ML Interest Tag: sunflower

3 Healthy Food Hacks You Can Totally Sneak into Their Lunches & Snacks

By The Anti-Cookbook Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living

Photo: Rawpixel

As cookbook writers, moms and lifelong wellness warriors, we’re always watching out for what’s next in food. One thing we’ve learned from feeding our kids: fresh ideas are a must.

You think they love that cauliflower with breadcrumbs, so you keep on making it because you’re ecstatic that they’re eating it. Then the fatigue sets in. It’s like when you tell a joke to your surly teenager and she actually laughs. You tend to repeat it because you love to be funny to her but eventually, you get the side-eye.

Here are some food trends to keep you on top of your game:

Hidden Hemp Seeds

Their omega-3 fatty acid profile is anti-inflammatory. They are next in line of all the “hip” seeds over the last decade: pumpkin, sunflower, flax and chia. They may be the best yet. Sprinkle at will. Wherever.

Just Beet It

They’re high in dietary folate and nitrates (cognitive function boost, we’re looking at you!). Golden beets are delicious, easy to cook—roast or boil them, nothing to it—and they don’t stain and get all over everything

On the other hand, just one red beet can do amazing things for your table. We’ve been roasting one and popping it into traditional hummus for some nice flavor and incredible color. It tastes healthy and delicious and looks like strawberry ice cream!

Homemade Nut Butters

We’ve loving almond butter, with cashew butter rising. It takes patience to blend nut butter just so, but the flavor is incredible. So much better than store bought.

Once you’ve slaved over a hot food processor or blender, the possibilities are endless. There’s the obvious almond butter toast with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup or jam, the base for a yummy Asian sauce to use in a rice or quinoa or barley or noodle bowl or a protein punch-up for your morning oatmeal. (Don’t love dairy? Put that stuff on your bagel instead of cream cheese.)

Getting a picky eater to eat can be tricky, but these tricks will at least help you make those lunches and snacks just a little bit healthier—and your kids will be none the wiser.

The Anti-Cookbook Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living
Tinybeans Voices Contributor
We're Shelley Onderdonk and Rebecca Bloom. A veterinarian and a lawyer-turned-writer walk into a kitchen… We aren’t chefs and that’s exactly the point. We have a lot to share about food-smart living with our own young-adult children and other people and their children, too. Together, we wrote The Anti-Cookbook: Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living.
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11 First Party Themes to Celebrate the Birthday Boy

by Lauren Hill

Your little man is turning one, and that means it’s time to party in style! The guest of honor may not remember his first fete, but you’ll love having the photos to show him when he’s all grown up. Here are 11 unique first-birthday party ideas for boys inspired by books and their favorite toys and activities.

Time Flies

Vintage Pretty Pearl

Sometimes it’s the simplest party decorations that turn out to be the most fun. Take this idea from Vintage Pretty Pearl: pretty paper airplanes. They’re easy to create and can be hung, strung and used in all aspects of your high-flying party. Plus, as any parent of a little pilot knows, time flies between birthdays.

Party Like a Rock Star

Shoots & Giggles via Kimberly Conners Events

This rocking bash, hosted by Kimberly Conners Events, hits all the right notes. Get music-themed decorations and lots of instruments for kids to shake and bang. And get ready for your future rock star to party all day long…or at least until naptime.

You'll Dig Being 1

Someday Afternoon Studios via Inspired by This

Caution! Cuteness ahead. Your budding builder will dig this construction-themed first birthday by JL Designs, featuring mini hard hats and themed desserts in white, yellow and black. Take a detour to Inspired by This to see how it all came together.

Oh the Places He'll Go

Little Confetti Events

There’s no telling where your little adventurer will go, especially once they start walking! Steer yourself over to Little Confetti Events to see more of the whimsical touches on this brightly colored, Seuss-inspired event.

All Aboard the Alphabet Train!

HWTM via Tabletop Treats

A is for adorable at this alphabet train first birthday. The party, styled by Tabletop Treats, pulled out all the stops for one aspiring conductor, including a dessert-carrying train and letter-themed treats. Check out the details from A to Z at HWTM.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Pettingill Family

A storytime classic by Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes a great theme for your little bookworm. This party from the Pettingill Family brings the pages to life with colorful décor and a menu that follows the hungry caterpillar through each day of the week. We have a feeling guests will love Saturday! 

