Edamame (soybeans)

Some of you may have never heard of this, seen it at sushi restaurants, or heard the name but haven't been sure what exactly it is. I would definitely say that when I moved here (northern VA) I was introduced to it, and now see it everywhere... Edamame (soybeans) are a great source of protein, easy snack, side dish, or addition to any salad, pasta dish, etc. You can buy them in the pods or just the beans (shelled) - look in the freezer section of vegetables. I usually get them at Trader Joe's. Its fun to get them in the pods - you boil them in water, drain, rinse, and drain again, salt if desired, and eat. Pop the pod in your mouth and pull each bean out, but discard the pod (they are not to eat). Or if you buy just the beans, after cooking, they're easy to put in snack size containers and take for an easy healthy on the go snack! There's something about them that's addictive and satisfying! Enjoy!

The Fairy Jobmother - Lifetime

This is a new show that started on Lifetime this fall, and I think its a great time for it, after the economic downturn a couple years ago, and how that continually affects so so many, its nice to see something that helps motivate people and helps them brush up their interview skills and realize what hope they can have. Some of these couples on the show have been out of work for years, and she gives them a reality check and the support they need to press on and (hopefully) get a job and a fresh start! Interesting to watch! Show is on Lifetime Thursdays at 11pm et/pt.

Great 'Dollar Tree' Finds!

So I've noticed lately, that despite the fancy and expensive shops that are in the area I live in (Northern Virginia, right outside of DC), there actually are some of the best 'Dollar Trees' I've been to, with awesome products and great finds! Of course you have to look around, and see what's in stock at the time, but I've found some great name brand products and save a lot buying them there vs. Target or the grocery store. I found these above rubbermaid plastic containers in three different sizes, and other things that are name brand as well: elmers glue sticks, scotch tape, marvel kids boo-boo ice pack, reynolds cut rite waxed paper, lots of different candies (hershey kisses, dots, sixlets, andes mints, and a bunch of others), swiss miss hot cocoa w/ marshmallows... And then there's always the things that are not name brand but that it doesn't really matter - seasonal paper plates and cups, seasonal home decor, tissue paper (lots of colors), gift bags, candles, candle holders, bud vases, fun kid toys, kids art supplies and project stuff, educational/teacher stuff, kitchen gadgets and utensils, plastic organizing bins & baskets, etc etc. I know lots of people already know this, but if you haven't found a good 'Dollar Tree' yet, keep looking - usually the bigger, newer ones are the best!

Red pears

I don't really like green pears, but there's something about red pears that is so different and appealing. They're available during the fall usually (they are currently, try Safeway), and when ripe they are very soft and juicy and have a thin skin. They're easy for older babies too - the 11 month old I nanny likes to eat them in slices - they're so soft they can be easily eaten and and she loves them. I buy these weekly and enjoy them as long as they're in season! :)

Babybel light cheese

These are the perfect little quick grab and go protein snack! I love especially eating them with pretzel thins, or something crunchy! They're a nice mild cheese that's easily likeable, even the kids I nanny love them. Not sure if thats half because of the fun of unpackaging them :) (they're in a red wax that you peel off with a strip in the middle, and plastic over that.) I usually get them at Safeway and Trader Joe's.

Smucker's Natural Chunky Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is not my fave, so the fact that I found one I really like is a good sign! :) I love that this kind is natural and doesn't have any sugar or high fructose corn syrup, its only peanuts and a bit of salt! And I love the thicker nutty texture and bits of peanuts in the chunky kind! (It also comes in creamy). After having this I can never go back to ordinary peanut butter, and why do that anyway? :) This is great to dip apple slices in, too! An easy healthy satisfying snack.

Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark

This is definitely one of my favorite things of the Christmas season every year!! I do not consider myself a much of a peppermint fan, but if its peppermint done well (peppermint mocha creamer, starbucks peppermint mochas, celestial seasonings peppermint tea) than I'm in! :) And I'm not much of a white chocolate fan either, but this is the perfect blend of tiny peppermint pieces in white chocolate, with this yummy milk chocolate layer underneath, and they're in these thin small squares that are a perfect little irresistible treat, they're SO good!! They also come in bigger chocolate bar sizes, great for gift giving... Look for any of these at grocery stores, bed bath & beyond, TJ Maxx, K Mart, etc.

