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- Pledge to pack a healthier lunchbox at PowerYourLunchbox.com. Companies supporting the program will make a collective $1 donation for every pledge taken to Feeding America programs that support families and children. (see list below)
- Show off healthy lunch boxes on social media. Produce for Kids’ Instagram and Twitter followers can use the #PowerYourLunchbox hashtag to show off their healthy lunch boxes to have their lunch boxes featured on the Produce for Kids Facebook page. Produce for Kids is also giving away a Bentology bento box every day. Follow along on the hashtag to see great ideas from fellow parents.
- Party with Produce for Kids on Twitter. Parents looking for even more tips and resources for healthy lunch boxes are invited to join Produce for Kids and partner companies at the #PowerYourLunchbox Twitter party at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 17.
- Avocados from Mexico – Mexican Hass Avocados, Bee Sweet Citrus, Crispy Fruit Freeze-Dried Fruit Snacks from Crispy Green®, Eat Smart® Fresh Cut Vegetables, Earthbound Farm® Baby Kale, GROW Bananas by Organics Unlimited, Marie’s® Dressings, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, NatureFresh™ greenhouse tomatoes, Pero Family Farms® Mini Sweet Peppers and Snipped Green Beans, and Sun World® grapes.
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 Tablespoons canned black beans, drained
- 1/4 cup carrots, steamed and diced
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- non-stick spray
- Save up to $10 off the front gate price by purchasing a 2016 Good Any Day Admission ticket online in advance of your visit at www.dorneypark.com making tickets $47 per person.
- Shop on eBay for people selling their tickets.
- After 4pm admission is $33
- Buy on Groupon but go quick, since it expires in 8 days on August 24, 2016. Each ticket is $34 per person and you can buy up to 10 tickets.
- WaterWipes is a chemical free baby wipe that contains only two ingredients, 99.9% pure Irish water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract.
- Both durable and effective without containing any of the harmful chemicals that may be found in other baby wipes, WaterWipes proves a safer, natural option for your little one.
- Wiping dirty hands after eating something messy or sticky.
- Diaper wipes
- Messy mouth after eating
- Blowing a chaffed nose for a little one with a cold
- 3 large zucchinis, ends cut and filling hollowed
- 1 First Fresh Hot Italian Chicken Sausage
- kosher salt
- olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella
- Italian seasoning
- 16-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, crushed
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box
August 17th, 2016
Meal planning comes in handy especially when school is in session. Learn to Power Your Lunchbox with my Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box and pledge to kick off the school year by packing healthier lunches.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Produce for Kids. All photos, recipes, and opinions are my own.
I am mentally trying to wrap my mind around the upcoming school year. Last year was the first year to have one daughter in school and it was quite a busy year even if it was preschool. I really was not prepared with a calendar or even how to keep up with events at the school. This year I know I must have my act together since I have two little ones going to school.
I know I am not the only one that has gotten into a rut of making the same lunches for our kids especially when each day is packed with activities, but I know I love trying new meals with my girls. As a mom, I know there are days that my kids want specific meals and others where I can introduce new foods and meals. Some days are just touch and good. Either way, I know that I am going to make this the most exciting school year when it comes to meals.
Power Your Lunchbox pledge
Last year I introduced you to Produce for Kids and Power Your Lunchbox pledge with my Turkey and Zucchini Roll-Up Bento Box and thanks in part to your help, 10,797 families and classrooms took the pledge to pack a healthier lunchbox and donated 107,970 meals to families in need through Feeding America.
As a reminder, Power Your Lunchbox pledge is a back-to-school time initiative that raises funds for Feeding America kids’ programs. This year, from Aug. 8 to Sept. 23, Produce for Kids is again encouraging families nationwide to kick off the school year right by pledging to pack a healthier lunchbox. All parents need to do is take the online pledge at PowerYourLunchbox.com to make a $1 donation to Feeding America® children’s programs such as Kids Café, Backpack program and Child Hunger Corps.
How to get Involved
Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box
One of the meals I know my girls like are quesadillas. There are so many recipes for quesadillas online but really, many people just do not know that quesadillas are best made with corn tortillas. They are authentic even more so and my girls definitely prefer them over whole wheat or white flour tortillas.
I created a new recipe using corn tortillas, mozzarella, steamed carrots, black beans, cilantro and a little taco seasoning. The heat on the skillet has to be just right for the tortilla to fry just the right amount of time. After the quesadilla is finished then I cut them into 4 triangles and great addition to bento box. My girls love bento boxes because they love having options. I love offering healthy and colorful options for my kids.
The colors reminded me of a Mexican fiesta especially with all the veggies and fruits. I added quesadillas as the main meal, then a variety of fresh veggies with a dipping sauce, and orange and grape skewers. I was so excited to get to know the Produce for Kids partners that helped me make this delicious Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box:
Recipe
Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients (2 quesadillas)
Instructions
Prepare the steamed carrots the night before. Boil several carrots in a pot covered in water. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain and refrigerate.
