All I want for Christmas is...Hair Extensions??

Let me start by saying that Christmas with a 3 year old is F-U-N, FUN!!! The magic of the season has officially returned to this house and I will forever be grateful to my little R for that. I can only imagine how much fun it will be to watch her and little bro B anticipate the big day in years to come! Makes this mama smile just thinking about it!

This was the first year that R was able to come up with a list of her own for Santa....you know, the usual: a bike, skates, Lalaloopsie doll, pony.....all the usual suspects. And the jolly man in red was good to this family...very good. Most of the items on her list were checked off one by one on Christmas morning. Then she opened it....an unassuming silver package with a big white bow on it. It was from her cousin S....her role model in all things "little girl". Sure enough, inside that paper, was a Rapunzel Hair Care set. A pink and purple backpack filled with all things hair care related....pink hair ties, pink brushes, pink mirrors, pink hair gel, and.... wait for it.....hair extensions (blond....with pink clips of course).

Immediately, skates, bikes, dolls, and Santa were forgotten about and all she could focus on was getting these additional tresses fastened perfectly into her already too-pretty-for-a-three-year-old hair. To be honest, they creeped me out. Other people's hair grosses me out....my own hair grosses me out sometimes. Their not-quite-human-hair, not-quite-barbie-hair quality was unsettling to me, but in the spirit of Christmas, I fastened these beauties in her Christmas morning bed-head.

As luck would have it, they matched perfectly...I mean Brittany Spears would have been jealous of how good these things looked...heck, I was a little jealous of how good they looked. She spent the next 20 minutes admiring herself in the pink plastic mirror I  mentioned before. Oh vanity starts early doesn't it.....sigh.....

The real humor and dilemma starts now as the shear forgivability of Christmas Day is behind us and we are getting back to the normal routine. Those who know me, know how anti-Toddles and Tiaras I am...I struggle with whether or not we should paint her finger nails yet. Alas, she talks obsessively about her "hair extensions" and how she is so happy that Santa brought her what she asked for. Please note, she did not ask Santa for them and had they actually been on her list, Santa would have received the Cliff Notes version....no fake tresses.  I can only imagine the talk amongst the pre-school teachers when she tells them about her very favorite Christmas gift....

Note to self: Check R's backpack when she heads back to school next week. Remove any fake hair...

Lesson learned from this.....you can make sure your little love received everything on their list for Christmas, but inevitably, the very favorite gift will be one that they don't ask for, you would never buy them, and you secretly....very secretly, covet.

May you all enjoy these final days of 2012! Cheers!!

Recipe: Baby Gazpacho

Baby it's cold outside....I mean seriously, it's like 60 degrees here in Phoenix! Ridiculous I tell ya...

While we are breaking out the Uggs here in AZ, I am well aware of the fact that the vast majority of the country is WAY colder than it is here and I am forever grateful for not having to shovel snow of assemble snow chains ever again! So from my sunny little corner of the country, I am declaring that we bring a little bit of summer back into our lives this winter. In our baby food at least....hey, it's an improvement!

Let's make Gazpacho (from www.littlegreenpouch.com)!

Baby Gazpacho

Mama Chef Extraordinaire:  Liz Grimm, Copperas Cove, TX

When to Introduce: 12 months (always check with your pediatrician)

Why We Love It: Tomatoes and bell peppers are good sources of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. And if you add the optional flax seed you'll get a good dose of fiber.

Ingredients:
1 tomato
1 cucumber
1/2 green bell pepper
1 tbsp flax seed (optional)

Directions: Puree everything together. Sometimes this ends up way too watery, and the little one needs some fiber, so feel free to toss in a tbsp of flax seed, which helps gel things together a bit more and adds some fiber to her diet!

Servings:Makes about 8 ounces

Pure Yumminess friends!!

Little Green Pouch Multi-Pack GIVEAWAY!!!

Tis the season for giving and to get in on the spirit, we are giving away a multi-pack of one of our very favorite things: Little Green Pouch (as previously raved about right here on the blog).

Wanna get in on the giveaway?? It's simple and you can earn up to 4 entries with the simple steps below! Contests runs until midnight 12/28/12 and winner will be selected at random and announced on our Facebook page!!!

