mealtime « BabyElan {daily}

Posts Tagged ‘mealtime’

NUK {GIVEAWAY}

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Today’s product is an oldie but a goodie for sure. Everyone has heard of NUK, the German company has been in business for over 50 years! So, they must be doing something right I’m a NUK mom. Both of my boys used and use NUK pacifiers, they are the #1 selling pacifier in North America! Pretty impressive.

I realize there are a ton of options out there for pacifiers, sippy cups, bottles, nipples, tooth brushes, teethers, and tableware so save yourself the headache of wondering “which is the best for my child”? “ For generations, mothers have trusted NUKto provide the products that give their babies the healthiest start in life. This trust is a privilege that we take seriously. In everything we do, we keep in mind our responsibility to care for the well being of children around the world.” NUK has 50 years of experience, products designed by experts and “The health and safety of children comes first for us. That’s why the quality, efficacy and safety of our products are absolutely essential. You can be confident that NUK products are designed and manufactured according to the highest standards.”

I’ve been using NUK’s Learner Cup for several weeks now with Joe (12 months) and we love it. The cup is light, I’ve taken the handles off to give Joe a real idea of holding a proper drinking cup but the very best feature for me is that the spout does NOT leak! You can toss it in your diaper bag with out the top and no mess! Joe has dropped it a gazillion times and it hasn’t cracked. It is the perfect size for meal drinks at 5oz.

Noah has been using NUK’s Active Cups™ and they’ve helped him transition from his bottle to cup with ease. The stylish designs will keep your baby happy while sipping. Features and Benefits; spill proof spout for baby on the go, ultra light and robust, available in blue pirate graphic and pink princess graphic, clips on the side for easy carrying.

GIVEAWAY: ONE LUCKY READER WILL RECEIVE AN ANIMAL PACI SET! Contest ends in one week, good luck to all!

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NEW GIVEAWAY RULES – Please note that we will only accept a maximum of 3 entries per person, as outlined below.

To be eligible to win, you must:
1) Comment from above

Extra Entries {please leave a comment for each one}:

2) Follow NUK on Facebook

3) Let us know something else at NUK you already use or adore!

Although the following are not part of the entry rules, we would love it if you did the following {but PLEASE do not leave a comment for these and see top of page for links}:
A) Subscribe to BabyElan {daily}
B) Become our Fan on Facebook {check out the new BabyElan {SHOP}Facebook page}
C) Follow us on Twitter

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Tags: bedtime, mealtime, newborn, pacifiers, sippy cups
Posted in BABYELAN, GIVEAWAYS | 26 Comments »

MYO Banana Bites

Friday, July 30th, 2010

A fun recipe to share today! I make banana bread at least once a month, there’s always apple sauce and bananas in this house, it’s quick and easy and a perfect snack or start to the day! I switched it up a bit this month and made some bite sized banana bread muffins to take with us for snacks at the pool and on the run as we do all we can outside of the house before Summer ends! They came out fabulous and so yummy, ENJOY!!

Mini muffin pan

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

3-4 medium ripe bananas

Pre-heat oven to 375 and spray/grease mini muffin pan. Mix first 5 ingredients in large mixing bowl. Mix last 4 ingredients in a separate bowl well. Fold banana mixture into flour mixture. Spoon mixture into each mini muffin slot filling no more than 3/4 of the way. Bake until light brown and toothpick comes out of the center clean. So simple, so easy, the kids will devour them!!

Tags: mealtime, recipe
Posted in GREENELAN | 3 Comments »

Keurig Mini & Iced Drinks {GIVEAWAY}

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

My Summer mornings have turned into “Cheap Dana’s Coffee Delights!” Starbucks is now a luxury only, budget budget budget in the Blake household! I am SO NOT complaining though because personally, I think my delightful homemade coffee and tea drinks are even better than those that cost five bucks!! Using our Keurig {read more about the Special Edition Keurig from my review and giveaway last month here} saves time in my drink making mornings and gives me the freshiest cup, just the way I like it {which is different everyday!!}

Two things to share today…first, our giveaway item, the Keurig Mini Plus brewer. Absolutely perfect for your college students heading off on their own for the first time next month or for households where only one adult drinks brew-able caffeine delights, or for those that just do not have enough counter space for a larger Keurig…at only $99.95, a remarkable gift for your MIL perhaps! The Mini is just as amazing as it’s larger brothers, just on a smaller scale for single drinks at a time. Still use all your favorite k-cups…including the newest ICED drinks I’m about to share…

First, check out the Iced Drinks demo…here…simply brew these brilliant k-cups over ice {add whatever your heart fancy’s at this point to make your French Vanilla Latte or Nantucket Blend Iced Mocha}. For example, I brew a cup of Nantucket Blend Iced Coffee over a large cup of ice. Next I add a generous amount of Hershey Syrup. Add some cream or milk, SHAKE…top with whip cream…my very own, delicious Iced Mocha! Switch it up and add vanilla syrup instead or caramel or whatever you desire! No whip cream, skim milk, a touch of honey, a hint of cinnamon…WHATEVER! It’s cafe drinks without the cafe, and iced to cool you down and refresh your energy to get through the long Summer day ahead! Try the Sweet Tea as well, or my FAV, half and half {half sweet black tea, half lemonade}.

We are thrilled to share another Keurig Giveaway with you again today!! A Mini Plus for one lucky reader, for you to make your own fun drinks with! Simply let us know your favorite coffee {iced or not} over at Keurig that is now a k-cup. Contest ends in one week, good luck to all!

