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My Top Choice For Feeding Baby - Sun Harvest

11/24/2020

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When my first child, who is now four, was born - I had lofty visions of making all of my own baby food from scratch. Hand picking organic fruit from my garden that I would cook and puree and store myself, you know, along with all of the sleep I would be getting and time for pruning a garden. 

Ah, first time mom Mandi was so cute.

​Fast forward four years and another baby later, and I know a few things about motherhood. I also know you don't have to sacrifice quality when it's done for you if you know where to look.

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Lucky for us busy moms, Smart & Final has launched their own Sun Harvest baby food brand this month that is organic, clean, GMO-free and made simply from fruits and vegetables. That's it!

Available in an array of delicious flavors and only $0.99 per ounce serving, the packaging is also BPA-free, which you know is a huge must for us and most mamas. ​

You can choose from Mixed Vegetables, Pear, Apple Mango, Pear & Banana, Carrot, Apple, Banana and Strawberry and Sweet Potato, giving your little one a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables to please their budding palate. Which you know I am a huge fan of. Diversity in a child's diet, from a very early age, helps them to like an array of vegetables and fruits as they grow. 
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For store locations and information on Sun Harvest, as well as other products offered at Smart & Final, you can visit their website here. 
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5 Myths of Extended Breastfeeding

8/16/2018

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One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my almost two years of motherhood is to never say never.
Before marriage, my anxiety told me I’d never want to carry or birth children. After marrying the man of my dreams I said I’d love to carry a child but that I’d never birth a child without drugs. Then once I was carrying my precious little man, after years of infertility, I did everything in my power to bring him into the world naturally, and I succeeded in my goal. After bringing him home, listening to outside advice, I uttered the words that I would never nurse past a year because of the judgment against moms that did. That was until I learned about all of the health and emotional benefits that come in the second year of life from a healthy nursing relationship. It was these large moments in my life, as well as many little instances peppered in between, that taught me to get my proverbial foot out of my own mouth and stop saying “I’ll never…”

Read the full story here on West Valley Moms Blog

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Gifted - Am Essay On The Importance of Teaching Value

8/13/2018

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Mamas, let’s talk about OUR gifts.
I’m not talking about our gifts by way of our talents.
I’m not talking about our knack to be able to DIY a palette into a bedroom set or our ability to meal plan like a champ.
I’m not talking about our gifts in the marketplace, or what we offer when it comes to our careers.
I’m talking about physical gifts. The material things we give. In particular, I’m speaking of the gifts that we give to our children. 
Rewind to Spring when I was celebrating my baby’s first Easter. Now, as a Christian, Easter to me is of course first and foremost about Jesus and His sacrifice and His resurrection.
In celebration of this occasion, I put together a humble little box for my son. One that simply contained a baby Bible, a storybook for bedtime and a stuffed bunny...

Read the full post here on West Valley Moms

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A Month Of Music

6/29/2017

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If there's ever a chance to infuse more music into our lives. I'm all about it.

Experts say exposing your baby to a variety of music can increase their social skills and their intelligence. 

Myself, being the fan of music that I am, and my significant background in the field, I knew I wanted our children to have a well-rounded sense of the music arts. 

With this in mind, I started a tradition with Grey that allows him time to soak up different genres, sounds and artists every day, giving him a chance to find what it is that he prefers. And I have to admit, it's been quite cute to watch, and so far, 60's rock is winning. #OldSoul. 
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Just in case anyone else is interested in doing something similar to expose your little to a variety of genres, instruments and songs, below, I outlined the music I play on different days of the month. Since I limit TV in our home to only 1-2 episodes of educational shows a day (less if we go out with daddy or for a playdate), and no music or tv while we are doing our "learning time", music has been a fun way to break up the day and make meal times more entertaining. 

I usually play music during breakfast, while I'm prepping dinner and during one of the play times after a nap. All sticking to the same genre on the specified day. I use a music app on my phone to randomize songs in the particular genre I choose to play that day. 

Feel free to be creative and tailor your list to YOUR tastes, and to the types of music you want your littles exposed too. This is just what works for us! 


