Dine Without Worries With Clean Habits Spoon & Fork Wipes

February 22, 2012 by




At home, we always make sure that everything we use for our little ones are clean and germ-free. We have an arsenal of disinfectants and anti-bacterial dishwashing liquids to ensure that our little ones are safe from harmful bacteria.

But what happens when we dine out? We’ll look silly if we bring our cleaning arsenal with us just to be certain that utensils, plates, and glasses are clean enough for our children. Well, we have found a new ally that lets us “enjoy meals without doubts” – Clean Habits Spoon & Fork Wipes.

Photobucket

I found these in a bazaar and bought several to use at home and to keep in my bag ready to be used when we dine out. Clean Habits Spoon & Fork Wipes are specially formulated from edible and natural ingredients which mean they are safe for our little ones. They don’t leave any odor or aftertaste. This may be because they contain no toxins or harsh chemicals.

Though meant specifically for making sure that utensils are clean, these wipes can also be used to clean plates, glasses, soda cans (which you should ALWAYS wipe before opening), and the phone receiver. You can also safely use them on children’s toys and accessories.

They really are quite handy! I can’t seem to find them though in major supermarkets so I’m always on the lookout for them during bazaars. Do let me know if you come across them in any supermarket.

Filed Under: for the KIDS, Products We Love Tagged With: , , ,

Rainy Season Flu Season is here

June 1, 2011 by

We took the toddlers this morning to their pediatrician for their Hepa-A vaccines which were postponed for next month.  Their pediatrician instead suggested that the toddlers get vaccinated against the flu virus since the rainy season has arrived and with it the flu season.  They should have received the Influenza H1N1 Vaccine a couple of months ago but we prioritized their Pneumo vaccines since the little girl has had pneumonia twice in two years time. Here are some pertinent facts about Influenza and why we need to be vaccinated against it annually?

What is Influenza?

The common flu or influenza is an infection that develops primarily in the lungs and is spread from person to person through secretions of the nose and lungs more often than not when sneezing.  Although other respiratory illnesses cause similar symptoms, it is usually only influenza that is characterized with very high fever, malaise and severe body aches.  It is not only children who are advised to be vaccinated against the influenza virus. Adults are likewise advised to get this flu shot annually since the Swine flu and a host of other super bugs made themselves known.

What is the Flu Vaccine and what are its side effects?

The Flu vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus that is injected into muscles to stimulate the immune system and produce an immune response to the  influenza virus. Antibodies attack and kill the virus and prevent infection in a person who has been vaccinated.

The vaccine given annually is administered as a single dose of 0.5 ml of liquid injected intramuscularly through  the skin. Typically, the injection is into the side of the arm for adults and into the thigh for toddlers. Alcohol is rubbed over the skin for  sterilization.

Side effects of the  flu vaccine are not common but there may be a few who might experience soreness at the  site of the injection, muscle aches, and fever. Very rarely have  serious allergic reactions been reported.

Why do we need a Flu Vaccine annually?

Influenza is a serious viral respiratory infection and is highly infectious.  Its symptoms are severe and prolonged and inhibits normal daily routine. Aside from this, bacterial infections can occur on top of the respiratory infection and their simultaneous attack on the body can overwhelm the function of the lungs and the body. It is, thus, crucial for children and the elderly to be vaccinated against the influenza virus to prevent further complications that may even lead to death.

The influenza virus can change slightly each year and a new vaccine has to be prepared every year to combat the expected strains of influenza virus.  The vaccine is only effective against the specific strains of virus that match the vaccine so it does not give you a foolproof chance of acquiring flu. It does lower the probability of you getting the disease though.  Annual vaccination is required so that you get a vaccine that matches the strains of influenza prevalent currently.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

Flu season in our country begins at the onset of the rainy season.  It is advisable to get the vaccine a few weeks before this.  April or May would probably be the best months to get the Influenza Vaccine. Do consult your physicians though as they would be able to give you the best advice.


Filed Under: Health, House Matters Tagged With: ,

Mashed Vegetables Art

May 11, 2011 by

photo mashedart.jpg

No, those are not made of clay nor playdough.  We actually had those for dinner. Those are the mashed potatoes and carrots we had with our barbequed chicken.  I know that I have much to improve on when it comes to food decorating but my children are still toddlers who are still so very easily pleased.  (Good for me!)

This is one of the best ways we’re able to make our toddlers eat their food on their own and finish it up to the last bite.  It really makes mealtime fun for them and they look forward to what they’d be eating next.  The shapes don’t even have to be so complicated. My little daughter is easily delighted by a heart-shaped serving of rice.

