Our truck collection is growing past the point of easy storage options! Check out Jack's Valentine from Grandma. I might have to buy stock in Bruder Toys!

Bruder Trucks

Jack's favorite truck in the world.  A Bruder German made truck with real working parts. When I can't find my jewelry or anything else that is smaller than the palm of my hand, I look in the garbage truck.  Unfortunately I am now versed in all garbage truck parts from the packing panel to the hopper. Great quality, Jack has played with it every day since last September.  Winner!

Grandma picked up the Bruder Cement Mixer for Christmas. Big hit! We used dried beans as cement (easy to clean up) and we build, pour and create masterpieces. 

Next Aunt Carrie purchased him the Jeep Wrangler & horse trailer. Wheels turn 360, the top comes off and you can even check out the engine.  The Jeep is beyond realistic - looks just like the one I had after college!

O.N.E. Coconut Water for Kids

Like all kids today, Jack has been exposed to the "juice box" phenomenon.  However, I believe we should eat our fruit vs. drink it for better nutrition, healthier teeth and less obesity in children.  Coconut water is one of my faves for Jack and I feel great giving it to him. Coconut water is high in potassium, no sugar is added and works as a great replenisher of electrolytes.  And...I can get it in a little box that looks just like all those juice boxes my son sees other kids toting around from O.N.E. Drinks.  Coconut water is the purest liquid next to water. It is isotonic which means that it easily slides into the body's cells to hydrate and nourish as well as water does. Plus CW has potassium, magnesium, other vitamins, and minerals that will help small (and big) bodies stay in a nutritionally balanced state. I rely heavily on it when Jack is sick - it is a great way to rehydrate and in no way as sweet as Pedialyte - he won't drink the stuff. The straight coconut water is a bit of an acquired taste, but you can find naturally flavored ones too. Jack likes the pineapple, pink guava and mango from O.N.E. drinks. Check out their page on Healthy Drinks for Kids. They also have a kid specific line called O.N.E. KIDS with more kid friendly flavors like apple, orange, fruit punch and raspberry lemonade and are about 1/2 the size.  I recommend all of the O.N.E. products.  In Texas it gets hot and this is a great way to make sure my little crazy guy stays healthy & hydrated!

Snow Angel

If I told him once, I told him twice, snow angels are easier to make on your back! Snow in Dallas makes for a great day. Maybe next year Jack will stop trying to eat the carrot!

Alphabet Cookies by Newman's Own Organics

ABC! We love these alphabet cookies in our house by Newman's Own Organics, a division of Newman's Own, who create old time favorites with the highest qualify of organic ingredients.  Jack's favorite is the Cinnamon Graham (okay, my favorite too) and I have to change where I store them each time he has a few or he will track them down and gobble them up.  There is a heartiness to them that gives a nice "full feeling" to your tummy after just a few, but to a toddler it is still a cookie buffet.  We are working on our alphabet now and I like to give him enough cookies to spell a word like "cat" or "fly" which he really loves.  And when is the last time you saw Arrowroot Cookies?  When you are Whole Foods picking up the Sammy Jammy, your sushi and a bottle of wine, grab a bag!  And feel good about it, Newman's Own Organics donates to charity just like Newman's Own.

Jammy Sammy in my bag

Kids? Healthy and easy snack? Then one must try Jammy Sammy by Revolution Foods. You can find them at Whole Foods or Babies R' Us but I prefer a shopping trip Whole Foods any day.  I think we would all prefer shopping at Whole Foods over Babies R' Us or Toys R' Us any day, do it at lunch time and grab some quick sushi while there. Call me if you want to meet up!  Anyway, check out the nutritional content, I promise it is not a bad deal.  They are totally handbag size, you can even fit one into a tiny clutch.  They have been lifesavers for us on road trips & while flying. Jack has been eating them since about 12 months and they fill him up and he loves them because they look like a little treat!

