12 Easy Dinners You Can Make for Less Than $15

by Anna DooganMarch 17, 2022

When you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, you want them to be tasty, budget-friendly and a hit with the kids. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some meals that check all three boxes. Keep reading to see 12 amazing cheap dinner recipes that are big on flavor, but easy on your wallet.

Cacio e Pepe Pasta

This super simple but classic pasta recipe requires about three ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

If you've already got soy sauce, honey and rice in your pantry, the only supplies you'll need to buy are the chicken thighs and the broccoli. This is an editor favorite, and it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Get the recipe here.

Spinach & Bacon Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are always a simple and versatile kid-pleaser. Now try upping the wow factor with the addition of spinach and crumbled bacon. On Sugar Mountain created this recipe that will definitely take your shells up a notch.

Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms

Gravy. Need we say more? Let your slow cooker do the work for you on this weeknight (or any night!) chicken and gravy recipe courtesy of Sarah Olson’s cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms. Serve it over mashed potatoes or as an open-faced sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

Crock Pot Pizza

Kids love pizza. You love your Crock Pot. Mix them together and you’ve got … Crock Pot Pizza. This fun recipe takes the favorite flavors of pizza and puts them over pasta, all with the convenience of tossing everything into a Crock Pot. The next time you want to change up the recipe routine, give this one a try! Click here to get the recipe.

Slow Cooker Lentil Sausage Soup

You’ll love all the color in this flavorful lentil and sausage soup, packed with fiber and veggies. Diane and Dave of Homemade Food Junkie created this easy recipe that’s also dairy- and gluten-free.

Mustard & Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken

If you’ve got maple syrup and mustard in your kitchen, you’re already halfway to making this sweet and tangy chicken recipe. Ridiculously quick, inexpensive and a definite crowd-pleaser, this is one dinner recipe that you’ll return to over and over. Grab the recipe right here.

Sweet Pepper Linguine

Pasta is a great low-cost dinner option, and we love this simple version with just five ingredients. Sweet red pepper gives Vitamin C, as well as a nice pop of color on the plate. Click here to get the recipe.

Bacon, Corn & Potato Chowder

Make it a soup night with this creamy, smoky chowder from The Soupmaker’s Kitchen. Add a loaf of warm, crusty bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a cheap, easy meal for any night of the week.

Turkey Bolognese

Make a big batch of this easy turkey Bolognese, and you’ll have leftovers that you can stretch throughout the week. Courtesy of Sundays with Jennie, this is the perfect winter weather meal to have up your sleeve.

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken & Beans

A Crock Pot is a must-have item for those chilly winter nights. Use yours to make this delicious and inexpensive five-ingredient recipe that couldn’t be easier. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is ready to go. Add some brown rice, and you’ve got a complete meal to keep everyone warm and satisfied. Click here for the recipe.

Tortellini, Spinach & Black Bean Soup

Warm up with this hearty soup chock full of beans, pasta and a good dose of greens. Jen of How To: Simplify has the recipe that whips up in a snap and makes dinner easy. Want to make it vegetarian? Sub in veggie broth and use cheese-stuffed tortellini instead of sausage.

27 Hot Dog Recipes You Need to Try

by Susie ForesmanFebruary 16, 2022

Your kids’ favorite go-to for a picnic or a meal, hot dogs don’t have to be just about the basic bun. From mac and cheese dogs to hot dog curry to hot dog hash, we’ve rounded up creative hot dog recipes that will change the way you think about franks. Keep reading to discover our favorite hot dog recipes for kids.

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket got an Air Fryer makeover with this recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar. Add cheese for variety and serve with various dipping sauces! Get the recipe here.

Polynesian Sweet and Sour Hot Dogs with Rice

A sweet and delicious stir fry that includes a go-to ingredient like hot dogs? Yup, we've just found the answer to your busy weeknight dinner problems. Get the recipe from Tablespoon.

Pretzel Dogs

Pretzels and hot dogs, what's not to love about this recipe? Soft and chewy dough surrounding a juicy hot dog, sprinkled with sea salt, yum! Get the recipe over at Food Fanatic.

Marinated Hot Dogs

When you give your hot dogs a good overnight soak in this sweet-and-spicy marinade from Good Food Stories, you won't need to worry about fancy toppings. Made with ketchup, soy sauce and other yummy ingredients, the only thing left to do is check out the grilling tip that Casey from Good Food Stories shares here.

Mini Corn Dogs

Everyone's favorite fair food can be yours at home with this sweet recipe from The View from Great Island. Even better, there's a recipe for onion sauce, which fancies it up for the parents!

Seattle Hot Dog

Our tummies are growling over this Seattle hot dog spotted over at Show Me the Yummy. Loaded with sauteed onion, bacon cream cheese and spicy jalapeños, this is a grown-up edition of your kiddo's go-to dinner. Find out what you'll need over at Show Me the Yummy.

The Classic New York Hot Dog

If you haven't had a hot dog from a New York street cart, you haven't had a hot dog. Luckily, you can recreate the simple but classic flavors by following Pennywise Mama's recipe. One secret? Boil the dogs, don't grill 'em!

Pigs in a Blanket

This little piggy goes down great for playdates, lunches or even kid-friendly appetizers and it's easier to make than you think. Just click here for the full how-to.

Chili Cheese Dilly Dogs

You can’t let the summer slip by without having a chili dog—and if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right, with this recipe from Garlic & Zest. The “dilly” part comes from a pickle, which makes for a crisp and tangy contrast to the hearty chili.

Taco Dogs

We like to keep a stash of hot dogs in the freezer for those times when cooking up an elaborate meal isn’t in the cards. This twist on chili dogs from Mama Gourmand is the perfect way to make an old favorite new again—and it’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser too.

Ball Park Frank Grilled Cheese

They loved grilled cheese. They love hot dogs. Why not switch things up and combine the two for a lunch that invokes the ballpark and comfort food all in one. Get the full recipe right here.