Mondays:
  1. 80's Pop
  2. 2000's Pop Mix
  3. Christian 
  4. French/European Hits

Tuesdays:
  1. 50's oldies
  2. Kids Music / Nursery Rhymes
  3. 90s Mix
  4. Hawaiian Radio (his roots on Mr. Charming's side)

Wednesdays:
  1. 40's Oldies
  2. Swing
  3. 70's Rock
  4. Country Mix (my least favorite) 

Thursdays:
  1. 60's Oldies (Our favorite so far!)
  2. Techno/Dance
  3. Kids Music / Nursery Rhymes
  4. New Indie Artists

Fridays:
(Classical and Opera proved to be too hard to listen to all throughout the day. I felt like I lived on an elevator, so we do Friday mornings or winding down before nap to the list below.) 
​
  1. Classical
  2. Jazz
  3. Meditative/Chill
  4. Opera
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On weekends we just mix it up and listen to Christian or Top 40 Radio when we are out and about with my husband, as the weekends are for adventures, errands, day trips and quality family time.

For more on what I'm doing in music, check out www.NVERecords.com where I've just accepted a position as label director and couldn't be more thrilled to be back in music full time once again! 
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What Grey Ate - 10 Months

6/25/2017

1 Comment

 
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As we dive deeper into Baby Led Weaning, I thought it would be fun to share the meals that little man enjoys. He's got SUCH an appetite and it's no surprise he's our child, since he's a foodie through and through. We stick to organic, healthy choices for him, and as of yet he's still dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and pretty much Top 8 Free. We are going slow with introductions and now that he's almost 1, we will be introducing more and more for variety and nutrition. 

I've posted some photos of the meals I put together for him, and I plan to share along the way, leading up to toddler meals. These are the meals he's currently enjoying at 10 months of age. 

I would love your ideas too! If you have some great infant or toddler food or meal ideas, feel free to share. Any recipes of a specific dish I make for him, I will link to the recipe here on NoshandNurture.com! 

*Note that these are the meals he's served from breakfast, lunch and dinner. He also gets two-three snacks a day. Snacks include apple slices, pear slices, organic teething cookies, organic puffs and vegetable based baby food purees. 

breakfasts


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Pancakes
Before we started having more egg-based breakfasts, I experimented with baking with eggs. He loved my oat flour pancakes with a little fruit spread. (I let him try one with a little pure maple syrup, one of the only times he's had sugar)
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Banana Bread and Oatmeal Puree
Another puree "yogurt" (this one is raspberry, GF oats and banana) so that he could practice spoon skills. I also baked a batch of my Banana Bread, so he got a square of it which I broke into small cubes for him to pick up with his fingers and chew easily.
 
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Eggs & Fruit
Blueberries are his FAVORITE right now. He would eat a whole clamshell if I let him. So organic blueberries (I halve them before serving), organic pears and hardboiled egg yolks are an easy go to this summer. I use hardboiled eggs, because I found he likes the consistency of hard boiled yolks over scrambled. 

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Fruit Purees and Puffys
Since we are holding off on dairy, I use baby fruit purees as his "yogurt". This was an organic strawberry banana mix that he enjoyed with some Happy Baby Organic Puffs. (I choose those because they have the least amount of ingredients, they are organic and they don't contain folic acid. More on that another time.) 
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Egg Yolk, Pear & Puffs
Most mornings he enjoys 1-3 items and now that we do egg and beans, I like to try to give him protein at 2 out of his 3 meals to keep his tummy full without overwhelming his still delicate digestive system. This was organic hard boiled egg yolk, organic pear and puffs. 

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Scrambled Eggs and Breakfast Potato
My husband and I had scrambled eggs and hashbrowns with ketchup, and I try to model most of his meals after ours so we share a "family meal". Grey's breakfast was scrambled egg yolks (we have not introduced whites yet as they are more allergenic) and a smashed plain baked potato with carrot puree as his "ketchup". 

lunches + dinners


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Taco Night
​We did "Taco Tuesday" and I wanted Grey to be able to join in. So for him he got plain ground turkey, a half of an avocado and I made him a black bean quesadilla with smashed black beans and a Coconut + Cassava tortilla. 
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Protein + Fats
Avocado is this little mans jam. I paired it with black beans and scrambled egg yolk for a protein pack lunch of leftovers.
 
