{HustleMama} Review & Giveaway

{Back To School}

It's that time of year again, can you believe it? And it was a BIG one year, as my sweet boy started Kindergarten {sniff, sniff}!!  I hear that now the time really starts to fly....definitely.not.ready.

But one thing that can help you get ready is stocking up on awesome school supplies {stay tuned for a future post on a plethora of must-have "back to school" goodies!}.  That's where HustleMama comes in.  It's an etsy shop run by a local {Phoenix} Mom, whom I personally know, as she used to own a baby boutique that carried some adam's blankie couture!  Needless to say, she knows what's in style.  And one of those things are "green" food storage bags!  The huge benefit here?  Well, besides helping save the landfills, you also save money in your pocket, as you no longer need to purchase the {throw-away} plastic baggies once you have these. And with listings starting at just $4, there's options to fit every budget!

the 4 bags we received for review {orange and white you see is a NOTE, NOT a bag - just fyi} :)

So HustleMama sent me two of their sandwich bags and two of their snack bags to review.  Now, I'm no newbie to the world of ecofriendly bags, as I've made my own for my own kiddos {before you ask, yes we DID carry them in our shop a while back, but no longer do.  If you're a DIY'er, however, our pattern is available in the shop}.  The ecofriendly bags from HustleMama are professionally sewn with surged edges - bonus!  They are lined inside making wiping up easy.  And if the mess is a bit more involved, and wiping doesn't cut it, you can machine wash them!  I already did toss one of ours in the washer, and it came out perfectly.  The bags are also food-safe with no lead, BPA or pthalates.  Oh, and did I mention she has 48 fabrics to choose from??  If you know me at all, you know how much I love being able to choose my own fabrics, so that's a huge perk {LOOOVE the chevron print we received!}!

My one drawback with them is that my Kindergartener had a hard time getting the flap flipped open.  That's not to say he couldn't get to the food inside; he just had a tough time trying to flip the flap over.  The bags are made "envelope-style," meaning you must fold over the top in order to keep the bag open.  Now, you don't HAVE to flip the top back to get inside, but it makes eating easier and more efficient if you do.  That being said, as they are envelope-style closure, there's no velcro or snaps to mess with.

here's one of the bags with the flap opened back

 

BUY YOURS!

To get your own sandwich and snack bags, head on over to HustleMama and let Shannon know that Adam's Blankie sent ya!  Shannon is a true pleasure to work with, and offers top-notch customer service (just check her reviews while you're there!).

GIVEAWAY!

HustleMama has graciously offered to give away some ecofriendly bags to TWO of our blog readers!  One will win a set of 6 snack bags, and one will win a set of 5 sandwich bags! To enter, simply "like" HustleMama AND Adam's Blankie on facebook. While there, you *MUST* leave a comment on each page letting us know you found us on the Adam's Blankie/HTBC blog!  Then head back over here and comment that you've liked both facebook pages!  That's it!  Easy peasy!

Giveaway will close August 1st at 1:00 pm AZ time. Winner will be contacted via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize.  If no response is received, a new winner will be selected via random.org.  Winner name will also be posted at the bottom of this post once he or she has claimed the prize.

Good luck!  Hope you all have a fabulous "Back to School" experience!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

 

{Tastybaby} Review & GIVEAWAY!

I have to admit that before getting the Tastybaby products a try, I never even knew of their existence.   But let me just say now that I am really impressed with Tastybaby products.  They taste good.  They're healthy.  The company gives back.  

Tastybaby offers a line of organic baby foods and toddler snacks.  Their products include infant cereals, frozen purees, fruit snacks and cereal bars.   Not only are the foods organic, but they're delicious, too!

What kid doesn't love fruit snacks, right?  But the thing I especially love about those from Tastybaby is that they are organic and do NOT have high fructose corn syrup, preservatives or artificial colors and flavors, nor even gelatin. They're made from just real fruit juice and can even be eaten by those who are on a gluten-free or vegan diet.  Delish and smart.

