Franklin Mom Blog

Merchant Spotlight: FRANKLIN MERCANTILE

When I first moved to town, 14 years ago, one of my favorite places to hang out and sing was a little coffee shop called Jammin' Java.  We met some wonderful people there, including the owner, David Asch, and his family.  It just so happens that two of his sons now also own and operate restaurants downtown.  One is McCreary's Pub, and the other (owned By Graeme and Corrie Asch) is the Franklin Mercantile.

The atmosphere is pure southern charm.  Mismatch tables and chairs, pastels, fresh flowers, and mason jars for drinking.   Food choices include classics like salad, chicken salad or pimento cheese, soups, sandwiches.  Many of these items are given a signature twist.  There are kids choices also.  It's so enchanting, that it also has been featured in Southern Living Magazine.  

Okay, so if you have already been here before, did you know that they are more than a lunch place??  They now serve breakfast Monday through Saturday starting at 7:00 am, and dinner Thursday through Saturday until 9:00 pm.

This is also a great place to consider for events, as they will reserve tables for you!  Last time I was there I saw a wedding shower taking place that looked amazing.  

Check out their website to sign up for coupons and special events at www.franklinmercantile.com.

No Bake Chocolate Cookies

No Bake Chocolate Cookies

Gluten free oats make this a great gluten free and dairy free dessert.  SO YUMMY.

2/3 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup vegetable oil (I usually omit this)

5 T unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup (gluten free) rolled oats

1 tsp. vanilla

In a saucepan over medium heat combine the maple syrup, oil, cocoa, and cinnamon.  Boil for three minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, rolled oats, and vanilla until well blended.  Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto waxed paper and chill until set, about 30 minutes.  

Beef and Mushroom Burgers

Aren't we always looking for new burger recipes???  We tried this one and loved it.  The mushrooms are chopped finely, so if you're kids don't like them, they won't even notice:)  This is also a great way to stretch a budget, it makes 8 burgers with only 1 lb. of beef.  For a gluten free/dairy free option just wrap the burger in a piece of iceberg lettuce!

1 1/4 cups small mushrooms

1 small onion, chopped

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs (or gluten free bread crumbs)

1 tsp. dried mixed herbs

1 T tomato paste

salt and pepper

Put the mushrooms and onion in a food processor until finely chopped.  Pour into a bowl, and add all other ingredients.  

Shape into 8 patties.  Can cook in a frying pan, under the broiler, or on the grill about 12-15minutes turning once!  

Maple Chicken Kababs

This recipe is simple, but amazingly yummy.  Loved by big people and little people alike at our house.  Great for the grill, too.  

Also gluten and dairy free!

4 ears of corn, cooked and quartered

8 slices of turkey bacon, halved

8 portabella mushrooms, halved

2 chicken breasts, cut into 8 pieces

2 T olive oil

1 T fresh lemon juice

1 T maple syrup

salt and pepper

Mix oil, lemon juice, syrup, and salt and pepper.  Brush some over the chicken.  To thread the skewers, start with a chunk of corn, then wrap a mushroom half with a slice of bacon and add that next.  Add a piece of chicken.  You should go through this process twice for each kabab.  Brush with remaining dressing.  Broil for 8-10 minutes, turning once.  Baste occasionally with extra dressing.  Can also be grilled.

Makes 8 kababs.  Great served with rice and salad!  

Get your Groupon

 Hey girls!  Have you heard about groupon.com yet???  Just wanted to make sure you did.  Basically, they sell a coupon a day just for our Nashville area, you just have to give them your email address so they can send you the info.  We just bought one last week for the Red Pony, $50 for $25.  Yes, I said THE RED PONY!!  One of our favorites.  Now, my hubby is getting one for The Mad Platter - 50% off!!

Here's the link:  http://www.groupon.com/r/uu1163663

Krissy

Kid Friendly Summer Fun Ideas For the Franklin Mom

Every summer, we ask ourselves, "What are we going to do to keep the kids from sitting in front of the TV and vegging the entire summer away!?"  No way, FranklinMom.com to the rescue.  Here we go again - our third year in a row.  Here are tons of Kid-Friendly Summer Fun Ideas for the Franklin Mom...Make this the best summer ever!  

