ML Interest Tag: melon

Picture Books That Encourage Self-Acceptance

By Faith Goldstein

 

In a world filled with bullying, it is more important than ever to teach young children the concept of self-acceptance. As a parent, there have been plenty of times my kids have come home sad because they didn’t measure up to other children and were teased about it. Bullying has real and severe implications, and I truly believe the only way to nip it in the bud is to discuss the topic of self-acceptance through books that kids can easily relate to. There are plenty of wonderful picture books that promote this concept in a way that leads to a natural, post-book discussion. Here are some of my family’s favorites:

Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All) by Lori Orlinsky This book tells the sweet story of a little girl who doesn’t want to go to school because she’s the shortest kid in her class. Through clever rhymes and beautiful, colorful illustrations, readers can understand and empathize with her perspective and why she feels sad. Through talking to her mom, the little girl begins to see the special things that only she can do because of her height (e.g. fit in the cart in the grocery store, get the most leg room on a plane). This is a great story for any child (not just a short one) who has ever felt different. Orlinsky does a great job in making this tough topic of self-confidence and acceptance approachable for young readers.

Wanda’s First Day by Mark Sperring This story is about an adorable witch named Wanda who mistakenly goes to a school for fairies instead of the school for witches on her very first day of school. Wanda feels like a fish out of water because she does not have wings like all of the other fairies and she carries a broomstick instead of a wand. She eventually realizes the mistake that she has made and promptly alerts her teacher that she is at the wrong school. Her very kind and empathetic teacher tells her that she is not in fact at the wrong school, but exactly right where she belongs. With her teacher’s help and a little magic, Wanda makes new friends and has a great first day of school. Sperring does a wonderful job imparting the message that we all fit in no more how different we may seem. Children will enjoy the adorable illustrations that perfectly compliment the story.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes One of my all-time favorite picture books, Chrysanthemum, is about a little mouse who absolutely loved and adored her unique name. She would proudly say it all the time because she loved it that much. But, when she starts school and shares her name, everyone laughs at her for being named after a flower and having a name with so many letters in it. Chrysanthemum is crushed and goes from loving her name to absolutely abhorring it. But, with the help of a much-loved music teacher named Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, Chrysanthemum, as well as the other students, learn just how very special it can be to have a unique name. It’s a beautiful story about learning to love, accept, and embrace our differences.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell This wonderful story is about a clumsy little girl named Molly Lou Melon. Molly Lou is “just taller than her dog” and has “buck teeth that stuck out so far she could stack pennies on them.”  She never let the fact that she looked a little different get in her way. What Molly Lou lacked in height, she made up for with her indomitable spirit, as well as a strong belief in herself, that was instilled in her by her grandmother who would always tell her to “stand tall.” But, her strong sense of self is questioned when she moves to a new town. At her new school, she gets picked on by a mean bully named Ronald. Never one to just give up, Molly Lou perseveres with that indomitable, positive spirit of hers. She charms her classmates with her unique talents and sweet personality, eventually even winning over Ronald by “killing with kindness.” Lovell’s story has a beautiful message about the power of believing in one’s self. Additionally, Molly Lou Melon serves as an excellent role model and an inspiration for all.

Hooway For Wodney Wat by Helen Lester  Rodney Rat has a speech impediment and therefore cannot pronounce his R’s correctly, making it difficult for him to say his name. The other rodents bully and tease him about his speech impediment. One day a new student named Camilla Capybara, who is a self-proclaimed bully,  joins Rodney’s class. Camilla terrorizes all of the rodents until one day when Rodney’s speech impediment inadvertently stops the bully and saves the day during an epic game of Simon Says. Any child who has ever been a victim of bullying will easily relate to Rodney and his story. The cheery and vibrant illustrations will capture your child’s attention.

My name is Faith Goldstein. I am a children's book author; my first book, Gorillas' Night Out, was recently published by Indigo River Publishing. I am a mother to two enegetic boys, ages five and ten. Prior to having children, I was a Kindergarten teacher for eight years. Shopping is my passion!

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Recall Alert: Cut Melon Sold at Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart & Other Retailers Poses Salmonella Risk

by Erica Loop

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a voluntary melon recall following a Salmonella Carrau outbreak. The recall includes Caito Foods fresh cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and mixed fruit. Representatives from Caito Foods did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

Along with already-purchased cut melon, the recall also includes products that are possibly still on store shelves. So whether you bought your melon days ago or are heading to the store, read on for the need-to-know details.