Here is how you can earn your 4 entries:

1. Leave a comment below with what Yumminess you plan to put in your Little Green Pouch (we LOVE recipes from our fans)
2. "Like" our Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know! If you already "like" us, Thank You, please leave a comment below letting us know that and you can have an entry too!
3. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know that you did so!
4. Become a follower of the blog!! To do so, simply click "Join This Site" in the right hand toolbar and become a member....that way you never miss out on the yumminess! Oh, and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know you did so!

OK, that's that! Get your giveaway on friends!!! Happy Friday!!!

Recipe: Carrot Nectarine Smoothie

One of the (many....) things that we mamas tend to worry about with our little ones and making sure that they are packing in all the vitamins and nutrients into their diets that are so essential for good health and growth. Especially when it comes to toddlers, they are so on-the-move that it seems like they eat only a few good bites of food a day. As a mama to two of those little critters, I can tell you first hand that I spent many a meals stressing about if they were getting all the good stuff they needed.

Enter AWESOME smoothie recipes!!!

So many kiddos love smoothies....and really, what is not to love? They are fruity deliciousness that can cleverly disguise a meal chalk full of the good stuff your little love needs to keep on top of the growing game!! And the best part....some kiddos (mine included), see smoothies as dessert! Score one for the mama crowd!!

So, to get your creative smoothie making juices flowing (no pun intended....well, maybe a little intended).....here is an awesome recipe from our friends at Little Green Pouch (www.littlegreenpouch.com) to get you started!

Carrot Nectarine Smoothie

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Little Green Pouch Test Kitchen, Chef Maggie

When to Introduce:  4 - 6 months (always ask your pediatrician if you have concerns)

 

Ingredients:

8 oz. carrot juice

1 cup nectarines

Directions: Rinse nectarines, pit and chop into chunks. Freeze. Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If your baby doesn’t like cold foods, omit the freezing.

Servings: About 12 ounces

Why we love it: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and are said to have cancer preventing and anti-aging properties. Nectarines are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A and they contain a great amount of fiber. They are also a natural laxative. Now that is a combination any mama can love!!

Yummy in the tummy friends!!!

Nourished

For this week's Working Girl Wednesday, we turn to a pair of long-time friends and super mamas, Shelly and Hayley, who started up a little business called Nourished (www.nourishedfoods.com). From careers in retail and land development, these girls have found their passion in helping others to "elevate their home cooking" through beautiful compound butters and traditionally made bone broths.

As a foodie of a different breed, these ladies are a true inspiration to me and I know they will be to you as well. Let's learn a bit more about this dynamic duo, shall we?

Tell Us About Your Business:

Shelly: "Nourished LLC, crafts classic European culinary components. Nourished currently offers 6 flavors of artisan, compound butters as well as traditionally made, local, grass-fed beef broth and pastured chicken broth. Seasonally, they also offer bouquet garni, caramelized tomato paste, locally sourced boullion, and a few classic French sauces. "Elevate your home cooking” with JUST the addition of these classic elements to give incredible depth to your meals. Nourished spends hours simmering, roasting, whipping, and preparing, using classic cooking techniques, so that the home cook can just drop them into their meals in minutes. Turn your simple meals - gourmet, easily with the additions of butters, bouillon and broths!"

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?:

Shelly: "A pastry chef in the 90's. Land development and land use planning in the 2000's for about 9 years."

Hayley:" Hmmm, what didn't I do? I was an art major, then I did retail management in CO, television production in CA, tried out more retail in NYC, business analyst back in AZ, had a ceramics business with my mother in MN, became a mother and now we are Nourished!"

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

Hayley: "Being a mother of 2 kids it's so hard to commit to going back to work full time, but it's also hard to not have something to feed your brain and your creativity. Shelly and I have been friends for almost 14 years, we both were ready for this!"  

Shelly: "I became a full-time, stay-at-home mom in 2010, which was a deviation from the original plan to work part-time...but a blessing none the less. I knew then that it'd be tough to re-enter any type of workforce again after staying at home with kids, particularly one that was satisfying to me, creative, and drew upon my skills. I had a feeling that I may have to "invent" a position or a career for myself, and felt that NOW was the best time to start laying the groundwork for that future. My business partner Hayley Ellis is one of my oldest and dearest friends who had recently finished a culinary program. It just made sense to go back to my creative, culinary roots, and to do it alongside of Hayley, was such a comfort and security - her strengths are my weaknesses and vice versa. Nourished is currently a part-time business for both of us with the potential to be full-time, all the time, whenever we are ready for that. It feels great to have that kind of flexibility and ownership in a business."

