San Diego is famous for its sunshine, beaches and palm trees––but our fine city also boasts an amazing culinary scene bursting with delicious, iconic foods you’ve got to try! From cheeseburgers and fish tacos to acai bowls and donuts, our list is what foodie dreams are made of. Read on for where to take your appetite and sink your teeth into some of the most iconic foods in San Diego.
Stack it up! If you're in the mood for an unforgettable burger, Hodad’s is your spot. A San Diego favorite since 1969, this cool burger joint is "home of the best burgers in the world!" We recommend the single or double bacon cheeseburger. It comes with all the toppings and is so tall it’s tricky to get in your mouth. Add in an order of 'frings' and top it with a chocolate malt, and you’ll be a happy camper. Be prepared to wait in line to taste this masterpiece.
There are plenty of places for your family to enjoy a California Burrito in San Diego, but Lucha Libre is a must for trying this Cali fave. It's one of our favorite spots given its bright wrestling decor and their giant burrito stuffed with fresh french fries, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and your choice of carne asada or pollo asado. Even more, get the version with shrimp to make it a surf and turf. Yum!
Ready for a delicious treat that's as healthy as it is beautiful? Northside Shack's açaí bowls are a quintessential SoCal fave food and feast for the eyes. Northside Shack was created by a mom of three who followed her passion for food to open this quaint and welcoming cafe. The humble eatery has been proclaimed "home of the world's best acai bowls." All of the seasonal fruit and dry toppings are included on these abundant bowls, including: banana, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, sliced black grapes, pineapple, mango, kiwi and organic gluten-free hemp granola, crushed raw almonds, chia seeds, and unsweetened coconut shreds. Dig in, guilt-free!
We love great-tasting Korean BBQ, and Jeong Won hits the spot. Not only is it a self-serve (think no long waits) buffet-style food spot, there's also tons of meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and other yummy selections. Plus, it’s all-you-can-eat. It’s a small restaurant that gets crowded, but it’s worth it.
Where better to order up a pizza pie than San Diego's Little Italy? You’ll dig the cool decor at Farmer's Table, from the giant tractor to the living plant wall. But what you'll really love at this neighborhood eatery are the wood-fired pizza pies that everyone will gobble down. Whether it’s the farmer’s pizza with veggies, pepperoni or Margherita pizza, it's all amore!
How sweet it is! Breakfast Republic's S’mores French Toast is graham cracker crusted brioche bread topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate sauce. All that's missing are the campfire and ghost stories.
Take a crack at Crack Shack's Coop Deville! This local eatery is known for its fried crispy chicken breast that’s super moist on the inside. The chicken in this sandwich is topped with pickled Fresno chilies, pickles, lime mayo and Napa cabbage on a brioche bun. Order up biscuits and deviled eggs, and you'll be in foodie heaven.
Donuts score a real hole in one when it comes to comfort food. Donut Bar boasts that they have the "world's most award-winning donuts" and they're right here in San Diego. They serve up the most mesmerizing collection of donuts you've ever seen––from their Big Poppa Tart to their maple bacon bar and their oversized donut that could feed a few, these delectable desserts are something every San Diegan simply must try!
Tacos are a prized and beloved food in San Diego. Order up Pacific Beach Fish Shop's award-winning TKO Taco and see for yourself why it previously won "best taco" at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival. It's comprised of grilled mahi mahi topped with Fish Shop seasoning and shredded cabbage, mixed cheese, house cilantro white sauce and tropical salsa––and served on your choice of a flour or corn tortilla. It's like a beach vacation for your taste buds.
If you ever spent all afternoon sampling Jelly Belly flavors trying to decide which ones were the best, now you can re-live those tasty childhood moments with sparkling water.
Joffer Beverage Company is releasing a brand new line of Jelly Belly Sparkling Water. At launch, the line will include eight flavors including French Vanilla, Lemon Lime, Orange Sherbet, Piña Colada, Pink Grapefruit, Tangerine, Very Cherry and Watermelon. With over 100 Jelly Belly flavors, there will definitely be more additions to come.
“We were on the back patio, drinking a couple of the more popular sparkling water brands, when I said out loud, ‘If only someone could nail a sparkling water with really stand-out flavors,'” said Stephen Joffer, a co-founder of Joffer Beverage Company in a press statement. “The lightbulb came on when my dad suggested, ‘Why not our own Jelly Belly flavors? We are known for flavor innovation after all.'”
All of the canned beverages are made with just two ingredients carbonated water and natural flavors. No sugar and zero calories means you also get to taste those favorite flavors guilt-free.
The new Jelly Belly Sparkling Water will be available in eight-packs of 12 ounce cans at Hy-Vee stores, a midwest chain with over 200 locations, starting mid-January. If you don’t live in the area, you can still score some online at jellybelly.com soon.
Ah, snacktime. It’s our kids’ favorite time of the day, but for us parents, it can be a little more tricky. We’re always searching for snacks that are convenient for us, healthy for them and delicious enough to satisfy picky palates. Below, we’ve rounded up a bunch of new snacks that totally fit the bill, just in time for the back-to-school rush. Snacktime meltdowns are about to become a thing of the past—just scroll down to get the goods.
Fall 2019
Fruit Crunch Parfait
These new fruit parfait cups from Del Monte are perfect for anyone working with non-dairy dietary restrictions. The coconut creme has the creamy texture of yogurt, and the flavor is great. There's a full serving of fruit in each cup, as well as probiotic-rich crunchy granola toppings that are a hit with kids. They come in four flavors: Mango, Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple Coconut.
If you need a little crunch but want a healthier option than what you'd normally find on a supermarket shelf, try the new bean chips from Beanfields. Offered in flavors like cheddar sour cream and Himalayan pink salt, they satisfy your savory cravings and also pack in the protein with every bite.
These high-protein snacks are great for after school or before sports. They come in two different combos: Super Cheesy (crispy cheddar cheese and almonds) and Really Ranchy (crispy gouda cheese and pecans). Each pack has 9g of protein (but just 3g of net carbs).
For a snack that tastes like dessert, but is much more healthy than an actual chocolate bar, turn to TRUWOMEN Protein Bars. These delish bars (we tasted them ourselves!) are 100% plant-based and made with all-natural ingredients like almonds, brown rice, cassava flour and cashews. All bars are totally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO and kosher, with the minimal ingredients listed on the label. Choose from flavors like Daydreaming About Donuts to Saltylicious Almond Love to Oh Oh Cookie Dough.
