Mermaid Dogs & Fried Eggs: Latest IKEA Collection Brings Kids’ Silly Drawings to Life

by Sarah ShebekOctober 14, 2021

We all love a day with IKEA news and this news is extra adorable! The beloved Swedish retailer has dropped this year’s SAGOSKATT collection, limited-edition soft toys that have been designed by kids for kids. Even better, they bring kids’ imaginative drawings to life.

Each year IKEA holds an annual soft toy drawing competition and this year, more than 66,000 drawings worldwide were entered for consideration. Judges selected the five most original creations to be turned into real toys. This year’s winners are “Sandwich friends,” “Cat,” “Fried egg,” “Mermaid dog” and “Bird.”

The U.S. winner, 10-year-old Nick, shared a little insight into his silly stuffed bird. “I drew a prehistoric dodo bird that looks goofy with his tongue sticking out. If we were to do math together, he’d say in his dorky voice: I can’t count.”

The soft toys are available to buy now online and in stores for $4.99 each. From October 1, 2021 through February 1, 2022, IKEA will donate 100% of the retail price from the purchase of each SAGOSKATT soft toy to Save the Children’s relief and recovery efforts in the United State

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of IKEA

IKEA Announces This Year’s Top Toy Design Winners

IKEA and the LEGO Group Introduce BYGGLEK

23 Allergy-Friendly Halloween Candies to Dish Out This Year

By Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 12, 2021

Halloween is back this year and we’re making up for the last few years with the amount of candy we’re going to eat! For maximum enjoyment (including for those with allergies), check out our annual Allergy-Friendly Halloween Candy Guide! Please note there have been several acquisitions in Candyland as of late and many mainstream brands have new labeling. It’s all treats and no tricks with our guide’s information that’s updated as of 10/2021.

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. YumEarth
Product: Candy Corn
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 9
Verified Brand Allergen Information

2. Enjoy Life
Product: Ricemilk Crunch Halloween Chocolate Minis
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Lupin, Sulphites, Crustaceans, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free from: Top 9, Mustard, Lupin, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergen Information

3. Vermont Nut Free
Product: Trick or Treat Skipper Pack
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Legumes
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Mustard, Legumes
Verified Brand Allergen Information

4. free2b
Product: Bag O’Treats
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Corn, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 9, Mustard, Corn, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergen Information

5. Zolli Candy
Product: Halloween Zollipops
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: This product does not carry a warning label, however if you manage a soy allergy please see allergen FAQ.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergen Information

6. NoWhey! Foods
Product: Milkless Minis
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 9, Mustard, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergen Information

7. Undercover Snacks
Product: Dark Chocolate + Blueberries Individually-Wrapped Crisps
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: Processed on shared equipment with milk chocolate. May contain traces of milk
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Poppyseeds, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergen Information

8. Amanda’s Own
Product: Happy Halloween Bag
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Corn, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 9, Mustard, Legumes, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergen Information

DEDICATED FACILITIES (Allergens Vary)

9. Saf-T Pops
Product: Regular Saf-T Pops
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame
Allergen Statement

10. Red Bird
Product: Soft Assorted Puffs
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8
Allergen Statement

11. Smarties
Product: Original Smarties
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: Top 8 free if UPC starts with 0 11206.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8
Allergen Statement

12. Righteous Cacao
Product: Vegan Puffed Quinoa Krispy Bites
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (except Coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

13. Koochikoo
Product: Organic Lollipop
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

14. Pez
Product: Halloween Party Pack
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

15. Dots
Product: Original Dots
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

16. Raaka Chocolate
Product: Pink Sea Salt Minis
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (except coconut)
Allergen Statement

17. Tootsie
Product: Tootsie Fruit Chews
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

18. Tootsie
Product: Tootsie Roll
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

19. Tootsie
Product: Tootsie Pops
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

20. Goetze’s
Product: Caramel Creams
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

21. Dum Dums
Product: Dum Dums Original Pops
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9, Gluten
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: There is a trace amount of soy oil in the lubricant used on Dum-Dums cooking kettles. This soy oil has been refined, bleached, and deodorized and all of the proteins have been removed.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Gluten
Allergen Statement

22. Dubble Bubble
Product: Dubble Bubble Gum
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: Soy may be present.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

23. Blow Pop
Product: Blow Pops
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: Milk and soy may be present.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

For even more allergy-friendly candy you can dish out and eat, check out the full list on Spokin.