One Pot Spaghetti Hot Dog

This recipe, courtesy of Ramona at Curry and Comfort, combines two of your kids’ favorite foods: spaghetti and hot dogs. Add in veggies like onions and bell peppers and the result is a delicious hearty meal that requires only one pot. Hooray for easy clean-ups! Get the full recipe by clicking here.

Baked Corn Dog Muffins

Corn dogs were one of our favorite summer foods when we were kids, so we’re obsessed with this bite-size version that works perfectly for picnics. The only problem? It’s impossible to eat just one. To snag the recipe, click here.

Cheesy Hot Dog Wontons

Try out this clever twist on pigs in a blanket, swapping crescent rolls for wonton wrappers. Don’t forget the key ingredient: gooey cheddar cheese! Click here to get the details from Cheap Recipe Blog.

Tortilla Dogs

Here’s a perfect “the-fridge-is-nearly-empty” meal—just wrap hot dogs in a tortilla and fry them up, then you’ll have perfectly sized bites to dip in ketchup and mustard. Get the full recipe from Or Whatever you Do.

Hot Dog Sliders

Whether served as a finger-food appetizer or as dinner alongside a green salad, this recipe from Cook the Story is bound to be a home run. The mini hot dogs are topped with honey mustard and a peach salsa.

Polynesian Hot Dogs

Hot dogs become something brand new with this recipe from The Midnight Baker. With a salty-sweet sauce made using pineapple juice, soy sauce and brown sugar, it’s going to be an instant hit with the kiddos.

Threaded Spaghetti Hot Dog Bites

This fun idea from Damn Delicious gets the tots involved in the cooking. Have them thread uncooked spaghetti through hot dogs before you boil the pasta, and pair it with homemade or jarred marinara sauce for a delicious meal. To get the recipe, click here.

Tex-Mex Hot Dogs

To add a colorful Tex-Mex flair to your usual hot dog, top it with corn, beans, salsa and peppers — or let your little ones pick their own topping combinations. Get the recipe from Country Cleaver.

Franks & Beans With Sweet Potatoes

Try this twist on the classic franks and beans that incorporate hearty sweet potatoes, crispy bacon and tangy barbecue sauce for a stick-to-your-ribs meal. Get the recipe from The Weary Chef.

Tot Dogs

Got a tater tot lover in your family? Top some hot dogs with tater tots, cheese sauce, sour cream and crumbly bacon for a kid-approved meal. Get more details from The Merry Thought.

Hot Dog Curry

Transform hot dogs into something totally unexpected with this great recipe from Curry and Comfort. It’s not spicy, just sweet and tangy, so even picky eaters will love this one. To snag the recipe, click here.

Chili Dog Casserole

This dish from Cully’s Kitchen will come together in no time at all — just layer chili, hot dogs, tortillas and cheddar cheese to make a warming meal that the whole crew will love. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Mac and Cheese Dogs

Two kid-favorite foods combine in Taste and Tell’s awesome mac and cheese dogs recipe. Whip this one up as a decadent weekend treat. It’s sure to be a big hit with the whole fam. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

BBQ Bacon Cheese Hot Dogs

As if grilled hot dogs weren’t delicious enough already, this recipe from Barbara Bakes ups the ante by wrapping them in bacon and stuffing them with gouda cheese. Sign us up! Click here for the full recipe.

Hot Dog Bar

If you can't decide on what kind of hot dog you'd like, Lindsay from Pinch of Yum has you covered with her hot dog bar! Check out her yummy toppings for a California dog (and more!) here.

Tropical Hot Dog Bar

Try out these tasty toppings from The View from Great Island. There are so many fresh and delicious topping options that everyone will find a favorite! Find the recipe here.

35 Healthy (& Easy!) Meals to Kick-Start the Year

by Emily MyersJanuary 11, 2022

The new year often means lots of resolutions, and if one of yours is to make healthy meals for your family, we’ve got you covered! Our roundup of 35 quick and easy recipes like baked fish tacos and healthy crockpot soup will make your weeknight dinners easy. Keep scrolling to get your menu planning on a roll.

This article is sponsored by Sun-Maid, one of the most iconic, timeless and trusted snacks in America. With delicious yet versatile products, busy parents can make wholesome recipes that are ready to eat anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Sun-Maid here!

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Low carb, filling and ready in 25 minutes? That's what you get with this tasty Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe from Damn Delicious! Ground chicken and chopped veggies make this dinner not only gorgeous but healthy and something the entire family will love.

12-Minute Chicken and Broccoli

Need dinner in a flash? This healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry from Gimme Some Oven is here to save the day! Homemade sauce tops off this delicious meal made in just one pan. Add rice and enjoy!

Baked Bell Pepper Tacos

If cutting the carbs is on one of your new year's resolutions, you'll want to sink your teeth into this Peas and Crayons recipe, Baked Bell Pepper Tacos. Low carb bell peppers are stuffed with high-protein meats, tofu or lentils and topped with your family's favorite goodies like cheese and sour cream.

Honey Lemon Chicken Stir Fry with Asparagus and Mangos

It takes just thirty minutes from pan to table for Carlsbad Craving's Honey Lemon Chicken Stir Fry. Lightly breaded chicken and homemade sauce make this a perfect busy weeknight dinner that's bursting with flavor and is oh so easy on the waistline.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Pasta

Say hello to the best alternative to fatty butter and carb-loaded pasta with Gimme Delicious' 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta! Zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) are swapped for traditional noodles and seasoned with olive oil and Italian dressing that is so good, your kiddos will hardly miss the carbs.

10-Minute Italian Chicken Wraps

Weeknight dinners have never been so easy once you try this 10-Minute Italian Chicken Wrap recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron. Pre-cooked chicken is paired with bright and colorful lettuce, tomatoes and avocados and a zesty dressing for a healthy and speedy evening meal.

One-Pot Burrito Bowls

All the things you love about burritos come together in this healthy and 30-minute burrito bowl recipe from I Heart Naptime. The best part? It only needs one pan, so cleanup has never been easier!