FREE or low cost:

1. Swimming
2. Tennis
3. Golf
4. Fishing
5. Playing at the river
6. Bike riding
7. Family walks - check out all of the hiking trails south of Nashville.
8. Pizza and game nights
9. Franklin library….summer reading program beginning June 1.  Crafts every Friday at 3 pm for school aged children.  Story times vary by age, check website.
10. Nashville library…marionette puppet shows beginning June 11at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30, and continuing Fridays and Saturdays at the same time through the summer. Also, story times are 30 minutes long on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30.
11. The Frist…Second Saturdays free kids club at 10:30, 1:00, and 3:00.  Call 744-3357 to make reservations.  Also, look for free family days, the next one is August 22nd.
12. Planting seeds or garden.
13. Homemade bubbles….water, sugar, and dish soap use with soda circles.
14. Tye-dying t-shirts
15. Sidewalk chalk
16. Making fresh squeezed lemonade….use 1 and a half cups fresh lemon juice, ¾ cup honey, mix.  Stir in 9 cups water, chill. 
17. Science experiments.  We've linked to a website with suggestions.
18. Have friends over.
19. Music at Crockett park…every Sunday at 7:00 in the Park, beginning June 6.  Look under "Resident info" and then "Crockett Park Concerts."
20. Oragami
21. Movies at the park at Pinkerton Park… Check www.franklin-gov.com for more info, as this park was damaged in the flood in May.
22. Movies at the Park at Leiper’s Fork….behind Puckett’s and to the left?  Bring lawn chairs at dusk.  Friday night is for kids, Saturday is mild adult movies.  Check www.hillsnhamlets.com for movie titles.  Also listed are dinner/music places.
23. Disc golf - call 377-2337
24. Picnic
25. Fly a kite
26. Edwin Warner Park Nature Center, hiking trails, etc. 
27. Star Party… Sponsored by the new Planetarium at the Adventure Science Center.  Look at the stars/planets with the experts from 8:30-10:30 PM. 
28. Berrypicking…..Boyd Mill Farm has blackberries and raspberries around the end of June and can be reached at 794-3867.  Golden Bell Blueberry Farm has blueberries and can be reached at 794-3758.  Blueberries may be ready by end of June as well.
29. Apple picking….Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville.  Can be reached at 395-4088.  Apples August through October. 
30. Egg fight/toss (this one is messy, but a lot of fun - we do this every year to celebrate either Father's Day or Eric's birthday, both in June).
31. Water balloons
32. Wild Oats….check out their calendar of events. Also, first Tuesday of the month is dime cookie day.
33. Home Depot….first Saturday of the month free kids workshop.    
34. Lowes….same sort of project.  Visit www.Lowes.com, and then click on the projects button for details.  
35. Make your own play dough.  Check out this cool recipe.
36. Paint the sidewalk with water and a brush.
37. Franklin Farmer’s Market….Saturday mornings at The Factory.
38. Make strawberry pop….1 cup strawberries and 1/3 cup honey, puree.  Add ¼ cup puree to 16 oz carbonated water.
39. Make iced tea in the sun.
40. Make a football goal with pvc pipe and water worms.
41. Vine Hill Strawberries….near I-840.  Call 790-1757 for info.  Open M-S from 8-5 and Sun. 12-5. 
42. Gregory Mill Splash Park….Smyrna, TN.  Outdoor water activities,  390 Enon Springs Rd. E.  Open 10-6 daily. 
43. Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway….and bring a picnic.
44. Make a mini-beach with brown sugar in a 9x13 inch pan.  Use small measuring cups to make sandcastles.
45. Make slime with cornstarch, water, and food coloring.
46. Tennessee State Museum.  Free admission, and Check for special events for kids.
47. Foil…..see what the kids come up with when you give them a roll of foil. 
48. The Wilderness Station…..one of our state parks in the Murfreesboro area. Fridays they have Meet-N-Greet Critters for free.  Check out www.murfreesborotn.gov/parks. 
49. Pick TN…check out www.picktnproducts.org to see where you can pick your own various produce. 
50. Modeling clay….so easy since you can grab a package at the grocery store.
51. Visit the Chocolate Shop in Cool Springs. 
52. Make Jam.  Check out this easy recipe. 
53. Make potholders.    
54. Ride bicycles around Williamson County Rec Center Loop. 
55. Visit a Cupcake Shop.  Here are a few options: Gigi's, The Pink Cupcake, Curious Gourmet and Ivey Cake.  
56. Gelato!!!  Check out Nucci's.  
57. Arrington Vineyards.  Free music Friday, Saturday and Sundays.  Beautiful views, wonderful wine and kid friendly (except no wine until they are 21). 
58. Harpeth Community Church Summer Family Movie Days.  Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am.  $3 Chik-fil-a meals indluding drinks.  Call ahead for movie info on their hotline at 790-0104, X 15.
59. Shrinky dinks
60. Temporary tattoos
61. "Bright" projects from Michaels--vehicle kits, electricity kits, etc.
62. Dudes and Divas salon for kids.
63. World Cup of Tea or Franklin Tea
64. Moon sand.
65. Nissan tours.
66. Learning Express-Toys.com - FairyTale Princess Day, Snow White, Kidaroo, Elmo, Boys' Club, Fancy Nancy PJ Party and more!  Check out the CALENDAR of events.  There's a coupon for $10.00 off as well!  