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

DIY Dino Eggs You Can Totally Do Yourself

by Erin LemSeptember 14, 2021

Your little kid-o-saurus is ready for some hands-on action this afternoon but you aren’t equipped with a crafter’s closet. No worries, we weren’t either, but this dinosaur egg project is so easy, you won’t need much more than a few eggs. Read on for the complete how-to.

This crafting tip is sponsored by Squeakee the Balloon Dino! Part dino, part balloon animal and part breakdancer, this giant toy is a must-have for any dino lover. It has over 70 sounds and reactions, including chompin’, stompin’ and even dancin’!

You’ll Need:

Three glass cups

Hard-boiled eggs

Food coloring (red, green and blue works best)

Water

Instructions:

Step one: Hard boil your eggs. We know there’s a lot of methods and theories on how to make the best hard-boiled egg. Use whatever works for you, but we found that this way renders great results.

Step two: Once your eggs are cool crack them all over. It’s ok if there are pieces missing.

Step three: Add water to your cups just enough to cover your eggs.

Step four: Add food coloring to each cup–we measured out about 5 drops. If you’re feeling extra imaginative feel free to make your own colors like mixing red and blue to make purple.

Step five: Drop one cracked egg into each of your cups.

Step six: Let your eggs sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. If you’re feeling extra patient allow them to sit in the dye overnight. The longer the eggs sit in the cups the bolder the colors on your dino eggs.

Step seven: Carefully drain the water in the sink and pull out your egg. Peel the outer shells off the hard-boiled egg. Mom and Dad might need to help with this step.

Step eight: Ta-da! You have a set of dino eggs. We set ours up with some pet dinosaurs. Psssst…if the colors don’t weird you out, the dinosaur eggs also make great egg salad sandwich ingredients!

Don’t forget to bring their best dino-friend home! Whether your little one is into Tyrannosaurus or Brontosaurus, they’ll love Squeakee the Balloon Dino!

A special thanks to the blog, Our Best Bites for inspiring us to make these eggs!

photos by Christal Yuen; copy by Erin Lem

Have You Seen Peek-A-Roo? This Year’s Must-Have Toy

by Jamie AderskiAugust 29, 2021

Surprise toys are all the rage, and interactive cuddly creatures are always a favorite among kids. From the geniuses behind Hatchimals, in hops Peek-A-Roo—a part panda, part kangaroo interactive plush with a surprise baby reveal! This loveable cutie responds to touch and features over 150 different sounds and reactions. Enter the ROO-niverse and learn more about this adorable creature that is sure to be the next must-have toy.

Getting Baby Roo to Reveal Herself Is Magical

We love that this toy encourages social-emotional learning in the most fun way. Peek-A-Roo encourages kids to identify emotions, empathize and problem-solve. How do you get Baby Roo to reveal herself? Pet Momma Roo’s head, tickle her foot and bounce her to embolden Baby Roo to come out of the pouch. How a kid plays with Momma Roo influences baby’s mood and the way she reveals herself. Your kiddo will delight in discovering all 10 baby moods, like sleepy, bouncy, playful and more, each with matching sound effects. Momma Roo is so intuitive, she can even sense when her baby is near and reacts!

Surprise! It’s a Baby Roo!

Hatchimals are all about the egg-citing anticipation of the hatching! Peek-A-Roo builds on that thrilling element, and now you graduate from caring for an egg to a Momma Roo! The lively surprise feature keeps kids engaged and guessing—will Violet, Rosie or Bluebell be unveiled? You’ll just have to be patient to find out...

