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A little dash of this, A little dash of that…

August 25th, 2010 admin Posted in epiphanies, good eats, green, moments, parenting, review 4 Comments »

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{ disclosure : received a box of Pomi Chopped Tomatoes and Pomi Strained Tomatoes to sample }

Added to our cooking skills this summer was homemade fresh marinara sauce.  The toddler and I have become obsessed with making our own sauce.  Since we discovered the relative simplicity of the recipe, its been a fun Mommy and Me activity.  To round out the adventure, I’ve included every step of the process the toddler can be involved in including cultivating her very own herb garden.  Okay, its more like Mommy’s herb garden since it only has my two favorite herbs, sweet Italian basil and golden sage (a nod to my other food obsession, butternut squash raviolis with brown butter sage).  We attempted them from seeds but since Mommy doesn’t exactly have a green nurturing thumb, we had to resort to purchased seedlings from our neighborhood garden nursery to ensure it’s survival.  So far it has survived and then some… and boy do they yield fragrant and delicious herbs!

When Pomi approached me to try their line of BPA free tomato products, the toddler and I had visions of an Italian feast.  Grown in Italy without the use of pesticides or genetically modified seeds, they are packaged in a BPA free box without preservatives, citric acid, or additives bringing moms high quality tomatoes with a garden fresh taste for their kids.  Because we like a chunkier, more homemade look to our sauce we blended both the chopped and strained tomatoes for a thicker sauce.

The toddler ran out to her garden to pick fresh basil leaves while I peel garlic cloves and heated up the olive oil.  While she washed the basil leaves and carrot sticks, I sauteed the garlic until it was tender and golden.  We eagerly opened up both boxes of Pomi tomatoes , note to self — next time a larger opening for the chopped tomatoes — and into our favorite red pot they went.  Bright red and no sign of oxidation, it smelled divine!  A quick chop of the carrots, the toddler pushed the magic button until it was the right consistency, adding just the right sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.  30 minutes later, we had a delicious sauce begging to be devoured and devoured it was because I didn’t even have time to take a picture of the finished product!  All in all this mom was happy to find a BPA free tomato product finally!

Pomi is available nationwide in stores such as Whole Foods, A&P, Waldbaum’s and Food Emporium in three (26.46 oz) boxed varieties: Strained Tomatoes, Chopped Tomatoes and Marinara Sauce.  Once opened the package will stay fresh for 10 days under refrigeration, but I’m not sure any will be left for refrigeration with my family.  But for such instances, my only qualm would be that it’s missing a resealable cap seen on other aseptic packaging.

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REVIEW: Abe’s Market, a name you can trust!

July 22nd, 2010 admin Posted in deals, good eats, green, parenting, review 1 Comment »


{ disclosure: I requested and received a sample of reusable produce bags and eczema rescue cream, but the opinions expressed here are my own }

I recently stumbled upon Abe’s Market which brings together an impressive collection of companies that are all green, natural and eco-friendly.  These are all names and brands you have come to know and trust — California Baby, Born Free, Green Toys — as well as new ones you’re guaranteed to be pleased with as well. They’ve got the entire family covered, even the furry four legged ones too.  With a cozy neighborhood market and a selection that rivals superstores, they have items for the gourmet chef, families on a kosher diet, toys, furniture, herbal remedies, and even hard to find items like all natural suncare.

What makes Abe’s Market unique is that it creates a community of sharing and really bringing a face to the companies they seller  - it’s like having a conversation with your best friends.    Every month they bring one of their amazing sellers front and center to tell their story as well as giving them a voice on the blog covering everything from Green Living to even things like Photography tips!  Mom’s are always sharing information and Abe’s Market rewards mom’s for doing what they already naturally do.  By sharing Abe’s Market with (3) of your friends at checkout, you automatically get 10% off your order!

They also have an amazing policy called the Shop Relaxed Guarantee which includes:

  • Price Guarantee – if you find the product online for less, they will happily refund you the difference
  • Easy Returns – you have a generous 60 days to return any product you are not happy or satisfied with
  • Shipping - If you act now until Sunday (7/25/2010), they are offering FREE shipping on your entire order.  Normally a flat rate of $4.99 whether you order one item or fifty…which is still a bargain!

Abe’s Market will be our go to place online for all things green and all-natural by a community that shares and supports Abe’s Market ideals about health and wellness, reliability, trust and honesty.  Check out Abe’s Market at www.abesmarket.com.

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GIVEAWAY: Pizza for Breakfast?! Count me in!

