Pre-kids, you sported tired eyes like a badge of honor—they usually meant you’d been out late having fun night before. Now that you’re a parent, things have changed, and those dark circles and not-so-glowing skin could mean any number of things (sick kid, new baby, extra work, take your pick). Luckily, there are plenty of products that aim to help you look refreshed and bright-eyed, even if you didn’t get enough zzzs the night before. See our favorites below.
Liquid Green Oil, I-N
Rough day? I-N's Liquid Green facial oil is here to replenish. The lightweight product reduces redness, plumps and firms and gives you a radiant glow. The certified organic Intelli-Seed™ antioxidant oil helps to restore collagen and elastin production and is made of argan, blue tansy, açai and active essential oils. We love using this product both in the morning and night.
Female-owned skincare and beauty line Karuna has arrived! Available at Whole Foods Market, the three-collection lineup offers beauty products that act in synergy with the body, utilizing the four principles of Ayurveda practices, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Adaptogens and Clinical Science. We love the brand because of its 11 creamy and revitalizing products that are free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and SLS/SLES and come in at an affordable price of $5-23 each. Shop what appears to be made-for-mom options like "Wake Up Eye Cream," "Illuminate Face Oil" and a "Drench Sheet Mask."
Buy it here and at your local Whole Foods Market, $5+
Malie Coffee Fruit Mask
In order to make your skin look bright and shiny like you’ve had a great night of sleep, go straight to the source and try a product made with coffee fruit. With more antioxidant power than any other fruit, it’ll do all sorts of good things like battle dull skin, (the anti-bacterial factors in Quinic Acid & Trigonelline are key), smooth out wrinkles and help to fade hyper pigmentation. It’s got a strong scent, but it’s because it’s made with 70% organic ingredients, instead of chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals, mineral oil, and silicone, among others.
Speaking of youthful, glowing skin, we found a hidden gem of a product for glowing skin. Part of a four-step skin regimen from The Spa Dr., it ’s the last thing you’ll apply before moisturizer, morning or night. It’s got a diverse blend of organic ingredients full of antioxidants such as pomegranate and raspberry seed oils, which help to smooth wrinkles overall, which means it’s perfect for dark circles and under-the-eye bags. Called “liquid gold” by devotees, we love that it doesn’t leave an oily residue after use and that it totally hydrates the skin. .
Revitalite Professional Eyelid and Dark Circle Corrector
Revitalite Eyelid and Dark Circle Corrector from Dermelect has a metal applicator that’s cool to the touch, which immediately helps to soothe puffy, tired eyes. It’s also full of light diffusing pigments, which help to conceal, lighten and brighten dark circles, and finally, the emollient textures help to infuse skin with moisture, which leaves the eye area feeling well rested.
If you need serious under-eye coverage, Benefit's cult-classic concealer will do the trick. Simply swipe a small amount under eyes and softly blend outward. Boiing is offered in six colors, will stay on all day, and since you only need a tiny bit, will last you for months.
Did you know using cool tones helps to reduce the look of redness? Yup, on those days when it’s obvious you didn’t get enough sleep, swap out your go-to black eyeliner with this navy color from Osmosis and it’ll brighten the whites of your eyes.
Grace & Stella Anti-Wrinkle and Energizing Eye Masks.
These eye masks will perk you right up like you’ve had a full eight hours. Formulated with collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acids, they help to revitalize that delicate area around the eyes. It’s been suggested to put them on in the morning, before starting the day. They are also cruelty-free, vegan and made with zero parabens.
This cream battles under-eye issues in two ways: it’s full of peptides, collagen to boost skin growth (read: refreshed-looking skin), and it’s got light-diffusing minerals that provide a solution to dark circles and puffiness on the spot. It has virtually no scent (it’s fragrance free), is light the touch, and it’s a great price.
This natural product is made with evening primrose oil, white willow and jojoba oil, all things that help relieve the puffiness and inflammation that can occur under eyes when you haven’t slept enough, drank enough water, or gotten enough exercise (all things that make your skin look as tired as you feel!). It has a creamy texture, and you can even use it under concealer, to help with hydration and creasing.
Ahh, cucumber circles, it’s one of the first things you think about when thinking about classic eye treatments.Here’s the good news—we found an eye gel that’s cool to the touch, and full of antioxidants, which means it’s perfect for both as night time deep treatment and morning eye opener. Plus, All basq NYC products are safe for pregnant and nursing mamas, yay!
Sometimes, you just need a product that’ll work instantly. This under-eye treatment will brighten tired skin and de-puff skin. It’s also slightly tint, which helps to cover any dark areas.
Have a glass of antioxidants to “wine” down at night. This serum is perfect for overnight treatments—after even just a couple of hours, the compounds from various veggies and fruits (including Texas grapes!) help to shrink pores, and the clinically-test added peptides help to make under-eye circles appear lightened.
You drink coffee to wake up, why not add it to your beauty regimine, too? This exfoliating mask wakes skin up by fighting free radicals, increasing circulation and cleansing skin for a fresh feeling.
You know probiotics help your body on the inside, but did you know they can make you look better on the outside, too? Made with rose water unique organic cold pressed live probiotic kombucha cultures, it helps to minimize dark spots, and has anti-inflammatory ingredients too. You can use it all day long, so it’s a perfect refresher while you’re on the go. Best part? You can choose your natural scent. It comes in rose, lavender and jasmine.
Nothing says holiday quite like eggnog! A creamy cup of those nutmeg and vanilla flavors make everything from decorating the Christmas tree to holiday parties more festive. Get in the holiday spirit with our guide of 20 allergy-friendly eggnogs, including options that are free of dairy, egg, nuts and even top 8 free options!
1. Straus Family Creamery
Product: Organic Egg Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree nut (except coconut oil), Corn Allergen Statement
2. Almond Breeze
Product: Almond Milk Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Tree Nut (Almond)
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut Allergen Statement
NON-DEDICATED FACILITIES
3. Good Karma
Product: Holiday Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
6. Chobani
Product: Oat Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
7. Trader Joes
Product: Oat Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
8. So Delicious
Product: Coconut Milk Holiday Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Tree nut (Coconut)
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
9. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Product: Holiday Almond Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Tree Nut (Almond)
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated
15. Nellie’s Free Range Eggs
Product: Eggnog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
16. Hood
Product: Golden Egg Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
17. Southern Comfort
Product: Traditional Egg Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated
18. Turkey Hill
Product: Eggnog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
19. Silk
Product: Nog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary Label: Produced in a facility that processes tree nuts. Silk employs stringent allergen quality control procedures in all of our manufacturing facilities.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
20. Horizon Organic
Product: Lowfat Eggnog
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Milk, Egg
Precautionary Label: Produced in a facility that processes tree nuts and soy
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
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If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries
Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!
These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.
Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!
Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain Squeezers, Brain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?
Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.
Find them at local grocers nationwide.
KIND Bar Minis
KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time.
Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.
Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.
The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:
Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean
These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.
Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips.
Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.
Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.
Undercover Snacks
Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.
Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat!
Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family.
A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt.
Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.
KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.
KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.
Belgian Boys
Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.
Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors.
Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat.
2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.
Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies
Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition.
Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.
Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.
Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches.
For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.
Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love.
The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.
The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.
Raisels Pick-Your-Mix
Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit!
Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites
Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.
Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!
Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
LesserEvil Lil' Puffs
We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older.
We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away.
We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime.
Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.
If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified.
This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors.
Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.
These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide!
CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll
Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess).
Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.
Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.
This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.
A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos!
We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake).
Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.
Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free.
Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.
For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.
Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes
These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too!
Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.
You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!
Take a break this year! Treat yourself and your family to a Thanksgiving feast to remember. With less preparation, cooking and cleanup you’ll have more time for family charades or to simply cozy up on the couch and watch your favorite family movie. Scroll down now to check out this abundant list of Bay Area restaurants and meal delivery options you just might be thankful for this year.