Once Baby Has Arrived, There’s More to Explore

Momma Roo knows when baby is near and reacts with games, songs and sweet cuddles. With over 10 games and songs, there are so many ways to play with momma and baby! After a fun-filled day of play, Momma Roo can cuddle Baby Roo by placing her in momma's arms. She’ll begin to sing a lullaby and gently rock her baby to sleep, and yes, it's as cute as you imagine so get ready for loads of giggles and smiles!

Exclusive: Discover Peek-A-Roo at the LA Zoo

Head to the LA Zoo and experience the unveiling of this brand new mythical species! Be the very first to discover Peek-A-Roo and witness the enchanting arrival of one of three mystery babies hiding inside Momma Roo’s pouch—which mystery baby will you meet? Continue through the exhibit to the exclusive play space where you get to experience Peek-A-Roo and discover all of her amazing and interactive features complete with a fun photo opportunity.

This exclusive 1,100 square foot exhibit at the LA Zoo will be open to the public from Saturday, August 28 - Monday, September 6—it's magical fun for the whole family!

—Jamie Aderski

26 Nut-Free Ice Creams That Everyone Can Enjoy

By Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 16, 2021

Photo: Jenny Smith on Unsplash

Our top-rated nut-free ice cream guide (with 33 ice creams!) has something for everyone, whether you’re managing peanut or tree nut allergies or can safely eat coconut, we’ve got options for you too! Get the scoop below and for the full list, click through to the rest of the article belowl

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. A La Mode Partly Cloudy
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that contains wheat.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Mustard
Verified Brand Allergy Info

2. O’MY Strawberry
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish
Verified Brand Allergy Info

3. Sacred Serve Chaga Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Mustard, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Corn, Peas, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten, Mustard, Poppyseed, Corn, Peas, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites
Verified Brand Allergy Info

4. Frönen Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Mustard, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a facility that processes milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish, Mustard
Verified Brand Allergy Info

5. Oatly Strawberry
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated
Verified Brand Allergy Info

6. Sunscoop Wild Blueberry Crumble
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish, Mustard, Poppyseed, Celery, Molluscs
Verified Brand Allergy Info

DEDICATED FACILITY (Allergens Vary)

7. Cado Ice Cream Mint Chocolate Chip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut
Allergen Statement

8. Straus Family Creamery Organic Vanilla Fudge Swirl
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (exclucing coconut), Corn
Allergen Statement

9. Frankie & Jo’s California Cabin
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Cashew, Coconut
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that processes coconuts, cashews, and almonds.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Milk, Gluten
Allergen Statement

10. Mr. Dewie’s Chocolate Orange Chip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Cashew
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Milk, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

11. Booja Booja Heavens on Earth (Mint Chocolate Truffle)
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Cashew
Precautionary label: May also contain Pecan Nuts, Hazelnuts, and Almonds.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Milk, Egg
Allergen Statement

12. Righteous Gelato Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Gluten
Allergen Statement

NON-DEDICATED FACILITY

13. Re: THINK Black Cherry Vanilla
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

14. Rebel Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

15. Ben & Jerry’s Gimme S’more!
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Coconut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

16. Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg, Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

17. Coconut Bliss Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

18. Food Heaven Juicy Strawberry Heavenly Ice Cream
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

19. So Delicious Oatmilk Oatmeal Cookie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: Produced in a facility that also processes other tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soy.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

20. Arctic Zero Salted Caramel
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

21. Alden’s Vanilla Crème Ice Cream
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shelfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: Made on shared equipment with eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and peanuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

22. Noona’s Ice Cream Yuzu Blossom
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Wheat
Contains: Milk
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

23. Steve’s Dairy-Free Chocolate Salty Caramel
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

24. Sweet Luv Strawberry Coconut
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

25. Frill Intense Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains:Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

26. Double Rainbow Ultra Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary label: This product was produced on equipment that also processes tree nuts, peanuts and soy.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

Check out all of our nut-free ice cream picks on Spokin.com and in the Spokin App! And to learn more about our product guide process, see our letter from our founder. And don’t forget to check out the full scoop on dairy-free ice creams here: Top 37 Dairy-Free Ice Cream Guide.

