Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

When we are out and about, I have to admit the snacks I pack for my kids are not always the freshest or healthiest.  For time and convenience, most of the time the snacks I take along come out of a box. So when I heard about The Sili Squeeze reusable snack squeeze I was interested to give it a try. You can try it too if you win today’s giveaway (enter below!) I also want to share a special Sili Squeeze coupon code “SILITINYORANGES” for 10% off your purchase through 10/31/11.

The Sili Squeeze is a reusable squeeze that lets growing babies snack on purees, yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, etc. while on-the-go! Little ones as young as six months can use The Sili Squeeze and it is “mommy hands free” so your little ones can squeeze themselves silly whether in the stroller, car or shopping cart.

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For years I have been hearing about how GREAT steelcut oatmeal is for you.

Problem? I am really not crazy about how it tastes.

So when I discovered Trader Joe’s Steelcut Oatmeal I did a little happy dance because I actually really like it!

It can be found in the frozen section and is flavored with brown sugar & maple syrup (which probably helps.) However, Erica from CoreAthletica.com gave it her stamp of approval for it’s low calorie count (only 150) and fairly low sugar content (7g.)

It only takes 3 minutes to heat and I have been topping it with fresh berries (recently blackberries or blueberries) and adding some sliced raw almonds for a little protein and fat.

It’s great for breakfast or a mid-morning snack and nothing like steelcut oats to keep your system movin’ along!

Wanted to share this little find  - because who doesn’t love a new TJ product to love?

Guest blog by: Michele, a freelance writer and the mom responsible for Fun Orange County Parks. She’s loves outings with her 7 year old boy and 3 year old girl.

Top Ten Snack Ideas for Park Playdates or All-Day Excursions

I’m not a health or nutrition expert, but I am an expert on trips to the playground and park with hungry kids. Snacks are a necessity and here are some easy ideas for pack-up and go:

1. Frozen Yogurt: Freeze squeezable yogurt for a cool, refreshing treat. They turn out like yogurt Otter Pops.

2. Cheese & Whole Grain: String cheese and whole grain crackers.

3. International Orange: Baby carrots dipped in your favorite hummus.

4. Fruit and Flakes: Toss raisins (or currants or blueberries) together with your favorite healthy cereal.

5. Mix It Up: Make your own trail mix or pick your favorite from the bins at Henry’s or TJ’s nut aisle.

6. Crazy Fruit and Veggies: I buy bags of shredded carrots and call it “Bunny Hay” or there’s even crinkle-cut carrots in some produce sections. Sometimes it just takes cutting something in an odd shape to get kids to eat it. My kids would never eat oranges until I cut them in eighths (instead of peeling them – they didn’t like the white fibers leftover from the peel).

7. Snail Sandwiches: Cut the crust off whole wheat bread. Squish the bread flat with the palm of your hand. Spread on some cream cheese. Chop fruit, veggies, and/or lunch meat very finely and roll. Now cut into slices for snail-shaped sandwiches.

8. Create with Grahams: Make graham cracker sandwiches out of peanut butter, or cream cheese, or even dip them in those to-go applesauce cups.

9. Sweet Treats: Get fruit cups packed in their own juice. Slice apples and pour in a couple tablespoons of Sprite or Fresca to keep them from turning brown (works with lemon or lime juice, too – but some kids don’t like the taste).

10. On-the-Go Lunch: Lunchables (get a pack of 4 for $6.99 at Costco), add a piece of fruit to make a complete meal.