One Market One Market’s Thanksgiving menu features a roasted Willie Bird Turkey, served with a fresh Pear and Arugula Salad, Cornbread-Sausage Stuffing (non-sausage version available), Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Shallot Thyme Gravy (on the side) and Cranberry Relish. To sweeten your night, get the Pumpkin “pie” Tart or Chocolate Pot de Crème. This meal comes chilled to heat and serve at home. $79 per person, minimum of two people. Classic cocktails and wine also available. Order here to pickup on Wednesday Nov. 24.
Canela Canela is offering pre-orders on classic holiday meats and desserts for pick-up and delivery. The Thanksgiving Butcher Shop offers Marinated Natural Turkey, Rolled, Stuffed Turkey Breast with Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread Stuffing and Brussels Sprouts. Available homemade pies by Chona Piumarta of Pastry Cupboard include Pumpkin cheesecake brownies, Pecan Pie with Shortbread Crust or customer favorite: Blueberry Buttermilk Pie. Order here until Nov. 18. Pickup or local delivery available on Nov. 24.
A-Five Meats A-Five Meat Company is a distribution company that provides the finest cuts of wagyu to the world’s top chefs, and now to the consumer at home. Order the new Wagyu Feast, which features 6 pieces of wagyu and wagyu ground beef and includes Kobe beef and the Sanuki Olive Fed A5 Grade. ($1,140) for a turkey alternative with a group. The company also offers a Wagyu Sampler and Wagyu Essentials pack. Order here
Shuk Shuka Shuk Shukka, which means "market" in both Hebrew and Arabic, is a new online marketplace created by a collaborative team of chefs with Middle Eastern roots delivering goods to the Bay Area. To spice up your Thanksgiving feast, snag the Dips and Spices Package that comes with 4 dips and 2 spices for $44.99. Order here
Mina Family Kitchen Chef Michael Mina and his culinary team introduce a very special feast from International Smoke. The dinner serves 4 people and is available for $299. Highlights include Butternut Squash Soup with toasted hazelnuts and pumpernickel croutons, Truffle Caesar Salad with onion crema, truffle vinaigrette and parmesan, Smoked Turkey Breast with truffle gravy, Asiago Stuffed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing and Apple Crumble Pie for dessert. Minimal heating and prep required at home. Instructions included. Order now through Nov. 23. In addition to delivery, orders can be picked up Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.
Cassava Take it easy this year with take out from Cassava! The Outer Richmond’s casually elegant eatery is offering a ready to reheat Turkey Day Dinner for four. Stuffed with your favorites and all the fixings, Cassava’s Thanksgiving Meal to-go includes: 1 Whole Turkey (6-8 lbs, roasted ready to reheat), Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, Cornbread & Honey Butter, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and a Whole Pumpkin Pie. Order here
Brenda's French Soul FoodFor a larger group, try the whole turkey dinner kit (Serves 8 to 12) with all the fixin's: Butter Whipped Potatoes, Andouille Cornbread Dressing, Green Beans, Biscuits, Cranberry Compote ($330). Or for a smaller celebration, enjoy the same savory sides with a turkey breast ($165). And to fill your kitchen with holiday aromas, add spiced wine or cider! Order here for pickup on Nov. 23.
Lord Stanley This Michelin-starred Modern European restaurant offers a Thanksgiving Dinner for four. The feast includes: Truffled Turkey Breast Stuffed with Confit Leg, Sourdough and Dried Fruit, Yukon Gold Pomme Puree with Savory Hazelnut Praline, Winter Squash and Persimmon Galette, Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Poultry Jus, Parker House Rolls and Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Calvados and Granny Smith Apple ($375). And to make it even fancier, why not add a side of caviar? Cocktails, beer and wine also available. Order here for pick-up on Nov. 24.
SPQR Chef Matt Accarrino offers an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving feast in two packages—one for 4-5 people and the other for 8-9 people. Both packages include: Herb Roasted Turkey, Black Truffle Gravy, Root Vegetable Stuffing, Winter Green Caesar Salad, Baked Mushroom filled Pasta Rotolo with Marsala Crema, 4 side dishes and a choice of Meyer Lemon Tre Latti Cake, Caramelized Sweet Potato Cheesecake, or Jean's Pecan Pie. Order here to pickup on Nov. 24 or Nov. 25.
3rd CousinStart your intimate dinner for two with a 7-layer salad before digging in to an Herb Roasted Organic Diestel Turkey, Sausage Stuffing, Whipped Potatoes, Yams, and a Classic Green Been Casserole. For dessert, enjoy a slice each of pumpkin pie and pecan pie. All for $198. Order online for pickup on Nov. 25.
Luke’s Local With a wide variety of raw birds, Luke’s Local also offers a smoked (whole or half) turkey from Willie Bird Farms. And choose from a wide selection of sides. Some options are more traditional like Stuffing, Candied Yams and Mashed Potatoes, but other autumnal choices include Arugula Salad with Persimmon, Candied Walnuts and Goat Cheese or Stuffed Squash with Quinoa and Pepitas. Pies are also available. And whether you’re hosting or not, why not throw in a seasonal bouquet or holiday wreath. Order here.
Presidio Social Club Let the Presidio Social Club Exchange fuss over the meal while you focus on your friends and family. Savor the 12-14lb Roasted Turkey, Mushroom Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Relish. Choose between whole Pumpkin Pie or Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. Barrel aged cocktails also available. Serves 4-6 ($345). Order here by Nov. 16 to pickup on Nov. 25.
Pomella(Oakland) Mica Talmor’s mains, sides and desserts are all made with his distinctive Mediterranean and Eastern Europe influence. Order a la carte from a special holiday menu that includes Stuffed Turkey Breast Roulade, Harissa Turkey Wings, Mushroom “Bastilla,” Moroccan-style Phyllo Pie, Yukon Gold and Celeriac Mashed Potatoes, Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Brandied Cherries, House-made Biscuits, Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Candied Ginger, Pecan-Caramel Bars, and more. Heat and serve at home. Wine and beer are also available. Fresh Apple Persimmon Pie from Oakland-based baker Edith’s Pie will also be available whole and by the slice. Pre-order by noon on Nov. 20 for pick up on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24.
Rocky's Market(Oakland) This year, Rocky's teamed up with Two Local Girls catering to offer to-go holiday meals. For $65/person, start your meal with Salad with Radishes, Oranges, Cojita Cheese and Pepitas before moving on to Roasted Turkey “Pavo Navideno” with Achiote Gravy. The meal includes Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Poblano Peppers, Sauteed Greens and ends with a sweet Bunuelo with Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Sauce. Order here.
Horn Barbecue(Oakland) Why not try one of the Bay Area’s hottest new restaurants? Pitmaster Matt Horn (best new chef, Food & Wine Magazine 2021), offers Smoked Turkey ($150), whole Prime Brisket ($250) or Beef Rib Racks ($120). Sides include Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, and Potatoes. For dessert, try the Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Order now for pickup on Nov. 24.
Buttercup (Walnut Creek, Concord, Vallejo, Oakland) For $80, this Thanksgiving feast is a steal! The meal includes: 2 lbs of Hand Carved, Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, Cornbread Sage Stuffing, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Caesar Salad and your choice of Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. Generously serves 4 to 6! Served cold for you to reheat at home. Order here.
Montperi Caterers(Oakland) Order Chef Lamont’s Thanksgiving specials delivered to your door. Turkeys range from 10lbs to 18lbs. Traditional sides are available as is Apple Cobbler, Peach Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, or Cheesecake. Order here by Nov. 22.
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley (East Palo Alto)—This Thanksgiving, savor a fully prepared meal by the chefs at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley from the comfort of your home. Each family-style menu includes soup and salad appetizers, turkey with all the trimmings, and dessert for the whole family. The menu includes: Red Kale Salad, Butternut Squash Soup, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Muscat Glaze and Pecan Pie Cobbler. Order now until Nov. 18 for pickup on Nov. 25.