Hawaiian Chicken Bites

Juicy chicken and pineapple come together in Rasa Malaysia's simple and tasty Hawaiian Chicken Bites recipe. Skewers are pan-fried in the kitchen (no BBQ needed!) and brushed with tasty BBQ sauces that are so delicious you kids won't realize they're also eating fruit!

Quinoa Black Bean Wrap

Packed with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, and hummus, these wraps are good for lunchboxes as well as dinners. Check out the recipe for this plant-based healthy meal in our archives.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy soup needs very little effort for a big result. Once the veggies are chopped, simply throw things into the pot and let it all simmer. Head over to Well Plated for the how-to.

Chicken Pomegranate Pasta Salad

Pomegranates are in season and high in fiber and vitamin C, making this recipe from Weelicious, a perfect addition to a healthy New Year menu. The seeds add great texture and flavor to savory dishes and this salad is quick and easy to prepare.

Green Detox Smoothie

This green goddess of a smoothie from Pinch of Yum will put you on track for a healthy New Year. Banana and kale are blitzed with nuts and topped with pomegranate seeds to make this the perfect January drink, with one eye on the festive season and the other looking forward to a healthy new year!

Healthy Nachos

Comfort meets healthy with these tray-baked nachos. Layer up tomatoes, cheese and spices on corn chips and top with avos and cilantro for a super easy meal that takes just 15 minutes to put together. Check out the recipe in our archives.

Mexican Lentil Quesadillas

Packed with protein, these lentils mixed with salsa end up tasting like refried beans. The lentils take just 20 minutes to soften, and you're set for an easy dinner the kids will love. Serve with guacamole for a superfood boost.

Lentil Sausage Lasagne

Make use of seasonal kale with this soup that's high in fiber as well as dairy and gluten-free. The recipe uses chicken sausage, lots of beans, and is spiced up with Worcestershire sauce. Made in a crock pot or slow cooker, this soup is cooked largely unattended.

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

This recipe combines the genius of zoodles (zucchini noodles) with the kid fave pizza and the ease of a casserole. Layer up ingredients in an oven-safe dish and you'll have a veggie-packed dinner ready in around 30 minutes.

Easy Fish Tacos

This satisfying and healthy dinner from Averie Cooks is easy, family-friendly and ready in 15 minutes. The fish is lightly baked—switch out tilapia for another lean white fish if you prefer and serve with avocado, crunchy corn, cabbage and cucumbers.

Sweet Poodles

Sweet potatoes are a winter favorite with all that Vitamin A and C, magnesium and potassium. Put the sweet veggie in the dinner spotlight by spiralizing it with chickpeas and green onions and adding a peanut sauce for a vegan meal that comes together in one pot, in about half an hour. Head to Kristine's Kitchen for the healthy how-to.

Easy Peasy Pasta Dish

Combine chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic and you'll have a healthy pasta dish that virtually makes itself. Check out the recipe in our archives. Garnish with grated cheese and dinner's done.

Black Bean Burger

A healthy kick doesn't mean burgers are off limits—when they're made with black beans! High in fiber and served with a fresh salad, you can find this healthy recipe in our archives. You can even use lettuce as an alternative to brioche or burger buns.

Simple Filet Of Sole

This fish recipe from our archives comes from Robert Rosenthal's cookbook Short Order Dad. Sole has flaky white flesh with a mild taste - add some steamed greens and you've got a lean protein supper that can be ready in under twenty minutes.

Pumpkin & Cannellini Bean Soup

There are just five ingredients in this soup from Boulder Locavore—and all of them are wholesome and healthy. Serve with toast for a meal that's not only easy to make but perfect for getting back on track after a diet of rich holiday foods.

Chicken Biriyani

Layer up browned chicken pieces with rice and lemon for a recipe that, while it has lots of carbs, is full of goodness. Garlic and nuts add flavor, but you can adapt the dish to your palate. Biriyani is a comforting, much-loved dish and this recipe from The View From Great Island keeps it simple too.

Salmon Bake

This easy sheet pan dinner from Scrummy Lane is a quick way to bake salmon and makes for a healthy dish with a citrus zing. Not every child likes asparagus, so switch it out for a trimmed root veggie like carrot or parsnip if you think the kids will prefer it.

Here's a healthy twist on the potato salad—make it with sweet potatoes, black beans, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and juicy pomegranate seeds for a dish packed with vitamins and minerals. This colorful creation from Take Two Tapas is the perfect celebration of healthy.

Teriyaki Lettuce Cups

These chicken teriyaki cups are easy to eat with your hands like all the best kid-friendly foods. Grill up chicken pieces and top it off with cheese and veggies. For kids needing more carbs, just serve with a side of warm jasmine rice.

Crock Pot Lasagne Soup

Don't be put off by all the ingredients with this lasagne soup. Packed with veggies, it's a mid-winter pick-me-up that's worth the shopping list, plus it cooks unsupervised in a crock pot or dutch oven. Open to lots of variations, you can switch out the sausage to ground turkey or beef and add different veg, like carrots, to the mix.

Smoked Salmon & Soba Noodles

Salmon is packed with omega-3s, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and soba noodles are another protein powerhouse. Add crunchy cucumber and green beans (skip the radishes if you prefer), and you have this healthy dinner from My Little Larder that's hearty enough to fill empty bellies but healthy enough to give everyone lots of energy.

Pork and Apple Bake

Combine apples, chops and mashed potatoes for a sweet comfort food packed with nutritional value. The recipe involves just a bit of prep and then 20 minutes baked in the oven. This sweet and savory combo makes for a hearty meal the kids will love.

Greek Couscous Salad

Couscous works well with veggies and is easy to prep. This simple salad uses ever-seasonal cucumbers and tomatoes with olives and feta for a Mediterranean feel. Get the recipe from Plated Cravings.

Mexican Quinoa Mix

Vegan, gluten-free and packed with nutrients, this stew from Cookie and Kate by way of No Excuses Detox is also super easy to cook. Thickened with quinoa and beefed up with black beans, it is fresh and full of flavor. Ditch the jalapeños and spices if that’s too much for tiny taste buds—it’ll still taste great.