Recall Product Description: Caito Foods Cut Melon

The recall includes cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and mixed fruit produced by Caito Foodsin the company’s Indianapolis facility. The affected melon products are packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers sold by or in Caito Foods Distribution, Gordon Food Services, Kroger, SpartanNash Distribution, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Amazon/Whole Foods stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Why the Melon Was Recalled

The recall was issued following state department of public health investigations into unexplained Salmonella-related illnesses. The u.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FDA have linked 93 illnesses to this outbreak.

Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting in otherwise healthy adults. Young children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system may experience more severe symptoms. In some cases this type of bacterial infection can prove fatal or lead to arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

How to Tell If Your Melon Is Part of the Recall

Check the packaging carefully. For a full list of descriptions, UPC codes, brands, plant identifier codes and use by dates, visit the FDA’s website here.

What Parents Can Do

If you have recalled melon, don’t eat it. Throw the melon away immediately. Contact Caito Foods at 844-467-7278 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pexels via Pixabay

 

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10 Products That’ll Make You Look Like a Design Pro

by Katie Brown

Problem: You want to create a comfortable, happy haven for your little one, but have zero time to scour those design blogs—and what exactly is a “mood board,” anyway? Solution: Snag one of these innovative products that’ll make you look like a design pro in no time. From a play table that grows with your kid to actually writing on the walls, scroll down to see them all.

photo: Beddys

Problem: Your kids don’t make their bed.

Solution: The incredibly stylish all-in-one bedding from Beddy’s will give you Joanna-Gaines worthy beds in literally, seconds flat. How? The bedding essentially is like a comforter + sheet set that fits any size mattress (there’s even a toddler size). You simply zip it up along the sides to make a seamless look. Unzip to give yourself breathing room in the night, or keep it zipped up for coziness. Think of it like a giant lined sleeping bag for the fanciest bed in town. The sheet-lining is ridiculously soft and comfortable (we tested it ourselves) and comes in either cotton or “minky” line. In spite of our skepticism, washing them up was super easy. Added bonus? Your partner can’t kick the sheet down in the bed

See all the styles at: beddys.com, from $129

Problem: You want a style-savvy rug, but you’re worried about the mess.

Solution: The play mats from Comfort Design Mats are completely waterproof, with cushy padding that make play easy for everyone from babies up to grade schoolers. Measuring in at 6 ½ by 4 ½ ft, there are 12 different designs, ranging from classic to contemporary, to choose from. Spills wipe up easily, and you can even put furniture on top of the mat, which gives it a real floor covering feel.

Available at Comfort Design Mats or Amazon, $139 & up.

Problem: You want your playroom to look Houzz worthy, but … kids

Solution: The hidden storage compartment in the poufs from Mimish Designs means you can sweep all those LEGO bricks, stuffies, LOL dolls or whatever else is on the floor, out of sight in mere seconds. Plus, if your home is short on storage space, these will be a lifesaver. Offered in various colors, there’s even room for athletic equipment!

Available at Mimish Designs, $64.99.

Problem: Wallpaper is totally in right now, but you don’t want to commit.

Solution: The removable wallpaper from Chasing Paper makes it easy for you to add a splash of something special without having to commit to the real stuff. There are all sorts of different prints to choose from, and we are totally crushing on the latest: Head in the Clouds. It’s easy to install too—the signature peel-and-stick fabric is printed-to-order in 2 x 4 ft. panels. 

Available at Chasing Paper, $40.

Problem: You need extra places for kids to sit, but you don’t have the storage space for tiny chairs.

Solution: These incredibly sleek stools from REN+RO look like a book, but when unfolded, become a sturdy place for kids to sit. The honeycomb structure of the recycled cardboard can handle up to 200 lbs of weight,  and when unfolded the dimensions are 12.5 X 11, which is perfect for kids. You can choose from all sorts of fun combos like Water + Melon, Pine + Apple, Ice Cream + Cone and Mexican + Blanket, and you get one felt top for every piece you pick. And, the best part? Each one weighs just over three lbs Basically, the art of paper folding just got a lot more interesting.

Available at REN + RO, $65.

Problem: Your kid needs a night light, but you don’t like traditional styles.

Solution: No doubt, a neon tabletop light is way more decor-savvy than a standard plug-in illuminating light. We especially like the new ones from Olive and Gal, because not only are they less than $100, but they’re designed with kids in mind. Made with a lightweight glass structure, they easily plug into a standard outlet.

Available at Oliver and Gal, $99.

Problem: You want to display your kids’ evolving art skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Solution: How about frames that make it easy for you to swap out art as the kids bring it home? Wexel frames are a sleek design made with clear acrylic and magnets, you just lift the top off and change out what’s being displayed. You can opt to buy a single wall unit, or splurge on a whole set that can be cleverly arranged for a real statement.

