Archive | February, 2013

Cozy Up With Your Favorite Book Next To A Honeywell 360 Heater (Giveaway)

28 Feb

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Growing up, I never liked to read.  When I had my first daughter, a few moms in the local playgroup started a book club and I got hooked and began reading more than I ever have.  Our monthly meetings stopped once everyone started getting pregnant with their second child, but I still enjoy reading when I can.   It’s  been a while since I have read a  good book. I recently read the 50 Shades of Gray trilogy and am not sure what book to follow it up with, any suggestions? I don’t know why I never liked to read before having kids. I have found there is nothing more relaxing than curling up on the couch after the kids are asleep on a cold, winters night wrapped in blankets with the heat on high.

If you are looking to make your reading area a little cozier, check out the Honeywell Heaters sweepstakes.  As part of the sweepstakes they ran a survey to see what women were reading.  In their survey they found that 64% of women turn the heat up higher during the winter and to no surprise 50 Shades is number one on the list.  If you are looking for a book to read, check out the top ten books Honeywell found women reading this winter.  Also, don’t forget to enter the  sweepstakes before March 29,2013.

One Tastefully Childish reader will also have the opportunity to win a Honeywell EnergySmart® 360° Surround Heater.  The giveaway begins today and will end on Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m.  To Enter:

Leave comment with a book that is next on your list or your favorite book you read this winter.

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Comment for every entry you make.

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  A Honeywell EnergySmart 360 Surround heater will be given to one winner for this post.

Peas Of Mind

25 Feb

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Getting my girls to eat vegetables with their meals can be challenging.  I recently learned about Peas of Mind, all natural products made with real vegetables.  Peas of Mind sprouted from the idea that as kids begin eating solid foods, the tastes and textures they experience will shape their eating habits for a lifetime.  Their products are great for health-conscious parents who want to feed their growing kids delicious meals with organic ingredients, but don’t have the time to make them from scratch.  Peas of Mind products are found in the frozen food section of Whole Foods, other retailers can be found here.   

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Fat Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Vegan

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Fat Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Vegan

Images by Tastefully Childish.

Images by Tastefully Childish.

My family received the opportunity to try a Peas of Mind product.  My youngest daughter tried the cauliflower veggie wedgies. Veggie Wedgies, which look like french fries, come in three other flavors: broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, and apple. They come frozen and are very east to make.  Place them on a baking tray and coat with non-stick spay then bake them for 10 minutes or until they are your desired crispness.  I sprinkled them with a little salt and garlic salt  Each serving has more than half a serving of your  child’s recommended fruit and vegetable intake for a day.   My daughter usually doesn’t like cauliflower but she had no problem scarfing these veggie fries down.  They make a great “veggie side” for any meal.  My oldest didn’t try them because I noticed they are made in a facility that produces nuts and she has food allergies.  I left a few to the side for myself and really enjoyed them. I am looking forward to trying other Peas of Mind products with her.

Other products include:

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Pull-a-parts are made with pieces of our signature veggie dough with broccoli and carrots kneaded into it. 

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Peas of Mind kneads real broccoli and carrots right into the pizza crust.  They use pepperoni with no nitrates and nitrites.  One pizza contains 1½ servings of veggies.  

Puffets are available in 5 flavors: Nana's Banana, Carrot Risotto, Black Bean Polenta, Eat Your Greens and Mama's Pasta.

Puffets are available in 5 flavors: Nana’s Banana, Carrot Risotto, Black Bean Polenta, Eat Your Greens and Mama’s Pasta.

Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics came from the Peas of Mind website. All images unless stated are from Peas of Mind.  I received a coupon for a free product for the purpose of this review.

Kids Food Festival: March 2nd & 3rd

22 Feb
Image from Kids Food Festival

Image from Kids Food Festival

Image from Kids Food Festival

Image from Kids Food Festival

One of my daughter’s favorite events last year was the New York Kids Food Festival at Citi Pond at Bryant Park (see post).  The Kids Food Festival has partnered with Cooking Light and the James Beard Foundation to help fight childhood obesity.  The event engages children in fun activities such as a food plate scavenger hunt, cooking sessions, performances and a chance to get up close with some of your favorite characters in hopes to teach families and children how to make balanced choices with food.  Build your own pizza or make spiced gluten-free waffle sticks in one of the cooking sessions.  Tickets are required for each session.  Free events will include a meet and greet with Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba as well as performances from The Dirty Sock Funtime Band and Super Sprotz.  Click here for a complete list of events, times and dates.

Washington D.C. friends, family and followers, keep checking the Kids Food Festival website for an event near you!

All About Sprouts

20 Feb

20130220-192146.jpgGrowing up the thought of Brussel Sprouts disgusted me.  I wanted nothing to do with the little balls of “salad”.  I never gave them a shot until a friend had me over for dinner and served them roasted.  I got hooked and am addicted to them.  Recently, I came across an image of a Brussel Sprout and egg dish on pinterest that looked amazing and had to try it.