What has been your greatest professional success to date? 

Hayley: "I think our biggest success is how fast we can pull stuff together. Last year we were doing pies in tiny mason jars. They were adorable! Shelly had a baby and I was unsure of the future of Nourished but we decided in August to regroup and we started doing butters and really pulled together the product, the branding, licensing, commercial kitchen access etc in record time."

How about biggest lesson learned?

Shelly:" Grow small, controlled, and organically but dream BIG and wildly! Continuously seek input and guidance from trusted and established similar business owners - you won't believe how willing people are to share their experiences and they can save you time and money. It's often just as much effort and expense to produce twice the amount of product, so do it large scale and save. "

What is next on the horizon for Nourished?

Hayley: "We are hoping to expand to local markets, possibly online sales of our broth, we are just starting sales at Old Town Scottsdale Farmer's Market on Saturdays which we are very excited about!"

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your go-to one liner?

Shelly: "The ONLY one asking ME to tell jokes these days is my 2 year old, and so this one's for him; Did you hear the joke about butter? No? Well I butter not tell you then. You might spread it." 

Hayley: "Ugh. I am known for not liking jokes! I love real life humor and I love to laugh and make people laugh, but there's too much pressure in jokes. Ha!"

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year old self? 

 Hayley: "Hang tight little lady, you are in for a ride..." 

Shelly: "Wow, so much to tell that girl - but she'll have a hard time listening to even me! You live a charmed life and wont fully realize that until it gets harder. It will get harder, but richer too. Stay FEARLESS, and when you're scarred, just start TRYING things and rule them out one by one. You're smarter and better in school than you give yourself credit for-so KEEP LEARNING. Your sister becomes your best friend believe it or not, and you'll need your mom lots, especially when you're super old like 37! The adults aren't around forever so spend more time with them and make memories. Your girlfriends now will always be your girlfriends so invest in them too. It's never as hard as you think and when it feels like a struggle it always passes eventually. You're awesome and do awesome things so never stop believing it! And P.S. you do end up really happy with a full life and with a Prince (or three) in the end! 

 

 Inspired? Want to learn more about Nourished? Check out their website at

www.nourishedfoods.com

ReUsies

Here at At First Bite, one of our main missions in life is making life easier for parents, but even better is when we can make life easier for parents AND do a little something to help our environment as well! So, in our quest for products that fit this bill, we stumbled upon an ultra-cool company called "ReUsies" (www.reusies.com). Started by two mamas in the Seattle area, ReUsies are a re-usable alternative to snack and sandwich baggies. Each one has the potential to keep hundreds of plastic bags out of our landfills.

At the start of the new school year, the founders of ReUsies  realized that their families were going through an average of 10 plastic bags per day between school and work lunches. They did their best to reuse and recycle in other areas of their lives, but there just didn’t seem to be a solution to the plastic sandwich bags they were using. ReUsies were developed for their waste-free quality, but many customers primary reason for purchasing the product is to eliminate plastic from being in direct contact with their family’s food. Multiple great purposes for this super cool product!

ReUsies come in two handy dandy sizes: Snack and Sandwich. The snack size holds a half sandwich or whole sandwich with the crust cut off! It is good for smaller quantities of crackers, pretzels, apple slices, etc.The sandwich size holds a typical "grown up"- sized sandwich, full bagel, or larger quantity of snacks.AND, they are super easy to clean. ReUsies can be machine washed and dried, washed in the dishwasher, or  simply wiped clean with a soapy sponge and air dried. They are 100% cotton, lined with leak-resistant nylon. ReUsies are free of BPA and phthalates. They are also CPSIA compliant and meet the FDA standards for food safety, which makes them safe for everyday food use.


Good stuff right?!?!

I have been fortunate enough to get to test drive some of these beauties over the past week or so, and I have to say that I am in LOVE! This past weekend was crazy with holiday activities, and as the mama of a 3 year old and a 16 month old, I never leave the house without a slew of snacks packed in my mama-bag. Often, I resort to plastic sandwich bags....much like the mamas who founded ReUsies. No more!!! I am resolving to build my collection of ReUsies in the new year! And as an added bonus, these bags come in SUPER CUTE fabric patterns and are sure to have other mamas asking you where you got such a nifty accessory! And who doesn't want to feel like one cool mama??