Manresa Bread (Los Altos, Campbell, Los Gatos) This Thanksgiving, Manresa Bread features seasonal favorites made with house-milled flour: Pecan Pie, Apple, Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Butter Buns, Kouign Amann, and an Assorted Fresh-Milled Cookie Tin offering five different Cookie Varieties, (25 cookies for $55). Pre-order now for pickup on Nov. 23 or Nov 24.
Black Angus Steakhouse, (San Lorenzo, San Jose, Vallejo) Available in three sizes, family Turkey Dinners feature the holiday classics: Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Sage Dressing, Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Broccoli with Garlic Butter, Garden Salad, fresh Cranberry Sauce, Molasses Bread and Pumpkin Pie. If you’re not in the mood for turkey, why not try the prime rib? Order online.
Selby’s (Redwood City) The entire menu is a la carte so feel free to create the Thanksgiving meal of your dreams. Think organic turkey (10-12lb: $125; 24-26lb: $265), Traditional Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Cranberry-Orange Relish and more! Place your orders by Nov. 23 for pick-up on Nov. 25.
Carneros Resort & Spa—Carneros Resort is offering Turkey To-Go meals for those that want to enjoy the resort’s holiday feast within the comfort and security of their own home. The package serves groups of 4-6 people ($350) and features an Organic Diestel Turkey with traditional sides, all featuring the abundant flavors of Napa Valley. To preorder, call the Market at 707.299.4820 or email Pauline Stanley at pstanley@carnerosresort.com
Left Bank (Larkspur, Menlo Park, San Jose) This 4 course prix-fixe dinner is only $59/person and includes Butternut Squash Soup, Fall Salad, and a traditional Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts, Candied Yams and Orange Cranberry Relish. Or—if turkey isn’t to your liking, try the Honey Mustard Glazed Natural Rack of Pork or the Autumn Risotto. All meals come with Pumpkin Pie. Order online for pickup on Thanksgiving Day. View menu here.
Dee Wagner Kick up your feet, relax and let Dee Wagner do all the work. With options for 2 people ($100) to 10 people ($500), each meal includes Diestel Family Ranch Free Range Turkey, Mushroom Bread Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Moroccan Carrots, and Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Delicata Squash. Order online and your meal will be delivered the day before thanksgiving. You can also make a donation this Thanksgiving to NoHungerHere and bring meals to hungry people throughout the North Bay.
Jessie & LaurentSave your sanity and order up some gourmet meals from Jessie & Laurent for your family. This San Rafael-based company has delivered delicious, chef-made meals to the Bay Area for nearly 40 years. Thanksgiving offerings from Jessie & Laurent include:
And don't forget the traditional sides: Whipped Potatoes, Classic Stuffing with Mushrooms, Roasted Root Veggies and Cranberry Relish. Desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, rustic apple tartlets and so much more! View the complete Thanksgiving menu here and place your order early so they don't sell out of your favorite items.
Good Eggs Start off with an antipasto board or a cheese platter and move on to a complete Thanksgiving feast (think turkey with all the necessary sides). Or—if you like the way cooking a turkey makes your house smell like the holidays, why not just cook the bird yourself and have all the sides delivered? You can customize, add meat alternatives, tack on a wide selection of fresh desserts and enjoy beer or wine to toast the occasion. Click here to start your order.
Whole Foods MarketWhether you want an entire Thanksgiving feast for 12, just sides, soups and sauces, or a vegan celebration, give Whole Foods a try. With the option of a fully cooked or raw turkey and sides fully prepared or just the ingredients, they really do cater to everyone. Click here to explore your options.
If you’re excited to host a larger gathering with friends and family this Thanksgiving, but want to make sure you’re enjoying the time rather than stressing over Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen, we’ve got the solution. Try outsourcing all or some of the cooking! We’ve rounded up 18 local restaurants and caterers offering Thanksgiving meals for pick-up––with options ranging from smoked, roasted or apple-brined turkey, to prime rib, brisket, Italian, and even paleo-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free feasts! Prices range from very affordable to very gourmet depending on your budget. To save even more time, look for the places that will deliver a decadent dinner straight to your door! Read on for the details.
Wood-fired and flavorful, Del Mar’s International Smoke is offering a multi-course feast that you can pick up or get delivered. Chow down on Parker House rolls, curry pumpkin soup, persimmon salad, roasted cauliflower skewers, and a maple-roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 21; the meal is $320 and serves four people.
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: Minimal preheating and prep required Place orders by: Sun. Nov. 21th How to order: online Pick up times: Nov. 24th or Nov. 25th
International Smoke Del Mar 3387 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA 92130
Seaside Market in Cardiff, is known for its mouthwatering Burgandy tri-tip, infamously nicknamed "Cardiff Crack" by locals. And, this Thanksgiving, you can swap the turkey for their Tri-tip Feast which comes with sides like roasted vegetables, candied sweet potato mash, broccoli gorgonzola salad and more. Or, you can keep it traditional with their Complete Turkey Feast and side dishes. Seaside also offers a vegan meal with lasagna as the main dish. Whatever your crew is craving this holiday, you can order it at Seaside Market and sit back and relax because your meal is certain to be an utter crowd pleaser.
Cost: $249.95 for Complete Turkey or Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Feast, each feeds 6+ people. $89 for Vegan Feast, feeds 2-3+ people
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: yes Preparation: Served chilled in aluminum pans with reheating and serving instructions. Place orders by: 48 hours in advance How to order: online Pick up times: Call for pick up times
Seaside Market 2087 San Elijo Ave Cardiff-by-the-sea 92007
Leave the cooking to the kind folks at UTC's Great Maple by reserving your Thanksgiving meal today. The delicious dinner, made to be enjoyed at home, includes butternut squash bisque soup, thyme, and rosemary turkey breast served with brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, pan gravy, toasted sage green beans, and pumpkin pie. The cost is $39.95 per person.
Cost: $39.95/person
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Before they sell out How to order: online Pick up times: Thursday, November 25th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Great Maple UTC 8675 Genesee Ave Suite 1200 La Jolla, CA 92122
Bring home a Turkey Feast Meal To-Go paired with all the fixings. Available in 3 different sizes for either a family of 4, 8 or 12 servings. Each comes with the classics: roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sage dressing, sweet potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter, salad, cranberry sauce, their famous molasses bread and pumpkin pie.
If you just want a whole dessert to go, they have other options a la carte like their well-known big mountain fudge cake, NY style cheesecake, sky-high mud pie, spiced carrot cake or chocolate flourless torte.
Cost: 4 servings for $99.95; 8 servings for $199.95; 12 servings for $299.95.
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: Hot and ready to eat How to order: online Pick-up times: Thurs. Nov. 26th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Black Angus 1000 Graves Ave., El Cajon 619-440-5055
707 E St., Chula Vista 619-426-9200
296 E. Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido Escondido,CA92025
Simplify your Thanksgiving this year with fully prepared holiday meals from Sprouts, made with simple and wholesome ingredients like cage-free turkey, no antibiotics ever and organic ingredients. Fully prepared meal options that serve 6-8 include natural turkey, free-range organic turkey, USDA choice beef rib roast or spiral-sliced ham (regular or uncured & sugar-free) come with delicious seasonal sides. Or choose the 40 oz. vegan roast meal with cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and a take & bake sourdough loaf. Don’t forget to add one of their award winning pies to your checkout cart, each pie is made with real fruit and are always free from artificial preservatives.
Place orders online for yourself or treat your friends or family to a meal for them to pick up at their local store or have it delivered straight to their door. Sprouts stores will be open on Thanksgiving day from 7am-4pm in case you forget something.
Cost: boneless turkey breast meal for 2 is $39.99; natural turkey meal for 6-8 is $79.99; spiral-sliced ham meal for 6-8 is $79.99; beef rib roast meal for 6-8 is $89.99; vegan roast meal for 4 is $44.99
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Before they sell out How to order: online Pick up times: curbside or delivery with Instacart!