You've likely already tried a few of the other flavors by Harvest Snaps; these veggie-based snacks are a great crowd pleaser and an excellent alternative to potato chips. The newest flavor, a sweet and smoky, Southern Style BBQ will give you that BBQ chip fix with way less sodium, fat or preservatives.
An after-school snack that is packed with protein but not packed with processed "mysterious" ingredients? Alpha Foods plant-based snacks like these nuggets fooled were happily gobbled up during a playdate with a vegetarian kid and a meat-eater, all without complaint.
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice and this new bar from Bobo's will hit that PS craving for a snack that is low in fat and sugar. Approved by three finicky third graders, too.
As a parent, at some point you start to think "aren't all fruit bars the same?" We were suffering from fruit-leather overload and tried Pure Organic's Layered Fruit Bar in Pineapple & Passionfruit and realized we'd been doing fruit bars all wrong. These are packed with flavor, all natural, gluten free and low cal. They're absolutely delicious.
These crunchy little snacks come in bar and bite-sized and are the perfect alternative to those mounds of cheese crackers full of ingredients you can't pronounce. Because these babies are very straightforward: they are literally just baked cheese! Super low carb and high protein, all you KETO moms might just be snagging these for yourself.
It has finally happened. Our pickiest snacker devoured a protein bar without being cajoled. PAW Patrol Luckybar Protein Bars have more protein than two eggs. They have low carbs, no fillers, gluten or preservatives. And they taste great! We loved all the flavors, including Crazy Coconut and Chocolate Campfire. This is the jackpot of protein bars! Find them at luckybar.com or your fave grocery store.
bare Baked Crunchy Medleys
bare snacks
You might already be familiar with bare snack foods and their array of baked veggie and fruit snacks. The new kid on the block this school year are the Medleys. We loved the apple strawberry combo. .
A great alternative to a sugary after-school treat, SmartSweets Gummy Bears (and Sour Gummy Bears) are every bit as delicious at their sugar-ladened counterparts. Which means you can still satisfy that craving without blasting them with sugar.
Once Again Amore Organic Hazelnut Spread with Milk Chocolate Squeeze Packs
Looking for an alternative to Nutella or an on-the-go treat that isn't packed with tons of sugar? These little squeeze packs from Once Again (makers of nut butters galore) are so good we actually used them not-overly-sweet icing for sugar cookies.
These little stars are packed with yum power (seriously, we had to hide them from ourselves so the kids could try them) and they're packed with protein, too. Each serving has 6 grams, a lot more than your average snacky cracker, made with non-GMO ingredients, real cheese, and no artificial colors or ingredients. We also liked the Mixed Berry Yogurt crisps.
If you're looking for a snack bar that's filled with good things like peanut butter, dark chocolate, coconut and more, then Kate's Real Food bars are going to check all the boxes on your list. Made with organic non-GMO ingredients as well as all-natural honey, they are not only wholesome but taste great too. The newest flavor is lemon coconut, but there five other combos to pick from as well, including dark chocolate peanut butter and mango coconut.
Swap out those sugary crispy treats for something healthy! Made with farm-fresh blueberries, Smashcrispy Blueberry Crumbles are made in a nut-free facility, are naturally gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients. They pack just the right amount of sweetness, without being overly sugary.
You can shop blueberry and all the other flavors at Instacart.com.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Simple Mills
There are a lot of gluten-free products out there and it's no surprise that some of them just don't hold up. So it's pretty rare to find a snack that is gluten-free that 1) the entire family loves and 2) tastes better than 99% of the other crackers out there, gluten or no gluten. Simple Mills crackers are made with almond flour, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and cassava, which means they actually have three grams of protein per serving. While the crowd favorite was Rosemary & Sea Salt, they have a variety of other flavors including Farmhouse Cheddar and Fine Ground Sea Salt snack packs perfect for fall lunches.
When you think of a coconut-based snack you might not always think of a savory. PRANA's Hula Salt & Pepper coconut chips will change that! For those times when you don't want to dole out the Lays, but something salty and a full of (good) fat is in order, these little snacks are packed with a crisp flavor. Mom approved (and also consumed).
How do you get your kids to eat enough protein but also not wrinkle their noses up? You give them a protein bar that is maple syrup flavored. Not only is this yummy little bar organic it's got eight grams of protein. While we acknowledge some kids don't like nuts and seeds, this little bar just might change their minds. They are also soy and dairy-free and have less than six grams of sugar per serving. For anyone who has ever nearly chipped a tooth on a Kind bar, this bar's for you!
Want your kiddos to eat their veggies but know they need a little motivation? These delicious veggie snack packs from GAEA may be your solution. Choose from carrot, cauliflower or gherkin (or one of their many olive varieties you may already be familiar with). Packs are resealable, nut-free, gluten-free, low-calorie and resealable. The snack packs are shelf-stable, which means they don't require refrigeration before eating and are also free of preservatives.
For busy days and hangry kiddos (we’ve all been there!), Nature’s Bakery has the perfect solution. Their Oatmeal Crumble Bars are packed with 14 grams of whole grains and three grams of fiber, ensuring that your little one will stay full for hours on end. They’re made with an open-top oat bar filled with real fruit jam and topped with a crunchy oat crumble and come in three flavors: strawberry, apple and cherry.
34 Degrees Sweet Crisps in Cinnamon, Lemon, Vanilla or Chocolate
34 Degrees
For a healthier alternative to a cookie or other treat, Sweet Crisp offers a variety of flavors including Cinnamon, Vanilla, Chocolate and Lemon. These wafer-thin treats are like round little discs of something between an ice cream cone consistency and a cookie. They're lower in sugar than most kids treats and make an excellent little snack to get your fix. Crowd favorite around here were the cinnamon, but it was a hot debate.
Sometimes you just need a little boost of protein—and honestly, those chalky protein powders and drinks are just not appealing, especially for kids. That’s why we love these tasty Chicken Snack Sticks from Mighty Spark. They’re made with chicken free from MSG, antibiotics and hormones and have up to 6 grams of protein in each serving. Check out their unique flavors: black bean & chipotle, BBQ seasoned sweet potato, sea salt & pepper, honey & jalapeno and cranberry & ginger.