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Watching Life through the Eyes of an Adopted Child

By Amanda Wall

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 12, 2021

The lunch buffet at the Hyatt in New Delhi is a grandiose feast of sauces, chutneys, chapati, proteins, and more. In the center of it all is a beckoning treat stand displaying delicate chocolates and perfectly swirled gelato. No doubt my daughters, Priya and Ari, had never seen this much food in their lives. At the orphanage the girls were fed rice and occasionally a hard-boiled egg. Ari, my youngest child, weighed a mere 20 pounds at 3.5 years old having been malnourished most of her childhood.

Placing a variety of food on her plate, I curiously watched to see what she’d entertain. I gave her a glass of milk alongside a hard-boiled egg, scrambled eggs, lentils, rice, fruit, noodles, vegetable curry and carrots on her plate.She immediately downed the milk wanting more. I suspected the children only received water in the orphanage. The hard boiled egg was obviously familiar and the scrambled eggs she avoided. Fruit was well received and vegetables were naturally pushed around the plate, although Ari loved raw carrot sticks. Perhaps she liked the crunch or could sense that her body was desperately craving those nutrients? Pasta and lentils were handed over to big sister Priya who wanted all the spicy Indian cooking she could get her hands into!

After an adventurous lunch, we strolled by the treat stand. “Would you like to try some gelato, Ari?” I asked. Scared of what her taste buds may encounter she said a firm “Nah.” A friendly woman behind the gelato stand quickly recommended the coconut gelato. Maybe she could sense my girls were eager to run around the open lobby or it was her personal favorite? We thought the suggestion was a wise choice because coconut milk is a common ingredient used in Indian cooking. Familiarity is a friend during the adoption process. I ordered a coconut ice-cream cone for myself and placed a dab of that sweet goodness onto my daughter’s lips. Her eyes glowed as I handed over the dripping treat. Watching her tiny stomach grow into the shape of a basketball, I knew we both felt content.

Excitement and anxiety are at the root of many discoveries for an adopted child. I recall experiencing the world through my biological children’s infant eyes and those were monumental indeed, but the firsts experienced by my adopted daughters felt extraordinary compounded by their unfortunate beginnings. Our entire family began relishing in seeing the world from their perspective.

Our daughters, Priya and Ari, were brought home from India under the age of 5. Understandably, their environments were flipped figuratively and geographically. Most changes were embraced but some cultural differences were met with obstinance. Even then, I gained empathy for their experience and praised their willingness to explore their unpredictable new surroundings.

While visiting India we spent a great deal of time in the car but there are no laws requiring safety seats and often you see children riding on the front of motor bikes racing down a freeway. This made car rides stressful since our daughters were constantly moving around the backseat trying to get a better view of the outside world. Once we returned home, we enthusiastically introduced Priya and Ari to the high back, harnessed car seat. That didn’t go over very well! We coaxed them into the seat and fastened it securely but then they realized there was no going back. My errands were met with a chorus of wailing and screaming for a week that no lollipop could cure.

The simple pleasure of a warm bath in a bathtub was heaven for Priya and Ari. They’d spend 45 minutes scrubbing their bodies feverishly and giggling through the bubbles. Seeing the sky so blue was something Priya never thought possible due to the air pollution in her village. My daughters had a way of acknowledging each day in quiet appreciation, something I’d seldom observed in a child. At dinner, they fed each other morsels from their respective plates, reminding one another that they would continue to take care of each other. These moments caused me to pause and ponder the unspoken emotion in the room.

I wrote “Finding Family in a Far-Away Land” to capture my daughter’s memories but also to help them remember. Mental memories are important, but their beginnings are engrained in their souls and reflected in their behavior, something that reminds me to see each day with an increased awareness. There is beauty in new beginnings and the joy of overcoming adversity. I hope through reading our family’s story your child enjoys exploring the world through Priya and Ari’s eyes too.

This post originally appeared on The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife.

