Now What Baby: Eat

Showing posts with label Eat. Show all posts

3.30.2011

Cubbie Cup

This is one of those products I look at and think "why didn't I come up with that?". It's genius is in how simply it solves a problem we deal with everyday in our home. My 2 year old wants to take his snacks and his cup everywhere. However, he isn't coordinated enough to hold his snack cup, retrieve a snack from it, and continue to hold his drink all at the same time. Honestly, I'm not that coordinated. The Cubbie Cup solves that problem by giving your child only one thing to hold and on the upside only one thing to lose too. I doubt I'm the only parent constantly retrieving the things their child tosses out of the stroller, carseat, or basically just throws down wherever. My favorite thing about this creation is the snack cup is spill proof as well. I have seen snack/cups with the drink on top and the snack on bottom but they are not something a toddler could operate without disaster. This is a well planned combo of the two products I choose to pack separately on a daily basis - I am so glad someone thought to combine them!

The Cubbie Cup is dishwasher safe, spill resistant, BPA free, and PVC free. So not only is it a sanity saver - it is also easy to clean and safe for your little one. I kept looking for any flaws with this one but I couldn't see anything I didn't like and my toddler agreed with me. The only issue we face with this cup is keeping it clean - since we currently only have one and it's the only cup he wants to use. I guess that is problem solved easily enough. You can get your own cup online here for $10.99.

One lucky reader will win their own Cubbie Cup. To enter to win visit the Cubbie Cup website and comment back sharing why you want to win this cool cup. The deadline to enter is April 6th at midnight EST and this giveaway is open to US residents only. You can earn extra entries by: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

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Special thanks to Cubbie Cup to sponsoring the giveaway and providing a sample for review purposes.

3.10.2011

WaterWeek makes it easy to reduce

I admit it. I am guilty of buying the disposable plastic water bottles. I do recycle but as I walk past our overflowing bin - I feel like there has to be a better and cheaper way. The main reason I keep buying the water bottles is simply convenience. It's nice to grab one out of the fridge when I am on the go. I get rushed and don't have the time to find my water bottle and fill it. This is why I think WaterWeek from Reduce is genius. It is really the best solution I have come across for eliminating my desire to purchase a big pack of disposable water bottles.

How does WaterWeeek work? It comes with 5 cute bpa free water bottles that fit neatly into their included fridge tray. What I love about this is that I can fill up all 16 oz bottles and store them in my fridge just as I would with the disposable ones. When I am in a rush I just grab my bottle and go. They fit in my
purse and don't leak out. The fridge tray is a nice perk too because it keeps the bottle from falling over and it's easy to fill and transport. I always want to use reusable water bottles but I just forget in my rush. Now when I see them lined up neatly in the fridge - it's easy to remember. Once I drink the bottle I just toss it in the dishwasher and then refill it when I unload. This system works really well for me because there always seems to be a cold bottle waiting for me. An added bonus to using the WaterWeek system - the bottles seem to keep my water colder much longer than a plastic disposable bottle did.

I also LOVE that WaterWeek has kid sized bottles. These are life savers for me. I always grab one to keep in my purse. The smaller size is better for my children and they really prefer using it. I like that unlike plastic bottles - my 2 year old cannot squeeze the bottle together to create a water geyser all over the place. The spills seem to be accidental instead of entertainment with WaterWeek. Since the bottles have different colors and patterns - my kids can also tell which bottle belongs to who. This is wonderful because in addition to keeping my 2 year old's running nose germs getting into my 5 year old's mouth, they also stop the fights over which bottle belongs to which boy.

There are several styles to choose from: 2 style options for both kids & adults + they also offer an aluminium set in 16 oz. The prices for a 5 bottle WaterWeek set range from $17.99 - $34.99. Keep in mind that price is for 5 reusable bpa free bottles and a fridge tray. I have spent over $10 for just one water bottle before. The price is more than reasonable and if you factor in that you are doing your part to help reduce the 25 million bottles being disposed each day (INSANE) - this is one product you shouldn't pass up.

