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  • When A Boy Loves A Potty

    Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Pull-Ups®.  I received the promotional item below as a thank you for participating.
    So, we are still in the potty training trenches with JJ.  Since my last post (see here), our lovely friends from The First Years™ sent JJ a potty.  And it wasn’t just any plain, average Joe potty either.  They sent him the CARS Racing Mission Potty System.  It can be used as a potty pot, trainer seat and step stool and makes car sounds.
    Of course, when JJ saw his potty for the first time, it was love at first sight.  It took him ten minutes before he would even let go long enough for me to take it out of the box.  Assembly was pretty quick and easy.  All I had to do was install the sound button and snap on the lid.  Can’t get any easier than that.
    After that he was back to not letting anyone touch it.  Finally, after about 30 minutes, I thought that it would be a good idea to go ahead and try the potty out.   So, we get everything unsnapped, pulled down and I go to sit him on the potty and he flips out!  As it turns out, he loves his CARS potty and Lighting McQueen so much that he didn’t want to sit on it.
    This last week, I’ve been making sure to tell him everyday that starting this coming Friday, we’re going to be using the trainer seat and then use the base as a step stool and place he can rest his feet since the trainer seat is made to fit on the toilet.  Hopefully, this will go over better as we had made some progress previously with him being comfortable with that method.
    But man, does he cart Lighting around the apartment almost all the day.  He loves that he can stand on it and get into more things like turning on the water and almost flooding the bathroom sink, reaching the snack shelf in the pantry and he even attempted to stir one of my pots on the stove.  Thank goodness I have quick reflexes.  Needless to say, I have made it clear that Lighting McQueen is not allowed anywhere near the kitchen.
    And JJ isn’t the only one impressed with his new potty system.  Since it arrived while the Mr was at work, the first words out his mouth the next morning where, “You got him a car potty with wheels?!”  Then he shot me the you’re-spoiling-him look.  I had to quickly explain that the potty was a gift first off and secondly, having an aesthetically pleasing potty does not make a child spoiled, but instead might encourage them to actually use it.
    Moo was a little upset at first.  She felt like JJ has been getting lots of stuff lately while she hasn’t been getting anything.  I had to explain that JJ just had a birthday and that I had been telling her that he was getting a special potty soon.  She calmed down when I told her that she could play with the sound button and use it as a step stool.  Kids!  So, folks, fingers crossed we will have success on Friday using the trainer seat.
    Did you miss my previous posts on our potty training journey?  Check them out here.

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  • Gillette® Venus® Snap with Embrace™

    Disclosure: I received the product in this post to test out from Influenster.com.  All opinions are 100% my own.

    Summer is officially in full swing.  So, y’all already know it’s time for cookouts, pool parties, and trips!  As y’all already know, the YUMMommy family is already scheduled to heading down to NOLA in a little over two weeks for a family vacation/reunion with a little work sprinkled in there.  And since I do plan on hitting up the pools and letting my legs out to catch some sun, I’m packing my new Gillette® Venus® Snap with Embrace™ travel razor.

    If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, then you already know that I received this in a voxbox from Influenster last month.  I have to say that when I first saw what was in the voxbox, I thought this was one of the cutest razors I’d ever seen.  I don’t know of any other brands who make mini or travel size razors.
    If you’re a fan of the regular Gillette® Venus® razors then you will love the Gillette® Venus® Snap with Embrace™.  It uses the razor or refill.  You still get a smooth, close shave.  The only difference between the two is that the Gillette® Venus® Snap with Embrace™ has a mini grip instead of a long handle and of course, the fact that it comes in a compact/carrying case.
    You can check my latest YUMM Beauty video on below and found out what else I liked about the Gillette® Venus® Snap with Embrace™ as well as get an idea of just how small this razor is.
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SMMGCMNUEw]
    Would you switch out your current razor for the Gillette® Venus® Snap with Embrace™ when traveling or on the go?

