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Monica Swanson

the grommom

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Snacks and Smoothies

Sweet Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Parfaits

by Monica 6 Comments

healthy cinnamon apple yogurt parfaits, great for breakfast, snack, or dessert So it's September.   And though some of us are still sweating in summer-weather, September puts me in the mood for all kinds of fall flavors. Beginning with apples.  Growing up in Washington state, our family had a few apples trees, and every year my mom and grandma would spend a couple of days making all things apple: apple pies, apple sauce, and just slicing and freezing apples for year-long snacking.  (So

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Categories: Breakfasts, Desserts, Gluten Free, Home & Country, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

Family Favorite Energy Balls.

by Monica 19 Comments

Energy balls are one staple snack food I have in my fridge almost all of the time.   I shared a recipe for our favorite energy balls within another post a couple years ago, but as I am cleaning up my archives, I wanted to give the recipe it's very own post. It is worthy. ;)  Energy balls are perfect for breakfast, a snack, on-the-go, or late night...Kids love them, and they are packed with great ingredients. They take a little time, but the end product is so worth it. The awesome thing about

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Categories: Breakfasts, Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

Three favorite protein smoothies (without fruits or vegetables.)

by Monica 13 Comments

You might have noticed, we drink a lot of smoothies around here. If you happen to follow my #healthyhappyandfree Instagram account, you probably have picked up on that. Smoothies really are an easy way to pack in nutrition.  They're also great when you're on the go.  (Or just too lazy to use a plate and a fork.  hehe.) You've probably heard me mention that Green smoothies are my most common go-to.   And it's true. But here's a little insider-info about me...(shh, I don't always confess this

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

(Easy) homemade ranch dressing. {Getting kids to eat their veggies}

by Monica 17 Comments

Somehow we raised three (out of four) little boys who ate their vegetables willingly.  I mean, they ate their vegetables gladly.  Like: no battles.  Sure, they avoided a few specific varieties:  mushrooms and beets I believe, but from asparagus, to steamed broccoli, to spinach and kale salads, they were all in.  In fact, raw onions were a favorite to those first three. Of course those first three were born during my husband's medical school and residency years, when Dave was especially aware of

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Categories: Lunches and Dinners, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

4 Ingredient, 5 Minute (no bake) Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

by Monica 25 Comments

Our boys are currently going through a stage called eating everything all of the time. I'm not sure what's going on, but it's testing both my creative cooking abilities and our budget. So it may not surprise you that I'm a sight to behold at Costco. You can't miss me: I'm the one with groceries piled high and spilling over the edges of my wagon.  (I know most of America calls them "shopping carts" but here in Hawaii they are "wagons.")  I've never been gifted with

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Categories: Breakfasts, Desserts, Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

Tropical Mango Salsa.

by Monica 3 Comments

Isn't this such a great time of year?  The sun has been popping out all over the place, (I mean, besides just in Hawaii) and everyone seems to be a little extra happy.  Plus, Mother's Day is just around the corner, and despite the fact that my five-year old accused me of making up the holiday ("Mother's Day isn't a real holiday MOM!") indeed it is a real holiday and it's an important one, and I'm not gonna let any smarty-pants five year old take that away from me.  (amen?) Well, spring and

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Categories: Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Lunches and Dinners, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

The Best Gluten Free Muffins: Banana, Berry, or Your Choice Add-ins

by Monica 5 Comments

So, it seems that I'm surrounded by Gluten free folks these days. Many of my friends and family members are gluten free because they have to be, or they just feel better that way.  And while I'm not #GF I have, by association, been eating less gluten as well. :)  (We become like the company we keep, they say.) My friend Jules has mastered a lot of gluten free recipes and my boys have eaten a her goodies without even realizing they are gluten free. (That says a lot!) I

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Categories: Breakfasts, Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

Tropical Smoothie Bowls: Make your own Acai, and Super Green Bowls

by Monica 7 Comments

So, let's start this one with YUM!.... If you're not hooked on tropical smoothies and smoothie bowls yet, then let's just get this party started, shall we? Smoothies and smoothie bowls have been popular in Hawaii for years, and if they haven't hit your neighborhood yet,  then just give it some time and...they likely will.  But no need to wait, you can start making your own smoothie bowls right at home! A smoothie bowl is basically all of the goodness of a fruit smoothie, with a little more

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Categories: Breakfasts, Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

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