Wanna give ReUsies a try??

Visit their website at www.reusises.com to learn more and even place an order!

This is definitely one of the things we LOVE!!!

Hug your kids....

With my children tucked safely into their beds napping this afternoon, the tears can finally stream down my face. The events of this week, have left me, and the majority of this nation, emotionally drained. There simply are no words that can be put to a tragedy such as that that happened earlier today in Newtown, Connecticut. The crime is unspeakable and the tears this nation is shedding are not limited to the families in the idyllic New England community. This crime has brought mothers, fathers, newsmen, and world leaders to tears. 26 lives brought to an end, 20 of whom are children whose light had not yet had a chance to fully shine on this world. I am not one to use the term "It's not fair...", but this afternoon, my soul aches and that phrase runs through my mind over and over again.

When I head the news of the shooting in Oregon earlier this week, I was shocked. It hit so close to home. Only about 2 miles from our former home in Happy Valley, I walked that mall countless times, often with my children, never fearing for what terrible tragedy could happen. I know if I went back today, my sentiments would not be the same. Life forever changed in a moment.

The news of today's tragedy, though physically thousands of miles from my current home, tore through my heart and my soul like no news story ever has before. Just 18 months older than my sweet R, were so many of the victims. As they sat in their classroom, the place that is supposed to be just as safe as their own home (if not even safer), they fell witness to an act that no human should ever have to be a part of. Not as an adult. And most certainly not as a child. Even those who were fortunate enough to return to the arms of their waiting parents, face a lifetime of recovery and healing. Their innocence taken far too early.

As news of the event unraveled today, I watched quietly on my laptop as my daughter sang along with Elmo on Sesame Street, blissfully unaware of the terror that had just taken place. I can't tell you how many times I went over and hugged her tight during those minutes.  I am fortunate enough that she and 16 month old B, are not yet aware of such events. I don't yet have to answer the hard questions. At least not from her.....

The hard questions come from my own heart. How do I, as a mother, make sure that my children are safe? How do I protect them from the evil in the world? How do I maintain their innocence as long as possible? Where does one draw the line between protecting, and sheltering?

Unfortunately, there is no parenting book written that can answer these. The rules are not written when it comes to events such as those that unfurled today. As the daughter of a mental health professional, my educated self knows, that mental illness is a powerful force. It can drive people to do the unthinkable. There is no doubt in my mind, that the shooter in this crime, was indeed a very ill individual.

My emotional self, my maternal self, cannot accept that as an excuse. However, I know that I simply cannot withdraw my children from the reality that is our society. Pretending that bad people and bad things don't exist, is simply turning a blind eye and does not solve the problems of the world. I can however, raise them to know what is right from what is wrong. I can teach them tolerance and acceptance and what it means to be a compassionate human being. By wrapping them in my own love, I can teach them to love in return. I can raise them as well as any of us know how...and hope that when I send them out to brave this world on their own, they will remember the feel of my arms wrapped around them and "be the change they wish to see in the world."  And maybe, just maybe, it will be a more peaceful world than it is today. I can only hope....

There simply are no words to express the deep sorrow that I feel for the families of all of the victims of this week's events. There are no words that can bring them back to their loving families. There are no words that will allow those 20 children to live out the joys of their lives,  birthdays, graduations, weddings, and having children of their own.  All that I can do is work through those tough questions of my own, allow myself to shed some tears, and hug my children a little tighter tonight.

May the world begin to heal and find some sense of peace as we move into 2013.

Recipe: Rhubarbsauce

As we discussed in a post earlier this week, Tis the Season for sniffles....lots of them! As adults, we are able to load up on the vitamin C when we feel a tinge of the sniffles coming around. That can be harder to do with our little ones since citrus can be tough on tiny tummies. But, did you know that Grandma's Rhubarb Pie is packed full of Vitamin C also?? Neither did I!!! Until today!

With this simple recipe from the Little Green Pouch website (www.littlegreenpouch.com), you can help your little love boost his immune system this cold season with some Yumminess! Behold my friends, Rhubarbsauce!!!