Dice 3 carrots and set aside. Grate the mozzarella cheese and drain black beans.
Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat and spray with olive oil.
Prepare the quesadillas.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese on one corn tortilla, Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons black beans, half the diced carrots, chopped cilantro, and 1/2 tsp taco seasoning. Place the second corn tortilla on top and place the quesadilla on the skillet.
Cook for 4 minutes on one side then another 4 minutes on the other side. The cheese should be melting and the tortilla a little golden.
Repeat with the rest of the ingredients. Cut into quarters.
Add fresh veggies in another space in the bento box with ranch dressing.
Make skewers alternating clementine wedges and Sun World grapes.
Sharing is Caring!
End the Summer with Food Truck Rally at Dorney Park
August 16th, 2016Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.
Don’t let summer be over for your family! Check out Dorney Park‘s Food Truck Rally, a perfect event for foodies and for families alike. Read more below and plan on attending August 27th and 28th, 2016.
There are only a few more weeks to cram as many activities, car trips, and fun outings with your friends and loved ones. In fact, if you are looking for an ideal date night, what a better way to spend it than with a park filled with roller coasters and water rides coupled with food trucks!
Dorney Park and Food Truck Rally
All summer there have been special activities for all families and we were so happy to be a part of them a couple of months ago. With the price of admission not only can guests enjoy the rides but they can also experience and taste a variety of goodies from Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and New Jersey food trucks.
I love events that offer a variety of food trucks. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I love trying new foods and learning about the owners and chefs on each food truck. Check out the food trucks attending each day by visiting the Food Truck Rally page.
Bravo’s Top Chef
For guests who attend Dorney Park on Sunday, August 28th, they will be able to meet Nick Elmi from Bravo’s Top Chef from 12 – 3PM. Chef Nicholas Elmi has worked at some of the top rated French restaurants on the east coast, including Guy Savoy (Paris), Le Bec Fin, Union Pacific, Oceana and Lutece. Nicholas has built a solid French repertoire that is constantly inundated with influences from his travels as well as his upbringing in New England. In the fall of 2013, Nicholas opened French/American restaurant, Laurel, at 1617 East Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia — the city he has called home for 13 years — with a focus on sustainability and simplicity.
Save on passes
For many families it can be pretty hefty of a price to go to Dorney Park so there are so many ways you can save like purchasing your admission tickets online. Here are a few ways you can save:
Fall activities at Dorney Park
If you cannot make it to the Food Truck Rally, you can look out for Run and Race Series in Allentown, PA in October 2, 2o16. Dorney Park is excited to be a part of the Cedar Fair Run and Ride series that will include a half-marathon, 10k and 5k. There will be something for everyone and even some of the best swag around: a ticket to the park on race weekend!
Hope you get a chance to join in on some last summer activities!
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Intro to Gymnastics for Toddlers with Main Line Gymnastics
August 16th, 2016Intro to Gymnastics for Toddlers
As the girls get older it is fun to see what way their desires and their talents will develop. This summer we decided to get the girls a taste of gymnastics. A new studio opened in the West Chester area that was ideal for us to try so we enrolled my two older toddler girls. We went in the mornings once a week for an hour.
The space was set up in a warehouse and was fully stocked with the whole necessary equipment for these tots. The class was an ideal size, not more than 10. At one point, the girls were the only ones in the class. They loved having the attention of the instructor.
Parents were allowed to stay to watch but behind glass windows in comfy chairs. I tried not to be a distraction to my girls so they could focus but at times it was hard not to stand and watch the cuteness and enthusiasm my girls exhibited.
Class Description
I am thankful that the girls had a chance to experience this class. Here is a description of the class they took:
ML TOTS
Level: Beginner
During this 1 hour class, our 3/4 yr old tots are able to develop movement patterns that involve running, jumping, rolling, and tumbling under the help and supervision of our staff members. They utilize all 4 of the competitive events and the trampoline. Children must be able to stay with their group while inside the gym.
I really feel like my girls gained more confidence through this class. They used a lot of energy and they were happy every time we left. It was so fun to hear them talk about it. Even now they ask when we will be back. I tell them that there is a lot more to discover.
Location and Social Media
If you get a chance to visit here is where they are located:
540 East Union Street Suite E,
West Chester, PA 19382
Disclosure: We received a discount for the classes and are thankful for the opportunity to review the sessions. This does not influence my review at all.
Sharing is Caring!
Clean Environment for Kids using WaterWipes + Giveaway
August 11th, 2016This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.
It is important to keep a clean environment we can when we have little ones to tend to. WaterWipes comes to the rescue with only two simple ingredients. Read below to introduce a guilt-free product into your home.
The school year is almost upon our little family and while our little ones cannot wait for school to start, I am kind of sad that summer is coming to an end. I feel like it has gone way to fast and that we were not able to go to the museums I had planned or even some sights I had on a list. The good thing is that the girls are still young and we can still do them. Sometimes moms have high expectations, at least I do, and I have to be happy.