Available at Wexel, $49.99 & up.

Problem: You need a play table, but you’re worried she’ll outgrow it soon

Solution: Find a table, like this Grow with Me Table Delta Children, that has multiple heights so you can adjust as your child grows. Offered in three different finishes, it’s a perfect way to ensure your kids’ furniture gets good use.

Available at Delta Children, $99.

 

Problem: You still need to use blackout curtains, but hate the way they look.

Solution: Plenty of decor companies feel your pain, have started designing blackout curtain that doesn’t look like heavy duty plastic. This shade-version from Best Home Fashion has star cutouts for a stylishly whimsical look. You’ll still get the filtered light and privacy your kiddo needs for that daily power naps.

Available at Best Home Fashion, $39.99.

Problem: Your kids need somewhere to draw.

Solution: Available in 26 colors and two shapes (rectangles and circles), you’ll actually enjoy watching your tiny artist scribble all over the walls thanks to these whiteboard and chalkboard decals. Arrange the stick-on images in different patterns, orientations, and color combinations to bring a fun pop of color and a ready-made canvas for creativity in your child’s play space or bedroom! Check out the Chalk by Bilk website for layout inspiration.

Available at Chalk by Blik $12.

—Gabby Cullen with Katie Brown

 

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Incredibly Easy Design Hacks for Every Room

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6 Steps to Loving School Lunch

by Jennifer Massoni Pardini

It’s your job to provide meals and snacks and your kid’s job to eat them. Sometimes you need help with the in-between, especially for school lunch—when you aren’t there to ensure your little learner fuels up for the afternoon. When it’s hard to get choosy clientele to love their lunch, read on for six ways to spice things up.

photo: Yoshiyasu Nishikawa via Flickr

1. Involve them in the process. Ever consider how it feels to have every. single. meal. presented to you (I know, that actually sounds amazing.)? But your little may have a big appetite for autonomy. This can be as simple as cutting up melon or mixing dough (good fine motor practice and sensory play for preschoolers, BTW) or as unique as subscribing to a monthly cooking kit, like Baby Boy Bakery’s We Cook kits. We love that the inspiration is to create childhood memories while benefiting kids’ charities. Your sous chefs will take pride in what they eat if they’re involved from the get-go.

2. Get to know the lunch staff. Part of appreciating what’s on our plate is appreciating those who help prepare and serve it. If your kids have a school lunch account, encourage them to talk to their lunch ladies and gents. They can ask questions about the local fresh option their school may have or if a garden project is in the works (or maybe help start one!).

photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr

3. Add a little perspective to the recipe. So your kid turns down your homemade minestrone for another bowl of goldfish? If only she knew how lucky she was to have fresh, healthy ingredients, right? Well, it may be a good time for grade schoolers to start volunteering. Feeding America’s Hungry to Help Project fills in the summer gap for families who rely on school lunches and serves up a Family Action Plan to help end hunger.

4. Serve age-appropriate portions. It can be daunting to finish everything on your plate (or to be asked if you did at school). And added pressure usually backfires anyway. If it’s extra hard to get your child to chow down at school, set him up for success with smaller portions. Include an after-school snack if hunger strikes later. Check out these recommended portions for each age range from HealthyChildren.org.

photo: Tonya Staab via Flickr

5. Add a surprise. Whether it’s a cookie-cut puzzle sandwich or a little note slipped in the lunchbox (here are 12 sweet ideas for the midday meal), the element of surprise reminds them they may be out of sight but never out of mind—or heart. That little extra prep may reap big lunchtime returns.

6. Practice food positivity at home. The way we talk about food with (and around) our kids makes a big impression. Each family may have its cultures, allergies, and preferences to contend with—at home and at school. Helping our kids understand how food energizes our bodies so we can keep learning, playing, and feeling good, helps them take that respect back to the lunch table, too.

What are your ideas for getting kids to love their lunch? Share with us in the Comments below!

—Jennifer Massoni Pardini

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The Trendy Way to Start Solids: Your Guide to Skipping Baby Purees

by Heather Dixon

Introducing solids to your baby for the first time can be a tricky territory. Feeling overwhelmed by taking on the time-consuming task of cooking homemade purees? Or not fond of buying pre-made baby food? There’s another way to introduce solids. Some parents skip the puree stage all together. How? By embarking on the feeding approach called baby-led weaning (BLW), a trend that’s gaining speed, probably because it makes feeding easier. Here are some of the basics.