Rhubarbsauce

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Little Green Pouch Test Kitchen, Chef Maggie

When to Introduce: As early as 6 months (always check with your pediatrician)

Why we Love It: Rhubarb is an excellent source of Vitamin C, high in dietary fiber and a good source of calcium.  Apples pack in quite a bit of soluble fiber and are also high in Vitamin C.

Ingredients:
2 cups rhubarb, about 3 stalks
¼ cup water
Apple juice (if needed)
~ 2 cups store bought applesauce

Directions: Remove the ends from the rhubarb stalks. Wash, and roughly chop. Simmer with water, covered, until very tender, about 10 minutes. Add rhubarb to a blender or food processor, along with any remaining liquid. Puree.  (Add a bit of apple juice if needed to get the rhubarb moving.) Add one part pureed rhubarb to two parts applesauce.  Fill your containers of choice and chill!

Servings: About 3 cups (Enough for 4 FULL pouches)

Modifications:  Make your own applesauce if you are feeling a little extra surge of Super Mama-ness!

That's it friends! Easy as pie....actually, WAY easier than pie!!

Parties on Purpose

I couldn't be more excited to kick off our "Working Girl Wednesday" blog series today by featuring a company owned by an amazing woman and mom that I have had the pleasure of meeting several times now through the small business community here in Phoenix! Her name is Jamila Watson and she the owns the INCREDIBLY fun business, Parties on Purpose (www.partiesonpurpose.com)

She inspires me....and I know she will inspire you too! Here is her story:

Tell us about your business:

"My business is called Parties On Purpose which is children's party and event planning company. We are a service for busy moms and dads that would like to plan an amazing party for their child but may not have the time or may need a little help. Each of our themed parties includes a fun activity that celebrates the birthday child's friendships and all of their guests get to participate! We also provide services for companies that plan family or kids events."

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I worked as a Retail Manager and Area Manager for Estee Lauder, Mac Cosmetics and L'Occitane for a total of 15 years. While being a wife and raising 2 daughters, balancing my home life and work became more challenging especially since I was traveling so much. My heart and my head told me to do something a different. I have always had a love for children, so I opened an in home daycare. It was hard work but very fulfilling and best of all I could finally stay home with my kids. While running New Discoveries for almost 2 years, I became a Girl Scout leader and Worship Leader/ Dance Teacher for a Children's Ministry. Little did I know, all of these experiences lead me to my true passion...children's entertainment and planning."

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I have always wanted to be a business owner. Working in retail for many years and given the opportunity and the responsibility of running theses accounts really gave me a taste of how it is to run a business. When I opened my first MAC store in Philly, it was the best experience ever. Through the different stages of it's construction, ordering, organizing, hiring of staff and training, I just imaged opening my own store one day!"

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"My greatest success truly is when I get feedback on how the birthday child and friends had such an amazing time or when parents are so happy and are less stressed during the celebration. Also, being able to provide services for such great organizations as Desert Ridge Marketplace, The Boys and Girls Club of greater Scottsdale, Windgate Ranch, Aviano, Fireside at Desert Ridge and many more."

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"My biggest lesson has been "focus". In the beginning stages of building my business I was being pulled in many directions and doing everything and being everywhere. When I finally looked at my life and scaled back and had a razor like focus on my priorities...God, family, business, so many opportunities opened up for Parties On Purpose. If I had to give advice to someone starting a business it would be to set your "office hours", set your goals the day before, have a clean and organized office or work area and stay focused. It is amazing what one can achieve with a few hours of focused time, even if it's just 2 hours. Your hard work and dedication will surely pay off!"

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"We have many things in the works including partnering with more companies, adding more themes, hiring more staff and one little secret thing that we will start working on in 2013. More news to follow!"

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"When I am not being "Super Business Owner Woman", I am the mini van driver, cook, dish washer and homework helper...ha-ha! You can also find me hiking, watching Bravo, reading, dancing and singing!"
 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Wow, wish I had a trick. Guess I'd be dancing, even at a cocktail party!"

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"No one would ask me that, I'm not very good...ha-ha! I am usually one of the funny ones in the group but not with jokes. Just with comments or stories. Maybe that will be one of my goals...to learn some one-liners!! Maybe they have a book in the library...One-liners for dummies!" 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self? 