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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thursday!  So, I had every intention of posting yesterday because I was going to film a vlog to share with you guys.  As soon as it got quiet enough to film without any background noise from the kiddies, JJ decided it would be a good time to running around the apartment letting out high pitched squeals.  I was like really?  You have to do that right now while I’m trying to work.
    Then when he did get quiet again, it started storming very loudly again.  So far we’ve had rain almost everyday for the past few days.  I’m starting to think that I got my hopes up that we weren’t going to have a rainy summer for nothing.  As long as it doesn’t get as bad as it did last year and rain for over 20 days straight at a time, I’ll be good.  We definitely had a bad case of cabin fever last year.
    Thankfully, though on the days that it hasn’t rained we have been able to get out of the house.  I’m absolutely loving our new library.  We’ve been to quite a few of the libraries here in the QC and our new library definitely makes it in the Top 3 in terms of having an excellent area for kids.  They had a great selection of books, DVDs and the play area was amazing.  I’ll have to take pictures next time we go.
    I’m also thankful that we’re not too far from a small playground.  We’re about to stop with the training pants and start underwear training JJ.  So, it’s great to have all these amenities so close to home in case he has an accident or something.  Speaking of JJ, the Mr got him to say his name for the first time on Tuesday.  He would only say it once, but I know that we just have to keep working with him on it.
    As I watch him get more independent and start to have more spurts of new words, I get less and less nervous about him starting preschool this August.  I can’t wait for him to make friends and see how he interacts with the other kids.  I’m thankful that I’m learning to let go a little more.  It’s a struggle to not want to spend 90% of my time around my kids.  Especially, with JJ, if I’m away for them even for a few minutes I fear missing out on a new milestone and that for me is one of the most rewarding parts of motherhood.
    I’m thankful that we are getting closer and closer to our trip to New Orleans!  So, stoked to be finally taking a family vacation with the Mr in tow.  While this isn’t my first trip to New Orleans by any means, it will be my first time at Essence Fest.  I’ll be posting about my top 5 concerts I want to see while I’m there next week.  I can’t wait to see my sister and the rest of my extended family and get my grub on!  Fresh seafood here I come.
    I’m most thankful this week that my brother’s surgery went well.  He had a non-cancerous tumor removed and everything went well.  It was a routine procedure and he got to go home that same day, but still I was nervous because you just never know what will happen during surgery.  I’m happy to report that he is doing well and his incision spot is already healing nicely and the swelling is going down.

    What are you giving thanks for this week?
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  • 3 Reasons To Buy Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit For Dad

    I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.
    Father’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate the dad(s) in your life than by getting them something that they will love?  In my opinion, the newly released (exclusively at Walmart) Blu-ray and DVD Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is one of the best/must-have gifts for dads this Father’s Day.  Why?  

    3 For The Price of 1

    Released exclusively at Walmart, the Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Blu-ray is actually three gifts for the price of one.  Not only will you get Jack Ryan, but The Italian Job on Blu-ray as well.  In addition, you will also get an offer valid from Tuesday, June 10-Saturday, June 14th for $15 off sports tickets from Ticketmaster.  You get all of this for the super low price of just $12.96!  Talk about a steal.
    I don’t know about y’all, but the last Blu-ray, I purchased was at least $20 and that was just for one.  And with the $15 off from Ticketmaster, you could easily score some awesome tickets to your dad’s or husband’s favorite sporting event.

    Action, Action, Action

    Listen, there’s nothing that guys like more than action movies.  Based on the Tom Clancy character, Jack Ryan is the story of a CIA agent who gets caught up in a web of deception and espionage and tries to stop a terrorist attack on the United States.  There’s chases, carefully choreographed martial arts fight scenes, gunfire, explosives and more.  Check out the movie trailer below and you’ll see that you can’t get more action packed than this movie
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOtgDGgfBuM]

    Star Studded

    If there’s one thing that I’ve learned growing up in a family of mostly males, it’s that the who’s playing in a movie really matters to guys.  Some actors have built a reputation of being great action stars and guys tend to prefer to see movies with those stars.  Jack Ryan features a seasoned star studded cast that consists of the handsome and kick-ass Chris Pine, the lovely Keira Knightley (guys love her), the very talented Kevin Costner and Kenneth Branagh.  You can’t really ask for a better cast for an action movie.
    So, don’t waste your time trying to rack your brain about what to get the dads in your life.  The Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Bu-ray combo pack is the way to go this year!  Also, #CollectiveBias will be hosting a #JackRyanBluRay Twitter party on Wednesday, June 11th from 9-10 PM EST.  (RSVP: http://cbi.as/uv17o)  They will be giving away $550 in prizes!! I hope to see you there.

