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Got a kiddo in diapers? Baby shower coming up or just feeling generous and want to donate to a women’s shelter? Check out the write up on this week’s STEAL - http://neverpayretailagain.blogspot.com/2009/03/walgreens-steal-alert-get-3-packages-of.html and http://neverpayretailagain.blogspot.com/2009/03/target-or-walmart-print-more-huggies.html

I think you can actually do this deal several times if you can print the coupons off from multiple computers (think work, grandparents, friends, etc.). You just can’t use the $10 RR to purchase the next set bc it would void out your next $10 RR.

I am surrounded by people that are pregnant or just had a baby these days. Yes, I’m one of them. So what do you get for parents that have everything? Ya know, either it’s a second kiddo or maybe they (or their family) just went nuts already. Prepared meals!! You can never go wrong with food.

I found a great site when I went searching to send something to upstate NY. There aren’t a lot of large chain restaurants, etc up there. Drum roll…. Schwan’s. They have a good selection, and a well-organized, detailed site. They break it down by price per serving, and also offer 3 different delivery options. There is a variety of price points and are rather economical IMO. I was able to send 6 or 7 meals for $45, which I’m rather happy with so I can’t wait to hear about the results.  If you use coupon code MC you can save 5% on online orders now thru Oct 26, 2008.

If I hear good things then this will be my go-to present for awhile.

I was in Lowe’s with Anthony several weeks ago and scored a small, plastic (so neither of us can break it. lol) hummingbird feeder for a whopping $1. I’ve always loved hummingbirds and want to pass on that love to my kids so I’m trying to find a great AND easy recipe to make their food. I know it’s basically sugar water but that is about it.

I did a quick search and found a very helpful website that shares a simple to make recipe (featured below). They also include hummingbird FAQs and info on making a garden to attract them. OOO don’t get me started on that one folks!

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

1 part sugar/4 parts water

Boil the water first, then measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water.

Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.

Do not add food coloring, honey (which ferments), or artificial sweetener, which has no nutritional value.

You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and a mild (10%) bleach, or a water and vinegar solution, to inhibit mold. Rinse very thoroughly before refilling with water syrup.

Some things I learned while doing my research:

• Don’t use red dye in the food, which can be cancerous to them. They are attracted to the brightly colored feeders themselves.
• Don’t use honey EVER
• They are very territorial so multiple feeders, one in the front of the house and one in the back is best.

After learning they are territorial little creatures I’m now inspired to drag my little one into making another feeder for them. Of course, I’ll wait to see if we can attract any of them first, but what fun! Here is a link (branches off to several more) on how to make your own feeder.

Just when you’ve thought you’ve seen everything related to babies they come out with something new that throws you for a loop. While I find the appliance very cool, possibly (I say this because I haven’t tried it) very useful, and love the color I don’t think I could justify the cost of it ($140). I do like how it limits the amount of appliances you need to use and dirty but still….

“The French baby-food maker that has won praise throughout Europe is finally available to American families. This compact countertop appliance multitasks as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits, meat and fish in less than 15 minutes, preserving their vitamins and flavors, then purees or blends them to the desired consistency. You can also use it to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. With it comes a 2 1/2-cup polycarbonate bowl, cooking basket, spatula and recipe booklet. The bowl and basket are dishwasher safe. 11″ x 5 1/2″ x 8″ high.”

Visit William Sonoma’s website to learn more and see a video.

The AAP doesn’t have an “official” recommendation for all children on when to start allergy-prone foods, but if allergies run in your family (as they do in mine), many experts suggest the following schedule. Posted in part for your benefit but mine as well when #2 shows

Foods should be introduced one at a time to help pinpoint any type of reaction and idly, a week apart.

After 6 months: rice cereal; meats; vegetables, except for legumes (like peas and beans, including soy); and fruits and juices except for citrus

After 1 year: milk; wheat; corn; citrus; and legumes

After 2 years: eggs

After 3 years: peanut butter; fish and shellfish

A FREE copy of a new recipe booklet from Gooseberry Patch: Fall Favorites with Sun-Maid Raisins & Dried Fruit is available now. You can also request the Gooseberry Patch Family Favorite Recipes but will have to fill out the form twice since they won’t let you request both at the same time. I’m not sure why this new recipe booklet is coming out in Spring rather than Fall, but anything that can potentially get more fruits into my family I’m game to try.

