Where to Find DC’s Best Hot Chocolate

by Elissa OlechnovichDecember 14, 2021

Maybe it’s the chill in the air, or one too many viewings of The Polar Express, but you can’t escape the yearning for a cup of hot chocolate these days. The culinary world has not forgotten this classic, nostalgic drink and there is no better time of year to see what you can find outside of your packet of Swiss Miss. Round up the littles and explore the sometimes overlooked world of gourmet hot chocolate!

National Harbor Free Hot Chocolate

Maybe the best hot chocolate is FREE hot chocolate! Saturdays and Sundays from noon till 6 p.m. multiple stores in National Harbor are offering free hot chocolate. The deal runs through the end of the Holiday shopping season. Make it a scavenger hunt for kids as you complete some final holiday shopping. For more info on participating retailers, go here.

Tip While you Sip: National Harbor is overflowing with winter fun! Each night there is a stunning light show when the 54 foot National Harbor tree comes to life (shows on the half hour from sunset to 9 p.m.). Holiday movies play on a large outdoor screen every Sunday until January 2nd from 2-4 p.m. Pop into the hotels for stunning holiday decorations. Don’t forget to see Santa at the Capital Wheel! For info on all the events, go here.

National Harbor
165 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
877.628.5427

Online: nationalharbor.com

Urban Roast
For a hip hot chocolate experience, head over to Urban Roast in the District. It’s conveniently located near the Gallery Place/ Chinatown Metro stop and is oozing with holiday cheer. The Hot Chocolate Flight lets you try each of their 5 signature hot cocoas (the coconut one is unexpectedly delicious) and the little cups are great for small hands. Go for brunch and pair your drinks with the Rise and Shine Tray to fuel up for the cold winter days.

Tip while you Sip: If you prefer to skip the indoor dining (the music and chatter from guests can be loud for little ears), order your hot chocolates to go and stroll over to the free Downtown Holiday Market located just up the street in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The market stretches for 2 blocks and is chock full of local vendors offering unique last minute finds for the holidays. The market runs from 12-8pm every day till December 23rd. Check out their website for directions on the one way pedestrian flow.

Urban Roast
916 G Street NW, Suite C-2
Washington, DC 20001
202-393-1111

Online: urbanroastdc.com

Lil City Creamery
Ice cream and hot chocolate? Two polar opposites marry at Lil City Creamery in their Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Float. Choose any of their farm fresh ice cream flavors (made with milk from “uber-pampered grass-fed Jersey cows”), like Pink Peppermint Chocolate Chip or Ginger Snap, and they’ll add it to a hot cup of decadent Ghirardelli hot cocoa. Don’t like the idea of mixing those together, you can order the ice cream and cocoa separate! Mr. Brown’s Park is located just steps away and offers a great place for enjoying your hot cocoa.

Tip While You Sip: Grab your treats and embark on a tour of tacky lights in Fairfax County. The Griswolds have met their match with these properties scattered throughout the County. Check out this guide with addresses and hours and don’t forget your sunglasses! https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/where-to-find-the-best-tacky-christmas-lights-in-fairfax-county/

Lil City Creamery
114 W. Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-819-3285

Online: lilcitycreamery.com

The Red Bean
This popular Downtown Annapolis coffee and ice cream shop makes hot chocolate a priority! All of their syrups and sauces are made in house and their selection is impressive. On the menu you’ll find these tempting hot chocolate options, making it hard to choose just one: Classic, Peppermint, Candy Land, Peanut Butter and Mexican (this one has cinnamon and spicy ancho chili, so only for the most adventurous).

Tip While You Sip: Sandy Point State Park is all decorated for Christmas with Lights on the Bay, an electric wonderland running through January 2nd. From the comfort of your car enjoy sixty plus light displays that include Old Town Annapolis, the North Pole and a sixteen-foot teddy bear. All proceeds go to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. https://www.lightsonthebay.org/

The Red Bean
220 Main Street
Annapolis, MD 21401

Online: theredbeanannapolis.com

The Chocolate Palette
When winter arrives, Gruto’s Soft Serve in Purcellville closes shop and The Chocolate Palette opens in their place. Expectations are high for a store specializing in chocolate, and they do not disappoint. Their “Sipping Chocolates” (slow down and enjoy) come in four flavors: Aztec Life (a hint of spice), Classic, Italian Job (described as luxurious and thick) and Salted Caramel (sweet n’ sassy). Don’t forget to grab some hand made chocolate to go since this store is only open through the 15th of March!

Tip While You Sip: Download the Town of Purcellville’s self-guided Holiday light tour and weave your way through the small town’s light displays. This year the map features over 20 stops, the biggest tour to date!