Their organic baby frozen purees are quite a treat, too.  Really.  Tastybaby uses the innovative "blast freezing," which by industry standards is thee next best thing to picking the fruits/veggies from your garden and eating them right there on the spot.  This is because blast freezing freezes the fruits/veggies in minutes when the fruits/veggies are ripe and full of the most nutrients {and according to the American Cancer Society, this allows for even more nutrients than buying fresh foods because during the time gap between harvesting and consumption, foods lose nutrients}.  So basically those nutrients all get saved in the freezing process and then go right to baby when eaten!  LOVE that!  Their purees come in a cute little box, which includes two 3-3.5 oz cups.  All you need to do is thaw them overnight OR warm up in a bowl of hot water OR microwave for about 30 seconds.  Done. Baby is ready to eat.  We tried the "bangos" (banana & mango mix ~ love that cute name!), and it was absolutely delicious {I'd love this to go with my breakfast every day.  Seriously!}.  They offer a few other flavors, as well, and they are all marked for the different stages your child is in eating-wise {from the stage 1 beginning eater to the stage 3 eater}.

We've truly become big fans of Tastybaby at our house.  I just wish more grocery stores carried their products.  Tastybaby DOES have a form you can print right on their website to submit to your local grocery to request that they carry Tastybaby.  But another great option is buying from Amazon, where Tastybaby ships FREE!


BUY IT! Visit Tastybaby today to find a local retailer to get your own tasties for your kiddos!

WIN IT! One lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture/Adam's Blankie reader is going to win THREE FREE VOUCHERS for some Tastybaby goods!  Please see below for how to enter!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Tastybaby and come back here to tell me what entree or snack you'd most like to try (1 entry)! YOU MUST BE A PUBLIC HTBC/ADAM'S BLANKIE BLOG FOLLOWER {VIA GOOGLE FRIEND} IN ORDER TO ENTER!!  SO IF YOU'RE NOT YET, SIGN UP AT THE RIGHT!! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through February 14th. Winner to be chosen on or around February 15th!

Additional Entries!

Once you've completed the mandatory entry, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google and 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Give a shout out about this on your Facebook page (2 entries) - be sure to leave a link to your status update!

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry) and score coupon codes!

*Become a fan of Tastybaby on Facebook (1 entry).

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):

"Win FREE Tastybaby goodies for your kiddos @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Become a fan of Tasty baby on Twitter (1 entry). 

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post AND a picture of the prize!! (3 entries).

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! adamsblankie@gmail.com (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{HAPPYBABY} Review & GIVEAWAY! {giveaway is closed}.

If you're like me, you're always looking for what's best for baby ~ from hip, couture clothing to the healthiest, freshest food.

Now, I do make my own baby food because I think you can't get any fresher, healthier or tastier than making it yourself.  But sometimes we travel, or I'm too tired to whip up a new batch myself, or I just want to have some other things on hand that I myself don't typically make.  That's where the search for the best {commercial} baby foods comes into play.

Meet HAPPYBABY.  It's a company that offers frozen organic baby meals, probiotic {a "friendly" bacteria that helps discourage the growth of harmful, disease-causing bacteria} dry cereals with DHA {an omega-3 essential fatty acid to help develop eye and brain tissue}, toddler meals with hidden veggies, organic puff grain snacks {for baby and toddler alike} and organic freeze-dried yogurt snacks. And, as they are organic, they contain no pesticides, chemical fertilizers or preservatives.  Additionally, they offer allergen-free options - something many families deal with nowadays, I realize....it's good to see that another company realizes it, too!  And is if those weren't reasons enough to try out HAPPYBABY, for every package of their food you buy, HAPPYBABY gives to "Project Peanut Butter," which helps feed malnourished children in Malawi.


Well, we were able to test out pretty much all their products at our house ~ from their organic dry cereals and organic puffs to their Happy Bites toddler meals, we gave them a whirl.  So as our baby girl was brand new to eating solids, we started with the organic rice cereal.  And I have to confess - she didn't like it.  That being said, she hasn't liked any of the rice cereals we've tried since then!  Now, if you mix it with fruit, that's a whole different story -- and a success, at that!  So that's a win in my book!