Bobo's There With Care Limited Edition Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar
Bobo's
Bobo's has teamed up with There With Care to donate $5 from every box sold of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bars. There With Care provides support to families facing critical illness, helping to provide fundamental services necessary to keep a family together during a medical crisis. Not to mention, these delicious, soft snack bars make the perfect after-school, on-the-go boost your kids will love. They were even approved by a finicky eight-year-old.
You’re probably familiar with Justin’s line of nut butters and snacks (those peanut butter cups are to die for!). This summer, they’ve upped the ante with their newest product, Almond Butter Covered Almonds. They’ve got 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving, making them a perfect after-school snack.
Fueling up on the go is easier than ever thanks to Rowdy Prebiotic Foods. Their new Blueberry Almond Tart Bar is the perfect quick snack, made with antioxidant-rich blueberries, creamy almond butter, and their signature natural sweetener, yacon root. All of their bars are free of dairy, soy and gluten, are low-glycemic, paleo-friendly and 95% organic.
Learn more (and check out the other flavors) at rowdybars.com.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Kids
Nutri-Grain
If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, then these new, bite-sized Nutri-Grain Kids are an essential item to keep in your pantry. They’re available in three kid-pleasing flavors (apple, strawberry and grape) and the ingredients are parent-approved too. The filling is made with real fruit, and there’s no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. They’re also a good source of whole grain and pack in plenty of vitamins and minerals.
It’ll be love at first taste with Nature Nate’s honey. Their raw and unfiltered honey is made by North American bees, and now it’s available in convenient packets that are perfect for slipping into lunchboxes or enjoying as an after-school snack. Drizzle some onto a nut butter sandwich, add it to ants on a log or blend it into a smoothie—the sky’s the limit with this awesome alternative to processed sugar.
Siggi’s Icelandic skyr is already super delicious, but they’ve taken it to the next level with their newest release, Simple Sides. It has their signature 2% skyr (if you haven’t had it before, it’s similar to Greek yogurt and also packs in a ton of protein) on one side, and the other side has a complementary topping. Vanilla yogurt is paired with almonds and dried cherries, honey yogurt goes with dried figs and walnuts, and apples, almonds and oats get sprinkled on vanilla and cinnamon yogurt.
Spice up snack time with these tasty new crackers from Back to Nature. Their Cracked Black Pepper Harvest Whole Wheat Crackers are free from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives—and they taste great too. Stack ‘em up with cheese or nosh on them all by themselves. Plus, check out their wild Kale & Sea Salt Crackers, which are just as green as you’d imagine, with pieces of real kale inside. We’ll take anything to get more veggies on our plates!
Happy Tot Organics Superfood Bars are nutrient-dense fruit and oat bars that are made for busy toddlers and families. Containing 350 milligrams of omega-3s (ALA) from flaxseed and three grams of fiber, these bars boast zero grams of added sugar and are naturally sweetened with real organic fruits! You can find from plenty of major retailers nationwide and choose between two flavors: blueberry and oatmeal or strawberry, sunflower butter and banana.
If your kids dig Fritos, but you want something a tad bit healthier, turn to RW Garcia's new Organic Yellow Corn Chips. They're the first snack company ever to receive Non-GMO Project Verification, which is basically the gold standard for affirming that a product contains no GMOs. Besides being tasty, the chips are made in a facility that is totally peanut- and tree nut-free, which is awesome news for any families dealing with those allergens.
When is a raisin not a raisin? When it's a vine-dried grape, aka a revamped raisin from Life's Grape. It might not sound like that big of a deal but for anyone whose ever tried to pry that last chunk of hard, dry raisins from a box, hear this: these are superior raisins!!! Every one is plump and sweet and our editor's finicky eight-year-old gobbled them up a lunch-sized packet and asked for more. We can't wait to use them in baking, too!
Square Organics latest snack packs a serious protein punch: both the Peanut Butter Protein Crispy Bar (with flavors like Vanilla Crunch, Toasted Coconut & Dark Chocolate Chip) and chocolate-coated Organic Protein Bar (Cookie Dough, Nuts & Sea Salt and Peanut Butter) have a whopping 10 grams of protein in that yummy little square. They literally last for hours and make that perfect after-school-before-practice-snack.
Enjoy your Honeycrisp year-round thanks to Tree Top's new organic Honeycrisp dried apple slices. You'll love that there is only one ingredient in this flavorful snack: Honeycrisp apples. Tree Top sources their apples from Pacific Northwest orchards and its new product comes in a convenient 20 oz. resealable pouch. Available now at Costco (check your local Costco for details with prices varying by location).
Whether your kiddos are anti-crust or you're just trying to give them extra healthy ingredients, Ozery Bakery's Morning Rounds will be a hit. They are made with real fruit and grains that contain 5 grams of real fruit, 7 grams of whole grain and 2 grams of fiber. Toss in lunches or toast up for breakfast, these tasty snacks are so good your littles won't even realize they're healthy!
Chocolate as a snack, you say? This isn't your ordinary candy bar. PRANA offers up "superbarks" made from fair trade chocolate and key ingredients. The PRANA Chia Balance—dark chocolate bark with caramelized coconut & probiotic chia—is not only incredibly delish, but it is also nutrient-dense with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, probiotic chia seeds and is even a great source of fiber. There's even 4g of protein in a serving. The Maca Power version—dark chocolate bark with corn flakes, almonds and maca—provides sustained energy with 4 g of protein, ancient grains and maca, which has a positive effect on memory, energy and mood. There are seven barks to choose from.
Looking for a healthier lunchbox treat that is actually more delicious than a traditional, sugar-packed cereal treat bar? Made Good's Caramel Crispy Squares and Strawberry Crispy Squares are divine. They are free from nuts and other common allergens, including peanut, dairy, egg and soy, so they are totally safe for school lunches. Sweetened with cane syrup and made with brown rice crisps, these delicious snack bars might make their way into mom or dad's own lunchbox, too. They also come in Vanilla and Chocolate Chip.
Next time that dessert craving hits (for you or them) reach for a Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Snack Buddies Bar, a new line of kid-sized Greek yogurt bars that debuted March 2019. Dairy-based, Yasso's Snack Buddies offer 25% less sugar than the leading novelty and 10% more protein. It's packed with live and active cultures, and no high fructose corn syrup or high-intensity sweeteners. Eight perfectly kid-sized bars come in each box with new flavors: Mint Cookie Chums, Strawbuddy Lemonade, Fudge Space Chip and Party Animal.
