Dash Multi-Mini Waffle Maker Review: How Do You Waffle?

"Brinner" breakfast for dinner, has become quite an enjoyable time in our household. I don't think there should ever be set rules for when something should be eaten. Do what makes your tummy happy. So after making delicious stacks of pancakes usually on weekends, sometimes for a good start to the day and other times, a nice way to start the evening, it was time to try waffles! 

I cannot believe how many waffle makers are on the market! Prices ranged from $40 to *gulp* over $1000.  I like a quality product that is easy to use and gives me the results desired, plus a good price is always on my mind - frugal shopper here!

Dash's Multi-Mini Waffle Maker fit my wish-list of what I wanted in a waffle maker! The size was perfect too, as our kitchen area is small and so it fits well in our appliance drawer, without taking up a ton of space. 

After making waffles several times now, here are my honest thoughts below!

Gluten-free waffles made with Dash Multi-Mini Waffle Maker

Here is Bill pouring the batter into the waffle maker!

PROS

✔No complicated instructions; plug in, pour batter and close the lid

✔As you can see from the photo, it has a great drip-channel feature to control any overflow of batter

✔4 mini waffles are made in approximately 5-6 minutes! (depending on how crispy you like them)

✔Nonstick surface made without PFOA

✔Easy to clean once cooled with a damp cloth

Cons: 

❌Would love if this plate was fully removable, so you could insert other waffle shapes, as Dash has so many cute ones to choose from. 

💜So what do you like to put on your waffles? Send me an email or leave a comment below. I love hearing your comments!  

💜Visit  their website! https://bydash.com

💜If you want to purchase this waffle maker, feel free to use my code for $10 off!  your purchase! Who doesn't love to save money?  In return, I do get reward perks, so I would appreciate it!

Spicing Up Your Life: A. Vogel Herbed Sea Salt Review

It’s always a bit of a panicked feeling when you realize that you’re pretty low on spices and yet in your head there are numerous dishes that you want to make. I received a complimentary bottle of A. Vogel Herbed Sea Salt from Social Nature, which came to the rescue today for lunch!  I will admit that i’m not usually a big fan of sea salt, but lately it’s been really growing on me.

The blend of organic spices (rosemary, thyme, basil, chives, etc...) mixed in is quite tasty. I added only a sprinkling to my veggie/hummus wrap and a little bit on the sweet potatoes, which was the perfect amount.  I can envision putting this in mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and all kinds of soups! I honestly don't think I would like this as much without the herbs.

My lunch - Mixed veggies with hummus on a tortilla wrap,
side salad with blueberries, roasted sweet potatoes and pickles!

The bottle design was a bit tricky to figure out with opening at the top, but I really like the sliding feature that allows you to put in the desired amount and then just gently slide back into place to seal and stay fresh.

Instead of having the salt shaker around, I think this Herbed Sea Salt by A. Vogel, has earned a place on the table.

A few extra bits of product information claims:

Free from artificial flavors, additives, and preservatives
Free of top 11 allergens
Certified Organic
Non-GMO Project Verified
MSG and Gluten-Free

#trynatural  #howdoyouherbamare #gotitfree

Windsor Restaurant Review - Blooming inside and out: A look into the Sunflower Organic Cafe

Remember the days when you couldn't even order anything “on the side” because it just came prepared however the restaurant made it. Substituting was met with a sigh or “I'll have to ask if we can do that” reply. Choices were really limited and if you had any sort of allergy or special request, you'd have to phone up days in advance to figure out if they could arrange an alternative. I actually went through a time period when I just stopped eating out at restaurants because it was always a frustrating experience and slightly awkward, especially if I was the only one in the group with restrictions.

Now, a new way of thinking has sprouted for certain businesses, especially one that I recently had lunch at last week called Sunflower Organic Cafe, here in Windsor, Ontario.

I loved the vibrancy of the space with all the knick-knacks, neatly organized above the green trim. It kind of reminded me of entering into grandma's house, with a eco-hipster twist.

I was very impressed with how much this cafe caters to each individual and whatever circumstance you're dealing with. Celiac? No problem. Lactose intolerant? Many alternatives available.  Have another kind of auto-immune issue or follow a certain lifestyle, like vegetarian or vegan? Just let the waitress know and she'll figure out a way to make your meal completely customized to your liking. Oh and if you're into the whole organic movement, then you'll feel right at home.  Personally, I don't subscribe to one philosophy when it comes to food, I hold many beliefs that may align with yours, or perhaps be totally contradictory, so take my review with a grain of salt, if you wish and try it out for yourself.

Customer service was top notch. There's no two ways around that.  Our waitress was really friendly and offered to answer any questions that we had about the menu. Speaking of... the menu is large, so there is a lot of variety to choose from.  Start the day with an energizing breakfast, grab a salad, or just power up with one of their smoothies.

Another plus is how reasonably-priced everything is. Many items are under $10, like the Black Bean Wrap, Grilled Cheese, Baby Bella Mushroom and Cheese Omelette, and more.  Check out the menu here: http://www.sunflowerwindsor.com/cafe-menu/

I have to say that my Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buckwheat Pancakes rocked for only $8.95! I couldn't taste the cinnamon all that much, but the mixed berry compote, side of pure maple syrup, plus some refreshing apple splices hit the spot. 3 pancakes might seem stingy since we live in a society where quantity is valued far more than quality, but it was the right amount. I will say though that if you are not familiar with buckwheat, it is rather dense and a little bit on the heavy side, so it won't taste like your traditional pancake.

Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buckwheat Pancakes

On a personal note, I am also happy that there is a new place that I can take my parents. With all the major changes going on for my dad, eating healthy is a top priority. Having a nice customized meal that will give him lots of energy is important because he is so active. Oh and of course, this gives my mom a much-needed break, so she doesn't have to cook.

Thanks to my friend Gail for suggesting this spot for our lunch date! :)

Make sure to check out Sunflower Organic Cafe on Facebook!

Update as of Jan 2016: Sadly, it looks like they have closed their doors for good!!

A fresh look at The City Market in Windsor Ontario

Yesterday, we took our first trip to The City Market on Walker Rd, here in Windsor, Ontario.

Overall it was a pleasant experience and the vendors were extremely friendly! It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few months and whether this market will be sustainable, especially with a lot of heavy competition heading its way.

We didn't find a ton of edible produce this time around, but managed to still get some good deals. It's a nice switch from frozen veggies, especially when the warmer months are upon us!

Gorgeous bell peppers
Photo by Melissa Arditti

Romaine lettuce, bell peppers and English cucumbers
Photo by Melissa Arditti

We are looking forward to another trip back soon and i'll definitely take more photos. :)