Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Healthy Meal Planning for Busy Moms

We can’t stop hearing about the importance of healthy eating as if it’s the easiest and most convenient for everyone. Working a full-time job and being a parent at the same time, leaves little time for cooking, errands, and pastime. So, if you’ve been looking for handy tips on starting healthy meal planning, you’ve come to the right place. We have a few tips that will help you prepare yummy food for yourself and your kids, even with the busy schedule you have.

Get a meal planning app

Living in the age of technology comes with many advantages. One of them is the ability to download an app for almost any purpose. You can have your virtual meal planning assistant in the palm of your hand in only a few seconds of downloading the app from your mobile phone’s app store. Get various ideas for quick and healthy meals, learn about meal planning and incorporate the best ingredients into a meal, for optimal nutrition. You can have a shopping list in the app and keep the contents of your fridge and pantry there to create recipes for new healthy meals and easily add the missing ingredients to your shopping list.

Create a vision board

Pinterest is one of the best platforms for creating vision boards. Food is one of the most visited topics, and you will find a full spectrum of other people’s meal planning vision boards there. It will be a good starting point for you, allowing you to create your vision boards for future meal planning. Create several vision boards, one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. Have a separate board for meats, an individual one for veggies, and whatever else you think would be useful for you. Whenever you spot a convenient meal idea online or in the supermarket newsletter, screenshot it and make it a part of your vision board. Inspiration is all around you, so look carefully and use every chance to save ideas for the future.

Have healthy meals delivered to you

Sometimes, regardless of the effort that you put into trying to complete a task, the time isn’t on your side. If you think you won’t be able to make healthy meals in advance on your own, you can always count on online delivery services. Don’t worry, junk food isn’t the only food that you can have delivered to you. Now, you can easily have healthy home-cooked meals delivered to your doorstep in only a few clicks. Browse authentic homemade meals online and order enough meals for the entire family.

Look for inspiration online

Are you spending hours on social media scrolling through food posts? Well, instead of just scrolling, stop, look carefully, and start browsing. You will find many food bloggers who are experts in meal planning and healthy food prep. Use your online presence wisely to look for inspiration for your meal prep tactics. You can see tips like having a diary of meals that you’ll want to cook during a week. Cooking various meals one day and freezing them for future use is another option that can pop up.

Join a club

Busy mums are all around you, and you should all socialize and share your motherhood experiences. At support groups like that, you will be able to give tips to other mums and ask for help in return. Whether they’ve been more resourceful or have a knack for meal planning, you can learn all the tricks about meal planning from other mums. Having a calendar of various meals helps you keep up with meat intake and prevents you from eating too similar foods frequently. At a club, you can learn how to divide your meats and veggies equally to get as diverse a diet as possible.

Follow the 50% rule

The 50% rule will make your healthy eating so much easier. Namely, your plate should consist of 50% vegetables. The other 50% are divided between protein, such as lean meats, and carbs. Complex carbohydrates will be your best bet because they take longer to release glucose. Think squashes, quinoa, and brown rice as some of the best examples of complex carbohydrates that your body will love. If you realize you’ve made too much food, and it can withstand another few days in the fridge, store it as leftovers. Some foods like stew and minced meat that haven’t been cooked yet can go in the freezer for future use.

Final thoughts

Meal planning can be challenging when you’re a busy mum. However, all you need is a few tips like these to make every day filled with healthy meals easily enough. Read through them carefully and dedicate some time to making your meal schedule. Look for inspiration everywhere, and you will quickly get your ideas for new yummy meals everyone will enjoy.

5 Helpful Tips for Parenting a Child With Autism

1 in 44 American children will receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder this year. That means 1 in 44 new parents will be thrust into an unfamiliar world filled with therapy, IEPs, meetings, treatments, and paperwork. While it may sound stressful, parenting a child with Autism can be a joyful, affirming experience.

Even so, you can’t expect to be a master at autism care at the very beginning of your journey! As with any skill or passion, practice and patience make perfect (though “perfection” should never be your goal!). Sometimes all it takes are a few parenting tips to help you find the beauty in living with autism.

Are you ready to learn how to be a better parent to your autistic child? It’s not too late to become the parent you’re meant to be. Please keep reading to discover five of the tips that Autism parents wish they had at the start of their journey!