"After I gave myself a hug and a kiss, I would tell myself that you can do anything in life as long as you believe in yourself, set goals and stay focused. Continue to be true to yourself, have good character, help those in need and have faith in God always!"

 Inspired? Want to learn more about Parties on Purpose? Check out their website at www.partiesonpurpose.com 

Tis the season....for sick kiddos.....

Let me give a "shout out" to winter cold/stomach bug/flu season...."Boo Hiss.....you suck winter cold/stomach bug/flu season." You really, truly do. To the Nth degree....with a cherry on top.

There really is nothing sadder than a sick baby...

I am not one to typically air my grievances on Facebook or social media, but seeing as how about every other post I see from my mama friends right now is about sick kiddos, I feel I am in good company to vent....just a little.  Just today did we dip below 70 degree here in the Valley of the Sun, and  yes, we broke out the Uggs and ugly Christmas sweaters. No, winter is not even officially here, but someone forgot to tell that to my cute little germ-laden minis. I mean seriously, since Thanksgiving, we have had no less than about 34 different types of sick bugs floating around the casa. I will spare you any graphic details, but let's just be clear that we have had no shortage of paper products gone through and infinite loads of laundry done. I'm kinda over it. No, I take that back....I am REALLY over it.

When it comes to medical drama, I am pretty much drama free. I am proud to say that in the 3.5 years that I have been a mama, we have only been to the ped 2 times for anything other than a well-baby check. This past week was one of those times....and I got the answer I expected. "Tis the season...just gonna have to ride it out."  Reassuring,  yes. Completely frustrating, hell yes. But all you can do is buckle in and take it one day, and one bottle of Gatorade, at a time.

As I sit here with all of my fingers and toes crossed...and knocking on wood at the same time....I can say that I am hoping the worst is behind us. For this round anyway.

So, rather than sit here and complain some more, let's offer up some advice shall we? Medically proven...although I am not an MD so take it for what its worth (I was a physiology major in school...that's gotta count for something right?):

Wash your hands
Get your flu shots (all around!)
Don't send your kiddo to school sick
Trust your mama instincts - you know more than you think
Love on those little germ monsters even more than usual
Wash your hands again (especially after doing the above)

Cheers to cold and flu season!! May it pass quickly without invading your home the way it has ours...Now, you must excuse me...I must return to bleaching every surface in my house!

Eureka! We have found it...

Toddler Nirvana that is.....

Is it Lego Land? Is is Sesame Place? Is it that giant toy store with the super cool dancing piano in the movie "Big"? No, nope, no way Jose.....

It's the cabinet design store. Yep, that's right my friends....never saw a Groupon for that little adventure did ya? Well, let's keep it that way so that we don't get everyone all excited and find the place super crowded (not that that EVER happens when I buy my various Yoga/Mani-Pedi deals on said website...). But seriously friends, this place is the bees knees.

I had been dreading the appointment all week knowing that I would be having to tend to my newly-walking and overly excited about pretty much everything little dude, while trying to carry on an adult conversation about cherry versus oak, self closing versus probably-gonna-pinch-your-kiddos'-fingers-at-some-point drawers. You know, first world problems right?!?!

Well, let me tell you, one step inside that door and little B's eyes lit up like he had just come face to face with the biggest, most delicious Oreo cookie ever (he loves Oreo cookies....at least the one he got from the nice sample lady at Costco...perhaps the 2nd best place ever with a toddler ). I set him down and he was off the wall-o-cabinet-doors. The possibilities were endless. For the next 20 minutes, he walked door to door like a little magazine salesman and opened each and every one, looked back at me, babbled some commentary on the design elements and craftsmanship and flashed those killer dimples. All the glory of the cabinet game at home with none of the unpleasant crankiness from mom when she has to clean up all the Tupperware for the 18th time that week. And, none of those pesky baby locks! He could throw all caution to the wind and open and close to his little heart's content.

Ten times the fun of a giant Oreo cookie without all the uncontrollable chocolate baby drool that comes with it - seriously, that drool is embarrassing. And gross.

When his interest in the wall-o-doors started to wane, my anxiety rose as I feared the toddler melt-down was impending. One glance across the showroom to the wall-o-self-closing-drawers and he was in love once again! He toddled right over and I didn't see his face for the next 25+ minutes....just the back of his adorable little mussed up hair (does anyone else out there have a kid with hair like a troll doll in the back? It's cute...but I kinda want to dye it bright blue or something...)