FUN, BUT COST MONEY!!

1. Nashville Children’s Theatre….check website link for shows and times.  
2. Adventure Science Center (Nashville).
3. Planetarium at the Adventure Science Center.
4. Visit the Nashville Symphony.  Also check out the Nashville Symphony For Kids Website.
5. Brentwood Skate Center….Open skate Tues-Fri from 12-3:30 PM.  Costs $5 plus $2.50 for skates.  Family night is Thursday from 6-9:00 PM.  Costs $7 for the firstperson, and $3 for each additional person, skates included.  Saturday Lil Kids for new skaters 9:30 am-11:00 am.  Parents allowed to walk alongside child.  Check website for additional details.
6. Williamson County Rec Center….check out for ceramic class info, lego-building camp (age 10 plus), sports camps, etc.  Visit www.wcparksandrec.com.
7. Wave Country….open Tues-Sun. from 10-7:00.  Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids.  Mon-Thursday from 3-5 is half price for kids.   
8. NashvilleShores.  Brand new Wave Pool just opened up, plus new rides and upgrades!  
9. Franklin Lanes...Monday from 10am-midnight is the best time for the price, $1.99 per game.  3 people per lane.  Website has a flyer for kids offering one free game of bowling per day, not including shoe rental, if you print it out and bring it in!  Now smoke-free.
10. Movies…Carmike Thoroughbred 20 Cinemas.  Tuesdays - $1.00 cokes and popcorn.  Also supposedly a $1 movie on Tuedays.
11. Laser Chase….$7 per person per game.  M-F 4:00-9:00.  Sat 10-10, Sun 12-9.
12. Glow Galaxy….Jump til you drop.  Open most weekdays.  Call for details.  $8.00 per child. 
13. Jump Zone or Pump It Up….Look for open jump times - also great for birthday parties.
14. The Little Course at Connor Lane…play a round of golf, camp, or lessons.  790-0222.
15. IMAX theatre at Opry Mills….3-D movies are more popular these days for the kiddos - but watch out they can be expensive. $13/adult, $11/child, matinee before 3:00PM.
16. Aquarium restaurant (Opry Mills - subject to flooding repair)
17. Rainforest Café restaurant.
18. Climb Nashville….rock climbing for kids of all ages.
19. Nashville Zoo…..open 9-6:00. 
20. Discovery Center...in Murfreesboro. 
21. Krispy Kreme Donuts - make sure you're there when the hot light is on.
22. Get ice cream, Smoothie King, or go to any of the area Sonics (happy hour 2-4 daily).  Note, the Franklin Downtown Sonic is closed for remodeling due to the flood.
23. Third Coast Clay…..in the factory.  Paint some pottery.  
24. Historic Carnton Plantation….educational tours and kid-friendly activities. 
25. Nashville Sounds…our local AAA baseball team.
26. Visit Groupon.com and get coupons for fun places to eat and play!
27. Cheekwood. Located in the Brentwood area. 
28. Franklin on foot….kids learn history and architectural details about our town.  On the website, click on Children's tours.  The I Spy tour is a self guided tour and can be done any time.  
29. THE SCORE - cool videos games, arena, great rates, memberships, great trade in deals, etc.  If you're child loves video games, this is a great option. $6.00 / hour per person.  Also have great deals on memberships.
30. Visit Build a Bear or buy a Webkinz and play on website.  Watch out - it's addictive. 
31. Canoe The Harpeth River.
32. Goofballs - Similar to Chuck-E-Cheese.
33. Sips N Strokes - Inspiring the world to create.  Mixing art and drinks.  Drop off classes.
34. Peek-A-Boo Playtown - Ultimate indoor playground for children up to age 10.  Open Play Mon - Fri 9-5, Sat 9-Noon.  $7.00 per child.
35. A-Game Sportsplex (Former Southern Ice Arena) - For the ice hockey, basketball, volleyball enthusiasts.  
36. Sweet CeCe's - This is probably the most popular place in downtown Franklin on Friday and Saturday nights.  Don't worry if the line looks long, the line moves fast!  Plus, you get free samples while you wait!
37. Dippin' Dots - Value memu on Thursdays.

