Date Night! El Tango Grill in Lakewood, Ohio

I love Mexican and Latin food. I adore Cajun food, too but there really is nowhere to get it in Ohio. That's not the case in when it comes to Mexican. My husband, on the other hand, can take it or leave it. Since it's not something he enjoys, I don't push going out unless I am sure he would like the food. Like BOMBA and Paladar. I took a friend the first time and brought him back for our anniversary.

Monday he wanted to get a drink at a neighboorhood restaurant. But, it was closed. Since we were hungry and walking we decided to keep walking until we found something else. It took looking across the street. Our neighborhood has several options, but El Tango was one that wasn't even on the radar until he said, "let's get a taco!"

I have a vague memory of going to El Tango many years ago. The only thing that sticks out was the vanilla lemonade. It was delicious but we never went back.

We were greeted by the owner and chef who took our order. We had the place to ourselves as we waited for our drinks to arrive.

7 Tips for Hosting the Best Chili Cook-off Ever

Winter has hit Northeast Ohio! And, what pairs better with cold weather than chili!

Did you know that the third Thursday in February is National Chili Day? The month of October is dedicated to the spicy stew of peppers.

fun fact: Texas-style chili doesn’t contain beans; vegetarian chili (aka chili sin carne) typically replaces meat with corn and other vegetables; chili verde uses pork, tomatillos, and green chili peppers in lieu of beef and tomatoes; and white chili uses white beans and chicken or turkey.

Eleven years ago, I kicked off an annual chili cook-off at my office. Some years we use it as a fundraiser, other years we just enjoyed the social aspect of competing. Regardless of why we do it or how many chilis we have, our cook-off is a success every year.

7 Tips for Hosting the Best Chili Cook-off Ever

I Love a Latte Dip! Chocolate Espresso Dip

A day for dipping

Dip day is a tradition in my office. I'm not certain how it came about, but the responsibility was handed down to me when the dip day founder left our company. It's a big responsibility to keep the tradition going.

In the hopes of increasing engagement, team themes were encouraged. My team was set up in the kitchen so our theme was barista dips. Someone made a chai latte dip, someone else made a pumpkin spice dip, and there was even a cannoli dip. I thought long and hard as I munched on some chocolate covered espresso beans when it hit me!

If I could remember where I got the dip recipe from, I would credit the author but I found a print out of it in my recipe box.

Bring the MorningStar #BurgerBar Truck to Your Next Backyard Celebration!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This content is intended for readers 21+. #BurgerBar #CollectiveBias

Recreate the MorningStar #BurgerBar Truck in your backyard!

Summer is drawing to a close and school will be starting soon. While other parents may celebrate the return to school and a set schedule, I am sad. Sure, I am stuck at work most days. And, they have swimming and camp to fill their days, but I'm still not ready for the fall. We love the long summer evenings, lazy days by the pool, and easy schedules. Especially the nights we have dinner outside.

On a recent trip to Walmart, we were treated to lunch from the MorningStar Farms® Burger Bar Truck.

Check out BurgerBarTruck.com to see if the MorningStar Farms® Burger Bar Truck is traveling to a Walmart near you. Plus, you can find even more delicious recipe inspiration from renowned Chef Capon, 6-time Burger Bash NYC Champion!

Tacos, Rum, and a Monday Date Night at BOMBA Beachwood

Date night on a Monday night feels like such a guilty pleasure! Especially when your friend works for BOMBA and invites you to friends and family night before the grand opening of the Beachwood.

Lately, our date nights have been within walking distance of our home. Considering where we live, this is not a bad thing. There are several great restaurants in my area. But, there is something extra special about getting dressed up and going somewhere.

Date night at BOMBA Tacos and Rum!

I have never given much thought to rum, but let me tell you! Mojito is my new favorite drink!

The Hubs had the original - mint, rum, simple syrup. Mine is cucumber and lime. Refreshing is an understatement.

