Thumbs Up Thursday - Toddler iPad Apps

I've had a few people ask about the apps I have on our iPad for the Girl since Harps is allowed to play on the iPad while I'm nursing. I did quite a bit of research to make sure I wasn't just having her zone out to mind poop so here's the ones that get a Thumbs Up from both Harper and me.  I made the girl her own page so that she could easily swipe over to her page and get on any of her apps in one place.

Starfall ABC's - This app let's the child pick a letter and then goes through upper and lower case, words that start with that letter and has interactive games to learn the letters. 

Curious Zoo - Curious George is at the zoo.  The child can select different animals to help out with 

and each animal has an educational video that teaches about it.

eFlash English - For toddler's learning words, this has categories like food, transportation, letters, colors and numbers. The items are shown alphabetically, said allowed and a picture is shown.

Potty Time with Elmo - Yes, we are about to enter into potty training so this app is the book but also has puzzles and songs about potty time.  A warning, the songs will get stuck in your head!

First Words Sampler - FW Sampler is a spelling app that let's the child drag the appropriate letters to spell a word.  

 I Hear Ewe - Sounds and pictures of animals and transportation.

Interactive Alphabet - Another app that focuses on letters, words that begin with those letters and interactive screens.

The Little Engine That Could - The classic book as an interactive app.

Loopseque Kids - Works with beats and music where the child can design their own sounds.

The Monster At The End of This Book - Another classic children's book as an app.

My Very First App - Eric Carle's artwork becomes a memory game.  The app has an easy, medium and hard level.

Peek-A-Zoo - Animals and sounds, this app is one of the more visually appealing.

Teach Me Toddler - An app that focuses on letters, colors, numbers and shapes.  This is one of the most educational in my opinion.  It also has a rewards chart and tracks your child's learning.

Please share if you've found some that are successful too!

Thumbs Up Thursday

Thumbs Up for Green Giant Carrot Crisps.  Over the last 6 months or so, the Squirrel has started becoming more.....let's say selective in her dietary intake.  She is adamantly opposed to most vegetables of any kind.  I've tried dipping sauces, I've tried hiding them in pasta, pot pies and casseroles, I've even mixed them up with fruits.  But my clever little munchkin see through all of my attempts - so much so that she will pick sand sized pieces of parsley off of her pasta before she eats it, saving herself the horror of ingesting something green.  She will, however, devour any size, shape or color carb set in front of her.  And let's be honest ladies, what female wouldn't down an entire bag of potato chips, a basket of warm restaurant rolls and a loaf of sourdough bread if we didn't have to suffer the consequences of cellulite?  

So while I was at CostCo the other day (on a side note: according to Jared, I am no longer allowed to go to CostCo by myself due to the random items that I buy in value sized portions), I came across Green Giant Carrot Crips.  Now here's a concept.  A veggie disguised as a carb.  Couldn't hurt to try them right?  

I get home, crack open a bag for me and a bag for the Squirrel.  I thought they tasted a bit like dried cardboard but guess what?  The girl devoured them!  And I will admit, the more I ate them, the more they grew on me.  So Thumbs Up for a veggie disguised as a carb!

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I receive no compensation for these reviews.  I just like the products.

Thumbs Up Thursday

Thumbs up for quinoa.  I'm a little obsessed with quinoa these days.  Not only is it so good for you, but it takes on the flavor of whatever you add to it so it can serve as something sweet or something savory.  I've recently come across some great quinoa recipes on Pinterest so I thought I'd share!

Mango-Berry Quinoa Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing from homemadetoast.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed VERY VERY well

2 1/2 cups water (more or less)

zest from 1/2 lemon (about a teaspoon)

3 cups dicced fruit (I used mangoes, strawberries, and blueberries)

handful of basil - about a 1/2 cup, loosely packed (plus more for garnish)

1/4 cup honey

1-2 lemons

Directions:

Rinse quinoa very well, until water is perfectly clear. In a medium saucepan, add quinoa, water, lemon zest, and stems from basil. Over medium-high heat, bring the quinoa to a simmer. Once it begins simmering, remove basil stems, and cover. Continue to simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Add more water while cooking, if necessary.

When the quinoa is finished, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool, uncovered while you prepare the sauce and fruit.  Add a handful of basil leaves, honey, and lemon juice all in a food processor or blender. 

Prepare fruit by dicing into uniform-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, combine fruit and sauce. Stir to coat.

Then, add in the quinoa. Chill for at least two hours, stir again before serving.

Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Avocado and Cumin-Lime Dressing from www.eating-for-england.com
Ingredients:
1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 3/4 cup water
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 avocado, chopped into chunks
handful cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 red onion, diced
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
small handful cilantro, diced
1 limes, juiced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tbsp olive oil
salt, to taste

Directions:
Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot add the rinsed quinoa and toast for about 2-3 minutes until it starts smelling nutty and lovely. Add water, stir once, cover, and simmer with a lid on for 20 minutes.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare all other ingredients. Prepare the dressing by combining the lime juice, oil, cumin, and salt. Whisk it aggressively. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
When the quinoa has finished cooking, remove it from heat and fluff with a fork. Add black beans and toss to warm them through.
Let the quinoa cool for about five minutes and then add all the remaining ingredients, including the dressing, and mix. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with tortilla chips and a refreshing, cold beer.

Thumbs Up Thursday

Thumbs up for The Story for Little Ones by Josee Masse, Max Lucado and Randy Frazee

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Harper is currently OBSESSED with The Story for Little Ones.  She asks to read it about 15 times a day (I'm not kidding either).  There are times she'll disappear and we'll find her sitting in her room just flipping through the book on her own.  Max and Randy give simple messages to go along with each Bible story and the illustrations are perfect for kids.  If you're looking for a good Bible book or even an Easter present, I highly recommend The Story for Little Ones.

Harper hugging her book

I received no compensation for these reviews - I just like the products. 

Thumbs Up Thursday

I'm a reader.  Always have been, bet I always will be.  I love getting lost in a book and am always sad when a good one comes to an end.  It's like I've lost a friend.  And recommendations are almost always the best source of finding a good book.  So.....

Thumbs Up for www.goodreads.com.  I might be a little behind the times on this one but I just discovered it.  It's kinda like the dork version of Facebook - and I'm totally in the dork club.  You can find your friends, see what they've read and recommend and keep your list updated as well.  I still need to put in my reviews but I've rated most of my books and am slowly trying to update my list.  So if you're a member, be my friend!  And if you aren't, become a member and be my friend.  I need a new book to read.

Thumbs Up Thursday - Fabrics

Well, well, well.  Look who's showing their pretty little face again.  That's right Thumbs Up Thursday, I'm talkin' to you.  Nice of you to bless us with your presence once again.
(Do you like how I'm totally putting the blame on TUT and, of course, this has nothing to do with my lack of work?)

So after a LONG hiatus, this Thumbs Up Thursday is dedicated to my two new favorite fabric sites.  Since I have a boy room that I've been ignoring until just after New Years and have since been obsessing over, I have been a mad woman searching for the perfect fabrics.  I've been totally unsatisfied with the local store options so I went online.

Thumbs Up for www.spoonflower.com.  This site is brilliant!  People can go on and submit their own designs for a weekly design contest.  If you're the winner, your fabric goes up for the world to buy.  This has resulted in an amazing collection of fabrics.  The best part is, the buyer can pick what type of fabric they want their selected design to go on.  Yes, the prices are a little steep but if you have a splurge fabric, its totally worth it.  Unfortunately, I can't copy the pictures from their site to share but if you click here, you can view my Spoon Flower splurge for the boy's room.

Thumbs Up for www.fabricguru.com.  Now after you've splurged on Spoon Flower, head over to Fabric Guru for your more thrifty options.  At less than $8 per yard for upholstery fabric, you'd be silly to shop elsewhere.  While their site is a little more confusing to peruse, it's totally worth it for the savings.  Here's our Fabric Guru selections for Numero Dos to compliment the elephants:

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And both sites offer the option to purchase large sized swatches so you can have a look-see before you buy.

I received no compensation for these reviews - I just like the products.

Thumbs Up Thursday

It's baaaaccckkk!  After a short hiatus, Thumbs Up Thursday is back this week.  

Thumbs Up for Dillard's children's holiday clothing.  I am cheap....well, let's say thrifty.  I have a very hard time laying down a credit card for clothing over the $25 price range.  And that includes clothing for me as well.  I tell Jared daily how lucky he is but then he likes to remind me that 15 items worth $25 dollars is just the same as one item worth $375.  Um, NO IT'S NOT!  So when it comes to the adorable Christmas outfits for kids, I have to bypass the fabulous smocked holiday wear just for the mere fact that I can't stomach the Squirrel wearing a $70 outfit for one month.  Well, hello Dillards!  I stumbled across their Christmas outfits by chance and realized that almost everything is under $30 and quite festive.  And they carry clothes for newborn - girls sizes.  So get in there and get yourself some holiday goodness before its too late!

