Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Easy Toddler Snacking

My sweet two-year-old loves her snacks! She is growing so fast and is so active; she is always hungry for something. I have a 1/8 measuring cup that is supposed to be for measuring coffee. I do not use it for coffee, nor do I use it for baking or cooking. I have found that this measuring cup is the perfect size for all of Rachel's snacks. I would give her a little bowl of something and find it half eaten or dumped somewhere around the house. This way, I feel more in control, it helps me keep track of how much she is eating, and it cuts down waste. I have no problem feeding her healthy snacks throughout the day because this little cup gives her the perfect amount for her little tummy.

 She loves the handle and it is really easy for her to hold. I think that it also helps with her hand control. She needs to hold the cup steady in order to get a snack, instead of a regular bowl sitting on the ground or other surface. She also eats slowly because she is concentrating harder on her ability to hold the cup and pinch each bite. I'm happy that she is not scarfing all of her snacks.
 
1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce 

 Organic Green Grapes
 
 
 
Dried Cherries & Dried Apricots                    Organic String Cheese
                   
                                    
Organic Fruity O's                                         Pistachio Nutmeats


 Organic Popcorn                                           Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
                         (I only fill it half way for these) 

 

 
 
 

Monday, September 24, 2012

52 Reasons I Love You

(Rachel got a crayon to it before I could stop her.)
 
This is a super fun gift that will make you and your recipient smile. 
It's inexpensive and such a thoughtful way to share your love.

Materials needed:
*deck of cards
*hole punch
*sand paper
*2 book rings
*glue stick
*decorative scissors
*jewels (optional)

Start by using a square of sandpaper to "roughen up" each card.
This will give them an instant vintage look.


Next, Use a hole punch to make two holes in one card.
Use this card as your guide to punch the remaining cards.

Use a work document to type your 52 reasons. I just insertsed a table
 that was 4x5. This made it neat and easy to cut. Cut each reason 
out with decorative scissors and glue one reason to each card.
(I did not put my cards in order. I thought it would
be fun for them to be random.)

I used the jokers as my front and back cards so that I would have all 52 cards for my reasons.
 Just cover both jokers with some colored paper to cover both sides of each card.
Decorate your cover card with jewels if you want to add some flare!
 
Clip on your book rings and you are finished!



Saturday, September 22, 2012

Garlic-Cilantro Hummus

Hummus is a favorite in our house. It is packed with fiber
& protein, and it is so easy to make from scratch.
 
Ingredients for Garlic-Cilantro Hummus:
 
*1 can of garbanzo beans
*1 tsp minced garlic
*1 tbsp tahini (what is tahini?)
*a nice handful of fresh cilantro
*1/2 of a lemon
*salt, to your liking

Place all of your ingredients in a food processor. I sprinkle a little bit
of salt in as I go and taste the hummus in between blends.
 
Scrap the sides down in between blending so all ingredients get incorporated.
....blending, blending, blending!
Pair your hummus with baby carrots, or fresh pita chips (slice
pita bread into triangles and bake for about 10 minutes, or place pita bread
halves in the toaster for a lighter crisp.) 
Replace the cilantro with sun dried tomatoes, green or black
olives, fresh bell pepper, or a blend of yummy herbs and spices
to make it your own! Hummus is so versatile.