Saturday, November 20, 2010

Baby's First Thanksgiving Receipts



A Thanksgiving to Remember

Make Baby's first Thanksgiving one his taste buds will never forget. We've put a baby-friendly spin on eight traditional holiday foods, many of which are probably already on your grocery list. Pick a few of your favorites for the big day or make them all and freeze the extras for later. Even babies love Thanksgiving leftovers!

First Thanksgiving Menu
-Sweet Potatoes
-String Beans
-Turkey
-Pumpkin
-Butternut Squash
-Potatoes
-Stuffing
-Apples




Sweet Potatoes

If you're making sweet potatoes for your Thanksgiving crowd, set some aside before adding seasonings, milk, or butter. Make a smooth puree for babies as young as 6 months or simply fork-mash into a chunkier consistency for older babies.

The Next Step: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (not both) if your baby has been eating solids for a while. Self-feeders can enjoy diced cubes of very tender steamed sweet potatoes.




String Beans

Mom always said "don't forget your veggies," and we agree. Set aside some unseasoned green beans and make a puree for babies 6 months and up. Self-feeders can eat very well-cooked beans that are cut into kiddie bite-size pieces.

The More, the Merrier: Let Baby use some of the sweet potato puree as a dip -- this is one time when it's OK to play with his food.




Turkey

Grandma will beam when she sees her little prince gobbling her signature roast turkey -- just hold the gravy. Start with your favorite recipe, then chop the turkey very fine using a food processor or chef's knife. This is best for babies who are already used to eating solids and meats, usually 7 months and up.





Pumpkin

Before making your pie filling, reserve some of the puree -- it doubles as a sweet or savory treat for babies. Serve it mixed with very finely chopped turkey for the main course, or on its own to end the festive meal.

The Next Step: Spice things up for more experienced eaters by adding a dash of cinnamon or cloves to your puree. Or sprinkle the spices on well-cooked, peeled cubes, steamed or roasted, for self-feeders, usually 9 months and up.




Butternut Squash

Before making your butternut squash soup, save some puree for baby. You can serve the squash on its own or with finely chopped turkey. Much like pumpkin, squash has a delicate, naturally sweet flavor that babies love. Or try serving tender steamed cubes (shown at left) for more experienced eaters.



Potatoes

Sweet potatoes get all the nutrient glory, but that doesn't mean you should skip white potatoes. Steamed, baked, or boiled, they're a good source of fiber. Give beginning eaters a taste of plain mashed potatoes -- or serve well-cooked, soft cubes to self-feeders -- and you just might avoid the French fry frenzy as they get older.



Stuffing

The aromatics (onion, garlic) and veggies (celery, carrots) in many stuffing recipes can be delicious to more experienced eaters, generally 9 to 12 months old. Skip the chestnuts and dried fruits, though, since they're allergy and choking hazards. Your best bet is to reserve some of the ingredients and make a simple stuffing for your baby to enjoy.


Baby's First Stuffing

Makes: 8, 3/4 cup servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 35 minutes
Baby's First Stuffing
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoonbutter
  • 1 smallonion, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
  • 2 ribscelery, finely chopped (3/4 cup)
  • 2 largecarrots, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 teaspoonminced fresh garlic (1 to 2 cloves)
  • 8 cupscubed plain croutons (8 to 9 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoonfresh finely chopped parsley
  • 1 14-ounce canvegetable broth

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Melt 1 teaspoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until onion and celery are tender, stirring occasionally. Add carrots and garlic. Cook 1 minute more. Tranfer mixture to a large bowl.

2. Gently Crush any croutons that are larger than 1/2 inch. Add croutons and parsley to vegetable mixture. Drizzle 1/2 of the vegetable broth over bread mixture. Toss to mix. Add remaining vegetable broth and toss again.

3. Transfer to a 2-quart greased baking dish. Cut remaining butter into bits and dot over stuffing. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. Makes 8, 3/4 cup servings or 24, 1/4 cup servings.

Nutrition Facts per 1/4 cup serving: 47 cal; 1g protein; 1g fat; 8g carb; 11mg calcium; 1g fiber.

Nutrition Facts

  • Servings Per Recipe 8, 3/4 cup servings
  • Calories142,
  • Total Fat (g)3,
  • Saturated Fat (g)1,
  • Monounsaturated Fat (g)1,
  • Cholesterol (mg)4,
  • Sodium (mg)345,
  • Carbohydrate (g)24,
  • Total Sugar (g)1.5,
  • Fiber (g)2,
  • Protein (g)4,
  • Vitamin C (DV%)4,
  • Calcium (DV%)3,
  • Iron (DV%)7,
  • Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet


Apples

It may be too soon for apple pie, but Baby can still enjoy this naturally delicious fruit. Peel and core an apple; add it to a small pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork tender. Drain and puree in a food processor for babies 6 months and up.