Then we moved on to the Organic Puffs {we tried apple}.  They have half the sugar of other leading brands, are made from whole grains and are a good source of iron, vitamin D, calcium and B vitamins.  Plus, they help your little one develop small motor skills -- that is, self feeding. Baby K LOVES these and just can't get enough!  Even my 3 1/2 year old likes them!  Honestly, I'm not sure why...I tried one and thought it tasted like cardboard!  But more power to me AND them!! A healthy snack they crave!

 Next up was the HAPPYBABY Fresh Organic Frozen Baby Meals.  We tried the butternut squash & apple duo, along with a couple other flavors.  They come frozen in a package of 12 1 ounce-sized cups.  You can thaw overnight, or run under some hot water {for a mere few seconds}, and they pop right out of the tray.  The flavors are NOT mixed {instead, it's 6 cups of each flavor, in this case 6 apple and 6 squash}, but you can mix them together, as I did, and Baby K liked!  They're delicious, organic, & convenient...what more need I say?

And lastly, we tried the HAPPYBITES for toddlers.  We tried the mac & cheese & veggie tots {they also offer salmon stix & chicken bites in these}.  I thought both were fabulous {I would be happy to eat the mac & cheese ones myself!}, and so did our little guy.  They are organic, of course, and easy to prepare - simply heat in the microwave.  All their HAPPYBITES have hidden veggies, too, and are perfectly sized for smaller hands to hold.

What I also love is that HAPPYBABY has many recipes for you to make your own healthy meals for your little tykes!  They include using the HAPPYBABY products, and some baked goods {e.g., muffins} are good at hiding the nutritional ingredients - "Whoo-hoo!" for that ~ we with toddlers/pre-schoolers know how difficult it can be to get the "greens" into their little bodies sometimes, right?!

Here is a sample recipe from HAPPYBABY:

French Toast with Hidden Veggies

2 organic eggs

¼ cup of organic whole milk

1 tsp of vanilla

Cinnamon

1 cube (thawed) of HAPPYBABY Grrreat Greens

2 slices of bread (sprouted grain, flourless if possible)

Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl; add the milk, vanilla and great greens. Sprinkle cinnamon to taste.

Dip the bread and place in a hot non-stick pan. Use butter to coat it if you need to.
Serve with natural maple syrup OR try serving it with YoBaby Drinkable Yogurts to sweeten it! Our babies love it!
P.S.  The French toast will not turn green … promise!

BUY IT! Visit HAPPYBABY to find a local retailer who sells the HAPPYBABY line to get your own yum on! 

WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot & Baby Couture {Adam's Blankie} blog reader is going to win:

2 free trial coupons for each of our product lines OR 1 case of the product of their choice (you decide which is best)
1 Eric Carle Growth Chart from our marketing partner YoBaby
1 infant and toddler Nutrition Guide
1 FAQ on Probiotics & DHA
1 HAPPYFAMILY Recipes their own set of coupons for FREE HAPPYBABY goodies!  To enter, please follow instructions below!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit HAPPYBABY and come back here to tell me what entree or snack you'd most like to try (1 entry)! YOU MUST BE A PUBLIC HTBC/ADAM'S BLANKIE BLOG FOLLOWER {VIA GOOGLE FRIEND} IN ORDER TO ENTER!!  SO IF YOU'RE NOT YET, SIGN UP AT THE RIGHT!! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through February 6th. Winner to be chosen on or around February 7th!

Additional Entries!

Once you've completed the mandatory entry, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google and 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (1 entry).

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry) and score coupon codes!

*Become a fan of HAPPYBABY on Facebook (1 entry).

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):

"Win HAPPYBABY organic food from HAPPYBABY @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Become a fan of HAPPYBABY on Twitter (1 entry). 

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post AND a picture of the prize!! (3 entries).

*Enter any of our other current giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! adamsblankie@gmail.com (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

WINNER: ASHLEY! CONGRATS!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

Couture {Cupcakes}

Cupcakes are it.  All the rage right now, right?  I'm thinking now....this can only last so long.  So what's next?  Maybe brownie bites? Macaroons?  Cake pops?  I know it's coming...I just don't know what it is yet.