Below is a quick way to buy yourself a couple of minutes to finish doing whatever…

Bubble Recipe 

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 Tbsp. dish soap
• 1 Tbsp. corn syrup

Don’t have a bubble wand handy? Use a slotted spoon from the kitchen.

I love giving Anthony yogurt in the morning - it is a quick way to get food into his tummy when he first wakes up, it is full of calcium, etc. What I don’t love is the price of purchasing the individual bottles of grab & go yogurt drinks. I did it for awhile and justified the cost but the flavors got old, and not every grocery store carried the brand I prefer (Stonyfield). I tried substituting the Dannon Danimals but they gave him a horrible diaper rash. So…what’s a mom to do!?

Equipped with my handy blender (or food processor) I make a batch of yogurt once a week and store it in a plastic cereal storage container in the fridge. This may seem like more effort or more cost to you, but some days this is all I can get Anthony to eat, especially if he doesn’t want what we are having for dinner. Before you start ~ I make him try the food and sit through dinner. If doesn’t eat it or doesn’t eat a lot I *sometimes* offer the yogurt. I don’t want him depending on it so he doesn’t eat what he is given, so it is not an “all-the-time” occurrence.

Recipe:

• organic whole milk
• 1 container of Stonyfield vanilla yogurt
• 1 container of Stonyfield plain yogurt (I make sure that one of the yogurts is whole milk based on what my grocery store has in stock that week)

I whip this altogether and pour into storage container. There are no exact measurements, I just base it off the pour-ability factor. Take fruit(s) of the week and batch process fruit into puree. Strain if necessary and add to storage container. Mix well and viola!

I try to use in-season fruit but that is not always possible, especially obeying the taste of a toddler. If I must use frozen, I make sure it is from the USA. Fruit we’ve tried (individually or in-combination):

• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Peaches

After this week’s batch is done I’m planning on trying apples, pears and pumpkin in the future.

What other fruits would you suggest?

If your kid is anything like mine, he won’t drink milk straight (I add it to his morning yogurt drink). So….here is a great idea to get more calcium into our kids (and grown-ups too)! Add 2 tablespoons of dry nonfat powdered milk to a bowl of soup. The 2 Tbsps. equate to a whopping 100-plus milligrams of additional calcium.

This works best with cream based soups such as Cream of Broccoli, Cream of Potato, etc. You could also sneak this into other meals, such as gravy, mashed potatoes, pot roast, or chicken breasts smothered in cream of mushroom soup.

I’ve recently been thinking a lot of different types of food “plates” that can be made ahead of time and frozen to give to new moms and dads. I remember when Anthony was born it was difficult some days to get anything done, let alone care about what food to make. In my household I am the sole cook - unless we are eating BBQ or eggs, the extent of Nick’s prowess. And frankly, living off of fast food and pizza just doesn’t work for long either.

I know this pondering is partly due to my own looming birth of #2 but also because several of my girlfriend’s are pregnant or have given birth recently. Below are some foods that are good make ahead meals and freeze well. They are also extremely appreciated by anyone that I’ve talked or given them too.

• Spaghetti sauce in quart size containers (don’t forget the pasta)
• Pot pies (turkey and chicken both work well)
• Pot roast with sides
• Ham soup with vegetables (especially good for right after delivery)
• Chicken soup (good choices for pasta are egg noodles, pastina, and orzo)
• Wontons for soup (turkey or pork work well)
• Lasagna
• Seasoned Chicken Breasts with Rice
• Casseroles
• Quiche
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Biscuits or Muffins
• Banana, pumpkin, apple sauce, or zucchini bread

If you are bringing these over please remember to put the items in containers you don’t mind if you never see again (if you really want it back put your name on it!), make sure the containers are in meal-sized portions and include re-heating instructions if they are needed. I also like to provide the additional items to make it a meal. For example, include the pasta for the spaghetti sauce or cans of vegetables for side dishes, etc.

Several other tips - make sure you know about likes/dislikes; allergies; religious inclinations; and freezer space. For any of the ideas mentioned above you can find recipes by doing a quick search on google or cooks.com.

If you can’t cook or don’t have time ~ don’t fret! I’ll be doing a review later this week on the various prepared food delivery venues.