An Italian Feast

The Vintage Button Photography via 100 Layer Cakelet

Mamma mia! The supermom at 100 Layer Cakelet whipped up something extra-special for her little meatball’s first birthday. A local pizzeria set the tone for a true family affair, and squiggly noodle-esque lettering, oversized bowtie pasta centerpieces, and a cake in the shape of a giant bowl of meatballs made it an Italian feast to remember.

Fishing Fiesta

Kara’s Party Ideas

Catch the big ONE! This fishing fiesta was a “reel” hit with one lucky little fisherman. From a tackle box filled with delicious bait to awesome fish-themed games, swim over to Kara’s Party Ideas to check out all the aquatic details.

Little Gentleman

Crave. Indulge. Satisfy

They grow up so fast! Celebrate your little man with a soiree fit for a gentleman. Find all the dapper details, including mustachioed balloons and bow-tie garlands, at Crave. Indulge. Satisfy.

Where the Wild Things Are

Project Nursery

“Let the wild rumpus start!” The classic children’s tale Where the Wild Things Are sets the stage for an adventurous afternoon with your little wild one and his friends. Check out the rest of the party over at Project Nursery.

Go Camping

Sunflower State of Mind

A camp theme is perfect for outdoorsy boys. Mom Vanessa of the blog Sunflower State of Mind gathered younger guests around petite picnic tables to enjoy traditional camping fare like s’mores, trail mix, hot dogs and more. Tents to play in and outdoor games round out this party.

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Listeria Recall Expands to Nature Valley, Clif Bar, Kashi, and 100 Other Snacks

by Red Tricycle

A widening sunflower seed recall has expanded to over 100 snacks due to Listeria fears. Nature Valley is recalling it’s “Protein Chewy Bars” and “Simple” nut bars. The ones included in the recall are:

  • Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Roasted Peanut & Honey – 4 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-46475
  • Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Roasted Peanut & Honey – 16 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-41308
  • Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar – Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt – 4 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-46474
  • Nature Valley Simple Nut Bar-Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt – 25 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-41301
  • Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar – Honey, Peanut & Almond with Pumpkin Seeds – 5 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-47196
  • Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar-Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate – 5 count, Package UPC: 000-16000-45724

 

Clif Bar has also voluntarily recalled:

  • CLIF BAR® Nuts & Seeds energy bar all pack configurations with “best by” date ranges starting 08JUN16 through 21JAN17
  • CLIF BAR® Sierra Trail Mix energy bar all pack configurations with “best by” date ranges starting 05JUN16 through 24MAR17
  • CLIF® Mojo® Mountain Mix® trail mix bar all pack configurations with “best by” date ranges starting 16JUN16 through 02FEB17

Also, Kashi has voluntarily recalled some items due to possible Listeria contamination, including it’s Kashi® Trail Mix Chewy Granola Bars, Bear Naked® Soft Baked Granola Cinnamon + Sunflower Butter, and Kashi® GOLEAN® Honey Pecan Baklava Bars.

The other brands effected by the Listeria scare include HyVee, Atkins, Planters, and Spitz. To see the full list and to find more information, please visit the www.FDA.gov, or click here.

 

 

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RECALL! Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars May Contain Listeria

by Red Tricycle

 

The Quaker Oats Company announced a voluntary recall of a small quantity of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars after an ingredient supplier was found to have distributed sunflower kernels that may be contaminated with Listeria.

The vast majority of potentially affected Quaker products were withheld before reaching retail shelves, but the products being recalled were distributed nationwide and are as follows:

  • 6.1 ounce boxes of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars Chocolate Nut Medley with UPC code 10030000322410000 and Best Before Dates of: 10/16/2016, 10/17/2016
  • 6.1 ounce boxes of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars Yogurt, Fruit & Nut with UPC 10030000322434000 and Best Before Dates of: 10/10/2016, 10/11/2016

If you are interested in more information, please go to www.quakeroats.com.

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Modern & Colorful Hand Painted Kid Room

By Sara Olsher

When I asked my 4 year-old daughter what she wanted her room to look like, she said “lots of colors!” For a kid who often wears every color in the rainbow and enjoys mixing a lot of patterns, this wasn’t very surprising. The problem is, I (somewhat selfishly) wanted to like her room too, since I can see it from the living room. I wanted a room we could both be happy with.

