One of those things I wanted to tell you more about is bambu cork cutting boards. You might remember that I did a review and giveaway of bambu utensils for kids. Well, bambu also sent me one of their cork cutting boards to try out and I felt like with everything else going on I didn’t have time to really talk about them then. So, I decided to do this additional post.

I have had several weeks to use them in the kitchen and honestly, I was in love from the first moment. Really, I have always thought that a cutting board is a cutting board. Why in the world would cork make a difference over wood or plastic? Boy. I was wrong.

Using the cork cutting board was for my knife what Imprint Mats are for my feet. Did I lose you? No, Imprint Mats are not paying me for this review (nor is bambu for that matter). But you know how you stand on Imprint Mats in the kitchen because the cushiony softness helps the impact on your back while you are cooking? Well that is what a cork cutting board felt like to my knife and hands as I was chopping. The use of it just made cutting feel smooth and as one fluid motion. It was not as harsh as when I use wood or plastic cutting boards.

Truly, this is my go to cutting board now. I love it. Some of the “facts” about it also include:

Cork cutting boards utilize a high-density cork that is naturally lightweight, durable
and slip-resistant. And due to the unique physical properties of cork, these
extraordinary cutting boards will cushion your knives and won’t dull your knife
blades.  Bambu cork is food-safe, tested and approved. Cork is naturally hypo-allergenic, anti
microbial and anti-fungal. Our cork material is sustainably harvested causing no
harm to the tree and regenerates naturally.

• Durable, the high density surface keeps it resistant to wear
• Slip resistant & lightweight
• Cushions knife blades to keep them sharp
• Impermeable to liquids
• Naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and anti-fungal
• Composition cork is 100% free of PVC’s or formaldehyde
• FDA Food safe
Simple care, Long life
• Clean in hot soapy water and wipe dry

And when the house dishwasher went to wash the cork board he was a little perplexed on how to wash it. He was also amazed that it hadn’t soaked in any of the goods that I had just chopped. In fact, check out these pictures:

Ever cut beats on a cutting board, they stain!

After a cleaning! No stain!

I was impressed. Anyway. I love, love, love my cork cutting board and I just thought you should know. If you are in the market for a new one (and even if you aren’t) I would highly recommend a cork board, especially the great ones produced by bambu.

This post is linked at Things I Love Thursday at Diaper Diaries.

Disclosure: bambu provide me with a cutting board to review. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

Enter Imprint Mats. Imprint Mats are anti-fatigue mats for your kitchen (or anywhere else that you stand for long periods of time). And recently a university study was conducted of the Imprint Mats and here were some of the results:

Study participants saw a reduction of overall fatigue by 56%, lower leg fatigue reduced by 63% and a 51% reduction in back pain. “This proven testing; coupled with our mid-price point; industry-best 7-year warranty; and being the only truly environmentally-friendly product in the comfort mat market separates the Imprint Mats by Sublime from the competition,” said Sublime President and CEO Philip Risk.

How is that for results? I have been using my Imprint Mat in the kitchen since May when I received one as part of the Mother’s Day Kitchen Gift Guide. Which is exactly why I gave one to my mother for Mother’s Day. It has been such a fatigue savor. And when I am not using it I put it in front of the kitchen sink because my husband complains of back pain when he does the dishes (he is very tall). I actually have heard a lot less complaining from him recently as well. [Folks, that is worth some money! he he].

Imprint mats are sold in most kitchen retail locations like Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon.com, LNT.com, Brookstone, and major catalogs. It is also very affordable for a anti-fatigue mat. I have had the privilege of reviewing several and have been impressed with the price point of the Imprint Mats.

So before you plan your next long oamc day, consider getting one for yourself (or put it on your wish list). Well, that is if you don’t win one in this giveaway. Does anyone want to win one instead of buying it? Oh, I have your attention now don’t I?

One reader will win an Imprint Mat. Here is how to enter (please leave separate comments for each thing that you do):

1. Leave a Comment on why you (or someone you know) needs an Imprint Mat.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & Imprint Mats and a link to this post.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Fan the Sublime Co Facebook Fan page. Let me know that you have done so.

This giveaway ends Monday, July 5th at midnight (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

**Don’t forget to give Jen some $4 love – today is day 4 of the Celebrate Jen Campaign!

This post is linked at Things I Love Thursday at Diaper Diaries.