The original recipe came from Naturally Ella but I adapted it by halving the sprouts instead of shredding them.  I also use yellow onion, add fresh garlic, and recently tried using chipotle olive oil from LeRoux Kitchen for a little added flavor.  This is one of my favorite dishes and have made it for several people who LOVED it just as much as I do.  It is a delicious meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Save on Pantene Products

20 Feb

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Not long ago I learned about the Pantene Expert Collection and love it (see post).  Coupons.com is featuring multiple coupons for various Pantene products, including one for $2 off TWO Pantene Expert Collection products, as well as a coupon for our new Repair & Protect collection.   Click here for coupons and give Pantene a try.   These coupons will expire at the end of March.

Happy Valentine’s Day

14 Feb

Sending lots of LOVE!
Xoxo

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Yummy Valentine’s Lunch

13 Feb
Image from Nuovo Pasta

Image from Nuovo Pasta

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Image from Nuovo

You probably know Nuovo Pasta from the cute Mac and Cheezy Fish Ravioli they sell at Whole Foods.  Any time my kids pass the adorable shaped ravioli they want it.  The all-natural pasta also comes in a variety of shapes and delicious flavors. When I was at the Manhattan Costco the other day I came across Nuovo  Ricotta, Mozzarella and Asiago Heart-Shaped Pasta.  Delicious for grown-ups and lots of fun for your little Valentine’s.  For the kids I served it with a little olive oil, salt and garlic.  My husband and I enjoyed it with vodka sauce on top (my girls didn’t want to “mess up” their hearts with sauce).  Choose a vegetable and cut heart-shaped strawberries on the side for a yummy lunch or dinner on Valentine’s day!  For a little extra fun let the little Valentine’s dress up and set the table with flowers and have a “fancy restaurant“.

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Valentine’s Gifts For Your Little Princess

11 Feb

My girls are excited for Valentine’s Day!  They know it is another Holiday in which you get more CANDY!  My oldest is all about chocolate while my youngest is into cookies and gummies.  Over the past couple weeks my oldest has dropped hints about receiving something a little more than just candy.  Most boxes of chocolate are made in a place that processes peanuts and tree nuts so it is hard to give that as a Valentine’s gift.  A few great gifts for a little Valentine Princess that aren’t candy:

Crayola Scented Nail Polish: My girls love having their nails done.  I found this fun set at Rite Aid.

Image from Amazon

Image from Amazon

Luna Star All Natural Make-up:  My daughter looks forward to going to her friends house every week because she has an awesome make-up kit and they love putting it on each other while playing dress up.  I have been looking for all-natural make up because both of my girls have sensitive skin.  While on the search for a make-up sets to give for Valentine’s Day I came across the Queen Fairy Set by Luna Star.  Find a store near you to find Luna Star make-up!

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Image from Luna Star

Vanilla Cupcake Necklace with Heart Sprinkles:  My girls have this necklace and it is adorable to give as a birthday gift but would also make a sweet gift for your little Valentine.  The girls have received so many compliments and I have been asked often about where to find this beautiful necklace.    Head to Piccolini on Mulberry street.

Image from Piccolini

Image from Piccolini

A Scent-sational Valentine: An adorable  scratch and sniff book about a secret admirer who delivers a Valentine everyday the week before Valentine’s day.  My girls got this a few years ago but it was ripped up by a friend.  They will be so excited to receive it again.

Image from Barnes and Noble

Image from Barnes and Noble

Melissa and Doug Princess Crayon Set with Fairy Princess Coloring Pad:

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s From The Heart!

6 Feb

My oldest daughter received a Melissa and Doug Mailbox for Christmas. It is one of her favorite toys because she enjoys writing letters.  I love to encourage her to write to people especially in a time that letters are rarely received and communication is done by text or e-mail.
20130206-185916.jpgLately, she has talked nonstop about Valentine’s day. She has picked out gifts for my husband and her sister. When I asked her about cards for family, friends, and classmates she said she wanted to create her own to make them “special”. I thought that was very impressive since store shelves are packed with Valentines of her favorite princess and tv show characters.  Naturally, my youngest said she wanted to do the same thing as her big sister.  When I was at Target the other week, I found blank pink cards and a lot of Valentine stickers in the $1.00 section when you first walk in. My girls have used various supplies and are working hard to get cards ready for next week.  Once they are finished they will add her favorite Yummy Earth Lollipops and stuff them in her mailbox to “send” out.

Making your own Valentine’s is a great way to keep busy when you are stuck inside and adds a little extra love to each one.  If you don’t have time to shop, I found these pre-packaged kits you can order online:

Sending lot’s of LOVE this Valentine’s Day!

Coloring With Fruits and Veggies

4 Feb

20130204-140328.jpgIn December I attended a celebration for the launch of the Bluum Toddler Box (see post). I received We Can Too Veggie Baby Crayons in a Bluum Toddler Box from the event. My girls LOVE art. We spend cold afternoons coloring or creating art projects. My youngest came across the bag of Wee Can Too Veggie Baby Crayons the other day and had to pull them out to color her latest creation. The cube-shaped crayons come in 5 organic colors: pink/ red, orange, yellow, green and blue. They are made with real fruits and veggies. Although not intended as food, the crayons are non-toxic and naturally safe for the occasional “crayon in the mouth” move young children are known to do. No worrying about harmful dyes. After using the crayons that we loved and I know are safe to use I learned that We Can Too makes more all-natural art products like face paint, tempera paint, finger paints, sidewalk chalk and face paint (for a list click here). I look forward to trying more We Can Too Edible Supplies for my little aspiring artists.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.