DAY CAMPS

1. Gentry Farm - full for 2010, but already begin planning for 2011.

2. Camp Widjiwagan (YMCA).

3. VBS (Vacation Bible School) or Kids Church Day Camp Programs - there are too many to list them all, but here are some of the more popular ones in the Franklin area: The People's Church, Forest Hills Baptist, Christ Community Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Brentwood Baptist, Thompson's Station Baptist.

4. Velocity Sports Camps.

5. Upward Basketball…Call 373-7518 for more info.  

7.  The Little Course Camps.  There are overnight and day camps and clinics available.

8.  Carnton Plantation….June 16-20.  9-2:00.  

9. YMCA…Clubhouse Summer Camps.  A Monday-Friday from 1:30-3:30 camp.  Camps including mad science, flying machine,martial arts, photography.  Call for details at 373-YMCA.  Also, there is a day camp or overnight camp at Widjiwagan.  This is a local favorite!! Check it out.  

10.Williamson County Technology Camp- Full this year.  You must register within a couple of hours of the event opening or else you are put on the waiting list (we've learned this from experience).  Free to students, make movies.

11.Williamson County Parks & Recreation Camp @ local elementary schools. These start at 7:30am and run until 5:30pm.

12.Whipporwill day camp

13.The Frist Center - art camp for kid (Nashville).

14.Kids On Stage--  A camp for the arts. 

15.Bravo Creative Arts Center - Nurture your child's creativity and artistic gifts. 

16.Adventure Science Center - Camp Quest (Nashville). 

17.Gymnastics "Funtastic Camp" at Let it Shine. 

18.Harpeth Gymnastics - Swim and Gymnastics camps available.

19.Cheekwood Summer Camps

20.Franklin Farm Camp - Workin on the farm can be fun!

21.Fine Arts Summer Academy - an intensive program for young musical artists of all ages and abilities.  This camp is run by our friends, the Annie Moses Band.  We highly recommend it because we know the hearts and passion of the people behind it.

22.Pump It Up - Jump-N-Art Summer Camp.

23.Sips N Strokes - Kidz Camp - 2 sessions.

24. A-Game Sports and Fitness Camps.  For kids of all ages.  An amazing selection of sports and fitness options.

25. Chris Johnson Football Camp - At Battleground Academy - One day only - June 16.  

26. D1 Nashville (Cool Springs) - Summer Activity Camps (Ages 7 - 18). 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

1. Pump It Up…Friday nights from 6:30-9:30.  $18 per child includes dinner.  Call 373-7867 to make a reservation.
2. Let It Shine…6:30-10:00 on Friday nights.  $15 per child not including dinner.  Call 369-flip to make a reservation.
3. Brentwood YMCA…every other Friday, sometimes swimming.  6-10pm, including dinner, $15 per child for members, $30 for nonmembers.  Call 373-YMCA to register.
4. A-Game Sportsplex.  6-12 year olds.  $25 per child.  $20 for siblings.

SHORT TRIPS

Rock Island State Park… waterfalls, hiking, fishing, camping, cabins.

Kentucky Down Under….open 8-6pm.

Gold N Gem Grubbin….dig for gems, camping, and more.  North Georgia. 

Great Wolf Lodge…indoor waterpark/hotel.  Lots of fun.  Also with a location in Cincinnati, OH.

Montgomery Bell State Park…in Burns near Fairview.  Camping, fishing, cabins, etc.  

Beach Bend….Kentucky.  Campgrounds, race track, amusement park, water park. 

Bucksnort Trout Ranch….McEwen Tennessee.

Fall Creek Falls…..hiking, golf, cabins, pool, etc. 

Tennessee Aquarium….in Chattanooga.  

Mammoth Cave…Open from 8:00-6:15 daily, 

Holiday World - located in Santa Claus, Indiana.  Free Sunscreen and Drinks.

Big Splash Adventure Water Park - French Lick, IN.  Check out the surrounding hotels and brand new Go Kart Center in the area.  We were surprised at how much fun we had during our Spring Break.

Creation Museum - Near Cincinnati, OH.  Adults are $21.95, Kids ages 5-12 $11.95, Kids under 5 FREE.

King's Island Theme Park - Today is the last day to sign up for their summer discounts.

And, if that's not enough...check out these general Summer Fun Ideas for the Whole Family.

As always, please send us your suggestions and events that we haven't listed.  You make our website even better when you contact us.  Have a great summer Franklin Moms!

Dinner in Reverse!