1. All Behavior Is Communication

Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, they have something to say. Every human being communicates through behavior, and we’ve gotten good at reading it.

Our autistic children tend to march to the beat of their own drum, and don’t always notice or practice common social cues. Thus, they communicate discomfort or sadness in the only language they have. Often, this behavior can resemble meltdowns or tantrums.

Instead of getting frazzled, try to listen to what your child is telling you. Change the distressing environment, not your child!

2. Understand Ableism

Ableism is discrimination—and you don’t have to be a bad person to fall into its trap! Ableism can be as simple as believing that verbal communication is superior to non-verbal or alternative communication. These deep, unconscious biases can impact the way we view children with autism.

Take some time to confront your existing ableist attitudes and watch how your view of the world transforms.

3. Seek Out Community

No man is an island, including autistic children and their parents! Children with autism thrive when they engage in socialization with neurodiverse peers. Ask your child’s therapists and teachers for recommendations and then befriend the parents!

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Therapy

“Therapy” can be a scary word, but it’s a major game-changer for children with autism. ABA therapy techniques utilize assistive technology, rewards systems, and games to help your child engage with the world around them. Your child’s therapists will become compassionate resources for life!

5. Remember That No Parent Is Perfect

On days when you feel out to sea, remember that no parent is perfect—and that includes parents of neurotypical children! Everyone has good days and bad days, and all children come with unique challenges. If you care enough to seek out parenting advice, you are already doing an excellent job!

Parenting a Child With Autism… With Joy!

Parenting a child with autism is no easy task, but you can rise to the occasion! Even if you’ve been on this autism journey since you noticed the first signs of autism in your child, it’s never too late to work toward stronger and more compassionate parenting. Sometimes a slight shift in perspective can transform the way you view the world.

Are you seeking more posts that can help you find joy in family life? Check out the rest of the blog for more brilliant tips for families.

How to Thicken Baby Formula

Thickening baby formula can reduce the severity and frequency of regurgitation in infants. Parents of infants with persistent reflux, dysphagia, and aspiration may find that thickened formula helps manage these conditions.

Of course, you’ll always want to consult a doctor before changing your baby’s diet. If a doctor says your baby could benefit from a thickened formula, it would be safe to make the switch.

Here’s how to thicken baby formula safely.

What Not to Use

There’s one particular ingredient that parents shouldn’t use to thicken baby formula: flake cereal. This cereal will help thicken a baby formula that can reduce the severity or frequency of spit-up.

But the reason you don’t want to use cereal is that it can create a texture that causes issues. Flake cereal in baby formula can have a lumpy texture that makes it difficult for infants to swallow. It’s especially risky the younger a child is.

If the baby formula is too thick, it runs the risk of choking or aspiration. The risk is even more heightened for babies who have not developed the oral motor skills to swallow safely.

What to Use to Thicken Baby Formula

Luckily, you have a plethora of options of natural ingredients you can use to thicken baby formula. You can use rice cereal to help thicken baby formula. Unlike flake cereal, rice cereal will create a smooth texture that won’t increase the risk of aspiration or choking.

Other infant cereals like oatmeal and barley also make ideal thickeners for baby formula. When ground, oatmeal, and barley will also create the ideal smooth texture for thickening.

If you don’t want to use cereal, gelatin, guar gum, and carrageenan are great options. Starches like arrowroot, potato, tapioca, and cornstarch also make great thickeners. When it comes to these alternatives, be sure your baby does not have allergies before using them in a formula.

How to Thicken Baby Formula

You’ll want to start by blending your thickening agent thoroughly. The thickening agent should be the consistency of a fine powder to reduce any lumps in the baby formula.

Next, add your baby formula like this hipp organic baby formula to a bottle, cup, or bowl, and add 1½ teaspoons of the thickening agent for every ounce of formula.

Add the thickener slowly to reduce clumping and shake vigorously to ensure proper mixing. Give the mixture a few minutes to set up before checking the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water, formula, or milk.

Reduce Regurgitation in Infants

Mother and baby — Mother is holding a newborn baby

When infants have reflux, dysphagia, or aspiration, parents may worry about the health of their baby. It’s important to have your child seen by a doctor to evaluate the problem.

