Kickin’ It with Author and Blogger Erinn Sluka!

by Cascade Ice on July 9, 2015

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you? 

I have 3 boys ages 7-23 and it is important to me that they stay active and at their best and that my husband and I do as well so we can keep up with these busy boys. With many genetic factors in our family from diabetes, cancer and heart disease I want to protect my boys as best as possible by not only eating healthy, but teaching them to make healthier choices on their own.

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

I actually do not have any one health role model. I think as health as all-inclusive from being happy, active and eating healthy. I work to have a healthy budget, healthy marriage and healthy meals.

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

I always keep albacore (pole caught) or organic black beans and will do wraps in a pinch. I also always keep fresh Pico full of veggies and will add it to sandwiches, wraps or salads.

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

Teach your kids and lead by example! The best way to learn to eat healthy is to learn labels! You can google articles that help you learn to dissect a food label. It is so important to know what is in your food and the effects of what your family is consuming. I don’t ever read the front labeling-I turn the item over to the ingredient list. Even my boys will be caught turning a box over and looking up sugars and calorie numbers.

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

I won’t take away the treat aspect with my kids. However, if I don’t buy it, they can’t eat it. My son LOVES Doritos so if he is due for a special treat, I will buy him a snack size bag and not the large bag that will sit in my cupboard and be consumed for days. I use moderation, not elimination.

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?

We are very family-oriented. We work to keep the boys learning over the summer, spending a lot of time with extended family. We also have bedtimes that are structured so our youngest gets the sleep he needs.

What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?

I love the lemonades-Raspberry and Strawberry Lemonade. They are so refreshing!

To see more of Erinn’s tips, you can visit her blog at  http://www.parentinghealthy.com/. Connect with Erinn on Twitter and Facebook, and check out her book, Love Should Not Hurt: Letting Go of the Pain to Live in Freedom. 

July Fourth Sweet Treats with Cascade Ice!

by Cascade Ice on June 25, 2015

Independence Day is just around the corner, and we want to help you get ready for it! Whether you are hosting or attending a party, hitting up a parade or just spending the day at home with your family, these recipes will definitely be a highlight!

Parade Pops

Start with a popsicle mold, or six disposable plastic cups and popsicle sticks. Next, fill your molds 3/4 full with Cascade Ice Wild Berry. If you are using plastic cups, you can fill them based on the size of popsicle you want. This will take 2-3 bottles. Next slice up some strawberries (as many or as little as you would like) and add them to each of the popsicle molds. Then you can add as many blueberries as you would like as well. Lastly, freeze your molds for 3-4 hours and enjoy!

All-American Cascade Ice Sangria

Begin with a pitcher and fill it with 1 1/2 bottles of Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple. Next add as many sliced strawberries, apples and blueberries to meet your liking; feel free to cut your fruit into fun shapes! Pour in 12.5 oz. it with your favorite white wine (we like a sweet Moscato best). Stir your ingredients to mix them well and put the pitcher in the refrigerator for two hours- this will allow time for the fruit to soak in the Cascade Ice and wine. Once it has had time to soak, pour some of your homemade sangria in a glass, sit back, relax and enjoy some fireworks!

If you try our recipes, feel free to let us know what you thought or post a picture of it to our Facebook page! Make sure to visit CascadeIceWater.com to view our entire flavor lineup and to find state availability. Cascade Ice has opportunities to win free samples on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – so make sure to follow us on social media!

The Flavor Fusion Recipe Challenge

by Cascade Ice on June 18, 2015

In case you haven’t heard, we are very excited to be hosting an awesome recipe challenge to kick off the summer. The competition is between two of our favorite bloggers:  My Life On (and Off ) the Guest List, and Ice Fairy’s Treasure Chest. We have asked both of them to create two drink recipes each using Cascade Ice, and all four recipes are going head-to-head in our Flavor Fusion Recipe Challenge!

To sweeten the deal, we will be giving away a FREE case of Cascade Ice to our voters every day beginning on June 20th and ending on June 27th. That’s 8 days of giveaways! To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is click here to vote for your favorite recipe and you will automatically be in the drawing.

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out our bloggers’ sites! And don’t forget to vote on your favorite recipe for your chance to win a free case of Cascade Ice in the flavor of your choice. Tell your friends!

Sweet Summer Mocktails!

by Cascade Ice on June 11, 2015

With all the kiddos out of school, the sun coming out, and the pools opening up, summer is in full swing! Nothing is more enjoyable for kids in the summer than spending a day in the sun- whether it be out at the beach, at the pool or playing outdoor sports. Because of that, we were inspired to come up with some super fun drinks that are fun and family friendly!

Ocean Cooler

Start with a mason jar or a large clear glass and fill it half full with blue cotton candy. Next, pour in 5 oz. Cascade Ice Coconut and 5 oz. Blue Powerade. After this, add 2-3 oz. of tonic water or club soda (depending on how carbonated you want it). Once you have all of these ingredients combined, you can add however many swedish fish you would like to fill your Ocean Cooler with!

Banana Boat

Start by slicing a banana into 1/2 in. thick slices and freeze them for at least 5 hours. Once your banana slices are frozen, fill your glass half full with them and add 4 oz. Cascade Ice Strawberry Banana and another 4 oz. of Cascade Ice Coconut Pineapple. Lastly, garnish with a cherry and a slice of pineapple and enjoy!