Thinking About Adopting? Start Here

8 Things You Can Do to Support Adoptive Moms

Amanda Wall

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Amanda Wall is an author, illustrator and mother of four with a heart towards adoption. Her debut illustrated children's book, Finding Family in a Far-Away Land: An Adoption Story was published in 2021. She lives in Denver with her family.

10 Healthy Meal Hacks for Hectic Households

By Christine Hronec

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 9, 2021

Photo: Hessam Nabavi on Unsplash

It’s dinner time and if you had to choose between ordering a pizza or cooking a healthy meal, a pizza probably sounds a whole lot easier. And while you know you need to prioritize the health of your family you are probably overwhelmed and need easy ideas—our life is complicated and enough and you have zero aspirations to become Martha Stewart.

If this is you, eating healthy can be way easier if you apply these simple meal hacks that make even the most inexperienced cooks look like a pro. Whether you don’t particularly have a flair or interest in cooking, don’t have the time, or just don’t have the money to get extravagant with your meals there are tips here that will positively impact your household.

1. Pre-cooked Meat (Pre-cooked Grocery Store Rotisserie Chicken vs. Home-Cooked Oven Roasters)
Save time by opting for pre-cooked rotisserie chickens which can run as low as $4.99 at major grocery store chains. This saves time and provides a substantial part of a healthy lunch or dinner that is already cooked freeing your time and energy to focus on simple sides.

2. Slow Cooking (Crock-Pot Meals vs. Skillet Meals)
While skillet st‌yle meals are a great way to whip up a healthy meal for one or two people, it can be far more efficient to prepare family-friendly meals in a slow cooker as it creates tender juicy meats without added oils and sugars. Recipes like cilantro lime chicken, chili, carnitas, curry, chicken tikka masala, soups, and so much more become one single step that you can set and forget!

3. Smoothies (Meal Replacer Shakes vs. Home-Cooked Sit-Down Breakfasts)
When everyone is hungry and you are short on time, don’t underestimate protein smoothies for breakfast. Start with a base of a good quality protein supplement and blend it with almond or coconut milk, fresh low sugar fruit, leafy greens (optional), and a nut butter like almond or peanut butter. This approach will not only be delicious but will save time, money, and leave you with fewer dishes to wash!

4. Choose Fruit Wisely (Ready to Eat Fruit vs. Prep Intensive Fruit)
Fresh fruit is a great way to get fiber and nutrients for your family, however, you can save yourself a lot of time by choosing fruit more strategically. Things like whole apples and pears only need to be rinsed and can be consumed as-is. This also goes for bananas where the fruit can be eaten without prep work. Set a bowl of fresh ready-to-eat fruit in your kitchen for easily accessible snacks as opposed to tasking yourself with preparing more intensive fruit like cantaloupe, watermelon, or pineapple.

5. Don’t Bother Peeling Produce
Sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, apples, and beets all roast up amazing with the skin on. The same goes for cucumbers, kiwi, eggplant, grapes, peaches, nectarines, ginger, acorn squash, and delicate squash. Leaving the skin includes more antioxidants and nutrients. Just make sure you rinse your produce first!

6. Egg Whites
Purchase cartons of liquid egg whites as opposed to whole eggs. For recipes that call for egg whites, you will experience fewer “steps” by pouring liquid egg whites as opposed to cracking several eggs, separating the yolks from the whites. This is great for egg white omelets

7. Break Your Breakfast Routine
Don’t be afraid to have leftover “dinner food” for an easy microwavable breakfast. Breakfast doesn’t have to be “conventional.” I’ve grown up having rice and eggs or some other form of protein my entire life. There is no rule that says breakfast needs to be pancakes and cereal, it can be whatever you want it to be.

8. Order Chinese Take-Out
What? Takeout? Yes, when I’m in a bind, I will order a few servings of steamed chicken and mixed vegetables with white or brown rice. You can also get steamed shrimp and a variety of different veggies (all you have to do is ask and you can get broccoli). You can get this meal at ANY Chinese restaurant in America, just ask for the sauce on the side (I don’t use the sauce). I add a small amount of soy sauce or coconut aminos to flavor the food along with either sriracha or hot oil sauce. However, this has gotten me through rough spots where I had a lot of work and zero time to cook, but needed healthy food to keep me energized.