Spaghetti Squash Marinara

Your kids will dig into this Spaghetti Squash Marinara from Weelicious and not even realize it's not spaghetti noodles! Dinner will be ready in less than an hour and everyone will gobble it up.

Classic Tomato Soup

While this recipe has cream in the ingredients, tomato soup has lots of vitamin K and calcium and simmers with nutritional value. Head to our archives for this version of a classic. It's the perfect way to transition from holiday excess to a healthy New Year.

Air Fryer Preserved Lemon Chicken

You and your family will love this Air Fryer Preserved Lemon Chicken recipe from Weelicious! Between prep and cook time, you'll have dinner on the table in 30 minutes and the kids will love how it tastes.

Easy Breezy Roast Veggie Salad

This Easy Breezy Roast Veggie Salad from Weelicious is no boring salad! With delicious roasted veggies and a sweet maple syrup dressing, your kids will get excited about this dish.

—Taylor Clifton, Emily Meyers & Karly Wood

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Where to Eat Global Cuisines in LA with Kids (Plus What to Order)!

by Kurstin ChristieOctober 26, 2021

When you have young children it is easy to forget that Los Angeles is a diverse culinary mecca. It’s time to stop sacrificing your beloved Indian food and Korean BBQ for chicken strips and burgers. Here’s a guide to our favorite kid-friendly global cuisine from where to go and what to order—everyone will be delighted, including all those developing tastebuds.

The Best Indian Food in LA with Kids

Kids might not appreciate the robust flavors in Indian curries just yet, but that doesn’t mean Indian food is out of the question. There are some great kid-friendly dishes. You just need to know what to order.

What to order at an Indian Restaurant for Kids: It’s hard to go wrong with fluffy and buttery bread, so always order naan. If your kids like chicken tenders or fish sticks, order chicken or fish pakora. Pakora means battered and deep fried…yum! Anything cooked in a tandoor, a special Indian clay oven, is a good choice, too.

Our choice for Indian? Tandoor-A-India in Playa Del Rey. They consistently serve flavorful curries and the kids always devour their chicken tikka. A friend recommended this restaurant and was raving about it, so we had high expectations going in. We were blown away—every single dish we ordered was fantastic. Saag Paneer, vegetable samosas, daal, mushroom masala, chicken tikka masala, special veggie rice and naan. Some of the best Indian food we've ever had, if not the best

Tandoor-A-India
8406 Pershing Dr.
Playa Del Rey
Online: tandoor-a-india.com

The Best Korean BBQ in Los Angeles with Kids

best global cuisine in Los Angeles — LeeLee C. via Yelp

If your family eats meat, it’s time to visit Park’s BBQ in K-Town. Park’s is often recognized as the best Korean BBQ in Los Angeles and there’s a reason why—the food is delicious, service is fast, and the experience is interactive – you can grill your own food or have your server do it.

What to Order at a Korean BBQ Restaurant for Kids: The rib-eye Bulgogi, a Korean classic dish of thinly sliced marinated beef, is a favorite among children. It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Park’s Galbi, a boneless prime beef short rib, is another showstopper that can be ordered with or without Park’s top-secret sauce. Korean barbeque is traditionally enjoyed wrapped in lettuce like a little taco, but kids may prefer it with rice. Japchae, a stir-fry of glass noodles and vegetables, is another one of our favorite kid-friendly dishes.

Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: parksbbq.com

The Best Persian Restaurants in LA with Kids

best persian food in los angeles — Claire H. via Yelp

Persian food is super kid-friendly thanks to loads of dishes featuring kid-favorite rice and grilled meats. We've got two destinations in LA for the best Persian restaurants to take your kids—Seaside Place Persian in Torrance and Darya in West LA.

What to Order at a Persian Restaurant for Kids: According to our insider, Negin Kamali, she recommends starting with kabobs like Soltani—a combination beef plate that is a combination of tender filet mignon (barg) and ground beef kabob (koodieh). You can also order the boneless chicken kabob—a nice alternative to beef.

And for the adventurous eater? Try a Persian stew like Fesenjan—grated walnuts cooked with pomegranate sauce, served with steamed basmati rice. Of course, you can't leave without trying the Bamieh (Persian doughnuts) or bastani (Persian ice cream).

Seaside Place Persian

3720 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance

Online: seasidepalacemenu.com

Darya
12130 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: daryarestaurant.com

RELATED: Want to try making some Persian Dishes at home? We've got 10 kid-friendly recipes to try!

If All Else Fails, Start with Dessert

Best global cuisine in LA — SomiSomi via Yelp

Of course if your kids are a hard 'no' on trying something new not in their comfort zone, try to open their culinary world through the always acceptable dessert course. Our pick? Head to SomiSomi (they have locations in Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Sawtelle, Glendale, Long Beach, Torrance, & Santa Clara so there's bound to a location near you) and order the "AH BOONG"—their signature goldfish-shaped waffle cone stuffed with choice of fillings (custard, taro, sweet red beans or Nutella) and soft serve–everything from traditional chocolate and cookies and cream to ube, sesame and matcha. Because delicious things (dessert or not) come in all shapes and sizes.

Online: somisomi.com

—Kurstin Christie

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Let’s Getaway! Seattle’s Newest Glamping Spot Is Opening Soon

by Allison SutcliffeSeptember 16, 2021

Summer may almost be over, but don’t let that stop you from planning a nearby glamping vacation with the kids. It’s easy when you Getaway, and even easier now that families can make a reservation at Getaway Skagit Valley, opening this fall. Located just one hour north of the city in Mount Vernon, Getaway’s newest spot will give families the chance to unplug and recharge at a tiny cabin in the woods. Here’s what you need to know to make your family plan!

The Ultimate Un-camping Experience

If it’s possible for a vacation destination to have an ethos, Getaway has one. It takes everything families love about camping—being outside, spending time together and cooking over a campfire—and combines it with a philosophy of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation that allows you to get away (see what they did there?) from it all. We think you and the kids will settle into your peaceful forest retreat in no time thanks to Getaway's philosophy and design.