We also do this with pancakes and sandwiches.  Pancakes don’t necessarily have to be round, we make them in all shapes and sizes. We even have fun figuring out or giving names to pancakes I messed up shaping.

Toddlers can be quite difficult to feed. At their age, all they want to do it seems is to run around and play.  Do try to create funny shapes with their food to make mealtimes enjoyable.  Pretty soon, they might even actually start eating by themselves.

Filed Under: Eat-Outs, Kids At Work Tagged With: , , ,

Cheesy Vegetable Surprise

April 27, 2011 by
photo CVSdinner.jpg

Tonight’s Dinner: Grilled Sirloin Steak, Hearty Mashed Potatoes and Cheesy Veggie Surprise (pardon the overcooked steak!)

I finally got to try the recipe I found while browsing the FullTime Moms Facebook Page.  The recipe created by Chef Ed Quimson was a perfect way to get my toddlers to finish their vegetables without much whining.  Although the tots do love to eat vegetables, they sometimes get tired of the usual menu in our house.  This cheesy vegetable surprise is something I haven’t tried before but I was confident they would eat their meal with gusto because of the cheese.

BROCCOLI, CARROTS and QUICKMELT CHEESE

CARROT SAUCE

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup butter
200 grams white onions, chopped
dash salt
1 piece laurel leaf
1 kilo carrots, shredded
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk

PROCEDURE

In a sauce pan, heat olive oil and butter.
Sauté onions until translucent then add laurel.
Put in the chicken broth and milk.  Stir over low heat until smooth and bubbly.
Add the carrots, simmer while stirring constantly until cooked.
Puree the sauce in a blender until smooth.
Heat until thickened or reduced.

PROCEDURE:

Blanch broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water.
In a mold, layer broccoli and cauliflower.
Pour in carrot sauce.
Top with quickmelt cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes at 350F.
photo CVSveggies.jpg

broccoli and cauliflower – the nutritious surprise

photo CVScarrotsauce.jpg

carrot sauce seems to be lacking in carrots

photo CVScheese.jpg

yummy quickmelt cheese!!!

I’m sure Chef Ed’s finished product was utterly delicious ’cause mine didn’t turn out that bad. Considering that I’m a novice in the kitchen, my version of it still turned out quite edible – yummy even, for my 4-year-old niece.  Mine ended up watery, so I guess I should have drained the vegetables well after blanching.  Or maybe this could be because I baked it in an oven toaster as I had no conventional oven.

My toddlers finished their meal so I surmise that it tastes good enough for them, too.  My husband found it too rich and said that it was a meal for kids.  I found the carrot sauce really delicious.  It could even be eaten all on its own – like soup.  This recipe is something I would be working on hoping that I could cook it perfectly someday.  I think that squash could even be substituted for the carrots and other vegetables added too.  But experimenting on the recipe would have to wait until I’m able to make that perfect Broccoli, Carrots and Quickmelt.

photo CVSJade.jpg

photo CVSjakei.jpg

Filed Under: Health, Kids At Work Tagged With: , , ,

Milk Teeth Need To Be Checked Too

April 13, 2011 by

The toddlers were long overdue for a visit to the dentist. Usually I go to this Dentist Orlando, but we were finally able to take them to a very dear friend, Dra. Lisa Orense, who squeezed us in her very hectic schedule and took a peek at the toddlers’ milk teeth. When we arrived at the clinic, there was still another patient being treated so we had to wait a little while for our turn. While waiting, I again reminded the toddlers about what the dentist would be doing.

photo 1stDentpractice.jpg

practicing their “ahhhs” while waiting for their turn

My kids are very sociable so they took to Tita Lisa very easily. We were ushered inside the dental clinic and Tita Lisa made sure that the toddlers were comfortable. Jade was checked first as she had no qualms sitting on the dental chair. The dentist also did not have a hard time checking her teeth as she gamely said Ahh and followed all of the dentist’s instructions.

photo 1stDentcomfyjade.jpg

happy little girl getting all comfy in the dental chair

photo 1stDentquickhands.jpg

This little girl’s hands are sooo very swift… you’d think she was trained by Fagin

If checking Jade’s teeth was a breeze, checking Jakei’s proved to be a challenge for Tita Lisa. He refused to sit in the dental chair and would not let go of dear Mama. So while safely ensconced in my arms, the dentist coaxed him to open his mouth and allow her to place the dental mirror inside. It took a while but soon she was able to check his teeth also. It’s important you get your children used to the dentist early so they don’t develop any teeth or gum problems later on in life and need serious dental care such as periodontics.

photo 1stDentwithTitaLisa.jpg

the toddlers with their very beautiful dentist, Tita Lisa

Filed Under: Kids At Work Tagged With: ,
Next Page »