Jack & Daddy Day

At least twice a month Jack and his Dad head out at 9am for the Dallas Zoo. The new section "Giants of the Savanna" is amazing. They can hang out in this section for hours. And then they always top off their trip by having lunch with the lions.  The zoo has designed the restaurant in the Savanna with a glass wall adjacent to the lion's den.  It is shaded there so the lions naturally gather here to sleep. Jack sits on the floor against the glass and the only thing separating him from the lion is the glass - literally. It looks like he practically holding hands with a lion. Fabulous guy time for Jack & his partner in crime.

Jack's 1st Photo Shoot

Jack had his 1st Photo Shoot with a friend of mine, Jen Hughes.  It was absolutely fantastic. His pictures turned out just perfect. I think this one says it all. If you have a crazy little guy or gal who won't sit still like me, don't think its not time for pictures. Jen was able to run all over with Jack, entertain him just enough and take "real' pictures - nothing posed - which are my favorite kind.  This one makes my heart melt.

Grimaldi's again!

Birthday time again!  I have mentioned it before, but Grimaldi's Pizzeria, West Village offers a free large pizza (sign up online) for their birthday club. Totally worth it -fabulous New York style pizza and great wine.  But most importantly, they are totally kid friendly and I can enjoy a glass of wine while my little guy plays with the big ball of pizza dough they bring him to keep him busy.  He loves it!  He is 2 and it is like playdough to him. Wine, pizza, happy kiddo! Kudos to our server - he was quick and took a moment to talk to Jack, which always makes him feel a part of the evening!

Living for Two: A little inspiration

Living for Two: A little inspiration: "This little doll has me yearning for Burberry. She is so simple and chic, and just a little bit shy. Notice the bubble wand...what a perfe..." If I only had a girl! But I feel the same -I want a trench coat. Just love it!

Snikiddy

I am all about these new "baked fries" from Snikiddy. Who doesn't love cheesy fries?

• No preservatives
• Gluten & wheat free
• No corn syrup
• 50% less fat than regular chips
• No transfats

They come in yummy flavors - cheddar, parmensan garlic, ketchup & original.  We love them all in my house.  Better than giving the family cheetos and they remind me of a childhood favorite of mine, hot fries. Pick up a bag at Whole Foods.  I am next in line to try the "bold buffalo" version, that should bring back some "hot fry" memories from junior high.

Pumpkin Party

I don't know which I want more...the sassy kitty or the proud chihuahua!

I love, love, love Fall. And it is finally here.  No more telling Jack it is too hot to play outside.  We can toodle around the block and in the backyard all evening.  Saturday October 16th from 9am to 1pm is the annual  Dallas Farmers Market Pumpkin Party.  Plenty of great opportunities to snap handsome pics with pumpkins, scarecrows and Dad.  And lunch options? There is so much to sample, buy and munch on!  We plan on trying out Pecan Lodge inside Shed 2 after we have made our rounds of pumpkins and veggies.  Check out the  menu - sounds FAB don't you think?  And they have a few little meals for the kids, including a chicken drumstick - see my previous blog about chicken legs - winner, winner chicken dinner for Jack. Anyway, we plan on walking away with balloons, a pumpkin for carving and probably all the fruit & veggies we need for the week.  See you there!

Oh My Pancake!

So we (meaning my son) like pancakes for breakfast.  And we like them to be fast.  Mom wants them healthy. Say hello to Organic Batter Blaster, my new best friend.  I can make pancakes in 3 minutes and only dirty one pan.  I absolutely love, love this product, particularly for the working mom.  No cereal bars for me, I can whip up three pancakes in no time at all and my son is all smiles. I promise you will like it!  I pick mine up at Krogers - not every grocery has it!