Your Tiny Cabin in the Woods

While Outposts have a number of campsites, they’re spaced so each one feels like its own nature refuge, and the “all hours are quiet hours” request helps set the peaceful mood. Keeping cell phones in the cell phone lock box frees you up for low-tech activities you’re always trying to do more of anyway, like reading, journaling and playing games with the kids. Plus, there’s something comforting about the cabin names (Morris, Mildred and Estelle to name a few); they're named after grandparents of staff and guests.

How to Stay at Your Getaway

If low-key is the vacation vibe you’re striving for, there’s no better place to do it than at a Getaway cabin. Each one is designed with staying put in mind. It starts with the cabin’s inviting picture window that practically begs guests to curl up with a good book and ends at the Adirondack chairs surrounding the fire pit right outside your door. Everything families need to relax is within reach, right down to the deck of cards, retro radio (and suggested local stations) and books that encourage mindfulness and simplicity found in each cabin (psst…How to Get Away, written by Getaway founders Jon Staff and Pete Davis, is one). And if the kids need to stretch their legs, a quiet stroll around the grounds or along an on-site walking trail is a welcome change of scenery. Make the most of this peaceful place by packing books, games, journals or a point and print camera to truly experience Getaway as it’s intended.

Get Out & Explore Washington

The Seattle Outpost
While it’s easy to unplug at the cabin, exploring local wonders is easy too. And with two Getaway Outposts in Washington, Seattle families have choices.

The soon-to-open Skagit Valley Getaway in Mount Vernon is an unbelievably easy vacay option, especially for families. Set on 69 acres, families can book one of 9 cabins that sleep 3-4 (or plan a parents-only getaway at one of the two-person cabins).

Clocking in at around an hour north of the city, families will find so many places to explore once they get there. Not only is it situated near apple picking, pumpkin patches and the colorful Tulip Festival farms (blooming in April), but it's an easy hopping off point to explore Deception Pass. Be sure to put local hot spots like Little Mountain Park, Edgewater Park and the Children's Museum of Skagit Valley on your list of places to visit when you venture beyond the comforts of the cabin.

The Portland Outpost
The Mount Adams Getaway is located in Glenwood, Washington, and while it's about two hours outside of Portland, it's a sold four hours from the Emerald City. But don't let the drive discourage you from making the trek. It's well worth it. From this Outpost, families can embark on exciting adventures like exploring the Guler Ice Caves, hiking Conboy Lake or tackling the rapids of the White Salmon River (kids 6 & up can ride). All of these adventures are just a short drive (15-40 minutes) from your home base, and are only a sampling of the many you'll find in the area. No matter where you’re staying, the folks at Getaway have curated a list of nearby spots that are worth a look.

Travel in All Seasons

Unlike traditional camping, Getaway is an any-time-of-year destination. Each cabin comes with heat and A/C so families can hunker down and stay warm, even on Washington's rainiest days, or stay cool on a warmer-than-usual summer night. No need to rely on a cross wind to cool off your tent here. Plus the kitchenette means you can make meals when campfire cooking isn’t in the cards, thanks to the weather, and roast s’mores when it is.

The Comforts of Home

Part of the charm of these undeniably cozy cabins is that they seamlessly blend homey comforts into nature. Hot showers, a kitchenette (with a retro mini fridge and two-burner stove) and a front door that locks are all perks that make this easier than tent camping and a step up from other glamping experiences. The queen-sized bed tucked along the picture window is something parents will especially appreciate because it means a good night sleep for everyone.

Cabin & Campfire Cooking

When it comes to cooking, you’ve got a few options. Cook simple kid-approved meals using the provided pot and pan in the kitchen. Quesadillas, pasta and veggie stir fry are one-pan meals that are hard to beat. Or try some of Getaway’s chef-created suggestions. If campfire cooking is more your style, you’ll find a fire pit right outside your door (and a gas stove if burn bans are in effect). Heading into town is another option—check the local guides for suggestions near Mount Adams or Mount Vernon.

Tips to Getaway with Kids

Getaway cabins are designed like the best RVs and boats around—everything has its place, and there’s not too much room for extras. You won’t find space for things like a pack-n-play or a high chair. Instead consider packing a travel bed and portable high chair if you need them. Remember to put other kid basics like diapers, wipes, sippy cups and favorite stuffies on your list. Many of the 4-person cabins have lofted queen beds, so keep that in mind if you’ve got tots in tow. Before you head out the door, check out Getaway’s other tips for traveling with kids.

Good to Know:
1. Since traveling during COVID is a concern, it’s reassuring to know that Getaway is socially distanced by design. Families receive check-in (and other important) information via cell phone so person-to-person interactions are eliminated. You can see what other cleaning protocols and trainings are in place here.

2. Remember to download all necessary info (including the Outpost map) before you reach Getaway, as there’s no WiFi or cell service.

3. Getaway is a dog-friendly destination so your pandemic puppy is welcome on this trip.

4. Getaway has partnered with One Tree Planted to help support reforestation. Every time a Getaway is booked, a new tree is planted.

Getaway Skagit Valley
Mount Vernon, WA
Cost: Starting at $119/night
Book online: getaway.house/seattle

—Allison Sutcliffe

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Getaway, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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Getaway: The Unplugged Family Vacation (for When You Need to Recharge)

by Allison SutcliffeAugust 31, 2021

With things revving up again, isn’t time for a vacation? Take a break from your busy life and disconnect to reconnect as a family at a Getaway cabin in the woods. It takes glamping to a whole new level and makes vacationing with your crew a cinch. Plus, it’s just a short drive away. Here’s how to make your family Getaway plan!

The Ultimate Un-camping Experience

Your Cabin in the Woods

How to Stay at Your Getaway

Get Out & Explore

While it’s easy to unplug at the cabin, exploring local wonders is easy too. No matter where you’re staying, the folks at Getaway have curated a list of nearby spots that are worth a look. Local guides include suggested hikes with important info (think: miles, difficulty and descriptions) so you can find one that’s right for your little campers. If they're available, you’ll also find details on exciting adventures like canopy tours, zip lines and white water rafting, plus family-friendly attractions like zoos, museums and farms that are within an hour’s drive (give or take). The character of each community shines through the selections, and you'll feel like a local with Getaway's helpful tips.