With these conditions, a doctor may suggest using a thickened baby formula. But it’s important for parents to learn how to thicken baby formula the right way to ensure a safe product for their baby.

Being a parent can be difficult at times. We have articles that have all the tips, tricks, and advice to help parents. Read more articles on our blog today!

5 Reasons Why a Child Care Job Might be Just Right for You

Did you know that 23% of all kids under 5 are in some form of childcare? Whether you place your child in daycare for socialization or because you work full time, childcare has countless benefits.

The benefits aren’t just for the children. Many adults become childcare professionals because they love working with children and find it to be a rewarding career path. If you’ve got a talent for working with kids, then you may be able to turn it into a fulfilling career.

In this post, we’re going to tell you some of the signs that a childcare job could be right for you. There’s nothing easy about child care, which is why it’s so important that the right people provide this service. Keep reading and find out if becoming a childcare professional is the right move.

1. There’s an Industry Shortage

Across the country, there’s a massive shortage of child care workers. If you’re looking for a job where you’ll be in demand, never struggling to find work, then this is a great place to be.

There will always be children to look after and parents who need help while they’re at work. Using services that connect parents with child care professionals, like https://mochildcareaware.org/, makes it easy to find work. This kind of stability is rare in any industry.

2. Advancement Potential

Because of the number of job opportunities out there, you’re also going to have a wide range of career paths with huge advancement potential. You may start out as an independent child care worker, then get a job at a daycare that you could end up managing.

3. Flexibility

There’s also flexibility to consider. If you’re someone that places a personal emphasis on the work-life balance, then working as a childcare professional is going to be a great option.

As an independent child care worker, you’ll be able to choose the number of hours per week you want to work, who you want to work with, how much you charge, etc. It’s a great part-time job but can easily become a full-time career as well.

4. It’s Rewarding

As we alluded to earlier, being a child care worker is incredibly rewarding for someone who is naturally good with kids. You’ll be able to watch children learn and develop from a young age while helping parents in need of assistance.

The early years of a child’s life are crucial for their development as older children, adolescents, and teens. You can take great solace knowing that you played an important role in a child’s early life when you become a childcare professional.

5. It’s Fun

Daycare — A young woman is taking care of a toddler

Aside from the personal gratification that you’ll get from the work, you’ll actually enjoy going to work every day because you’ll have fun. Being able to go to work and laugh, play games, and teach kids new things makes getting up for work a joy.

Find Your Ideal Child Care Job

Now that you know why going into child care is a great option, it’s time to find your ideal child care job. Whether you decide to work on your own or at a daycare facility, you’re going to have a lucrative, fun, and rewarding career as a child care worker.

If you enjoyed this post, come back for more on family, health, and wellness.

Daycare vs. Nursery School: What are the Differences?

As the parent of a toddler, you know better than anyone how fast time flies! One minute your little one is learning how to walk, and the next, it’s time to start choosing daycare or nursery school.

Unless you understand the difference between the two, making a decision can be tricky. Fortunately, we’re here to make it easier by explaining them and their differences. Keep reading to learn more about daycare vs. nursery school to make the best choice for your child.

What Is Daycare?

Daycare is a type of childcare where parents and guardians can leave their children during the day. Daycare staff supervise and engage with the kids, helping them learn and play. Hours are often flexible at these facilities, and they’re open all year.

Children aged as young as six weeks can attend daycare until they’re about five or six. From then until middle school, most centers offer before- and after-school care options.

The Best Daycare Benefits

If you need someone to watch your child while you’re at work, choosing a daycare is ideal. That’s because these facilities provide constant, all-day care. There are many benefits, too, including,

Kids typically don’t need to be potty-trained
Socialization with different age groups
Longer and more flexible hours for parents

What Is Nursery School?

A nursery school, sometimes called a preschool, is education-based. Parents and guardians can leave their children to learn at nursery school during the day. Because there is a curriculum, you can expect the teachers to have an early childhood education background.

Nursery schools function as schools, so they don’t operate all year or for long hours. Programs are often designed for kids aged three to five, making the age groups more limited. Check out a nursery school guide to learn more.

