DOLE Fruit Squish'ems... The Perfect "Mami and Me" Snack!

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Dole Packaged Foods, LLC. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

As a mom of two toddlers I am always running around in circles trying to keep the house clean, keep the kids active and keep them fed.   Sometimes it's easy to forget to slow down and enjoy some special time with your little ones.   New DOLE Fruit Squish'ems are the perfect snack for "mami and me" time.  Each fruit pouch contains a full serving of all-natural fruit and is only 60 calories.   My girls love all three flavors of Apple, Apple with Mixed Berry and Apple Strawberry.   My favorite flavor is Apple Strawberry.
 Not only are they incredibly delicious and convenient in their easy-to-use pouches but the best thing about DOLE Fruit Squish'ems is they are GPA, GMO (not made with genetically modified or engineered ingredients), and Gluten Free.  

If you are a mom always on the go then DOLE Fruit Squish'ems are the perfect snack to help you slow down and enjoy time with your child while enjoying a very nutritious snack at the same time.   This delicious new snack is available at retailers nationwide for an SRP of $2.99 per package.   Now that's a great deal!!

• Website: http://dole.com/fruitsquishems
• Facebook: Dole
• Twitter: @DoleFoods

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Dole Packaged Foods, LLC. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Beech-Nut/Goya Baby Food Review

When I was offered to review the new Beech-Nut/Goya baby food products I was so excited.  Growing up in Puerto Rican household most of the products we ate were produced by Goya so it's definitely a brand I trust completely.  So, needless to say I was super pumped to get the product and test them on my adorable nephew, David.  This was going to be so much fun.   
My sister-in-law, just like me, is super picky about the food she lets her little one eat.   With a product like Beech-Nut and Goya I had full confidence in the ingredients included in each product.   I love that we can feed him nutritious ingredients with the convenience of opening a little jar of deliciousness.  I couldn't wait to see how much he would enjoy eating baby food with the traditional Hispanic flavors that I grew up with.  

First up was mango.  Just as I expected... he loved it.  Who doesn't love mango?   This one was so good I set aside a jar just for myself...shhhh! 
Next we tested carrots corn.  This one was also a hit.  I wasn't too sure how he'd feel about it but he ate most of the jar.
Finally, we tried apple guava.  I don't think he was too fond of the guava on its own but when we mixed it with the Beech-Nut/Goya corn cereal he had no problem gobbling it all down.  
Later that night we gave him a small taste of the peach mango and he loved that one as well.  That's another flavor I had to set aside for myself.  ha ha ha
This experience was a great way for me to bond with my little guy and try some yummy healthy foods that really brought me back to my childhood.   I would most definitely recommend Beech-Nut/Goya baby foods and cereals to moms everywhere.



This was a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  

Yeah, I still Breastfeed My Toddler, Now F Off!

When I became pregnant with my youngest, now 22 months, I couldn't wait to give breastfeeding another try.  You see, with my first two kids I was only able to breastfeed for about two weeks and with my third I stuck it out for two months.  Everyone said to keep trying because it was get easier and the excruciating, toe curling pain would slowly subside as my nipples "toughened up".  What the F??  I didn't want tough nipples!  Who wants tough nipples??  I also have breast implants and I was scared as shit that one of those suckers was going to pop again.  Yes, I said again.  I'm not gonna get into the whole story now but if you're interested you can read about it here.  Point is, I stopped and once again felt like I let down another one of my children.  
Fast forward about 17 months and here comes little Riley.   I put her on breasts as soon as they handed her to me and she went at it like a champ.  This kid meant business!!  When we came home I tried offering her a bottle so that my husband could help out with some of the feedings but she just wasn't having. it.   I tried offering bottles off and on for months without any success.  My husband and I even left her with my mother-in-law when she was about 3 months old so we could go out of town to the World Series game.  My MIL offered her a bottle several times but she just wasn't having it.  She had to be fed with a medicine dropper just to get some food in her little belly.  
Riley will be 2 years old on July 11th and she is still breastfeeding a few times a day.  How do I feel about it?  Eh.   I am ready to be done with it.  I love the quiet time we get together and I love that she is still getting the awesome benefits of my breast milk but OMG, I am sick of having to stop what I am doing to feed this giant kid.  I am tired of her pulling down my shirt in public asking for her "night-nights" and I am eXtReMeLy sick of people asking me why I STILL breastfeed my kid.   
Listen, I know it looks weird but I'm not sitting on some F'ing park bench with my boobs out and my 25 lb kid sitting in my lap suckling from my breasts!  And even if I was it's none of your damn business because I would be covering that sh*t up and she's my kid and they are my boobs!  I'm so tired of getting the look of disgust or the comments like, "she's almost in kindergarten".  Funny thing is these comments usually come from women who either never breastfed their kids out of choice or because they just couldn't.  Some of those that comment still pump or give their toddlers milk that they pumped long ago.  Others that comment were never able to produce enough milk.   Okay, I can't lie.  I never thought I'd be breastfeeding this long either.  I never wanted to.  My goal was to make it to 1 year and that was it.   One year came and went faster than I can remember.  I have tried weaning for the last 10 months without success.  I have read numerous articles on how to wean and none of them have seemed to work.  I have even gone so far as to put lemon juice, garlic oil and mustard on my nipples.   She cried and made a yucky face and even went so far as to say, "it's yuck" or "it's for babies" but then she just keeps going.  She isn't a fan of whole milk but she will drink it from time to time but never from a bottle.   I know it's not a matter of her being hungry because the girl eats more than I do.  I've read to just let them wean themselves but at this point I cannot see that happening anytime soon.  My last option is to quit cold turkey.  How do I take away the one thing that truly soothes her?  It's not about the milk it's about the bonding, the love and the comfort that breastfeeding provides.   Breastfeeding is her blankie or her favorite teddie bear; it's all she's ever known.  She doesn't know how to fall asleep any other way but next to me on my breasts.   My heart is broken but I know this must be done soon.   
Have you had to deal with weaning a toddler?   How did it work for you? 