9. No-Chop Veggies
When selecting your veggies, some will be easier to meal prep than others required virtually no chopping or prepping before cooking.
▪ Spinach/Kale/Arugula: Can be easily steamed or sauteed with the carb of your choice (i.e. rice or sweet potatoes), can be added to wraps, salads, omelets, tacos, fajitas, and sandwiches.
▪ String beans/Asparagus: Can be easily steamed, oven-roasted, or lightly sauteed.
▪ Peas/Snow Peas: An easy add-in to a stir-fry or skillet when simple veggies are needed to complete a meal.

10. Have a “Back-Up” Healthy Meal
Every household needs a go-to backup meal. For me, it’s veggie fried rice. I typically scramble in egg whites for my protein source and whatever veggies I have on hand. It tastes amazing and I literally always have the ingredients needed to pull it off at any point. It can get fancier depending on what type of meat you have on hand and it great for turning leftover rice, meat, eggs, and veggies into an amazing family-friendly dish.

Christine Hronec

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Christine Hronec is an award-winning chemist and three-time champion fitness competitor, nutrition, and exercise expert.

40 Food Allergy Bloggers Worth Following

By Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 20, 2021

Photo: Mommy’s Home Cooking via Spokin

We’re sending some special teal love and sharing some of our favorite food allergy recipe bloggers. See our favorite 40 bloggers and our favorite recipes, from eggless cheesecake to a dairy-free version of the famous Levain Chocolate Chip Cookie.

1. Mommy’s Home Cooking
Favorite Recipe: Best Eggless Cheesecake
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg. Most recipes can be made dairy and gluten free.

2. Allergylicious
Favorite Recipe: Vegan Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Recipes Always Free From: Top 8, Meat

3. Drizzle Kitchen
Favorite Recipe: Double Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Recipes Always Free From: Gluten, adaptable to be free from the Top 9

4. Gristle & Gossip
Favorite Recipe: Yeast Free Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat

5. Allergy Awesomeness
Favorite Recipe: The Best Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Birthday Cupcakes
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten

6. Ellie’s Dairy Free Kitchen
Favorite Recipe: Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipes Always Free From: Milk

7. Strength & Sunshine
Favorite Recipe: Homemade Spaghetti O’s
Recipes Always Free From: Top 9, Gluten

8. The Urben Life
Favorite Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Recipes Always Free From: Milk, Egg

9. Everyday Allergen-Free
Favorite Recipe: Egg Free, Dairy Free Summer Strawberry Cake
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Soy

10. Less With Laur
Favorite Recipe: GF/Vegan Coffee Cake Donuts
Recipes Always Free From: Milk, Egg, Soy, Sesame, Buckwheat, Maple, Gluten

11. Lane & Grey Fare
Favorite Recipe: S’mores Cookies
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Seeds, Gluten

12. Lindsey Lee & Co.
Favorite Recipe: Vegan French Fry Charcuterie Board with 3 Dairy Free Dipping Sauce
Recipes Always Free From: Milk, Egg, Gluten

13. Heather Christo
Favorite Recipe: The Best Pancakes (Vegan & GF)
Recipes Always Free From: Milk, Egg, Gluten

14. From Scratch With Love
Favorite Recipe: Chase’s Vegan + Nut-Free Double Chocolate Cupcakes
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg

15. No Dairy No Cry
Favorite Recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie
Recipes Always Free From: Pistachio, Cashew, Milk, Egg, Beef, White Fish

16. The Nutless Baker
Favorite Recipe: Eggless Cinnamon Buns
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg

17. Happy Allergy Family
Favorite Recipe: Allergy Friendly Crepes
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Beans, Peas, Beef

18. The Allergy Table
Favorite Recipe: No Bake Figgy Millionaire Shortbread
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Shellfish, Sesame, Legumes (excluding Soy), Tropical Fruit

19. Em’s NutFree Eats
Favorite Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free S’mores Cookie Bars
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten

20. Safely Delish
Favorite Recipe: Egg Free Waffles
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Eggs (except recipes noted specifically as “baked egg tolerance”, for egg-allergic people who can tolerate baked-in egg)

21. Sarah and Spices
Favorite Recipe: S’mores Cookies
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Milk, Wheat, Corn, Tomato, Gluten

22. The Fit Cookie
Favorite Recipe: Vegan One Bowl Fudge Brownies
Recipes Always Free From: Milk

23. Allergy Girl Eats
Favorite Recipe: Vegan Potato Salad
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Lobster, Sesame, Sunflower, Peas, Green Beans

24. Wandering Chickpea
Favorite Recipe: Moroccan Spiced Lentil Burgers
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg

25. Milk Allergy Mom
Favorite Recipe: Freezer-Friendly Waffles Milk & Egg Free
Recipes Always Free From: Milk

26. Egg Free Mama
Favorite Recipe: Grandma’s No Bake Macaroons
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding almond), Sesame, Round-Legume

27. Plant Based Jane
Favorite Recipe: Tomato & Sausage Pasta
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg

28. Pretty Bee Blog
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Unbaked Egg, Sesame

29. The Zestfull
Favorite Recipe: Vegan Chai
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Sesame. We try to provide alternatives for other allergens and gluten-free recipes too.

30. Nutritionally Nicole
Favorite Recipe: Roasted Rosemary Garlic Chicken with Red Grapes & Brussels Sprouts
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Sesame. Can be adapted to be free of the Top 8.

31. Nut Free Wok
Favorite Recipe: Cheung Fun with Shrimp and Chinese Sausage
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Burdock, Papaya, Kiwi

32. Normal Life Mom
Favorite Recipe: Eggless Turkey Meatballs
Recipes Always Free From: Egg, Mustard

33. The Nut-Free Vegan
Favorite Recipe: Chipotle Maple Brussels Sprouts
Recipes Always Free From: Tree Nut, Milk. Often Gluten-Free

34. Food Allergy Diva
Favorite Recipe: Top 9 Free Pineapple Salsa
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Almond, Milk, Egg, Mustard

35. Food Allergy P.I.
Favorite Recipe: Chocolate Moon Cake
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Fin Fish, Shellfish, Gluten. Can often be made Top 9 free through substitutions and alternatives

36. The Allergy Chef
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Mint Chip Edible Cookie Dough
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Wheat, Sesame, Gluten. Top 8, Top 9 and corn-free recipes available.

37. The Avantgartist
Favorite Recipe: Bone Suckin’ Sweet & Spicy BBQ Ribs
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut

38. Coffee Table Eats
Favorite Recipe: Greek Chicken Skillet
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Raw Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Beans, Sunflower, Garlic, Onion. Often top 9 free as well.

39. Plantivore Kitchen
Favorite Recipe: Chocolate Lava Cakes
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Corn, Flax, Gluten, MSG

40. Timmy D Bakes
Favorite Recipe: Eggless Basil Pasta
Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Sesame

Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

15 Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Ice Creams

By Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 11, 2021

Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Ice cream is never a bad idea but when you have allergies, it can turn your summer into a bummer. Here are 15 allergy-friendly chocolate ice creams, all made in dedicated facilities! Our list includes 7 Verified Brands and features everything from a top 8 free brand to ones with superfood ingredients like Chaga and Reishi.

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. Oatly: Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None
Verified Brand Allergy Info

2. A La Mode: Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: Milk, Soy
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that contains wheat.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Mustard
Verified Brand Allergy Info

3. A La Mode: Dairy Free Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that contains dairy, wheat, and soy.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Mustard
Verified Brand Allergy Info

4. O’My Gelato: Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding Coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish
Verified Brand Allergy Info

5. Frönen: Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding Coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a facility that processes milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish, Mustard
Verified Brand Allergy Info

6. Sunscoop: Dark Cacao with Reishi
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding Coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten, Mustard, Poppyseed, Celery, Molluscs
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish, Mustard, Poppyseed, Celery, Molluscs
Verified Brand Allergy Info

