Top 5 Easy Tricks To Make Food Your Medicine

We are all familiar with basic foods that help our immune system and help us fight disease, but did you know that you might not be using those foods correctly to release their maximum potential? Here are my Top 5 Easy Tricks to maximize the healing benefits of what you're probably already using:

1. Garlic: Smash your raw garlic, then let it sit in the open air for 15 minutes before using it in your cooking. This will help activate and preserve the disease fighting enzymes so they aren't destroyed as much in cooking.
   
2. Tumeric: When using tumeric, always use black pepper as well. The black pepper will increase the bioavailability of the tumeric so that your body can actually benefit from it!
   
3. Herbal Tea: To extract as many active ingredients as possible from a cup of tea, cover it while letting it steep.
   
4. Herbs: When possible, use fresh herbs instead of dry ones. You then eliminate the possibility of an herb having lost its potency.
   
5. Broth: For broths, make your own bone broth whenever you accumulate enough chicken or beef bones, divide into 1 cup portions, and freeze in individual baggies. When someone is sick, just pull a bag out and defrost! SO much more nutritious and beneficial than store bought broth, and this makes it super easy to have on hand.

Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookie Coupon

I'm hungry right now. I came to work at 7am and ended up sitting at a race track for 8.5 hours instead of providing EMS for the county due to last minute staff changes. Since I'm scheduled to be covering the county now until 6pm, I am sitting here blogging when I should really be pumping. You never know when someone's going to dial 9-1-1 and, well, wet spots on my shirt would be embarassing, so I really should be pumping now since I may have to leave at any moment. Anyway. I didn't bring any food with me today and I haven't gone out to buy any dinner, so I'm hungry. I did steal an ice-cream sandwich out of a big box of them in the freezer, but then I was just reading about new Milano cookies and realized that I'm still hungry. So no, they're probably not healthy, no, they're not organic, and no, I haven't tried them. But just in case you're standing in a grocery store while you read this, here's some money saving and delicious information for you:

Pepperidge Farm just released a NEW Strawberry Milano cookie (YUM!). They describe it as a

"fab little cookie deliciously pairs luscious strawberry filling with rich, dark chocolate for an irresistible, sweet indulgence that brings a moment of satisfaction to any day."

My own sweet summer moments? Being a SAHM for the first time, giving birth to my beautiful son, and then getting back into EMS. I would like to say that today's sweet summer moment also involves eating cookies, but alas, I'm still hungry.

Check it out!

• $1 off coupon: http://bit.ly/O2OdollaroffPF
• Pepperidge Farm Milano Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/MilanoFacebook

 

Yoplait Splitz Prize Package Review & Giveaway

I'm a big fan of yogurt, as anyone who has been reading my blog for a while knows. Because of that, I am always excited to do a review of any yogurt products. :-) I was sent a coupon and prize package from MyBlogSpark and Yoplait that gave me the opportunity to try one of Yoplait's new "Splitz" yogurts. There was quite a selection of different GoGurt types for me to choose, but all had some things in common: 1) it's marketed towards kids, and 2) it comes in a tube package instead of a cup. This lets you squeeze it into your mouth or freeze it and then eat it like a pop ice sort of desert.


I chose to try the "simply...GoGurt" yogurt. It contains NO high fructose corn syrup, NO artifical colors, and NO artificial flavors. That's a win for this mom! I only want to put natural, healthy food into my own and my kids' mouths. It can be quite the challenge and particularly if you want to buy something that is marketed towards kids (why that is, I don't know). We found that simply...GoGurt tastes good (although I wouldn't mind if it was less sweet), looks good, and feels good in your mouth. Yup, that's about all there is to it: it's good.


As part of the prize package, I was also sent a cool insulated picnic tote and roll up picnic blanket (one side is soft and the other is water proof) that I'm pleased to report are really cool and uber-handy for softball season. They are manufactered by Picnic Time and are of good quality. I have them ready to go in my basement for the next outing we have. :-)

What they say...

Now you can drive past your local sweet shop without looking back. Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves.

For an even “cooler” experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. Available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet, Yoplait Splitz is sure to have your family screaming for more.

Buy It!
Visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/7b3a/ to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Splitz today! 

Win It! One lucky reader will receive the same prize package I described above: a coupon for a free box of Yoplait Splitz, as well as a sweet insulated picnic bag and blanket. To win, all you have to do is follow me through Google Friends/reader (be a Blogger follower) and leave me a comment telling me why you want this package. Make sure you leave an email address and separate comment for each entry! Contest will end September 6th at noon, EST.

Please Read: *This coupon offer for a free pack of Yoplait Splitz is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Tennessee


Extra Entries:

• "Like" Yoplait on Facebook or Follow Yoplait on Twitter and let them know I sent you!
• Like Life More Simply on Facebook 
• Follow Life More Simply on Twitter
• Subscribe to Life More Simply by email (be sure to verify) 
• Two entries if you email 4 friends about this contest (CC “lifemoresimply(@)yahoo.com
• One entry per tweet about this contest (max: 3 tweets per day, at least one hour apart): #win a Yoplait Prize Package worth $50 from @LifeMoreSimply ! Enter at http://tinyurl.com/2g6pytn.
• Two entries for each time you share this on a parenting/contest forum or site (leave me the link!)
• Two entries if you have my button on your site (leave the link)

Note: this review is based on free products I received from MyBlogSpark and Yoplait. No other compensation was received and the opinions are mine.

Apple Cranberry Walnut Fruit Crisp Recipe

I'm a big fan of fruit crisps since they're so easy and delicious. Here is my healthy rendition of a fruit crisp. Enjoy!

Apple Cranberry Walnut Fruit Crisp Recipe

Apple Cranberry Walnut Fruit Crisp

Prep: 30 Minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 5 cups sliced apples (unpeeled for extra fiber)
• 1/4-1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup regular rolled oats
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (I use 1/4 C four and 1/4 C flaxseed meal for added nutritional benefit)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4-1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Place apples and cranberries  together in a 2-quart square baking dish.
2. Combine all of the rest of the ingredients together to make the topping. Mixture will resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle this topping over the fruit.
4. Bake in a 375f oven for 30-35 minutes or until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden.