The Best Nursery School Benefits

If you want your child to get a head start on their education, consider choosing nursery school. It’s the best way to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Plus, there are many benefits, like,

Socialization with similar-aged kids
The staff has academic backgrounds
Exposure to structured school routines

Which One Is Right for Your Child?

So, should you choose daycare or nursery school? Ultimately, there is no right answer. Instead, your choice depends on your toddler and your family’s unique circumstances.

If you simply need childcare for your little one while you’re occupied during the day, the best daycare may be all you need. On the other hand, if you want to get a jump on your child’s education, nursery school is the perfect option. No matter your choice, both can support your toddler’s developmental milestones.

Choose Between Daycare vs. Nursery School

Now that you understand the difference between daycare vs. nursery school, making a decision should be easier. You can’t go wrong with either one, but we suggest choosing whichever suits your family better.

Are you interested in additional parenting articles like this one? Browse around our website to find more!

Eco Friendly Solutions for a Cigar Lounge

Hello, my name is Kim, my husband of 15 years really likes his cigars. I guess I don’t mind them too much if he smokes them outside. Here in northern Georgia, it gets a bit cold in spring. We even had snow on March 12th. My husband has been telling me it’s too cold outside to enjoy his cigars. I told him I don’t want that smoke and smell in the house.

He showed me a review for a product by the name “smoke eater” posted by a local establishment called the Cedar & Smoke Cigar in Cedartown Georgia. In the review, the owner tells a story of a woman with lung disease being able to enjoy a meal inside their business. Well, I called, and talked to the owner “Ron”. He confirmed that the smoke eaters they bought from a company in Racine Wisconsin clean the air so well, the air inside was truly clean even when people are smoking cigars.

Smoke eaters are complex products with the ability to filter large volumes of air removing almost all of the smoke and odor. I decided to dig further into this product. Here is what I found out:

My search led me to call the company in Racine Wisconsin called LakeAir. The owner was kind enough to take time from his day to explain how smoke eaters work. Apparently, LakeAir has several models. I was amazed by the wealth of information on the subject found on their smoke eater webpage. It turns out the units bought by Cedar & Smoke Cigar cost around $2500.00. One for our home will be less than $800.00. Hubby will be able to smoke in his man cave next winter and spring.

I am very drawn to the cause of eco-friendly products and lifestyles. If a product like a smoke eater can make a cigar lounge healthy enough for even the disadvantaged, I am all for it. Beyond that, it turns out LakeAir is an eco-friendly business. Their products are made of mostly recycled materials. The units they manufacture are almost entirely recyclable. The very unit employed by the cigar lounge is 98.6% recyclable. Looking for an environmental solution to smoke? I suggest you check out this environmentally conscious company.

This LAFC Smoke Eater is 98.6% Recyclable

These parts weigh 20 oz and are non-recyclable parts.

Kim Kaiser

How to Create Happy Memories

Something That Must Be Pursued, But Can’t Be Forced
Happy memories are often a matter of perception and recollection. Some of your fondest memories may be of times when, at the moment, you were miserable. For example, that family vacation where everything went wrong, everybody got sunburned, and the whole family was more relieved to get home than anyone could have believed.

The thing is, in retrospect, you remember all the funny little stories from that trip, and you share them, and suddenly what was a terrible weekend becomes a fond, happy memory. In contrast, sometimes your happiest times at the office or college are remembered in sadness, as you realize who you were, what you’ve become, and what has been lost.

So the truth is, if you want to create happy memories, you shouldn’t focus on said memories as an “end game”. How you feel now will have little to do with what you remember as years go by. What you want to focus on, instead, is living life to the fullest with those around you.

When you get an opportunity to do something you haven’t ever done, take that opportunity, and drink it all in. Following we’ll briefly explore a few other things you might want to think about to build memories that last a lifetime.

We decided to list some options suggested by popular bloggers:

Music Photo Life

There is one important thing that you need to do before you can start creating happy moments: to understand what happiness means to you and the people around you.

Happiness has a different meaning to the individual. One person could be happy catching a movie with his newfound love, while another person might demand an expensive handbag.

If you are creating happy moments with someone else, you need to know what makes the other person happy. This could be harder to accomplish since what makes the other person happy might not make you happy.

