How to Trick the Picky Eater: Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker Review

Even though Jack is eating solid foods, he is one of the pickiest eaters I have ever seen.  No meat, no cheese, and he has to inspect everything!  Trying new things is an even bigger struggle; I am hoping that this is just a stage and he will soon grow out of it.

So when I was given  the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker from NUK through the Moms Meet blogger program, I was excited to see what I could blend up for him to eat.

The Freshfoods Baby Food Maker is an all-in-one steamer, blender and food processor so that you can make your own, homemade baby food from scratch in one convenient appliance with minimal effort. Since I’ve always been one to make as much of my own household items from scratch as it is, making my own baby food was always something I’d intended anyway. But this food maker simplifies it so that even the most novice of mommas can whip up good-for-you meals for their babes, lickity split.

With the food maker, you can make up to four meals at a time and select whether you want smooth or chunky texture. The machine itself is pretty small so that it’s quite manageable (as compared to my regular food processor). You steam (if necessary) and blend in the same container so it’s not very messy at all, and clean-up is simplified. Plus, if you want to steam two different foods at once, there’s a separate steam compartment so that you can multitask without hassle. Once you set the choices, it only takes about fifteen minutes or so to steam the veggies and then a couple more minutes to puree them and you have fresh, whole-foods dinner ready for baby.

What's great about this maker is that it works great for toddlers.  I can blend up fruit, and sneak in those veggies to make sure he is getting all he needs nutrition wise.. I’ve already tested it out by steaming sweet potatoes and apples and making "apple sauce".  I've also make smoothies with spinach mixed and Jack loved them both.  The best part was that it was SUPER easy to make and even easier to clean up! I can even steam veggies for my husband and I!

If you're interested in trying it yourself, you can download a $20 coupon for the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker as well as print a coupon for any Freshfoods accessory. Find out more about the Freshfoods Baby Food Maker and other Freshfoods products for baby (including freezer trays, a food mill or popsicle molds) on the NUK website or by following NUK on Facebook.

Find the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinions on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

I've got the fever...for Children's Advil!

       

 Thank God, Jack has only had one or two fevers since his little life started.  I know, however, that    more are to come.  I want to be sure to make him better in a jiffy.  That's where Children's Advil comes in.

Children’s Advil® conducted a survey from more than 1,000 parents and 250 pediatricians across the country and discovered that 52% of parents feel anxious, fearful, or helpless when their child has a fever.

That doesn’t need to happen; we just need to know a few tips and facts about fevers. Children’s Advil has teamed up with Alanna Levine, M.D. (a nationally recognized pediatrician) to offer a “fever relief” program to help us parents.

Stay Cool:  Remember that most fevers are the body’s way of fighting an illness.

Be Prepared: Talk with your child’s doctor about what to do when your child runs a fever. And make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked with non-expired and non-recalled medicines.

Watch for Serious Signs & Call Your Doctor If: 

• your child is less than three months and has a fever of 100 degrees or higher. 
• your child’s fever is over 103 degrees, no matter their age
• your child’s fever lasts for more than 3 days
• your child has a fever and looks and acts very sick
• you have concerns. Never underestimate your mother’s intuition! If something doesn’t seem to right to you, call your doctor!

Long Lasting Relief: When choosing a fever medication, be sure to consider how long the medication will last.  Children’s Advil®, which contains ibuprofen, provides up to 8-hours of relief with one dose.

Common Mistakes and Missteps, according to the survey:

• 52% of parents send their child back to school less than 24 hours after their fever went away
• 52% of parents wake their child in the middle of the night to give them fever medication
• 17% of parents have brought their child to the emergency room for a fever without consulting with their doctor first
• 36% of parents base medication dosage on age versus weight.

When our kids get a fever, it’s good to know the facts ahead of time so we don’t stress (as much) when they get sick. All these tips are good, but the most important tip is to trust your mother’s instinct. I’ve been there many times, where I’m hesitant to call the doctor in the middle of the night with a question. But I’ve learned that if I’m really worried, I call.

Packaging on the medicines are not always correct, I always check with my Dr. for their recommendations of the dosage to give.

From now on, whenever Jack gets a fever, I know I can trust  Children’s Advil.  The best part is Children’s Advil lasts 8 hours which will let him get the sleep he needs when sick. Whether it’s a sick child or a teething baby, Children’s Advil helps to relieve pain and discomfort and allows them to rest peacefully.

You can find more information about fevers and Children’s Advil at their Facebook page too.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Children’s Advil® for providing free product samples, the survey information, and gift pack. I received no monetary compensation and regardless, my opinions are my own and were not influenced by the sponsor. 

  Serves 4-6

Terrific Tropicana and a $50 giveaway!