The Chocolate Palette
141 W. Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-394-8060

Online: thechocolatepalette.org

Cafe Georgetown
From the classic curb appeal to the seasonal latte art, Cafe Georgetown will give you all the winter feels and whip up some instagram-worthy hot chocolate. Choose from the classic with Ghirardelli syrup, steamed milk and topped with cocoa powder, or the current seasonal offering of Peppermint. The cafe can also customize “latte art” on your hot chocolate (must use whole or skim milk). Download the Ripples Drink App and you can send any picture to be featured on your drink!

Tip While you Sip: Located just half a mile away is DC’s largest ice skating rink, the fountain at Washington Harbour. From now until March 13th you can enjoy recreational skating, even on holidays! Day or night, before, during or after hot chocolate, you can’t beat this quintessential winter activity.

Cafe Georgetown
3141 N. St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-731-8373

Online: cafegeorgetown.com

Cupcake Heaven
Located in the quaint, picturesque town of Haymarket (off 66 near Gainesville) you’ll find a little piece of heaven in a historic house. Serving not only decadent cupcakes, but some impressive hot chocolate, Cupcake Heaven is worth the drive from the city. Silky and smooth, their gourmet cocoa pairs nicely with daily cupcake flavors such as Cookies n’ Cream or Red Velvet (cream cheese frosting option, please) or weekly rotation flavors such as Mexican Hot Chocolate or Banana Carmel.

Tip While you Sip: If the sun is shining and the wind isn’t blowing too hard, head up 29 to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. With hundreds of mostly flat and mowed acres, the kids can run off all the sugar from those cupcakes while you sip your hot drink. There are numerous trails, two visitor centers and monumental history lessons to explore.

Cupcake Heaven
6630 Jefferson St.
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-754-6300

Online: cupcakeheavenandcafe.com

—Elissa Olechnovich

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Trader Joe’s Desserts That’ll Even Impress Your Mom This Year

by Karly WoodNovember 2, 2021

Are you on dessert duty this year? Before you start fretting, head to your local Trader Joe’s and stock up on all the holiday sweet treats the grocer is known for. Whether you’re looking for a delectable pastry you can keep in the freezer or want to get a little more creative with a boxed mix, the neighborhood market is all about saving your holiday dessert this year.

Thanksgiving Pie Chocolate Truffles

It can be hard to please everyone's sweet tooth, but not with this fun Thanksgiving Pie Chocolate Truffle pack. Flavors include Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Caramel Pie and Silk Mousse Pie for just $4.

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Apple Cranberry Tart

These sweet and flaky tarts are the epitome of holiday flavor. Perfect to bring as a last minute dessert to a party or as a sweet gift to a friend, we bet these would taste phenomenal warmed up with a cup of coffee.

Grab in the bakery aisle for $5.

Cranberry Orange Bars

Move over lemon bars, these cranberry babies are here for the season. Made on a sweet shortbread then topped with cranberry puree and sweetened orange peel, this made the perfect post-dinner sweet.

A box of 12 is just $5.

Tiramisu Torte

Trader Joe's elegant Tiramisu Torte is a show stealer. Made with a layer of coffee-soaked sponge cake and a layer of frozen mascarpone, it's topped off with a bit of chocolate and covered in cocoa powder.

You'll find this classy dessert in the freezer aisle.

Pumpkin Cobbler

Tired of pumpkin pie? Pumpkin cobbler to the rescue! Skip slaving in the kitchen and grab this delectable dessert that's made with pumpkin filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove.

It's just $5 in the bakery section.

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Rustic Apple Tart

If cranberry isn't your thing, there's nothing wrong with sticking to a classic apple tart like this one. This simple dessert is made with crisp apples and topped with almonds and sugar that would go great alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grab it in the freezer section for $6.

Sweet Bites

It's hard to please everyone when it comes to food, and that's where Trader Joe's Sweet Bites come in. Made in France, the box of 12 with three flavors includes Chocolate & Coffee “Opera” Cake, Raspberry “Macaron Aux Framboises” Cake and Caramel & Chocolate Cake and has a little something for everyone.

You can find this sweet treat in the freezer section.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CViW3TQpxVx/

Gingerbread Turkey Trot Kits

When all else fails, just grab a dessert you know the kiddos will love! This adorable turkey trot kit comes with everything you need to whip up your own adorable turkey.

Grab the kit for just $6. Gobble gobble!

Pumpkin Pie

Tradition is the name of the game when you pick up TJ's frozen Pumpkin Pie. The classic dessert is always a winner and is made with velvety pumpkin and best served with a large dollop of whipped cream.

Feed a crowd for just $5.99 with this pie that is found in the freezer aisle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVERPjbPgYr/

Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie

Tart and vibrant, this is the perfect swap for that can of cranberry jelly no one eats! Heat for less than 10 minutes than enjoy with some ice cream.