Photo: Gail via Flickr

What is Baby-Led Weaning? (BLW)
In a nutshell, BLW means that you skip the spoon-feeding and puree stage of feeding first foods and instead let your baby feed themselves with finger foods. Since ‘food before one is mostly for fun!’, since babies are still getting most of their calories from formula or breast milk. So here, mealtime is more about your baby getting used to eating and trying different textures, than it is about providing all the essential nutrients in solid foods alone. Note: BLW should only be tried after 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests starting solids around 6 months anyway, but some parents start as early as 3 to 4 months, which isn’t appropriate for the BLW style.

Why Some People Choose It
For many, BLW is all about simplicity. If you have more than one child, you might feel like you have less and less time to focus on making, storing, freezing and thawing out baby food. So opting to feed your littlest eater some of the same table food that the rest of your family is eating is nice and easy.

It’s also helpful when you don’t have to spoon-feed your baby at every single meal. By giving your little one a spoon and letting her attempt to give it a go, she has a great chance to practice those motor skills.

Some babies also seem to hate being spoon-fed. It comes down to personality. So if your baby refuses to let you feed him, or puts up a big fight when you get the spoon out, he may be an independent little soul and BLW may be worth a try.

You Don’t Have to Follow It Strictly

While true BLW advocates stick to the program exclusively, never giving a puree or spoon-feeding their baby. There is no reason you have to restrict yourself. Do what you feel is right at each meal. If you want to start breakfast by giving your baby a large spear of melon to gum and follow it up with spoon-fed oatmeal, go for it. You can create your own mash-up feeding style.

Photo: Nicole Abalde via Flickr

Types of Foods to Try
Steamed veggies and fruits (cut into strips so babies can hold them) are a great way to start. One favorite is steamed broccoli because it’s perfectly shaped for little hands to hold it and nibble on the top. Keep in mind that babies with no teeth should have very soft foods. So a steamer will likely become your best friend.

Some veggies to start with (always steamed and cut into strips), include:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Zucchini
  • Carrots
  • Asparagus tips

Cold cucumber strips are also awesome for chewing on when babies are teething.

Some soft fruits you can start with include:

  • Banana (you can give Baby the whole thing!)
  • Peach
  • Nectarine
  • Mango
  • Avocado
  • Melon
  • Baked apple

After a while, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, soft pastas or a soft piece of toast to nibble on are great options, too!

Photo: Kelly McCarthy via Flickr


Foods to Avoid
There are a few foods that most everyone will tell you to avoid before baby is one. Those include:

  • Honey
  • Cow’s milk
  • Foods high in salt or sugar
  • Nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, hot dogs, raisins, dried cranberries, and globs of PB (because these could all be considered choking hazards)

Speaking of Choking…
This is generally scary territory when it comes to kids – so BLW can seem strange or nerve-wracking. You’ll want to look into proper choking rescue procedures, consider an infant CPR certification (which many pediatrician offices offer and encourage anyway0 and consult with experts about what foods to avoid. But for the most part, choking is not a huge concern when babies feed themselves. Babies may gag when eating, whether through BLW or spoon-fed techniques, and this is a normal and healthy way for newbie eaters to handle the problem on their own. However, if your baby looks panicked or if his lips start turning blue, you know he’s choking.

Photo: Nadia Phaneuf via Flickr

What Some Parents Said
We asked around and found other parents who’ve tried BLW. Here are some of the things they had to say about why they chose it and how they did it.

“I had friends who did it and I liked that they didn’t have the hassle of cooking, pureeing, freezing and warming baby food.”

“I did it with both my girls. I started with zucchini, steamed so that it was pretty much mush when they put it in their mouth. It helps them to learn coordination and also saves money by not having to buy (as much) baby food!”

“Part of the reason I did it was to get her used to different textures so she wouldn’t end up a picky eater. And that totally didn’t work because she’s mega picky now. So you never know! But it was still easier for us.”

As always, be sure to consult with your pediatrician before starting solids and discuss your interests in trying Baby Led Weaning. 

If you’ve tried it, what has your experience been? Share a comment with us!

–Heather Dixon

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Today Is National Watermelon Day

by Tinybeans Team

 

Daily
Today Is National Watermelon Day
Seeds the day.
1

From mocktails to pizza, think beyond the basic slice with these amazing watermelon recipes.
2

Our editor says this is the only way to eat a watermelon. Agree?
3
What happens when a melon becomes a minion? See it here.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Summertime }

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The Newest (Most Kid-Friendliest!) Restaurant in the ‘Burbs

by Samantha Lande

Here’s a crazy thought: A restaurant doesn’t need a kids-eat-free night, paper tablecloths or even a kids’ menu to make it a great place for families. The proof is Vistro, a just-opened restaurant in Hinsdale that will change the way we think about eating out with kids. With sharable dishes from an award-winning chef, mocktails for all ages, and a vibe that’s hip and relaxed despite the sea of high chairs, you won’t miss those chicken nuggets one bit.

