For all train obsessed tots, this train meal set will definitely keep him/her engaged for the entire meal. I have never seen a cuter or more clever design for a plate, bowl and cup. And the name is just too cute, Chew Chew, its so punny! I would get a couple of these to make sure you have it on clean rotation. This would make the best gift so keep this in mind for the next birthday (or if you're lazy like me, just stock up for Christmas and give this to all appropriate recipients!). At Amazon
The questions is, What can't you put in thgis? The Butterfly Packin' Smart is perfect for formula, snacks, serving bowl or pacifier holder. Use this in your cupboard for spices and herbs, or crafts organizer for small beads, buttons, pins, etc. The material is stain, shatter and odor resistant, each compartment has its own removable funnel lid for easy dispensing. Dishwasher safe. At Pure and Honest Kids for $19.99
It's always now now now. Well, not that you should give in to that but sometimes you just didn't plan ahead. Like make your own Popsicles before the playdate! This Zoku pop maker freezes any liquid you put in there in just 7 minutes. Well, of course, you need to keep the base in the freezer ahead of time but as long as you store it in the freezer at all times, you can make and eat healthy-ish iced treats in no time at all. Each freeze can make 3 sets of pops, so that's 9 total. If you use fruit, it is recommended that you freeze those ahead of time, or you can just use frozen fruit. There is a quick release to make sure you get them out of the mold without struggling. Exclusively at Williams Sonoma for $49.95.
What a better way to start the new school year than to get a new lunch bag! This little diner bag is as adorable as they come, it looks like a little house with windows showing friends enjoying their lunch inside a cute cafe that I wish I could have in my neighborhood. It is fully insulated to keep lunch cool and fresh. The entire bag is made of PVC and phthalate free materials. At Oliebollen for $18.
This is yet another BPA free bottle/sippy cut option. But this one has one important distinction - these can be used throughout your tots life by going from bottle nipples to sippy cup spouts. Best of all, you have a choice of nipples to use, some of these you probably already have! The Pure Kiki comes in 3 sizes; 5 oz. is $13.99, 11 oz. infant bottle is $15.99 and 11 oz toddler sippy is $17.99 (not sure what the difference is between the infant bottle and toddler sippy). Comes in Silver Stainless, Spring Green, Aqua Blue or Pretty Pink. You can also get their BPA and plastic free Pura Kiki Silicone Nipples, $4.99 / 2 per box.
I used and loved the Boon Squirt feeder, but this Nuby Squeeze Feeder is an improvement on the same design (did they lose their patent?). I like the clear dispenser so you know exactly where you are with the feeding. The silicone material also makes it easier to squeeze, which can of course be good and bad but with a little practice, you will know just how much to squeeze to get the amount you want without a mess. This is an absolute necessity when your out, especially on a plane! At Amazon
I'm not the type to sit and watch infomercials, ever! But I happened upon HSN while channel surfing and was immediately mesmerized by this pressure cooker. I make home cooked meals from scratch every day, so I am always looking for solutions to reduce my kitchen time. And this promised to do just that so I was hooked. Wolfgang promised baby back ribs in 25 minutes. No way, I said! Soup can be done in 15 minutes and rice cooked in 6 minutes. OK, I had to give it a try. I got this 2 weeks ago and I have not been able to live without it. I swear, baby back ribs - 2 giant slabs, one stacked on top of the other, cooked in 25 minutes!! Tender and falling off the bones. I could not believe it. I made spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes and crumbled sausages in 20 minutes but it tasted like I simmered it for 2 hours (which I usually do!!). I am huge on chicken stock, I use it instead of oil to saute vegetables which tastes much better and obviously much healthier. One chicken, 60 minutes, zero attention, and DONE. My weeks worth of stock. I made stews, turkey pot pie, braised chicken and even dessert! You can leave the lid off and brown meats before you start the pressure cooking, it actually gets pretty hot. The pressure and high heat is the secret to the quick cook time but another huge benefit of the pressure is that the flavor that is infused by cooking in this way. It's not just about being fast, everything has a richer and fuller taste. It's electric so there is no guess work or scary visions of exploding food, you set the time and let it go without having to watch over it. The pressure dissipates when the cooking cycle is complete and the lid will not come off until all pressure is released. Super easy to use. Comes in turquoise or orange, at HSN for $109.90 plus Shipping & Handling of $12.96.
UPDATE: Just made rice with this, it makes the most perfect rice you have ever seen. Japanese sushi chefs spend years perfecting rice making, it took me 6 minutes and zero grief =)
It's not that my Tot needs a different lunch box everyday it's just that they get so gross and I'm always having to replace them because nasty food stains take over. These Dabbawalla lunch bags are made from neoprene so you know what that means, you can wash them again and again without ruining them!! Throw them in the washing machine for a super clean and they come out looking new. Plus, they are super cute!! At Lunch Boxes for $29.95.
Draw on paper they provide, send it back and you get your own custom made melamine plate!! How awesome is that? They give you 5 circular pieces of paper so you can choose the best of the 5 to send (or in case there were mistakes). You must use approved Crayola products, but we all have those at home. Your tots can draw pictures of everyone in the family with names so everyone can have their own plates. Surprise grandma the next time she visits with her very own plate! Make special holiday plates or color coordinate with your dining room decor. The possibilities are endless! You can order up to 5 plates per kit so you don't need to buy a kit for each tot (each additional is $7.95 plus $3 shipping and the 5th one is free).
At Amazon
I have been sharing this recipe with all my girlfriends and it has been a huge hit! But more importantly, it is super easy and FAST!! I make this for my daughter's lunch and she always finishes it. It literally takes 10 minutes and can be made the night before. It is so good I serve it to grown ups as a side dish, for picnics or for lunch. Use the recipe as a guideline, you can add or substitute any of the ingredients.
2 Cups Cooked Penne Pasta (or any type, but not long pasta, i.e. spaghetti, linguine, etc.)
1/4 Cup Deli Turkey, cut in squares (or roast chicken or ham)
1/3 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, cut in halves
1/4 Cup Frozen Peas, thawed (I just soak it in hot water for a minute)
2 Tbsp Good Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
While the pasta is cooking, cup up and mix all the other ingredients together in large bowl. When pasta is done, toss in bowl and serve. Seriously, could it be any easier? Enjoy!