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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thursday YUMMs!  I’ve missed you guys and blogging something awful.  We were all setup to have same day installation of our internet and other services, but because their was a last minute issue with the carpet install on the apartment we were originally supposed to be in that threw everything off track.  Apparently, with Time Warner even if you’re just moving to a different apartment in the same complex, you have to start back from scratch again.  Crazy, right?
    Anyways, we literally just got service connected to today and that is what I am most thankful for this week!  I’m also thankful that we are all moved and settled in.  It was big rough when we got here because we had to wait for them to switch us to a new apartment.  And then it was just the Mr and I on this move and that was very challenging, especially when it came to maneuvering two couches up three flights of stairs.  We definitely had some banged fingers, toes and legs.  And I ended up bruising the muscles in my lower back, upper left shoulder and upper thighs.  
    Today is the first day that I am moving about without severe pain.  I’m thankful for that because kids don’t understand that you’re stuck in bed because it hurts just to lift your head up.  We have come to conclusion that we will be hiring movers to move the chairs, tvs and beds next time.  I’m thankful our neighbors are much quieter than our previous ones.  In fact, the first night here it felt too quiet, but I’ve adjusted to having silence again.
    We are literally right around the corner from the library and the school the kids’ will be attending this fall!  We’re close to my favorite store, Target, as well as Walmart, my bank and our favorite restaurants.  Most importantly, the Mr is closer to his job.  There’s a lot of wildlife when it comes to birds here and Moo has enjoyed watching the birds come and rest on the balcony.  We’ve seen tons of cardinals, wrens and even a few woodpeckers so far.
    We haven’t had a chance to make it to the pool obviously, but I’m sure we’ll visit it this weekend.  I’m thankful that we’re in a bigger place.  The kids’ room is huge!  They also have a bigger bathroom than we do in the master.  Overall, I’m just thankful to be in a neighborhood and have a place that meets all of our needs as a family.

    What are you giving thanks for this week?

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  • Thankful Thursday

    I don’t think I’ve been so excited to see a Thursday than I am today.  It’s our last day and night in our current apartment and I couldn’t be more excited and thankful to be hightailing it out of here tomorrow morning.  Y’all know it’s been a struggle to get this day, but God worked it out and we’re moving on to something better-two bathrooms, a dishwasher, pool, gym, tennis court, 24/7 community security and on-call maintenance workers!  
    When I say that I will never again take for grated the comforts of living in an apartment owned by a corporation and not an independent owner, I mean it!  We have had three bad experiences with renting from independent landlords.  While I did like that we had an actual front and back yard with decks in our previous apartment before this one and will miss having more an actual “neighborhood” feel, it’s a small price to pay for having professionals who will fix issues in a timely manner, especially things like leaky pipes, broken windows and mold.  Also, it’s a relatively quiet area and y’all know how I feel about loud neighbors.
    I’m thankful that the kids were very helpful with the packing process and haven’t complained about having to live amongst a hill of boxes this last week and a half.  I’m really thankful that JJ is excited about this move.  I was a little apprehensive about how he would respond because big changes don’t sit well with him.  However, I’ve explained in a way that he can understand that we’re moving and we did take him to see the new apartment and he loved it.  So, I will say that’s a good sign.
    We are having to move one of his therapy sessions back in time but I think that’ll be okay considering he’ll be changing days completely once school starts.  And while we’re on the subject of school, my cousin found an old preschool picture from when we celebrated her birthday at school and sent it to me on Facebook.
    Y’all, I’m pretty sure I dressed myself that day because I have on a white and lilac shirt with sea foam green windbreaker pants that had a black, green, red and yellow waist band.  I’m pretty sure if the waist band had been all black or the pants a softer more muted green, it would have gone with the shirt.  I’m glad I can’t see my shoes because who knows what color they probably where.  And see the guy in the red outfit with the lime green dotted circle around his head?
    That was my first male best friend.  And aside from family members, he was the first guy I ever loved.  He asked me to be his girlfriend right before Thanksgiving break and then we had our first of many kisses.  We both road the same bus and usually always sat together on the way home.  Yea, we were only in preschool, but we had promised to get married and everything.
    Then over spring break he got hit by a car and died.  I was crushed to pieces.  That was the first time I had ever loss anybody that I really cared about and I didn’t take it well at all. I cried for weeks and skipped his funeral.  At our preschool graduation, I sat by what would have been his chair, but instead it had a ribbon and a red rose on it.  Then, we went outside and the principle planted and dedicated a tree in his memory. 
    I remember my mom holding my hand and telling me it was ok to cry if I wanted to.  Life just didn’t feel the same anymore and kindergarten felt a little lonely when school started back that following August.  Our families knew each other well and I’m forever grateful for the short friendship (and courtship) that we had.  I’m so thankful that my cousin sent me this.  
    While Bill’s death was hard for me to take, I have to say that some of the fondest memories of my childhood with my entire family are from my preschool year.  That was before my parents’ marriage got rocky and they split.  Things just seemed good.