Shop here or get yours at retailers like Target, Publix, and more.
Kids know best when it comes to what tastes good so it's pretty awesome that Kashi's newest snack, Organic Super Food Bites, was dreamed up by a team of kids. They're not only tasty but good for you, too. They're packed with superfood ingredients like coconut flour, chickpeas, açai and sweet potato, and include 10g of whole grains and three grams of fiber. Choose from two flavors: Mixed Berry and Chocolate. These peanut-free snacks come in handy pouches, which make dishing them out on-the-go easy peasy.
Sans artificial ingredients or fillers, Truth Bars will give your kiddos their daily dose of prebiotics and probiotics. Choose from five flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Almond Crunch, Chocolate Raspberry Coconut and Dark Chocolate Coconut. Gluten free, non-GMO, kosher and a max of five grams of sugar per bar, this is one snack you and the kids can feel good about.
For kids with allergies, finding a bar that actually tastes good and is safe can be a challenge. These delicious new breakfast bars from one of the most trusted allergy-friendly food companies are sure to be a win. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, sulfites, lupin, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, casein, egg, shellfish, sesame and mustard (phew!) you might wonder what actually in these bars. With four types of "purity protocol gluten-free oats" and lots of whole grains, they come in a variety of yummy flavors including Apple Cinnamon, Berry Medley, Chocolate Chip Banana and Maple Fig.
One word to the wise: they are more crumbly than other breakfast bars we've tried, so be prepared if you plan to eat on the go!
New to January 2019 is Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Veggie Yogurt cups in purple carrot and sweet potato flavors, as well as Kids Whole Milk pouches in new flavors apple cinnamon sweet potato and blueberry apple carrot. The baby yogurt cups include no added sweeteners and, like all of their products, are certified organic, free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs.
The snack bar company co-founded by actors Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell and Ravi Patel has just launched a new kids’ bar, and they’re delicious. Made totally school safe (no nuts, dairy, soy or gluten), the new flavors include Chocolate Chip “Dino”-Mite, Rockin’ Straw-beary and S’more Blast, and each bar is Non-GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, and Kosher, plus they’re made with clean ingredients and only have 5g of sugar per serving. And, that whole life-saving thing? With every box purchased, a child in need will receive a meal.
We’ve always loved the quality of cereals and baking goods from Bob’s Red Mill, so we were thrilled to hear the employee-owned company was debuting a line of kid-friendly snack bars in five different flavors. Inspired by some of your favorite childhood snacks, these bars are filled with wholesome ingredients like organic honey and peanut butter, plus they’re filled with fiber and protein to keep little bellies full longer. New flavors include Peanut Butter Jelly & Oats, Peanut Butter Chocolate & Oats, Peanut Butter Coconut & Oats, Peanut Butter Apple Spice & Oats and Peanut Butter Banana & Oats.
This new company makes products free of the top eight allergens, so you’ll be able to toss one of their new snack bars into your kid’s lunch box or share with friends with no worries. We especially love that each bar is filled with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which means each bite is packed with extra nutrients and antioxidants. Choose between pineapple and raspberry.
Ready for the cleanest, tastiest, most nutritious on-the-go snacks? Perfect Kids offers trusted, quality ingredients with a cookie-dough-like texture and taste. Each bar also delivers seven grams of whole food protein and eight Superfood veggies.
What’s better than instant oatmeal? How about warm and ready in minutes spoonable muffin! These plant-based muffins are loaded with Superfoods and protein. They’re available in Banana Nut, Blueberry, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.
Your kids’ favorite lunch is now an on-the-go snack. These peanut butter and jelly single-serve snack packs come in four different flavors including Almond Butter and Raspberry.
Introducing Pop Chips that are convenient, delicious, and guilt-free made from chickpeas and rice that are the perfect addition to any meal or snack. Each box comes with 4 bags of Cheddar, 4 bags of White Cheddar, and 4 bags of Apple Cinnamon Squeaky Pops.
The Complete Crunchy Cookies are bite-sized, plant-protein packed, contagiously crunchy cookies available in classic flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar. Each 1.25oz pouch is packed with 6 grams of plant-based protein and four grams of fiber, while the 4.25oz resealable bag that delivers 20 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber.
Available at Lenny & Larry, $20.20 for 1.25oz, 12 pack
Quinn Pretzels
These pretzels are whole grain, gluten free, non-GMO and yummy! They come in Classic Sea Salt Pretzel Sticks and Twists along with Touch of Honey Pretzel Sticks, and the newest flavor—Deli Rye Style Rods.
Keep them going strong with a snack that packs a nutritious punch! We love Jif Power Ups Chewy Granola Bars because they are super-yum and have 5 grams of protein in each bar. They come in a variety of flavors including Chocolate with Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Banana and are a kid-approved by our own editor's son who gave them "two dancing thumbs up." Check out also the Jif Power Ups Creamy Clusters, too, for a super easy on-the-go snack with staying power. Even Neil Patrick Harris agrees.
The bars are $5.99 for 5 and the clusters just $2.99 a bag. Shop them at Jif.com
Keep your kids fueled up for recess with thinkKIDS's new protein-packed bars. These bars have a whopping 45% less sugar than most granola bars out there—just 4 grams of sugar per serving, plus 7 grams of protein, plus they're made without icky stuff like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. The kid-friendly flavors include Vanilla Cupcake, Cinnamon Sugar Cookie, Cookies 'n' Cream and Chocolate Chip.
Not down with dairy? Check out Kite Hill's dairy-free yogurt tubes. These vegan snacks are made with almond milk, fruit and live active cultures. Choose between two yummy options: sweet Wild Berry or Strawberry Banana. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a smooth, creamy treat.
GoMacro's protein bars are packed full of good organic stuff. Three new flavors of the vegan bars, each with 10 grams of plant-based protein, are ready to feed hungry hordes. Blueberry and Cashew Butter will please the fruit lovers out there and Dark Chocolate + Almonds offers a cocoa fix. Parents will want to keep the Mocha Chocolate Chip ones all to themselves—the bar gives a caffeine boost equal to half a cup of coffee.
Marshmallows always bring an extra layer of excitement to a steaming cup of hot cocoa, but when those marshmallows are a rainbow of colors you can bet it will be the best day ever. Each box comes with six hot cocoa packets featuring tiny unicorn-inspired marshmallows, which include colors like red, orange, green, blue and purple.
