Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Before you light up consider this ..

I usually dont do this and I have been debating whether or not I wanted to but I just cant leave it be.
Recently I have noticed more and more people smoking in areas where they shouldn’t be. Places where there are numerous non smoking signs so that people who dont smoke or who have health conditions can be in a smoke free environment. By Mall doors , entrances to banks, or any area that is covered. I even recently encountered someone under a bus shelter smoking mind you it was starting to rain but that is no excuse. Why do I and so many other people including children have to be subjected to inhaling smoke as soon as you leave the mall ? Or why should a pregnant lady have to stand in the rain because you need a smoke at a bus stop? I am so sick of having to push my son through clouds of smoke and as well having to just walk through it myself. I am pregnant if I wanted to smoke then I would but I chose not to because of the health risks to myself and my children. Why are you as a smoker making the decision that i have to breathe it in and possibly hurt my children.. We know second hand smoke harms people there has been alot of documented proof on this. I use to smoke and I use to smoke alot about a pack and a half a day and then I became pregnant with my son and i quit for his health. I personally loved to smoke but when I did I at least respected others enough not to smoke by doorways or under areas where there was no smoking allowed and never in front of children. So all I am asking is next time you light up consider where your doing it and who you are affecting because If you look around I am sure your not the only one standing in that area.
 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The World of Toddler Snacks

I have recently been doing alot of research for little finger food or snacks for my sons second birthday.  I have been challenged now that my son is eating more to find healthy and interesting food ideas that he will actually eat. If you have a toddler then you know how challenging it can be. And I find now that he is entering his terrible two stage or should I say in it he is more and more picky and wont even put anything in his mouth unless it looks interesting. With that said I thought i would list some of the ideas / recipes that I have found in hopes that it may help someone as they have helped me.  And remember the more visually appealing the more likely your toddler will eat it.. be creative :)

1: Jello boats.. Take an orange and cut in half. scoop out the insides fill it with berries and Jello let set in the refrigerator. cut into quarters and use a toothpick and piece of paper to make a sail...

2: Hummus and pita or veggies..

3: Cucumber canoe ..   Hollow out half a cucumber and fill with tuna salad or egg salad..

4:Fruit and yogurt parfaits.

5: Cookie cutter sandwiches..

6: Banana bread .. ( add some chocolate chips and your toddler wont say no)

7: Cooked cherry tomatoes.. Fill with rice mixed with some goat cheese and bake.. yummm

8: Mini Quiche.. ( freeze for an easy snack on those days you dont want to cook )

9: Mini pizzas :  Make your own mini pizza on an english muffin half or even pita bread.. A touch of tomato sauce , cheese and whatever toppings you choose.

10: lettuce, cheese and meat wraps..  ( my son loves these)

11: Veggie/fruit/cheese  plate..  ( cucumber ,baby carrots grated ,  cheese, berries or orange pieces)

12: Fruit bars.. ( love, love , love these )

13: Mini pancakes or crepes topped with applesauce

14: Cheerios , quaker oat squares, dried fruit in small pieces and chocolate chips  mixed together for a trail mix.

15: Mini muffins.

16:  yogurt with fruit to dip in it .

17:  Fruit smoothies.. There are tons of recipes out there on the internet and if you have a magic bullet they are so easy to make!!

18: Meat balls ..

19: Crackers and tzatziki...

20: hard boiled eggs.

21: Yam Fries.   What little one could resist.

22: Fruit salad

23: pinwheel sandwiches.. add desired filling and roll.

24: French toast sticks.

25: Quesadillas  ( cheese and cut into small slices)


If you have any ideas to contribute I would love to hear them.  Please feel free to comment below :)