A portion of those proceeds went to compensate my son with cookies to make this video. The opinions are my own, my son however was bribed for the making of this film.

My husband and I love to travel. Before we settled in to having children we decided we had to take one more big vacation. We chose Hawaii. Now that we have children we still have the bug to travel we just don’t get to as often now that we have children. In fact, month when we went away for a week to Outer Banks, North Carolina, I coined a new term. Advencation.

Advencation (Ad ven ca tion) – the trips you take away from your home for a set period of time that involve children from birth to 12 year old. Said time does NOT include any form of relaxation. Formerly known as vacation prior to arrival of children. The act of taking an adventure to entertain said children.

That’s my definition of our “vacations” now that we have children. What do you think?

Anyhoo, I was so excited to see this campaign from Marriott because they have ACTUALLY figured out that those of us with toddlers may still like to travel! We also like to do it with our children, we just don’t always have the resources or time to make it happen. See definition of Advencation. I am exhausted by the time I pack everything that is needed.

Toddler Kits

But Marriott has just made it easier. They have new Toddler Kits for you to get while you stay in their hotels. The Toddler Travel Kits include:

• COVERPLAY knit sheet
• COVERPLAY® removable crib slipcover
• Johnson’s & Johnson’s Shampoo and Lotion
• Outlet covers
• A bathtoy
• Tots Travel Too onesie
• Nightlight
• Disposable bibs

Isn’t that cool? What a big help. Next time you are staying at a Marriott, be sure to ask for your complimentary kit or those forgotten items. And what is more, Marriott wants to know what do you find essential when traveling with toddlers? Hence, today’s Top Ten List. . .

Oh yea, this was suppose to be a Top Ten List, right? Sorry, I got all excited about the travel kits.

Here is our list of Traveling with Toddler essentials:

#1-9.

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#10. Your turn – what did I forget? What do you find essential when traveling with toddlers?

AND this is a contest. . .

Here is how to enter (please leave separate comments for each thing that you do):

**THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. COMMENTS WILL BE APPROVED BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE FINAL DRAWING.

1. Leave a Comment on what your #10 would be – What do  you find essential when traveling with toddlers? [All suggestions will also be shared at TheMotherhood.com Marriott Toddlers Travel Too Circle]

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – Win $250 @marriottIntl gc @onceamonthmom And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so. http://onceamonthmom.com/top-ten-tuesday-traveling-with-a-toddler #TotsTravel2.

3. Become a Fan of Once A Month Mom. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Follow @MarriottIntl on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so.

5. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

HURRY, HURRY, HURRY this giveaway ends Wednesday, June 30th at 5 pm (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

**Don’t forget to give Jen some $4 love – today is day 2 of the Celebrate Jen Campaign!

My Wanchai Ferry Beef & Broccoli getting ready to be cooked.

Just because I am Once A Month Mom doesn’t mean that we don’t dabble in the occasional store bought freezer meal. The funny thing is, I hadn’t realized how even my husband assumes when I say “freezer meal” that it is one of my creations.

A few weeks ago (wow, time goes by so fast) I received a package of Wanchai Ferry Beef & Broccoli to review. I put it in the freezer and saved it for when we returned from vacation and everything would be a wee bit crazy. I made some egg rolls earlier in the week so we also heated the leftovers of those to serve with this dish. When hubby asked me what I was fixing for dinner, I said, “A freezer meal.” I wasn’t trying to be general or elusive, it is just what came out of my mouth.

Ready in less than 10 minutes.

So we sat down to this meal and he gobbled it up. All along the way giving me “mmmm’s” and “yyyyuuummm’s” and many, many compliments. When we were finished he asked me what recipe it was. I laughed and said it was a bagged freezer stir-fry that we were reviewing for the evening. He laughed and explained that he thought that when I said “freezer meal” that I meant one of my Once A Month Mom meals. I figured that sums up the review right there!

The pre-made mix was good enough to pass as a Once A Month Mom meal, guess it must have been good! It was also super easy to make. It took me a total of 15 minutes to prepare start to finish.

Doesn't this absolutely yummy?

So if you are looking for some quick meals without the fuss but haven’t quite had time to schedule a Once A Month Mom cooking session, than you might want to consider the Wanchai Ferry meals. I haven’t tried many others, but I can speak for the Beef & Broccoli, it was good! You can also find a $1.60 off coupon right now, you know I like good food and good savings.

