The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

Handmade Treasures From My Treasure Box

If you're like me, you're often stuck when it comes to gift buying.  Though I'm a master baby gift giver, every Mother's Day I face the same issue.  When it comes time to buy a little something for a friend, I can never come up with anything.  Well, the creator of My Treasure Box, Sarit, has this problem covered.  Offering custom and pre-made scrapbook/albums, you can now give a gift that is thoughtful and personal.

Each scrapbook is a one-of-a kind, and vary in size including 4”x6”, 6”x6” mini scrapbooks, 5” round scrapbook in a tin can; or the sturdier, fabric albums in 8”x8” and 12”x12”.  They are even made from archival safe and non-fading materials in order to preserve your memories reliably.  There are over a dozen categories to suit any occasion from baby photo albums, to one specifically for holiday mementos and even one for your Valentine or pet!  Sarit generously sent me a mini Mother album to check out,  and I must say, I was impressed.  A bit of a crafter myself, I love the idea of having the designated spaces for my pictures all labeled and laid out for me, while I just have to select and adhere them to the double-sided tape provided on the album pages.  It's embellished with adorable details and is just the right size to preserve a special time.  My Treasure Box also offers scrapbooking kits for those do-it-yourself types. 

If you have a gift to buy, now is the perfect time to choose something from this great line.  My Treasure Box is offering 40% off any order over $40.  Just enter promo code "FRIENDS" at checkout.

Win it!  Sarit has generously agreed to give away one scrapbook from the Mother, Father, or mini-album kits valued under $40.  Just check out this e-store and come back here to tell us what your choice is.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  The contest will run until Friday, July 25th.  Remember comments count!  

Snacktivate with Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies

To say that we love to snack in our house is an understatement.  We L-O-V-E snacks and while we generally keep it healthy, I sometimes worry about how much sugar my toddler is ingesting.  Fruits and veggies are big in our diet, but so are marshmallows and ice cream.

Last week, I opened my mail to a couple of boxes of Kellogg's® Frosted Mini-Wheats ®cereal along with a recipe for Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies.  I thought to myself, if these are even half as good as healthy and delicious Rice Krispies Treats®, then we're in business.  So I started mixing and cracking and measuring, only to realize halfway through that I was out of sugar.  A blessing in disguise, I decided, as I measured the Splenda out in equal amounts.  Half an hour later, my house smelling delicious, I removed the treats to try.  And if I may say so myself - yum!

Ok, so they would've been even better had I used sugar but I felt better about feeding them to my child knowing they were sugar-free (ok, so I used light margarine instead of butter too).  And the only change I'd make in the recipe (to follow) is to use even more of the Mini-Wheats.  And while I was surprised that the recipe was for peanut butter cookies given all the peanut allergies, I do love giving Alex pb since it's healthy in itself and one of my favorite foods.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2c all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps  baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1c butter or margarine, softened*
• 1c peanut butter*
• 3/4c granulated sugar**
• 3/4c brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 60 Mini-Wheats, crushed***

Directions:

1. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Beat well.  Stir in flour mixture and crushed cereal.  Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. 
3. Bake at 350F for about 14 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove from baking sheets ASAP and cool on wire racks.

Prep time: 10 minutes        Total time: 24 minutes     Yield: 33 servings

* I used a "light" version.                                                                                                                                              ** I used Splenda.                                                                                                                               *** For even better results, use 90 Mini-Wheats.

Create fun Sassy Sunpops by forming your cookie dough into circles on the pan, adding some flax seeds in the middle, pushing a few raw almonds around the seeds, and inserting oven-proof cookie sticks. 

For more on Mini-Wheats and other nutritious kid-friendly recipes, visit Snacktivate.

Rock Out Baby!

If you're a parent, you're guilty.  I don't care what you say, you're guilty of turning the ignition in your kid-free car and listening and singing along to 10 miles of Elmo before realizing that you're duetting with a furry red monster in a high-pitched voice.  Scenario #2 entails turning on the car to the new That Baby CD, and rest assured, you won't want to change a thing. 