Bring home a fresh scratch-made feast just like grandma used to make. Choose from a Family Feast that serves 6-8 or a Family Meal that serves 4 and you’ll get an herb roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, homemade gravy, sweet cranberry relish, artisan bread and choice of two sides. Add on a scratch-made dessert made in-house by their pasty chef: mango tart, seasonal pumpkin & walnut layer cake or a Hummingbird Cake, among others.
Urban Plates offers one of the best values with quality organic produce, cage-free turkey and always free of hormones, antibiotics and GMOs. Order early, they sold out last year!
Cost: a la carte sides $13 each; desserts $32-$60; Turkey Plate serves 1, $19.95; Turkey Family Meal serves 4 for $79; Turkey Family Feast serves 6-8 for $139
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Sides available Preparation: chilled, fully cooked with heating instructions Place orders by: Nov. 20th How to order: online Pick up times: Nov. 23rd or 24th
Switch up your Thanksgiving this year with an Italian feast, or choose from their traditional Thanksgiving dishes to keep it classic. Their Thanksgiving day specials include prime rib, short ribs, butternut squash ravioli or oxtail cannelloni each with complementary sides, but you can also choose from their extensive menu of gourmet pasta meals, pan seared salmon, eggplant dishes or chicken marsala among others. Your taste buds will delight in their Italian sweets like the tiramisu tray, Limoncello cake or Nutella cheesecake. If you can’t decide, just order the dessert sampler and everyone will be happy.
Cost: meals serve 6-8 people – prime rib meal $85, short rib meal $75, butternut squash ravioli meal $60, oxtail cannelloni $60
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: call for details Place orders by: call for details How to order: online Pick up times: based on store hours
Celebrate the season with Whole Foods Market catering menu with offerings for everyone. You’ll find the classics like organic turkey, and prime rib with all the sides, but also paleo-friendly paleo and vegan-friendly options. Holiday appetizer platters are also available.
Cost: classic roast turkey meal for 12 is $299.99; beef wellington meal for 4 is $139.99; prime rib meal for 8 is $229.99; you’ll find other serving sizes and options online
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: All Holiday Selections orders must be placed a minimum of 24 hours ahead of pickup date and time How to order: online Pick up times: Nov. 19th -25th from 8 a.m.-8 p.m
Whole Foods 711 University Ave., Hillcrest 619-294-2800
8825 Villa La Jolla Dr., La Jolla Village 858-642-6700
Chart House is big on holidays, which means you can expect a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner without having to lift a finger, except to carry the bags into the house. The Chart House Thanksgiving To-Go offers a choice of slow-roasted prime rib or turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and pecan or pumpkin pie.
Cost: serves 4 people for $105 for turkey, or $130 for prime rib
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: call for details Place orders by: Nov. 19th How to order: online Pick up times: based on store hours, delivery available
Bring the good life home from Rancho Valencia to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of your own home. This year they’ve launched “Rancho-To-Go” where you can choose from a full a la carte menu of canapés, starters and soups, choice of meats, sides and sauces; completed with pies and desserts. You can also choose from their a la carte items like crab cakes, empanadas, truffle arancini, poached pears, charcuterie boards and so much more.
Cost: full meal serves 4 for $265; or buy everything a la carte - minimum order $350, all items sold are in portions of 4 unless otherwise noted
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Thurs. November 18th How to order: online Pick-up times: Wed. Nov, 24th between 9 am - 1 pm.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa 5921 Valencia Cir., Rancho Santa Fe 858-759-6216
Mix and match a cornucopia of delights by choosing all of your Thanksgiving dishes a la carte. Choose from roasted & carved natural turkey and such sides as Focaccia-leek & pistachio stuffing, squash skewers, butternut squash soup, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes or a poached pear salad among other options. It might take you a while to decide what’s for dessert from Frangelico chocolate truffle lollipops to Meyer lemon bars or pies.
Cost: Varies based on a la carte items ordered, roughly $160 for 6-8 servings
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: noon on Monday, Nov. 22nd How to order: online Pick up times: Pick up or delivery on November 24th
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering 7853 Herschel Ave., La Jolla 858-581-2205
Having your Thanksgiving meal delivered doesn’t get any easier than this! Order your classic Thanksgiving meal from Elijah’s and they’ll bring it right to your front door. Choice of turkey, beef brisket, or ham served with 2 classic side dishes to choose from and add on an apple, pecan or pumpkin pie for only $14.95 extra.
Cost: all servings are for 10 people - $165 for turkey dinner, $165 for beef brisket dinner and $165 for spiral ham dinner
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: all dinners are freshly cooked for your pick-up time, no reheating required! Just put it on the table and eat. Place orders by: 48 hrs notice How to order: call Pick up times: schedule with restaurant, delivery available for an additional charge.
Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont 858-353-5528 or 858-455-1461
Ranch 45 adds a gourmet twist to all of your favorite traditional foods. Just some of their offerings are butternut squash soup, roasted rainbow carrots, wild rice with butternut squash, herb-crusted prime rib, red wine braised short ribs, smoked turkey legs… and much more online. Don’t forget traditional desserts; are you team Apple or team Pumpkin pie? Or maybe an alternative GF carrot cake is more up your alley.
Cost: all items are ordered a la carte; approx. $160 for 3-4 servings
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Sunday, November 21st How to order: in store, by phone, online Pick up times: 10 am - 3 pm on Nov. 24th
Ranch 45 512 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach 858-461-0092
Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving Dinner this year and order out from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a family meal that serves 4 and includes roasted turkey and all the trimmings, including 4 personal pumpkin cheesecakes.
Cost: 4 servings for $175
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: chilled, fully cooked to heat and eat Place orders by: 48 hours in advance How to order: online Pick up times: Wed. Nov. 24th, 12 pm - 6 pm
Ruth’s Chris Steak House 11582 El Camino Real, Del Mar 858-755-1454
1355 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero 619-233-1422
Celebrate at home with Fleming’s 3-course dinner for the family. Meals include Herb-Roasted Turkey paired with all the fixings, salad and a cinnamon pumpkin cream cheesecake with orange cranberry sauce. You can also substitute the turkey for petite filet mignon or prime bone-in ribeye each with peppercorn sauce or add on delectable sides like lobster mac & cheese, cauliflower mash or crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon.
Cost: $53/adult and $23/children, dishes available a la carte also
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: call for details How to order: online Pick up times: call for details
Fleming’s Prime Steak House 8970 University Center Ln., UTC 858-535-0078
Bring this Thanksgiving BBQ Feast to your table this year from either of these 3 restaurants from Cohn’s. Choice of whole smoked turkey or brisket, 3 family size sides (bacon potato salad, coleslaw, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, killer beans, candied yams, mac & cheese, collard greens or green beans) and cornbread or dinner rolls. Add on pecan or pumpkin pie for dessert. You can also buy the main course a la carte (whole smoked turkey or brisket) and fix your own sides at home.
Cost: serves 6-8 servings for $189.95; add on a pie for $219.99; or even buy the main course a la carte: $114.95 for turkey or $129.95 for brisket
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: 3 p.m. on Mon. Nov. 22nd How to order: call Pick up times: Thurs. Nov. 25th between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
(all 3 Cohn Restaurants share the same Thanksgiving menu options)
Del’s Hideout 5351 Adobe Falls Rd., Del Cerro 619-255-8175
Pioneer BBQ 8622 Lake Murray Blvd., San Carlos 619-825-7787
Top off your day of eating this year with a non-traditional Thanksgiving pie from Nutmeg Bakery. They’ve got all kinds of cream pies: Chocolate, Banana, Boston or Coconut; as well as Key Lime and Maple Pecan (gluten-free). But if you want to go the traditional route they’ve got you covered there with Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb (GF) and Pumpkin (avail GF). Now if you want a Thanksgiving cake, well they’ve got plenty of options too with everything from Carrot Cake (avail GF) to chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla (vegan) or lemon raspberry, orange cranberry, lemon blueberry, coconut rum (GF, V) hummingbird, Italian cream and oh so many more.