7. Sacred Serve: Chaga Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (except coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Poppyseeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Corn, Peas, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

8. Nubocha: Chocolate Arriba
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None
Verified Brand Allergy Info

DEDICATED FACILITIES

9. Straus Family Creamery: Dutch Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Corn, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Corn
Allergen Statement

10. Chapman’s: Dutch Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

11. Hood: Hoodsie Cups
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

12. Booja Booja: Hunky Punky Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Cashew
Precautionary label: May also contain pecan nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Milk, Egg
Allergen Statement

13. Frankie & Jo’s: Chocolate Date
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut(excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat
Contains: Coconut
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that processes coconuts, cashews, and almonds.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

14. Righteous Gelato: Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk
Precautionary label: May Contain: Peanut, Hazelnut, Pistachio
Facility Dedicated Free From: Gluten
Allergen Statement

15. Mr. Dewie’s: Chocolate Orange Chip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Cashew
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Milk, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Susie Hultquist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

The Force Is with This Epic Star Wars Charcuterie Board

by Sarah ShebekApril 29, 2021

The cutest charcuterie board in all the land is here for your May the Fourth festivities! H ormel brainstormed a delectable spread full of the cutest Star Wars-themed treats, and we’ve got the scoop on how to pull it off.

Read on for recipes!

For the Yoda eggs, combine guacamole with hard-cooked egg yolks and pipe into egg whites. Finish with baby cucumber slices and cut up raisins.
To make your light sabers, melt one cup of white chocolate chips and ½ cup of Skippy creamy peanut butter. Dip pretzel rods into the mixture, decorate with sprinkles and let dry in the fridge!
Chewbacca toasts! Spread Skippy creamy peanut butter on toast from a round loaf. Pipe chocolate icing on toast and finish with cut up mini marshmallows.
For the pizzas with “craters,” buy mini pizzas or make your own with English muffins, shredded cheese and Hormel pepperoni!
To create mini TIE fighters, make a cheese and cracker sandwich with a firm cheese, and hold together with a bit of cream cheese
Add some stars by using a cookie cutter for firmer lunchmeat (ham, salami, and pepperoni)
Your board wouldn’t be complete without a Star Destroyer. Spread peanut butter on a rice cake and add a mini popped rice cake as a super laser
For your blue milk, add a spot of food coloring to regular milk, or create a coconut milk smoothie with blueberries for a natural hue.

May 4 is also known as Star Wars Day, celebrating the beloved franchise from George Lucas. Fans picked the date to make a pun on the catchphrase “May the Force Be With You.”

Whether you settle in for an epic evening watching the original trilogy or host a gathering at your rebel base, make this board a part of your plans. Do or do not, there is no try!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Hormel

Flying Solo: 11 Crafts & Activities for Star Wars Fans

Celebrate “Star Wars” Day with a Free LEGO Tatooine Homestead Kit

ML Interest Tag: egg

Mermaid Dogs & Fried Eggs: Latest IKEA Collection Brings Kids’ Silly Drawings to Life

Related reads

23 Allergy-Friendly Halloween Candies to Dish Out This Year

By Susie Hultquist

Susie Hultquist

Related reads

DIY Dino Eggs You Can Totally Do Yourself

Related reads

Have You Seen Peek-A-Roo? This Year’s Must-Have Toy

Getting Baby Roo to Reveal Herself Is Magical

Surprise! It’s a Baby Roo!

Once Baby Has Arrived, There’s More to Explore

Exclusive: Discover Peek-A-Roo at the LA Zoo

Related reads

26 Nut-Free Ice Creams That Everyone Can Enjoy

By Susie Hultquist

Susie Hultquist

Related reads

Watching Life through the Eyes of an Adopted Child

By Amanda Wall

Amanda Wall

Related reads

10 Healthy Meal Hacks for Hectic Households

By Christine Hronec

Christine Hronec

Related reads

40 Food Allergy Bloggers Worth Following

By Susie Hultquist

Susie Hultquist

Related reads

15 Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Ice Creams

By Susie Hultquist

Susie Hultquist

Related reads