The best part is, this magical hot cocoa is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives so you can serve it up guilt-free.
The Swiss Miss Unicorn Marshmallow Hot Cocoa is so new it’s not available online anywhere yet, but check the shelves at any stores that carry Swiss Miss products and you’ll be stocked and ready for those crisp fall afternoons.
While most products that make parenting easier cost a pretty penny, these IKEA originals won’t break that bank. In fact, $15 is all you need to reimagine the way you organize, play and even reduce your carbon footprint. Keep scrolling for our innovative finds.
USB Charger
Settle the chord wars once and for all with IKEA’s USB charger. You can charge up to three devices at once on this stylish little unit.
Mesh Bags
Rock the reusable bag thing when you replace single-use produce bags with this mesh alternative.
Ice Pop Makers
Fill these ice pop makers with the fresh fruits of summer for a healthier popsicle option.
Customizable Pegboard
Choose your space and get it organized using the Skadis pegboard as a base. Then add coordinating hooks, cords and containers to design exactly what you need where you need it.
Say bye to your kid’s typical bedtime cast-offs littering the floor. With this handy bed pocket, they can tuck books, bottles, and tablets safely at their side, right before the sandman visits.
Hanging Wire Basket
Stop with the stacking and get with the hanging when you use this wire basket to create useable space under shelving. Efficiency looks good on you.
Tablet Stand
Whether you need to prop your tablet to read a recipe in the kitchen or YouTube a quick home improvement hack in the bedroom, this tablet stand can help. Take it anywhere you need your tech.
Chalkboard Labels
Divvy up these four sheets of blackboard labels between your pantry, cupboard and fridge for ultimate stylish organization. The easy-wipe surface means you can change the label as often as you change the container’s contents.
Kids Knife & Peeler
Encourage kids to cook alongside the master chef with this knife and peeler set that’s specifically designed for pint-sized hands. Pair it with this cute chef set to complete the look.
Play Rug
The perfect rug for any play space, kids will spend hours vroom-vroom-vrooming along the roads and railways of this one. Anytime, anyplace.
Drawer Organizer
Tackle your sock drawer woes with these organizers that help sort clothes into easy-to-manage compartments. Now your kiddo can find exactly what she’s looking for.
Changing Table Baskets
Consider this set of four baskets and hooks your best blowout management tool. They keep your changing table needs close at hand.
Play Tent
Instant imagination is what this pop-up tent offers your littles. Need a fort? A shop? A comfy place to read? Simply pop and play. Add a matching play tunnel for twice the fun.
Suction Lids
Sayonara plastic wrap. These silicone rubber lids use suction to seal your leftovers for longer storage. Less waste, times two.
Hoop Door Hamper
Throwing clothes in a hamper is such a chore. But throwing them into a basketball hoop is an incentive. Hang this over the door to turn clothes clean-up into a win-win for everyone.
Under-Bed Storage Box
Pile your favorite play-ables into this convenient storage box. Then slide it under the bed to complete that tidy room look.
Kid’s Chair
Your kiddo needs her own special seat, and at this price, you can buy one for her and a friend, guilt free.
French Press
Use this single-serve French press to fuel your parenting world one bold brew at a time. After all, sleep is overrated.
Tool Kit
Rumor has it, Chip and Joanna Gaines started with this exact set of 17 tools. A must-have for simple household projects, like attaching safety latches and baby gates.
Magnetic Board
Organize your family’s schedule, create a changeable IRL pic collage or just “cute up” a space with this mountable magnetic board.
Potted Succulents
Your kids are thriving, but your plants … not so much. Add a few artificial succulents to your décor with this coordinated three-pack. No watering required.
Clothes Rack
Whether you use it to organize dress-up clothes or park it in your laundry room to mitigate ironing needs, this clothes rack is a household helper.
Bag Clips
This set of 30 clips is as versatile as it is colorful. Use them in lieu of twist ties in the kitchen or clip cords together in the office. Whenever you need a cinch, these will do the trick.
Stackable Recycling Bins
Whatever you use these stackable bins for, they save on space when it’s at a premium.
Activity Book
Throw this IKEA activity book into your diaper bag or car. Then pull out this colorful distraction on road trips or long restaurant waits. It’s a simple solution to an age-old problem.
Hanging Rack
Whether you’ve got baseball caps or dress-up get-ups piling up, this colorful rack will help keep your kiddo’s playthings organized.
New Year’s resolutions usually start with good intentions and fizzle with bad follow-through. According to US News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. And maybe that’s because these are driven by guilt from the holidays. However, if you start out with mindful practices, you can set up your new year for success.
Self-care is a necessity in the midst of busyness. You need time to slow down and tend to your own emotional, mental and physical health. Protect yourself from burnout this season by ringing in another year with self-care. You can start by checking out the following tips.
1. Reflect on your year
The first step in preparing yourself for a new season of well being is understanding your past. Reflect on this past year to consider your weaknesses and strengths. When you know your triggers for stress, you can predict setbacks and change how you react to them.
Reflection can help you find direction for your future. Evaluating your current lifestyle and consider what steps you need to take to proceed toward a better life. Monitor your behavior and mindset to develop better self-awareness and achieve goals.
2. Celebrate improvement.
As you take steps to improve your habits and overall lifestyle, you should recognize the improvement and congratulate yourself. Celebrate your victories, even if they’re small, because your efforts are pushing you forward. Acknowledging your achievements can give you confidence and strengthen you.
A positive outlook is essential to progress, and 90 percent of happiness relates to your mindset rather than your circumstances. One way to encourage yourself and keep your motivation up is through affirming self-talk. Exchange criticism for compliments and reassurance, and try to build yourself up rather than breaking yourself down.
3. Gather a support team.
Whether you find an accountability partner or surround yourself with loved ones, a support team can make you feel capable of growth. People who keep you on track with your self-care efforts can propel you forward and make the responsibility less daunting. When you share this goal with them, they can appreciate your vulnerability.
Gathering a group of people who bring positivity and non-judgmental help means you should leave behind toxic relationships. Cut out the negative influences on your life that keep you from maintaining your health and stability.
4. Declutter your space.
It doesn’t have to be spring for you to remove distracting objects and messiness from your life. New Year’s is an optimal time to reset your living space. Clear out the belongings you don’t need so you can create a useful and accessible area for yourself.