Find it in the freezer aisle for $6.

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Dessert was never easier! This holiday, grab a few cartons of Trader Joe's festive pumpkin ice cream, and toss in a few extra toppings like gingerbread or shortbread cookies to make it extra fancy.

Shop plenty of flavors in the freezer aisle at Trader Joe's.

––Karly Wood

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18 Healthy First Birthday Cake & Smash Cake Ideas

by Ashly GrzybMay 21, 2021

Sugar-free, oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, fruit-filled, paleo—whatever your definition of a healthy birthday cake (and smash cake) fit for a first birthday, we’ve found a recipe you’ll love. Bonus: They taste good enough for grown-up guests. Read on for 18 first-birthday cake ideas that are both smashing and smashable.

Blueberry Banana Ombre Cake

Feast your eyes on this! This sugar-free cake, from Jasmin Shannon's Lemons for Days blog, is a stunner both in looks and health profile. The banana cake replaces sugar with maple syrup and packs in almond meal, flax meal, and shredded coconut. The filling is a chocolate ganache made with avocado, cacao powder and almond milk and sweetened with Medjool dates. It's all topped with a blueberry cream that includes cashews and coconut milk. Check out her Instagram for more recipes and health & wellness content.

Coconut and Raspberry Smash Cake

Dairy free and gluten free, this coconut and raspberry smash cake from Healthy Little Foodies replaces refined sugars and sweeteners with dates, bananas and berries. It also sneaks in chia seeds, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, iron and calcium. Whipping coconut cream with vanilla makes a rich, tasty frosting.

Healthy Cinnamon-Spiced Smash Cake

Organic cinnamon applesauce is the secret ingredient that adds sweet spice to both the cake and frosting in Oh Everything Handmade's healthy first birthday cake. The applesauce and bananas make added sugar unnecessary. The cake also features whole wheat flour and egg whites, and the frosting base is cream cheese.

Banana Smash Cake With Blueberry Frosting

Free of butter and refined sugar, this cake is made from whole wheat flour and gets its sweetness from banana, maple syrup and applesauce. And you can thank frozen blueberries and heavy whipping cream for the lovely lavender color. The cake is sized for two 4.5-inch spring form pans, but alternately could make about seven cupcakes. Get the recipe at Kristine's Kitchen.

Sugar Free Carrot & Date Cake

Another cake without refined sugar, this one plenty of sweetness from good-for-you ingredients such as dates, raisins and shredded coconut. Get the full scoop on this carroty concoction at Things for Boys. The recipe is perfect for a 6-inch round cake with enough left over to make a few cupcakes for immediate family.

Baby-Friendly Cake, Four Variations

For kids with food allergies, this cake from Baby Led Weaning Ideas has you covered. In addition to a vanilla cake recipe that's solely free of sugar, there's a variation that's also free of dairy, eggs, gluten, soy and nuts. Both can be modified to include strawberries or chocolate. And there are lots of tips and suggestions (and even a video!) to help you bake the perfect cake.

Healthy PB & C Cake

Who doesn't love peanut butter and chocolate? This healthy cake from Hello Bee is made with whole spelt flour (you can also use whole wheat) and has a yummy, fudgy flavor despite not having added refined sugar. The frosting is made from cream cheese, honey and peanut butter, and you can sub Greek yogurt for the cream cheese (the recipe tells you how).

Honey Oat Smash Cake

Free of gluten and refined sugar, this cake is super moist and has a Greek yogurt-based frosting. Hearty oat flour and sweet honey come together in a flavorful cake with a fresh fruit garnish that your child might be so busy nibbling on, they'll forget they're supposed to be smashing the cake. Find the recipe at Yummy Toddler Food; Sarah Crowder from Punctuated with Food created this cake.

Healthier Chocolate Cake

No added sugar, butter or oil, but there is chocolate! This moist, rich cake from The First Year get its crowd-pleasing taste from chocolate chips, bananas, Greek yogurt, honey, peanut butter and cocoa powder. Party on, chocolate lovers!

Paleo First Birthday Cupcakes

These paleo cupcakes are free of oil, dairy, grains and nuts but packed full of fiber-rich coconut flour. Detoxinista dreamed up these applesauce cupcakes topped with unsweetened coconut whipped cream that party guests young and old will enjoy.

Vegan First Birthday Cake

This chocolate vegan cake with vanilla frosting from Kitchen of Eatin' is free of dairy and eggs but full of flavor. Natural ingredients like unsweetened almond milk, apple cider vinegar, evaporated cane juice, coconut oil and unsweetened cocoa powder make the cake tasty and rich. The frosting isn't sugar-free, but it is healthier thanks to coconut milk and coconut oil.