But while the cupcake takeover goes on now, you've got to swing by Sweet Estelle's to get some of this simply divine cupcake liners to dress up those cute cupcakes of yours!

Here are some of my faves {I'm thinking of doing of either a ladybug or candy theme for our baby girls' 1st birthday..what do you think of these for either idea???}:

this would be for the ladybug-themed party

this set would be for a candy-themed party

love this color mix

Sweet Estelle's also offers mini cupcake liners, cupcake toppers, cupcake kits, sprinkles and more!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{YoBaby} GIVEAWAY and Review *GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

What an ingenious idea!  Why not take yogurt and mix it with not only fruit but also veggies!   Well, that's exactly what YoBaby has done.  And, it's impressive, my friends.  Not only will babies eat it - they love it!! 

We just tried these with our 6 month old daughter {where does the time go!?}, and she absolutely. postively. loved. it.  She was scarfing it down and just couldn't get enough - seriously!  And, of course, I feel good about it because she's getting a balanced meal {yogurt, fruit, vegetable}, and it's organic {= no pesticides}.  Like all their yogurts, YoBaby meals contain 6 active live cultures, which help strengthen the immune system.

Yobaby offers 3 varieties of their yobaby 3-in-1 meals:
*apple and sweet potato
*peach and squash {this is the one we tried!}
*pear and green beans

And in addition to their YoBaby Meals, they have:
*YoBaby Original {fruit and yogurt - 6 varieties offered}
*YoBaby Drinkable
*YoToddler {yogurt, fruit and cereal with DHA and iron}
*YoKids
*Squeezers

They offer something for every child in your house, really.  And with all their nutrients, probiotics and wonderful flavor combinations, you really can't go wrong here.  We are definitely going to be stocking up on these.

WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader is going to win 2 free trials for YoBaby 4-packs AND and Eric Carle Growth Chart!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit YoBaby and come back here to tell me a store near you that sells YoBaby (1 entry)! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through October 23rd. Winner to be chosen October 24th!

Additional Entries!

Once you've completed the mandatory entries, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry).

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google and 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (1 entry).

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry) and score coupon codes!

*Become a fan of YoBaby on Facebook (1 entry - great recipe ideas here!!)

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):

"Win 2 free trial coupons from YoBaby @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post AND a picture of the prize!! (3 entries).

*Enter any of our other current giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

WINNER: JOANNA@FEEDINGTHEPRICES

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers - Use Code TODAY!

Just wanted you all to know that you can receive a FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers Today by using this promo code when checking out: Thanks.  The covers are valued at $32 each, but all you will pay is shipping ($9.95).  Even if you're not using one, get one now to save for your next baby shower!  Oh, and you can buy more than one ~ just open a new window to purchase additional ones.

Here is the link: www.uddercovers.com

Have a fab day!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Bulk up} on Fresh Produce.

We as mothers know how important as ever it is to get the fruits and veggies in our little ones, but we also know how expensive that can be.  And in this economy, unfortunately healthy eating often goes by the wayside.


So one solution I've heard of {and thought about doing, but haven't yet pulled the trigger on!} is joining a food co-op.  That is, an organization that groups people's resources {a.k.a. money} together to be able to buy bulk amounts of {fresh, might I add!} fruits & veggies.  You get loads of fresh produce at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at the grocery store.  Why?  You're buying in bulk and often times buying directly from the farmers themselves.  And all you need to do is pay the fee and pick up your produce.

I know there is the "Bountiful Baskets" co-op in Arizona, if you'd like to check it out!  And if you live elsewhere, just do an online search for "food co-op" with your city listed behind it, and you should be able to find some results.

Also, if any of you are involved in one, please let me know how you like it, and if you'd recommend it!

Have a fabulous day, everyone! :)

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

{Kid Basix/SafeSippy2} Review.

I know many of us have given a lot of thought into safe bottles for our babies, but what about when they get a little bit older and are using sippy cups? There doesn't seem to be as much emphasis in the marketplace on safe sippy cups for toddlers. But that's where Kid Basix comes into play.