Cluttered areas hinder your clarity of mind and tire out your brain. But establishing a fresh environment for a new season can push you to maintain your own habits and goals. Clearing out things you have been holding onto can remove negativity from your life, too. You can increase your focus for more success and intentional care in the following year.
5. Prioritize sleep (and other healthy habits).
Setting up your year with a regulated sleep pattern and quality rest can enhance your life. Sleep substantially contributes to your emotional wellbeing, brain functioning and physical health. It should be close to the top of your self-care list because it vastly shifts your mood and performance. If you want to keep your self-care goals going, you need to incorporate designated rest times.
Other healthy habits that you should prioritize in the new year include a balance between work and your personal life, hygiene, consistent exercise and food choices. To choose self-care, you must establish boundaries. Remember that you don’t need to justify your choices and priorities to others, but you have to do what is best for you and your loved ones.
6. Section off future self-care times.
Mark your calendar for future self-care times. You can block off an hour or an evening to spend some time reflecting, evaluating and relaxing periodically — but that means you have to keep allowing yourself alone time. If you have an activity or hobby that you want to do in your alone time, you can section off time in your week to go for a run, take a bubble bath or paint.
It may seem strange to jot down alone time on your calendar, but in the busyness, it’s hard to slow down and recharge. You have to practice intentionality in self-care to make it a habit. Don’t feel guilty spending this time apart from your family or from work. Extend grace to yourself and give yourself permission to maintain your emotional and physical health.
7. Resolve to make yourself a priority—it’s not being selfish!
During the coming year, set yourself up with healthy habits, a fresh setting, an encouraging support group and self-awareness. This New Year’s reflect and celebrate intentionally. Start out the season by bettering your health and mindset through giving yourself guilt-free alone time and grace.
Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep. She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.
You’ve hit every playground, park and beach within a 15-mile radius of your ‘hood and exhausted every indoor attraction. Now, you and your crew are itching to get out of town and explore. But where do you go with just a month left before school starts? Suncadia Resort, A Destination Hotel is where. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, fish, boat, swim or golf, you can make it happen (and more!) at this premier, all-season mountain resort. So, put your back-to-school shopping on hold, pack your bags and read on. The perfect end-of-summer family vacay is waiting for you!
A Mountain Oasis
Located just 80 miles east of Seattle, Suncadia Resort, A Destination Hotel offers families an array of lodging choices. The Lodge at Suncadia, the resort’s main building, is inspired by the grand lodges of our National Parks and beautifully captures the spirit of Washington state with its magnificent architecture. Choose from the 254 guest rooms, suites and penthouses; most with full kitchens and washers and dryers. For families who’d prefer a smaller and more exclusive lodging experience, The Inn at Suncadia, located just a short walk from The Lodge, offers upscale, pet-friendly rooms and suites with gorgeous views of the Cascade Mountains and golf course. And for those families who desire more space, the Trailhead Condominiums are another great option. The classic mountain architecture and spacious, well-furnished one and two bedroom units are located within walking distance to the resort’s main amenities and feature living/dining areas, full kitchens, washers and dryers, fireplaces and decks with outdoor dining options.
Hit the Trails
With miles (and miles!) of paved trails and countless miles of scenic trails, you will have no problem keeping your family moving amidst the stunning views and lush surroundings of Suncadia’s forests and hills. But the easiest way to get out at Suncadia is to descend the 1,000 steps behind The Lodge and spend time along the banks of the Cle Elum River. As you make your way down the 21-flights of stairs, there are plenty of spots to sit and take in the views with your sidekick, while reading tidbits about some of the animals you might find along the nearby trails. The steps let out at Riverfront Park, a picnic-able, kite fly-able, Frisbee-throw-able area that’s a starting point for outdoor hiking adventures. Sure, your kiddos will love throwing rocks into the river, and climbing around the gigantic tress lining the shore, but when they need to get moving again, we suggest crossing the bridge (pictured above) to find easy trails that wind through the lush forest. Families can also take the River-to-Lodge trail up the backside of the hill. There’s no doubt it’s a steep climb, but there are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath, and the views at the top of the ridge are worth the trek!
Go for a Spin
Over 40 miles of mostly paved trails make biking another go-to family fave when visiting Suncadia Resort, A Destination Hotel. You can bring your own from home, or rent anything you can think of: bikes, motorized scooters, bike trailers, jogging strollers, trail-along bike extensions, to make the most of a pedal-powered adventure around the property. With minimal traffic and wide, mostly flat trails, tooling around with the kids couldn’t be a simpler, stress-free afternoon activity. Psst…pack a portable lunch and make a pit stop at a scenic overlook or at one of the well-placed picnic tables around the property before heading back to The Lodge.
Even More Places to Dive In!
The indoor pool at The Suncadia Club Swim & Fitness Center boasts a combination lap pool and leisure pool with basketball hoop, a whirlpool spa area, saunas and steam rooms as well as two, two-story-high waterslides. When the skies are unforgiving this is where all the action’s at. But when the sun’s out and the temps are blazing, it’s hard to pass up diving into the deep end of the outdoor pool. With mountains looming in the background, Suncadia’s own food truck, The Kitchen, stationed off to the side, and poolside service, life is simply good here.
Another swim-tastic option for families (and brand-new this summer) is the Nelson Farm Pool, located at the Historic Nelson Farm. This awesome new swim center offers three separate bodies of water totaling close to 6,500 sq. ft., plus a new seasonal restaurant, Nellie’s at the Nelson Farm. The casual eatery offers alfresco seating throughout, while the menu features Pacific Northwest favorites inspired by The Nelson Farm’s Hay Creek Garden. On the menu, fresh herbs and vegetables are the star ingredients accompanied by main dishes like salmon skewers, slow roast BBQ pork baguettes and Washington apple burgers. Nellie’s also serves a variety of grab-and-go items and ice cream treats that pair well with a lazy day at the pool. For mom and dad, an array of beverages are also available at the restaurant’s walk-up bar, including a selection of craft brews and frozen cocktails.
Families with small children will especially love the zero-entry leisure pool at Nelson Farm and the interactive splash pad, and everyone (including mom and dad!) will love the small-scale lazy river and whirlpool and the in-pool loungers. They are the perfect place to chillax (and keep an eye on your little fish) when the temps are soaring. The Nelson Farm Pool is available for use by all resort guests and also offers men’s and women’s restrooms, changing rooms and an exterior open-air shower and lockers. Psst…the pool is not within walking distance of The Lodge, but is just a short drive away.
