Blueberry & Lemon Breakfast Quinoa Bowl {An easy on the go breakfast!}

Trying to get out of the house in the morning with a toddler can be a challenge. By the time I get Aiden ready some mornings, I have to grab my breakfast to go and run out the door. So when I found this recipe for a healthy breakfast that I could make and take, I had to try it and I'm so glad I did. Nuby's Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar helps to keep my breakfast piping hot until I'm ready to eat it. It holds 15 ounces and has a folding spoon in the lid. Since it is stainless steel it keeps foods warm, but is cool to the touch. This has been a lifesaver for on the go breakfasts. I have also taken several of Aiden's meals in it when I pack meals for on the go. (Great for yogurt, cut up fruit, mac and cheese, cottage cheese, etc.)

Ingredients:
1 cup Quinoa (rinsed)
2 cups milk
1/2 cup lemon zest
3 Tablespoons Maple syrup
1 cup blueberries
2 tsp. flaxseed meal
1 pinch salt

Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in fine strainer with cold water until water runs clear
2. Heat milk i a saucepan over medium heat until warm
3. Stir quinoa and salt into the milk
4. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes (there should still be liquid in quinoa after allotted time so it is an oatmeal like consistency)
5. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in maple syrup, lemon zest.
6. Fold in blueberries and flaxseed meal and top with extra lemon zest
7. Serve warm

*I was given this product for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Healthy Toddler "Cookie" {Banana + Orange Oat Bites}

My Toddler definitely got his Daddy's sweet tooth. He sees something sweet and immediately says "more yum yums." While we do allow him to indulge in the occasional spoonfuls of Graeter's ice cream, we typically stay away from all that sugar. So what's a Mama to do when her toddler requests cookies on the daily? Enter these Banana and Orange Oat Bites. These "cookies" are so easy to make and only call for 3 simple ingredients. Aiden loves them and honestly, so do I.

Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed from an orange is best)
1 cup Rolled Oats

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Mash the banana in a bowl.
3. Add the orange juice and mix well.
4. Add the oats and mix until well combined.
5. Take one Tablespoon of the oat/banana/orange mixture and shape into round cookie shapes. Place on the baking sheet until all mixture is gone.
6. Bake in the oven 8-10 minutes.
7. Allow to cool on wire rack.

These Avocado and Banana Popsicles are another one of Aiden's favorite healthy treats!

*Original recipe found here.

How to improve meal time with your Toddler

I've learned a lot about how to make meal time with my toddler go more smoothly. I'm no expert, but I have caught on to a few things that make our meal time more relaxing and enjoyable.

1. Give your toddler choices. Whenever Aiden starts throwing a fit at dinner and food starts to fly, I try to put myself in his shoes. He can't communicate exactly what he wants, which is frustrating. He has control over very little in his life. He wants what he wants and he wants it now. When I think about him as a tiny person and consider how he is feeling, it helps me to deal with his tantrums. He isn't just being mean and making a mess for me because it's fun for him. He is doing his best to communicate something that is going on in his brain. Because of that I always find it better to give him choices. I let him pick which color spoon he wants to use. I let him pick if he wants to use a spoon or a fork or heck, even both at the same time. I use divided plates to give him options on what he gets to eat first so he feels he has some control over the meal I've stuck in front of him to eat. I even let him choose a toy to keep with him on his tray. Fun placemats can make meal time more fun too. We are currently using this one.

2. Make meals a fun family bonding time. Sit down at the table together and actually include your toddler in the meal. Serve him what you're serving. Involve him in conversations and don't talk over him! Children pick up more than you think and they know when they aren't being included. I've noticed that if my husband and I are talking back and forth or if we are on our phones (which we try not to be) that Aiden starts getting frustrated. He wants to be included. I know that meal time is always going to be an important family time in our house so why not set that precedent now.

3. Use products that are Toddler friendly. That means two things: easy to use and easy to clean. Here are a few products that have made my life easier at meal time...

Fun feeding Fork & Spoon set (Pictured above)
These utensils are easy for little hands to hold. They are contoured and easy to grasp even with messy fingers. They are also fun, bright color, which is always important and they are BPA free! I have washed these many times over the last few months and they are durable too. They are my go to utensils for Aiden right now!

Garden Fresh Storage Pots These little storage pots have been a life saver for me. I use them to store any fresh veggie or fruit purees I make. They are also great for dipping sauces or storing leftovers. I've taken yogurt to-go in these as well as homemade applesauce and fresh blueberries for snacking. I love that they come with lids to seal in and preserve flavors and nutrients. These are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe and hold approximately 2 fl. oz. each.

Ezpz Mini Mat This mat is pure genius. I love that it is a divided plate, but one that STICKS to any surface including a high chair tray or table! Gone are the days of my toddler throwing his plate (and all it's contents) on the ground. I have the mini mat, which is tailored to a baby. The plate is divided with purpose...the eyes and smile of the plate are portion sizes perfect for your infant/toddler 4 months and up. I have my eye on the happy mat, which is geared more toward toddlers 9 months and up as the portion sizes are catered to toddlers. It is also easy to pack up for travel and it comes with a reusable bag you can pop in your diaper bag.

What other tips do you have for making meal time with your little one more fun for everyone?

*I was given these product for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.