We were handed the Rum Bible. It is heavy! Everything you need to know about Spanish, French, and English rum is in it. It's also online if you want to peruse it before you go.

The restaurant is warm and inviting. Gorgeous colors and lovely wall murals are a feast for the eyes.

Romantic meets casual with cozy booths or seating for groups.

Suckers for cheese we started with the queso dip was a given. Poblanos, caramelized onions, hot sauce, cheese - heaven. Look at that yumminess!

And, we tried the chicken empanadas. Perfectly fried, light and airy with a cilantro pesto dipping sauce. I could have easily had a whole meal of the empanadas but tacos were a calling.

While I was digging the mojito, after browsing the rum bible I wanted to try something different with our tacos. I went with a BOMBA Rum Punch with Mt. Gay Black Barrel, Smith & Cross, and citrus liqueur.

The hubs tried the Dark & Stormy with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, ginger beer, and fresh lime.

We didn't discuss our taco choices until they arrived so we inadvertently order six different tacos.

The downside is that when they arrived, while I was taking a photo he started eating. And, he had gotten my order. While I'm sure he had amazing tacos, I didn't want shrimp.

He left me all but a bite of the Rio-Style Chicken (caramelized onions, plantain peanut crumbs, poblano peppers, cilantro aioli).  I'm not mad, two tacos were more than enough for me to eat!

I opted for a delightful and refreshing coconut mango rice as my side. 

 Last but certainly not least - dessert! The options were churros or doughnuts. I was thumbing my nose at the idea of doughnuts until I learned they were margarita flavored with a lime flavored dipping sauce.

Fresh, light, and airy. These doughnuts were the perfect end to a perfect evening. I'm so happy we had an opportunity to have a lovely dinner with lots of rum.

Teen Titans Go! to the Movies! Sidekicks are Superheroes, too!

We received tickets to an advanced to see Teen Titans Go! to the Movies! Opinions are mine.

"Titans, you guys are never actually doing anything heroic."-Superman

We've been counting down the days to see the Teen Titans on the big screen! The whole family. 

Last Saturday, we got the chance to see Teen Titans Go! to the Movies! Let me tell you, it is so good and so very funny, we are going to see it again! 

Robin, Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Starfire feel that they get no respect for being superheroes from their peers. While they live in the DC Universe, they aren't on the same level as the big name heroes who get movie deals. Now, my kids were quick to point out that Cyborg is in a movie, but he wasn't the lead. Which is the point, Robin feels they deserve a movie to be seen as the real deal.

source: Facebook

Steak 'n Shake Kids Eat Free Weekends + Enter to win a $50 gift card!

I have received a gift certificate as compensation for this conversation. Opinions are my own.

When it's too hot to cook, it's time to head to Steak 'n Shake!

Summer is in full swing! Weekends have us on the run or at the pool and usually starting soon after breakfast.

My kids tend to graze all day long! They easily survive the day snacking on fruits, veggies, granola bars, and the junk food they don't tell me about. Come dinner time they are hungry. H.U.N.G.R.Y!

Can't say I blame them. Those little bodies are screaming for a bigger meal.

After spending a Saturday or Sunday at the pool, the last thing I want to do is go home and cook dinner. Especially when the temps are over 90 degrees. Thank goodness for Steak n' Shake - kids eat free weekends!

Hello, air-conditioning! Hello, Steak 'n Shake! Hello, savings!

I don't know if it's the hip diner setting or extra, thick milkshakes, but these kids love our dinners out here.

At participating Steak 'n Shake locations, dine-in customers nationwide are eligible for one kid's plate for every $9 spent. The kid's plate includes Original Steakburger™, Mini Corn Dogs, Macaroni & Cheese, Steakburger™ Minis, Hot Dog, Grilled Cheese, and Chicken Fingers.

Alex and Me Movie Aims to Inspire Soccer Fans! Score a copy + create a soccer emoji

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.