Spice It Up: Add an extra layer of flavor with a dash of cinnamon or cloves for more "seasoned" eaters.




Thanksgiving and Beyond

Setting a good foundation from the start will make mealtime something Baby always looks forward to, so make sure his first Thanksgiving leaves a tasty, lasting impression.

Source: www.parents.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Shop it to Me!




Shopittome.com is your free personal online shopper. Once you tell them your favorite designers (such as Alexander Wang, J.Brand, Black Halo, Diane Von Furstenberg, John Varvatos, Tory Burch, DKNY, Vince) and sizes, they’ll take over. They’ll work as your personal shopper scouring the Web to find the items you love and send you personalized e-mail alerts that feature the latest markdowns, secret promotion codes, and VIP sale events. Your made-to-order Salemail™ will arrive in your in-box only as often as you like. They are a trusted personal shopper relied upon by millions of fashion-forward women and men.
Why do You need Shop It To Me?
Are you too busy to spend hours searching the Web to find out who carries the merchandise you love, and better yet—who’s got it on sale? Do you get frustrated when you find an item you love, only to see that it’s already been sold out in your size? If so, Shop It To Me is for you!
Is Shop It To Me free to use?
A BIG yes!!!! Shop It To Me is completely free to use. And, it saves you money by giving you a heads up on sales and special offers you’re likely to want.
How do I sign up?
It takes less than two minutes to sign up for your free Shop It To Me account. Just tell them if you’re looking for women’s, men’s or kids’ clothing, select the brands and designers you love, tell them your sizes and pick how often you wish to receive your personalized Salemail. Before you know it, you’ll be wowed by the amazing steals ’re able to find on shoes, handbags, accessories, must-have pieces for the season and more.

Tell your friends!
If you’re the type who tips off friends to savvy style secrets—they’ve got lots of simple ways you can easily spread the word. Plus they are happy to reward you for doing so.Right now they are offering a $10 gift card so different retailers if you have 10 friends sign up.
Privacy policy?
They do not share your personal information or email address with any third party. They do not sell or give away your information.
Is Shop It To Me spam?
No! Shop It To Me is a closed and private email list with a required subscription. THey hate spam and only want you to use our service if you find it useful.


Shop It To Me Salemail shows a list of items that retailers have recently put on sale. Once you click on an item, you are taken directly to the retailer's website where you make the purchase directly from the retailer. Shipping charges and returns are handled directly from the retailer as well, so make sure to check the retailer's policies before you make a purchase.

I have signed up for the emails and so far I have found some great deals. I hope that it can help you find some great deals too!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Books & Babies!!!


Books & Babies Lap-sit - read to your infant!

Every Friday from 10:15-11:00am and Thursdays from 3:15-4:00pm, come to the Library 3rd floor Broadway room and read to your baby. Join in the fun!
For more information please call the Children's Services Desk at 657-8256.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Healthy Halloween!

YMCA Healthy Halloween Party

Sneak Peak for members at 1:00pm. Haunted Hallways, games, spooky activities, contests and more!
No candy is handed out, only toys and prizes as "treats". Preschool age
children through 12 years of age are welcome! This is a free event!
When
Sat Oct 30 2pm – 5pm
Where
Billings Family YMCA


Ghost Cave


Saturday, October 30, 2010

7:00 - 8:00 PM, at Pictograph Cave State Park

Enjoy a guided interpretive tour of Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Caves by starlight or flashlight.


Have some warm apple cider and seasonal treats around a campfire in the park's picnic area.

Dress for the weather and bring and bring a flashlight and lawn chair.

Directions:

Pictograph Cave National Historic Landmark is located 7 miles southeast of Billings off I-90 at the Lockwood exit, then 6 miles south on Coburn Road.


Howl-o-ween @ Zoo Montana

Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 30th & 31st

Time: 12-4pm

Admission Information:

Members entry at noon.
Non-Members entry at 1pm.

Zoo Opens at noon on both days.

Kids (Ages 3-15) receive free Admission when entering in costume.

Adults $6.25

Seniors $4.25

Dozens of businesses providing candy and samples to every kid.

Good Bear Day!!!