Kid Basix offers safe, non-toxic bottles & cups for children, ranging from their stainless steel bottles to their sippy cups and even sports bottles {that would be great for Mom or Dad, too, by the way}. The Safe Sippy cups are constructed in stainless steel along with plastic parts that are certified to be free of BPA and phthalates. The stainless steel itself is also non-leaching & free of toxic chemicals, unlike some other metal bottles out there.

Safe Sippy2 {$14.95 - see coupon code below for 25% off!!}

We received this modern, hip teal Safe Sippy 2 cup, and as soon as my son saw it, he was asking to use it. Now I must tell you, he is very particular about his cups {and just in general for that matter...takes after his Mom!}, so the fact that he actually wanted to use this cup was the first
bonus for me! So I told him I'd wash it up for him, and he could use it with his breakfast. Then I got to reading about the cup itself and got even more excited ~ now this is some cup, Moms!

For starters, as I mentioned, it's a safe cup, and it's utterly modern and adorable ~ looks just like a cup Mom or Dad would use, so your toddler is sure to feel like a big boy or girl. But there's oh-so-much more! It includes the following features:

*removable handles
*removable insulating sleeve ~ great for helping keep the cold liquids cold, it also has little bumps on it for an easy grip for little hands
*dishwasher safe
*no-spill spout {hooray, for no spills!}
*straw adapator ~that's right, you can convert this bad boy for your little one who loves straws!
*travel cap ~ to help keep that spout clean and free of ickiness
*travel plug {the dark orange piece, shown in above image} ~ prevents fluids from spilling out and making a big sticky mess in the car!

I mean, come on now, how innovative is this cup? I especially love the removable handles because my son is so into having handles on his cups right now..but the beauty? Once he's over that stage and will presumably want nothing to do with handles {you know how toddlers are!}, I can simply remove them. And the fact that you can convert this cup from a typical sippy {that you tip to get a drink from} to one that uses a straw {hence, no tipping} is absolutely ingenious!

I'm so pleased with the cup, I plan on buying the pink version for our baby girl to-be!

BUY IT: To purchase your own Safe Sippy2 {or any other Kid Basix products}, visit Kid Basix. And as a Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader, receive 25% off your entire order with code AB2010 good 2/22-3/14/2010.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Peeled Snacks} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

So what snacks are your kids {or you, for that matter} eating today? Are they made with processed sugars? trans fats? or perhaps enriched wheat? Why not treat them {and yourself!} to something tasty and healthy!

I'd like to introduce you to Peeled Snacks, a company that specializes in bringing you fruits and nuts without any added sugar or fat. And what a novelty ~ when you look at the back of the package to check out the ingredients, instead of seeing a laundry list of things {of which you have no idea what they are!}, you see only "bananas" or "cherries," for example. A beauty. You may have seen Peeled Snacks before, as certain local retailers offer them, Starbucks being one of the latest. Their products are packaged in convenient "to-go" sized bags, that are easy to grab from the pantry and of course, allow for the freshest of snacks upon opening. And opening is a cinch, as you merely pull open with fingers, no tools {scissors} required.


The nuts are dry roasted and lightly salted, while the fruits are large chunks and quite moist ~ not the itty bitty dried up stuff you'll find in most trail mixes. They also offer many fruits organically, and for the chocolate lovers {like myself!}, they have rich dark chocolate of 61% cacao {Mmmmmmm}.


So Peeled Snacks sent us 6 separate packs of their fruits to try out: Cherry-go-round, and their 5 other organic fruit choices: pine-4-Pineapple, much-ado-about-Mango, Banan-a-peel, Apricot-a-lot & Apple-2-the-core {cute names, eh?}. They were a hit at our house, for sure. Now my son loves fruit anyway, but it's hard keeping fresh fruit at the house all the time, and these allow for just grabbing and going instead of washing, chopping and sticking in a bowl to take with first. Very convenient.

Our favorites were the cherries {Cherry-go-round} and Mangos {much-ado-about-Mango}, but they were all fantastic, and I really don't think you can go wrong with any choice. Next up, we'd love to try their Plu-what? {white peaches, plums, pluots & cashews} and Shock-olate {dark chocolate, pears, apricots, almonds & walnuts}...they sound simply divine.