Note: 1) This is great with vanilla icecream! 2) If you're like me, you want to double the topping portion. Don't. I already did it for you. :-)

Variation: if you're short on time, just use a can of pie filling in place of the fruit and put in the oven on your "broil" setting for a few minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Watch it--it won't take long to warm through!

So Easy baby food kit Review and Giveaway!

We as moms know that it's probably better for our babies to eat homemade baby food rather than prepared or processed baby food. Unfortunately, many parents are skeptical of their ability to prepare baby food —how to do it, if they’ll have enough time, and if it’s really worth the effort. It’s all become a simple thing to understand and accomplish though, since two moms have teamed up to provide you with the “So Easy Baby Food Kit.”

In the kit, you’ll find a 22-minute DVD that will teach the auditory and visual learner everything you’ll need to know in order to make baby food. Not only are you instructed on the actual preparing of baby food, but safety, nutrition, food storage, and health are all encapsulated in the “how to make baby food” disc. I thought it provided a clear, easy to understand, and not-obnoxious way of teaching families about infant food preparation.

Secondly in the kit is a “Personalized Guide to Making Baby Food at Home” 118-page spiral bound cookbook. It covers a lot of information but isn’t at all overwhelming and even includes space for you to document the early eating and feeding memories of your baby! Contents include:

·         Feeding Memories and Fun

·         Healthy Eating Habits

·         Benefits of Home-Prepared Baby Food

·         Introducing Solid Foods

·         Dietary Essentials for Your Baby’s Diet

·         Making and Serving Fresh Baby Food

·         Kitchen Tools

·         Safety Basics

·         Food Choices

·         Fresh Baby To Go

·         Managing Your Time—30 Minutes Per Week Is All Fresh Baby Takes

·         Fresh Baby Recipes (from “the perfect start” to over 12 months)

On top of all of that, you’ll also receive two high quality freezer trays. I like these better than the ice cube trays I’ve previously used for making baby food because these have lids, and are sturdier. They are BPA and phthalate-free…and are dishwasher safe to make your life easier!  While these aren’t a necessity to making your own food, they are definitely nice to have on hand.

The last thing this kit includes is actually one of my favorite components: a nutrition tips card. It’s the size of a regular sheet of paper and is laminated to protect the colorful print and illustrations. Not only does it contain quick to find information about nutrients, what foods should be introduced when, and a little bit about preparation, but it even contains safety information like first aid for choking. This card should be in every parent’s kitchen if she has young children!

Overall, I think this is a great product. Many people want to prepare their own baby food but are intimidated or don’t have the time to read a book about it. The Fresh Baby food kit honestly makes it as easy as can be. It’s a great starting point, easy to understand, and nicely arranged and professional. Great for the first-time food maker or as a baby shower gift!

You’ll also want to check out their website as it’s packed with lots of information including a blog, ideas for both toddlers and babies, and downloadable free recipes. http://FreshBaby.com.

BUY IT! Visit Freshbaby.com or Amazon.com. Retail cost is $37.95

WIN IT! The ladies at Fresh Baby are generously giving one of my readers her own Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit. To win, please visit their website and find something interesting to share here that no one else has shared yet. You must also be a subscriber of mine somehow (Google, Feedburner, Facebook, Twitter…you know, just pick one and tell me which one so I can verifty!). Contest will end on 8/29/10 at noon, EST. You MUST leave a separate comment with a valid email address in EACH entry! If the winner lives outside of the US, she may be responsible for shipping costs. Good luck!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

·         Grab an entry for each way that you follow Life More Simply: Blogger (Google Friend Connect), Feedburner, Email, Twitter, Facebook.

·         Three entries if you have my button (leave me the address)

·         One entry if you sign up for Fresh Baby’s email list

·         One entry per other current contest of mine that you’ve entered.

·         Two entries if you email 4 friends about this contest (CC “lifemoresimply(@)yahoo.com”)

·         One entry per tweet about this contest (max: 3 tweets per day, at least one hour apart): #win a So Easy Baby Food Kit from @LifeMoreSimply! http://tinyurl.com/freshbaby

·         Three entries: Spread the word on a parenting forum/message board/etc. (leave the link)
 

 Note: this review is based on a free sample provided by Fresh Baby. The opinions are all mine and I received no other compensation.

good earth Prize Pack Review and Giveaway!

I’m not a person who often buys prepackaged or boxed food (cereal doesn’t count). Part of it is because I didn’t grow up eating it (with a family of 10 people, you learned how to cook!), part of it is because of the expense, and part of it (the biggest part) is because boxed food isn’t generally healthy. When MyBlogSpark contacted me to do a review of General Mills’ new good earth Restaurant Favorites line, though, I was pretty excited. For the first time, there seemed to be a healthy boxed dinner option---which is like the equivalent of receiving a foot massage for a pregnant lady with a toddler and a kitchen that’s torn out due to remodeling! I was more than happy to try it out.

My family made the Mediterranean Chicken with angel hair pasta box and we were all impressed. It was easy (boil some pasta, coat some chicken, cook the chicken, stir in water, milk, and some seasoning packets and then simmer—20 minutes tops). It required very few cooking dishes. And it tasted amazing (I would be impressed if someone served this to me in their home; it doesn’t taste like it came out of a box). The biggest thing I liked about the taste is that it wasn’t too salty like one would expect from a seasoning mix and that my toddler loved it as well (in fact, I caught her with her hands in the main dish more than once). One little change I did make in preparing the meal was that I used chicken breast cutlets instead of slicing chicken breasts like the directions suggest. Using cutlets saves on time and reduces your exposure to salmonella which worked out great.