Celebrate 25 Years of Good Bear Day at the Parmly Billings Library
Saturday, October 30 at 10:30 am
Calling all Teddy Bears!
All teddy bears are invited to bring their favorite child to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Go
od Bear Day. This event for kids honors the birthday of President Teddy Roosevelt. Coloring contest enteries are due by October 29. Then come in on October 30th at 10:30 am for the parade, prizes and fun!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Trick-or-Treat! Bag & Bucket Ideas

Here are some fun Halloween Bags and Buckets:





Monster Treat Bags

Help your little one transform a paper lunch bag into a creepy Halloween monster.

From the Blog: Crafts by Amanda

Materials:
-Brown paper lunch bag
-Acrylic craft paint
-Paintbrush
-Construction paper
-Scissors
-Glue stick
-Black marker
-Spray glaze or acrylic sealer (optional)

Instructions:
1. Paint bags whatever color you like. Stand them up and let dry. (Place soup cans inside so they don't tip over.) Add another coat and let dry again.
2. While bags are drying, cut facial features out of construction paper. You can use your imagination to make some fun eyes, mouths, and hair.
3. Cut polka dots, squares, stripes, or any other type of decoration you would like to use for your monster.
4. Fold down the top of the bag so that you don't accidentally glue your facial features too high.
5. Using your glue stick, decorate the bag with the stripes, squares, or polka dots. Be sure to cover the entire back of paper shapes with glue so none of the corners stick up.
6. Let everything dry, then apply a coat of sealer spray (optional). Let dry and fill with treats.




Personalized Treat Buckets

These monogrammed baskets make smart use out of recycled ice cream containers.

From the Blog: Brown Paper Packages

Materials:
-Empty ice cream bucket with a handle
-Felt
-Hot-glue gun
-Ribbon, about 5-6 yards per bucket
-Scissors
-Foam stamps
-Craft paint

Instructions:
1. Using the hot-glue gun, apply the felt to the bucket, covering the entire outer surface. Trim where necessary.
2. Glue ribbon to the top and bottom of the bucket, covering up the felt edges and the top rim.
3. Tie ribbons along the handle.
4. Use paint to stamp desired name on the front.




Cereal Box Stencil Bags

Update a classic fabric tote with easy-to-make stencils and spooky sponge painting.

From the Blog: Alphamom, Designed by The Long Thread

Materials:
-Fabric tote
-Fabric paint
-Stencil brush or sponge
-Cereal box
-Crafts knife and cutting mat
-Masking tape

Instructions:
1. Cut one of the largest rectangles from your cereal box.
2. Cut out jack-o'-lantern shapes with a crafts knife on a cutting mat. (An adult will need to do this part.)
3. Next, tape your template to the fabric and have your kids dab on the paint using a stencil brush or sponge (you could also use the end of a spongy paint roller). The trick to getting the paint on neatly is to hold the brush or sponge end perpendicular to the surface. Let dry.

Milk Jug Pumpkin Pots

These smiley jack-o'-lanterns can store almost a gallon's worth of treats each!

From the Blog: Filth Wizardry

Materials:
-Plastic gallon milk jugs
-Orange acrylic paint
-Paintbrush
-Scissors
-Black paper
-White glue
-Green chenille stems
-Paper leaf cutouts
-Green tissue paper

Instructions:
1. Paint milk jugs using orange acrylic paint.
2. Once the jugs are dry, cut a hole in the back by the handle for the treats to go in.
3. Cut jack-o'-lantern facial features from black paper.
4. Let the kids glue curled chenille stems and paper cutouts to the jugs.
5. Wrap green tissue paper over the lids and seal with glue.

Source: www.parents.com


Sunday, October 24, 2010

Super Simple Pumpkin Crafts for Your Home


Pumpkin-Painted Wood Pile

Paint the ends of wood logs with primer, then apply two coats of paint. Be sure to saw off ends before burning.

Pretty Paper Pumpkins

Transform orange paper into foldable, freestanding decorations that you can reuse every fall.

What you'll need: Orange and green solid or patterned scrapbooking paper, scissors or circle cutter, glue

Make it: Cut out 6 equal circles or ovals from matching scrapbooking paper. Fold each in half (keep desired pattern or color on the inside), then glue one half circle on top of another. When all 6 are stacked, pull the top half circle around to meet the bottom half circle and glue together. Cut a stem shape from green paper; attach to top of pumpkin with glue.

Pumpkin Paper Lanterns

Hang a pumpkin patch from the porch or ceiling. Glue cardstock facial features to paper lanterns (we found ours at pearlrivermart.com) and suspend using fishing line or painter's tape.

Pumpkin Wreaths

Hang a round orange wreath made from burlap and batting on your front door.