Fruit Tower Birthday Cake

Your baby will marvel over the beautiful colors in this healthy, no-bake cake alternative. Use your child's favorite fruits for a sensational, and Pinterest-ready, dessert. Catherine over at Weelicious shows you how to make this Fruit Tower Cake.

Apple Spice Cake with Maple

Loaded with 2 cups of chopped apples, this Apple Spice Cake has no processed sugar and is sweetened with maple syrup and brown rice syrup. To create the gorgeous ombre sugar-free frosting, color your cream cheese frosting with varying amounts of beets and strawberry puree.

Cheerios Cake

If cake decorating isn't your specialty, look no further than a Cheerios box for a fun decor idea your child will love. The whole-grain oats cereal has much less sugar then traditional candy toppings, and it lends a whimsical touch to your cake. Try this yummy Sugar Free Cake with cream cheese frosting from Stacey at the blog Posh in Progress. Then open a box of Cheerios and get creative!

Cashew Cream Frosting Cake

Tickle your tot's sweet tooth with this low-sugar carrot cake with cashew cream frosting from Becky at the Vintage Mixer. The tasty frosting is made by blending raw cashews, coconut oil, honey and vanilla and is perfect for smearing all over your happy baby's face.

Blueberry Velvet Cake

Blueberry muffins meet birthday cake! If your child is a blueberry fan, make this beautiful Blueberry Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting, courtesy of Tanya at I Heart Chocolate Milk. Use a sugar substitute to make a sugar-free version of this recipe. And if you don't want to use artificial coloring, add a little blueberry puree to your cake batter or choose an all-natural food coloring.

Banana Cake with Greek Yogurt Frosting

Familiar flavors create a cake your child will love to nibble while smashing. This banana cake from Sarah at Hello Bee combines bananas with maple syrup and tops them with a sugar-free Greek yogurt frosting sweetened with honey. Color your yogurt frosting with a fruit puree of your choice.

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Vanilla Pound Cake

Pound cake is the perfect choice for your smash cake (get it?). This Vanilla Pound Cake from Naturally Sweet Recipes is free of gluten and dairy but full of vanilla, protein and healthy fats. The ombre frosting is colored pink with strawberries. This recipe makes enough for a smash cake plus a larger cake for grown-ups.

Note: Babies under age one shouldn’t consume honey. So if you choose a recipe that uses honey, don’t serve it to younger guests.

It will get messy, but that makes for the best photos! Make sure to capture all the first birthday moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Nom, Nom, Nom: Where to Find the City’s Best Cookies

by Allison SutcliffeMay 20, 2021

There’s something about a fresh-baked cookie that’s almost magical. It can heal a playground boo-boo, erase a crummy day and turn a frown upside down in just one bite. If you’ve got a little Cookie Monster in your crew, they’ll flip for these nearby Seattle cookie shops that bake the best batches in town. Read on to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Treat Cookies

Stop into Seattle's newest—and certainly sweetest—shop for some ooey-gooey cookies you won't soon forget. Treat Cookies, founded by a mother-daughter duo, who gained a following at the Burien Farmers Market, just opened in April. Now they're selling scrumptious creations, like the Tessa (a sumac snickerdoodle cookie) and the Lisa (a lemon curd cookie) to the masses. They've got gluten-free and vegan options to choose from, and if you can't get enough, you can join their Cookie Club to have fresh baked goodness delivered straight to your door every month.

825 S.W. 152nd St.
Burien, WA
515-981-6665
Online: treatcookies.com

Hello Robin

A cookie all by itself is enough to make your taste buds flip, but when it’s paired with ice cream, the combo can’t be beat. Capitol Hill’s Hello Robin has been a favorite venue for Seattle cookie connoisseurs since 2013. This dessert destination features freshly-baked cookies with daily flavors like chocolate chip, birthday cake, Mackles'more (packed with Theo chocolate chunks), and Grandma’s orange snickerdoodle. For the more sophisticated palate, Hello Robin bakes up unique flavors like orange habanero chocolate chip and whole wheat fancy chocolate with sea salt. Savor a cookie all by itself or turn it into a custom ice cream sandwich cookie featuring Seattle’s favorite cool treat: Molly Moon’s ice cream. A pairing made in dessert heaven.

522 19th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA
206-735-7970
Online: hellorobincookies.com

Lowrider Cookie Company

Lowrider Cookie Co. is all about small-batch baking and growing their local community. Not only do they bake up some of the city's best cookies (you can't go wrong with the s'mores), they source things a locally as possible and contribute to Seattle NAACP and Mary's Place. We're big fans of the rotating monthly flavors that give families a reason to stop by more often. Don't live near one of their storefronts? Check out their pop-up schedule online (and cross your fingers!).