Pro tip: Because there's no cell service at Getaway, we recommend checking out the guides before you go and making plans. Take photos or screen shots of things you’d like to try so you can access to the info easily.

Travel in All Seasons

Unlike traditional camping, Getaway is an any-time-of-year destination. Each cabin comes with heat and A/C so families can hunker down and stay warm, even if there’s snow outside the window. Or stay cool on a sweltering summer night, no need to rely on a cross wind to cool off your tent. Plus the kitchenette means you can make meals when campfire cooking isn’t in the cards, thanks to the weather, and roast s’mores when it is.

The Comforts of Home

Cabin & Campfire Cooking

Tips to Getaway with Kids

Find Your Getaway

You’ll find Outposts within a two-hour drive (or less) of many major U.S. cities, including eight locations on the East Coast (between New York and Atlanta) alone. Texas has three Outposts all to itself and in the Midwest, you can check out the recently opened Chicago spot or the one in Cleveland. On the West Coast, there are Outposts in Los Angeles and Portland, with a Seattle location coming soon. Find your nearest Getaway online.

2. Remember to download all necessary info (including the Outpost map) before you reach Getaway, as there’s no WiFi or cell service.

3. Getaway is a dog-friendly destination so your pandemic puppy is welcome on this trip.

4. Getaway has partnered with One Tree Planted to help support reforestation. Every time a Getaway is booked, a new tree is planted.

Locations in: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, NYC, Pittsburg, Portland and Washington, D.C.

Online: getaway.house

—Allison Sutcliffe

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Getaway, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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10 Healthy Meal Hacks for Hectic Households

By Christine Hronec

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 9, 2021

Photo: Hessam Nabavi on Unsplash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christine Hronec

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

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

6 Ways Your Family Can Still Eat Healthy on a Cruise

By Gwen Kleist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 25, 2021

Photo: Gwen Kleist via HealthyTravelMom.com

Even if you begin your cruise vacation with the best of intentions, making healthy choices can be a challenge. The nightly dessert menu and 24-hour pizza and ice cream can get the best of even the most diligent efforts. So indulge. Enjoy. But find balance on your vacation with these simple tips for eating healthy on a cruise ship.

Cruises are one of the least expensive and most fun trips you can take with your family! One of the best parts about cruising is the food: the endless, decadent, bountiful array of dining options, enough to make your head spin and your stomach rumble! And moreover, food is included in the price when you book a cruise, so you have to get your money’s worth, right?

With so many restaurants and eateries on board to choose from, it’s easy to see how people can over-indulge. Cruise ships are notorious for offering lavish feasts at all hours of the day and night. And it wouldn’t be a true cruising experience if you didn’t partake a little. But with some easy tips you can make healthy choices that won’t leave you feeling left out of the fun.

Eating Healthy in the Dining Room

Every cruise ship has a formal dining room, where you can dress to the nines and enjoy a three-course meal nightly. Now I can tell you to order broiled fish instead of fried or steamed veggies instead of fries, but that’s Basic Healthy Eating 101. So here’s the deal.

Cruise lines have responded to requests for healthy choices by offering vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, gluten-free and sugar-free options in their main dining rooms. Your best tip for eating healthy in a cruise ship dining room is to introduce yourself to your waiter on the very first night and let him or her know your needs. Since you will likely have the same server throughout your trip and service is a cornerstone of any great cruise, they’ll remember your preferences.

Ask your server to be sure the kitchen staff is aware of your requests. Opt for healthy food choices and don’t be afraid to ask them to hold the sauce, the butter or whatever decadent thing they’re cooking with that night.

Don’t Be Shy

But don’t deprive yourself either, find a balance—have the juicy steak, but maybe opt for extra carrots instead of the mashed potatoes. Don’t miss out on the cheesecake, but maybe on a couple of nights try the sorbet instead. And if you’re going to have the omelet and pancakes for breakfast, maybe just a small salad for lunch. You get the idea!

All Hands on Deck

Most cruise ships offer food and snacks poolside for guests to enjoy during the day. While burgers and BBQ are the norm, Carnival Cruises stepped it up a notch with their Blue Iguana Cantina, located on the Lido Deck.

My son and I recently cruised aboard the Carnival Inspiration with a girlfriend and her kids. And I have to be honest…the Blue Iguana was my favorite place to grab a bite. If it didn’t close each day at 6pm, we probably would have had dinner there most nights, too!

The Blue Iguana Cantina serves made to order burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas for breakfast and lunch. All of the ingredients are fresh and there is a toppings and salsa bar so you can customize to your taste. Chicken or fish tacos with lettuce, salsa, beans and guacamole are a delicious and healthy mid-day meal.

Cruise the Buffet

Buffets offer you the opportunity to eat as much or as little and as healthy or unhealthy, as you want! So bring along your appetite and the willpower to make wise choices and you’ll be fine.

Salad bars as great places to fill your plate with veggies, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. I took a Disney Cruise with my son last year and were delighted to find one of the best spreads of healthy choices at their buffet we’ve ever seen at sea.

Another area at the buffet that tends to have healthy options is the international foods section, where there may be a chef cooking stir-fry to order. Get lots of vegetables and ask the chef to go easy on the oil. You can also typically find steamed vegetables and a carving station at your ship’s buffet—opt for sliced turkey or lean roast beef and go easy on the gravy, which is often loaded with salt.

Hit the Juice Bar

We’re seeing juice bars more and more on cruises. Although these are typically one of the few items you’ll have to pay extra for, you may find it worth the splurge for a healthy snack!

Many ships are also adding frozen yogurt options alongside their infamous soft serve ice cream machines. When we sailed on the Disney Wonder, the frozen yogurt machine was the definitely the healthy snack of choice each day.

Cruise the Ship’s Casual Eateries

More relaxed than a formal dining room but a bit more fancy than poolside dining, more and more ships are embracing the notion of casual eateries on the board. And the good news is, they tend to offer lighter fare, while not skimping on flavor.