Simply Stated - This is definitely a product we should all have. I truly do use it daily. The only downfall I could find is that you can tell that repeated washings will cause the paint to fade or crack a bit.

2.14.2011

Sanity saving sippy cup from Tommee Tippee

Sippy cups drive me mad but I have yet to find another option that keeps my child from pouring juice all over everything in my home. My biggest issue aside from the fact that the majority of them are undeserving of the title spill-proof, is the annoying cleaning process. Maybe you never tried the world of straw sippy cups but they were terrible to clean. My children would kindly hide their cups from me and when I would discover them under their bed, the couch, the car seat, etc.. they would be molded. Which is not only disgusting but pretty much the biggest pain ever to clean out of the little nooks and crannies in the sippy cup. Thus the vast majority of cups in our home ended up in the garbage.

Enter Tommee Tippee's Explora cups! They have renewed my faith in sippy cups. They are not only truly spill proof but they are super easy to clean! I have gone so far as to throw out all of my old sippy cups and replace them all with the Explora cups. I discovered them when our Babies R Us started carrying them and I just wanted to spread the joy. No longer must parents put up with sub par sippy cups, leaks, spills, and pain in the you know what cleaning. Try one out and I promise you'll be hooked. I'm just relieved to have found a solution to one of the many joys of parenting!

3.15.2010

Cupcake Cookies!

Mouthwatering and amazingly cute - the Cupcake Cookies from Swanky Bakes are destined to be at my next birthday party! I would be super proud to carry them in to my son's next school Valentine's Party as well....I might not mention I didn't make them myself either. Every single cookie in the Swanky Bake Shop is gorgeous. I am not exaggerating - they are so beautiful I want to throw a party just to show them off. The First Birthday cookies actually make me sad because I didn't see them before my son's first bday party. They will definitely appear at the next 1st birthday party I throw....depending on what the future holds for me. The Polka Dot Elephants have so many uses - from a new baby gift, baby shower, to a chic party! I am seriously jealous that I do not possess the ability to make a cookie this way - I still struggle not to burn the slice and bake.

1.04.2010

HomeFree Treats - An Allergy-Free Cookie

I am lucky enough to have a family without any allergies. Typically I don't have to worry too much about what they eat other than to try and put a stop to their requested diet of Cheetos and chocolate. Last year however, one of the children in my son's school class was allergic to eggs and it was then that I started to get a tiny idea of how difficult it most be for parent's of children with allergies. It was hard enough for me just to find a tasty item to bring in one snack day. I always felt so bad for the child during class parties because he could never eat any of the sweet treats that you know he would have loved to try.

Recently I learned about a wonderful company called HomeFree. They have made it their goal to provide delicious treats to those with allergies. Everything about their kitchen is dedicated to ensuring that your child's safety is their first priority. Their treats have no eggs, peanuts, wheat, dairy, or tree nuts. They even went so far as to buy brand new cooking appliances and materials to ensure that there isn't the slightest trace of the above ingredients. They also use organic ingredients and have NO trans fat in any of their products. They most impressive part to me is how wonderful they taste. I wouldn't have thought that a cookie without eggs or diary would be all that yummy but they are divine. You won't even notice that the usual ingredients are missing. My children certainly haven't and I have switched from our old brand to HomeFree even though we don't have allergies in our home. I really like the attention placed on only putting the finest ingredients (all the ingredients are certified organic) into their products. Inside each cookie serving is half a serving of certified whole grains, no cholesterol, no corn sweeteners, and no artificial colors or flavors. Try out some of their delicious treats and you'll wonder why we needed any of those ingredients in our cookies in the first place. I am loving the Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Oatmeal Cookies!! You can order some online at HomeFree or you can pick some up at over 300 different retailers including Whole Foods.

12.02.2009

Stockings Stuffers made just by you!

