ML Interest Tag: herbal

Better Than Beer: 4 Drinks Made for New Moms

by Kelly Aiglon

When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you have to watch what you put down the hatch. Good news: A slew of beverages made specifically for new and expecting moms makes it easy to for you to form a healthy drinking habit. And they also happen to be delicious. Here are four choices for the next time you thirst for something different.

For Cool Refreshment: Hey Mama! Tea 
A hot summer’s day is no time to be sitting around parched. This tall, cool one has your back. Formulated for moms-in-waiting, it’s a caffeine-free herbal tea that’s bottled in small batches. Choose from three new flavors. Lemon Glow is a bright, citrus-y mix containing red raspberry leaves (said to nurture the uterus), nettle leaves and antioxidant-rich red rooibos tea. Minty Morning is peppermint flavored with a hint of spice and has ginger root powder (which may help digestion), peppermint leaves and rooibos tea. Pom Berry Baby has fennel and fenugreek seed that supposedly aid in breast milk production. Refrigerate, pop ’em open and you’re good to go. $11.97/3-pack. Available online at teasformomstobe.com.

For Hydration: Bump Water
Chug, chug, chug. Drinking lots of water is essential for any healthy diet — especially if you’re expecting. The new Bump Water is a folic acid- and vitamin-enhanced drink for women. Along with being packed with goodies like Vitamin A, D, B6, and B12, Niacin, Biotin, Zinc and Magnesium, it’s low on calories; full-calorie versions (weighing in at 100 calories) are sweetened lightly with organic cane sugar, and there are 10-calorie options thanks to stevia. Bump Water has launched with two flavors: cranberry-ginger and lemonade. Soon, pomegranate mixed berry and strawberry lemonade will be up for smooth, refreshing grabs. $28.99/12-pack. Available online at bumpwater.com.

For a Toast: 9Months Sparkling Beverage
Just because you’re off the sauce doesn’t mean you can’t raise a glass with the rest of the party. This new drink, which is bottled just like champers, is a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage marketed to expectant mothers. Both the sparkling red and white varieties have that effervescence we all love, and a bright, crisp taste. There are no artificial flavors or colors, and no added sugar. Its origins are also notable; the drink comes from a vineyard in southern Australia. Plus, a portion of sales goes to March of Dimes. Cheers to that. $19.50 per bottle. Available online at 9monthslove.com.

For Relaxing: Mama Tea
This British import will have you glowing, relaxing and staying cool in no time. Herbal tea sachets are sold in themed packs, and each has a different end goal. Morning Mama is a ginger and lemon blend that could ease your sore tummy. Glowing Mama contains elderflower and rooibos, said to flush out toxins and make you look brighter. Cool Mama packs spearmint for a brisk pick-me-up. Ready Mama is a palatable mix of raspberry leaves and rose petal that are fragrant and full-bodied (and taste great iced!). And New Mama has fennel and hibiscus for overall balance. They’re all caffeine free and well worth trying. Around $6/pack, plus shipping cost from overseas. Available online at mamatea.com.

What is your favorite pregnancy or new-mom drink? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

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Snap, Crackle, Pop: Cereal Bars That Thrill Your Tots

by Jennifer O'Brien

Admit it. There’s probably been at least one moment in your illustrious parenting career where you’ve just wanted to serve your kiddos an easy breezy bowl of breakfast cereal for lunch or dinner. Perhaps it was after an exhausting night battling the three-eyed monster in your toddler’s closet. Or maybe you were dreading another cyclone of rejected veggies in your hair. Whatever the reason, cereal totally rules any time of day. Knowing this, some very brilliant LA entrepreneurs are turning cereal bars into the trendiest eateries in town. So whether your tots fancy themselves Captain Crunch connoisseurs or Apple Jacks aficionados, they’re sure to find a whole new cool and creative way to devour the cereal they love.