The main ingredients in the box are whole wheat pasta and flour, water, cheddar cheese, tomato, whey, and olive oil. There is no MSG or added salt, though one prepared serving does give you 22% of your daily sodium intake. We love chicken and whole wheat pasta (the only kind we buy!), so it wasn’t hard to fall in love with a whole grain and poultry meal. On top of having a base of wholesome ingredients, there are five servings per container and they aren’t skimpy, either! I was surprised by how much food it actually made. We were able to eat leftovers quite a few times after our initial dinner.

Visit RestaurantFavorites.com to see all of the different dinner varieties they offer and get ready to “stay in and go all out!”

Win It! One lucky person will win not only a good earth Restaurant Favorites Mediterranean Chicken with angel hair pasta dinner, but you will ALSO receive two sets of bamboo flatware, two bamboo dishes, a bamboo utility board, and a 100% recycled grocery tote! To enter, you just need to be a follower/friend/subscriber of mine (only one way is necessary) and then leave me your best healthy-time-saving food tip below. Be sure to leave an email address and separate comment for EACH entry! Contest will end August 19, 2010 at noon, EST.

Additional Entries:
*Blog about this contest or tell people about it through a parenting forum (2 entries)
*Subscribe to or follow me (each different way = 1 entry; Blogger, Google Reader, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

*Fav me on Technorati or otherwise vote me up somewhere

*Grab my regular button (2 entries)

*Tweet about this contest with a link and @LifeMoreSimply included (can tweet 2x/day)

*Have another great idea to spread the word? Do it and tell me how you did!


I received a good earth prize pack from My Blog Spark and General Mills for this review and giveaway. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are all mine. :-)

Tips for Freezing Meals

Being a working mom doesn't leave me with much time to spend in my kitchen. On top of that, being pregnant doesn't leave me much energy for being in the kitchen! When I got online today and saw my "pregnancy ticker" was down to 111 days before Baby Monkey is due, though, the thought entered my head again about how very important it is that I get into my kitchen--and SOON!

When LoveBug was born, a friend from church organized hot meals to be brought to us for the first 5 days after we were home. It was awesome and a tremendous help for a new mama who wasn't up to juggling a newborn and a newly post-partum body while cooking! After that, I had a few meals in the freezer that I had previously put together and also some that my Mom had made for us. This experience with ready-to-go homemade meals has been heavy on my mind since getting pregnant again and realizing that not only will I have all of the normal "new mom and baby" things to deal with in July, but an active 20-month-old on top of it! Like it or not, I need to get my freezer stocked with meals within the next 16 weeks.

Freezing meals is an easy thing to do if you're already cooking and can save any mom a lot of time. Once you're actually in the kitchen, it's easy!

• Double or triple whatever you're making for dinner, and freeze the extra
• Freeze food in tin pans, covered in plastic wrap and foil
• Don't want to use tin pans? Line your casserole dishes with foil before putting the food into it. Once the food is frozen, lift it all out by way of the foil and place it in a gallon freezer bag instead. When you're ready to use, just put the foiled food back into the casserole dish and bake!
• Label everything with the name of the food, date it was made, and any special instructions
• Stack by food type in the freezer (main dishes, side dishes, breads...or "chicken," "vegetarian," and "beef"!)
• If you freeze in a glass dish, be sure to not place the cold glass in a hot oven when baking. You might end up with a broken dish!
• Consider freezing meals in individual portion sizes so that you aren't stuck with a lot of leftovers when you use it.

Two other things that I do is always use ground turkey instead of ground beef and leave the frozen food as uncooked as possible so it is as fresh as possible when we thaw it.

Some of my favorite meals to double and freeze:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked Ziti
• Meatloaf (mixed and frozen; cook through before serving)
• 3 Bean Casserole
• Chicken (stuffed with a cheese mixture, left in a marinade, etc.)
• Quick breads (banana, apple, pumpkin, etc.)
• Chili

To use, I just put it in my fridge to thaw for a day and then pop it in the oven to warm up or cook! Frozen veggies are a staple in our house and are cooked by steaming over a saucepan for a few minutes before seasoning and serving.

What are your tips and recipes for freezing meals? Leave them below and help me get some food in my freezer before this baby comes!

ECOLunchbag Review and Discount

Rarely do I receive a product only to have it exceed my expectations. This isn't because I think the products I'm going to review are bad; on the contrary, it's because I only agree to review products that I think will be awesome! When I received a Crimson Gold Circles ECO lunchbag and napkins from ECOLunchbox, though, my husband and I both remarked how impressed we were!

Description from www.ECOlunchboxes.com:

How eco is your lunchbag? Maybe you'd like to try a machine washable ECOlunchbag with matching napkins? There are surprisingly few options available to the standard vinyl/plastic insulated lunchboxes commonly sold in big-box retail stores.

While we have grown to enjoy the benefits that these synthetic lunchboxes offer, it is becoming increasingly clear that their manufacturing burdens our environment; news is emerging about the health hazards of leaching plastics and off-gassing vinyl; and they don't decompose in our landfills.

Our handmade and machine washable ECOlunchbags are a beautiful back-to-the-basics solution for adults and children who would like adopt sustainable, waste-free lunch habits. At ECOlunchboxes.com, we believe that lunch by lunch, we can green our world a whole bunch. Please join us!

• The handmade ECOlunchbag is machine washable and 100% cotton. Sewn from fabrics that are hand block printed by artisans in India, the bag is fully reversible and adjustable to fit children and adults. It converts to a backpack, sling bag, shoulder bag and hip bag.

• The lining is loose and can be easily spot washed at the sink for easy overnight drying or tossed in the washing machine and tumbled or air dried.

• The three napkins measure 16 inches by 12 inches and are designed for use as placemats or napkins.

• The bag, which is 100% sweatshop free, measures 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. The bottom is square, measuring 6 inches by 6 inches.

