What is there to say about this set, except get it (especially if you have a picky toddler). Read more

Tags: toys, food

Tags: food

Let me preface this with the explanation that the only pizza toppings we had in the fridge (that the boys would eat) were sausage, hot dogs, and cheddar-jack blend cheese. Fortunately, we've since stocked up on some groceries.

Tags: food, M, A

Tags: food, A, M

Tags: food, M, A

If you wanted to take advantage of the Amazon promotions for May, you've got until tomorrow to order.
See my posts about: Aveeno and Lubriderm products and Horizon milk and Pampers.

Tags: Amazon, diapers, food

Sometimes they are just so tough to pull off the stems!

Tags: A, food

Here are two Amazon promotions I just took advantage of:

Save 20% after an instant rebate when you buy eligible Horizon Organic Milk offered by Amazon.com. Use the code HORIZONN. Offer valid through May 31, 2008. This offer may be combined with Subscribe & Save, an additional savings of 15%. See site for details and restrictions.

Also, get a promotional certificate good for $20 off a future purchase when you spend $99 on select Pampers (and Luvs) products offered by Amazon.com, through May 31, 2008. See site for rules and restrictions.

I like having the plain milk boxes handy for when we go out on the weekends, and I'm too lazy to pack sippy cups. I keep a few boxes in the fridge, but it's nice that they don't need to be refrigerated. As for diapers, well, we're using half as many now (hooray for being potty trained!), but I know we'll still need at least three more boxes. And now that the prices have increased, any discount is appreciated.

Tags: food, diapers, Amazon

Please consider taking part in the the nation's largest annual single-day food drive, Stamp Out Hunger™, on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

I know I've done my fair share of over-ambitious food planning (and buying a few too many cans of diced tomatoes from Costco in anticipation of making tons of homemade meals). The letter carrier is making it easy for me to donate by coming by to pick up the food. How much simpler could it be? If you've got food at home that you don't think you'll get to anytime soon, consider contributing. It's a easy way to help those in need (too bad they can't bring it to Burma). I'm all for recycling and reusing things that still have good mileage in them (it's just hard to lug everything to the donation centers sometimes). So this is perfect for me.

Here's the scoop:

On Saturday May 10th, letter carriers in more than 10,000 communities will collect food items and deliver them to local food banks to help some of the millions of Americans, including an estimated 13 million children, who face hunger every day.

Since 1993, families have donated more than a half-billion pounds of food to Stamp Out Hunger. You can help make this year our most successful ever. Simply place bags filled with nonperishable food items like canned meats and fish, canned soup, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal and rice next to your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th. Your letter carrier will pick up the bags and deliver them to your local food bank. Please do not include out-of-date items or those in glass containers.

Make it easy and fill your bags now and place it near your front door so you don't forget.

Tags: food

Ben and Jerry's is having their annual "free cone day" at participating stores, to celebrate their 30th birthday. They aren't any stores near us (at least not an easy trip), but hopefully some of you guys can enjoy some yummy ice cream on April 29 from noon to 8pm.

Tags: food

I know I already posted a photo for today, but here's another one, since I didn't get to post one on Sunday.

There's a very neat activity they have at preschool every once in a while, where everyone brings in a fruit to share in a massive fruit salad. My son got a kick out of lugging this pineapple to share with his friends. I'm sure this was a bit of a nightmare to cut up, but they're currently in season and very juicy and sweet. I'll probably pick up another one for us to grill up with some chicken later this week. The weather is starting to get better (even though for some reason it's been chilly the last few days), which means spending some more time outdoors. I'm looking forward to some warmer weather right about now.

Speaking of pineapples, we've got a family vacation in the works. It'll be the first real vacation we've had in a long time (although I guess some would argue that taking two toddlers on a trip doesn't equal a vacation), but I'm excited nonetheless. It'll be our first big trip since Disneyland, and we're not driving this time! More to come on this soon, since I'll be planning the details this week.

Tags: M, food, travel

I'm not a regular coffee drinker (I might have one or two cups each week) but my husband has coffee daily. We haven't really been able to find the perfect coffee system, but I thought I'd give this a try, especially since it was available at Costco (if we hated it, we could easily return it).