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I receive no compensation for these reviews - I just like the products!

Thumbs Up Thursday - Local Edition

Okay San Antonians - this one is for you!

Thumbs Up to Holiday Olé Market!  I attended last night's Preview Party for Holiday Olé and I must say this year's shopping extravaganza has a great mix.  So yes, you might see a few bedazzled belt buckles and puff painted pillow cases but, overall, I thought it was a good collection of some kids stuff, some stuff for the home, some holiday decorations and really cute women's clothing and jewelry.  Tickets are only $15 for a multi-day pass and they have designated stroller hours so make sure you take note if you plan to bring the kids along.  Don't miss the Under Wraps booth with CHEAP wrapping paper, gift boxes for $1/each and the rainbow assortment of tulle.  Most vendors take credit cards but Under Wraps only takes cash or check so come prepared.  This fundraiser supports the Junior League of San Antonio so you're shopping for a good cause and don't have to feel guilty about the dollars you spend!

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General Shopping Hours:

Thursday, October 20: Noon to 8 p.m.

Friday, October 21: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Stroller Hours from 9am to noon

Saturday, October 22: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Stroller Hours all day

Thumbs Up Thursday - Cabo Edition

 

I'm a big believer in recommendations when it comes to traveling.  In light of our recent vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Thumbs Up Thursday is dedicated to our top experiences from the trip.

Thumbs Up to The Office.  We were in Cabo the week that The Office opened up for business after a month long holiday - it was packed so we didn't get to spend as much time there as we'd have liked but we still made it a stop.  The Office is perfect for daytime, beach cocktails, a little pre-dinner fun or post-dinner festivities.

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Thumbs Up to Mi Casa.  We were warned by the locals that Mi Casa was too touristy but I disagree.  Okay, okay.  Yes they had mariachis, yes they had an amazing gift shop where everything was overpriced, yes the decorations were super festive and mucho Mexican but it set the right tone for a great evening.  Their traditional Mexican plates were muy delicioso and I was a fan.  And yes, we paid the mariachis to sing for us...Guantanamera...Guajira Guantanamera....Guantanamerrrrraaaaaa!  I realize I would scoff at anyone in San Antonio that did this but when in Rome, right?

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Thumbs Up to Captain Bob and Day Sail Cabo.  We hired Captain Bob and his crew for an afternoon and it was a great choice.  They supplied all beverages, lunch, snorkeling and a personalized water front tour of Cabo for a great price.  Captain Bob is FULL of information (maybe a little too much on occasion) but we loved seeing all of the houses of the famous people as we sailed past on the boat.  He got up close to Los Arcos and the sea lions too!

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Thumbs Up to Sunset Da Mona Lisa.  The food was tasty (not my favorite meal of the trip) but it was the views that made this dining experience spectacular!  We were set high on a cliff overlooking the ocean and the surfers with a flawless view of the sunset.  Pretty amazing.

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Thumbs Up to Edith's.  This restaurant is a must do and was most definitely my favorite dining experience of the trip.  The ambiance was both festive and romantic, the food was wonderful and their service was five star!  Get one of the flaming desserts - The Mexican Coffee was perfecto - its totally worth the show in and of itself.

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Thumbs Up to The Pink Kitty.  While I might not recommend The Pink Kitty for everyone, if you are looking to cut loose on the dance floor one night, head here.  I will admit that we were the first ones in the club (we might not be as young and hip as we use to be) and the place was in full swing when we headed out the door for our beds (they were calling our names) and we were probably the only ones in there that had children (at least who were legitimately born) but we owned that dance floor while we were there and sweated up a storm!

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Thumbs Up to The Spa at The One and Only.  Holy cow...or should I say Santa Vaca!  This was a total treat and definitely worth the splurge.  I had a pregnancy massage (of course) and it was fab!  Go early, enjoy the amenities and plan to go have lunch by the pool overlooking the ocean.  I could have gone back every day!

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Thumbs Up to Chris and Courtney Williams!  They planned all of the details for the entire group and are THE best trip planners/vacation buddies around.  Many thanks for all of your hard work on an excellent trip!