This contest is CLOSED – winner was Marj Mclendon – random.org #11

AND I have a coupon for a free Wanchai Ferry meal to give away along with 2 tea sets. Here is how to enter (please leave separate comments for each thing that you do):

1. Leave a Comment on which Wanchai Ferry Meal your family would like most.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom and a link to this post.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Become a Fan of Once A Month Mom. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Friday, June 25th at midnight (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

This post is linked up at Works For Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

Back when I was pulling the gift guide together, I was offered the opportunity to review Charleston Naturally Loofah Scrubbers. Due to extenuating circumstances I wasn’t able to put them in the Mother’s Day Kitchen Gift Guide but I wished I could have. Instead, I thought I would tell you about them today.

I’m not sure how you were raised, but in my home, when we washed dishes (and we washed a lot of dishes) we used a dish cloth. You know, a wash cloth for the kitchen. My husband, however, is a firm believer in the sponge. I see his point as the sponges we purchase have a scrubber on one side and a sponge on the other. But I can’t stand the fact that they get to smelling so quickly. But, I have converted to being a sponge user. Mostly because he does a majority of the dishes around these parts.

So when Charleston Naturally sent me these Loofah’s I was very excited. First of all they have a little rope for hanging around the sink so my “sponge” isn’t just sitting at the back of the sink soaking up germs and such, instead it is air drying.

I like the way that they clean as well. They are easy to handle, not as bulky as a kitchen sponge and they scrub the dishes clean.

They are also in the cutest shapes which my son happens to LOVE. Remember, he has an obsession with Finding Nemo so the fish one was just enough to get him super excited. And considering he already has a love of doing the dishes it was a fine match. I set him up at the sink with these and I have at least 10 uninterrupted (not necessarily dry, but uninterrupted) minutes to complete some kitchen tasks.

**Contest CLOSED! The winner is Kelleigh @ Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs comment #48.

What about in your home? Do you use a dish cloth, sponge or other (please enlighten us)?

And one reader has a chance to win a complete set of nine Loofah’s (that’s one of each style – see above). Here is how to enter (please leave separate comments for each thing that you do):

1. Leave a Comment on which you use dish cloth, sponge or other.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @chsnat and a link to this post.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Fan the Charleston Naturally Facebook Fan page. Let me know that you have done so.

This giveaway ends Monday, May 24th at midnight (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

**Don’t forget to enter to win the Dinner for Busy Moms Giveaway as well! (Ends 5/21/10 EST)

This post is linked up at Works For Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family and I Dream of Clean for Real Clean Wednesday!

**Disclosure: I willingly contributed the book. I received a copy to review and two copies to distribute to readers. The opinions below are my own.

You know what’s better than finding a book to help you save time at dinner? Being quoted and have a recipe in said book! Yep, that’s right, I’m in this fantastic book! Well, I don’t really have a huge roll, but it is definitely fun to see your name in print.

Almost a year ago I responded to a HARO (if you don’t know what that is, you are missing out. Be sure to check out the link. And you DO NOT have to be a blogger to participate as a source.). Jeanne Muchnick was looking for some additional resources to include in a book that she was working on, Dinner for Busy Moms. I responded with my Chicken Macaroni Bake and a few pointers on freezing meals.

The book was released recently and I was so excited to get my hands on it! I am quoted on page 71 and the Chicken Macaroni Bake is featured in the recipes on page 189.

You shouldn’t just be interested in the book because yours truly has some brief appearances though. It is a fantastic book for helping moms to organize their dinner hour and get the family to sit around the table for a meal together. From how to stock your pantry to tips for making the dinner hour less hectic to recipes that make life easy. This book has so much and is a quick and easy read. (Doesn’t it have to be if it is geared towards moms?)

ALSO this week TheMotherhood.com is hosting a Talk with Jeanne on Wednesday, May 19th from 12-2 pm Eastern Standard Time. You can join (and should) join in the conversation! I will be there too. So put the kids down for a nap and join us to talk more on strategies for getting your family around the dinner table (without pulling out your hair)!

**Added 5/18 – Sprout Baby food is sponsoring the Talk and will be giving away a MONTH’S SUPPLY of baby food to a participant. {Insert whiny voice} I want to to win! {Whiny voice stops}

AND I’m also giving away two copies of the book!