The major impetus for choosing this machine was the ease of use (practically no cleanup, at least on a per-use basis), and the ability to make smaller servings. We've tried a variety of different methods, and had settled on the french press. But as fast as it was to boil water and press coffee, I wanted to look for something faster (I can't stand to waste any more precious minutes than we have to). Read more

Tags: Costco, food

Amazon's regular price on these isn't really that great compared to the supermarket (or Costco), but this promotion sweetened the deal, and I ended up ordering a case of chocolate milk. We usually have a small stock of plain and vanilla milk on hand for short outings, but lately, M has started liking chocolate milk (not really a surprise - it was only a matter of time). We don't have to make a minimum order to get two-day shipping because of Amazon Prime (totally worth it), but if I had to, I'd consider picking up some new books for the boys, or stock up on regular household stuff.

Save $10 instantly when you any Horizon Milk products featured on this page. Use the code MILKMIL5 at checkout. Offer ends February 29, 2008.

Tags: Amazon, food

It's a fact (at least in my household) that the amount of time and effort spent on choosing and cooking an elaborately balanced and historically-liked meal for the family is inversely related to the amount of food that is consumed. Sigh.

Tags: food

A new study in "Pediatrics," the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, showed interesting results regarding our current standard of care regarding allergies:

...no evidence supporting a delayed introduction of solids beyond 4 or 6 months for the prevention of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food or inhalant sensitization at the age of 6 years...

It's just one study, but could be quite influential in the way parents introduce new foods to their babies. Currently, the recommendation is to wait until 6 months to start solid food (rice cereal), and then to gradually introduce new foods over the next several months (whole cow's milk at one year), while abstaining from giving foods that are known to be more allergenic until a later age. These foods include peanuts, eggs, shellfish, and berries.

It's a tough decision parents have to make (aren't they all?) regarding their kids. I think that some people tend to believe that we over-scrutinize the details, as some parents feed their babies whatever the family is eating as early as four or five months, and they turn out just fine. But for others, allergies are a real and life-threatening entity (hence all the banning of various foods at schools) and any information that might help delay or ward off future food sensitivities is a good thing.

We don't have any family history of food allergies, so we're kind of more laid back. However, both boys have had some form of atopic dermatitis (eczema), which fortunately, M appears to have grown out of. A's eczema seems bit more related to certain foods, and we recently had him tested (recommended by our pediatrician) because the skin on his hands and face would get really itchy and red (pruritic and erythematous). The results are difficult to interpret, as values are all relative. However, he does appear to have mildly increased sensitivities to peanuts and eggs, so we're holding off on all nuts and egg products for the moment (which is tough since they are a great source of nutrition for kids). It's likely that he will outgrow his sensitivity and will be able to enjoy french toast with peanut butter and syrup once again (that's how J likes his).

Tags: food, health

One more day to get $30 back from Amazon when you create three new Subscribe & Save orders for eligible food items. You can read my previous post here. I'm ordering coffee right now.

Also, last chance for 40% off Twinings tea.

Tags: Amazon, food

Tea lovers rejoice! Save 40% after an instant rebate when you buy two cases of eligible Twinings tea offered by Amazon.com. Use the code TEATEA40. Offer valid through December 31, 2007.

Tags: food, Amazon

A while ago, I joked about A being a meat-eater. Here he is eating his very first breakfast sausage. We don't even usually have these at home (this was at the Breakfast with Santa event we went to recently) but I will probably add these to my grocery list, seeing as how A seems to really enjoy them. This might be one of my favorite photos taken of A so far. He just looks so darn cute stuffing the sausage in his mouth, and going for the orange slices at the same time.

He's also wearing a Pampers Bibster, which was a spontaneous add-on when I placed an order for diapers at Diapers.com. We were pleasantly surprised to find that they are very useful when eating out (we keep them in the car and use them when we forget to bring a washable bib from home). I bought the large size, and even M has used them when he is having a particular messy meal while we're out. They have a waterproof backing as well as a specially-designed collection area that actually stays open to catch food (it's not folded down properly in the photo). More details about Diapers.com and a special coupon code can be found on the Shopping Resources page.

Tags: food, holiday, A, J

Actually, when this photo was taken, M had never even tried chocolate before. He's since had a couple of peanut butter cups and M&Ms from Halloween (great for a potty training treat). He's very reasonable about it too. After about four M&Ms, he'll say he wants to save the rest for another day. Don't get me wrong though. Like most kids, he's got a total sweet tooth (especially for cookies). I wonder where he gets that from?