There are so many sweets during the holiday season. It is almost impossible not to gain weight. Even your stocking comes stuffed to the brim with candy. This year I am recommending that we do ourselves and our mates a favor - stuff the stockings with products from You Bar. I'm not suggesting this for your little ones but it would definitely be a appreciated change by most adults. You Bar offers something that I have never seen before. They let you create custom nutrition bars, protein shakes, trail mix, cookies, and chocolates. If you stuff most of the stocking with nutrition bars, trail mix, and protein shakes - then you won't feel so bad about adding a few custom sweets! Instead of getting a bag of trail mix and picking around the ingredients you are less than crazy about you can create one with only items that you enjoy. I am beyond impressed by the huge amount of options they give for customizing their products. Some even let you pick the butter. It's insanely addictive. This is so perfect for people will allergies or just picky eaters. You even get to have the name you choose printed on your custom creations. Wouldn't it be cool to get a stocking stuffed with "your name" nutrition bars? Even if you don't want to customize the products you order from You Bar, they have a great selection of ready made popular products just ready to be put in your shopping cart. I had the opportunity to try out a few of their bestsellers and was thrilled with them! I am not much of a healthy eater but this stuff was seriously yummy. This is definitely one of those gifts that people don't expect but they will remember for years to come.

Wrap it up: I have so many ideas for You Bar!! If you are not looking to go the stocking route - what about creating a signature customized product and then it with some holiday goodies to your friends, family, teachers, etc..? You could also order one of their popular products and then give it wrapped up with a gift certificate so that the recipient could create their own custom product.
Price Tag: $32.37+ (But that includes 13 of the item)
Where to buy: You Bar

11.16.2009

Santa Baby...some Seattle Chocolate for me...

There aren't enough adjectives to truly describe how delectable Seattle Chocolates Truffle Bars taste. They come in 10 different flavors and every single one was decadent. Chocolate lovers beware - once you have a taste of the unique melt away center inside the rich chocolate shell: there will be no substitute. I for one would really like to see some in my stocking this year - no I will not miss the usual candy cane fillers. Please substitute with Seattle Chocolate's Milk Chocolate Candy Cane Crunch Truffle Bar. You can get the a 10 Bar Gift Bag for that special someone on your list or give them a 5-Bar Gift Box. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with chocolate that tastes this amazing.

Wrap it up: This is the perfect gift for pretty much anyone who has a sweet tooth. Give them to your kid's teachers, your bffs, even grandma is sure to enjoy.
Age: Just need teeth
Price Tag: $3 for one bar, $20.75 for 5 Bar Gift Box, and $30.95 for the 10 Bar Gift Bag
Where to buy: Seattle Chocolates

Stop the press: the perfect gift for teachers!

I think one of the most difficult gifts to buy is the one for your child's teacher. My mother is a teacher and she would always get the exact same gifts every year. Ornaments, lotions, or any cheesy little thing that had a crayon, chalk, or an apple on it. I am constantly searching for a good gift for my son's teacher and this year The Lunchbox from OOTS is perfect! Teachers bring their lunch daily and I love the idea of giving a gift they will actually use. This lunchbox is also the coolest lunchbox I have ever seen. They truly thought of everything. The unique design was created with some serious thought into daily use. The top is made to hold a drink bottle under the adjustable strap. The upright design was created to keep your food from getting tossed around. When you purchase the deluxe version of this sleek lunchbox it comes with 5 containers (1 big, 4 small) that stack perfectly inside (you can also buy the containers separately in 3 different set options). These bpa & phthalate free plastic containers keep your food neatly packaged and can be microwaved or dishwashed. Available in 3 contemporary color combinations - who wouldn't enjoy this? My husband has already tried to steal my lunchbox. He even commented on how cool it was and he rarely comments on anything except golf.

Wrap it up: If you are giving this to a teacher - fill the inner containers with tasty holiday goodies or cute teacher supplies like bright paper clips, markers, colored rubber bands, etc... If you give it to Dad try packaging it with a sleek reusable water bottle.
Price Tag: $35 for lunchbox and $46 for lunchbox deluxe
Where to buy: made by OOTS

11.12.2009

Mighty Leaf Chinese Tea Set

I'm drawn to Chinese Tea Set Gift from the moment I see the black teapot. I love that this teapot has been handcrafted by master Yixing Chinese Artisans. It will look gorgeous sitting on my table, plus it contains a stainless steel infuser that makes brewing loose tea easy. It's also microwave (remember to remove the infuser) & dishwasher safe! Inside the signature gift box you will also get a a tin of Organic White Peony Tea. When you brew it inside the yixing teapot the purple clay in the teapot enhances the tea's flavor! This is beautiful gift set for any tea lover.