Here is how you can enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment on your greatest challenge to getting your family around the dinner table.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @dinner4moms and a link to this post.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Subscribe to Jeanne Muchnick’s blog. Let me know that you have done so.

4. 2 ENTRY POINTS! – Participate in the Dinner for Busy Moms talk on themotherhood.com on Wednesday, May 19th from 12-2pm. Make sure to drop a comment in the circle during that time so I know that you are present.

This giveaway ends Friday, May 21st at midnight (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

Remember the cleverly fun Rice Krispies Treat recipes I brought you along for? Well, the fine ladies over at TheMotherhood.com (by the way, have you checked out their cool new website?) are at it again! This time with Kleenex Hand Towels.

Don’t worry, we won’t be cooking with them! Well, at least coming up with recipes for them. Instead, we (and by mean “we”, I mean YOU too) will be coming up with some clever little advertisements/commercials for them. See they have this cool little jingle to help with hand washing. And knowing that a MAJORITY of you have some sort of child in your home, I know that you can do this and have fun with it.

Now don’t worry, you really don’t have to sing, you can simply download the song and play along. Don’t you want to play along with me? I’m going to do it too. Or at least, my son Isaac is going to do it. (I love child labor!) You can too.

Need some incentive, there is a $50 Service Master gift card (good towards any of their 10 companies including Merry Maids, TruGreen & Terminix) up for grabs! Did that get your attention? I thought so! Who couldn’t use a little help around the house this time of year?

Kleenex Bathroom Towels are there to help too. They are so easy to use and such a brilliant idea! Especially in these germ infested times. Maybe I am getting ahead of myself a bit. Have you even heard of Kleenex Bathroom Towels before this post? They are a new item on the market. They are a single use Cottony-Soft™ base sheet that are free of inks, dyes and fragrances and highly absorbent – drying hands effectively, and still able to do a quick clean-up around the bathroom sink.

We use dispensable towels in the kitchen for cooking, why has no one thought of this for the bathroom too? I know there are lots of food-borne illnesses for us to avoid in the kitchen, but the bathroom? The bathroom? Seriously, this is a germ infested environment. This is brilliant.

Well, do a little research of your own and join me next week when we will be posting videos/pictures of our “bathroom jingles” and sharing our bathroom use ideas.

Contest Details:

1. Post one of the following on TheMotherhood.com The Hand Drying Song Circle or the Once A Month Mom Facebook Fan Page or the Once A Month Mom YouTube Channel.
   1. A video of you and/or your family singing/acting out/miming the Kleenex Hand Drying Song.
   2. A picture of how you and your family would use the Kleenex Hand Drying Towels at your house – get creative. Think of all the uses for the Kleenex Hand Towels (if you have boys the uses can be endless).
   3. A set of pictures of you implementing the Kleenex Hand Drying Song.
   4. Write a post and link it up including one of the following from above.
2. Leave a comment below with the link to where you posted your video/picture/post. The winner will be drawn from the comments containing links left on this post (4/28) and next week (5/5). You have until midnight EST on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 to enter.

Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

This post is linked to Real Clean Wednesdays at I Dream of Clean.

We will use a star system, 1*, 2**, 3***. 1* – means that I didn’t receive the product for free as part of the review, I either owned it already or I reviewed it and sent it back to the company. 2** – means that I got the item to review and to keep. 3*** – means that I received the item to review and keep and received one to give away to a reader (see the Mother’s Day Gift Guide guidelines for entering).

Today is the first of four days of suggestions for what to get the mom in your life! Today we start with kitchen apparel, gadgets and tools. There are so many choices out there. And I think, if you have a mom that loves to cook or be in the kitchen, you are in luck this week. We have so many great gift ideas to share with you (and maybe even give you). I hope you find something that is perfect for your “mom”.

Appliances

Whirlpool Appliances (Especially Freezers)*

Well, we all know there isn’t a Once A Month Mom alive that wouldn’t be ecstatic about a new freezer, right? I mean come on, we do freezer cooking! I, personally own a Whirlpool freezer that I love. It is a chest freezer that has really cool organization baskets so that I can keep my crazy out of control freezer habits in check.