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Meat + Potatoes
​I pick up organic rotisserie chickens often as they are SO easy to share and always a soft, baby-friendly texture. I shredded 1/4 of a chicken and served it with cubed sweet potato. We had the same thing and I love showing him that we eat as a family!
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The Perfect Mix
I love when I can give him a carb, protein, fat and fruit. I rarely give fruit with meat due to all the research that it's hard on the gut, but occasionally when we need a big lunch for a play or swim date I pile on all the food. haha. This mix was organic jasmine rice, avocado, pear and organic chicken breast shredded. 
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Sandwich Alternative
Since we have not introduced any type of bread yet, (still researching) for lunches, I have been sharing my turkey lunch meat with Greyson and he loooooooves it. I only give him organic, nitrate free by True Story Foods or Applegate but its a definite go to when I want him to get a full belly. I pair it with avocado and applesauce for a traditional kids lunch. 
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On The Go
When we're on the go, I pack up easy to feed finger foods. We were going to look at our new house, so I packed up some banana bread and avocado for carbs + healthy fat to keep him full until dinner. 

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Veggies Upon Veggies
Black Beans, Peas and Carrots make a nutritious lunch and he loves being able to pick up all the items. 
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The Randoms
Some days are just RANDOM leftovers from the meal prep before things go bad, haha. Black beans, turkey and pears. 
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Baked Potato Night
Mr. Charming and I were doing stuffed baked potatoes, so for Grey he got a baked potato and steamed broccoli and carrot puree to add another veggie and give him potato a "sauce" if it was to dry. 
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Pasta Night
One of my favorite dishes for him, because he looooved it. Rice pasta cooked real soft tossed with peas, organic turkey and some leftover sweet potato. A little carb heavy, but I've noticed this kid can EAT and dinner he takes in most of his calories. 

when we're out


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The beauty of eating clean, whole foods, is that Grey can usually eat some of what I order. 

When traveling in Long Beach, we stayed at the Westin and for breakfast I ordered scrambled eggs, gluten free toast and avocado. 

I shared my avocado with Grey, ordered him a side of bananas and brought a puree pouch of baby food to round out his meal. 

Mama + baby were satisfied. Done and done! 

Keep an eye out for What Grey Ate, every month on Nosh and Nurture! And as always I'd love to hear your feedback and what you're feeding your littles.

I also share a lot of our mealtimes, and more, on my Instagram Stories, so if you're over there, follow along! Find me @noshandnurture. 

Baby Led Weaning - 10 Month Old - Nosh and Nurture
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Infant Nutrition with Plum Organics

1/25/2017

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WhyPlumFormula #CollectiveBias #Sponsored
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I've learned the road to motherhood can be a bit bumpy. Learning schedules (or throwing them out the window because baby's change weekly), raising a tiny human on little sleep and making sure you give them optimal nutrition to keep them healthy are all areas in which I feel we are constantly trying to navigate with little guidance and much instinct.

I remember that one of my first thoughts when Grey was born was how I was so excited to breastfeed him right away. When they handed that tiny, pink, wrinkly babe and he latched on like it was the most natural and beautiful thing in the world, my heart soared. 

However, there were circumstances with health issues in the hospital, with both him and I, that called for more nutrition, and more volume, than what I could give him. My instincts as a mother quickly shifted to making sure he got the nutrients he needed to help him thrive. All mom guilt aside, I had to do what was best to feed my baby under the new circumstances we faced. 
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If you've been following the blog for a while you will know I am a MAJOR advocate for organic living and consuming whole foods with no or minimal artificial ingredients or processing and I knew I wanted to hold fast to the same standards for our new little babe. 

Having heard of and having researched their infant snacks and food line, I knew that Plum Organics® was, and is, America's number one organic baby food brand. I was ecstatic to learn they also made formula. Their organic infant formula adds no corn syrup solids, which was a huge plus for me. And since lactose is the most abundant carbohydrate found in breast milk, their carbohydrate source is from cow’s milk lactose only. In addition, the milk they use is from cows not treated with the hormone rBST**. 