Chopped - Food Network

My husband and I love this show. When I first heard about it or saw previews, I was like whatever, but after we started watching it, its definitely addictive, and a must have, on our DVR list of shows to record. Its also nice its a fresh bunch of four chefs each show, which keeps it new and limits the drama that can come with an ongoing program where its the same chefs each week. And who knows, with the weird baskets of food they're given, maybe it'll help you be more creative in the kitchen!

Butter Lettuce

I have never been a salad fan, but in recent years, especially since I started dating my now husband (who makes a killer salad), I definitely like salads better. And after discovering fresh butter lettuce, yum, salads are so much better! They have soft 'buttery' leaves, not coarse or dandelion-y :). And buying them in the small individual heads, can be around 80-90 cents each, which is great! Beats that bagged stuff by far! Fresh and cheaper! Definitely keep an eye out for it and give it a try! *Salad tip: For my salads at home, I like to add to the lettuce: cucumber, red pepper or tomato, shredded mozzarella cheese, corn (cooked and chilled - yum!), and ranch or italian. Adding a variety of things, anything you want, really adds to the fun of the salad! Think of it like an ice cream sundae, but... vegetables! haha.

Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread

I grew up with this around, having grandparents and a dad that have a love for european food, and having lived in France with my family for a couple years as a teen. Its this creamy yummy blend of chocolate and hazelnut, that is great on french bread, toast, croissants... And makes having chocolate for breakfast more acceptable! ha.

Perfect Kid Outing Treat - Chick-fil-A ice dream + a little something extra

I know that Chick-fil-A isn't all over the country, so this one just replies to those of you who have one locally. I have found this to be a fun kid outing: Their ice cream ("ice dream") kid size cups are like 80 cents each, and with the kids I nanny, before we leave the house to head there, we pack all sorts of sprinkles, or m&m's, mini candy bars, etc, and once we get there, order, get settled, the kids get to decorate their own sundae! They love it, its super affordable, and a fun little special thing to do. Plus the kid serving is a great size for them, its not overboard. Sometimes its smart to get an order of fries just to balance out the sweetness and cold (or 'brain freeze'!) and they love the waffle fries. Remember that Chick-fil-A cooks everything in peanut oil, so if your kids have nut allergies, you may want to avoid their cooked food or food entirely. Happy Outings!!

Great Counter top organizer - Target Bread basket :)

So when we were decorating our apartment during the summer, and trying to get things organized, I was looking for a good counter top organizer or basket for the products we use a lot, just to keep them handy but not cluttery. Not finding anything that was quite right, I finally got creative and, in the kitchen section at Target, saw that the "bread baskets" were the perfect long narrow size to not take up too much counter space, and got one, and its been perfect! Nice little handy tip! :)

Punchbowl 'evites' - http://www.punchbowl.com/

Ok so this is brand new to me, but the other day my boss introduced this alternative to Evites, to me, and I am very excited about it! They are more personal & special I think, and have a fun selection of designs, you can personally pick out all the details, even the envelope lining and postage stamp, and as guests view the invitation, it visually opens itself out of the envelope just like if you were holding it in your hand. Its free (or for "plus" designs you can get a free trial, and then I suppose there may be a small fee, but haven't found it yet. :) The other things I like about it is its much much easier to use than evite, its not frustrating or hard to figure out, and goes step by step, keeping it simple! I signed up, and have created an invitation on there just for fun, and can't wait to use it for events. Sign up and try it out for your next event!! :) http://www.punchbowl.com/

Starbucks Earl Grey Tea Latte

Ok, so when I've recommended this drink to friends, its either you love it or you hate it, I guess. I love tea, coffee, and lattes, and this is for sure my very favorite hot drink, yum, its so good!!! The creamy-ness of a latte with the hot tea & a touch of sweetness is something that never gets old for me. And heading into winter, now is a great time to try one! :) p.s. if you like earl grey tea by itself that's a good sign you'll like this. ha.