    What are you thankful for this week?

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  • Getting Connected With Solid Cordz®

    Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

    A while back I was sent a twin pack of Premium Gold high speed HDMI cords to test out from Solid Cordz®.  Now, let me just say that we are definitely gadget/technology people, especially my husband.  From our smart TVs to the Mr’s PS 3 and PS 4, everything connects to the Internet.  However, there was one problem that we kept having– a slow connection.  And this was not cool for the Mr at all.

    It was no fun for him trying to play Madden online with his buddies when his connection/signal transfer from his PS 4 was going pretty much at a snail’s pace.  Likewise, I was issues with the connection from our BluRay player to our TV in the living room.  We were literally about to run out and purchase new cords when I got the email form Solid Cordz®.  It took a little convincing to get the Mr to wait instead of riding out to the nearest store and picking up some new HDMI cords that day, but he gave in.

    And I have to say, he’s glad he waited (and I’m glad he saved his money).  I thought that we high speed and decent connections before our old cords went on the skitz, but I was wrong.  No more waiting forever for everything to connect.  The Mr can enjoy his gaming in the bedroom and I get to enjoy the TV in the living room once again and catch up on my Netflix without issues.

    So, what made the Solid Cordz® different from our old ones?  For starters, the connectors are gold plated, which helps to provide a better signal transfer.  Also, our cords were shorter and these are 6 feet long.  This will come handy as we are shopping for wardrobe style TV stand for the kids’ room.  Thus, the TV will be sitting higher up on one shelf and the cable box and BluRay player will be sitting lower.

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    The Solid Cordz® have 3D support.  We didn’t have the before with our cords.  And this is really great not only for the Mr’s gaming habits, but also for me and kids now that we have HBO 3D!  Y’all must experience your favorite HBO shows and movies in 3D if your cable provider offers it.  And of course, while we’re on the subject of resolution, we’ve noticed better picture quality when we’re just watching regular shows as well.

    If you have a high definition TV, then you’ll definitely want to give these cords a try and see if you can notice even more of difference in your picture quality.  Overall, I’m glad to have our gadgets getting the connection they should have had all along and that everybody can enjoy them with no problems.  I’ve learned quite a bit about HDMI cords and they do more than just connect electronics. I also learned that not all HDMI cords are created equally.

    It pays to do a little research.  While I don’t think we’ll need any new ones for at least another year or two, I know what qualities to look for when are in the market again and who to purchase them from!