Celebrity Cruises has the AquaSpa Café. This casual eatery near the Solarium pool area on Solstice-class ships is ideal for light bites. Breakfast options include smoothies, yogurt parfaits, eggs and fresh fruit. For lunch, healthy choices include a watermelon and feta salad, steamed salmon and grilled chicken.

That is just one example. Many ships now have light fare eateries and some even feature sushi bars, which may or not come at an extra fee depending on the cruise line.

Bon voyage and bon appetite!

This post originally appeared on https://www.healthytravelmom.com.

Gwen Kleist

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a travel writer, wife, mother and believer in all things happy and healthy. I created my family travel website, CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com, to share the best tips, destinations and experiences in California and beyond for active, healthy families.

10 Stir-Fry Recipes Your Kids Will Gobble Up

by Gabby CullenMarch 25, 2021

If there’s someone out there who doesn’t like a good stir-fry, we haven’t met them. With countless combos like chicken stir-fry, beef and broccoli, stir-fried rice and more, there are enough recipes out there for everyone’s taste. We picked our favorite recipes that use all sorts of ingredients, from chicken to shrimp. The best part? Most of these take 30 minutes or less. We even found a few stir-fry sauces that are easy to whip up. Scroll down to see them all.

Stir Fry Recipes

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

One of our National editor’s favorites, this sweet combo has about five ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe here.

Shrimp Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a popular noodle stir-fry that you can make with chicken or shrimp and uses rice noodles. The cilantro gives it a fresh taste and the sweet sauce is easy on little palates. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Veggie Stir-Fry with Egg

A quick and healthy stir-fry that includes scrambled eggs, we love this easy veggie dinner. Get the recipe here.

Beef Stir-Fry

What’s a stir-fry roundup without a beef version? This one is made with green beans and plenty of garlic. Get the recipe here.

Veggie Stir-Fry Rice

Vegetarian-friendly stir-fried rice? Yes, please! With ingredients like bok choy, broccoli and zucchini, you can adjust the recipe according to your family’s taste. Get the recipe here.

Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Cashew chicken is a popular combo, and this stir-fry version from Boulder Locavore is so easy and so good, you might not ever order takeout again! Get the recipe here.

Beef and Broccoli Noodle Bowls

You can use udon noodles for this yummy stir-fry we spotted over at The View from Great Island! With just beef, broccoli and water chestnuts (plus the sauce), not only is a picky-eater pleasure, but it’s ready in 30 minutes or less! Get the recipe here.

Pork Stir-Fry

Using whatever veggies you have in the fridge, this pork stir-fry from Chelsea's Messy Apron will be a favorite in no time. Get the recipe here.

Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry

Our mouths are watering when it comes to this sweet chili shrimp stir fry. And, with only four ingredients, the hardest part will be prepping your veggies. See the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron here.

Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

For this savory Thai-inspired dish, it’s easy to skip the jalapenos if you’ve got little ones at home. Click here for the recipe.

Stir-Fry Sauces

From teriyaki sauce to a peanut sauce and even a red Thai curry that’s not too spicy, we’ve also rounded up our favorite stir-fry sauces that you can use on just about any combination of ingredients. See them below.

Homemade Teriyaki sauce from One Lovely Life.

Asian Peanut Coconut Dressing from Carlsbad Craving.

Red Thai curry sauce from Pinch of Yum.

Bang Bang Sauce from Wicked Spatula

Seven different stir-fry sauces from Sweet Peas and Saffron that you can make ahead of time.

—Gabby Cullen

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Essential, Cool & Unusual Delivery Services To Make Your Life Easier

by Yuliya GeikhmanMarch 1, 2021

Over the past year, many of us have been leaning on delivery services hard to get the things we need, (or just plain want) to make it through the day. From food to flowers, meal kits and fully-prepared meals to toys, cake, wine, gifts, even chickens—NYC is delivering! We found ways to get pretty much anything delivered in NYC, and in many cases, you can support local businesses while you’re at it! (P.S. Don’t forget to tip your delivery person well!)

FOOD

NYC Takeout & Delivery

****Important Note!**** I
If you aren't aware, keep in mind that apps and services that facilitate food and drink delivery take a large cut of what a restaurant makes on every order. Better than no order at all? Sure, but to provide the maximum support local restaurants and bars—which, let's be honest, they need more than ever—call the businesses directly and place your order. And don't forget to tip generously!

***************

Miss visiting your family's favorite sushi spot? Bring it home with GrubHub. Did you run out of peppers for your famous beef and pepper stir fry? Get them delivered with Instacart.

Whether you're looking for pre-made food or you want to shop for specific ingredients, food delivery services like UberEats, DoorDash, Postmates, Seamless, the two we mentioned above, and more make it easy to get food delivered at home.

With most of these services, you can request contactless delivery and get your order dropped off outside your door. And while not all services are available country-wide, one of the perks of living in NYC is the sheer number of choices! That sushi restaurant isn't on GrubHub? Maybe it's on Seamless or accepts pickups from UberEats. You can continue to support local restaurants and stores while staying safe at home.

If you're still not sure where to get your takeout from, we have a roundup with the top NYC takeout picks from over a dozen foodie parents — and also a list of our favorite guilty pleasure pizza for those days when you're just craving that delicious melted cheese.

NYC Meal Kits

We wish we could eat restaurant-prepared food every day, but it's just not feasible — both for our stomachs and our wallets. Plus, you might just want to make an order once and leave the rest to the delivery service.

That's an option, too!

There are currently many family-oriented meal kits for NYC residents who want meals (or often, the components of meals) mailed out on a recurring basis. You have many options to choose from:

This roundup will help you choose the best meal delivery service for your family, with plenty of options for prep or no-prep, vegan and vegetarian or omnivore, family-friendly or just for kids, and much more.There are over 15 options to choose from!

Are you a new mom (or a new dad!) who wants to cut down on time spent in the kitchen so you can spend more time with the family? This RedTri list covers fresh picks for families — without sacrificing on quality and health!