I love modern design, and I wanted a room that was colorful, but not tacky or overwhelming. Stripes are obviously a big trend in rooms right now, but I didn’t want a whole room of stripes, and it felt like lots of colorful stripes could quickly overload the senses. I decided to pick six colors and do diagonal stripes – and not across the entire wall. To tone it down even further, I chose black and white accents (the black and white dot rug is from Ikea, $20).

I can honestly say that the stripes project was a pain in my tuchas and I was really glad that I decided to only do six stripes. It required a lot of painter’s tape and measuring so that the stripes were lined up perfectly.

This was a cheap project, though, thanks to paint samples from Home Depot. Each 8oz sample was $3, and I still have paint left after painting two walls and the borders of all her picture frames.

In case you’re curious, the colors are Glidden from Home Depot. Yellow is Sunflower (GLY01), Blue is Peacock Blue (GLB01), Green is Lucky Shamrock (GLG05), Pink is Watermelon Smoothie (GLR09), Red is Red Geranium (GLR06), and Orange is Orange Marmalade (GLO04).

As you can see, only half the wall is painted; the other half I left white. I gave the picture frames (Ribba from Ikea, which she’s had in her room since babyhood) some pizazz by painting the edges. I mixed in some other colorful stuff too – a vintage blackboard and a Felix the Cat ceramic piece I did in high school.

Another priority for me is storage. These are from Ikea’s Trofast collection.

At four, C can’t read yet – but she also can’t remember which drawer is for which toys. I labeled each one and drew a picture of what’s inside. This method works only part of the time, haha.

The other wall is very different – I painted circles freehand on the opposite wall. The white clock is from Target ($7), and the mid-century dresser and bookshelf are vintage. When I saw the little coat rack at Ikea ($25), I couldn’t believe how perfectly it matched the room and I had to have it. She hangs her coats and doctor jackets there.

Her dresser has a few knickknacks, mostly from my childhood, and a fan I spray-painted pink (she was thrilled!).

C loves books (and so do I!). I love this old bookshelf I found at the antiques fair for $20.

I’ve been carting these cute star garlands in bronze, silver, and gold around for years (they’re from Paper Source), and hung them from the ceiling. Good thing there’s no theme here and I can do what I want. ;)

On the left, below, you can see the blackout shade situation. This is a very wide window, and after battling for over a year with a ridiculous blackout shade from Home Depot that kept falling down, I finally decided to get two smaller shades from Ikea. These are much higher quality – the inside is made of metal, rather than cardboard like the Home Depot shade. Yes, there is a space between the two shades which lets light in, but it doesn’t bother C. I got the idea to use two shades from my friend Reichel, who did the same in her kids’ room – they aren’t bothered by the light either.

The night stand was $15 from the antiques fair. It works perfectly and can take a beating. She loves her “special drawer.”

Overall, I wanted C to feel at home in her room, and be delighted every time she enters it. From her perspective, there’s color everywhere. From my perspective, it’s fun, cute, and not tacky at all. Success, I’d say!

Sara Olsher is a single mama based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is fascinated by emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience in young kids.

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Just Add Water: 4 Cool San Diego Garden Centers to Explore

by Elizabeth Silva

Dirt, water, sunshine and a little TLC is the recipe for your next San Diego adventure (We know, sounds a lot like parenting, doesn’t it?). Creating a special garden with your little darling is easy when you know where to go for supplies. If you want to pack serious fun with an educational twist, introduce your muddy monsters to the world of nurseries. The practice of growing and cultivating plants is one great way to teach kiddos about colors, shapes, textures and the life cycle of plants and trees. Get down and dirty at these super cool San Diego nurseries!

Photo credit: City Farmers Nursery

City Farmers Nursery
Escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Step into a garden nursery oasis, right in the heart of San Diego. The massive grounds at City Farmers Nursery offer unique organic plants and supplies not carried by other stores. Each month the nursery hosts classes ranging from growing your first vegetable garden, to canning and cooking, to beekeeping. Your curious beansprout will love exploring the grounds, visiting farm animals (chickens, goats and turkeys, just to name a few), and having a ball in the play area. Future farmers and gardeners have a special place at the nursery: they offer real, working pint-sized tools as well as kid-friendly events. The nursery also features an onsite restaurant, Nate’s Garden Grill, and a coffee bar, Sunflower Coffee Company.