Cost: $20-$35 per pie
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: call for details Place orders by: 72 hrs advance notice How to order: online only Pick up times: based on order
If you want to have your Thanksgiving pie and eat it too, there are plenty of options from Pop Pie Co. That’s all they do and that’s why they’re the best. Choose from Salted Honey, Honey Bourban Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble or Apple Crumble (vegan).
Cost: $35 per pie
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: pies are baked fresh the morning you pick them up Place orders by: Sun. Nov. 21st or until they’re sold out How to order: online only Pick up times: Wed Nov. 24th from 11 am-5 p.m. or Thurs. Nov. 25th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pop Pie Co. 4404 Park Blvd., University Heights 619-501-4440
Moms know how to get things done, and that’s especially true for getting their kiddos to eat. When we can’t get our own picky eaters to finish their plate, we can rely on fab mom inventors who have crafted sneaky smoothie blends, gourmet baby food and plant-based kid-friendly foods. Keep scrolling to see some of our fave mom inventors who are ruling the kitchen.
Healthy Guts: Sour Lemon Beverage Co.
Mom to four kids, Callen was finding it hard to get her kids to reap the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar. The traditional taste of the immune boosting drink just wasn't kid-friendly––yet. So in the Spring of 2018 she set out to make a tasty version that was free from artificial ingredients and sugar. After just a few weeks, she finally whipped up a pitcher of ACV lemonade that passed the test! Great for both kids and adults, Sour Lemon Beverage Co.'s ACV concentrates reduce cravings, enhance your body's natural detox process and improve gut health. Made with organic ingredients, there's a flavor for everyone, like Pink Lemonade and Cherry Limeade.
Longtime friends Zein Mangalji, Staci Belew, and Maryl Georgi each come from an entrepreneurial background. The idea for Clarified Living came to Zein one day as she realized she wanted to create as many moments as possible with family, and how her childhood was seasoned with memories that involved her mother's cooking with ghee. So together she set out with her mom, Farida Mangalji, to craft a version with higher quality, consistency and variety. The two found the perfect recipe and started production in Houston. Now the team is busy creating unique flavors that include Jalapeño, Garlic Ghee and Cinnamon/Vanilla Ghee and educating consumers about the health benefits of ghee.
Kabrita was founded by moms and is led by a small team, making this goat milk-based line one of our favorite go-tos! Goat milk is naturally easier to digest than cow's milk, has a mild taste, and is rich in crucial nutrients! Kabrita offers baby formula, snacks, and toddler nutrition formula. Curious if Kabrita is right for your family? Try a free sample!
Mẹ’s Way, authentic Huế-style chili sauces are small-batch, carefully crafted and 100% mom-invented. Founder Chau Tonnu, a first-generation Vietnamese America and mom to a 7-year-old daughter herself, created a product from a recipe that has been passed down in her family from three generations of mothers to daughters. Choose from regular or vegetarian.
When Emily Groden's daughter was born in 2018, she wanted to have easy and healthy food options. When she couldn't find a good option for mini waffles on the market, she set out to make her own clean version that contained no refined sugars or preservatives. The Harvard-educated lawyer soon found herself making a huge career change into the waffle business! Evergreen Waffles are made with 100 percent whole wheat and flavored with real fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices. Each Evergreen variety contains 12 ingredients or less and makes for a quick breakfast or snack, anytime during the day.
You know your baby’s developing new skills every moment of every day. Support her growth with nutritious food that is customized to her stage of brain development. Launched in Sept. 2019, Cerebelly does just that. Founded by Dr. Teresa Purzner, neurosurgeon and mom of three, think of Cerebelly as neuroscience meets nutritional science. As baby’s brain develops, it needs specific nutrients to grow and reach its full potential. Cerebelly’s formulas are customized to the baby’s stage of development, and they’re yummy to boot (it was the first food our Editorial Director’s baby actually gobbled down).
Simply tell Cerebelly about your kiddo’s age and what they’re up to, Cerebelly recommends products to fit her stage of development and they deliver the food straight to your door. The organic blends include combos like black bean/sweet potato, carrot/chickpea, sweet potato/mango and white bean/pumpkin/apple. We’re impressed with taste of the food and felt confident we were feeding our baby nutrients he actually needed to grow and thrive. Bonus: Cerebelly recently expanded to Target!
When mom Beth Porter and her seven-year-old daughter went vegan, they struggled to find meals that were packed with nutrients but still tasted good. After experimenting in her kitchen, Porter developed the perfect amount of organic fruits, nuts, and seeds that resulted in frozen ready-to-eat organic spoonable smoothies. Sweet Nothings was born! Now, the delicious cups are available for purchase online, in 1,500 grocery stores across 10 states and include flavors like Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Coffee and Blueberry Beet.
Ashi Jelinek was at the beach with her three-year-old when she realized that the only options for beverages were packed with sugar. After that day, she set out to create a healthy kids drink that had tons of nutrients and zero sugar. KidsLuv launched in 2017, and now the brand sells their vitamin enhanced beverages that are vegan and contain Vitamins A,B,C and more! Jelinek's products are now sold at over 2,000 locations and at Thrive Market and Amazon.
Australian mom, Antoinette Jackson grew up with a deep respect for sustainable living and respecting nature on her family's rural farm. After touring the world, she settled with her husband and children in Chiang Mai, a mountainous area of Thailand. To help find per place in the Thai culture and combat the feelings of depression from the loss of a few friends, Jackson founded SuperBee Wax Wraps in 2016. Gleaning the process from her paternal grandmother, the eco-friendly product replaces plastic wrap in the kitchen. It's naturally antibacterial and handmade in Thailand by women in the mountains, providing jobs in the community and a sense of empowerment.
As a child, Linda York didn't entertain an interest or love for veggies. It wasn't until she became an adult and mom that she finally started to enjoy them. When she became a grandmother, she saw her grandkids express a waning interest in all things green, and she knew that bribery wasn't the way to help them become adventurous eaters. That's where the idea for "eat-able" stickers came in: using a kids love for stickers as a way to make fruits and veggies exciting. York created StickyLickits, all natural, food-based edible stickers that contain no sugars or dyes. After years of testing, StickyLickits now has their own original characters and licensed Nickelodeon and Sesame Street options, too! Kids just lick, stick to fruits and veggies and eat StickyLickits: healthy eating accomplished!
In 2008, Registered Dietician Katie Thomson became a mom. After becoming fed up by what she found for baby food options, she set out to create a better solution for parents. She met her future business partner Kendall Glynn at their children's elementary school where they worked together in volunteer roles at the school over the next few years. They created Square Baby® as a solution to feeding kiddos. Their program offers handmade meals made with whole, organic foods and the Square Meal System,™ which is made up of balanced meals with organic veggies, fruits, whole or sprouted grains, and various protein sources. Parents can rest easy knowing that meals have half the sugar and twice the protein and healthy fats as most pouches. Square Baby is also the fresh baby food company that offers a comprehensive allergen introduction option for each of the Top 8 Allergens.
As a new mom, Betsy Fore's main goal was making sure her son ate healthier early in life. With a decade of experience as an inventor, product founder and CEO, she and cofounder Sofia Laurell decided that the world needed more healthy, flavorful and textured food options for little eaters and Tiny Organics was born! The company's products helps introduce babies and toddlers to their first 100 flavors that will build adventurous eaters, are all 100 percent organic, fresh-frozen, plant based and built on essential fruits and vegetables.
Ready-to-Eat Meals for the Entire Fam: Nurture Life
When her son started eating solids, Jennifer Chow started making all of his meals from scratch. When he started eating foods beyond the easy-to-make purees, she found she was spending hours making "mini adult meals," like many of her friends. Wanting to avoid fast and frozen foods and provide fresh, nutritious meals Chow and her co-founder Steve created Nurture Life. The company provides freshly made and ready-to-eat meals that are balanced and made from antibiotic-free meats, whole grains and organic produce. Parents can choose from baby, toddler, kid, teen and adult meal options which are then made from scratch, delivered to your door and ready to eat in two minutes or less.