Chicken Leg

So as Jack's little palate matures, he has taken to a new dinner item.  Chicken legs! He loves them roasted or on the grill. He will gnaw away on a chicken leg until there is nothing but bone.  Makes for an easy and relatively healthy meal. If grilling outside, I throw corn on the cob on the grill. Same reaction - he just gnaws away at it. His eyes light up each time a corn kernel explodes in his mouth. Super easy! And in a pinch, the kid's meal at Boston Market also offers a roasted chicken leg with a vegetable and cornbread.  Or ask them to give you a second veggie in place of the cornbread - they do it for Jack and I all the time.  Another last minute idea for chicken legs - the kid's meal at Kentucky Fried Chicken. I know you are thinking "no way" but you can get the grilled chicken leg as your meat.  The meal comes with a veggie (we did green beans), a string cheese & a drink.  I keep asking them to offer milk, so if you stop by do the same!  The meal comes in a cute little "laptop" box, which kept Jack's attention all through dinner.  And the grilled chicken leg at KFC has just 4 grams total fat, 1 gram saturated and zero transfats!

Go Mediterranean

One of the first dining out experiences I had with Jack was at Fadi's on the corner of Knox & Central Expressway.  The dining room is open, there are plenty of highchairs, and more than enough vibrant colors in the room to keep my little maven's curiosity while Mom & Dad eat.  But the best thing about Fadi's for Jack is the food!  Lowfat, plenty of soft items, great textures as his eating capabilities mature, bold spices and everything is cooked in heart healthy olive oil.  By eight months Jack was eating hummus, eggplant, soft potatoes and baba ganoush.  I know it help to develop his palate and definitely encourage him to dig into his plate. Jack is not afraid of any food,and I think introducing him to all types of food before he was a year old really helped develop his love and appreciation of his meals.  So venture out Mamas - go for the wild, go for the fresh and just let your maven use his hands. It is messy, but I smile everytime I think about him shoveling uber soft eggplant to his mouth at 8 months. Heads up everyone, I have started writing for the Examiner.com - check out my 1st article -which is of course about Fadi's! I am the Dallas Healthy Restaurant Examiner!  Hope you suscribe and enjoy!

Big Blue Eyes

I just melt when I look into those big blue eyes.  Shout out for his sippy cup - I think it is the best - no leaking, keeps it cold, and is as close to tipping a cup that I have found.  No big sippy spout, just a small hole on a slightly raised lip - and you barely sip to make it come out.  It is the Tommee Tippee Sippee Cup for 24+ months.

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My Bike!

Jack is definitely ready to move up to a big boy bike.  There are about six bikes at his school and I am pretty sure he thinks the all belong to him!  Any suggestions for his first trike? I'm considering the Skuut Balance Bike which teaches balance first (similar to walking) rather than a traditional tricycle.  Would love your comments!

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Is your turtle this cool?

So I am totally digging the Robeez loafers these days.  The Surfin' Turtle is absolutely adorable!  I can't decide whether to buy Jack the Lizard Loafer or the Turtle.  The Lizard is Topsider preppy heaven while the Turtle is layed back luxury for the big guy.  I may end up buying both!

Quiche & Carrots

After reading yesterday's post from Raising Foodies, I had to share my favorite go-to healthy meal for Jack.  I prepare a simple spinach quiche using frozen chopped spinach & a prepared frozen pie crust (a must for the working mama at times).  Add to it a side of glazed carrots cooked in orange juice & brown sugar and my little guy swells with delight at dinner. And I usually add fruit to round out the plate.  Fresh berries have been fabulous lately at my new haven down the street Newflower Farmers Market and I can easily dash in and out pretty quickly since it is on the small and comfy side.  Blueberries were huge & yummy just yesterday.  Jack ate blueberries at dinner, at breakfast, and I'm sure at snack today...

Birthday Dinner with the Family

Grimaldi's Pizzeria in the West Village has a cool birthday program.  Sign up online and receive a free two item pizza for your birthday.  We love to take Jack with us - they give the mini mavens a big ball of dough on a cookie sheet sprinkled with flour - genius! Keeps the little man happy while Mom & Dad enjoy great pizza and a little vino.