Tags: food, M

A little while ago, we celebrated M's third birthday (I'm pretty behind in posting right now). I can't believe it's been over three years. I know I say it a lot but my, how time flies. It really doesn't seem that long ago that we brought him home to our tiny little one-bedroom apartment. He was so little then. And now he's talking up a storm, doing things on his own, and every bit as adorable to me as the day he was born. It's amazing how parents always think their kids are at their cutest age ever, no matter how old they are. It just keeps getting better and better.

We had a quiet celebration at home, which really consisted of a nice lunch and then ice cream cake, followed by the opening of some new toys (more photos and reviews to come soon). Pretty low key, but I figure the boys had tons of fun without the added stress of a big party. I'd like to hold off on organizing a bigger birthday party for as long as we can. Around here, they can really get quite impressive (clowns, magicians, balloon animal makers, bouncy houses, pony rides, etc). I prefer the idea of making a cake and having a barbeque in the backyard or at the park. Maybe next year (when I'm an intern?).



The cake was pretty cute. Having just moved, I didn't have time (or enough unpacked kitchen supplies) to make one, so I opted for an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins (I haven't been there since I was a kid). They have a lot more designs than are available on their website, and the one nearby is owned by an adorable elderly couple who have really great customer service. I tried Cold Stone Creamery first, but I guess not all their stores make the character cakes offered on their website, and their customer service (at least at the local store) is mediocre at best. In any case, M loved it (chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream), and loves to play with the little Thomas wind-up train and track decoration. Even though I think the ice cream isn't as yummy as some of the homemade ice cream shops around here, I'd definitely order from them again.

Tags: M, A, J, food

I'm in a rush this morning, so I'll have to leave you with just a photo of the cake we had for M's third birthday. We celebrated at home, just the four of us. More to come soon.

Tags: food, holiday

I'm thinking about starting a page with current shopping deals, so that you don't have to wade through the blog posts to find all the sale entries. Until I have a chance to do that, here are two new promotions that are going on that I am considering jumping in on:

Save 15% through September 7 at sleepytimestore.com (originally posted about here). Use code "laborday15"

Save an additional 25% on all sale merchandise at childrensplace.com through September 3. Also, heads up on their Fall sale, which begins September 5th, where fall merchandise will be 40% off.

Lastly, don't forget about Amazon's promotion on Horizon and Silk milk boxes, ending today. M is thrilled with my recent purchase and I am going to order two more boxes today.

Tags: clothing, toys, gear, Amazon, food

Until recently, I had forgotten how good cheese pizza can be. I don't know why, but for a very long time, I had not had plain cheese pizza. Maybe it was the allure of gourmet toppings and fancy chicken pesto pies, but I'd never order it if there were other options (and there always were). But since it is M's flavor of choice, I've re-experienced the sheer bliss of a simple slice of cheese pizza. And I daresay it might be my new favorite as well.

Tags: food, M

Like for most baby-related items, I was pretty overwhelmed when I started shopping for high chairs. There are just so many brands and styles that it was mind-boggling to sift through all the products. It can be really frustrating, when you want to make the right purchase, but have little to go on. Most of our friends had gone with traditional standing high chairs, but we had the particular problem of having very limited space (and a tight budget). After using this Chicco high chair with both boys, I can honestly say that even if we had more space and an unlimited budget, I would still buy this chair. Read more

Tags: gear, food

A long time ago, I posted about the Foodsaver vacuum sealer at Costco. We have a slightly older model than the one Costco is offering now. I still haven't had time to review it yet (two-word review: it's great!), but I wanted to post about what I think is the best place to buy refill bags. I just ran out of them while sealing up some pizza slices for freezing, and checked to see if my regular household goods supplier, Amazon.com, had them. Not only do they carry them at a great price, but they are currently offering a special promotion where you buy 4 items for the price of 3. I'm not sure when it expires but many of their household goods are eligible, so be sure to browse around the site. I picked up 4 boxes of refill rolls for about $50, an additional savings of $18 below their already competitive prices. They also carry a few models of the vacuum sealer itself. Free shipping, no tax, done in 5 minutes. It's no wonder I hardly shop in stores anymore.

Tags: Amazon, food

Yes, that is a plastic steak he is chewing on. And yes, that is his favorite stuffed friend. Hmm. Just a little bit disturbing, yet still adorable.

Tags: A, food

A is several weeks into eating solids now, and has tried a variety of fruits and veggies in addition to cereal. He's has carrots, peas, banana, mango, papaya and summer squash. And he's eaten all of it. I guess since he's had milk for the last 7 months, he's ready to eat anything. I'm amazed at the changes in baby food that have happened even in the short time since M was an infant. Back then, I made some food to freeze and use, and we also used Earth's Best and some Gerber products. Now, there are a ton of pre-made pureed refrigerated and frozen varieties, most of which are organic. They can be pricey, but certainly time-saving.

