Spring is here! (Although today felt more like winter). With that being said, there are a few activities, that I would like to add on here this evening. One of the events that I am excited to attend soon is The Lion King on Broadway, which will be showing at the Aronoff in Downtown Cincinnati. My daughter and I are extremely excited and looking forward to attending what I hear is a spectacular show! Check www.cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff-center for show time dates, times, as well as ticket prices..

Other Family Friendly things to look into during spring break are $5 movie tickets at participating movie theaters within the Cincinnati area such as Cinemark, Rave, The Kenwood Movie Theater, and AMC Westchester. If you are unable to catch a movie during the week. Check out an early matinee to cut on the cost.

Anther place that I plan to visit soon is the Sports Plus in Evendale, Ohio on Reading Road. I would love for my daughters and I to experience the Zip City activity that takes place. This is basically an indoor zip lining activity for both adults and children. For more information regarding this activity and others at this Sports Plus location please visit them online at http://www.sportsplusohio.com.

These are just a few things that you can do with your children during spring break. Enjoy and most of all be safe!

This weekend we are expecting nice weather, what are your upcoming plans? Well below I have listed a few family friendly event options

Cincinnati Art Museum located at 953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Performances, artist demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities are just the start of the fun for the whole family. There’s a different theme each month for these FREE events, so be sure to come to everyone, and bring your best friends! March 7, 2015, April 4, 2015, May 2, 2015 (http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/learn/programs-events/families-teens)

Afrikan-American Drum and Dance ensemble, Inc- @ Lindner YMCA 12:30p-2:00p Beginning West African Dance and Performance (www.aaddedance.com)

ArtsWave -Saturday March 7, 2015 3-3:30pm at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. This event is FREE!

 Anaya Belly Dance is back at the annual ArtsWave Sampler Weekend, an event designed to bring fine art to the people of Greater Cincinnati. We will be putting on a 30 minute show, including a free, short lesson at the end so you can find your inner belly dancer. Be sure to stick around for our friends, Cincinnati Kung Fu, who will be performing at 3:30pm (http://www.anayabellydance.com/events.html)

College Hill Town Hall / 1805 Larch Ave

Cincinnati 45224 12:15-2:15p Mini dance classes Families or individuals are invited to participate

in introductory level classes in a variety of dance styles, including modern dance, hip hop, belly dance, improvisation and a specifically for children class.

 

Good Evening Loves.  I wanted to share a recipe this evening that I tried today. The Recipe is listed below.

Mexican Tortilla Soup

Total Time: 20

Makes/Yield: 8

Categories: Soups and stews, Mexican

Ingredients

- 1 lb Cooked chicken; cubed

- 1 Carton of Mexican Tortilla Broth (Swanson)

- 1 can of tomato paste

- 1 can Whole kernel corn; undrained

- 1 cup Cheddar cheese; shredded

- Sour cream

- Tortilla chips.

  -Onions

  -Green Peppers

- 1 can of tomatoes

-1 tbsp. of canola oil

-Salt and Pepper to taste

Apply a generous amount of canola oil to a skillet. Apply the seasoned chicken (I used Lawry’s Garlic Sea Salt to season the chicken) to the hot oil and cook thoroughly. (Until it is no longer pink)I applied  1tbsp of Canola oil to a pot and cooked until the oil was hot. I then added the onions and green peppers to the pot. After the onions and peppers become soft, add the tomato paste. Stir the mixture for about 1 min. Then add the corn, tomatoes, broth, and cooked chicken to the pot and bring to a boil. Afterwards, let the soup simmer for about 10. Once the soup is done, you may add the sour cream, tortilla chips and cheese per serving. I hope you enjoy the easy yet delicious recipe!

Looking for something to do this upcoming weekend with your children? February 27- March 1,  the Royal Hanneford Circus will be in town. The event will take place at Cincinnati Gardens 2250 Seymour Ave Cincinnati, OH.45212. If you are interested please visit www.ticketmaster.com for tickets

Royal Hanneford Circus Benefiting Cincinnati Children's

Royal Hanneford Circus Benefiting Cincinnati Children's

When it is cold out, many people such as myself enjoy meals that warm the soul. This past Saturday I decided to make delicious Gumbo. Below is a recipe of the Gumbo that I whipped up! I tweaked the recipe by adding shrimp and poured it over rice. I also paired it with corn bread. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did! God Bless!

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Difficulty: Moderate
Makes/Yield: 6
Categories: Stew, Main course, Autumn, Cajun/Creole

Ingredients
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz. andouille sausage, cut into ½" pieces
- 4 slices bacon, cut into ½" pieces
- 1 cup flour
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
- 2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. cayenne
- 6 canned, whole peeled tomatoes in juice, drained and crushed by hand
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 oz. okra, trimmed and cut into ½" slices
- 4 cups chicken stock
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Hot sauce and filé powder, for serving


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This bitter cold weather can really do a number on your skin. Make sure that you are keeping your skin hydrated by increasing your water intake and keeping your skin moisturized. This is advice that I am giving myself as well as my daughter. Also, feel free to order my Sweet Vanilla and Mocha Sugar body scrub to exfoliate your skin, to remove the dry and dead skin. If interested, please email me tianatribble@gmail.com. Thanks and stay warm!

Considering that Hamilton County is currently in a Level 2 snow Emergency what are your indoor plans? If you are interested in doing a little retail therapy online, check out Nordstrom's website. They are currently having a big sale. http://shop.nordstrom.com.  If you are interested in watching something with your children, you can check out Shrek the Musical on Netflix. This musical has humor for the adults as well as the children. It also gives your children an opportunity to enjoy the arts. 

In addition, Parents don’t forget to check your children’s school website for school assignments and/or packets. Although there should be some time for relaxation, the children should also utilize this time to stay up on their studies. Remember when you don’t use it, you lose it!

Please remember that when the city is under a snow emergency please stay indoors unless you HAVE to go out. Be safe my loves and Stay tuned for more Mocha Tee!

 

Snow Day!

This makes snow day #3. My girls and I plan to watch the Shrek the Musical a bit later, and play some board games. However, before all of that takes place, it was important for me to have some me time, by catching up on many of the things that I have recorded throughout the week on my DVR. Mom's please use this time to not only interact with your children, but to take at least an hour or two for you! It's essential! Enjoy your day!

Mocha Tee's Things to Do with the Family!

Do you have a little detector around the house? Does your little one enjoy playing I-spy and is fascinated with solving mysteries? If so make sure you check out the Detective Agency which takes place at the Children’s Museum.

Ages 6 – 12 can solve mysteries around the Cincinnati History Museum while learning about the history of Union Terminal and the era in which it was operational as a train station. “Agents” solve mysteries to move up in rank and earn prizes. To join, see the Chief Inspector in the agency office. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. Wed and Sat, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. Sun; there is an initial fee of $5 to join (museum admission not included).

Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal 1301 Western Ave.; open Mon – Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; all museum pass $12.50 adults, $11.50 seniors, $8.50 ages 3 – 12, $4.50 toddler pass, $6 parking; 513-287-7000, cincymuseum.org.

 

Welcome To Mocha Tee

Welcome to Mocha Tee, where I will be giving you the tea on my favorite things here within the city. I will mention everything from places that I enjoy such as things to do, stores, as well as restaurants.  I will also share some recipes with you all while you are here. I hope that the information that I provide is helpful! Enjoy your visit!