Of course, Whirlpool has other great appliances as well. Really, if the mom in your life likes to cook you can’t go wrong with an appliance for Mother’s Day. Especially one that runs well and looks great. And after all, getting mom new kitchen appliances means that you will benefit from them as well!

Apparel

Yellow Threads – Hostess & Helper Aprons***

Yellow Threads has a cute Mom/Daughter or Mom/Granddaughter aprons set that are super cute! I got one and yes, I am saving it for Tessa. I tried it on her now but she has a little growing to do yet. The aprons came with cute personal wrapping as well. It was a nice personal touch tot he gift. I could tell that the company prides itself in that “extra touch”.

Facebook Fan Page: Yellow Threads

Apron Elegance***

Apron Elegance has a line of really cute aprons for mom. I received the Frosted Cupcake apron which is a lot of fun. Perfect for a mom that loves to bake. And during the month of April if you use the code LOVEMOM for free shipping! I love a great gift idea and a great deal.

Facebook: Apron Elegance

Flirty Aprons*

And you will recall that I have mentioned Flirty Aprons several times in the past as well. They have some super cute aprons if you haven’t found one that seems just right for the mom in your life.

Gadgets/Tools

Built Sizzler Oven Mitt***

Tired of looking at mom’s boring, dirty ole oven mitts? Then get her this one! And I can guarantee that this will liven up the kitchen and not grow old and weary anytime soon. This is an amazing oven mitt. It is well made and works well. The grip at the hand piece is awesome! I feel like I have a much better handle on hot food when I use this oven mitt. I have gotten rid of my other hot pads and just use this one now. It is that good.

Built also has a whole line of cute, durable and highly functional kitchen accessories that mom be interested in as well. In addition to oven mitts they have hot pads, wine bottle totes and reusable grocery bags. And I just love the cool vibrant colors.

Facebook: Built NY

ToweLocs***

When this company approached me about this product my immediate thought was “BRILLIANT”! Seriously people, I have a toddler! My kitchen towels are NEVER where I put them. They are suppose to be hanging neatly from the stove. HA! They are usually strewn about the kitchen floor with the food containers, measuring cups, pots, pans and whatever else he has decided to “cook” with that day.

I was so excited to try these out. I opened them immediately and put them on. I’m not lying, less than 5 minutes later my son walked into the kitchen, grabbed the towels and yanked them to the floor. Well, that is all but the one that had a ToweLoc on it. He did a double take and went to inspect. He took a look and spent five minutes trying to figure out how to get it off. He was not successful. SCORE!

If the mom in your life likes to cook and she has some grubby hands around your house these are a must have! And they come in so many cool shapes and designs. They even have ToweLocs for locking towels around a wine bottle. Isn’t that cool? You could surprise her with a nice bottle of wine decorated with one . . . hint, hint.

Twitter:  ToweLocs

Facebook: ToweLocs

Pampered Chef*

Pampered Chef White & Pink Mini Dots Martini Glass

Pampered Chef comes out with their Help Whip Cancer line of products (Pink & White Dots Martini Glasses – 4, Sweet Honey Vanilla Sprinkles, Pink & White Twixit’s and a Pink Color Coated Tomato Knife) especially for May and Mother’s Day. Every time I have given away Pampered Chef products they have been a HUGE hit. And with these products you are also supporting cancer. With each item bought in this line of products $1 goes towards breast cancer research. This is a wonderful gift for a cook that has been effected in some way by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one.

These products aren’t available to order until May 1st though, so you must be patient. This also means that I got a top secret look at them (he he he). I know the mother in your life would love anything in this line!

Cake Vase***

Is there a mom in your life that loves to bake? Bake cakes especially? With the Cake Vase mom can put those pretty spring flowers growing in her garden in the middle or on top of her cake. It is awesome. I think the perfect Mother’s Day package for a mom that loves to bake and loves flowers would be to present her with a gift basket of baking goods, flowers or flowering plant and the Cake Vase. It will show her how much you care for each of the hobbies in her life!

Facebook: Cake Vase

Gifts by Kaz Easy Open Jar Opener***

This is the perfect gift for the mom who doesn’t have a man in her life or doesn’t want a man any where near her kitchen! It is the Easy Open Jar Opener. It mounts under your kitchen counter so no wasting precious cooking space. It opens everything from a nail polish jar to a giant jar of pickles that you bought at Sam’s Club for your once a month cooking day!