Another Kind of Sunrise
Hidden down a tiny alleyway off trendy Abbott Kinney Ave., lies a smiley little hotspot that’s changing the way Venice does cereal. Open 5 months now, Another Kind of Sunrise serves up bowls of childhood favorites in totally fantastical combinations. Menu items like the Peanut Butter Cup Bowl are a hit with parents and kiddos alike featuring a mix of Cocoa Crispies, Peanut Butter Puffs and cacao nibs made from all organic ingredients. The acai bowl and paleo bowl are slam-dunks with mini gourmands as well. (Shhh! They’re crazy healthy too!)  The shop also showcases delish juices from Venice’s own Moon Juice, a delightful selection of herbal teas and coffee from Handsome Coffee Roasters. Between the uber-charming staff, plentiful seating on nearby planters and psychedelic bohemian vibe, you’ll likely want to make this a new weekly hang, especially if you live in the hood.

Parking: It’s a challenge, but with a little luck, you might grab a space at a meter or on one of the nearby side streets. Public valet lots are available as well.

Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1629 Abbott Kinney Blvd.
Venice, Ca 90291
Phone: (909) 334-2567
Online: anotherkindofsunrise.com


Mix n’ Munch
In the heart of South Pasadena sits a comfort food paradise for the small pint set. If a selection of over 25 cereals with imaginative toppings doesn’t keep tots coming back for more, the wide variety of grilled cheese sandwiches definitely will. Uh-huh, they do grilled cheese too. (Cue angels singing!) But back to the cereal portion of this broadcast – toddlers go gaga over tasty menu items such as Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles and Cheerios with fun mix-ins like animals cookies, strawberries, almonds and rainbow sprinkles. If your babes are in the mood for something beyond the bowl, they can add cereal to a yogurt parfait or check out one of the shop’s famous Munch Bites (think Rice Krispy treats with fruity fun cereals for extra pizazz). There’s also a special area with a magnet board and books to keep kiddos occupado while you take a breather with a hot cup of Groundwork coffee. Ahhh…

Parking: Rather than worry about parking, why not take the Gold Line? The shop’s located steps away from South Pasadena station.

Hours: Monday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5p.m.

1005 Mission St.
South Pasadena, Ca 91030
Phone: (626) 441-8808
Online: mixnmunch.com

Venice Flake
Finally, an LA flake you’ll actually want to spend time with. Nestled off bustling Rose Ave., Venice Flake features a fab selection of nostalgic cereal faves, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruit Loops and Captain Crunch with toppings like coconut, pecans, blackberries and gummy bears among others. Kiddos can choose from a wide variety of milks as well, so there’s something for every palate. Customers are greeted by a bright and cheery surfboard in front and a quintessential California cool atmosphere that only Venice can deliver. With plentiful seating inside and out, patrons will beg to linger and soak in the beachy vibe. Speaking of which, the shop’s just minutes from the sand and surf, so families can make an afternoon of it.

Parking: Street parking is available, but can be tough to find. Good excuse for a family bike ride, we say!

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

513 Rose Ave.
Venice, Ca 90291
Phone: (310) 396-2333
Online: veniceflake.com


Where does you brood like to get their cereal fix around town? Give us a shout!

–Jennifer O’Brien

Photo Credit: Jennifer O’Brien and Mix n’ Munch

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Oh Behave: Etiquette Classes for Little Ones

by writerredri

Swiping food from grandma’s plate, forgetting to say thank you to auntie who splurged on the X-Box, or interrupting during a big family announcement with pointless tattle-telling…Has this last round of holiday dinners left you wondering if your kids were actually raised by a pack of wolves? Never fear—we’ve rounded up some of the most fun places where kids can be schooled on social graces and modern manners. No need to thank us.

Sidwell Friends School
Crystal Bailey says it was her classy godmother that encouraged her to learn and teach good manners. Now the Director of the Etiquette Institute of Washington, she teaches table manners and “netiquette” to kids. Her mantra? An attitude of gratitude starts at a young age (#touche). Bailey says six to seven years old is the “sweet spot” to start teaching manners. Her three-week class at Sidwell Friends School starts at seven years old, so until then you’re in charge of making sure Junior doesn’t pick his nose at the table.

When: Wednesdays, year-round (6:30 pm-7:30 pm)
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $175/per three-week session

3825 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (Cleveland Park)
202-670-7349
Online: washingtonetiquette.com

The Dandelion Patch
Christine Chen of Global Professional Protocol is an expert on filling young people in on why manners matter. For two decades she’s been teaching children (and grown-ups) the importance of good etiquette. She focuses on role playing, where—for example—kids dress as knights to explain a handshake. But Chen goes beyond the meaningful handshake. Kids also learn about social media manners, how to properly say thank you, and the fine art of letter writing.