I feel that moments are happier when saved in our memories than in recorded videos. The moments become somewhat “manufactured” when you whip up a camera to record the happy moments. If someone else is recording the video, that works better.

So, the best way to create happy moments is to understand the person you want to be happy with and plan for the activity so that the person can indulge in the activity with you and have a good time. Ask to take some photos to commemorate the moment so that you can revisit the moment in the future. Spend time interacting with the people and not trying too hard to record on video, because people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

GenThirty

Creating happy memories is less about what you’re doing and more about who you’re doing it with. By focusing on the people around you, their joy, and your joy – you bring happiness to the forefront.

As a mom of two young toddlers, I’ve learned that the key to creating happy memories is to keep expectations low. We’re all going to be much happier with a situation if we go with the flow and don’t try to overwhelm ourselves with a long to-do list and high expectations of outcomes and behaviors. Finding joy in each other creates happier memories than any specific situation could.

6 Essential Tips on How to Handle Family Property Disputes

Property disputes are surprisingly common occurrences among families, particularly those that co-own properties and can’t decide on the following steps, whether to keep the properties or sell them. In most instances, family members get this property ownership through inheritance, but it could also happen due to other factors, such as failed business ventures.

In any case, the result is similar – family members don’t know what needs to be done with the properties, but they wouldn’t like this situation to drive a wedge between them. That is why careful, delicate steps are necessary, and here are some of the best tips that will allow you to handle property disputes in the most efficient way:

Define your main goals

One of the most common issues related to property disputes is the fact that each family member has a different goal and wants to adhere to the one they think is the best option. For that reason, it might be beneficial to discuss your main objectives in advance, and see whether you’ll have to buy out other family members or if they’d like to sell the property. This will give you a better idea of the role, purpose, and overall value you can get out of the property. Of course, a good estate-planning process beforehand could have prevented this issue in the first place.

Make needed calculations

When it comes to property disputes, partitioning cases are difficult to set in motion, mostly due to the fact that family members often aren’t able to come to a certain decision without understanding the accounting numbers. This means knowing who has the repayment right for money regarding common benefits such as repairs, mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and other similar categories. Without fully understanding all of these expenses, it’s nearly impossible to resolve a property ownership dispute successfully.

Seek professional help

Seeking assistance from an attorney is absolutely essential in these cases, particularly for ensuring your rights are protected. Australians are well aware of this fact, for instance, which is why they often hire an experienced property lawyer from Sydney to handle their disputes. Specializing in property law, a skilled and knowledgeable solicitor can help you navigate through your responsibilities and rights more easily, and ensure a desirable outcome. Such a professional will have extensive knowledge of the law, and their experience can aid in understanding the judge’s decisions, knowing which areas need compromise and which need improvement, as well as receiving the right guidance and advice throughout these proceedings.

Know the property’s worth

Money — A model of the house is placed on the table next to sets of coins

The value of a property is often a critical factor in disputes. Partition cases can be difficult to resolve as families often can’t agree on the price that is put out for potential buy-outs. For that reason, many European families tend to list the property for sale as a simple way to learn the property’s market value and the following partition shares. However, this might not be the most suitable solution for everyone. If you want the property to stay in the family, consider hiring a professional appraiser to determine an accurate market value of the property. This will be a great foundation that you can later use for settlements and buy-outs.

Improve your relationships

Property disputes rarely arise in close-knit families that are loving, caring, and supportive of each other. If you want to ensure your family can make the right compromise, make an attempt to improve your relationships, if at all possible. Aim to spend more time together, learn how to communicate efficiently, or even consider a family vacation every once in a while. The more quality time you spend together, the stronger your bond will be. And when all family members have great connections, the risk of arguments, serious disputes, and demanding legal proceedings will be significantly lower as well.

Consider a mediator

In certain cases, families are unable to find a middle ground, even with the help of skilled solicitors. If you’re in a similar situation as well, it might be best to seek assistance from a third party that can serve as a mediator between family members, such as a close friend, an unbiased lawyer, or even a judge. By holding a mediation meeting early on, you can resolve any differences between family members and any other shared owners more easily. This could also help to save a significant sum of money, as well as reduce any stress and animosity that the involved parties might be feeling.