July 18th, 2010 admin Posted in confessions, epiphanies, giveaway, good eats, moments, parenting, review No Comments »

{ disclosure: I am working in partnership with Kellogg and TheMotherhood.com and have received a stipend, but the opinions expressed here are my own }

{ COMMENTS ARE CLOSED FOR THIS POST }

I don’t know about you, but morning are crazy at my house.  Even though I’m up, about and out before the kids are even awake every morning, its still shear chaos.  Every morning my routine includes things like:

  • prepare my son’s bottles for the day
  • set aside prepared tubs of baby food
  • make my daughter’s vitamin mixed juice cup
  • make her meals
  • check that the nursery is adequately stocked with diapers, bibs, wipes and clothing
  • wash and sanitize all of the baby’s teething toys
  • make sure the baby’s medication is where it should be and ready for administration
  • make a list with all my instructions for the day
  • check that there is adequate entertainment for the day
  • package my lunch
  • fill up my water bottle
  • wash and sterilize breast pump accessories
  • pack up my breast pump and supplies
  • pack up my school books and materials for the day
  • eat breakfast if I remember to…

I’m sure some of you are looking at my list thinking, well it should get pretty routine after a while, which is true but… Not every morning is the same and there are days I notice the the baby has a developing rash, which I then want to adjust his diet, or his medications, or I notice the toddler has avoided veggies all week and I want my MIL to focus on these certain things for the day.  So by the time I think of everything I need to cover for the day, I forget to eat breakfast in my haste to make the train.  I know breakfast is the most important day of the meal, but as a mom, you often are so busy taking care of everyone else, you forget about yourself.  Most days I  wonder how I even remember it all.  I know some mornings are easier than others and the easiest ones are the ones where I do as much as I can the night before.  Lists help immensely and if they don’t change much, its great to have a starter list that gets tweaked just a little each morning.

When I was approached to try Eggo® Real Fruit Pizzas, I gave them a resounding YES!  Granted I was more excited to try it out myself and make it a part of my morning routine but I realized how perfect it was for my toddler too.  My little picky eater rarely eats fruits, let alone fresh fruit, especially if its not, say, in an ice cream disguised packaging.  Even that can be a challenge.  Strawberry ice cream becomes “pink” ice cream, because pink is one of her favorite colors.  On some days I can even trick her with pink (strawberry) yogurt, but not often.  When I saw Eggo® Real Fruit Pizzas packaging, all I could think was — Ooooh pink! Oooh Pizza!  The toddler loves pizza!  This could totally work!

One crazy morning, amidst my running around, I popped the Mixed Berry Granola Fruit Pizza in the microwave, excited to try out my favorite combination of fruit, yogurt and granola in a pizza form… and I totally forgot as I ran out of the house to catch my train.  When I got home later that evening I was thrilled to hear that the toddler scarfed it all up when she woke up, but I completely missed catching this “momentous” occasion.  I heard the defining moment of whether or not she would eat it came down to it being “purple!”  her other favorite color and my MIL threw in that she also thought Mommy left it as a special surprise just for her.  Hey, whatever works!

Trying out Pizza #2, the Strawberry Granola went on without a hitch.  Bright and early yesterday morning I asked the toddler if she wanted pizza for breakfast and of course there was her resounding, “Yes!”.  Approaching it much like frosting on a birthday cake, the toddler had to swipe a taste before I had a chance to even cut it up.  I had to even do a little negotiating to get a tiny slice of my own to try and it was delicious!  It’s no wonder she scarfed it down!  This will be another Eggo product that we’ll all be yelling, “Leggo my eggo!” and one thing less I have to think about every morning.

PROS

  • Quick and Easy Breakfast in just 1 minute
  • Incredibly nutritious with fresh fruits, granola and yogurt topping
  • They do not skimp on the fresh fruit — yum!
  • Eating it like a pizza makes it a pretty mess free meal.
  • It’s delicious!

CONS

  • Wish they came in a family pack.  Individual pizzas would be great for perhaps a college student, for a family, a four-pack would be better
  • Would have been cool if they came pre-sliced.
  • Wish there was an easy pull tab for opening the shrink-wrapped packaging.  This is not exclusive to this particular product, but over all in general.  One of my pet peeves is fumbling with scissors, or pulling off with my teeth.