I also must add that not only are they one of my new favorite snacks, but they've also been recommended {and eaten, of course!} by such celebrities as Mariah Carey, Liv Tyler & Oprah. As Oprah states, "Because they're packed separately, the nuts stay crunchy, the fruit stays moist, and you get a delicious boost over that 4p.m. energy slump." -The O Magazine

You can purchase your Peeled Snacks online or check their site for local retailers of their products.

And here's what you've been waiting for!!

The Giveaway!

Peeled Snacks is giving the same 6 packs of fruit picks we received to one lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader! {Open to US & Canadian residents only}.

Mandatory Entry: You must be {or become!} a HTBC PUBLIC google friend/connect follower first! Then visit Peeled Snacks to find a snack you'd like to try. Come back here and tell me what it is in a comment (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn! Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through March 7th. Winner to be chosen March 8th, 2010.


Want More Entries? Once you've completed the mandatory entry, you may do any of the following for more entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address, as well!

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible - via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL
(must leave link to your blog in comment - 1 entry).
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win a Peeled Snacks sampler pack of fruit picks! Enter at http://hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).
*Enter another one of our giveaways {upper right-hand corner} and let me know which one you entered {3 entries possible - 1 for each other current/open giveaway you enter}.

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Kinderville.

I love the whole concept behind Kinderville's storage jars.

They provide a one-stop solution for not only being able to store your children's foods and snacks, but also do so in a bacteria-resistant, BPA, Phthalate and Lead-free way, unlike your typical plastic containers. Not only that, but you can use them in the dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer AND microwave ~ talk about some great versatility! They also are made to stack together and are perfect for storing baby food, snacks or leftovers, and of course, being able to warm it all up in the same container without harming your little ones. They are available in 2 sizes, as well - the little bites (set of 4 for $19.99) and the bigger bites (set of 2 for $16.99).

They also have toxin-free freezer trays (set of 2 for $18.99) with 2 oz. serving sized cavities, which would be perfect for storing homemade baby food.



And these I would also love to have for making toddler yogurt pops ~ their adorable popsicle molds ($16.99 for set of 4).

Fab Ideas for Feeding Fiascos

Here are some fabulous ideas I ran across that some brilliant mamas came up with for common feeding fiascos we may all have encountered before.

Preventing a Burned Tongue
When the oatmeal comes out hot, it's hard for your toddler to wait for it to cool off. To prevent a burned tongue and save time, freeze some cubes of milk prior and just drop into the oatmeal when it's ready. It will cool the oatmeal and add some calcium & nutrition to the breakfast.

Preventing a Stained Shirt
Instead of having to fight food stains your little ones have managed to get all over their shirts at dinnertime, try assigning some of those free giveaways shirts you've received along the way as their designated "eating shirts." Stains won't matter, thereby saving you time & money with the laundry, and your kids won't feel bad about getting their shirts a bit messy.

Preventing Unnecessary Time in the Kitchen
If you have a couple kids, and one is going to school, while one is still at home, this is a great idea to save some time in the kitchen. Instead of preparing lunch for the older child (in school) in the morning, and the younger one at lunch time, just make them both together in the morning. You'll not have to make lunch twice in the same day, and your littler one will feel so grown up having his own sack lunch like big brother or big sister!

Keeping Germs at Bay on the Go

One of the best items my husband & I ever bought for our son when he was just learning to eat was the TinyDiner mat by Kiddopotamus. It rolls up easily for storage in your diaper bag, has suction cups for sticking to most tabletop surfaces, includes a built-in scoop to catch food & crumbs, and has a surface that is easy to wipe clean. You can just pluck it out of the bag, unroll, stick to the table & then place all finger foods on top for your little one to grasp! This is truly one item every parent should have, and makes a great baby shower gift (particularly paired with a designer toddler bibbie from Adam's Blankie!).