Final comments

Legal issues that involve family members are particularly delicate, and property dispute cases are no different. That’s why it’s so important to make careful and informed decisions and seek help from an experienced professional.

Written by Lucas Bergman

Reception Table Favors for Your Wedding Guests

Your wedding to-do list is a long one, so the last thing you’ve probably thought of is what to place for your loved ones on your wedding reception tables. But, those small trinkets that say thank you for all the years they’ve looked out for you shouldn’t be overlooked. Your wedding guest list has been broken down under a microscope and everyone coming played at least a small role in getting you here, so, these integral people deserve more than just a hug and a kiss as they exit your special event. Send them off with something practical, yet creative to remember your wedding day!

I was just on the Web and stumbled upon a site that offers a wide variety of unique wedding favors for reception tables, Forever Wedding Favors. There you can find an assortment of top-notch items for your reception on their simple-to-search online store. I really enjoyed the following assortment of products and couldn’t believe all of the wedding themes that were covered on this cool site. Forever Wedding Favors will help guide you through ideas for your wedding, no matter what the theme.

How cute is this? There is no better way to open a bottle of wine than with a bottle of wine! Personalize a special note for your guests and they will love this practical wedding favor. These petite wine bottle openers come with a bow and customized note. They are an ideal way to say thank you to your guests and will bring a smile to their faces each time they pop open a bottle of wine at home.

Click here to take a look

Hugging Polar Bear Shakers — Hugging Polar Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers are perfect wedding reception table gifts

Hugs are aplenty at weddings and that’s why these Hugging Polar Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers are perfect wedding reception table gifts. These cute offerings will bring a smile to the faces of your guests as they get to bring them home and enjoy for a lifetime. Each one of your family and friends will remember the warm embrace you gave them when you said thank you for attending their brig day.

Click here to check it out

This Vintage Key bottle opener is a perfect wedding favor gift at a traditional, classic wedding. Spreading these trinkets on the reception tables will bring out that rustic charm. A functional favor is the best kid, and this bottle opener can be brought home by each guest and used on a daily basis. Let your loved ones remember your wedding each time they pop open a beverage at home.

Click here to search all bottle openers

LOVE will be on the refrigerator of all of your wedding guests after your big day. It will remind them of the love you have for them and your new bond with your significant other. Everyone needs a fridge magnet, so why not gift out these adorable computer key LOVE letters to hold up Johnny’s school work? Let the letters of LOVE will be on full display at all times in the homes of your family and friends.

Click here to check it out

There’s no better way to join the party and liven things up than a round of shots. Personally engrave your wedding information on these high-quality shot glasses and have them set up for a drink at each reception table. Give cheers to your loved ones and enjoy an ounce or two of your favorite beverage together as one. After the wedding, your guests will love to bring these shot glasses home and remember your wedding day for many years to come.

Click here to shop shot glasses

Go Fish! Every household needs multiple sets of playing cards to keep the family game night going. So, what better offering to hand your friends and family than these personalized wedding playing cards. From poker to rummy, your loved ones will take these cards out and enjoy your big day while they have quality family time at home. This is an ideal functional wedding gift for all!

Check out all playing cards here

Not that a bottle of wine lasts too long, but if you only go for a glass at a time these wine stoppers are the gift for you. No matter the wedding theme, there is a wine stopper for them all! From pink flamingos to airplanes, you can find a wine stopper for any occasion. The classical heart shape is my favorite but I truly do love them all.

Check out stoppers by clicking here

No one enjoys a drink mark on their coffee table, and it seems like everyone is constantly looking for quality coasters to protect from them. Enter these high-quality slate coasters! Personalized with your wedding information, these coasters are perfect for gifting to your guests. Slate is sheik and will be great to protect any table out there from those dreaded ring stains.

Click here to shop more coasters

Whether you’re having a spring or fall wedding, these adorable candle favors are perfect giveaways at your wedding. Many can be customized with your names and wedding date. Candles are a practical gift that anyone can enjoy in their homes. These wax burners come in many themes and colors. The floral candle pictured above fits a spring wedding perfectly and will be a sight for sore eyes on your reception tables, with their bright colors and charm.