I also love that they respect a woman's desire to breastfeed during those crucial, early days and I adored their understanding outlook on it. It made me feel good, and assured, that what I was giving my baby was a product that was created by parents just like me. 
​As an organic food company, we’ve always admired nature’s complex, built-in, and beautiful way of nourishing baby. We believe breast is best. But we’re also a team of parents that know first hand that life – and parenting – isn’t always perfect. Because life happens, our goal was to design an organic formula we can feel good about feeding our babies and yours. - Plum Organics 
In addition to their Grow Well® Infant Formula being organic, it is also non-GMO and contains essential DHA and ARA. They believe that formula is food and should be treated with the same care we'd give ourselves and the rest of our family members when seeking an organic diet and lifestyle. 

The formula can be found at Safeway and Albertsons nationwide and for those of you wanting to make the switch, I've included a coupon for you all below. 
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For more on Plum Organics and their full range of products: 
Visit Plum Organics Online
**No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows.


​How do you ensure your family reaches their nutritional goals? I'd also love to talk to fellow mamas about your breastfeeding and formula journeys! Leave it in the comments below and let's connect. 
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Why I'm Just Fine Being My Newborn's Human Pacifier

9/9/2016

5 Comments

 
I usually don't quote other people's work often in this space, however, as a new mom I've been hearing so much advice from friends, family, doctors and Google on how to take care of this new little nugget of mine.

And while most of the advice is solicited (seriously, I'm calling everyone about everything and settling in with my new mom tribe to know I am not alone in this journey of new motherhood) some of it is not. And while I know it's coming from the very best place, it makes it hard to know what's right, what's wrong and what is just one persons experience or opinion. 

Then I came across this entry below from a book published in 2002 and it spoke to me. Like "I could have written this myself!" kind of speaking to me. It was as if I wrote it based on how I feel about being a "pacifier" to my newborn son and I couldn't have written it better, so I decided to include it below. This is a topic that most women, both mothers and non-mothers have given their opinions on.

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The Human Pacifier
Credit: ​Lu Hanessian
From NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 19 No. 1, January-February 2002, p. 14
I'm sitting in the rocker with my son in the blue light of dawn. We've been at this a few weeks now, getting to know each other after nine months of anticipation. I am searching for feedback; a sign that I'm doing right by him, getting closer to figuring out what ails him when he seems so inconsolable.

I hear voices. Well-meaning voices telling me, advising me, warning me to not let this tiny boy grab the reins and yank me down the race track. I look at the child in my arms, his eyes slightly crossed as he tries to steady his gaze, and I feel somehow, in spite of the fact that I've only been his mother for forty-two days, that he gets it. I mean, he knows what he needs more than I do. He is my sherpa guide, my compass.

He is barely out of my womb when I am asked how long I plan to nurse. I look at Nicholas suckling at my breast, and I ask him about his long-range plans. He burps.

He cries and I nurse him. They warn me not to do this too much, or I'll become a "human pacifier." They are friends, strangers, sometimes relatives. One neighbor is concerned that my baby will learn to depend on me for comfort.

My baby never took to a pacifier, or his thumb, or knuckle, or any plastic teething ring no matter how fascinating the texture or color. He wants to nurse. He likes to stretch his free arm upward and hook his fingers onto my tank top or bra, like he's riding the train and that's his strap.

In his laid-back mood, he nurses with both hands on his head, kind of massaging what little hair he has, like he's giving himself a shampoo. Sometimes, he thumps his chest then mine, like he Tarzan and me Jane. And sometimes, he's got too much on his mind and he just lays his palm flat on his forehead. My heart melts and breaks when, with his eyes closed, he reaches up to my lips with his outstretched hand so I can kiss his fingertips while we nurse in the shadows.
As the months pass, I learn to let go of my ego, to get out of the way, and, not surprisingly, we find our rhythm. Some days, we are tuning the instrument. Some days, we make music. Some days, I feel out of tune with both of us. But there is one constant amid the rapid changes of new motherhood, one thing I can offer my child regardless of time, place, and circumstance: comfort.