Lynn Lasher grew up in a home of entrepreneurs so when she lost her job one year, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Founded on the premise that when something is "homemade," it tastes better, Lasher started Somebody's Mother, with her first product inspired by her mom's own chocolate sauce. Now, almost 15 years later, Somebody's Mother sells a variety of dessert sauces, with every lid sharing a quote about mothering or parenting. Lasher says of her business, "I started Somebody’s Mother’s in April 2005 to teach my 3 children how to start a business and, more importantly, how to take matters into their own hands and to assume responsibility for their own financial well being."
As a registered dietitian, Lisa Mastela was overwhelmed by amount of nutritional needs that need to be met while pregnant and how on earth she was going to fit them all in. While a smoothie lover, she found it even more challenging to get all the ingredients she needed safely into the blender (an ER-worthy carrot situation really set things back) while navigating the kitchen with a belly. She set out to "help other soon-to-be mamas meet their baby’s nutritional needs and nurture their pregnancy symptoms in an easy, fast, and delicious way.” Bumpin Blends offers total customization based on your taste preference, dietary restriction and food aversions. In addition, customers have access to a Nutritionist around the clock via text message! Smoothie cubes come in 22 blends that support 22 symptoms, including morning sickness, heartburn and fatigue.
In 2012, Alison Cayne founded Haven's Kitchen, a cooking school, cafe and event space all in one. Mom to five kids, Cayne set out to make cooking at home more fun––and delicious. In 2018, she launched Haven's Kitchen Sauces, globally-inspired sauces with all natural ingredients inspired by recipes from her student's favorite classes. Now the mompreneur's products are available at over 300 locations, including Whole Foods Market.
Plant-Based Meals That Actually Taste Great: Splendid Spoon
Splendid Spoon was founded by Nicole Centeno, a mom who realized how difficult it was to attain a healthy-minded lifestyle with a 9-5 job and demands of family life. With Splendid Spoon, she’s made it her mission to make vegan plant-based meals accessible, nutritious and a daily habit that’ll power your day (no need to reach for that protein bar to get you through the mid-morning hangries) through a food subscription box. All meals come ready-to-eat, which is ideal for families on-the-go or new moms who may not have the energy to even boil water for pasta. Bonus: as of Jan. 2020 all of Splendid Spoon’s packaging is 100% recyclable.
Chef Kathy Fang, new mom and two-time CHOPPED champion, just launched Bon Petit, an innovative, freeze-dried, gourmet baby food line designed to provide busy parents a solution to feeding their children healthful, nutritionally rich, balanced meals. If you have ever traveled with a baby, you know what it's like to have to lug around tons of tiny jars of baby food. Bon Petit solves this problem as the baby food comes in freeze-dried packs that are liquid free, shelf stable and TSA compliant. They include whole food-based ingredients with protein, complex carbs, fiber and more. With options like Under the Sardinian Sea which contains Wild Dover Sole, Italian butter bean, oregano, tomato, olive oil and basil, tiny palates will be awakened.
Eat Your Veggies for Dessert: Peekaboo Organic Ice Cream
With flavors like mint chocolate chunk, cotton candy and strawberry, you may think that a scoop of Peekaboo Organic Ice Cream is just another sweet treat. But like most moms, founder Jessica Levison had a few tricks up her sleeve when she developed this line of ice cream that features secret spinach, cauliflower, beets and carrots in every bite. As a mom of picky eaters, Jessica knew first-hand what a struggle it was to get kids to eat enough vegetables. She put her ice cream skills to good use as the owner of Miami's Serendipity Creamery and developed this line of ice cream with hidden veggies. Look for it at a grocery store near you!
Necessity Is the Mother of Invention: Real Food Blends
When Julie Bombacino, an Indiana mom of two, found out that her six-month-old baby boy would need a feeding tube, she didn’t just sit idle. She began researching and discovered quickly that nearly half a million people in the U.S. alone rely on feeding tubes. The tube formulas made her son very sick, and Bombacino knew there had to be a better way. She began to experiment with real foods, pureeing things like carrots, chicken and sweet potatoes, to put in his tube. It wasn’t long before AJ stopped vomiting and began to improve. That’s when Bombacino knew she could not only help her son, but thousands of people like him, and Real Food Blends was born. Designed for people with a feeding tube, Real Food Blends comes in six flavors and each one has just five to eight ingredients. There are no preservatives, corn syrup, dairy, soy or nuts. Not only is it made and manufactured in the U.S., but it is also covered by home health companies and insurance companies.
Eating the Best at Any Age: Harlow's Harvest and FarmBox Direct
Ashley Tyrner, founder of Farmbox Direct, and her 8-year old daughter Harlow, CEO of Harlow’s Harvest, are bringing families together through food. Farmbox Direct is a door-to-door service that brings the freshest vegetables and fruits directly from organic farms. Harlow, a self-proclaimed vegan since she was two years old, wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pass on what she has learned to bring the same quality product as FarmBox Direct to other kids in the hopes of them taking better control of their nutrition. She founded Harlow’s Harvest with Ashley so that parents and kids can make cooking together fun, interactive and educational. Harlow’s Harvest is a monthly subscription box that comes with recipe cards, a science project, background on the dish your child would be making and an online game they can play that is connected to that month’s theme.
Bonafide Provisions was founded in 2011 by Sharon Brown, mom and clinical nutritionist who used bone broth to heal her son’s chronic illness. After her son suffered through years of sinus infections, ear infections and respiratory infections that resulted in numerous rounds of antibiotics, Sharon knew there had to be another way to heal him. That's where Bonafide Provisions was born. Sharon started making bone broth in her home and it is now available to purchase online. Bone broth is rich in minerals, collagen, gelatin, amino acids and other nutrients which detoxifies the body and heals the gut and joints.
If you want to feed your baby the best, but time isn't on your side (we hear ya, Mom!), turn to Once Upon a Farm. Their organic, cold-pressed blends are designed to enhance kiddo's nutrition and expand her palate without YOU having to shop, chop, blend and puree. The ingredient list is simple (never anything artificial or processed). In fact, many of the ingredients are sourced from farms the company knows and trusts. If Once Upon a Farm's mission sounds familiar, you might have heard of this beloved brand from Co-Founder and Chief Brand Office, Jennifer Garner. Garner, along with mom Cassandra Curtis, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, are bringing farm fresh baby and kid food to high chairs everywhere. These two moms are making it their mission to become a leader in the organic family food space, fighting for and supporting efforts to drive positive social change and food justice for families.
Lauren Jupiter and Jordan Gaspar started AccelFoods to help smaller innovative food startups make it to mainstream, with a specific mission—insure a healthier future of food. They raised the $40M venture fund in just four years and have helped over 30 brands like Kidfresh (all-natural kids meals with hidden veggies), Rethink Water (kid-friendly flavored boxed water), and Brami (plant-based protein snacks) grow their businesses. Not only are these moms inventors and entrepreneurs, but they’re also helping other moms find success as well.
In 1998, Gail Elvidge co-founded Vermont Nut Free Chocolates after her son was diagnosed with a life-threatening nut allergy. It was difficult for her to find nut-free baking products, chocolates, sweets, and products, so she and her husband Mark started the company to help families like theirs! What started as a small chocolate company in Vermont, has grown to nearly 40 employees, offering products like trail mix, gift baskets, fudge, truffles, baking essentials, hot cocoa, and much more. The company is proud to offer 100% peanut and tree nut free gourmet chocolates and products for those with or without allergies to enjoy.
When Dietician Dr. Michelle Davenport became a first-time mom she wanted to find (and make) easy, simple meals for her new eater that were big on nutrition and hadn’t sat on a shelf for months (or years). So, she co-founded Raised Real, a subscription-based meal service designed specifically for growing babes featuring organic baby food. The company uses superfoods and nutritional expertise to create each recipe—each one integrates fruits, veggies and micronutrients that are crucial for a child’s early development. They are delivered in pre-portioned, ready-to-steam packages that cost less than $5 per meal. You can opt to have meals delivered every two or four weeks, and you can skip or cancel at anytime.