For more candle ideas click here

I can spend all day sifting through ForeverWeddingFavors.com’s awesome site. Their countless items of all wedding themes are well worth the time to check out! So make your life easier and head over to the site and you’ll have one less thing to worry about for your big day. From travel themes to pineapples, I’m sure they’ve got your wedding theme covered.

Best-Tasting Treats at IHOP (That Aren’t Pancakes)

It makes perfect sense that if you’re hankering for pancakes, you go to IHOP. It’s not named the International House of Pancakes for nothing. The brand specializes in pancakes, which are so delicious that you might even dream about them afterwards. Once you get a taste of IHOP pancakes, it’s difficult to even consider going anywhere else for pancakes.

But the truth is, IHOP doesn’t just serve pancakes. It’s trying to be more than just a pancake house or even just a breakfast joint. The brand wants to be more known as a place for lunch, dinner, and all the snacks in between.

That’s why there’s even a marketing campaign involving a temporary name change to IHOb, to emphasize how they’re serving burgers nowadays as well. And they’re serving many other types of dishes.

But how good are these menu items? Actually, some are surprisingly good. If you even visit IHOP and you’re curious about ordering something that isn’t a pancake, start with these treats:

IHOP’s Breakfast Sampler

Let’s start with this since IHOP can’t just deny that they offer terrific breakfast options. This Breakfast Sampler is a great choice for those who may not be sure about what to order for breakfast.

Yes, this does come with 2 buttermilk pancakes. But it also comes with many different classic breakfast items, so you’re sure to find something else you’d like.

You start with 2 eggs, and you decide how they’re cooked. You can get them scrambled or sunny side up, or over easy, over medium, or over hard.

Then there’s the meat portion. You’ll also get 2 strips of terrific bacon, 2 thick slices of ham, and 2 pork sausage links.

Finally, you also get a generous helping of hash browns, with that Goldilocks-level of perfectly crispy texture.

Original French Toast

This is actually one of the more underrated treats on the IHOP menu, and that’s a crime in our opinion. True, it does seem just a little bit too simple, but it’s delicious from start to finish. The price at an average $8.64 for Original French Toast is also quite reasonable.

This order sets you up with 3 slices of thick bread, each one cut in half so you end up with 6 terrific triangles. Then they add some powdered sugar and a scoop of whipped butter on top. This butter isn’t that underwhelming sort you generally encounter in other places. It tastes like absolutely authentic butter, and you’ll want some butter to just emphasize the tastiness of each bite.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Yes, IHOP is into several types of sandwiches, and for many, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is the absolute top. That may be surprising since quite a few folks feel that the IHOP chicken strips are overly crispy.

But here, the chicken breast crispiness is just right. It’s then tossed into Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce until the sauce covers every bit of the chicken breast. It’s then set onto a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles.

It’s actually not overly spicy, since they also add a generous amount of buttermilk ranch on top of the chicken. The brioche bun is tasty as well, so the overall deliciousness is just undeniable. It’s just spicy enough for a bit of excitement, but it’s not overpowering.

Colorado Omelette

Omlette — Omelette is being served on the plate

True, the name of this omelette doesn’t quite match the allure of the Bacon Temptation Omelette. But it’s not really about the name.

After all, the Colorado Omelette also comes with bacon, so it’s not as if you’re missing out on some bacon goodness. In fact, it also comes with bits of ham, shredded beef, and pork sausage. The distinct flavours of each meat combine well together, and each bite is just a bit different (though all equally great). It doesn’t hurt that this also includes chopped onions and green peppers, plus quite a lot of cheddar cheese.

Even if you Google for some similar recipes, it’s actually quite difficult to replicate the goodness of IHOP’s Colorado Omelette. Perhaps it’s because they put in a splash of pancake batter to their omelettes so that they’re just a bit fluffier than anything you might make in your own kitchen.

Swedish Crepes

The name emphasizes the “International” in IHOP, and this treat features actual lingonberries, which are popular in Sweden. They also top the dainty crepes with lingonberry butter, just to make sure you don’t miss out on the taste. The taste is both tart and sweet, so you can’t complain that it’s too sweet.

If there’s just one thing wrong about this order, it’s that it only comes with 4 crepes and they’re all really light. You might need to get 3 orders of these just to feel sated, even if you’re only slightly hungry!