Wrap it up: You could always add a few extra tins of loose leaf tea from Mighty Leaf to make your gift over the top!
Age: Adult
Price Tag: $45.00
Where to Buy: Mighty Leaf

11.10.2009

Au Chocolat Tea Set

Chocolate is the ultimate in decadent desserts and with the Au Chocolat Gift Tea Set you can have your dessert and drink it too! It includes 6 mini tins of delicious chocolate truffle teas - Pear Caramel Truffle, Chocolate Orange Truffle, Mocha Pu-Erh Truffle, Chocolate Mint Truffle, Masala Chocolate Truffle, and Mayan Chocolate Truffle. If that doesn't have your mouth watering than the six squares of Scharffen Berger bittersweet chocolate are sure to do the trick. And that's not all that comes in this delectable gift set - there is also a stainless steel loose tea infuser inside. Now all you need is some hot water and you are good to go! Even the gift box itself deserves some bragging rights. Handmade individually by artisans, this beautiful box will remain in your home long after the tasty delights inside are gone.

Wrap it up: This box is so special that a ribbon should do the trick, no sense hiding something so lovely!
Age: Adult
Price Tag: $31.50
Where to buy: Mighty Leaf

10.07.2009

Dandelion's Earth Friendly Goods

Being green is not only great for the environment but it is incredibly popular right now. I for one am really excited that people are jumping on the earth friendly bandwagon. Hopefully we will keep the earth in better shape and I also just love the creative products that are coming out. Dandelion has so many unique and wonderful products for your family. Their organic totes don't make you compromise on style. I love that someone has finally created a green tote that actually has multiple pockets. I can still be organized with this tote. I was sent the Canvas Diaper Bag to try out and I love it right down to the unique rope straps! It has plenty of space for all our baby gear and it even has stretchy side pockets for bottles. My favorite feature was the key catcher inside of the 100% organic canvas bag. It kept me from doing my usual bag dump to unlock the car.

In addition to their Organic Canvas Totes - Dandelion also offers products like organic teethers & rattles, organic developmental toys, and a whole collection of natural feeding products. I also tried out some of the feeding products. The collection includes cups, bowls, utensils, and divided plates. They are all made from corn! I had no idea that you could make anything from corn that wasn't edible. The unique bio plastic formula used to make Dandelion's feeding products uses mainly corn. This is great for the environment because it is not only a renewable and sustainable resource but it needs much less fossil resources to produce. The end result is reusable and very lightweight. It is perfect for your children just starting to feed themselves or a great addition when packing lunches. Almost everything from Dandelion is under $10 and their diaper bags will only set you back $49. You can check out all they have to offer and start filling your shopping cart with earth friendly goods by visiting Dandelion here.

9.14.2009

Baggino's Learner's Bib puts a stop to wardobe changes

If your little one eats anything like my little guy does than you are changing clothing clothing 4 times a day. It's not that I am scared of a kid wearing clothing with a few spots. It's that I'm scared of what clothing covered in goo will do to my furniture, shirt, carpet, and so on. It's just easier to start fresh than to try and clean all that goo off without tossing it into the washing machine. He wasn't always so messy but he has reached the point where he wants to try and feed himself. If I resist this idea then he will try and grab the spoon mid-air and the food will fall on him or he will get a messy handful when I'm not looking (then he has won the battle). So now I give in and just let him try and feed himself. Baggino's Learner's bib is perfect for messy eaters because it covers pretty much everything. It has long sleeves and an extra long front to catch spills before they ruin your little one's too cute duds. The soft cotton terry bib is easy to put on and adjust thanks to the velcro closure. It also washes really well and the white makes it possible to bleach out unsightly stains. Once your little one can eat without the mess it will also make a really good art smock. I would get four of these - one for each feeding and then a spare for the diaper bag. Instead of 4 wardrobe changes and 2 loads of wash - I just toss the bibs into the washer at night and then we are good to go in the morning. So much easier than trying to get the stains out of 3 outfits (some never come out). You can get your own Learner's Bib from the Baggino site and you can choose from 5 different color options for it's trim.