My Thoughts:
First off, the bag is bigger than I'd thought. I'm not sure what I'd expected, but I was delighted to find that it's really a bag. It could easily fit my water bottle, food, and accessories. Secondly, it's very sturdy! The bag can stand up on its own and all of the pieces are thick. I'm not worried about putting too much weight in it, carrying it a wrong way, or having it tear after a few washings. Thirdly, it's beautiful with hand block prints by artisans in India. The fabric chosen looks even better in real life, and the 100% cotton napkins are a great addition (and since there's three of them, they could easily serve as a placemat, too!). I love that the bag can be worn different ways--carried as a purse, buttoned into a backpack, or worn messenger-bag style. It's quick and easy to turn the bag into any of these things, too.
 
This is a bag that I really like and that I feel GOOD about carrying around or sending with my child. It's a flattering accessory for your outfit as well as a healthy and functional product that will last for a long time to come! ECO Lunchbox also offers stainless steel food containers and bamboo silverwear (including sporks) that fit right into their lunch bag. I didn't have the chance to review these, but I think it looks like a great idea, especially because you can get a kit with everything in it.
 
 If you're still not convinced to switch from disposable, plastic methods for transporting your lunch, check out this 2010 Lunchbox Waste Study.
 
Buy It!
Visit http://www.ecolunchboxes.com/ and use the code "eatgreen15" to get a 15% discount on your purchase! This offer is only good for my blog readers and will end Earth Day, April 24, 2010.

Zak's Dr. Sears mealtime prodcuts for kids

Spokane, WA (November 3, 2009) – Zak Designs is well known for making mealtime fun. But now it’s also helping to make meals healthier. Zak Designs has partnered with America’s Pediatrician, Dr. William Sears, to create a line of meal­time products for children designed to "help promote healthy eating." All of the products are BPA-, PVC-, and Phthalate-free, and as an added bonus, they also include value added inserts with healthy eating tips from Dr. Sears.

 “Dr. Sears is well-recognized as one of the foremost au­thorities on healthy eating for children,” said Irv Zakheim, President and CEO of Zak Designs. “Partnering with him was a natural fit for us, and we’re excited to work with him to develop products that help make healthy eating fun.”

“I know how important it is for children to develop healthy eating patterns when they’re toddlers,” Dr. Sears said. “The habits they develop at a young age have a lasting impact on their long-term health.”

Nibble Tray™“Children are born grazers,” Dr. Sears said. “They love to nibble their way through many meals all day long.”

With the Nibble Tray™, and its convenient snap-on lid, having small, healthy snacks at their fingertips is easy. The top of the tray includes three separate sec­tions that are designed to hold healthy dips such as yogurt, applesauce, or gua­camole that add a little more flavor and fun to snacking.

My Thoughts: I love it! Not only is the pineapple shape fun, but the detachable green dip part is weighted so it's less likely to spill. My favorite feature is actually the raised images on the bottom of each snack compartment. They're themed to remind you to provide a variety of foods. For instance, grains are shown in one, veggies in another, and so on. LoveBug has really enjoyed it as she loves to have finger foods, and this also provides her with a way to sort her mixed cheerios and raisins into separate containers. We've had no trouble keeping the lid on which is very important since LoveBug goes to Grandma's every day and her food travels in the diaper bag.This would be a perfect product for a picky eater, or a child who likes to keep food separated.

Smoothie Sipper™ and Sippy Cup
Dr. Sears also recommends that parents use smoothies as a tasty way for kids to get vitamins and minerals through fruit and dairy products. With the Smoothie Sipper™ that’s part of the Zak line, kids will have the perfect way to sip on these nutritious drinks with a cup that’s just the right size. For younger kids, Zak’s also included a Sippy Cup with a patent-pending Flo-Control™ valve that lets parents adjust the amount of liquid that flows through the valve and prevent drinking too much, too fast.

My Thoughts: LoveBug isn't consistent in her ability to use a straw yet, so we haven't been able to use the Smoothie Sipper all that much. It has a nice wide straw, though, which helps to develop muscles needed for eating, swallowing, and talking--and is also particularly nice for young children who are just learning to drink from a straw! The material is transluscent enough that you can see through, but colored enough to disguise anything that may look unapetizing to your toddler. :-) I like that the shape is easy to grasp, and it's not a slippery surface so spills should be reduced.

We LOVE the Sippy Cup of Zak's! The only photo I have is up at the top of this post--look for the purple cup with a green top (sorry, didn't realize it's not on Amazon yet). This is the first cup we've used that LoveBug must actually suck from to get the liquid out. In fact, with their patent-pending Flo-Control valve, the parent can actually set the level of sucking needed in order to get the liquid out. If your child needs to suck more than drink, just turn the little rubber "dial" to the smallest number of drops pictured. If your child needs to drink more than suck, turn the dial the other way (and, of course, you can choose anywhere between the two)! I wish we'd had this when we first started transitioning her from nursing to a cup (she does still nurse, though). Babies, especially mine, have a need to suck. If they don't get this met through feedings, they'll generally need a pacifier or a thumb to supplement. I'm thinking that because this cup does require sucking action, it could help meet both the liquid intake and sucking needs of a baby or toddler and thus reduce the need for other sucking.

I have found that since the mouth piece is firm (as opposed to the sillicone pieces we've used before), LoveBug does have to tip her head back almost fully in order to get to the bottom of the cup. I don't really like that since it puts her at higher risk for aspirating, so I would recommend parents to always keep the cup at least 1/2 full so your child won't have to tip his or her head back so far.

Divided BowlMy Thoughts: again, a product I love! This divided bowl is great because it has a lid (transportation, food storage, you get the picture), a non-skid bottom, and is a fun watermelon shape. I've had enough of glass and plastic dishes flying across the floor because they slid off of the high chair or table. Every toddler dish should have a non-skid bottom as far as I'm concerned! The divided shape helps LoveBug to scoop her food onto a spoon better, and also provides a cleaner (more contained) environment for her to pick foods up with her fingers. This is a keeper, for sure.