    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thankful Thursday!  I have to admit that it feels a bit strange to not have blogged since last week.  However, I’ve enjoyed not having so much on my plate as I finish up these books.  I managed to get our apartment packed up and we’re ready for moving day next week!  Let me just say that I never knew how books I had until I started packing them up and I’m sure that I’ll accumulate more.
    I had a bit of writer’s block, but I’m thankful it has passed and back on my writing game.  I’m also thankful that I have a great editor who is understanding of the writing process.  Seriously, I can’t wait to have LBB finished and see what my editor and the folks at Harlequin think of it the entire manuscript.  This traditional publishing journey is a learning experience for me and I’ll cherish it no matter where my writing career takes me in the future.
    JJ turned 3 last week and it feels so weird.  I just can’t explain it but I have feeling that time is only going to go by faster, especially with him starting preschool this fall.  He had a blast.  He’s not a cake person, so we skipped that.  But we did take him to his favorite place– the park!  
    Did I mention he’s traded in his love of Mickey Mouse for Thomas the train?  Yep, it’s all Thomas everything now.  So, of course for his birthday we got him a Thomas & Friends book set, Happy Birthday, Thomas, Thomas and Percy talking flashlights and a Mega Bloks Thomas & Friends block set.  And while we were at the park, we checked out the train they have there.
    We also went to see the ducks.  Sadly, we forgot to bring bread and couldn’t feed them.  We saw a lady and her daughter walking their pet rabbit and a parakeet.   JJ was a little freaked out by the rabbit, but Moo loved it.  After, we left the park, we hit up Chick-fil-A for lunch and went to an indoor playground.  I’m just thankful that JJ really enjoyed his birthday.
    I’m thankful the library found Moo’s book.  We usually check out at least 20 books when we go once a week.  We read two to three books night before bedtime and it makes sense to stock up instead of making a trip every other day.  Anyways, the last time we check in books, we had like 37 books including mine and we had a few dvds.  Well, someone at the circulation desk didn’t check in one of our books properly and it’s been overdue for weeks.
    Well, I knew that I had turned the book in and refused to pay the late fee because I knew that in two or three weeks it would show up.  Sure enough, we went Monday and it was there!  You check yourself out at the libraries here and the lady who had tried to check out the book didn’t bother to get the book checked in despite the fact that the computer gives you a notification that the book you are trying to check out is already checked out.  She just threw it in her bag and kept it moving.
    Like really?  Long story short, I am glad the book is returned and the late fee is removed from our account since it was the librarian’s fault that the book didn’t get checked in to start with.  This has happened before and to make sure it doesn’t keep happening, I will just stand at the circulation desk and make sure whomever is in charge checking in books scans all of them right. 
    I’m thankful that my sister, a friend and I are all back on our fitness wagons!  I’m not looking to drop any pounds but just tone up a little more.  I want to work on my muscle definition and get my arms back buff.  I’m also going to be focusing on my legs as well.  Thank goodness there’s a community gym in our new apartment complex!  I will be hitting it hard.  Hopefully, we will get in a few family workout sessions in there on the days the Mr is off.
    I’m thankful that life has just been peaceful for us.  We’ve really been just being careful of the people we let in our lives.  Sometimes, trying to hang on to dying friendships or being around negative family members just because you’re related can do more harm than good.  It will cause you to miss out the awesome and supportive people that God is trying to place in your life.  Life is just too short not to be surrounded by good people.
    Plus, I have to set the right example for my children.  I can’t tell them to hang around good people and choose great friends when they see me doing the opposite.  I have to walk the walk and practice what I’m preaching.  Also, not sweating the small stuff too much has helped as well.  I’m determined to keep a positive mindset, even when we’re going through because I know trouble doesn’t last always.  The sun comes out at some point and I want to be present to enjoy it!
    What are you giving thanks for this week?

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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thankful Thursday!  Our day started off with a tornado warning and a storm.  Thankfully, our neighborhood didn’t get any damage.  However, there were some downed trees in other parts of the Queen City.  Fingers crossed that we’re not in for another summer like the one we had last year because this is almost how it started off.
    We’ve had a few rain storms back to back already.  A rainy summer is not going to allow us to enjoy the community pool or the tennis court at all.  Speaking of the pool and tennis court, I am so thankful that when we took the kids to see our new place, they loved it.  Neither of them wanted to leave.  You would have thought it was Christmas morning the way their eyes lit up at looking at everything.
    I’m thankful that we’re upgrading from one bathroom to two!  I’m also thankful to once again have a dishwasher, garbage disposal and actually spaces for a pantry and the washer and dryer to go!  The Mr and I have have his and hers closets.  We have a good sized balcony with an outdoor storage closet.  And best of all I have my fireplace feature again!!  Y’all, I seriously love wood-burning fireplaces.  
    I know they are not really ecofriendly because they give off smoke, but I enjoy having them.  Plus, when it snows here in the city or we get freezing rain the power has been known to go out.  We did invest in a kerosene heater last year, but it will be nice to also have fireplace because you can find tons of free firewood around these parts.  That beats having to find a way to safely store kerosene until winter any day in my book.  I told Moo that we will have a girls’ night and roast marshmallows in it.
    Also, I’m thankful that I’ll be able to film cooking vlogs because we actually have counter space in this place!  The neighborhood is quiet and it has a gym that I will be hitting hard in preparation for my upcoming trip to New Orleans.  Enough about the new place, tomorrow is a big day.  My little man is turning 3!!  I can’t believe it.  
    He’s grown up so fast.  Three tomorrow and preschool in August.  I’m not ready y’all.  And I don’t think the Mr is ready either.  With Moo it’s different for him, I think her growing up will hit him once we hit those preteen years and she starts getting into boys, but seeing how big JJ is getting has been making him think about things like him almost being ready to play his first sport and all of that.  I’m excited for them to have more father-son time in that aspect.
    Last but not least, I am thankful to be kicking off She Just Writes’ “Mom Knows Best” series today.  So, stop on by and check out my feature: Young Urban Modern Mommy on a Mission: Blogger K. Elizabeth
    What’s on your thankful list this week?
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  • Celebrating National Allergy Awareness Month With Red Robin’s Interactive Allergen Menu