These slightly more gourmet options are great for families who want a home-cooked meal but don't have the opportunity to actually make these meals themselves.

If you just want to get the groceries delivered regularly, and you'll figure out how to put them together into meals, these food and grocery delivery services are the pick for you!

NYC Meal Delivery for Kids

If you want to get your little ones involved in the process, there's a variety of options for meal kits created specifically with kids in mind! These meal kits provide healthy, nutritious meals that children of varying ages are sure to love. Here are a few picks you can consider:

These dishes are winners with kids: packaged with recyclable materials and made to heat up in just a few minutes, the pre-made dishes from Little Spoon are made to provide kids with delicious nutrition and encourage them to try new foods. All meals are organic and stay fresh for up to 14 days in the fridge, and options are available for babies and up.

Nourish Baby is an NYC-based children's food delivery service that focuses on wholesome meals, using only organic products, grass-fed and free-range animal produce, and non-GMO ingredients. You can shop for a one-month supply of goodies or sign up for longer, and meals are available for little ones aged 6-24 months. Nourish Baby also has a few selections for the parents to keep you strong and healthy and ready to tackle anything your little one throws your way!

Hello Yumi is another organic child-food service that is also kosher and uses no gluten, dairy, or allergens in their meals. Meals are made for kids five months and older and consist of nutrient-rich foods. You choose how many meals per week you want delivered, and the fresh food can be used soon after receiving it or frozen for up to two months.

If you want to have every member of the family covered by one service, Nurture Life can do that. This meal subscription service provides meals made especially for different ages to help even the pickiest eaters become more adventurous. Choose from meals for babies, toddlers, kids, and even teens and adults. Meals are premade and just need to be reheated for a few minutes. Every meal contains a heaping serving of veggies — the site boasts that some options have as many as nine vegetables in one meal!

Cake, Dessert & Candy Delivery

You can get your hands on some gourmet sweets from NYC-based stores, as well! Beloved sweet-tooth spots like the Milk Bar and Chelsea Market Baskets will deliver to your door — which is excellent news but also potentially terrible news.

NYC Alcohol Delivery: Wine, Beer & Liquor

Need to restock your minibar or have some downtime wine after the kids are asleep? Alcohol delivery services like Minibar and Drizly will get your choice of beer, wine, or liquor delivered to you in as little as 30-60 minutes.

ESSENTIAL GOODS

Now that all your nutritional needs are taken care of, you can move on to other essentials. You don’t have to give in to the draw of big-name online retailers — there are ways to support small local businesses while still stocking up for all your needs!

To Shop Local Businesses

For general goods sourced from NYC stores, check out shopINnyc. This website is your online portal for local goods. Think of it like a hyper-local Etsy: Add goods (everything from baby clothes and bath products to wine and jewelry) to your cart from any NYC stores you want, then the stores and members of the Cinch marketplace work together to get them all to you in one convenient package! Besides the obvious support you'll be providing for local businesses, there are a few other perks to shopping with Cinch: If you order by 10 a.m., you'll get your package delivered same day, and the website also sometimes hosts fundraisers (for example, at the time of this writing, Cinch will donate an item of food to local NYC pantries for every order from the Valentine's Day collection). It's a great way to continue to support your community from home!

Online: shopINnyc

NYC Diaper Service & Delivery

If the main event has already happened and you're a new parent (or seasoned parent with a new baby!), you may be struggling to keep your supply of diapers stocked. Enter Diaperkind, a Brooklyn-based cloth diaper delivery service that provides everything from the diapers to the washing know-how and products. The service features responsibly made, often local cloth diapers and related products, whether you're a cloth convert or are looking to try reusable diapers for the first time. If you sign up for their delivery service, Diaperkind will prep diapers for you starting with right before the baby's due date all the way up to potty training.

Online: diaperkind.com

Maternity Clothes (and Support!)

Expecting moms can get the self-care they need and some comfy-stylish maternity clothes from Bleecker Street's favorite maternity boutique, Hatch.

Shop beauty and wellness products for expecting moms for "before, during, and after" your pregnancy. Being cut off from others can be particularly difficult when you're expecting, so join the Hatch community and get plenty of support through digital events like Zoom meets and workshops, IG Live talks, and other resources that'll help prepare you for motherhood in these uncertain times. (Expecting dads, there are resources here for you, too!)

17 Bleecker St.
212-529-7063
Noho
Online: hatchcollection.com

NYC Flower Delivery

Flowers can make a space brighter and a heart lighter! Take your pick from national suppliers in our roundup, or shop local instead with plant and flower supply stores like NYC's My City Plants, which will help you choose and procure the perfect indoor plants for your space.

NYC Toy Delivery

Keep kids playing and learning with NYC-based toy stores that offer delivery options, like Mary Arnold Toys, which delivers locally and even has the option to deliver same-day as long as your building's in Manhattan and has a doorman.

NYC Book Delivery

Book subscription boxes will keep all your little bookworms excited to receive mail every month! There are book boxes catered for younger kids, like Lillypost (they'll also donate a book to charity for every box shipped!), to NYC's famous Strand bookstore's "Pick of the Month" service, which will send a signed young adult, mystery or fiction book to your mailbox every month. And if books aren't your top choice for a subscription box, you're sure to find something the family will love in our list of the top subscription services for kids.

Chickens

For the family who has everything—including a chicken coop? Murray McMurray Hatchery will send you eggs to incubate that will then hatch into baby chicks (What the what!). The hatchery offers several kinds of collections, including the Rarest of the Rare Assortment, which includes a "deluxe egg collection of the rarest, most beautiful and exotic chickens," as well as the Feather Footed Fancy Assorted Collection, which features "fascinating large breeds which have feathered shanks and toes and very fluffy plumage giving a massive appearance." You can also pick up a small incubator here. No matter what you're going to do with your chickens, this is one delivery service that will keep the kids—and everyone else—interested.

Online: McMurray Hatchery

—Yuliya Geikhman

featured image: iStock

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If All Else Fails, Start with Dessert