Flatware Set

My Thoughts: this has become LoveBug's favorite flatware to use. It is fun, the right size, and the right shape for little hands. The "face" handle part of the fork and spoon are a grippy surface, providing less mobility once in the hands of a toddler. Something the photo doesn't show you is the finger indentations that are on the back of the flatware. It's such a smart idea to put indents where fingers are! I've noticed that this helps LoveBug grasp the flatware appropriately and to keep in control of it while eating.

Snack ContainerI didn't get the chance to review this, but wanted to share it with you since I think it's a great idea and I've been very pleased with all of the other Zak products we tested. It has three snack compartments, as you can see, with easy-open tabs and no scary chemicals leaching from the plastic. :-)

“Getting kids to eat good foods doesn’t have to be a chore,” Zakheim said. “It just takes the right knowledge and the right tools. With Zak’s Dr. Sears line, we’re helping give parents both.”

After having tried a variety of different mealtime products for babies and toddlers, I can say without a doubt that Zak's Dr. Sears line is my #1 recommendation. They are safe, fun, and functional. They're available to purchase through Amazon.com--just click any of the photo links in this post!

Tips For Making Your Own Baby Food

Making your own baby food is an inexpensive way to provide maximum nutrition for your child. Most people don't realize how easy it is to do, too! I first got into making our own baby food after reading the Super Baby Food book and after comparing it to the cost, ingredients, waste, and unappealing nature of jarred baby food, I am hooked. :-)

Items needed to make your own baby food:

• a blender
• oven or steaming method
• ice cube trays
• something to store the food in like tin foil, freezer bags, or tupperware

Choosing your food:
Choose your food wisely. Things that freeze well are sweet potatoes, beans, broccoli, carrots, rice, pastas, applesauce, etc.. Things that don't freeze well are white potatoes, bananas, and celery (plus more that I'm just not aware of, I'm sure). If you can afford it, buy organic and local! This will reduce your risk of allergens, food diseases, and exposure to chemicals.

Preparing the food:

• Wash fruits and vegetabls.
• Prepare the fruit, vegetable, grain, or meat as you would normally. Baking or steaming is preferred as these will preserve more nutrients than microwaving, boiling, or sauteing.
• Don't put any added fats, sugars, or dyes into the food. Keep things pure and natural!
• Once food is soft, put some liquid (mama's milk is best!) into the bottom of your blender and then add chunks of the soft food on top. Liquids to consider would be breast milk, formula, water, or diluted 100% fruit juice. Be sure to only use enough liquid to get the food to blend properly.
• Poor or scoop the now pureed food into ice cube trays, and pop into the freezer with a sheet of wax paper sitting lightly on top to reduce any freezer burn.
• Once things are frozen (around an hour or two, depending on the temperature of the food and freezer), pop the cubes out and put them in a sealed container (or wrapped in foil) for storage. Be sure to write the contents and date of the food on the package!

Eating the food

• Ideally, take however many cubes your baby will eat out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge over night. Otherwise, thaw them in any method you choose.
• Once it's unthawed, mix fresh mama's milk, formula, water, or diluted 100% fruit juice with the food until you achieve your desired consitency. Why not do this before freezing? Because then you'll take up more freezer space (the cubes are denser when containing more food and less liquid), and you will also be able to adjust the food to the consistency your baby needs as time goes on (a 6-monther will need a smoother and thinner consistency than a 9-monther will).
• Warm on stove, in oven, or microwave (least desireable). Be sure to stir well and test the temperature before feeding to your baby!
• Note that most food stored properly in a deep freezer will keep for up to one year.

Thoughts on making your own baby food
LoveBug always enjoyed our "home made" food better than out of a jar--and I don't blame her! It's much tastier, is more pleasing aromatically and aesthetically, and fresh! Many people are turned off by the thought of making their own food because they think it'll take a lot of time. Honestly, it really doesn't. I cooked three large sweet potatoes in the oven (5 minutes for washing, poking holes, putting in the oven, and then taking them out later), mixed them all in the blender at the same time (another 5 minutes?), froze them, and stored them. This all took less physical time for me than a trip to the grocery store, and I didn't have a zillion little glass jars to clean out when we were all done. :-) You'll be surprised at how LONG three sweet potatoes will last for a baby!

The key is to make a lot at once. A few potatoes, a head of broccoli, or a pot of rice. A little goes a long way for babies, and even making food once a month will last for the entire month. If you don't have enough ice cube trays (which you probably don't), just store the food in the fridge as you get through freezing everything. The effort put into this should be less than it takes to go to the store, and the peace of mind you'll have knowing that you're providing better and cheaper food for your baby can't be beat!

Upcoming this week: reviews of SAFE eating products for babies and toddlers!

We'll visit companies like Zak!, bambu KIDS, and more

YoPlus Light Review & Giveaway

Compliments of MyBlogSpark, I was able to try the new Key Lime Pie flavor of YoPlus Light. I'm a regular consumer of yogurts and love that I can have delicious flavors without the guilt of a similar ice cream. :-) I eat it alone and in smoothies, but usually buy the generic brand in bulk so as to be able to afford it (haha).YoPlus Light has a special coupon promotion going on right now though, so don't assume that you can't afford the luxury of a smooth and creamy TASTY desert or snack (see below)! Soy yogurt remains my favorite type of yogurt, but if I'm going with a milk based one, I would certainly recommend YoPlus. Their "light" variety is creamy and light in taste. The best part is that you don't have to stir it and can eat it right with the lid by just curving it in your fingers!

Here's what they say:

With only 70 calories, YoPlus Light contains a special blend of probiotic cultures, 3 grams of natural dietary fiber and the same great taste you expect from Yoplait. Even better, YoPlus Light is now available in three new delicious flavors - Key Lime Pie, Honey Vanilla and Strawberry Banana - and is already available in supermarkets nationwide.