GIVEAWAY: What’s your secret to a smooth morning start? Share it to win one of (5), yea that’s right FIVE – Eggo® Real Fruit Pizzas Sampler Sets.  To ENTER, from now until July 28th 2010, fill out this FORM telling us your tips.  Get up to (two) bonus entries. 1st Bonus – If you follow me on twitter@momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (Win ONE of 5 Win ONE of 5 #EggoAM Real Fruit Pizzas Sampler Sets @momconfessional http://wp.me/pLvfH-vx) 2nd Bonus – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM again and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Giveaway ends on July 28th 2010 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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Grilled on Independence Day

July 5th, 2010 admin Posted in good eats, moments, parenting 3 Comments »

When my husband said he joined an online board for smokers, he definitely gave me pause.  Was there something he wanted to tell me?  I knew he was under a lot of stress but picking up smoking? Imagine my relief when by smoking he meant meats… phew!  For some reason unbeknownst to me my husband has become obsessed with creating an authentic BBQ experience.  I never was able to distinguish a good BBQ from a regular BBQ until a recent trip to Williamsburg where we hit up a local dive called Frette Sau.  What appeared to be a transformed automobile shop (although to me arguably on purpose) turned smoked BBQ joint lined with picnic tables for a communal dining experience…  There I was treated to the most succulent BBQ I had ever had and where the husband’s BBQ obsession began.

Here’s a peek into what transpired… July 4th… Chan-ning style…

what’s the 4th without a little pool action?

there is no going halfsies, only PRO. the smoker and BBQ engaged…

a little grilled pineapple to whet your tongue

sippin lemonade poolside… who’s enjoying it more?

the juiciest brisket ever… one of several amazing meats to enter my stomach that night

try as they might, our little explorers couldn’t find anything better than Daddy’s BBQ

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GIVEAWAY: Case of Mamatini’s Ginger-Mint Herbal Infusion

June 29th, 2010 admin Posted in epiphanies, good eats, green, moments, parenting, review No Comments »

{ COMMENTS ARE CLOSED FOR THIS POST }

{ disclosure: no compensation was received for this post, a sample was provided.  giveaway is provided by mamatini }

When I decided to go back to school, I knew there were going to be a few things I needed to give on.  One compromise that I refused to make was breastfeeding my son.  I breastfed my daughter until she was a little over the age of 2 and wanted to do the same for my son no matter what the situation was.  I’m sure you’ve heard it before, ”Breastfeeding is best!”

I was committed to making it work.  Keeping that commitment turned out to be more difficult than I expected.  In the midst of an intense school schedule, I not only had to find the time to pump in between classes but also to find a safe and secure place to do so.  I am fortunate enough to go to school (as a nursing student) that supports breastfeeding mothers.  I was able to find a wonderful work-life program that provided a secure room, with a refrigerator to boot, for me to pump in.  As the school term got underway I started to feel the stress and exhaustion everywhere I turned. I was pumping as often as twice a day at school and nursing on the breast at home throughout the night.  No matter how tired I was, I knew this was the best way to ensure a good milk supply and of course, I loved the snuggle time with my son who I had been missing all day long.  No matter how much I tried, my supply was definitely starting to dwindle.  I knew that I could attribute it to many factors – being away from my son as much as 12+ hours a day, not eating properly, not getting enough sleep and even not being hydrated enough.  As many of you know, stress can have a bad effect on milk production.  Ever so determined and committed, I was thrilled to be introduced to Mamatini.

Mamatini is a refreshing organic ginger-mint herbal infusion designed to meet the needs of nursing mothers.  It is designed through a collaboration between a pediatrician and a mom who was struggling to find a delicious and convenient beverage to support her body’s needs while breastfeeding.  What evolved was a delicious drink that includes fenugreek, an age old herbal supplement that many breast-feeding moms for centuries have sworn by, and other vitamins and minerals to help increase energy and replenish a mother’s amazing body.  It also helps relieve a baby’s colic symptoms — three cheers for that!

I have been taking a bottle to school with me each day and it has literally put a spring in my step.  It has replaced my, obviously no good for you, 3 cans of Pepsi (sadly to stay awake) and made me even buy nectarines today instead of potato chips for a snack.  I highly recommend it.  I feel so much more energetic drinking it.  So drink to your baby’s good health — and even your own!

GIVEAWAY: If you’re struggling mom who’s committed to breastfeeding or know of one who has returned to work or school, enter to win a case of the deliciously refreshing Mamatini‘s Ginger-Mint Herbal Infusion.  To ENTER, from now until July 15th 2010, fill out this FORM telling us your breastfeeding tips.  Get up to (two) bonus entries. 1st Bonus – If you follow me on twitter@momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (Win a case of Mamatini Herbal Infusion @momconfessional http://wp.me/pLvfH-uo). 2nd Bonus – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM again and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Giveaway ends on July 15th 2010 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

Need a case right now?! mamatini is offering Mom Confessionals readers FREE shipping on their first order with code SHIPFREE at checkout.

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