Central District
2407 E. Union St.
Seattle, WA

Georgetown
5805 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA

Online: lowridercookiecompany.com

Crumbl Cookie

The lines out the door at this shop are all you need to know about their cookies. With a menu that rotates each week, you'll never know exactly what you'll get when you stop in (although you can always count on their chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookies to be on the menu) and that's part of the appeal. The Muddy Buddy and Cosmic Brownie get raves reviews when they're featured. Plus, they sell ice cream to boot.

Covington
16915 S.E. 272nd St., Suite 102
Covington, WA
253-235-9542

Puyallup
10301 156th St. E., Suite B5 106
Puyallup, WA
253-242-5232

Online: crumblcookies.com

Snohomish Pie Company

With locations in historic downtown Snohomish and Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish Pie Company is your go-to bakery in the north end. They are known for their delicious pie, but their cookie game is on point. Stop in for a fresh, chewy, flavorful cookie. Favorites include chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter and s’mores (topped with a full-size marshmallow and mini chocolate bar).

Snohomish
915 1st St.
Snohomish WA
360-568-3589

Mountlake Terrace
5602 232nd St. S.W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA
425-582-8018

Online: snohomishpieco.com

Delancy

Ballard’s Delancy may be best known for its delicious menu, but their signature chocolate chip cookie with gray salt may just take the cake (or the cookie, in this case!). This made-to-order warm cookie is full of large dark chocolate chunks and a hint of salt for that salty-sweet indulgence your sweet tooth will love. Crispy on the outside with a soft and chewy center, this generously-sized cookie is large enough to share. Want to take some goodness home? Delancey sells its cookie dough so you can fix a craving whenever it calls.

1415 N.W. 70th St.
Seattle, WA
206-838-1960
Online: delanceyseattle.com

Jenny Cookies

Known for her adorbs, frosted sugar cookies, local mom and baker supreme, Jenny Keller, has been in the cookie business for about 15 years. What started as a hobby has grown into a cookie empire and Jenny Cookie fans are happy it did. Families can stop by the bake shop to pick out the perfect cookie, cupcake or cake. And if you want to share the love, these delectable treats can be shipped to loved ones near and far.

Alderwood Mall
3000 184th St. S.W., #962
Lynnwood, WA

Lake Stevens
12420 20th St. N.E.
Lake Stevens, WA

Online: jennycookies.com

Madison Park Bakery

You can always count on an iced sugar cookie from this Seattle bakery to brighten your day. And not just because the shop is within walking distance of Madison Park's marvelous beach and playground. Bring the kids in to pick out their favorite cookie design and grab a great cup of coffee for yourself.

4214 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA
206-322-3238
Online: madisonparkbakery.net

Metropolitan Market

The Metropolitan Market is home to the infamous The Cookie. No other words needed to describe this over-the-top chocolate chip cookie. The Cookie is loaded with two kinds of Belgian chocolate, lots of butter and toasted California walnuts. The chocolate and nuts combine to form a gooey swirl of chocolaty sweetness, surrounded by a slightly crispy golden shell. The Cookie is baked fresh and served warm all day at Met Market’s seven greater Seattle-area locations.

Online: metropolitan-market.com

The Bryant Corner Cafe and Bakery

This bustling north Seattle neighborhood café features a wide assortment of fresh-baked cookies and other pastries. Their endless options include chocolate chip, ginger molasses, oatmeal raisin (gluten-free), wheat-less chocolate chip and assorted biscotti. Take advantage of half-priced cookie day every Tuesday. Also good to know, the Bryant Corner Café and Bakery is a kid-friendly place to grab a cookie and a coffee or stick around for a meal. Look for the café’s packaged treat locations around the Sound.

3118 N.E. 65th St.
Seattle, WA
206-525-1034
Online: thebryantcornercafe.com

Lady Yum

Whether you call it a macaron or a macaroon, you don’t have to fly all the way to Paris to indulge in this French desert. With locations in Seattle and on the Eastside, Lady Yum serves up a colorful assortment of macarons in crowd-pleasing flavors like chocolate, strawberry and mint chocolate chip, along with more unusual pairings like mango-habanero and maple-bacon. Lady Yum also serves up several kid-friendly macaron flavors: chocolate, s’mores, PB&J, strawberry and mint chocolate chip are just a few of the more popular choices among the younger crowd. Take the fun a bit further in your cookie adventure and treat the minis to a Sophia–sparkling cider or water served up in a tiny wine glass.