Consider Your Cover-Ups

Sure, beach cover-ups go hand-in-hand with swimsuits, but they’re also essential when it comes to skincare.  Every year, the sun’s harmful UV rays are getting stronger and stronger, so the need for covering up is key.  But protecting your skin doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fashion for function!  This season, consider your choice in cover-ups and choose styles that are both fashionable and functional.  Read on for some of this season’s most popular styles of beach cover-ups.

Tunics 

Tunics generally hit at mid-thigh length, although they can be a bit shorter or longer, and they’re by far one of the most popular styles of beach cover-ups around.  The reason for their popularity is probably due to the fact that they’re so easy to wear.  Furthermore, tunics come in a wide variety of silhouettes.  For something simple, look for a classic tunic with a plunging v-neck in either a solid or a print.  But for something a bit fancier, try tunic-length ponchos, styles with an asymmetrical one-shoulder design or even a kaftan-inspired tunic with wide billowy sleeves.

Dresses   

But for women on the go who need something that’ll help them effortlessly transition from beach to street, go for dresses that can double as beach cover-ups.  For something short and sweet, try a little sundress in cotton, crochet or jersey.  But for something a bit more elegant, try maxi dresses or long slit-front beach cover-ups—one of the hottest resort trends of the season!

All About The Bottoms
Finally, this season it’s all about the bottoms.  If you generally prefer to cover up with a pair of denim cutoffs and a tank, opt for a bottom that’s a bit fancier.  Go for short shorts done in allover lace or crochet and pair them with a simple tank.  But if you’re more into pants, beach pants are having a major moment right now.  Try them in lightweight silk or chiffon with just a hint of sheer.



Which beach cover-ups speak to your personality?

Susan is the Social Media Marketing Manager for InStyleSwimwear.com, a fashion-forward online retailer of swimwear, beach cover-ups and accessories.  To read more of Susan's tips and tricks, check out Beauty and the Beach! 

Styles shown:

Jersey Mojito Tunic by Vitamin A 

Viceroy Maxi Dress by PilyQ

Viridian Pant by The Collection by L*SPACE

Southwest Chicken and Vegetables with Millet

Hi! I'm Holly and I blog over at Back Home Again, mainly about my family's adventures and our attempts to live a "green" lifestyle. Thanks Jen for having me!

I wanted to introduce you to one of my favorite foods, millet. Now, I know what you're thinking. Millet? Isn't that...birdseed?

Yes, it's used for bird and livestock feed a lot here in the States. But, it's also an alternative grain to rice and a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. It's still a staple in many countries around the world and was more widely eaten than wheat in medieval times. It has a mild, sweet and nutty flavor and depending on how it's cooked can be used as a rice substitute or even in cookies and bread!

I love millet and usually use it as a rice substitute, particularly for tacos. I wanted to share with you something I threw together in the slow cooker last week that was amazing, my Southwest Chicken and Vegetables with Millet. I love my slow cooker, it makes dinner so easy. With two under two, dinner definitely needs to be easy in my house!

What you'll need:
1 c millet
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can enchilada sauce
1-2 chicken breasts, depending on the size of your slow cooker
1 can black beans, drained
1 c corn kernels
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 c red pepper, diced
1/4 c green pepper, diced
shredded cheddar, optional

Cook millet according to directions. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray and place chicken breasts inside. Top with vegetables. Mix soups and enchilada sauce and pour over chicken and vegetables. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low 7-8 hours, then shred chicken. Mix chicken and millet into vegetables and sauce. Top with cheese if desired. Serve in tacos or tortillas or in a bowl by itself. Enjoy!

I used a frozen black bean, corn, onion and pepper medley. I also used half of the sauce and froze the rest for later.