As a parent, you’re constantly busy. So when it comes time to get that Amazon return back in the mail so you don’t miss your return window, you need all the help you can get.
Now you don’t have to make a separate trip to the post office––just head to Whole Foods. The Amazon-owned grocery store will now handle your returns free of charge.
Before heading out for your grocery run, start your return on Amazon’s Online Return Center. Choose your local Whole Foods Market (not all items or ZIP codes may be eligible for returns for now), then get your QR code ready from your email.
Then grab your return items and head to the store where you can find the Customer Service desk or Pickup & Return kiosk. You can leave the boxes at home––Whole Foods will package, label and ship for you!
Amazon is making it easier to get your groceries delivered! The e-tailer recently announced the expansion of Key by Amazon In-Garage Grocery Delivery to more than 5,000 cities and towns across the country.
After a trial of In-Garage Grocery Delivery that started in five cities last November, Amazon has upped the ante and given millions of Prime members the chance to use this super-simple service. Now you can get your faves from Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh delivered into the safety and security of your home’s garage.
photo courtesy of Amazon
Pete Gerstberger, Head of Key by Amazon, said in a press release, “Customers who tried Key In-Garage Grocery Delivery have loved the service, which is why we’re expanding it to everywhere Amazon offers grocery delivery.” Gerstberger added, “As customers look for more convenience in their daily lives, we’re excited to deliver another service that not only helps them save time, but provides peace of mind knowing that tonight’s dinner is safe in their garage and out of the weather.”
To use this convenient service, eligible Prime members can shop While Foods or Amazon Fresh online. You must have a compatible garage door opener or myQ Smart Garage Hub ($30) and the myQ app with Key. Select “Key Delivery” at checkout to complete your order.
For more info, visit Amazon here! For a limited time eligible customers can get a $20 Amazon credit after the first In-Garage delivery order.
A bouquet of freshly-picked flowers. (Champagne) breakfast in bed. Five minutes to breathe (or shower) without interruption. While these Mother’s Day gifts are all fine and dandy, here’s another way to celebrate Sunday, May 9: Support Chicagoland-based small businesses run by some of the coolest moms in town! Take a look at how these women balance creative careers and kids (while, in some cases, also creating all-new programming that helps your family thrive). . . during a worldwide pandemic.
Briana Beazley of Nadia Girl
Nadia Girl, owned by local mom Briana Beazley, makes tween clothing that not only feels and fits great but also helps girls feel more confident. All of the line’s designer duds are made of sustainable materials, with a portion of sales dedicated to organizations that empower girls through education.
“I began seeing my daughter struggling with her self-confidence while also being challenged to find her quality clothing that fits well,” shared Beazley. “I quickly learned that my daughter wasn’t alone. According to studies, girls as young as 9 often begin feeling insecure about themselves and their bodies. Poor-fitting clothing can make them feel even more self-conscious, insecure, and uncomfortable in their skin.”
How does Beazley manage mom-ing while running a sustainable tween fashion line? “I believe I balance running a creative business as a woman entrepreneur and being a mom probably the same way every other parent has to: I have learned to juggle. Some days are better than others! But my daughter really helps give me a great insight into the clothing her and her friends like and are looking for. And I’m incredibly grateful to have a daughter who is fairly self-sufficient now, which makes a big difference, especially when we are all at home!”
I opened Purple Monkey Playroom when my daughter was just shy of turning two,” explained Jessica Roubitchek, owner of Bucktown’s fave playspace. “I made the decision to keep the nanny I had initially hired when my maternity leave ended, even though what I was able to pull from my brand-new business often didn't cover the cost of retaining her. It was an investment in the future of my business and was the only way that I could have made a go of it. I am happy to report that it was the right decision and that eight years later, we are still going strong.”
Purple Monkey is a bright, nurturing destination for young children, parents and caregivers, offering drop-in play times, parties and more. In this time of social distancing, they are currently offering small group and private playtime. They managed to sneak in a small design-on-a-dime renovation during COVID shutdowns, so they're excited to showcase their upgrades.
Tired of the same old tight, short, and sparkly clothing options for their three girls, Kristen Flather, together with her husband, Fred, started Makoshey, a clothing company that focuses on comfy, stylish and durable duds made to keep up with girls who want to climb, explore, invent, dream, run, play and create.
Makoshey’s t-shirts are proudly printed in Chicago, and feature an ideal blended fabric pairing a super soft feel with reliable durability.
In 2019, Valerie Kahan decided she was done being torn between work and spending time with her kids. So she set out to build a business of her own: Art Makers Outpost, an environmentally conscious art makers-space for young artists and adults.
“I created Art Makers Outpost in part as a way to share creative, quality time with my kids. It’s a place where we can always be creating, side-by-side, as co-workers working on our own things, or on new art and ideas, together during closed hours. My kids often are the ones that come up with the project ideas for our classes!"
Randi Whitman was a professional dancer in her 20’s when she ruptured a disc in her lumbar spine. “I tried everything to mend myself without surgery,” said Whitman. “Nothing was really doing the trick. Then, I discovered Pilates.”
Today Whitman teaches her clients how to strengthen their bodies as “a whole picture, vs. pieces and parts”, via Pilates, a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Her bright, airy Bucktown studio, Frog Temple Pilates, offers group classes, private and semi-private lessons, as well as massage therapy.
“Balancing being a mom and a small business owner is truly a challenge,” said Whitman. “My husband and I really take on sharing the responsibilities, of which I am grateful for! Carpools, homework, sports, recitals, playdates, not to mention cooking and keeping the house in order on top of running the business is extremely challenging, but I do love it. That is not to say I am not falling over exhausted at the end of the day. Both of my “lives” are my passions. I love what I do. I help so many people get their lives back every day.”
Cookbook author and journalist Anupy Singla wears many hats. She’s the author of three books, including Indian For Everyone; a regular commentator on NPR; a culinary instructor at Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Whole Foods Market and the founder of a fast-growing food and housewares company, Indian As Apple Pie. She’s also the mom of two girls.
“I began writing an Indian food blog to better feed my young girls and immerse them in Indian cuisine, something I still keep at the heart of everything I do, no matter how busy my days get. Even if my work world is spinning out of control around me, I always try to ensure that everything flows into the idea of having homecooked meal options for my family by day's end. That means spending time on a Sunday organizing my following week starting with recipe testing for the blog and my books. Once I have that covered and dinner planned out, it's so much easier to fill the rest of my hours with other key elements including product development, fulfilling orders, and social media posts and marketing. My most successful work and home weeks start with planning."
For Mother's Day, Singla suggests paying a visit to her website indianasapplepie.com, where on the home page you'll see links to three categories of products. Folks can purchase a cookbook (which Singla will personally sign upon request), a set of lentils, and a pack of spices or spice blends, “the perfect combination of gourmet tastes, culinary adventure, and health.” All of Singla’s spice blends are roasted and ground in the United States, uncommon for spice blends, and the Tikka Masala sauce is one of the few vegan sauces of its kind on the market.
Stephanie Hart notes that opening her own business, Brown Sugar Bakery, in 2004, gave her more time to focus on being a mom. As she transformed from tech consultant to mompreneur, baking up her "dangerously delicious" cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies, pies and more at her Greater Grand Crossing bakery, she relished the extra time spent with her daughter. Her daughter is now a professional opera singer debuting at both the Lyric and Chicago Opera Theatre in 2019 while also still helping mom out with the bakery’s virtual branding strategy. Hart’s hard work paid off. She went on to open a second location, on Navy Pier, and was awarded America's Best Bakery on the Steve Harvey Show.
Brown Sugar Bakery prides itself on being a part of joyous family occasions and creating the taste of sweet memories. The bakery is best known for its specialty sweets, including sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and bread pudding as well as nearly 20 cake flavors, including German chocolate, red velvet, carrot and turtle.