He is lying in the crook of my arm, nursing, after a long morning of cramps and gas. I feel so relieved for both of us. He couldn't be more comfortable if he were lying naked in a cloud. After my cyclone of emotions, from empathy to confusion, anxiety, exasperation, and guilt, I finally feel calm. He is at peace at last. For the moment, anyway. Sitting here nursing my baby, he is pacified, yes, but so am I. Being a human pacifier works both ways.

Nursing for comfort, his, mine, and ours, is so much more than soothing him when he cries. When we sit here after a difficult morning, after I've questioned my competence as a new mother, wrestled down my nostalgia for a past where everything seemed easier, struggled with tolerance and compassion and reminded myself (sometimes out loud) that all will pass and he will be happy and well-adjusted and remember none of his intestinal fury and my quiet panic, the shallow-breathing, and lilting lullabies sung tentatively over the shrill tones of his cry, I feel that nursing him in this slow and fluid silence is all about emotional replenishment. He and I re-group after the contradictions and ambivalence of that particular hour or day or week. It feels to me, in these moments, like I am refueling myself, bringing myself back to center, to the symbiosis that will dissipate in tiny, imperceptible ways as he grows. And it feels like he is, in these moments, reorienting himself, getting comfortable in his skin, clearer about me and my intentions.
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Letting my baby pacify himself at my breast feels right to me because it feels so right to him. He has made it abundantly clear that this is his chosen method of self-soothing. He wants a pacifier that's human.

I would love to hear your feedback. New mamas - when our babes feel safest with us, there is nothing wrong in giving them security, love and the closeness that can only be achieved by allowing them to soothe themselves on us. 

I am completely devoted to being that person for my precious son, especially during this "fourth trimester". My son who arrived into a big, scary world that he has yet to know how to navigate. I am all he knows, I am home to him. And I pray that through his life, I will always be home to him. That in my presence he would feel safe, secure and oh so very loved. 
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Diaper Bag Essentials of a Mompreneur

8/1/2016

41 Comments

 
This post was sponsored by Balance Bar and while I was compensated for this post all opinions on this deliciousness are my own,
​

As the countdown to Baby P draws to a close we are wrapping up all the finishing touches to be best prepared for our new "day to day" routine and that includes my business affairs.

Working from my home office as an editor, journalist and nutritionist, I found it tricky to choose my dates for maternity leave, as stopping at any point left me feeling like I'd leave loose ends, and I have a feeling it may be equally hard to decide the right time to go back to work. Not knowing what to expect from raising our first newborn and inevitable sleepless nights that lie ahead, mixed with the need to create and get back to my clients, I'm interested to see how it will all play out. 

I have had an amazing response from talented guys and gals who have stepped in to guest blog for me and the magazine's Fall issue wrap came right before my due date, giving me some time to step down from my roles and enjoy baby cuddles and some time away. And what I am learning most about all of these new transitions is that balance is key. 
Diaper Bag Essentials of a Mompreneur | Nosh and Nurture | Balance Bar | #AD #CraveFreely

I wanted to take this into consideration as I packed our new diaper bag. Mr. Charming and I each purchased our own, and each have our own packing system and needs when it comes to venturing outside of the house with Baby P.  Mine is equal parts baby and me, as I love to get outside of the house and work from local coffee houses and cafes and take meetings when I need to. 

Wanting to have all baby essentials on hand, it was also important for me to be able to function outside of the house with baby as I ease back into work and I feel I was able to strike a nice balance between baby mama and business woman with my selections - so I wanted to share below my necessities to packing the perfect Momprenuer diaper bag. 
Diaper Bag Essentials of a Mompreneur | Nosh and Nurture | Balance Bar | #AD #CraveFreely