If you're searching for unique baby gifts, That Baby CD is an amazing collection of acoustic cover versions of songs by your favorite artists.  Many of them are tunes that bring me back to summer camp.  I was graciously sent a copy by Rob Wolf, one-half of the husband and wife team who conceptualized this CD, and we haven't listened to much else since.  Thing is, I don't know who's enjoying it more, me or my kids.

The music is awesome.  Favorite songs like Circle Game by Joni Mitchell, When We Grow Up from Free To Be You & Me, and my personal all-time favorite tune, Songbird by Fleetwood Mac, will have your entire family humming along.  Gone are the days of incessant stories about little stars and pockets full of posies, it's time to enjoy classics by 10,000 Maniacs and Bob Marley with your kids.  Who says kids respond only to music written exclusively for them?  Mine were dancing around the kitchen to the beautiful melodies on That Baby CD like it was their job.  And when the music was combined with visuals on That Baby DVD, they were really sold.

I'm not the only one who seems to think this CD is worth a listen.  It's actually being sold in Pottery Barn Kids stores - I was so excited to see it on their shelves!  My friend Katja over at Skimbaco is stocked to sell too. 

Not convinced?  Listen to a preview here.  Head over to That Baby DVD and treat your family to the best music purchase of the year.  You can buy the CD for $14.95, the DVD for $24.95 or buy them as a set for $34.90.  How's this for a deal - enjoy 20% off your entire purchase by entering promo code "jillsentme" at checkout. 

Calling all Rookie Moms!!!

One of my favorite sayings is that motherhood is the lonliest feeling in the world.  Unbelievable to some, but completely understandable by many.  Many new moms admit to feeling isolated upon the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Two super writer-mommies (or is it super mommy-writers?) aim to dispell that maxim with their new book, The Rookie Mom's Handbook.  Written by Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss, this almost pocket-sized book is a guide to 250 activities to do with (and without) baby in those first 12 months.  Much like myself, these moms were motivated by their need to have at least one activity planned per day, lest they go insane without any routine, a phenomenon often brought on by a new little one.  But the "activities" offered by these moms isn't your run of the mill "stroll to the park and back" or "go to the mall and walk around."  It's tips, tricks, advice and recommendations no new mom should live without.

For example, #5 tells mom to "Just Say No."  Many new moms don't embrace their newly acquired right to use this often scary word, for fear of hurting someone's feelings.  These moms encourage it (as do I!).  #24 is "Join a New Mom's Group," my own personal advice to all new moms as well.  #50 instructs the frazzled new mommy just to "Let Her Be," as in, leave that kid alone for 5 minutes, she'll survive!  All the way to 250, these experienced "new" moms offer up great advice for rookies, in an honest and relatable way.  My personal favorite is #213 - "Hit On Another Baby Owner."  Hey, you both have babies the same age.  You both need friends.  Go for it. 

In addition, the Handbook also offers simple instructions for new and daunting tasks like how to make your own baby food, how to get in some exercise without running to the gym, how to take baby to a grown-up restaurant, without pulling your hair out and so on. 

I love this book.  I think you would love it too.  I KNOW your new mommy friends would definitely get something out of it.  Buy it at Amazon today!

A Lady and Her Baby

I'm promoting a baby website this week.  But before you scratch your head and wonder why I would do such a foolish thing when I am the owner of a baby e-boutique myself, consider the age-old philosophy - karma.  I'm a true believer.

That said, I recently ran into an adorable website called A Lady and Her Baby and was proud to be able to say that I have some stiff competition out there in webstore-land!  A Lady and Her Baby, owned by Jennifer, carries everything needed to welcome a new baby, from onesies and blankets to burp cloths and bibs.  A great offering is the preemie size, not a feature found on all baby websites.  Her sizes go all the way up to 2T.  Another cool aspect is her wide array of slings and wraps - perfect for any baby-wearing Mamas!