Since it’s a new year, it makes sense that one of my very first giveaway for 2012 centers around New Year’s resolutions! Tropicana’s Trop50 True Resolutions wants to help you stay on track and feel great in the New Year, so they are giving one lucky Contest Corner reader a $50 SpaWeek Gift Card to pamper themselves with. Read on for your chance to enter!
Tropicana Trop50 is a juice that offers reduced sugar and calories – something that a lot of people have on their minds right now, since the most common New Year goals tend to focus on health and fitness. Trop50 True Resolutions is a campaign that focuses on the “Real reasons” behind New Year’s resolutions. If you click here to visit their campaign page on Facebook, you’ll be able to share the motivation behind your New Year’s resolutions to receive a coupon good for $1 off Trop50, as well as an entry into their $1000 gift card sweepstakes.  


Recently, Trop50 sent me a coupon for a free product coupon for Trop50 so that I would be able to try out the juice and share my thoughts with you. I decided on the Trop50 Lemonade, which come from 50%-- “Tropicana and ’50 percent’ less sugar and calories”. This juice comes in a large bottle and has a nice, tart lemonade taste – you would never know it had less then 50% of anything! Trop50 Lemonade is a perfect way to quench your thirst!

No Name Meat review and giveaway....

If you are a regular reader, you know that I am always looking for simple, no fuss, great tasting meals to make on those working nights.  Well along came No Name Meats......

Over thirty-five years ago, in a small neighborhood butcher shop, a local butcher began selling delicious, hand-cut steaks. These steaks cooked up tender and juicy and, as rumor had it, tasted incredible. Word began to spread. When his customers asked the butcher what these steaks were called, he simply replied, “They don’t have a name.” Soon, people were coming from miles around to get the steaks with “No Name,” and a legend was born.

One of my favorite stores to do my grocery shopping is Jewel.  Every time I shop there I see No Name products in the meat freezer section, but I have never tried them.  Recently my husband and I had the opportunity to try two products from the No Name brand: No Name Steaks – Petite Cut and and No Name Superb & Simple – Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts.

We have not had the Steaks, but we make the  Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast last night. They were delicious and went well with broccoli cheddar rice and a salad.   For $6.99 we were able to get two Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts which were so easy to heat and serve.  I will definitely will be buying these again; especially for those days I come home form work and am not in the mood to cook.  

Let the holiday shopping begin!

I can't believe it's November already.  Stores have all of their holiday decorations out which means it's also time to start thinking about those holiday cards.  Now that I have Jack, I want to be sure to send a cute photo Christmas card every year.     Last year we used Shutterfly for our cards, and I am thrilled to use them again.  The hard part?  Which of the 748 designs will I choose?

Seriously, there are so many cute ones, I can't choose a favorite.  These two, however,  are so super cute!  All of the holiday cards are beautiful and I know you will be able to find one that fits your family!

I love this HO HO HO one becuase it's not your typical holiday card. I love the spot for 3 pictures as well.  This may be the one I choose!

Another card with the same idea as the first yet totally different is the 5x7 Scarlet Frames Story Christmas Card.  I loved the red design details, this holiday photo card looks polished, modern and elegant.  I liked two things about this card.  The first was the ability to write a quick milestone or update beneath each of the kids pictures.  The second is that because it is on a flat stationary card I could technically send it out as is, without an envelope as a post card.

I am so excited to start designing and ordering and sending my holiday cards! 

You Can Get 50 Free Holiday Cards From Shutterfly - It's Easy!

If you are a blogger and you want to write up a blog post about the awesome holiday cards available from Shutterfly you will get 50 FREE Holiday Cards!!  50 is more than enough for my family and friends.  And with the way the economy is right now, this is a great opportunity to save your holiday dollars for something that you really want instead of spending it on Holiday Cards.  While you are there you can check out everything else they have to offer, like the great photo calendars I will be ordering for all my family!

Do you want 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly? Click here to go to Shutterfly for information on how you can get 50 free cards this holiday season, it's so easy.
When your post is complete simply fill out this blog post submission form and you will receive your 50 cards!

Enjoy, and let the holiday season begin!

then I had a taste......now I'm a believer!

I am not a soda drinker.  I will have MAYBE one can a week.  I do, however, love sparkling water. So when the great people at SodaStream sent me one of their machines to try out, I was skeptical.  How could a machine make soda or sparkling water/juice like I buy at the store?

I received a SodaStream machine, the CO2 Carbonator, two reusable bottles, and a huge variety of soda flavors!! I was so excited when it came in the mail! We opened it up right away and gave it a try.  We decided to try cola first since my husband and I both love Coke. We could not believe how simple it was to make and use!  First open the back part of the SodaStream machine, screw in the CO2 Carbonator, then close back up the back. Then, rinse your soda bottle, fill it with cold tap water, and screw it onto the machine. Press the button on the top of the machine (about 3 or 4 times) until you hear it make a funny noise.  Choose your flavor, mix it in, shake, and enjoy!!!!  Regular old tap water is instantly turned into sparkling water or soda!  Genius! It was amazing, and tasted exactly like the name brand soda.