Diaper Bag Essentials
​​

  • Diapering Essentials - It's a good rule of thumb to have one diaper for every two hours you are out, plus a couple of extras for emergencies or if you are held up and end up being out longer than planned. In addition, you will want to have a changing pad, plenty of wipes (they are great for little hands and sticky faces as well!) and your ointment if you use one. 
  • Feeding Supplies - As a breastfeeding mama I have my accessories and scarf with me at all times. If Mr. Charming and I are out for multiple hours or if I have a networking event I can pump ahead of time and supply him with bottles of my milk for the baby. No matter if you're feeding baby breast milk or formula, have enough to match how long you will be out, again, keeping in mind emergencies or extra time. I also invested in a bag that came with insulated bottle pouches with removable freeze bags to keep the milk chilly until it is needed. 
  • Change of Clothes - There are many reasons (some of which I'll spare you, if you're a mama, you're familiar) your little one may need a change of clothes. I always keep two extra onesies in the bag at all times. As the weather starts to cool in the fall I will add a small cardigan, extra socks and a little hat for added warmth if we venture outdoors. 
  • Linens - As we are in the middle of a very hot summer here, linens are kept to a minimum when it comes to what I need to venture out with. But a lightweight blanket for swaddling and a few burp clothes will always be with me. 
  • Planner - My planner is one of the items that keeps me sane and keeps my business, and daily schedule, running smoothly. Running two businesses, a household and now preparing to become a mom, it's nice to have a place where I can keep all appointments, posts, clients, feedings and chores in one place. 
  • Snack - Quick, portable and nutritious options are my go-to. Aside from bags of mixed nuts, fruits and veggies, Balance Bars are my snack of choice because they feel indulgent while giving me filling fiber and lean protein for under 200 calories. The balance of the fiber and protein sustains my energy and helps me when I'm on the go or when I'm working away from home while also playing the mom role. They also pair so well with a mug of tea at the local cafe when I want to have a little "dessert" in the middle of my day.
Buy Balance Bars on Amazon
  • ​Tech - I bought a small laptop just for blogging on the go a few months back and it fits nicely in the diaper bag along with baby's things. That way, I always have access if I need to write a post or respond to emails. I also have my phone, an extra portable charger and USB flash drive for photos. 
Diaper Bag Essentials of a Mompreneur | Nosh and Nurture | Balance Bar | #AD #CraveFreely

I am pretty picky with what goes in my bag so it's not too cumbersome or over-packed. I try to pack just what we need, including my favorite brands of what I need. From the diapers I choose to the lotions we use, it's planned in advanced before it's packed up. 

When it comes to my noshing, I'm able to crave freely and Balance Bars are perfect because they are easily portable, pack a ton of protein and nutrients and now have a line, Balance Bare, that is completely dairy-free and gluten-free so that I can pack a couple of extra to share with special-diet clients that I meet with for coffee. As a nutritionist, it's important to me that my food is as balanced as my day and Balance gives me something decadent to enjoy while supplying me with fiber ( a MUST for a postpartum diet) and vitamins to give me energy as a new mama.
Diaper Bag Essentials of a Mompreneur | Nosh and Nurture | Balance Bar | #AD #CraveFreely

​Along with Balance, I am hosting a giveaway, so you busy mamas too can score some snacks for your on-the-go lifestyle!

I would love to know your packing tips, mompreneur tips or just a comment on how you'd pack up this delicious snack if you win the 6 pack. 
​


Win A Balance Bar 6 Pack

Comment Below For A Chance To Win!

Prize Details: Prize: 1 6-pack box of Balance in  Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint Patty, Dark Chocolate Turtle orDulce De Leche & Caramel varieties. We cannot guarantee flavor preference.
ARV: $7.74. Contest runs 8/12-8/15. 


​For more information on Balance:
Balance Bar on Facebook
Balance Bar on Twitter
​Balance is available at CVS, Amazon and select Walmart stores nationwide.
41 Comments

Save on Pampers This Weekend

6/9/2016

13 Comments

 
As you all know I am already a Pampers mama. I not only adore the actions they've taken to provide hypoallergenic options for sensitive babies, which if Baby P is anything like his or her mama, will be, but the customer service I've received in speaking directly with them has been phenomenal and makes me feel like a valued mama every time.