Thumbs Up Thursday

Thumbs Up for Fooducate!  Today I had lunch with three of my best friends from growing up, Stephanie, Emily and Christy (pictures to come as long as Stephanie sends them, no pressure).  Along with lots of laughs and catching up, we learned about this super fabo app from Christy.  While I haven't been to the grocery store with it, I came home and immediately invaded my pantry and fridge.  So what's is all about?  You scan the bar code of almost any food item and Fooducate immediately pulls up all of the hidden details about the product - what makes it good, what makes it bad, hidden ingredients that might not be so good for you, etc.  It grades the product and even gives a list of similar products that are much better for you.  WOW!  What an app!  So, of course, I scanned the foods I've been giving Harps on a regular basis.  Who would have thought Nabisco Graham Crackers would have earned a C+ because they contain hidden trans-fats???  So while I'm grocery shopping, I can now easily find products that are more natural with better ingredients.  Thanks Christy for the great tip!

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Thumbs Up Thursday

Thumbs Up for last night's premiere of NBC's "Up All Night"!  I'm not sure if everyone will find this show as funny as I did but if you've had a baby in the last couple of years, I am willing to bet you will.  I'm wondering if NBC planted microphones in my house over the last year???  Seriously.  There are some word for word conversations that I swear took place in the Meabon household.  And not to mention that both Maya Rudolph and Christina Applegate are two of my Hollywood BFFs....but that's a-whole-nother post in and of itself.  So my advice is to try and catch the pilot and then set your DVR for Wednesdays at 8/7c.

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Thumbs Up Thursday - Pumpkin Edition

We've finally dropped below the 100 degree mark and fall is in the air!  I love the fall, the cool weather and the excitement that the season brings.  With the morning lows in the 60s this week, I am in the mood.  I dedicate this Thumbs Up to you, fall season!

Thumbs Up for Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Welcome back old friend!  I know fall is here when the PSL is back on the menu.  Although my order has the decaf thrown in the mix, the tasty goodness is still the same. Grande Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte Skinny, No Whip please!

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Thumbs Up for the pumpkin decoration explosion on Pinterest.  I'm still trying to decide which of these pumpkins I will attempt to recreate and adorn the Meabon doorstep with.  Any preferences?

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Thumbs Up for Gayle Skelton's Famous Pumpkin Dip!  Gayle is a dear friend of mine who is amazingly talented in the entertainment department.  In our Four Seasons days together, Gayle marked the begninning of fall by bringing my favorite fall culinary treat into the office.  This is a must as we kick off the fall season!

Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients:

(2) 8 oz cream cheese
15 oz can of pumpkin
(2) cup powdered sugar
(1) Tsp cinnamon
(1) Tsp ginger
 

Whip and serve with ginger snaps.

Thumbs Up for the return of football season!  Here we go Steelers, here we go (clap, clap)!!!!

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And Wreck 'em Tech!!!

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Thumbs Up Thursday

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Thumbs Up for one of my new favorite local sites Little Daily Planner.  Sorry, non-San Antonio residents, this one is SA only.  This great resource has a weekly calendar of activities happening each day for kids.  Click on a link that interests you and you get all of the details for that activity - location, cost, recommended ages.  I take a look at the beginning of the week to see if there any must do activities for The Squirrel. 

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Thumbs Up for Crock Pots.  I guess these suckers are all the rage these days for my generation.  The Crock Pot Girls are making a huge splash in the social networking world.  I liked them on Facebook earlier last week along with 145,000 of my closest FB friends and they are about to hit the 1 million mark!  I see a cookbook in their future...or at least a really good PR agency.  I typically only break the crock pot out for the occassional Fat A%@ Dip or SuperBowl Soiree but they swear that all parts to a meal can be crocked and it makes life much easier on moms trying to put a hot meal on the table.  So I'm giving the ol' crock pot a whirl tonight and I'll let you know if it stands up to its reputation.  I didn't get my recipe from The CPGs but instead from this blog via Mrs. Boo Arnold.  And yes, I reverted back to the 1950's way of addressing your friends in honor of you dear crock pot (even though you were a 1970's creation).

And since it got a mention, here's the recipe for Betsy Nameth's world famous Fat A%@ Dip:

Ingredients:

Three 8 oz. Packages of Cream Cheese (I prefer full fat, hence the name of the recipe)

2 cans Rotel

One roll of Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage

One roll of Jimmy Dean Regular Sausage (I've also used Spicy and its equally as delicious)

Brown the sausage, drain and set aside.  Melt cream cheese and add two cans of Rotel.  Don't drain the Rotel.  Melt together and stirl.  Add sausage and crock pot until hot. 

Easy and fantastic!

I receive no compensation for these reviews - I just like the products!