SodaStream soda is healther than regular soda or juices and is better for our planet!
Now for some info from the Sodastream website:
How Does SodaStream Help the Environment?

SodaStream is an "Active Green" product, meaning that consumers are actively reducing their CO2 footprint every time they make soda or sparkling water at home instead of buying it from the store. The more the system is used on a daily basis, the more CO2 footprint the user actively saves. (This differs from "Passive Green" products, which use green-friendly production processes, but their products are not inherently helping the consumers save on their daily footprint.)

Globally, 206 billion liters of bottled water were consumed in 2008 (Zenith International Global Bottled Water Report, 2008). The energy required to make water bottles in the US only, is equivalent to 17 million barrels of oil (Container Recycling Institute, 2002).

According to the US Recycling Institute, more than 80% of bottles in the US do not get recycled and end up in landfills. Also, an estimated 4.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were produced in the process of replacing the 134 billion bottles and cans not recycled in 2005.

Using your own home carbonation system means:
•Less packaging waste from cans and bottles.
•Less pollution caused by transport of bottled beverages.
One SodaStream carbonator makes 60 or 110 liters, equivalent to 170 or 310 aluminum cans! When empty, the carbonator is refilled and reused, ready to make more fizzy and tasty soda whenever you want it.

Be sure to check this out if you love soda or other sparkling drinks! You can click here to find out where to get your own SodaStream!

Surprise!

 My husband and I always love a good meal.  A few weeks ago I received an invitation to attend an appreciation dinner at Ben Pao, in Chicago which has amazing Chinese food and is one of our favorite places. General Mills and MyBlogSpark sponsored the event as a thank-you to their bloggers who've posted giveaways of General Mills products. The dinner was free, and I received a $50 MasterCard gift card to cover gas and parking in the city, providing a truly "free" night out.


So last Thursday, my husband and I went to Ben Pao.  The restaurant was even closed for this dinner!
We were served four courses.  Soup, appetizers, entree and desserts.  I choose Beef and Broccoli and my husband choose Kung Pao.  The food was amazing, like always, and we were STUFFED!

Throughout the meal, a camera crew roamed the restaurant asking the guests about their blogs and their thoughts on the meals. Little did I know there was a "catch" to this dinner.

When we finished our meals, our server brought each of us fortune cookies, and the cameraman returned to the table to ask if he could film us opening the cookies.
This is what was in the cookies.

We laughed SO hard, we were shocked.  We would never have guessed that we had been eating frozen Chinese food available at the grocery store! The soup, appetizer platter and desserts were actually Ben Pao's own restaurant food, but the entrees were bagged, frozen meals from Wanchai Ferry.

The camera men were filming a commercial for Wanchai Ferry!  We had a great night because of   MyBlogSpark, Ben Pao and Wanchai Ferry!

What I'll be doing Friday night

Date Night Movie


This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 20th Century Fox. All opinions are 100% mine.
My husband and I don't get out much anymore.  Actually we have been out 4 times alone since Jack was born.  It's amazing how things change.  What we used to love pre-Jack, was going to movies.  We would see every new movie the weekend it came out.  While we have been saving a lot of money by staying in, we are dying to see a movie.

Well Friday night is date night.  Guess what we are doing....you got it, seeing a movie!  It is my turn to pick, so I'm picking "Date Night".  "Date Night" stars Steve Carell and Tiny Fey.  We LOVE The Office, and 30 Rock, so we are pretty sure we will also love this movie.  I don't think they could have found a funnier pair for a movie.  In “Date Night,” a bored suburban couple played by Steve Carell and Tina Fey go on their weekly dinner date and find themselves thrown into a more than crazy night. 

If this sounds like something you might like, take a look at the trailer at the end of this post.
Date night comes out April 10, this Friday.  So get out with your husband, boyfriend, girlfriends, whatever.  Just get out and see a movie.  Oh, and get yourself a large popcorn, you deserve it!





I would love to know what your ideal "date night" is.  Do you get out less now that you have kids, or do you still find time for yourself?

Free sample of Bordreaux's Butt Paste

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine. So walking in the baby aisles of Target this product made me stop dead in my tracks. Who can resist a product with the name "Butt Paste"? I decided to try it, and now I am hooked. I use it daily for Jack's little bum. This product is the only diaper rash/skin protectant I will use now. The best thing about it is that it keeps him bone dry through the night, with no diaper rash.


Boudreaux's Butt Paste has a really nice, (not overwhelming) scent and spreads on so easily, it is not greasy or sticky. It works almost instantly for diaper rash and keeps Jack dry overnight. What's even better is Now Boudreaux’s has a new all natural formula! It still has castor oil and zinc oxide, but now it now Butt Paste has aloe vera, beeswax and peruvian balsam oil in it. I have tried many other products for Jack, but I honestly think Butt Paste is absolutely the best.

If you haven't tried it yet, you can get your free sample here: http://www.blairex.com/BLButtPaste.php

If you have tried it, I would love to know what you think of it.



This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.