And I don't mean while driving!  If your family is like ours, it's pretty crazy in the evenings after school between sports, music, and homework.  If you have boys like me, getting them clean also takes a good bit of time!  On nights we know are going to be crazy, we've been doing our dinners in reverse.

Instead of the classic snack after school, and dinner later in the evening, we switch the two around.  As soon as the boys hop off of the bus, I serve them dinner.  They are always hungry enough to eat an entire meal then.  Sometimes Dad can join us, and sometimes he can't.  If he is still working, we just make a point to sit down together as a family for a snack right before bed (my boys are always hungry again!) 

This works great for us, since no one is crying in the car on the way home from a practice because they are hungry, and I'm not rushing around trying to cook something up as fast as I can, while throwing out appetizers.  Everyone stays much calmer, and much happier, and we do always still get to sit down together at some point.  It helps to be realistic and be flexible!

For an especially easy afternoon, do a crock pot dinner.  My friend Jill sent me this link and it is loaded with great crock pot recipes.  I'm trying one this week.  http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/

Flavorite Reciplease: The Chicken That Crossed the Street Soup

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder.  It's time to break out those soup recipes...or should we say "Reciplease"!?

Here's a new "Crazy Cooking Show" episode for you all to enjoy.  Kaden was home 'sick' yesterday, so we decided to show you how to make "The Chicken Crossed the Street" Soup.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 Cups Chopped Spinach leaves

6 Cups Water

2/3 Cup Chopped Carrots

1 Cup Chopped Onions

3 pieces of chopped Turkey Bacon

1/4 teaspoon Salt (or more to taste)

1/4 teaspoon Pepper (or more to taste)

1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke

1 teaspoon Rosemary

1/2 teaspoon Basil

2 1/2 Cubes Rapunzel (brand) Bullion Cubes

2 - 3 Whole Chicken Breasts

Combine ingredients and cook for 3 hours in a crock pot. 

Then take out chicken breasts and cut to bite size chunks.  Then add:

1/2 Cup of Rice

1 Can of Cannellini Beans

Cook an additional hour in the same crock pot.

Serve with favorite toppings...YUM!

My Grocery Revolution!

I don't know about you, but I know I've spent a lot of extra time and money over the years on groceries--just ask Eric.  When I shop with kids in tow, I end up with lots of extra items that they'd like.  Even when I don't have the kids, I end up running through the aisles, throwing all kinds of stuff in my cart.  It makes me feel like we'll have enough for the week, and usually I'm in a hurry to get home and feed the baby or run to a ball game.  So, Franklin Moms, it's time for a revolution!

I've found that grocery success takes time to prepare.  For little ones, bring some snacks or get some there when you first walk in.  Also, let them help you choose some items such as produce.  With my older ones, I've found that they love to cross off the items we get on my list.  My 9 year old loves to carry a calculator.  It's a great way to practice math skills, like rounding up to the nearest dollar.  If you have more than one child, go ahead and bring them each a list and a calculator to save yourself a fight! 

With a plan for the kids, the only other must-have is a plan for myself!  I do plan meals and coupons ahead, but found yet another step to make my life easier. A grocery list spreadsheet. Download Franklin Mom Grocery List. This spreadsheet is categorized by store, then by aisle, then by item.  That way I can hang it up on the inside of a kitchen cupboard, and put an "x" next to each item I need as I remember.  When I get to the store, I will save lots of time knowing my list is already in aisle order, and I can also do a quick scan of the other items I normally buy there to make sure I'm not missing something!

Because I eat gluten free, dairy free and sugar free (as much as possible), I split my grocery shopping during the course of a month between Publix, Wal-mart, Costco, The Vitamin Shoppe, Vitacost (online), Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (in Green Hills - hopefully one coming to Williamson County one day).  Trader Joe's is by far, my favorite place to shop simply because I find I can usually get healthy gluten free, dairy free foods there for less money.  Plus, the shopping experience is unique.  Trader Joe's employees are eager to help and very knowledgable about the products they sell.  Side top, don't shop there on weekends - it's busy.

Download Franklin Mom Grocery List and you'll be able to download and print my list. It shows what I buy and where.  Please feel free to make it your own, and let me know how it goes!  Please give me any suggestions to make this list even easier to use for you.

Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss

Anyone tried this "ice cream" yet? It's Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss made with coconut milk and has no dairy, no gluten, and no sugar. It tastes amazing! I hope Whole Foods is on top of it's stock, otherwise they may run out very soon on account of me! My favorite flavor so far is Mint Galactica. Other flavors include coconut, vanilla, and chocolate hazlenut (which just recently disappeared from my freezer--ERIC!!)