MyBlogSpark sent me a whole "Get Healthy" gift pack along with the coupons for the yogurt. I'm impressed with the quality of it too--you're going to love it if you win it! My favorite part is the light blue duffel bag they included. It's hard to find the "perfect" sized bag for a day's outing or a gym workout (okay, I never, ever go to the gym for lack of time...but I do have those day long outings!). The ear buds included are a brilliant idea for an on-the-go mom. I'm thinking that it'll be a life saver during my long ambulance hours waiting for a call, or even to break up the silence at my office job (ha). Now the towel that they included is a little disappointing as far as towels are concerned, but it is the right size to wipe sweat off of yourself, so I guess it serves its purpose. :-) I'm also thinking it'll make an awesome microfiber cleaning cloth (oops, did I just admit that?). I love microfiber cleaning cloths, but that's another story.

Buy it! Click here to download a $1.00 off coupon for YoPlus Light

Win it! Yoplait and MyBlogSpark are giving one of my readers a "Get Healthy" gift pack that includes a stylish sports bag, sports towel, ear buds and two free coupons* for any flavor of the new YoPlus Light yogurt. *Please note: These free coupons are not valid in Louisiana, Nevada and North Dakota. Simply leave me a comment here telling me your #1 get or stay healthy tip for busy people. Be sure to include your email address in every comment or you will be ineligible to win! Contest Ends November 3, 2009 at 0730 hours, EST. *CONTEST ONLY OPEN TO US ADDRESSES*

Earn extra entries by spreading the word! Blogging, sporting my button, emailing some friends, tweeting with a link (one time per day), you know...Be sure to leave a separate comment with an email address for every entry!

Granola Nut Clusters Review & Giveaway

Attention nut lovers! MyBlogSpark is a company that works with bloggers to provide reviews about products for companies. I got the honor of checking out Nature Valley's new Granola Nut Clusters through them. I'd forgotten that I'd even signed up for the review until receiving my package in the mail and feeling like I was opening a Christmas present. First, I found a sweet day-pack sized bag made from 50% post consumer waste materials. It's the perfect size and shape to hold some snacks, a water bottle, a knife, map, and first aid kit for a day hike. Even my husband commented on how much he liked it!

Secondly, I found a small pair of binoculars, a flashlight, and a stainless steel water bottle. These aren't the most expensive thing on the market, but they're decent. The binoculars are clear (would be good to keep in the car for those times when you need to spy on a suspicious character at the grocery store), the water bottle doesn't contain scary chemicals, and the flashlight has good beam strength.


Lastly, included were full size bags of each of the new Granola Nut Cluster flavors: roasted cashew, nut lovers, roasted almond, and honey roasted peanut. Since I had jumped back on the weight-loss bandwagon, I first read all of the ingredients. Surprised and happy was I to find that they're using all natural ingredients! I quickly opened three of the bags to sample the clusters. Bite size and flavorful, these aren't salty or too sweet. They would be good on a hike because you aren't left with unquenchable thirst and they're high in protein. Each bag reseals making travel and freshness easy!

Buy It! Check your local grocery store, or shop online for General Mills.

Win It! MyBlogSpark is giving away this same prize package to one of my readers. You will receive all four flavors of the Granola Nut Clusters, a handy dandy 50% recycled sling backpack, a pair of binoculars, a flashlight, and a stainless steel water bottle! To enter, you must share your best camping/hiking/nature tip with us. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and to include your email address each time. Contest ends Friday, October 9, 2009 at 0730 hours, EST.

Earn additional entries after you've done the above by...

* Blogging about this contest (2 entries)
* Sporting my blog button
* Sporting my "Green Cleaning" button (2 entries)
* Subscribing to me
* Following me
* Tweeting about this contest (1 tweet per day)
* Voting me up/etc. on Technorati, StumbleIt, or anywhere else (tell me where!)
* Emailing three friends about this contest
* Sharing a different camping/outdoor tips


Good luck and be blessed!







PS- while you're visiting Nature Valley's website, they have a link where you can play a game and win some pomegranate granola bars or movie tickets...it takes a minute, and I actually WON the package of granola bars!

***Please Nominate Me!***

Organic Coconut Bliss Review & Giveaway

Did you know that July is national ice cream month? Luna and Larry of Organic Coconut Bliss understand that even people who can't or won't eat dairy products love ice cream, using this knowledge as the fuel for creating their company. They say, "we just wanted a tasty frozen dessert that we could enjoy eating without feeling bad afterwards" about their motivation for starting Organic Coconut Bliss. Since that time, their frozen desert brand has climbed to now be named as the #1 item on VT's Veg 25 hot list for 2009 and is said to be not only healthy, but delicious as well.

Coconut Bliss is:

• made from a base of naturally rich coconut milk
• sweetened with agave syrup
• certified organic
• 100% vegan kosher pareve
• and made with certified fair trade ingredients

WOW! Eleven different flavors and two different types of bars make up the palette for Organic Coconut Bliss. All of the ingredients, nutritional information, and product descriptions are available online at their website so you can research before you buy. There's also a wonderful and informative FAQ section on their site that answer a lot of questions including if this product is safe for people with diabetes, allergies and their product, the manufacturing, and gathering of ingredients...as well as a bunch of other stuff! One question came up about their "fair trade" claim. Here's what they have to say:

"We are committed to fair trade principles and have secured certified fair trade sources for our vanilla, cocoa, dark chocolate, and coffee. Many ingredients are not yet available with fair trade certification, including coconut milk and agave syrup. We have visited the coconut farm in Thailand as well as the facility where it’s made into coconut milk and we are very impressed with the quality and sanitation standards of the facilities, the integrity of the owners, and the working conditions there. We hope to visit the agave supplier in Mexico soon to personally assess the conditions there as well. We are excited to be using some locally grown ingredients: our organic hazelnuts are grown right here in Oregon, and our cherries come from our neighboring state of Washington."