Countless Chicago kids have learned to swim in the shiver-free pools at Goldfish Swim School (Roscoe Village and Wicker Park), co-owned by local mom Kathy Ryan and her husband, Bob. Goldfish Swim School provides year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years-old in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student to teacher ratio), shiver-free 90-degree pools, and a state-of-the-art water purification system. Families with children of different ages and skill levels can conveniently have all of their swimmers in the pool during the same half-hour time slot.
“Your kids get what they need from you even in these stressful times—whether I'm working or not, I aim to maintain a strong connection with my kids,” said Ryan. “There is a lot of social and emotional pressure right now, but no one has a map of how to handle this and we need to just remember to be kind to ourselves and others.”
Tai Kojro-Badziak is a partner with zpd+a, a Chicago-based architecture firm with projects nationwide. “We focus on adaptive reuse, mixed-use/ multi-family new construction, hospitality, senior housing and some residential,” explained Kojro-Badziak. “We were aggressively expanding and considering hiring up to three new people at the beginning of March. . . and then everything was upended. I was watching the spread of COVID-19 since early January, and in early March we rapidly transitioned to a work-from-home scenario for our entire team a week before the official shelter-in-place orders. We have a home studio space that is now my architecture firm and a kindergarten classroom!
Running an architecture firm from home while simultaneously homeschooling isn’t for the faint of heart. “My secret to getting anything done is to write a list of targets for the day and the week, and focus on just a few each day. That happens on many levels, since we are managing the staff remotely, and that also includes everyone's energy and emotions. We make sure to have some laughs: a weekly office competition and happy hour chat for work, and long runs and bike rides for our family. And my husband and I make sure to take deep breaths, give each other and our 6-year-old the space to feel all the feels these days. No doubt, it's hard! But good communication, making art, taking hot baths, and wine are helping me through!”
When Liz Hansen founded Chicago Boudoir Photography studio, she aimed to offer a Victoria's-Secret-style photoshoot experience for the everyday woman. “Women in every stage of life and in every size and shape walk out of the boudoir studio feeling empowered and celebrated. I opened the photo studio because I believe that every woman is beautiful and that every woman deserves to feel confident through gorgeous portraits.”
Hansen also aimed to create a life that prioritized family. “One of the great things about owning my own business is that I get to customize the business to work for our family. My business focuses on a very personalized experience for each client, so I limit the number of photoshoots I do each month. This allows me to pamper my clients individually and also have family time. As with everything in life, there are always trade-offs, but I ultimately believe being an entrepreneur and business owner will set an example for my children that will help them achieve their goals in life—whatever those turn out to be!”
Sara Fisher and Caitlin Giles founded 2 Moms Media LLC in 2011 after the dynamic mom duo realized a need to improve how brands reach moms. “Because we are moms and marketers ourselves, we can provide unparalleled expertise when it comes to connecting clients with their target audience of parents, women and other influencers,” said Fisher, mom of two boys. “We work with our clients to create and execute integrated marketing campaigns that deliver real results in line with strategy and budget.
Our services include media outreach, influencer management, grassroots marketing tactics, events, social media management, marketing analysis, brand positioning and more.”
“Our kids have really grown up alongside our business,” shared mom-of-three Murray Giles. “Over the past decade, it has been fun to have them involved in our work—whether it is helping out at a community event, working with us to assemble media boxes or excitedly reporting that their friends are planning to have their birthday party at a new business we are promoting. Every day is generally packed with work and kids' activities and we do our best to juggle it all—just like every working mom does!”
A stop into Monica’s Monica + Andy shops (or a virtual website visit) should be a must-do on every mom’s shopping list. This mom created this oh-so-adorable kids’ and baby shop for the sole purpose of making things better for moms and their babies, focusing on everything from better fabrics to better ways to shop for them. From this simple concept grew a space where moms come together to not only shop, but bond at one of the many events that encompass singing, dancing, bubbles, music, yoga, laughter and learning. Best part? The larger events always have a charity that benefits.
Monica shared, "My mom explained to me once as a kid that she would always tell me what I needed to hear vs. what I wanted to hear. She said, You will have many friends in life but only one mom.” And her advice to young girls looking to carve their own paths, "Dream big, but know the path might be long. You will eventually get to where you want to go but don't be afraid to work hard doing and learning as much as you can in your 20's. It is not always about specific job duties. Interacting with people is sometimes where you find real learning.”
Growing up in Phoenix, Melissa thought she’d be one of two things: A photographer or she’d live on a farm, wear overalls every day and marry a guy named Bob. Well, some poor schmuck named Bob missed out, because, lucky us, she chose photography. But, as mom to Bennett (5) and Owen (1), she has managed to maintain that girl-in-overalls mentality, really taking the time to enjoy the simple pleasures in being a parent–bike rides to the lakefront, relishing in those quiet moments at home where her oldest says something mind-blowing or feeling pride when they take the time to interact and say hello to a stranger on the street.
Melissa's advice to young women is, ”I think it would be to say “it’s ok” - whatever path that you choose: Stay-at-home mom or working mom OR not a mom. I think women have created so many roles for themselves that they have to feel good about what they choose and not put so much pressure on themselves because you can’t have the best-designed home, be involved in every kid and school activity, be the most successful at your job . . . you have to let a few things go and leave room for different things to take the front seat at different times in your life."
Julie (Greenberg) Jenkins of Midnight Circus in the Parks
Midnight Circus in the Parks
As a young girl growing up in Champaign, IL, Julie briefly thought she might be destined for a career in accounting. When she realized her skillset doesn’t include the ability to balance a checkbook, she swung her focus 180 degrees to being on the Muppet Show in any capacity at all. While that dream didn’t come to fruition either—your loss, Kermit!—she isn’t too far from hitting her target.
Julie is one-half of the husband and wife team that created Midnight Circus in the Parks. If you haven’t caught one of their traveling circus shows, you’re missing out! Not only will you see Julie, her husband, Jeff, and a close-knit group of professional performers, you’ll spot their son Maxwell (11) and daughter Samantha Rae (9) performing for over 15,000 people annually in parks all across Chicago. Serving as her greatest role models, Julie’s parents taught her the power of a good work ethic and the importance of giving to others—that as a society, we are only as strong as our weakest members. Putting that community mindset in motion, Midnight Circus in the Parks has raised over $900,000 for Chicago Public Parks to build play lots, provide new equipment and subsidize special programs for neighborhood parks.
The most allergy-friendly brownie mix list includes the new chip off the chocolate block, Partake’s brownie mix! Get ready to get your bake on because there is a whole lot of batter licking to be had.
1. Partake Foods
Product: Brownie Baking Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten Allergen Statement
2. Fun For All Foods
Product: Exact Batch Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten Allergen Statement
4. Kate’s Safe and Sweet
Product: Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Poppy Seed, Pea, Gluten Allergen Statement
5. Otto’s Naturals
Product: Grain-Free Classic Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8 Allergen Statement
13. Cup4Cup
Product: Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a facility that also processes milk.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy, Wheat, Gluten Allergen Statement
14. Pamela’s
Product: Gluten Free + Non-Dairy Chocolate Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a gluten-free certified facility, on equipment that processes Tree Nut, Coconut, Eggs, Soy and Milk. May contain traces of milk.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Gluten Allergen Statement
15. Good Dee’s
Product: Chocolate Brownie Low Carb Baking Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Mix is manufactured in a dedicated gluten free facility that also processes soy, milk, tree nuts, and eggs.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Gluten Allergen Statement
16. Safe + Fair
Product: Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Gluten Allergen Statement
19. King Arthur
Product: Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Produced on equipment that also processes eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Allergen Statement
20. Annie’s
Product: Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: May contain milk ingredients.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Allergen Statement
21. Krusteaz
Product: Gluten Free Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: May contain milk and eggs.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None
22. Trader Joe’s
Product: Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Soy
Precautionary label: May contain traces of milk and eggs.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Allergen Statement
23. Pillsbury
Product: Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: May contain egg, milk, and soybean ingredients.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Allergen Statement
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