locations in Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue

Online: ladyyum.com

Macrina Bakery

Macrina uses locally sourced, organic ingredients to create delicious baked goods and cookies and serves them up at their three Seattle locations and Kent cafe. Try one of Mrs. D’s chocolate cookies; a delicious vegan cookie made with cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate chips or sample some of their other big cookies. Fan favorites include apricot oatmeal pecan, chocolate oat peanut butter chip, ginger molasses, Olivia’s chocolate chip, and snickerdoodle.

various Seattle locations

Online: macrinabakery.com

—Allison Sutcliffe & Abbey McGee

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12 Adorable Easter Basket Fillers You Can Buy on Etsy

by Gabby CullenMarch 20, 2021

Easter is early this year, and if you’re looking for unique treats for their Easter baskets, Etsy is your first and only stop. From personalized mason jars to carrot crayons and even a bunny bottom hot chocolate bomb, we’ve rounded up our favorite Easter gifts on Etsy for kids. Scroll down to see them all.

Mason Jar Tumbler

Pick from four different colors and six bunny colors when you order these personalized plastic mason jar tumbler cups for kids.

Buy it here, $7.

Easter Kinder Mini Eggs

A sweet bag of chocolate Easter eggs can have a personalized tag added too!

Buy it here, $4.63.

Bunny Bath Bombs

These adorable Peep-shaped bath bombs in the shapes of bunnies will stand out in their Easter basket!

Buy them here, $2.99 & up.

Butterfly Bombs

Your butterfly enthusiast will get six bombs and planting instructions in this sweet muslin bag.

Buy it here, $9.95.

Carrot Crayons

How cute are these carrot crayons? Bright colors and an easy grip for little hands make this a perfect Easter basket filler for your tiniest bunnies.

Buy them here, $14.50 & up.

Do Not Disturb Socks

For the gamer in your house, when they want to chill, these socks make a statement.

Buy them here, $13.20.

Easter Sensory Kits

Filled with interesting things like play dough, gems, eggs and carrots, these Easter sensory jars will keep kids busy.

Buy it here, $8.99.

Bee Kind Wax Melts

This wax melt sample box is perfect for older kids. The packaging is adorable, and the melts come in six different scents.

Buy it here, $12.

Bunny Bottom Hot Chocolate Bomb

Choose from dark or milk chocolate bunny bombs. Each one is filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows!

Buy them here, $6.50.

Golden Easter Egg

These golden Easter eggs can be personalized and make a gift they’ll treasure for years.

Buy them here, $7.22 each.

Hip Hop T-Shirt

How adorable is this t-shirt? ‘90s parents will especially appreciate the pun! Available in sizes 3 months - 8Y.

Buy it here, $18.

DIY Plush Animal Kit

Chose from 11 adorable color-your-own mini plushies, plus three markers, in this cute DIY kit.

Buy it here, $9.99.

—Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy of Etsy

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The 11 Healthiest Breakfast Ideas from Trader Joe’s (According to Experts)

by Karly WoodFebruary 24, 2021

We’ve all heard the adage, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” In truth, besides being associated with better memory, eating a healthy breakfast has also been linked to better test scores, increased attention span and decreased irritability in kids. That’s why we’ve synced up with a registered dietician to get the skinny on the importance of breakfast and easy ways to make it happen every morning. The major bonus is that you can score all these easy breakfast ideas at Trader Joe’s! Keep reading to see them all.

Single Serve Protein Muffins

You've heard of mug cakes, now there's a new baked good in town. Trader Joe's new gluten-free Dark Chocolate and Maple Protein Muffins are made with cassava and other tasty ingredients like coconut flour, almond meal, chocolate chips, cocoa powder and more. Each one comes in their own cooking cup that just requires water or milk, then microwave for 60 seconds before indulging 12 grams of protein!

Find in the breakfast aisle for $1.99 each.

Steel Cut Oats

Marissa Kent, RDN, shares that "breakfast is the meal that not only helps ensure kids eat enough to support their growth, but it also replenishes their blood sugar level, which is needed to perform well in school. Breakfast foods that contain carbohydrates will replenish a child’s glucose levels."

Oatmeal or steel-cut oats are a great option. High in insoluble fiber, steel-cut oats help maintain a healthy and regular digestive system. They are naturally free of gluten, which makes them a good option for most diets, and are easily customizable by adding fruit, nuts, seeds or nut butter. Dieticians love steel-cut oats because of their low glycemic index, fiber, high iron content and their status as a complex carbohydrate, which helps to maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the day—something your kiddo needs to get through school.

Trader Joe's has you covered in the steel oat department: you can choose between the frozen or the boxed version (which requires a little more cooking).