To be eligible to win, you must:
1) Comment from above
Extra Entries {please leave a comment for each one}:
2) “Like” Keurig on Facebook
3) If you already have a brewer, make sure to register it here and let us know you did

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CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER, LEONA!!

Tags: gifts, mealtime
Posted in GIVEAWAYS, MAMAELAN | 295 Comments »

Neat Solutions {AAB sponsor}

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

So many clever little products, all under one roof! Neat Solutions for children offers mealtime sanity products for travel and home, for messy babies and toddlers. Their most recent partnership is with Pampers and their disposable bib, which we’re proud to say is another one of the fabulous products resting in our All About Baby Charlotte goodie bags {event is only days away, our excitement is reaching an all time high!}

As you browse the aisles of Target and Babies R Us, you’ve seen the products enclosed in this post and I’m sure you’ve purchased a few for yourself or for quick gifts! For those of you that have not seen the “topper” products {table, potty, and floor}, or the neat-ware, or disposable bibs or changing table covers…here’s a few demonstrations you’re sure to enjoy!

Planning on venturing out of the house anytime soon with the kiddos, hopefully you have one or more of the Neat Solutions products in your diaper bag! Potty training, check out the potty topper, a must have for the little ones that continuously have to touch every potty OR are germ freaks like we are! Neat Solutions makes life using disposable products so much easier at fabulous, affordable prices! Thanks again to their team for the Pampers Disposable Bibs, an amazing addition to our fantastic goodie bags!

Tags: accessories, charlotte, mealtime, travel
Posted in BABYELAN, charlotte | No Comments »

July 4th Recipes!

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Lots of cooking to do this weekend? I sure do!! Cookout with all the locals on Sat. and fending for ourselves on Sunday! I sure need a few good, quick, EASY, and tasty recipes to get us through this HOT long weekend ahead! And I was happy as a clam to get an email full of them today from one of our fav reps, Jennifer, and the Fix-It and Forget-It family! Check out the complete July 4th menu here! Enjoy!!

Strawberry Refresher
Helen R. Goering
Moundridge, KS
Makes 1 gallon
Prep. Time: 20 minutes

10-oz. pkg. frozen strawberries
6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate
8-oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained
3 qts. ginger ale
fresh strawberry slices, if available

1. Place frozen strawberries, frozen lemonade concentrate, and crushed pineapple, into blender. Blend on high speed.
2. Pour into punch bowl.
3. Add ginger ale just before serving.
4. If serving in a punch bowl, garnish with fresh strawberry slices.

Veggie Dip
Mary Ann Bowman
East Earl, PA
Arlene Snyder
Millerstown, PA
Makes 2 cups
Prep. Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 1+ hours

1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. minced onions
1 tsp. chives

1. Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
2. Cover and chill for an hour or more to allow flavors to blend.
3. Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, or pretzels.

Tip: This is a flexible recipe! Before serving, taste. Then stir in additional herbs, such as fresh or dried parsley or dill, if you wish. Or add freshly ground pepper or chopped garlic.

Barbecued Ham Sandwiches
Jane Steiner
Orrville, OH
Makes 4-6 servings
Prep. Time: 5-7 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 hours
Ideal slow-cooker size: 3 qt.

1 lb. turkey ham chipped, or chipped honey-glazed ham
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. vinegar
3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1. Place half of meat in greased slow cooker.
2. Combine other ingredients. Pour half of mixture over meat. Repeat layers.
3. Cover. Cook on Low 5 hours.

Serving suggestion: Fill buns and serve.

German Potato Salad
Lauren Eberhard
Seneca, IL
Makes 8 servings
Prep. Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Ideal slow-cooker size: 3-qt.

6 slices bacon
¾ cup chopped onions
10¾-oz. can cream of chicken soup
¼ cup water
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
½ tsp. sugar
pepper to taste
4 cups parboiled, cubed potatoes
parlsey

1. Brown bacon in skillet and then crumble. Reserve 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings. Saute onions in drippings.
2. Blend together soup, water, vinegar, sugar, and pepper. Add bacon and onions. Mix well.
3. Add potatoes and parlsey. Mix well. Pour into slow cooker.
4. Cover. Cook on low 4 hours.

Serving suggestion: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Green Beans with Dill
Rebecca Leichty
Harrisonburg, Va
Makes 8 servings
Prep. Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Ideal slow-cooker size: 3 ½ or 4-qt., oval shaped

2 qts. cut green beans, or 4 14½-oz. cans cut green beans
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules
½ tsp dill seed
¼ cup water

1. Spray slow cooker with fat-free cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients and mix well.
3. Cook on high 3-4 hours.

Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler
Wilma Haberkamp
Fairbank, IA
Virginia Greybill
Hershey, PA
Makes 8 servings
Cooking Time: 2- 2 ½ hours
Ideal slow-cooker size: 5-qt.

1¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
2 Tbsp. sugar, plus 1 cup sugar (divided)
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup skim milk
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1/8 tsp. salt
2 cups unsweetened raspberries, fresh, or thawed if frozen, and drained
2 cups unsweetened blueberries, fresh, or thawed if frozen, and drained

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 2 Tbsp. sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, and oil. Stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Batter will be thick.
3. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread batter evenly on bottom of slow cooker..
4. In another bowl, combine salt, remaining flour, remaining sugar, and berries. Toss to coat berries.
5. Spread berries over batter.
6. Cook on high 2-2½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted into cobbler comes out clean.

Note: If your diet permits, this is good served in soup bowls with cold milk poured over.

Tags: mealtime
Posted in BABYELAN | 1 Comment »