Sunscreen is cool ... thanks to Elmo!

Two year old's have a mind of their own ... And an unnecessary pit stop for sunscreen before play seems absolutely ridiculous and unreasonable! 

Last year before our annual spring break beach get-a-way I started showing Ivan Elmo's World, Summer Vacation.  After the segment about the beach there is a segment about skin, which mentions sunscreen and having to wear hats to the beach.  This year while getting ready to go play in the sun, I was surprised to hear Ivan say, "Elmo sunscreen" as I was applying his sunscreen.  It was an OK activity because Elmo said so - Thank you Elmo, XO!

(Knock on wood) Ivan has been a dream about putting sunscreen on his pale little self, face and all, and never complains about wearing a hat!

I've read articles about not showing kids media before the age of 2, but for us, everything in moderation!  Elmo has single-handily helped with so much - and now I can credit him for the most important thing for a sweet ginger in the summertime .... SUNSCREEN!

Cookies made with Agave syrup

We have been trying to avoid excess processed sugar in Ivan's diet, and have done well so far!  I use to bake blueberries and puree to use as a topping for his waffles.  Now we are onto pancakes. I have most recently began using Agave Nectar Maple syrup.  I lightly butter and syrup the pancake before cutting so I don't need to pour more syrup than necessary!

In searching for another cookie recipe that might work for all of us, I found one that I like maybe too much!

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup wheat flour
1/2 cup oil (I used olive oil, only because it's all we had!)
1/2 cup agave maple syrup
1/2 cut ground walnuts (or almonds)
1/2 tsp vanilla
salt

Bake at 350 for 12 min
 

So why agave syrup/nectar?  The Aztecs referred to agave nectar as "honey water".  Sweeter than refined sugars and with a lower glycemic profile.  For me, this is a better option than refined sugars.

“One of the most health-promoting properties of agave nectar is its favorable glycemic profile. Its sweetness comes primarily from a complex form of fructose called inulin. Fructose is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. The carbohydrate in agave nectar has a low glycemic index, which provides sweetness without the unpleasant “sugar rush” and unhealthful blood sugar spike caused by many other sugars.”

— http://allaboutagave.com/index.php

They are crispier than soft, but have a great flavor.  Not too sweet, but just right!  I'm happy the walnuts are in there, as well as the fats from the oil.  These may not be loaded with vegetables, but they are "healthy" cookies to me!

I can always count on my 2 kitchen helpers ... Ivan and Isabelle

Soon to be a new Mom? Be prepared for the unexpected ... sign up for Amazon Prime!

6 weeks early was quite the surprise!!!  Ivan was due January 14 so it's no surprise that when my water broke December 5 there were no holiday presents purchased, no baby clothes washed, not even a bassinet in the house! 

Next problem, STUFF!  Christmas gifts, holiday decorations AND all the stuff I didn't get at my baby showers that I didn't even know I was going to need.  Somehow I found Amazon Prime.  Free shipping on Prime purchases, no tax and diapers delivered to my door without me having to think about it!  YES PLEASE.  I can assure you I have more than gotten my money's worth from the free shipping alone!

Hey new Mommies, make it as easy on yourself as you can!  For me, having the basics delivered makes a noticeable difference - and it's even more cost effective!

The moment you've been waiting for ... anything can happen now!!!