About Erika Gruszewski
Posts by Erika Gruszewski
5 Ways to Be Healthier with a Plant-Based Diet
I ate healthy. But I knew I could do better. I ate a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and reduced-fat dairy. Could I, however, reach the next level of healthy eating? Could I ditch processed foods, most animal products and oil? Challenge accepted. I tried a whole-foods, plant-based diet. The diet is…Read More »
How Knowing the Signs of Stroke Saved My Life
“You’re too young to have a stroke!” That’s what I’ve heard countless times since I had my first Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or mini stroke, at 24 years old. After suffering a second stroke-like episode at age 28, I can say firsthand that strokes do not discriminate by age. In my family, many of the…Read More »
Cooking Light Salad
Print Recipe Cooking Light Salad Prep Time 30 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Servings Ingredients 1.5 cups cracked wheat bulgur uncooked1.5 cups boiling water1 cup figs dried1/4 cup cranberries, dried, sweetened craisins1 cup parsley1/2 cup fresh mint1/2 cup lemon juice1/2 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1.5 cups chickpeas garbanzo beans1/2 cup carrots raw, cut in slices…Read More »
How to Add a Little Adventure To Your Life
If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your life, Meetup may be the app for you. The Meetup app led Jane Vangelov to two great adventures last year. Neither are activities she would have pursued on her own. But experiencing them with a Meetup group opened her up to a bold new activity…Read More »
Out With Bones, In With Beets: Our Ever-Evolving Passover Celebration
I’ve always loved the traditions of Passover, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Now that I have my own family, I’ve adapted my own traditions in ways I didn’t expect but find exciting. Our new family traditions are on display the most at the family meal of Seder,…Read More »
Bunny Tales: The Squirrels Ate my Eggs and Other Easter Stories
As with most holidays, there are favorite (and unusual) stories – and plenty of bloopers. Here are some of our favorites that we hope will make you chuckle or learn from our many mistakes! Share your favorite Easter story – or bloopers – in the comments below. The squirrels ate my Easter egg One big…Read More »
Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival
For many years, my family has not missed the Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival. It is a great FREE, community event. You can check it out on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10 am to 5 pm. Performance art, Herbology, and more! First up this year is the announcement of the winner of the student…Read More »
How Parents Can Spot the Signs of Substance Abuse
Parents know there’s a lot to keep up with in the fast-moving world of teens. The latest trends in fashion, video games, music, social media …the list seems endless. But what about trends in drug and alcohol use? Would you know what they are, or what to look for? Raising Awareness about drug and alcohol…Read More »
A Sweet Family Activity: NY Maple Weekends are Here!
It’s just about time for my favorite family activity. As we anticipate our annual tradition of visiting a local maple farm, I can’t help but recall a favorite childhood memory. I remember adding maple sugar to fresh snow to make a sweet treat (don’t worry, scientists say eating small amounts of snow usually isn’t harmful). Laura…Read More »
Tips for Caregivers: 5 Ways to Help Your Loved One
Like in many families, my mom and my aunts spent several years caring for my grandparents. Each sister had a caregiver role. While one advised on medical decisions, another assisted with legal affairs. They did chores around the house, cooked meals, and helped my grandparents get to appointments. Most importantly, they all continued to bring…Read More »