Set Sail
If you and your crew are itching to get on the lake, set sail by visiting the Village Pavilion. They’ve got kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for rent here ($22-$27 per hour) all summer long. Once you’ve picked out your sea-worthy vessel, take it for a spin on the alpine lake that skirts The Suncadia Club Swim & Fitness Center. No matter the time of day, you can count on smooth sailing here, with calm waters and a just-right size, it puts parents and kiddos at ease as they make their way around the curves and bends.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
A Place to Play All the Sports
Pick up a protein pack at the Coal House Caffe to fuel an afternoon spent climbing on the playground and playing every sport you can think of at Dawson Park. Quite possibly the best playground ever, it’s got everything families need to get active on a sunny summer day. The Recreation Cabin is where you’ll find balls, games, hoops, stick, ropes and more, so you can make the most of the expansive grassy fields surrounding the play area. Psst…it’s an easy way to try out a new sport or rekindle a family fave. Pus, everything in the cabin is free to use during your stay. Score!
Daily Kids’ Activities
During the summer months, Suncadia hosts a variety of daily activities to keep little visitors and their grownups happy and entertained. From tie-dying t-shirts, to kite making, to sustainable crafting activities, there’s an outdoor adventure for every age and stage. Kids ages 4-12 who want to experience everything Suncadia has to offer “kids style” will love going to the Suncadia Junior Rangers program. The three-hour or full day sessions, led by a highly qualified and talented group of facilitators, include special programs, crafts, field trips, games, kayaking, canoeing and bike riding in addition to a healthy snack and lunch for full day campers. Plan your kids’ experience around your game of golf or spa treatment and you can thank us later! Three-hour sessions take place during the summer months from 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and full day sessions take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $40 to $70 per child.
A World Class Spa
Enroll the kids in Suncadia’s Junior Ranger Program and beeline it to the Glade Springs Spa for the ultimate R&R experience. This ahh-mazing spa not only offers four hot outdoor mineral baths of varying temperatures, but meandering creeks, rustic saunas and a fireside for relaxing. The spa also features a private women’s garden, complete with a hot outdoor mineral bath and spa and stunning views of the forest and mountain can be found from the common space inside. The spa offers massages, body work, facials and couples’ spa treatments focusing on balance, relaxation and rejuvenation. Need we say more?
Fuel Up with Good Eats
Suncadia offers several dining options to fit your family’s tastes and budget. The Coal House Caffe at The Lodge offers espresso, beverages, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and sundries as well as those little things you might’ve forgotten to pack. (Why does someone always forget their toothbrush?) At The Suncadia Club Swim & Fitness Center, the resort’s own food truck is conveniently parked next to the outdoor pool and offers salads, sandwiches and a variety of tasty treats. Portals Restaurant(pictured above) is a fine dining establishment at The Lodge that offers creative Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes and welcomes kids for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their yummy kids’ menu is specifically designed for ages 12 and under and offers lots of kid faves (think: chicken tenders, burgers and pasta with meatballs). Overlooking the Rope Rider golf course, Swiftwater Cellars Winery has a tasting bar, restaurant and pro shop. Bring the kiddos to lunch and enjoy the views as well as their flatbreads, sandwiches and dessert items. Psst…both Portals Restaurant and Swiftwater Cellars have large outdoor dining patios with spectacular views.
Amenities That Go Above & Beyond
Our favorite upside to all this activity is that you and your petite posse can enjoy some of the deliciously decadent amenities Suncadia has to offer, guilt-free! Say “yes” to sitting down for complimentary nightly s’mores around the campfire with your kid crew. From 7 p.m.-9 p.m., you’ll find all the fixings and skewers you need to roast up this summertime fave at each of the two fire pits on the property. Psst…we recommend picking up your s’mores kits at the front desk promptly at 7 p.m. (since sometimes they run out) and head to the fire pit near the 1,000 steps because s’mores and sunsets go together as well as marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate do!
Suncadia Resort, A Destination Hotel
3600 Suncadia Trail
Cle Elum, Wa 98922
866-904-6300 or 509-649-6400
Online: suncadiaresort.com
—Kristina Moy (all photos courtesy of the writer unless otherwise noted)
This trip was paid for by Suncadia Resort, A Destination Hotel, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
Planning your summer vacation could mean enjoying a staycation while your kids are away thanks to a new family travel trend. Skip-gen travel, as the trend has been nicknamed, is when grandparents whisk the kids off as their travel companions and leave mom and dad behind.
With hectic work schedules, it can be hard to find enough time off to enjoy an extended family vacation, which could explain the growing popularity of skip-gen travel. Grandparents who are either working less or are fully retired are freer to take vacations than their millennial kids.
While traveling together as a family is an incredibly beneficial experience, these multigenerational vacations have their own set of perks. Parents might be left behind, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun of their own. Getting a little alone time can help reinforce your relationship with your spouse, and it’s completely guilt-free because the kids will be having a blast too. It also means that the youngest and oldest family members get some special bonding time and memory making your kids will cherish forever.
The only thing that can be tricky about skip-gen travel is finding a destination that is the right fit for both energetic kids and less-active grandparents. Theme parks, guided tours and cruises have become popular choices as they provide planned activities and meals, putting less pressure on grandparents.
Your first Mother’s Day is a day you will never forget. While many milestones and firsts are all about baby, this is one that is all about you. Here are 9 special ways to commemorate Mother’s Day for first-time mamas.
1. Document the day in photos. There are never enough photos of moms with their babies. Go old school and use real film, like with an Instax Mini 8 Camera. Or take digital photos and have them printed so you’ll always remember this big day. Snap selfies throughout the day, and ask loved ones to take photos of you. From eating breakfast to cuddling and reading books, these are moments you’ll treasure forever.
2. Ease into the day. Parents usually need lots (and lots) of coffee or tea to power through the day, so start your first Mother’s Day with a quiet moment savoring a cup in bed before you embark on a hectic day of fun with your bub. Before Mother’s Day, drop hints for a personalized mug, like this new-mom mug from Etsy shop Field trip ($10.80), or buy it for yourself to commemorate your new role. It’s simple yet sweet and something that is certain to make you smile for years to come.