Sitting In Style

These have got to be the most mod high chairs I've seen around, and they are fantastic, I gotta tell you! They are a bit pricey, of course, but isn't that what a stylish baby is all about, after all? C'mon now, I know you splurge on your own jeans or stilettos sometimes, so why not for baby, too? These are technically "accent pieces" for your kitchen, so it's for you, too (tell that to the hubby)!




AGE HiLo High Chair - $299.00
Bloom Fresco - $399.99
Maclaren in Starck - $199.95

Tripp Trapp from Stokke - $249.00
EasyGrow from Mutsy - $148.95
K2 from Kuster - $250.00

K1 from Kuster - $250.00

Feeding in Style

We've all seen the cutesy "Winnie the Pooh" and "Cars" or any other assortment of animated cartoon characters on children's plates and cups, but haven't you been like me and wished for something a little less "loud" and a little more modern to just blend right into the kitchen and be "hip"? Well, I found your answer, and if you love ultra-modern, you're going to be in love with these little gems from Boon! I think they would make a fantastic baby shower or 1st birthday gift, too ~ these are items generally missed at baby showers, and I, for one, would have loved to have received these myself. They are all BpA-, phthalate- & PVC-free, and come in variations of orange, pink or blue.


Bender Utensils ($4.99)



Squirt Babyfood Dispenser ($6.99)


Saucer Divided Plate ($5.99)



Groovy Interlock Bowl ($11.99)



Catch Toddler Bowl ($6.49)


Toddler Cup ($5.99)



Modware Toddler Utensils ($4.24)

ROCKSTAR BIBBIE GIVEAWAY!

I have teamed up with Bliss Nine, and am giving away one of the ultra mod Adam's Blankie Rockstar Toddler Bibbies (valued at $14.50)! The bib is made of 100% cotton designer fabric, and backed with a plush, ultra absorbant & comfy chenille. The bibbie closes with a pearl snap, for extra "haute" factor, and for durability (versus velcro, which doesn't work after a few washes!). All fabrics have been pre-shrunk in baby-safe detergent, as well.

HOW DO I WIN??
Make sure to visit the Bliss Nine blog and leave a comment on the give-away there, along with leaving a comment on this Haute Tot and Baby Couture blog for your chance to win! Make sure to leave your email address so we have a way of contacting the winner.

Extra entries:
*Become a follower of this blog.
*Make a purchase from Adam's Blankie - every individual purchase = one extra entry!
*Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter (include link with your comment!).
*Grab my Adam's Blankie button and post on your website (include link).
*Grab my Haute Tot Couture button and post on your website (include link).

Help Your Kids Learn to Love Veggies

There comes a time when most children reject vegetables as an even remotely close edible option for dinner! (Some kids even reject them right out of the womb!) It's funny how their taste progresses...I remember my son absolutely loved his pureed peas and squash as an infant. Then, in an instant, one day he decides he won't tolerate them. It's maddening for parents, of course, especially when the pediatrician keeps asking about how the veggies are going, right?

I tried sauteeing the vegetables in butter, and adding some brown sugar to cooked carrots, or topping broccoli with melted cheese, but I'm telling you - these "tricks" just did NOT get past my son! (If you find they work for you, though, by all means....!) The one thing I DID find that worked was investing in a juicer. Now I can sneak in any old vegetable, as long as it's with enough fruit! I usually do some apples and oranges alongside veggies like carrots & celery -- you'd be surprised what you can get away with! You really can toss just about any fruit or vegetable in there (except bananas), so you don't have to follow a receipe, per se, although most juicers do come with a recipe book with some great mixing options.


Another alternative, or perhaps, just an "enhancer," if you will, would be purchasing "Henry and the Hidden Veggie Garden." It's a book written by actress and mom Kimberly Williams-Paisley, in an effort to get her own kids to eat their vegetables. Henry rejects vegetables by hiding them under his napkin, but after a visit to his aunt's farm, he discovers something that changes his perception of vegetables. You can purchase the book for only $5.00 at www.loveyourveggiesgrants.org - a small price to pay for investing in your child's health!

Just a few more days before we draw the lucky winner for the children's ironing board set! Make sure to check out the "give-aways" or post from 6/22 to enter for your chance to win!!