Insider’s Tip: If you’re lucky, you might even catch live music on the restaurant’s dog-friendly patio. Parking is plenty.

4832 Home Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92105
619-284-6358
Online: cityfarmersnursery.com

Photo credit: Natalie Galati

Moon Valley Nursery
Known for specializing in water-wise plants, trees, palms, and shrubs, Moon Valley Nursery has been planting trees across the desert for more than 30 years. Blooming arborists can explore the spacious grounds, pond, and turn hidden alcoves into a wonderland of trees while parents peruse the nursery’s expansive selection. Make your trip to Moon Valley an educational one by having kiddos identify unique trees; for a list of the nursery’s selection of palms, click here. If you want to have even more family fun, enter the nursery’s Ugly Tree Contest by posting a photo of your ugliest tree on their Facebook page by November 8. One lucky family will receive a new tree worth up to $3,000!

26334 Mesa Rock Rd.
Escondido, Ca 92026
760-309-4080
Online: moonvalleynurseryca.com

Photo credit: Chris W. via Yelp

Walter Andersen Nursery, Poway
Walter Andersen Sr. opened his first nursery in Old Town in 1928. Since then, the nursery has expanded to include two locations: San Diego and Poway. Parents looking for a fun and easy kid-friendly adventure and a large selection of plants should check out the Poway location. But can we be honest? Little garden enthusiasts will ditch the gardening when they see the railroad that runs throughout the nursery. With a layout at almost 4,500-square-feet, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 tons of rocks, and 15 bridges, your mini horticulturist-turn-engineer will be charmed, we’re sure. The nursery staff is friendly and knowledgeable – they even offer classes for adults on topics such as drying herbs, caring for fruit trees and strawberry potting.

12755 Danielson Ct.
Poway, Ca 92064
858-513-4900
Online: walterandersen.com

Photo credit: Angie O. via Yelp

Mission Hills Nursery
As the oldest garden center in San Diego, Mission Hills Nursery is a secret garden right in the middle of the city. Parents will enjoy this family-operated garden center complete with roses, landscape shrubs, trees, interior plants, pottery, flowers galore, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Little sprouts will love the koi ponds, on-site chickens, and resident cat! If the family loves ladybugs and snails, they’ve got those, too! The staff at Mission Hills Nursery always wears big smiles and is oh so knowledgeable.

Insider’s Tip: The nursery may be closed on rainy days – make sure to call ahead when skies are gray!

1525 Fort Stockton Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-295-2808
Online: missionhillsnursery.com

Fun Tip:
For ideas on the best plant choices for the kiddo’s garden, check out Gardening Know How.

What’s your favorite nursery to check out? Got a few kid-friendly suggestions? Tell us in the Comments below!

—Elizabeth Silva

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Chocolate No Bake Cookies

by Erin Lem

Ayren, Red Tricycle’s D.C. Editor has a son who is allergic to peanuts so she adapted this no bake chocolate cookie recipe by swapping in almond butter or sunflower butter for the peanut butter. She tells us that the cookies are “chewy, chocolate-y, NO BAKE, and easy to make (i.e. kids can help). I forgot that I had to make cookies for my kid’s holiday party, so I tried these and, no lie, it took less than 15 minutes to make them.”

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (you can swap in almond butter or sunflower butter)
1 tsp. vanilla

Method:
1. Stir the butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk together in a saucepan, and cook on medium heat until it boils. Boil for about 3 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and add the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

3. Drop by spoonful onto waxed paper, and allow the cookies to cool and harden slightly, which takes about 20 minutes.

Are you into no bake cookies? Tell us your favorite recipes in the Comments below.

recipe adapted from Make Life Lovely; photo: Cuttingboard via flickr

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Why You Should Visit the Lombardi Ranch Fall Festival

by Shannon Guyton

There’s no shortage of pumpkin patches around L.A., but there’s not another one like the family-run Lombardi Ranch in Santa Clarita. With far more than just pumpkins we’ve got five reasons you need to gather up the family, slather on the SPF and escape the city to the old-west style of Lombardi Ranch this fall.

Sunflowers and Scarecrows
Every year Lombardi hosts a community scarecrow contest, and folks here go all out. Unique and elaborate displays range from “The Krowdashians” (only in L.A.) to an entire puppy scarecrow house to everyone’s favorite snowman (see above). They live in Scarecrow Alley – a breathtaking sunflower patch with flowers that tower over you as you wind along its path. This area is great for photos.