9.11.2009

Qlubb

Just in time for the new school year is a very handy site for staying organized. Qlubb is a great resource for all types of groups to stay organized from PTA to sports teams. I found it to be a great asset when it comes to my son's preschool. They are frequently having parties or special events and with the help of Qlubb there is an easy to manage sign up sheet instead of a thousand reply all emails. Qlubb is free to use and includes helpful features like a shared group calendar, group invites, automatic task/event reminders, dedicated url, and even allows for photo sharing. So now when another mother takes a wonderful picture of my son at preschool she can post it on Qlubb and I can easily see a photo I would have never had access to before. If there is any group in your life that you are struggling to manage this is the site for you

. Recently Qlubb partnered with Citizen Pip. Take a moment to check out one of their really cool eco-friendly lunch systems. Trust me on this one - you want this lunch box set. It comes complete with an adorable insulated lunch box with a cute nametag, a stainless steel water bottle, 4 bpa free airtight food containers, and 5 100% cotton napkins. If my son doesn't use his - it is so mine! I love the airtight food containers - they are perfect for his grapes and keeping crumbs and pbj smears out of his lunchbox.

7.28.2009

Bellybar

When you are pregnant deciding what to eat can be a bit of a chore. It's difficult to find nutritious snacks for your developing child that you also want to eat. Bellybar has several products that were made especially for new and expectant mothers. They are filled with healthy ingredients like omega-3 DHA, iron, and folate (all important to a growing baby and it's mother). I have to carry snacks to get through the day when I am pregnant or nursing. Without the constant pick me up I always get light headed or queasy. Usually my snacks consist of junk food so for me it was really nice to find a line of products that not only taste good but I know are good for me and my baby. The convenient packaging makes them easy to keep next to the door and toss in your bag before you head out. Bellybar has bars, shakes, and chews. I love the bars! They are my favorite and come in 4 tasty flavors. The delicious chews come in citrus on board and chocolate cuddles. And you can choose between a vanilla dreams shake or a due for chocolate shake. You will quickly crave the healthy but delectable tastes of Bellybar products and something tells me you will keep wanting them long after your baby has become a toddler.

6.18.2009

Constructive Eating

This is the first thing I have discovered short of duck tape and rope that gets my son to sit still & eat his food at the dinner table. The Constructive Eating Utensil Set is the perfect way to make dinnertime fun. Now instead of repeating "Sit down" and "Eat your dinner" I get to say things like "try using the Fork Lift to pick up those green beans" and "See if the Front Loader can scoop up your apple sauce". Don't knock it till you have tried it because I can promise you it works on my 3 year old. Dinner is now running a close second to playtime and my meal is finally enjoyable. The Constructive Eating Utensil Set is made without using lead, bpa, pvc, phthalates and is fully complaint with the CPSIA of 2008. So you can also feel good knowing that this toy like utensil set is perfectly safe to put in your little one's mouth. You can pick up your own set online at Constructive Eating and you should also check out their hot of the press Construction Plate.

6.15.2009

Lady Fortunes

I have a huge sweet tooth. I can't get enough of all things sugary. I even keep a huge stash of candy in my bedside drawer. Every time I complain about my failure to lose the baby gut my husband kindly reminds me that it isn't a baby gut anymore...it's a candy gut. Lady Fortunes has a selection that is so much better than candy. When I received a box of their delicious goodies - I must confess I ate 4 of the Classic Belgian Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats before I showed anyone else the treats

(sadly I showed them the treats about 15 minutes after their arrival). They are seriously delicious!