The first one we tried was Happy Baby Yes Peas & Thank You Carrots which J picked up at the local Whole Foods. We also tried Smart Squash & Wiser Apple from the same brand. A liked the squash and carrots, but he wasn't a big fan of the peas. I tasted them all too, and found the peas to be very gritty with a lot of undigestible pieces. The food is frozen in plastic trays of 12 cubes, sealed with cellophane (10oz total) for about $5. It was hard to take them out without running them under some water, and I found that the cellophane was not water-tight, so liquid would spill out (and in). I also wanted to try Homemade Baby Food that I saw in the refrigerated section, but the expiration dates seemed awfully near (perhaps they were older batches at the supermarket).

Finally, I tried Baby Cubes, and we've been hooked ever since. I must warn you that it is by no means the budget method for getting baby food, but it is really the most convenient way that I can feed A fresher, healthier food (short of making it myself). I still plan on making food for him, especially when he's ready to eat more rice, pasta and meat, but for steamed fruits and veggies, this is a great method for us. It's just under $5 per 9oz bag, and each bag has a number of cubes (at least 10). I have stocked up on several bags for the freezer and whenever it's time to feed A, I take out 2-3 cubes (I thaw them if I can remember to take them out beforehand, or microwave at 50% power for 15 seconds per cube if I want them served cold, 30 for warm) and he's got a yummy meal in just seconds. I'll add a tiny bit of cereal if it seems too soft, and he loves it all.

I've tasted them too (including the peas, which are not gritty at all) and they are really yummy. Really. M had a papaya cube the other day and declared "I like it!" I'm going to try adding a few carrot and broccoli cubes in the next smoothie we make just to get an extra dose of veggies in (he's hit or miss, depending on his mood). It really tastes fresh, and there is nothing added. Even the water is reclaimed water from the steaming process (not something I ever even thought of before, but seems like a nice detail). And it encourages us to try stuff I wouldn't normally buy (like rutabaga and golden beets). Assuming that everything is reliable and clean, it's the most convenient way I can imagine feeding A right now, as long as we can afford it I guess. And so far, it seems like we can (luckily, this semi-solid period doesn't last forever). It's convenience (at a cost) and healthy too. I can also use the cubes when I cook meals (toss a few in spaghetti sauce or dips). I'm already blending in homemade steamed carrots into macaroni and cheese for M (it's already orange from the cheddar cheese blend anyway). I suppose I could continue making them myself, but wow, this is so easy. What a great idea. I wish I could have thought of marketing frozen baby food when I was steaming and blending M's meals way back when. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep my day job.

Here's M after his first cereal meal:


Now A:


Here's M waiting for some squash:


And then eating some:


And finally, here's a photo of A eating some peas and summer squash after his bath. J said he'd already combed his hair, but then used a hair dryer to dry it some more, and then forgot to comb it again. I think he looks tough and cute - grr!

Tags: food, A, M

If you ever need some filler to make the $25 Amazon minimum for free shipping (or have Amazon Prime), consider these OXO Good Grips Bag Clips for around $6. I've ordered them for the second time now, since four was never enough. We always have bags to clip (cereal, crackers, etc.) and these handy clips stick to the fridge so they're easy to find. They also serve a double purpose to hold shopping lists and artwork on the fridge as well, although the magnet can only hold so much, and sometimes it starts sliding down the door of the fridge. I'm sure it won't be long before I order another set (I think the red one has made it into M's toy box).

Tags: Amazon, food

M and I made banana bread over the weekend (or "nana" bread, as he says it). It was a fun indoor activity (it's been too cold here in the mornings to go outside) and was easy enough to make. This was the first time he's helped me bake anything and it worked out pretty well.

First, he peeled some bananas:


Then we measured out and melted the butter:


Next came yogurt, eggs, and mashing:


Then we mixed the dry ingredients, starting with flour and sugar:


A pinch of salt, some baking soda, and a good squish:


We mixed and poured the batter into loaf pans and put them in the oven:


Less than an hour later, we had a yummy homemade snack:


A kept himself busy looking at his fist much of the morning:

Tags: food, M

Pancakes are a given most weekends in our household, and these transportation-themed molds make breakfast even more fun to eat. Brief Review

Tags: food