Inspire your soccer fan this summer to reach their goals!

Wanting to prove herself as a soccer player and get out of the shadow of her football star brother Reagan (Siena Agudong) goes out for a spot on the premier local soccer club team in the new movie Alex and Me.

All Reagan wants is to play soccer like her hero, Alex Morgan. After being humiliated by her rival Claire at the soccer try-out, she’s certain her ship has sailed. However, after hitting her head, Reagan’s poster of Alex Morgan suddenly comes to life and everything changes!

Celebrating PRIDE Month at Work {free photobooth printables}

Happy Pride Month!

This is a short, sweet post sharing the photo booth props I created for my workplace! Of course, these are not limited to the workplace but all are SFW.

Love is love, is love, is love, is love. #PrideMonth #WeTakePride #loveislove #lovewins #lgbt #pride #igfriends #friendsatwork #equalityforall #loveisequal #bipride #ontheblog #photofun #photoboothprops #pridemonth2018 #pride2018 #workplacefun #clevelandkids #humansofcleveland

A post shared by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Jun 11, 2018 at 10:40am PDT

Mother's Day Cake Decorating Fun at Wild Flour Bakery

Call me crazy, but I'm not a fan of Mother's Day. I am pretty crazy about cakes though. When a friend suggested we take the kids to Wild Flour Bakery to decorate cakes for Mother's Day I was quick to sign up. So glad we didn't wait! We got the last three spots!

Birthday Party with the Main Mouse, Chuck E. Cheese + free printable LOL Doll invite

I've dreaded a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese for years. Not just going to one but hosting one as well. 

Every year one of our kids does not request a party with the mouse, we let out a giant sigh of relief. 

It's not that we are against fun or Chuck E. Cheese. I just never wanted to host a birthday party there on a Saturday with a boatload of other kids. Until I hosted a party on a Saturday at Chuck E. Cheese. 

It took months for my daughter to tell me what she wanted to do for her birthday. She had a theme but not a where. She turned her nose up to all of my suggestions. 

I go back and forth about a party with friends vs a small family get together. I love celebrating their birthdays in every form. 

Coming down to the wire, we sat in front of my laptop browsing ideas she spotted an ad for the pizza mecca for kids. After looking at time options and pricing it out, we decided on having the party at 10 AM on a Saturday. There is an 8 AM option but I couldn't get her on board with that. 

Since we booked online, she got an additional 20 play points and 100 free play points for hosting a party on Saturday at 10 AM.

Edit this invite for your LOL doll fan! Click here for Canva template.
Be kind to the next person and MAKE A COPY of template before editing. It is a shared public document. 

The invites went home to her classmates and I set to planning her cake! She wanted a LOL Doll themed cake. That should be easy. 

A Shopkin World Vacation Movie Preview Party

My daughter received the Shopkins World Vacation DVD and backpack to facilitate this conversation. Opinions are my own.

There ain't no party like a Shopkin party because a Shopkin party... wait. What?

Over the weekend, my youngest had a band of her BBFs over to watch Shopkins World Vacation.

The girls were quite impressed that we had a copy before it was in theaters.

Easy, Creamy Jalapeno Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with LA MORENA®

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #VivaLaMorena #RediscoverLaMorena #CollectiveBias

I've been craving spicy foods as if I was pregnant for the last year or so. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved Creola and Mexican cooking, but it's only within the last year that I started experimenting and cooking it myself.

It started with adding one, maybe two tiny peppers to a dish, Now, I'm all in! The hotter the better. Since my family does not feel the same way about peppers as I do, I've learned to control my enthusiasm.

I've recently discovered LA MORENA®  at Giant Eagle. LA MORENA® products are made in the style and taste of authentic Mexican home cooking and traditional recipes. They have been in business for over 25 years in Mexico, the U.S., Canada, and across Europe and Australia.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce is easily my favorite product from the LA MORENA® line of canned goods. It's sweet, smoky flavor adds such a rich kick to any dish. It's this pepper that gave me the idea to spice up shredded chicken.