Jennifer was gracious enough to send an adorable t-shirt and shorts set by Zutano so we could road-test one of her wonderful items.  Suffice to say, Zutano makes fabulous clothing - so soft on baby's precious skin, and cute as can be as well.  Simple and easy to wear, Baby S. loves her new duds!  (Tip: If you're ordering this set, know that Zutano runs big or at least true to size).

Your baby can style in a set by Zutano too!  The Daily Grind is giving away one outfit in your choice of style (Zinnia or Fish) and your choice of size (6-12, 12-18, or 18-24) courtesy of A Lady and Her Baby.  Jennifer has also offered 15% off and free shipping on any of the Pediped shoes for 3 runner-ups - only readers who indicate in their comments that this is of interest to them will qualify for this offer.  To enter, visit A Lady and Her Baby and come back here to tell us which is your favorite item in the store.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  And remember people, comments count!  Winner will be drawn on Friday, July 11th. 

See something you'd like to buy now?  Get free shipping with promo code TDG7.

       

Go Gaga or Go Home!!

 They're the age old questions for parents-to-be everywhere - how many onesies to buy, what brand of stroller to pick, which bouncy seat to choose.  But perhaps the most significant (and personal) choice of all - the ever-important DIAPER BAG. 

Totes, backpacks, shoulder bags.  There are many to choose from.  But none offer the style and functionality of the Slide by Go Gaga.  This bag is COOL!  Designed with a sling-type strap, the Slide takes the weight of those diapers, wipes and everything else you can shove in your bag, off your shoulders and evenly distributes it across your back.  Founder and designer Jill Cartwright believes new parents sacrifice enough for their new little bundles of joy, physical comfort and personal style should not be included. 

Speaking of style, these bags are great looking!  They're rugged, durable and don't SCREAM diaper bag.  Even dads are loving them (Tori Spelling's husband grabbed one in time for the arrival of their new daughter!).  According to Jill, some people even ditch the included changing mat and wipes case and use the Slide as a yoga bag or a laptop tote.  It's easy to see why - this is truly a revolutionary concept.  And at $95.00, it's affordable as well. 

Another very cool thing about Go Gaga is that they understand if you have a bag you already love.  But if that favorite bag weighs you down, get a taste of Go Gaga's technology by buying an Urban Sherpa Strap and attaching it to your fave. 

Best part of all - Go Gaga is offering a Slide bag in crimson to one of our very lucky readers.  All you have to do is visit Go Gaga's website and come back here to tell us which is your favorite color Slide.  Next (because this is SUCH a great prize there's a bit of a catch!), just blog about our giveaway here at The Daily Grind (leave a link in your comments please).  A winner will be chosen on Friday, June 27th.  Contest is open to US residents only, duplicate entries will be disqualified.

Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts

I love vacations.  Some people prefer vacationing solely with their significant others while Grandma or Bubby comes to stay with the kids.  Not so in our house.  That said, we typically plan getaways that are child friendly, so everyone has a little change of scenery and a lot of fun.

Recently, I learned about Beaches Resorts.  Actually, I knew about Beaches but always thought is was a couples destination, as opposed to a family retreat.  I was not only pleased to see how beautiful and upscale the resorts look, but as a parent of a preschooler, I was THRILLED to see that a sponsor of Sesame Street, the resorts offer a bunch of events with their favorite characters.  Activities include Sesame Street Stage Shows, Story Time with Elmo, Baking with Cookie Monster, Dancing with Zoe, and more.  Kids can even eat breakfast with their favorite Sesame Street friends too!  I know my kids would think they'd gone to heaven.

If your children are beyond the Sesame Street years, not to worry.  Though each of the four different Beaches destinations features different adventures, you can be sure everyone will be satisfied.  The Negril, Boscobel and Turks & Caicos locations have Pirates Island Water Parks with gigantic waterslides, kid-friendly pools and swim-up soda bars.  Supervised kids camps for all ages are available at all destinations, from newborns to tweens and teens.  Kids can also take advantage of the Crayola Art Camps and an Xbox 360® Game Garage, featuring the latest video games the entire family can enjoy.