The Grub
Grab a $1 treat from the bake sale benefiting local high schools and groups – faves are the banana bread and giant dipped marshmallows. If salty is more your speed, get a giant farm-grown ear of corn, sprinkle it with Parmesan, and check your pride at the door while you gnaw through that goodness. At the “Chuck Wagon” you’ll find typical festival fare like hot dogs, nachos, and drinks. There’s not only pumpkins raised here, it’s a working farm that’s been growing produce since the 40’s and offers seasonal vegetables you can bring home. They’re particularly known for their tomatoes, but also offer beautiful squashes, peppers, onions, and more.

Groovy Performances
From the live country music you’d expect to hear at a venue with hay bales for seats, the quality of bands Lombardi showcases is top notch. For example, Beer Truck Band which plays most weekends, is led by a prior Motown Records singer. There’s also live 50’s and 60’s music by band Pink Cadillacs and R&B by Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps. A cute (shaded) dance-floor-slash-mosh-pit is set up in front of the band so you and your kids can get your groove on.

On weekends you can catch a performance by one of the talented local dance, band or cheer teams.

 

Baby Goats
Need we say more? Plus, there are even more animals to see from a cow to a llama to pigs. Only the goats and sheep are in the petting zoo, however. (A visit to the petting zoo is $3.50.)

 

The Farm Rides
The most popular ride at Lombardi is hands-down the train – a colorful (and comfortable) ride that meanders through the sunflower scarecrow patch. But don’t miss the horse drawn covered wagon ride. Led by two beautiful white horses with bells and with two friendly dogs (Judy and Roscoe) on board, the ranchers are wonderful to chat with as you ride old-west style through the large corn fields that overlook the valley. You’ll have a serious urge to strap on a bonnet after this ride. A train ride is $4.50, and a wagon ride will set you back $5.

There’s a large corn maze to conquer (warning: it’s harder than it seems!), and a free little kid hay bale maze complete with ride-on tractors for kids under six to enjoy.

What to Know Before You Go 

  • All activities, food and produce are cash only (there is an ATM on site).
  • Parking and entry are free. On Saturday mornings, get there by 9 a.m. for the best parking (and before it gets too hot).
  • Pick up a free wagon in the parking lot to for toting your pumpkins.
  • Do not get your car washed or wear your Sunday shoes to the ranch. It’s all dirt.
  • Use your most “off-road” stroller to deal with dirt paths and hills.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
  • You can bring your own food and drinks in.
  • Dress the part! There are few legit places in LA to wear your cowgirl boots – this is one of them.
  • Bring your camera – like your real one, not just your phone. There are photo ops galore: from a huge, hollow pumpkin to an antique red fire truck to a giant hay bale pyramid.
  • Bathrooms are on-site and port-a-potty style.
  • A covered picnic bench area can be reserved for birthday parties on the weekends. Cost: $100 for three hours.
  • Kids under 24 months are free for rides.

 

The festival is open through Halloween, Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m.-.6 p.m. and Sun. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lombardi Ranch
29527 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Saugus, Ca
Online: lombardiranch.com

-written and photographed by Shannon Guyton

Do you have a fall festival that’s a family tradition?  Share the inside scoop with us in the comment section.

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Crock Pot Mongolian Beef

by Erin Lem
Partner Content

Crock pots aren’t just for simmering safe recipes, and chicken doesn’t always have to be the staple choice. We decided to go a little on the adventurous side with this dish and venture over into making Mongolian Beef. This savory dish is slightly tangy, spicy and juicy, but is sure to have your kids asking for more. We couldn’t resist when we found this mouth watering dish from Very Culinary.

Crock Pot Mongolian Beef
Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 pound flank steak or ball tip steak
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup cooking sherry
• 1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon dried onion
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter (I used sunflower butter)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 scallions, chopped

Method:
1. Slice the meat thin and coat evenly with the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

2. Put all the liquids and dry spices into the crock pot, add sunflower butter (or peanut butter) and mix well. Add garlic and scallions.  Put meat on top, toss gingerly.

3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve over white rice.

Check out Amy‘s site Very Culinary for more delicious recipes that your kids will definitely love!

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