The Confetti

Chocolate Dipped Oreos are insane. They are so rich and divine. I love the cute little sprinkles that decorate some of them. Even cooler though is the option to have a photo put onto your cookies. You can actually eat them too! It would make for a truly unique birth announcement. I also love the idea of having your ultrasound photo put on the Oreo Picture Cookies and using that as a unique way to tell the good baby news! The full selection of goodies from Lady Fortunes are all beautifully made and

spare nothing when it comes to taste! I think that it is time to do some updating on my bedside candy stash. Those Belgian Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats have a home there from here on out. Lady Fortunes is the perfect place to feed your sweet tooth or to get a gift that they won't soon forget!

6.03.2009

Chobani Greek Yogurt

Delicious. Chobani Greek Yogurt is a nutritious and delicious way to improve your daily diet. I am loving the yummy yogurts filled with real fruit on the bottom. They taste fresh and they just feel healthy. Chobani's yogurt is all natural and made with hormone free milk and low in sugar. It's a healthy 0% fat snack that has become a permanent part of our family's diet. My husband is completely hooked on it and even my 3 year old is a fan! I didn't even realize it before eating Chobani but their yogurt is a great way to get protein. It comes in 6 different flavors (blueberry, strawberry, peach, vanilla, honey, and original) and I can personally attest to their fantastic taste! You can find out more & also locate them at a store near you by visiting the Chobani website.

6.02.2009

Celsius

A great tasting alternative to soda that actually helps you burn calories! A single serving of Celsius raises your metabolism by giving you more energy, alertness, and even focus. Sounds like what I should have been drinking before final exams. Studies have shown that just one Celsius can burn up to 100 calories and raise your metabolism by 12% (on average). It also provides sustained energy for up to 3 hours. I was surprised that it tasted so good and it managed to do all of the above. It is a great way to start off your morning and get a jump start on the day's tasks. It makes a great replacement for soda and it is a much healthier option. Celsius has no chemical preservatives, no carbs, no sugar, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and is very low in sodium. It's also made using healthy ingredients like Green Tea with EGCG, Ginger, Calcium, Chromium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It comes in 7 delicious flavors - lemon-lime, ginger-ale, cola, orange, wild berry, green tea peach mango, and gtreen tea raspberry acai. You can find them at retailors like Kroger, Walgreens, and many more. Visit Celsius to find out more and locate the calorie burning beverage near you!

5.21.2009

Annie Chun's

I am a chinese takeout junkie. I just can't get enough and I was so excited to discover Annie Chun's in my local grocery store. Not only does her line of delicious foods feed my addiction for Asian food but they are also healthy. I love her noodle bowls and they are 100% natural and free of both MSG & preservatives. They even come packaged in a bio-degradable bowl. I am all for eating healthier and when it comes ready to go in a matter of minutes - I can not pass that up. Convinience is very important to me. Annie Chun's line of yummy meals includes soups, noodles, rice, and even sushi. You can even buy her sauces to use on the meals you prepare. All of her food is afforadable - you can get a Kung Pao Noodle Bowl for only $3.49!

Check out Annie Chun's online today to see the full range of Asian meals and you can shop there as well!

Metromint

Metromint is delicious mint water. You won't find anything in each bottle except what you would expect - just pure water & real mint (no sugars or sweeteners). Metromint uses mint grown pesticide-free in Washington and then blends it with water that has been purified using reverse-osmosis. They even make sure that the bottling process is perfect because they bought their own bottling plant. Each bottle of Metromint has a freshness date stamp laser etched into it.

Not only is Metromint committed to bringing you a high quality and pure beverage it also has made sure to bring you a delightful flavor! There are 6 different mint varieties to choose from - my favorite is the tangy lemonmint!

Metromint will also benefit your body. It will stimulate your nerves sending a cooling sensation throughout your body - this just might make a hot summer day a little more bearable. It will also soothe your stomach and can even help clear out your nasal passages when you have a cold. Mint can combat tension and ease aching muscles, making Metromint a great beverage for relaxing. Then there is the obvious benefit - minty fresh breath! How many drinks actually make your breath fresher? Perfect beverage for date night!

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