​I get to share something special with you fellow Pampers mom's who currently use diapers or training pants. And if you're not currently a Pampers user, the coupon coming out this weekend will make it worth trying. 
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Since June is National Potty Training Month, I've partnered with Pampers to tell you about an offer you can find in your Sunday paper THIS WEEKEND, on June 12th, 2016. 

There will be a coupon offer for $3 off two bags or one box of any Pampers Diapers or Pampers Training Pants. So put on a hot pot of coffee, feed the kiddos breakfast and get out the scissors as you kick back, relax and peruse the paper while getting your savings. 

Being a manufacturers coupon, you can use the coupon at any grocery, mass retail or discount store where diapers are sold. If you are new to Pamper's there are many options to choose from in the Pamper's line - 

Pampers Swaddlers
Pampers Cruisers
Pampers Baby Dry
Pampers Easy Ups
Pampers Under Jams
​Pampers Splashers

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​I will be sharing a Print-At-Home coupon as well all this week through this weekend, follow me on Twitter @NoshandNurture and Facebook @NoshandNurture to grab it and print it! 

​For more information on Pampers diapers and training pants, visit http://www.pampers.com

​Or visit Pamper's on social media - 
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Pampers)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/Pampers)
​YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/Pampers)

Do you currently use Pampers? Which ones are your favorite? I stocked up on the Pampers Sensitive for when I bring Baby P home this summer but would love your feedback! 
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What's In YOUR Baby's Formula?

5/17/2016

3 Comments

 
As I sit here in the beginning stages of our baby's nursery I think about all the wishes I wish for our little one. All of the things I already want to protect him or her from. Everything I've learned about our world. Our food source. It's scary, but there's hope and definitely things we can do to make change. 

Since becoming pregnant, it's become so much more than just making recipes. So much more than just cooking organically. It's been more about research, educating and becoming educated about what is truly being fed to our children. What we put in their bodies, on their delicate skin. These little innocent babes, who trust us to fuel them right from the very beginning. 
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Today, I wanted to talk about nanoparticles and get a little scientific in this space today.  While I plan to exclusively breastfeed, we can never know if and when we may need to supplement with formula, and for those mothers who formula feed, we need to be educated on (and have the right to know) what's in these powders and liquids we are having our tiny little humans consume. 

Partnering with Friends of the Earth, I got to learn a lot of eye opening facts about what is in some of the top brands of baby formula, and though I suspected shady ingredients, I can tell you it's not good. 

Friends of the Earth, a grassroots company, hired some of America's top laboratory scientists to break down what it is we are up against, explored exactly what these findings mean and what we, as parents and consumers, can do to make a positive change. For not only our own children, but children of the future. 

We are going to highlight their findings of hazardous nano-ingredients, namely nanoparticles, found within infant formulas. Like most additives and chemical ingredients, little is made known to the public about what these are and what the risks are to the health of our babies and to us. What was found was this: six popular brands of formulas were tested and were found to include three types of nanoparticles including “needle-like” nano hydroxyapatite, nano TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and nano silica dioxide. All items, and I hope this isn't just me, that I just simply don't want my new baby consuming. Or anyone for that matter. 

Just like artificial colors, anti-caking agents and flavorings, we have to ask ourselves, at what point does risk outweigh benefit? With ingredients, (if you can even call them that), such as these, I believe they don't have a place in our food and I believe it's time we start urging more companies and the FDA to remove them. They are not needed, they are not safe to consume and there needs to be more education. 

But I digress, let's touch a little more on nanoparticles before moving on to the companies who are using them. 

When used in baby formula, nanoparticles pose their greatest risk, due to the infants vulnerable physiology. A baby's immune, central nervous, reproductive and digestive systems are still developing. With this in mind, when we expose them to unnecessary toxins, it can lead to irreversible damage that can cause disease throughout life. Scientists have proven that consuming these products cause kidney and liver damage and are toxic even at low doses, as well as contributing to gut inflammation, which if you know my background and how I ended up as a blogger and a nutritionist you know I'm no stranger to. So why are we allowing this to continue?

​Here is a popular Q&A for those who have questions, as well as the companies who are including this harmful ingredients in infant formula currently on your local stores shelf. 