Açaí Bowls

When it comes to super health food, Açaí is here to stay. The vibrant fruit is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which mean tons of health benefits for your littles. Enjoy a faster recovery time from illness, better cognitive functioning and a more controlled appetite when you serve an Açaí Bowl for breakfast.

You can snag Trader Joe's frozen Açaí, which is priced a little under $5 and is easily combined with greens and fruit to make a nutritious breakfast that almost tastes like ice cream.

Buttermilk Protein Pancakes

Skip sneaking protein powder into your pancakes, and just buy Trader Joe's Buttermilk Protein Pancake mix! Made with whole wheat flour, whole grain oat flour, whey protein concentrate and buttermilk powder, each serving of two flapjacks equal 10 grams of protein. Why should you pack in the protein? In addition to keeping kids full longer, protein helps to build muscle in growing littles, boosts metabolism and helps bodies repair themselves after an injury.

Egg Fritata

Do your kids love eggs? You'll want to pick up a box of Trader Joe's Egg Fritata's on your next grocery run. Each mini egg round is made with egg whites, whole eggs, and whey protein concentrate, which equates to 12 grams of protein and 15% of your daily calcium.

Also, consuming eggs is linked to better eye health, an increase in good cholesterol, better bone health as a result of calcium, and kids will get a good serving of tons of vitamins from A to Selenium.

Multigrain Waffles

Kent states that parents should "aim for a balanced plate with a variety of nutrient-rich foods each morning to fuel the child’s body and brain." That's why we love the easy to make multi-grain frozen waffles from Trader Joe's. After toasting one up, add fruit and nut butter to round out this tasty breakfast that meets all your kids' nutritional needs right out of the gate.

Smoothie with Milk

"Including a source of dairy, such as milk, at breakfast is important as it helps make sure children are getting enough calcium. Milk has been shown to be the top source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and potassium for kids" says Kent.

Ensuring your kids have dairy or a dairy alternative source can go a long way. A simple way to sneak it in is to blend up a smoothie that contains the calcium-rich food with leafy greens and fruit. You can find plenty of dairy and non-dairy options at Trader Joe's, like nut or oat milk, in addition to tons of frozen fruit options that will make your smoothie a cinch.

Yogurt with Fruit

Having yogurt in the morning means your kids are getting a healthy serving of protein, calcium and live cultures: All of these things work together to keep kids full longer (and have a healthier gut). On your next Trader Joe's run, check out the huge selection of dairy and dairy-alternative yogurt products like greek, creamy cashew and cultured coconut milk options. Toss in fresh fruit and whole-grain cereal to make a fun parfait, and your kiddos will love eating healthy before you know it.

Chicken or Turkey Sausage

Do your kids love a heartier breakfast? Substituting with one of the many Trader Joe's sausage options is the way to go. Choose from tasty flavors like Sweet or Spicy Italian, or Apple Chicken when pairing with eggs or whole-grain toast. Turkey and chicken sausages are a leaner option when it comes to meat than their pork counterpart, and are a great source of protein.

Quiche

"Breakfast is a prime opportunity to provide children with a source of choline by serving eggs. Choline is important for the creation of memory cells," says Kent. Not only can you get a healthy serving of eggs when you serve up Trader Joe's Mixed Mushroom & Spinach quiche, but you also sneak in lots of greens, too. Check out TJ's freezer aisle for several other flavors if your kids aren't partial to this version.

Organic Coconut Almond Chia Cereal

If your kiddo isn't super hungry in the morning, you probably already buy a decent amount of cereal to get them going. Instead of the sugar-dense options, check out Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Almond Chia cereal, and dispel any negative comments about serving up a bowl of cereal in the AM. Kent states that "Most ready-to-eat or cooked breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Some may also be protein and fiber-rich. Kids can get a significant amount of nutrients from these cereals."

––Karly Wood

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Baking Classic Treats with a Twist

By Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 3, 2021

With so many people staying at home, now is a great time to bake with your kids. Add a tasty baking craft to your everyday in-door routine with some sticky sweet one-on-one time. Not only is it a fun activity, you also get to eat something yummy when it’s done!

Best of all, what’s better than a DIY twist on the classic candy bars? Take a closer look at two of the top favorite treats from my collection of recipes that are absolute family favorites.

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Balls

Are you low on flour? Coconut balls will save the day. They are soft and chewy, and when you dip them in chocolate they are irresistible. You can call these whatever you want but these yummy treats remind me of a Mounds candy bar, only with a citrus zing! I swapped out the honey/maple syrup for 4 Tbsp. of my tangerine marmalade to this recipe I found @pinchofyum.