When: Jan. 21
Ages: 5-18
Cost: $40

111 Church Street, NW (Vienna, Va)
703-319-9099
Online: thedandelionpatch.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
If your kids already know the basics of etiquette, take them to The Ritz where they can practice their Ps and Qs over afternoon tea. At the Teddy Bear Children’s Tea, kids will love the  selection of sandwiches and pastries sized just for them. If she’s not into an herbal blend, ask for hot cocoa, which will keep her warm and on her best behavior. Honestly, though, is there a better way to encourage grown-up attitude (from adults, too) like tea at the Ritz!

When: Saturdays, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm; Sundays, 3 pm-4:30 pm
Ages: 5 and up
Cost: $16

1250 South Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
703-415-5000
Online: ritzcarlton.com

How do you teach your kids good manners and etiquette? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Sonya Gavankar

Photo courtesy of Etikids via Flickr

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Date Night: The Best Beers in Seattle

by Erin Lem

It’s easy to fall into a rut of a routine. Dinner at your usual place, your favorite entree, off to an evening movie and then back home. The date night cycle. Thankfully, Seattle Magazine is here to save you from the same old same old with their Best Beers in Seattle roundup. Now you have an excuse to try a new bar, request a new beverage, and be your very own food critic. Or, go hunt some of these down in the 6-pack variety for a lovely autumn beer-tasting afternoon at home. What a fabulous excuse to support local.

Washington brewers produce a wide variety of delicious beers that span virtually all beer styles. Our favorite picks are from the styles that are most common around here and represent a range of beers—light, heavy, low alcohol, high alcohol, etc. For your drinking pleasure, we provide two or three suggested beers: one that is common, one that is less common, and one that is an exceptional representation of the style.

Ales

PALE ALE
Based on a traditional English style, a style of ale that has been commonly brewed in Britain for more than 100 years, pale ale describes a broad spectrum of beers that can be sweet or dry, bitter or floral, or any combination of those characteristics. Pale ales range from 5.0 to 6.0 percent alcohol content and are usually dark gold or copper colored.

Expect to find: Manny’s Pale Ale, Georgetown Brewing
Crisp, clean and smooth, with a hint of citrus and a snappy hop finish

Take it up a notch: Dick’s Pale Ale, Dick’s Brewing
A mild, lightly hopped ale with a touch of residual sweetness

Impress your bartender: Universale Pale Ale, Fremont Brewing
A hop-centered pale ale with herbal qualities and a dry, drinkable finish

IPA
According to legend, brewers in late-18th-century England created a beer specifically to endure the long and tumultuous voyage to India, increasing the alcohol and hop content to help preserve the beer. Modern IPA is strong (6.5 to 7.5 percent alcohol content) and very aggressively hopped, but otherwise has nothing to do with the legend. There is wide variation within this very popular beer style.

Expect to find: Boundary Bay IPA, Boundary Bay Brewing
Balanced floral aromas and citrus overtones

Take it up a notch: Breakaway IPA, American Brewing
A malty IPA with plenty of dry hopped flavor to balance the sweetness

Impress your bartender: Trickster IPA, Black Raven Brewing
A light fruit, citrus and piney hop aroma with a full hop flavor

PORTER
Don’t be afraid of the dark. Porter is a dark, rich and flavorful style of ale that is generally not as strong as it looks. The alcohol content is typically between 5.5 and 6 percent, putting it on par with many beers sporting a much lighter appearance. The use of darker grains, such as roasted barley and chocolate malt, lend porter its intimidating hue.

Expect to find: Profanity Hill Porter, Schooner Exact Brewing
Flavors of chocolate and walnuts, along with subtle fruity notes and a hint of cherry

Take it up a notch: Pacemaker Porter, Flyers Brewing
A robust porter with notes of roasted barley, coffee and bittersweet chocolate

Impress your bartender: Coal Creek Porter, Big Time Brewing
A light, malty porter with a slight sweetness and a higher alcohol content (6 percent)

Check out the rest of Ales (Hefeweizen, Stout, Amber Ale, and Winter Beer), Lagers, and Belgians over at the full article, and mix things up!

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

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