The Scoop
Vistro — which is nested on Hinsdale’s cute downtown strip, near the train station — is the latest venture from chef Paul Virant, who you might know for his upscale date-night spots: Vie in Western Springs and Perennial Virant in Lincoln Park. With Vistro, Paul appeals to families first (he’s a father of two himself).

Even if your tot is subject to meltdowns in public places, be reassured by the painted message on the exposed brick wall: It says, simply, “It’s all good.” It’s part of the way the 80-seat bistro-style spot puts everyone at ease. Even without crayons and coloring pages, there’s plenty to keep kids occupied. Check out the giant wood-burning oven (the pizza chef is super-friendly and happy to talk about the way it works), fiddle around with Wikki Stix (they’re given out to younger kids) or sit back and chit-chat.

The Food
Who needs a kids’ menu when the regular menu has new and old favorites — many of them finger foods? A Snacks & Munchies section focuses on healthier selections for those must-eat-now moments (think crudités of seasonal veggies with housemade ranch, crispy Tuscan kale chips, string cheese made in house, and a crunchy mix of chickpeas and pecans).

Main courses can be shared, too. You’ll see dishes like seasonal quesadillas stuffed with Chihuahua cheese, pork shoulder, corn and salsa verde. Less adventurous little eaters will want to try the margarita pizza or macaroni and cheese made with good ol’ fashioned elbow mac. There are also surefire winners like fried chicken served with summer beans, biscuits and gravy.

For a sweet finish, pastry chef Elissa Narrow makes soft-serve ice cream from scratch. Top it off with Valrhona chocolate pearls, homemade sprinkles, cookie crumbs, butterscotch or hot fudge. The mini cookie monsters in your group may want to try the assorted cookie plate filled with the likes of macarons and more.

Cocktails for Kiddies (And You!)
Move over, Shirley Temple: Kids are welcome to choose from a menu of sophisticated mocktails dappled with house-made syrups. Try Summer Smash made with fresh melon and lime, chamomile tea syrup, soda and mint; or That’s My Jam crafted from black raspberry jam, fresh melon, thyme syrup and tonic. If Mom and Dad want one with a kick, the bartenders can add a spirit to it. Beyond mocktails, there are all-natural sodas sweetened with honey and made locally with seasonal flavors like Honeycrisp apple and heirloom watermelon.

Exploring Hinsdale
Extend your visit to Hinsdale and nose around town a bit. Right next door is School of Rock Hinsdale, where kids learn guitar, piano and more from bona fide rock ‘n’ roll musicians. One block south you’ll find the charming kids’ boutique, My Sister Kate, which sells wooden toys, books, games, designer clothes and more. Across the street, Toni Patisserie tempts with European-style pastries and cakes that are almost too pretty to eat. For thrills, check out Veeck Park Skate Park, where BMX bikers and skateboarders have the run of ramps, boxes and quarter pipes — it’s just fun to watch as to participate. Finally, just outside town, near Route 34 and I-294, Graue Mill & Museum is a historic water-powered grist mill and educational center fashioned in the style of Victorian and pioneer times.

Have fun and happy dining!

Vistro
Open Mon.-Thurs., 5-10:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 5-11:30 p.m.
112 S. Washington St.
Hinsdale
630-537-1459
Online: vistrorestaurant.com

Will you take your kids to this cool new spot? Let us know in the Comments!

— Samantha Lande

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Date Night: The Best Glazed Donut in San Francisco

by Erin Lem

The donut as a comfort food has enjoyed a return to popularity so successful, one might hardly recognize the original fried, circular treat. Donuts nowadays are a trend, adorned with meat or breakfast cereal and infused every imaginable sweet and savory flavor from Dr. Pepper, melon and mojito, to garlic, seaweed and pistachio. In a world where variety is usually the spice of life, we may find ourselves gazing nostalgically into that vast, complicated pastry case, looking for a familiar face: the original glazed donut. This date night, take back the joy of hot, sugary simplicity with the top five picks in the city.

1. Happy Donuts, 3801 24th St. (Noe Valley)
Appearance: Big and puffy, with a crackly glaze.
Sweetness level: Pretty darn sweet, but not achingly so.
Melt-in-mouth factor: Excellent. It’s light, airy, and super fresh.

2. All Star Donuts, 2095 Chestnut St. (Marina)
Appearance: Medium-puffy with a nice sheen.
Sweetness level: Off the charts.
Melt-in-mouth factor: Fair. This one was a bit cakey.

Still hungry? Read the full article here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.

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