3. Get your craft on. It’s never too early for a craft project with your baby. You might do most of the work, but baby can supply some scribbles, a footprint or handprint, or a beautiful face for a photo. Check out our article 16 Mother’s Day Crafts to Make with Your Baby for lots of great ideas, at various artistic-skill levels.
4. Treat yourself to flowers. Add some color and fragrance to your home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, picked by your sweet babe (with mom or dad’s help). They’ll stay fresh for the next week or so and will brighten each day!
5. Create a book about those first moments. First bath, first laugh and so many other important moments. Capture those magical memories into a book with Chatbooks. This app creates books from your Facebook and Instagram feeds, giving you an easy way to capture those moments and keep them accessible. Perfect for the coffee table, or even your desk at the office.
6. Choose your special meal. Eat at home or dine out? Brunch or barbecue? Casual or fancy? So many options, but one main focus: Mom gets to pick! The rules are simple: Mom doesn’t cook or wash dishes. Her only job is to kick back, eat her favorite foods, including dessert, and have an enjoyable meal.
7. Keep it close to your heart. There’s a reason why jewelry is a popular and traditional gift — it’s sentimental and something you can both wear and treasure. This “Mama” necklace from Etsy shop Made by Mary ($48-$56, depending on options) dresses up your outfits and shows your pride in your new role.
8. Journal the day. We’ve all heard the new-mom saying: “The days are long, but the years are short.” Use Mother’s Day as the kickoff to starting a journal about milestones, small moments and special memories you want to savor. Make it easy on yourself with the One Line a Day journal or something less formal, like a decorative notebook. You can share these memories with your child when they get older, and then pass on the book to them when they become a parent years from now.
9. Make it a day all about Mom. Hit your favorite place for brunch, enjoy a guilt-free afternoon nap, spend an hour at the park with the entire family, whatever makes you happiest. The day is all about you, Mom, so let others know how to help you feel celebrated.
How will you be celebrating your first Mother’s Day?
Let’s face it: there’s a lot you can’t do when you’re nursing. Taking a shower, cooking a meal or cleaning the bathroom are pretty much impossible. But there are still ways to be productive while feeding your little one. Here are 10 ways to multi-task during your next bottle or breastfeeding session.
Photo Fun
If you’re anything like me, the camera roll on your phone is basically an endlessly scrolling montage of your child’s adorable face. Are you backing up those photos? Just think how upset you’d be to lose that image of junior’s first smile, tooth or haircut. An app like Google Photos allows you to save your pictures online so they’ll still be accessible if something happens to your phone. You can also create and share albums in the app—yes, you can do this one-handed while you nurse!
Making a List, Checking It Twice
Maybe it’s not glamorous, but I find that breastfeeding is the perfect time to make a grocery or Target list. I use the Notes section on my phone to type out what I need (diapers, inevitably). Plus, I can just copy, paste and email the list to my husband if he’s on errand duty.
Tune In
There are days when I desperately need to hear another adult voice. Enter the podcast. In a matter of seconds, I’m launched out of my messy living room and into the (equally messy) world of politics … or I immerse myself in culture, comedy, self-help advice or more. Plus, the number of podcasts about raising kids continues to grow. Get started by downloading “The Longest Shortest Time,” “Coffee + Crumbs” and “The Shameless Mom Academy.”
Best Sellers
Put down the phone and pick up a book… or a magazine, newspaper or Kindle! Nursing is a great time to relax with a good read. Before my daughter was born, I felt guilty when books took me away from washing dirty dishes, paying bills, prepping meals or all the other tasks on my never-ending to-do list. But now I tuck into the latest bestseller guilt-free as my hungry newborn eats. Paperbacks, I’ve found, are supremely easy to hold in one hand.
Sweat Sesh
People work out on airplanes, so why not while nursing? Try a few simple exercises to get the blood moving. I recommend ankle, neck and shoulder rolls, followed by a gentle twist to each side. Then go for a figure four: Bend one leg so the ankle rests on the knee of your opposite leg and lean over to stretch your glutes. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, hold tight to your baby as you stand and squat 10 times. Finish it all off with your Kegels.
Nom Nom Nom
I had no idea that breastfeeding would make me so dang thirsty. I keep a water bottle on each side of my glider to encourage constant hydration. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, follow your child’s example and use that time to eat and drink. Who knows when you’ll get another chance to chow down, what with changing diapers, overseeing tummy time and so on. Keep a stash of granola bars or nuts in reach, put a spoon in an open yogurt container in the fridge, grab a string cheese on your way to nurse and make sure you keep your water bottles filled.
Dear Diary
Those first few months of your baby’s life are such a magical time, but figuring out how to care for this new person is often exhausting. Your reserves are tapped. You’re not sleeping. And yet, when you look back on this period in the future, you may wonder how time went so fast. Preserve these special days by making a video or audio diary. It’s as simple as using a voice memo app on your phone. As your baby eats, record a few thoughts about him or her, what you’ve been thinking and feeling, or anything else that comes to mind.
Clear the Clutter
You might be metaphorically chained to your chair when nursing, which makes it difficult to do any “actual” cleaning. However, this limitation doesn’t extend to your cellphone. When was the last time you took a cold, hard look at your contacts and apps? You probably don’t need the phone number of your friend’s cousin whom you met years ago or the contact information for the shuttered takeout place down the street. As for apps, be ruthless about which ones you actually use and delete the rest. One bonus from this clutter-clearing exercise? More storage space for photos of your darling kiddo.
Reach Out
Now that you’ve culled your contacts, it makes sense to reach out to some of the folks who made the cut. Pick up the phone and give them a ring. Get ready to share stories of your little one’s latest exploits, and don’t forget to ask what’s happening in their lives, too!
Blissful Adoration
Okay, so maybe gazing wonderingly at your baby while you feed him or her might not always feel productive. But there’s also nothing wrong with redefining the meaning of “productive,” especially when you have a newborn. You’re keeping this tiny human alive with milk or formula—what’s more productive than that? So take a moment or two (or 10) to bask in this single and singular task before tackling the other items on this list.
I'm a Chicago-based writer and editor, mom and fitness enthusiast with a weakness for chai lattes and baked goods. You can find my articles in Midwest Living magazine, various university publications, and online at aSweatLife.com, Refinery29, A Practical Wedding and elsewhere.