In review... Looking for some cheap (OK FREE) entertainment for your little one? Don't want to deal with the crowds at the play place? The cabinet design place just may be place for your next baby date! Bring a cup o Joe and settle in at one of the sparkly, new couter tops....don't worry, if it gets crowded, there are MANY counters to sit at. Just make sure you don't actually buy any cabinets....no longer a cheap play date.

Tips for toddler survival! Brought to you by this mom o two!

Recipe: Coconut Protein "Smoothie"

One of the concerns I hear over and over again from parents of little ones is that it can be SO difficult to get them to eat and enjoy protein. In this super yummy recipe from the good folks at Little Green Pouch (www.littlegreenpouch.com), we take a step outside the chicken/beef/turkey baby food box and explore....dum dum duuuummmmm.....Tofu!!!

Now, I fully realize that tofu is a polarizing food. Some love it, some hate it, some won't touch it because it jiggles when you shake it. Regardless of your affinity or hatred for this super food, toss your preconceived notions aside and let baby give it a try!! Chances are, they are gonna love it!! Especially with these super yummy mix-ins in this recipe!

Squeezy Food "Ella Style"

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Mom Mackenzie

 

When to Introduce: 12 months (always check with your pediatrician if you have questions)

Why We Love It: Coconut milk is rich in phosphorus, an essential nutrient that the body needs for strengthening bones. And all rambunctious littles could use that! And of course, TOFU!!! Tofu is a great source of protein - something that can be tough to get your little love to enjoy.

 

Ingredients:

Equal parts tofu (raw from the fridge) and butternut squash (roasted from fresh squash or thawed from pureed squash found in freezer section)

1/2 banana, frozen or fresh

Few shakes of pumpkin pie spice

Coconut milk (or other desired liquid)

Directions: Blend until desired consistency is reached.

Simple as that my friends!! Enjoy!!!

Elf induced stress.....

This year, we gave in. We are now one of the 99.95% of American homes with kids under the age of 17.5 that have an Elf on The Shelf. His name is Timmy....named in honor of Rs first little boyfriend up in Oregon. He is tiny and cute....much like his namesake. You know the mug I am talking about. Chances are you have one creepily perched some place in your home as we speak...an Elf....not the real Timmy.

We are only just wrapping up the first 24 hours of the Elf visiting our home (I know, I know....all the super mamas in the world make sure the Elf arrives on Thanksgiving....) so the jury is still out over whether or not this clever little consumer product is worth its weight in gold as so many say it is. I gotta say, I have my doubts. Oh sure, so far my 3 1/2 year old seems to be under his spell. She apologized when she "patted her brother on the back" (read: hit her brother in an altercation over a weeble wobble) and she actually ate a few crumbs of her lunch when I asked her too. But I am a little concerned that I may be causing some emotional damage by introducing this tiny stalker into our home.  Both she and her sweet B (only 16 months old) are both sort of looking over their shoulders all day....glancing suspiciously around for Timmy the Elf.  Paranoid much? My kiddos are clearly headed that way.....but at least they will be well-behaved little paranoids.

And then there is me. It is 3:45 in the afternoon and I am already stressing out about where the Elf will land tonight when comes back from the North Pole. Thanks to social media sites like Pinterest and Facebook, there is some SERIOUS pressure and competition out there for who can be the best Elf poser....and ladies and gentlemen, some people are Elffin Crazy about this whole deal. While I not-so-secretly admire those of your that pose the Elf in a recreation of The Last Supper or amid a flash-mob consisting of Barbies, Lalaloopsies and My Little Ponies....I fear I don't have it in me.

Thus, my Elf is perched quite literally, on the shelf. I am a rule follower, what can I say.

Ok, so I am officially an Elf on the Shelf underachiever. The good news? My kiddos have no idea how to log onto Pinterest...yet. So, until they do, Timmy is still magical.....even though his nightly return does not involve his making baked goods in our home, decorating the bathroom mirror with lipstick, or crafting elaborate snowflakes with tiny elf sized scissors....

So now back to the question at hand.... Where the Elf will Timmy land tonight?

I have a lot of shelves....the possibilities are endless.