What You'll Need: 16" Styrofoam wreath form, cardboard, scissors, hot-glue gun, cotton batting, orange burlap, black adhesive-backed craft foam, green ribbon, fishing line

Make It: Cut a cardboard circle to cover the back of wreath form; attach with hot glue. Place on flat surface, cardboard side down, and fill center with cotton batting until top of mound sits about 2" higher than the wreath form. Cut 15 to 20 3"x20" strips of orange burlap for wreath covering. Glue on end of each strip to center of cardboard back, then stretch all the way around the wreath and secure other end with glue. Repeat for each strip, working in a circular motion until form is completely covered with burlap. Cut out facial features from craft foam and adhere to rounded side of wreath with hot glue. Loop a 20" piece of green ribbon through the top strip of the wreath and know consecutively to create the pumpkin's stem. Hang with fishing line.




Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Walking Together Program

I found a great walking group to join. I am always trying to find a way to get out and be active but I hate doing it alone. I found a good place to start is at the Billings YMCA they have a Walking Together Program. It's a great place to find support and motivation. The program is FREE and for all ages and ability levels. The YMCA has partnered with other local Non-Profit organizations to help you to walk your way to better health!!!

Monday @ 5:30 pm (Eagle Mount Walk)
Tuesday @ 9:30 am (Alzheimer's Association Walk)
Thursday @ 6:30 pm (American Heart Association Walk)
Friday @ 12:10 pm (Billings Family YMCA Walk)
All walks will start from the front lobby of the YMCA. The walks are led by YMCA fitness professionals.

Here is some motivation to get you out the door with your walking shoes on:
*Walking burns calories
*Strenghens back muscles
***Slims your waist
*Easy on the joints
* Strenghes your bones
*Lowers blood pressure
***Allows social time away from work of home
***Shape and tones your legs and butt
*Cuts cholesterol
* Reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes, & more
*** Reduces stress
*** Sleep better
*** Improves mood & outlook on life
* Requires no equipment

I hope those give you enough motivation to get out the door and do a little something for yourself!!!

Geranium Fest @ Zoo Montana

Rows and rows of various colors of Geraniums, as well as Montana native, water-wise, perennial and unique plants for sale will be what is "growing" on at ZooMontana in Billings this Saturday, May 15th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Geranium Fest, an annual fundraiser for the Zoo's Botanical Gardens, is also a free day for the public.

The day will be one for the senses as visitors' eyes enjoy the array of colorful plants, their noses experience the drifting aroma of flower scents and scrumptious smells from concessions and food vendors alike that will satisfy even the littlest eaters' taste buds. Browse the lines of craft and gardening vendors to find that perfect item just in time for summer.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in the day to get the first picks of the bunch. A hold table will also be available for shoppers to leave their plants so that they may enjoy the rest of the Zoo's grounds and activities. Smaller tents will also be on hand throughout the grounds in the event or rain and/or to provide shade.

So come early, get in free and stay late during Geranium Fest this year. (virtualmontana.c0m)

Friday, May 7, 2010

KIDZ EAT FREE!

Now at Quiznos, KIDZ EAT FREE! Buy an entree and the Kidz Meal is Free and include a kids toasty sub or pizza, drink and their choice of chocolate chip cookie or applesauce. The Kidz Meals are Free All Day and Every Day! But here's the catch the adult entree excludes Toasty Bullets, Sammies and Soups. Still it's not a bad deal. Also here a link to some coupons to help out with the adult meal. (http://www.quiznos.com/qmail/20100503/coupon/) *coupon expires 5/16/10eat

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Free Nutrition Class - Buy, Eat & Live Better

If anyone is interested MSU Extension program offers a FREE Nutrition Class. You learn how to make quick and healthy meals, plan meals & how to shop smart... plus TONS OF GREAT RECEIPTS!!! It’s once a week for eights weeks. Each week you get a free gift and at the end of the classes you get a crock pot. Classes start June 7th and are offered Mon. @ Salvation Army on 6th Ave from 6p – 7:30p, Wed. @ Laurel United Methodist Church 6p – 7:30p, & Thur. @ Family Investment Center from 11a – 12:30p. I am taking the classes right now and I love them they are so much fun plus we make a quick meal each class to sample and they are delicious!!! The one at the Family Investment Center I think has free day care. You’ll need to call to sign up and to double check on the day care 406-869-3547.

Check your medicine cabinet, parents!

More than 40 over-the-counter infants' and children's liquid medications are being recalled in the U.S. and 11 other countries because they did not meet required quality standards.

Parents need to stop using infants' and children's Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl products. (Check out this website, http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/, for a complete list of the recalled products.)

McNeil voluntarily recalled the medicine because some products may have a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified on the medicine bottle; others may contain particles; while others may have inactive ingredients that do not meet testing standards.