I'm very excited that Luna and Larry agreed to let me represent them during National Ice Cream Month. They sent me 3 coupons each good for a pint of Coconut Bliss, and I would have posted this Blog about them sooner but the stores near me that claimed over the Internet to carry Coconut Bliss actually don'! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test Coconut Bliss because of this. Now if you have the same problem, don't worry--you can actually order their products online and they can be shipped to you through Diamond Organics. Unfortunately, nowhere can I find that you can use the coupons for free pints at Diamond Organics. Otherwise, I'd be eating Coconut Bliss right now...obviously.

In the spirit of blessing others, I'm going to pass my coupons on to 3 readers. That's right--I'm picking three winners! To win a coupon for a free pint of Organic Coconut Bliss, just head over to their website and tell me 1) What flavor you want, and 2) Where you can really buy it at. Please don't enter unless you can actually get your hands on a pint! This contest is only open to US mail addresses and will end August 9th at 2359 hours, EST. Remember to include an email address and separate comment for each entry.

Earn additional entries by:
*Blogging about this post
*Sharing your own experience with Organic Coconut Bliss
*Sporting my buttons
*Subscribing to or following me
*Otherwise telling the world about my blog and/or this post!

Wrap-N-Mat Review and Giveaway

I have a new favorite handy-dandy traveling-food item to tell you about: the Wrap-N-Mat. It's quick and easy to tell you about this product as it's simply a more eco-friendly replacement for the traditional sandwhich bag and plastic wrap. Made with fabric on one side and FDA approved low density polyethylene (LDPE), each Wrap-N-Mat opens up to be a placemat and then is closed by folding the sides up and securing with the velcro tab enclosures attached to the fabric side. By using LDPE, Wrap-N-Mat's products are:

• Phtalate free
• Lead free
• BPA free

While the traditional plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill, the Wrap-N-Mat can generally be re-used for six months straight before needing to be replaced, according to the company's website (hand wash and dry between uses). Did you know that 20,000,000 plastic baggies are discarded into landfills each day? I'm liking the idea of no BPA or non-degrading plastic baggies involved in my food storage...

I found the size of their products to be great for even a big bagel sandwhich at 12.6” x 12.6” for the original sized wraps. They sent me both that and a pouch that's more rectangular in shape which I have used for cheese and dried snacks like pretzles. Both are working wonderfully. I haven't experienced any stale bread, escaping crumbs, or spontaneous opening of the velcro. I'm so glad to not have to wash out plastic ziplock bags any more! Wiping off my Wrap-N-Mat is a lot easier than bags, and they're much easier to dry, too. My husband refuses to rewash plastic bags because of the time and effort involved, but he's had no problem wiping of the Wrap-N-Mat. Finally! Something that works, saves us money, time, and that we'll both use!

Please take the time to check out Wrap-N-Mat's website. I love the idea of this product, and the quality meets my standards. Their company has generously offered to provide two of my reader's each with an original wrap and a pouch! All you have to do is head over to their website and tell me what print you'd like if you win (both for the wrap and pouch). Earn extra entries (after you pick a print) by:

• Following or subscribing to me (1 each)
• Sporting my button on your blog or site (2 entries per button)
• Entering the Pro-Tech-Skin contest or Blubandoo contest (still leave me a message telling me that you did!) (1 each)
• Emailing 4 friends about this contest or my blog (CC lifemoresimply(at)yahoo.com)
• Blogging about this contest or my blog with a link (1 entry)
• If you already earned an entry from this post

Leave your email address in each post, and leave 1 post per entry, please! This contest will end on Monday, June 29th at 0700 hours EST. Be blessed!

Amabella Chocolats Review and Giveaway

One of my husband's first loves is chocolate. I don't know who came up with the idea that chocolate is only a comforting, craved after thing for women, because he would probably spend all day eating it if he could--and he's definitely a manly man. When I told him that Amabella Chocolats was sending me some sample truffles, he was elated! Chocolate is always first on my list of gift items, and this Father's Day is no different.

Amabella Chocolats sent me three hand dipped chocolate truffles to try. The outer coating of each one was a sweet and delicate dark chocolate, and the inside was a creamy, smooth, cream filling flavored with certified organic flavor oils. You can choose between milk or dark chocolate for the truffle's shell, and between eight different flavors for the creamy filling. They also offer vegan chocolate squares that come in any of the flavors and are decorated by hand painting.

We (my husband and I, since he would have a fit if he wasn't in on the testing of this!) found all of the flavors to be quite delicious. Amabella Chocolats sent their signature vanilla, rose, and chai truffles to be tasted. The vanilla is a delicate flavor and would be great for the person who wants things to be not too sweet or overpowering. A stronger flavor, the chai one really stood out as one that you'll only need one truffle to be satisfied by. I'm a big chai fan and it did pass my taste buds. I think a combination vanilla-chai would be just wonderful, and Amabella Chocolats will do custom orders! The rose truffle surprised me by being light and quite pleasant. I was expecting it to taste a little bit like potpouri, but it was actually very soothing and relaxing. It would be a great match with tea or lemonade (does anyone feel a belated Mother's Day gift coming on?).

The packaging for the truffles is very pretty and would work just as well for a man as a woman. Tied with a sage green ribbon, I had to admire it before opening the box! I am a little bit jealous of the person who perfected bow tying for these packages--mine never come out this great. Shipped by USPS, the truffles did arrive later than Amabella Chocolats anticipated. Days late, in fact. Unfortunately, this did affect the product a little bit. The truffle's outer shells seemed to have been affected by the temperature changes in transition and had gotten a little chalky, as well as breaking in a few spots on two of the three truffles. The inside was unaffected, though, and still tasted great with a smooth consistancy. Amabella Chocolats is currently switching the shipping and packing options, though, so I'm told this shouldn't be a problem ever again!

Order a package of truffles or choclate soon. They are all handmade, so you'll want to make sure your order will be perfected and shipped in time for Father's Day. They're priced reasonably at $10.00 a box (five pieces truffles, squares, or a combination). Remember, you aren't going to need a lot of these to be satisfied!