What is nanotechnology, what are nanoparticles/nanomaterials?
​
Nanoparticles are tiny little engineered particles, about 1000x thinner than a human hair! The term ‘nanotechnology’ basically describes the manipulation of things at a really, really small scale, several hundred times smaller than our blood cells. The interesting and also the concerning thing about manipulating materials at this scale is that familiar substances change in ways that scientists may not expect or predict. Let me give you an example. We’re all familiar with the thick white sunscreen worn by lifeguards, etc. If we use nanotechnology to reduce the size of those particles to the nanoscale, suddenly those white zinc particles become transparent. This can be useful. The problem is that at this tiny scale, the particles change in other ways as well. We now know that those zinc nanoparticles are also much more toxic than the larger zinc particles – and unfortunately that appears to be true of many nanoparticles. So a key concern for us is the uncertainty associated with nanotechnology. That’s why we need new safety testing before nanoparticles are used in products.

​Why are companies using these nanoparticles in baby formula?
​
Nano HA is most likely a calcium source for the formula, or could be used as an abrasive, bulking and emulsion stabilizer. However, the needle-form is more commonly used in oral and bone surgeries. TiO2 is a brightener or whitener for food and beverage products, while the anti-caking agent Nano silica dioxide is used as a ‘trickle and flow’ aid in powdered food products, as a clearing agent in beer and wine, as a food additive (amorphous silica found to be nano) and as a food coating.

​All aspects that make infant formula more desirable to the eye for its color, its thickness and its flow capabilities. 
​
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Infant Formula That Contains Harmful Nanoparticles | Nosh and Nurture


​Get The Full Downloadable Report
 by Friends Of The Earth
​ It is important for U.S. consumers to know that manufacturers are not required to list nanomaterial ingredients on product packaging in the United States. In our investigation, Friends of the Earth did not find any baby formulas that listed nanoparticles as ingredients, including the samples we found to contain nanoparticles via laboratory testing. ​

Are nanoparticles used in other kinds of products?
Many nanomaterials have already entered wide-scale commercial use and can be found in hundreds of products, including transparent sunscreens; light-diffracting cosmetics; penetration enhanced moisturizers; stain-, moisture- and odor-repellent fabrics; long-lasting paints and furniture varnishes; antibacterial household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and air conditioners; and sporting equipment. Beyond baby formulas, children’s products that contain engineered nanoparticles include skincare products and sunscreens, supplements, food containers, pacifiers, teethers, blankets, toys and stuffed animals, baby bottles, toothbrushes, baby carriages, bibs, baby clothing and many other products. So it is a widespread problem that needs to be addressed. 

​Are there alternatives available for baby formula?
In terms of using nano as a calcium supplement, there are many other calcium sources that can be used instead of nano hydroxyapatite, especially the needle-like form. Alternatives include non-nano calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Calcium used in foods and supplements contains varying amounts of actual elemental calcium. So yes, the nano TiO2 could be replaced with other ingredients, 
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So now that we have this information, what can we do?

Well, the first piece of action we can take is signing the petition to fight against these companies using the particles. 

Second, we can continue to do thorough research for the betterment of our bodies and our children, choosing the healthiest options when it comes to what we are feeding our family. Opting to make change through where we spend our money and opting for healthier options against the mainstream companies using these potentially dangerous particles. 

And lastly, join us during the Facebook party on May 19th at 6PM PST to speak with the researchers and Mamavation on these findings. 
​
Where have you made healthy changes in your children's diet? And have you heard of nanoparticles and other artificial ingredients in infant formula? Would love for you to comment below and join in the conversation. 



For more information visit the Friends Of The Earth website at www.FOE.org or search for one of the nanomaterials experts available for contact: ● Ian Illuminato, Lead Researcher and author of the report, Friends of the Earth ● Lisa Archer, Director, Friends of the Earth Food & Technology Program and Mom ● Tracey Woodruff, Reproductive Health researcher, UCSF ● Mark Mitchell, MD, National Medical Association ● Martha Arguello, Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles ​

​
This post was created as part of Friend of the Earth Blogger Partnership in which I was financially compensated to be a part of. My opinions are based on my own experiences and are entirely my own.
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