Easy, Instant Apple Crisp the Perfect Recipe for Fall

My oldest is not a big fan of food. When he discovers something he really likes, I try to make it or buy it for him. In fact, if it wasn't for him, I would have never learned how to make sweet potato pie. His latest obsession is apple dumplings.

Last year, I took the kids to Patterson's Fruit Farm on a whim. It was here he tried his first apple dumpling. He hasn't had one since. When we went this past weekend, apple dumplings are pretty much all he hoped to get from the trip. But, the bakery had sold out by the time we made our way there. Before you feel bad, he left with a half dozen of fresh, hot apple cider doughnuts.

Doughnuts, Moustaches, and a Rocket Car: The Ups and Downs of Throwing a Surprise Party

I love celebrating birthdays! In fact, the Hubs and I started celebrating our birthdays with a party! Why not right? Why do the kids get to have all the fun?

This is not about my birthday. Not that I'm not counting down the days. This is about my tween's birthday.

My Spawn turned 12 years-old at the end of summer. Summer birthdays are great because you don't have to invite the whole class.

Instead of a party last year, we took Spawn and his best friend to Great Wolf Lodge. I loved it. I didn't have to clean. Also, they have a bar and the kids are old enough to stay behind with a movie and a pizza while the Hubs and I have dinner.

Chili Cook-off Insider: Another free invite, scorecard, and award certificate

One of my favorite posts is Hosting a Chili Cook-Off in 5 Easy Steps with Printables. 

I wrote it several years ago while planning my office's sixth annual chili cook-off. It's one of our most successful charity events of the year.

Recently, I gave it another look and thought the printables needed an update. A fresh new look. Of course, the old ones are still available and I stand by my awesome tips for creating a successful chili cook-off. Now, there are more options to print. 

There are also a few options for printing these new printables including customizing on Canva.

**NOTE** If you use one of the canva.com templates here, please, p-l-e-a-s-e, create A COPY first. Besides not wanting to have to recreate them each time they are used, this is public. If you add your phone number or address, I may text or mail you a Christmas card this year. Please make a copy BEFORE saving your changes. 

5 Simple #GrillNGear Ideas for Summer Grilling with Giant Eagle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GrillNGear #CollectiveBias

Summer is so close and we are ready for it! Northeast Ohio has been giving us little tastes of warm weather. And by little, I mean a day here, a day there, and then a cold snap.

The weather has never dictated grilling in our family. It's not hard to persuade the Husband to grill in a snow storm. Grilling, for him, is a labor of love. He gets up at the crack of dawn and finishes before it's time to eat. Not only do we get to enjoy the fruits of his labor, but his time, too!

My job is refreshments and dessert. I also take on the shopping and Giant Eagle makes it easy. They have everything we need to make our summer grilling seem effortless.

While I watch the Hubs grill Certified Angus Beef bacon and cheddar patties, I'm sipping on cold brew Lipton ice tea over shaved ice. And, my Farmhouse Dark Chocolate Chip and Breyers ice cream cookie sandwiches are chilling in the freezer.

This is the life.

5 Simple #GrillNGear Ideas for Summer Grilling with Giant Eagle

Dinner Moments with Boston Market + 30 questions to ask your kid at dinner

I was provided with a gift card to facilitate this conversation by Boston Market. All opinions are my own.

There are some nights that the idea of making dinner is too much to handle. But, you have to feed the family and here are only some many times you can get away with pizza or cereal for dinner. Finding something we all like is always a challenge. There is one place we can always agree on - Boston Market.

My kids can't get enough of that creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. My favorite is the creamed spinach and the Hubs, well, he likes it all especially the brownies.

While it's easy to take the family to their restaurant and have a bite, it's even easier to stop on the way home! It's like having a home cooked meal without the work.