Amabella Chocolats has offered to give one of my reader's a 1/4 lb. box of truffles (five truffles) in the flavor of his or her choosing! To gain an entry, you need to visit their website at http://amabellachocolats.etsy.com/ and tell me what flavor(s) you like the most. Be sure to leave your email address in your comment!

Gain extra entries by doing the following:

* Grab my button (2 additional entries)

* Blog about this contest with a link

* Email 3 friends about this contest

* Fav me on Technorati

* If you already did something from this post

* Place an order with Ambella Chocolats (3 additional entries)

Come back and tell me what you did (a separate entry for each thing) with your email address!

This contest will be ending on Father's Day, June 21 at 11:59 PM, EST.

Father's Day Event

Let's face it: Mommies aren't created without a Daddy being created, too. Both of our existences are dependent upon each other, for better or for worse. I love being a mama. It is the most joyous, exhilarating, and interesting thing that's ever come upon me. Thankfully, my baby-daddy is in the picture and loves ever minute of it, too. This coming Father's day will be the first one when Ron can actually hold his beautiful 7-month-old daughter in his arms (as she attempts to pinch, poke, pull, and climb off of him). In honor of this event, and for daddies everywhere, we will be highlighting cool products for dad as well as hosting giveaways! Some of the things to look forward to between now and Father's Day:

-Outdoor gear

-Chocolate

-Office supplies

-Beer

-and more!

Check back often (maybe even later today, hint, hint) to get some great ideas on Father's Day gifts, learn about new things, and enter to win some pretty neat prizes.

Silken Tofu Alfredo Sauce Recipe and Review

In New York if you fall below a particular income level, your family may qualify to receive WIC (Women, Children and Infants). It's a supplemental food program that gives you coupons to redeem at the grocery store or farmer's market every month. If you're a breastfeeding mom, you make out like a bandit. The interesting thing about WIC, though, is the number of food items in a category that they choose to give to you. We're talking 22 gallons of milk a month, but only $10.00 worth of fruits or vegetables. One can trade a percentage of the milk in for cheese and tofu as well as dried or canned milk, so I do all of that to make the milk allotment more manageable. I still end up with a large stock of canned tuna, peanut butter, and beans...and end up giving away the 32 cans of meat baby food since we're raising our daughter as a vegetarian right now, but at least we don't have gallons of milk going bad every month now!

The substitution of milk for tofu is something that just began within the last few months. At first, I wondered about not taking advantage of it, but then figured why not? I was a little weirded out at the thought of tofu in the beginning (stories of rubbery chunks in a frying pan danced in my head) but am very glad I went this route now. There are two main types of tofu that I've found, each sold in 16oz containers: silken (creamy, custard like texture), and firm (the chunking variety). The package says to use within three days of opening, and I've found it to be true. Very true. It will look and smell fine, but taste terrible. Don't risk it.

These are the things that I love about tofu:

1. excellent source of protein..and without the extra fat!


2. the health benefits


3. the EASE of working with it

Think I'm joking? Try this recipe for a delicious rendition of a garlic alfredo sauce and be amazed at how much faster and easier it is to make this way as opposed to standing over a stove and stirring milk forever. Even my husband who is a die-hard "I'm-not-a-vegetarian-so-I-can't-eat-soy" guy admits that this tastes good. Being a working mom, I can't afford any extra time in the kitchen. Tofu is a life saver of time.

Silken Tofu Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Mince 3 garlic cloves and saute with a hint of olive oil or 2T butter until tender.

Mix the garlic/oil and everything else in a blender or food processor until smooth (hint: always put the most liquid ingredients on the bottom of the blender, working up to the firmest):

1/2 cup milk (I use evaporated)
16 oz silken tofu
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pepper and salt to taste

Heat to your desired temperature (be sure to stir occasionally) and it's ready to serve! Garnish with more cheese and fresh parsley for a nice touch. I often serve it with a colorful salad, providing aesthetic pleasure as well as more nutrition and yumminess.

What recipe do you have that's a time saver? Please share with me!

Super Baby Food book review and giveaway!

Attention to anyone who will ever need to feed a baby or child: get this book! I was given a copy of Super Baby Food, by Ruth Yaron, after my daughter was born. My cousin had heard such great things about it at her mom's group that she thought I might enjoy it as well and bought it for me. The term "enjoyment" doesn't do justice, though. "Need" would be much more suitable.

Super Baby Food is one book that you should absolutely have in your library. It's pretty hefty, covering every topic from timelines for introducing foods to your baby and nutrition tables for baby-sized portions, to safe cleaning alternatives and ideas for parties, crafts, and games! I have read and re-read this book, finding new and valuable information each time. This is the only book I have found that gives clear instructions as to:

• when to introduce particular foods (including month-to-month schedules)
• how to prepare, store, and serve your own baby foods (with money and time saving tips)
• how to introduce solid foods while still maintaining a nursing schedule
• how to kill mice and other pests using only natural ingredients...(that's a joke, but it really is in the book)
• the reasons behind all of this advice!

The style that Ruth writes with is easy to understand, dusted with humor, and full of researched information. I appreciate it from the practical standpoint of a mother, and also the medical standpoint of a paramedic. Every parent or caretaker of babies through toddlers needs this book. It is your one stop shop for knowing everything about feeding your child. Your baby is worth knowing the how, what, when, and why of eating. It's hard being away from my baby while I'm working, but it's a lot easier knowing that I'm providing good food for her.

Would you like to win a copy Super Baby Food?

Head over to Ruth's website at http://www.superbabyfood.com/ and let me know what you want to learn about that's in her book. Be sure to include your email address in your comment to me! One winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, June 14 at 12:00 EST.

Earn extra entries by:
Subscribing to me
Following me on Blogger
Blogging about this contest with a link
Grabbing my button for your blog or website (2 entries!)
Sending an email to four friends (CC me) telling them about this contest
You can also add an extra entry for yourself if you previously earned one here

(leave a different comment for each entry...with your email address!)

*Contest is only open to those with US mailing addresses