Friday, February 4, 2011

Homemade Baby Food 101


I opted to make my little lady's food for a number of reasons. #1 reason was the fact that I was actually able to, being that I am a "stay at home mama". Had I returned to the grueling 9-5, corporate world - I seriously DOUBT that I would have the time to do this. In addition, the health benefits were incredibly important - but so was the fact that if I wouldn't eat it, why would I expect her to? Jarred food is bland and totally lacking in the flavor department. I do understand the convenience of grabbing a jar, and am not here to cast judgement or claim to be "better" than anyone for choosing to make my daughter's food. I am offering my opinion, bits of fun info and a few yummy recipes. That's all :)


THE BENEFITS:

Making your own homemade baby food will ensure that what your child is eating is fresh, nutritious and free of additives. By making your own baby food, you'll be saving money. Also, you will have total control over what is put into your baby's food. You can therefore take the extra steps to ensure that only high quality foods are selected and used. You will be able to feed your baby according to his or her needs because you will know what foods are best suited for your baby from experience. 

Making your own baby food also ensures that your baby is exposed to a greater variety of tastes and textures. This will help your baby when making the transition to table foods and also help him or her develop healthy eating habits.


THE BOOKS.............

Don't be intimidated by the over abundance of cookbooks that you will find. I have to admit, I was. They all seem to be great, so it was really hard to pick. The deciding factor for me was a clear side note stating what age the specific recipe was designed and ok for. This is my first child so I've been rather cautious of this and that.


This is the book that I decided on - and it's been FABULOUS!! The recipes are AMAZING and EASY to follow!!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Hooray for flea market finds!!


Tuesday morning began much earlier than I would have hoped for. Although I've never been one for "sleeping in" (even past 8am) - It would sometimes be nice to catch up. Oh well!! Excited for a sugar-filled cup of my famous coffee, I dashed into the kitchen... Checked the weather forecast on my new phone and was totally inspired. The sun would be out.... HOORAY!!! I would be lame to not take advantage of the nice weather, so I woke up my STBH and told him of my plan to take over the local flea market. 

So we got our little lady dressed to impress and hit the road!!!

Here is one of my amazing "finds"...


It's a bracelet, similar to that of a small dog collar, lol... With sparkled initials and a ridiculous amount of character. I love things like this... Unique accessories are the bee's knees - Or something like that!! I know that it looks like the "A" is a "V" upside down... And I argued that with the gentleman at the booth, but he insisted... Haha. I suppose that you can't really go wrong for a total of $3.00 :)

We had a great lunch and spent a good deal of time looking around and picking up a few other things, here and there... My FAVORITE little find had to be this.......


My little lady and the smile worth millions...

Can't wait to go back next week!!