We officially have three toddlers in our home and it is quite astounding for me as a mom. It feels like yesterday when I had my third daughter and now she is active and crawling to keep up with her older sisters. One of the things I have seen increase is how dirty or messy my kids get! It is hard to keep up with them washing their hands and even more when I have a teething baby!
Clean Environment for Kids using WaterWipes
As a moms, I want the best for my little ones. I am always on the look out for products that are safe and that make my children happy. It is quite overwhelming looking at the options on the shelves and not know what product to choose. If you read my blog regularly I am sure you remember that I have shared about WaterWipes before.
I love the fact that WaterWipes is now carried at Babies “R” Us where it is easier to shop for other items. It was easy to spot this product because it is white packaging with bright blue lettering.
Here is a reminder about these wipes:
If you have been looking for a PURE water wipe, look no further. This time around I like them because they are great for my teething baby. She somehow gets other things in her mouth to bite and shred but I can give her one of these wipes and she is happy and mommy is happy knowing nothing harmful is going into her little body.
They are also great for anything that requires cleaning a mess like:
The ideas could keep going. I keep one at home and one in my diaper bag! Want a chance to try these wipes?
Giveaway
Influence Central is hosting a contest through which your readers can enter to win one of five (5) $100 Babies”R”Us gift cards! Contest opens on July 28, 2016 and closes August 18, 2016.
I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes (5 winners).
WaterWipes Babies”R”Us Giveaway
Good luck!
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Stuffed Zucchini Bites With Italian Chicken Sausage
August 9th, 2016Is your garden still producing an abundance of zucchini? This Stuffed Zucchini Bites With Italian Chicken Sausage is a unique way to use your veggies and a fun one when including your kids in the kitchen. It is also gluten-free and low-carb.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with First Fresh Chicken Sausage. All opinions, photos, and recipes are my own.
I cannot believe we are in the month of August already! I have to face the facts that my husband and kids will be in school so very soon. Every year I say I need to start a meal plan but I have come to realize that I am not that type of person. What I do like doing is planning last-minute and seeing what I have in my fridge. Of course, this is not great all the time.
To Meal Plan or Not
Usually on Sunday evenings I ask my husband what kinds of meals he would like. Other times I stick to trends, like Meatless Mondays or Taco Tuesdays. Great, I have two days planned out for me now how about the rest of the week. One thing you might not remember about me, but I especially like cooking around the seasons.
This morning I realized that I really do not stick to any cuisine nor to I pattern after one. I am a continental cook because I love cooking cuisines from all the world YET I like creating my own recipes fusing them and giving them my own touch.
Call me the continental cook from now on. It is so true that I dislike labels but I see how my mother cooked when I was growing up and I am for sure her daughter. She influenced how I cook and I have to say that I enjoy it. Hence the reason why I do not use meal plans, but I digress.
Meat options – Sausage
When I look at my meat options I try to mix up my fattier choices with lean ones. Sausage is usually a high fat meat and one we do not have as often. We have tried turkey sausage and have liked it OK in certain dishes. I love having my options when looking to sausage which is why I was excited to check out First Fresh Chicken Sausage products.
I dare say I have seen anything like these products but I am totally happy to have them as leaner options in our breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. It has 70% less fat than regular sausage and is gluten-free! It also contains no MSG and uses clean ingredients to bring an authentic flavor. I am actually working on getting my local stores to stock this because it is a tasty option especially having the Hot Italian Chicken Sausage.
Stuffed Zucchini Bites With Italian Chicken Sausage
I love creating recipes with zucchini especially since it is not my husband’s favorite veggie. I always try to make something different to change his mind to the point where he just loves it. Ha!
I had fun creating this recipe where I hollowed out large zucchini and stuffed it with First Fresh Hot Italian Chicken Sausage. It could easily be made with their Mild Italian Chicken Sausage too because the Hot Italian IS spicy.
Once I stuffed the sausage, I sliced in 1/2-inch slices and placed in a dish with prepared marinara. This could easily be substituted with store-bought sauce on busy evenings. Even so, this recipe is fun and quick and makes eating exciting for your family.
Want to try this product? See if you can get your stores to stock this product. Check the recipe below!
Italian Chicken Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Keywords: bake entree lunch low-carb gluten-free zucchini cheese chicken Italian summer
Ingredients (6 servings)
Italian Chicken Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
Tomato sauce
Instructions
Sauce
Mix the tomato sauce with all the spices and herbs.
Add to a 9×13 glass pan and spread evenly.
Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit.
For Zucchini
Cut each large zucchini in half and using a serrated knife, grapefruit spoon, or regular knife, and hollow out the center of the zucchini.
Spray with olive oil spray and then add kosher salt outside and inside squash.
Use one link of chicken sausage for each zucchini half and stuff the link inside the hollowed zucchini.
Repeat with the rest of the zucchini.
Slice each zucchini width-wise into 1/2-inch slices and place each in the sauce.
Repeat with all the zucchini.
Shred the mozzarella and sprinkle over the zucchini and sprinkle some Italian seasoning.
Bake for 25 minutes. Serve with chickpea pasta or with a green salad.
