.25oz) - kidney beans (drained)

1 can of drained corn

1 can(16oz) - chili beans

1 can (10oz) - Mild Rotel

garlic salt to taste

onion powder to taste

salt to taste

pepper to taste

paprika to taste

cayenne to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

In a skillet cook the meat, I add salt and pepper and minced garlic for seasoning.

Then add in half of a diced white onion and diced mushrooms!

While the meat is cooking drain and rinse the can of kidney beans, black beans, and corn.

Once the meat and veggies are cooked down, add everything else to the crockpot!

Add the seasonings to the crockpot and then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Serve with Fritos and cheddar cheese!