So far, McNeil said no adverse health effects have been reported, but the company asks parents and caregivers to report any suspected cases to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch Program ( http://www.fda/gov/medwatch)

McNeil has also set up a hotline (888-222-6036) to answer customer questions and concerns. The company's dedicated recall website also has instructions on how to safely dispose of the medication (http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/faq.inc#3_b); plus a request form for you to be contacted (via e-mail or return phone call) if you would like to get a refund.

The FDA says there are a number of other products on the market, including generic brands, that can be used be in infants and children. Brands not listed on the official list are not affected by the recall. For example, parents can still give Children's Advil to their kids.

When it comes to treating your baby's cold, natural is better in some cases. Here are a few ideas to ease your sick child.

1. Loosen mucus with steam, saline nose spray or breast milk and remove it by suctioning with a bulb syringe.

2. Use a humidifier with a clean filter to keep the air in your baby's room moist.

3. Keep your child hydrated by breastfeeding or bottle-feeding more often. If your baby is 6 months or older, offer him a little water or diluted juice.

Just Remember to be patient. Colds are caused by viruses and the only cure is time! A typical virus lasts about seven days.

Mom's Talk

Mom's Talk is held every Thursday at 10:00am at Billings Clinic Hospital across from the Lactation Consultants Office and just down the hall from pediatrics.
It is a great place to come and enjoy other Mom's while your child interacts with other children. We talk about everything from how are kids are doing to getting advice on our different problems or just everyday life. It's a great place to go and take a break and you feel a little rejuvenation afterwards. I hope that you can come and join us!!!!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Baby Signing Times!





I love the idea of teaching your baby sign language. It helps with development & communication. It can also build a closer bond between you & your baby. St. Vincent's Hospital offers a Baby & Toddler Sign Language Class. The Class includes: One on one personal instruction with you and you baby, Baby Sign Dictionary, Baby Sign Journal, & Informational handouts. The class is $30 (payment is due at the time you sign up for the class) and is offered every month. Check out their website to see class dates and to sign up for the class. http://svhclasses.org/classes/view2/432/


If anyone knows of any other classes that are offered around Billings I'd love to know about them.




Thursday, April 22, 2010

Hidden Secret in the Rimrock Mall



How many times have you walked past the play center in the Rimrock mall and your kids have begged you to go play??? Well, take them up on the offer!!! In the winter it is a great place to let the kids run off some energy and they have the CLEANIST bathrooms. Plus the bathroom has a toddler toliet that sits at their level. The big plus is the Nursing Room. It has a nice comfy rocking chair, sink, & changing table. It is comfy & clean. So, the next time you need a place to take a break from shopping take a seat and let the kids run wild.




Call the Company!!!!!

The best advice that I can give you when it comes to baby gear is, Call the Company!!! I have found that if you have ANY problems with the gear call the company and let them know. They are usually more then happy to help you resolve the issue. You'd be very surprised at how helpful they are. Here is a great example, we bought a Graco Traveling System a couple months before my son was born, soon after he was born I took a trip to the store and when I arrived I tried to take him out and it just wouldn't budge. I finally went home & tried to get it out. After pulling & prying for two hours the seat finally popped out. I was so upset that I refused to put my son back in the seat. I went back to the store I purchased it from to find out that they couldn't do anything because I had had it longer than 30 days. I called Graco and told them what had happened and they sent me a shipping label to return the stroller & the car seat. After sending it back to the company they sent me a refund check for more then what I had paid for it. I was able to upgrade my traveling system and I am even happier with the new one.

Another good example is when I purchased a slightly used Boppy Vibrating Chair but it didn't come with the part that made the chair vibrate and play music. I looked all over the Internet to buy a replacement part, I finally gave up & called the company to see if I could purchase the part through them but instead they surprised me & just told me that they would send me a brand new part for free.

It is worth it to try contacting the company before you run out & buy a new one.

Graco has a link on their website to contact them about replacement parts http://www.gracobaby.com/ or you can call their customer service line (800) 345-4109.

Introduction...

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jayne I moved to Billings about a year ago with my husband. We have since had our beautiful and very happy little boy, Ashton, who is 4 months old.

I love finding a great deals. I love the high you feel when you walk out of the store knowing that you could have paid so much more, and for just a brief second you think to yourself, "Is this considered stealing because it was almost to good to be true".
I am also always on the hunt for a fun activity to do with my family. I think that is it is fun to splurge and spend that extra money on a fun event but I like to find things to do that are easy on the wallet.
This is why I decided to start a blog I am hoping to pass along some great deals, fun activities for the family or date night out with the hubby, and just great tips. I hope you enjoy and follow my blog.