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Red Robin.  I did receive a gift card to facilitate this review.  However, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
    Did you know that May is National Allergy Awareness Month?  It’s no secret that when it comes to allergies, my family has its share and then some.  The allergy type that affects us the most would be the kids’ food allergies.  It’s really changed our lifestyle, especially when it comes to eating out.  Not many restaurants cater to patrons with food allergies, less more offer menus that help us customize our meals to meet our dietary needs.  That’s why I was delighted when Red Robin asked if we wanted to celebrate National Allergy Awareness Month by trying out their new Interactive Allergen Menu at one of their restaurants.
    While Red Robin has been allowing diners to customize their meals for years, the Customizer Hub allows guest take customizing their meals to the next level.  You have the option to “Customize Your Nutrition” or “Build a Customized Allergen Menu.”  What I loved about building a customized allergen menu for both Moo and JJ was how easy it was to do.

    After you click on the “Get Started” button, you can just check off all of the allergens that you need to avoid.

    Then, the Interactive Allergen Menu, will bring up your new menu options by category.  You can click on each category to see what is available.

    You might see that once you click on categories that there are even more options available to customize your meals, like switching out the sesame seed bun for a lettuce or gluten free bun.

    I was surprised at all the options that were still available once we had entered in all of the kids’ allergies.  So, once you’ve decided what you want to eat and customized your meal, your server then submits your order.  Orders with food allergies are rung in with an allergy alert that includes showing the order in bold, bright red letters.  This notifies the kitchen staff to that a food allergy is present and that they will need to use an allergen kit to prepare that order.

    The Red Robin allergen kits include all of the tools that will be needed to prepare your meal.  The tools are purple so that the kitchen staff will be able to distinguish them from the regular kitchen tools and also because purple is to color associated with Allergen Awareness.  In addition to being able to customize your meals, starting May 12th, Red Robin will be offering Omission Pale Ale, a gluten-free beer, for beer drinkers (21 & over of course)!  Brewed with malted barley, Omission Pale Ale is specially crafted to remove gluten.  

    Honor, integrity, continually seeking knowledge and having fun are the four core values on which Red Robin was founded and our server that definitely embodied those for us during our visit.  I loved that she was very knowledgeable on the differences between an actual food allergy and an food intolerance because there is a difference. Being lactose intolerant is not the same as having a dairy allergy and that is very important to know because it could mean the difference between just an upset stomach and a trip to the hospital or worse.

    It’s no surprise that they have been the Gourmet Burger Authority their first restaurant opened in Seattle, Washington in 1969 or that they have 500 restaurants all over the US and Canada.  In my personal opinion, Red Robin is definitely setting the standards for changing the dynamics of the family dining out experience.  I feel so much more at ease when we eat at Red Robin because they have gone above and beyond to help me choose the best meal options for Moo and JJ.

     It’s definitely one of the only three sit down restaurants that we frequent and I highly recommend Red Robin above the other two or any restaurant for families with food allergy issues.  The service great, the staff is knowledgeable and there are variety of options to choose from.  So, visit the official Red Robin website to find a Red Robin near you and give them and the new Interactive Allergen Menu a try if haven’t already.   Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on all news, exclusives and discounts.

    Lastly, Red Robin was also nice enough to offer me the opportunity to give one of you a $25 gift card!  Use the Rafflecopter app below to enter before 5/27 at 11:59PM.  Good luck!

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