There's plenty of fun to be had for parents as well.  Included in the all-inclusive price is luxurious accommodations, up to ten restaurants (kids-oriented and adults-only), access to the spa and activities like scuba diving and golf are available at an additional cost. 

And here's the best part - Beaches just announced the unique WonderFALL Celebration, taking place during the off-peak season months of September and October.  Not only do you get to enjoy everything Beaches offers year-round but you can SAVE up to 45% off** published rates and get 2 Nights Free**(on stays of 7 nights or more).  And as part of this WonderFALL Celebration, Beaches has a great fall line up of  special events and activities.  From even more Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street® that includes the premiere of a brand new stage show and a new activity with Abby Cadabby, exclusive Gordon and Elmo live performances and special parenting workshops hosted by Sesame educators, to  Dive In Movies, "Baby You're A Star Photo Contest"( where your little one could win the chance to be featured in the next Beaches brochure) and even a celebration for Grandparents, it's all happening this FALL at Beaches family resorts.

I know we now have a destination for our next vacation!

 

Are you a Yummy Mummy?

Remember a few months back when I wrote about brownies that were too good to keep to myself?  Well, I STILL think these brownies were too good to keep to myself so after a few more (ahem) brushes with these treats, I asked Melissa, owner of Yummy Mummy Brownies, if she'd care to share her goodies with The Daily Grind readers.  Too sweet herself, Melissa obliged.    

A yummy mummy herself - to TRIPLETS!!! - Melissa comes from a long line of bakers.  So she knows one good treat from the next.  From a long line of non-bakers myself, I know a good treat from the next as well and that's why I say if you treat yourself to nothing else today, get yourself some mint patty brownies.  Yummy Mummy Brownies are baked to order and are sold 6 to a box (they are HUGE) for $15.00.  Throw in some cute apparel(I ordered a tee for my toddler that says "Got Chocolate") and you can even call it a gift for a new mummy! 

What are you waiting for - visit Yummy MummyNOW and get yourself some treats!!   

Want to win it?  Check out Melissa's web-store and come back here to let us know what your favorite flavor is.  Blog it for a second entry.  We'll announce a lucky winner on Friday, June 20^th.

Thanks Pinks & Blues!!

Thanks to Audrey at Pinks & Blues for a beautiful review of Alex Casey Baby sleep sacks!  Read the entire review here. 

PS - there's a 15% discount code at the bottom...  !!

Are You "Hip" Enough? Win it!

We've all been there.  You get dressed and find yourself feeling sorta hot after sliding into your favorite jeans and throwing on a little tee.  You're even sporting that sexy new thong you picked up at yesterday's sale.  You sit down to throw on some shoes before heading out and glimpse yourself in the mirror.  ACK!!  PLUMBER BUTT!!!  Like I said, we've all been there.

Two smart ladies have come up with a solution.  They invented Hip-T, a band of material you layer under your tee and wear on your hips to "cover your assets."  How smart is that?

The Hip-T is a fashion statement, since the layered look is in.  Not only that, but the garment comes in a bunch of different colors and sizes.  You can get a basic solid color or spice it up with lace trim.  Either way, you'll avoid any wardrobe malfunctions while also sucking in the dreaded muffin top so many of us ('specially Mommy's!) unfortunately sport. 

I'm also thinking these might be helpful for those early stages of pregnancy when your shirts are becoming that wee bit short over a bulging belly.  A Hip-T would definitely help make your regular tee's last a bit longer before making the switch.

You can buy this great accessory for $19.95 each at Hip-T.  Want to win one?  Go check out Hip-T's shop, and let us know which color, style and size you'd choose should you be the lucky winner.  We'll announce it on Friday, June 13^th.  Blog it for a second entry!!

Go!

PSSST!  These are the same ladies you saw on The Big Idea a few weeks ago!!