Ingredients

2 cups dried coconut (I only had the big flaked coconut on hand so pulsed in a food processor until coarse but not too fine)

4 Tbsp Marmalade

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 Tbsp. Coconut oil

Directions:

1. In a medium-size bowl, mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

2. Squeeze into small balls and place on a cookie sheet and put in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.

3. While the little treats are chilling, slowly melt 4 oz dark chocolate in a bowl over hot water. I used chopsticks to roll the balls in the chocolate and lay them on parchment paper. Place them in the refrigerator to chill or just eat them up.

Raspberry Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or bar broken in pieces

1/2 c. heavy cream

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/2 c. Just Jan’s Seedless Raspberry Spread

Pinch of salt

Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted) to coat truffles

Directions:

1. Place chocolate pieces in a bowl.

2. Heat cream and butter together in a heavy bottom saucepan until it comes to a boil.

3. Pour cream and butter over the chocolate and let stand for a minute or so.

4. Stir vigorously until smooth.

5. Add Just Jan’s Seedless Raspberry Spread and pinch of salt.

6. Stir until well combined.

7. Put plastic wrap on top of the chocolate in the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hrs. (may leave it overnight).

8. Sit on counter to warm up a bit before forming the truffles.

9. Using a teaspoon, scoop chocolate mixture into your hand and roll between your hands until you have a ball. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Roll in sifted cocoa powder on a plate.

Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

Starbucks’ Irish Cream Cold Brew Is Back for the Second Year

by Erica LoopDecember 1, 2020

The holidays are here and Starbucks has yet another winter-wonderful drink for coffee-lovers to indulge in! The Irish Cream Cold Brew is back for the second year and is available now.

Made with Starbucks Cold Brew coffee, Irish cream syrup, frothy vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a dusting of cocoa powder, this fan fave is perfect for the holiday season.

Starbucks has also announced that is showing appreciation to front-line responders protecting communities during the pandemic by offering a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee to front-line responders at participating U.S. Starbucks stores throughout the month of December.

Grab your Irish Cream Cold Brew for a limited time starting Dec. 1 at participating Starbucks locations. If you’re into sharing, Sbucks is celebrating the holidays with a buy one get one special on all handcrafted beverages during Happy Hour from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on select Thursdays. Download the Starbucks app to score your BOGO.

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

Photos: Courtesy of Starbucks

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Duncan Hines Released a Hot Cocoa Baking Mix & Frosting Just in Time for the Holidays

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 2, 2020

Cue up your favorite holiday movies and get ready to enjoy a sweet treat. If you are excited for Duncan Hines Holiday Mega Cookie, then you are going to love their new winter-inspired treat. Teaming up with Swiss Miss the popular baking brand is releasing a new hot cocoa baking mix and frosting.

Duncan Hines Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Flavored Boxed Cake Mix: Rolling out to grocers and retailers nationwide in November, this holiday must-have cake mix is practically a baking hack and is made with rich cocoa simply requires 3 eggs, a cup of water and a ½ cup of vegetable oil.

Duncan Hines Swiss Miss Creamy Hot Cocoa Frosting: Hitting shelves nationwide in November the indulgent collab is the perfect topping to any baked good this season.

Top your cake (or cupcakes) with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for the ultimate holiday dessert.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Duncan Hines

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Starbucks Debuts New Cold Foam Flavors

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 24, 2020

Now that summer is here, it’s officially iced coffee season. In honor of the warmer weather, Starbucks has rolled out two new cold-coffee beverages. Now customers can enjoy the new Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam and Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk.

The popular Cold Foam platform is expanding to include new non-dairy Cold Foam beverages, all with less than 50 calories for a grande. Available on the permanent menu nationwide, the Cold Brew with Cinnamon Almondmilk Foam features Starbucks Cold Brew topped with cinnamon, vanilla, and almondmilk cold foam, and the Cold Brew with Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Foam starts with Starbucks Cold Brew topped with mocha sauce, cocoa powder and almondmilk cold foam.

Also joining the menu is the new Impossible Breakfast Sandwich. The sandwich features a savory Impossible Sausage Made from Plants, which is combined with a cage-free fried egg and aged cheddar cheese on an artisanal ciabatta bread. With 22 grams of protein, the breakfast sandwich offers everything customers love about a classic sausage breakfast sandwich but with plant-based sausage. The new breakfast sandwich is available at the majority of Starbucks locations across the U.S.

For those looking for more ways to enjoy Starbucks at home, Ready-to-Drink Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, Starbucks Bottled Cold Brew, Evolution Fresh Cold-Pressed/High Pressure-Processed Juices and new teas from Teavana: Teavana Wellness Craft Iced Teas and new Teavana Tea Sachet flavors are available. You can find these where you buy groceries nationwide.

The new menu is available at Starbucks stores in the U.S., for order using the Starbucks App and without leaving home with Starbucks Delivers through Uber Eats.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

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