I think it is great because sometimes my husband isn’t around to open the 20 jars of spaghetti sauce that I need for my Once A Month Mom menus. Now I don’t have to wait until he gets home or call the neighbor over, I can just use my Easy Open Jar Opener!

Facebook: Gifts by Kaz

Yellow Threads Take It Off Perfect Peeler***

These things are just downright cute! This one matched my kitchen perfectly. I was wondering if they were secretly stalking me and knew that (since I’m so famous and all). And besides being super cute, it is functional. You can ask my family, I am all about functional gifts. And what is better than a gift that is not only functional but decorative as well? This would make the perfect gift for the mom who has everything but loves knickknacks or decorations around her kitchen. She can have this line of decorative kitchenware and still be able to use them now and again (maybe that would guarantee that the knickknacks get dusted as well)!

Facebook Fan Page: Yellow Threads

The Grill Topper**

Here is something you might not already know about me. I am a Georgia Bulldogs fan! Yep, I was born and raised here in Ohio but got my Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia where you can’t help but fall in love with college football (and womens gymnastics). I might be back living in the Buckeye state but I am still a Dawg at heart.

So when I saw these Grill Toppers I was super excited! How I had wished I knew about these back in my Bulldog tailgating days. No matter what your collegiate team, they have a grill topper for you! I, of course, got the Georgia Bulldog topper for my burgers and hot dogs. They work so well and are lots of fun. Simply set the Grill Topper on your existing grill rack and place your chicken, pork, or beef directly on the team logo. The Grill Topper will sear the brand onto the meat as it cooks to perfection.

I know dads are said to be the grillers, but let’s face it, moms grill too. And us moms love throwing theme parties. They also have matching collegiate oven mitts and aprons.

So if mom is a sports fan, this would make a perfect gift! Maybe even make a gift basket of collegiate kitchen accessories! But don’t forget to throw in a pair of tickets for her favorite teams next event.

Twitter: theGrillTopper

Sublime – Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat**

Every Once A Month Mom needs one of these. Standing on your feet for 8-12 hours cooking in one day is killer on the legs and back. These floor mats help to make the standing cushy and to relieve some of the ache in the back. I love them when I am cooking on my cooking days.

My husband is also very tall and hates washing dishes at the sink because he complains the sink is too low which makes his back ache. You want to know something that I think is funny? (Too bad, I’m telling you anyway.) Ever since I put the Sublime Mat at the kitchen sink, he hasn’t complained. I’m not sure if it is coincidence or the mat, but my vote is the mat. I’m keeping it anyway because I love the relief that I get from standing on it instead of the tile flooring.

This would make a great gift for a mom who loves to cook but has back problems, gets fatigued with too much standing or is pregnant!

The Meatball Baker***

This product was developed for a mom who wanted a convenient and healthy way to prepare meatballs for her family. The Meatball Baker has a unique rounded rack system that holds meatballs, shish-kabob, ribs and a variety of other foods so they keep their shape and bake evenly while staying completely out of the grease! You can also cook large quantities of meatballs or other foods without having to turn them constantly. That is a HUGE time saver for a Once A Month Mom.

There is even a demonstration video you can watch if you are skeptical!

The Party on the Go**

I used this clever little product when I needed to take an apple pie to Easter dinner a few weeks ago. It was super handy. I was a little sad I didn’t have to bring the deviled eggs since it had a great insert for carrying those without spilling them everywhere. Back at Christmas time I searched and searched for a product like this and couldn’t find one. And here it is!

This is a great gift for the mom who likes to take food to others. It allows her to store and carry those foods with less spillage.

Solid Surface Creations Cutting Boards**

Who doesn’t need a good cutting board? And a food-safe one at that? These cutting boards are nonporous so they won’t absorb bacteria and won’t warp or stain. They are dishwasher safe and have the option for a drain channel so juices don’t run onto the counter. In any given Once A Month Mom cooking day there are TONS of things to chop. A decent cutting board is a MUST HAVE!

Facebook: Ssurfacecreations.com

Bottle Tops**

Have you seen these? They are so cool! Well, that is if you purchase and drink cans of cola. I do! And I know a TON of moms who drink cans of Diet Coke. What is it with Diet Coke anyway? I digress. These are perfect for mom and the kiddos! They are tops that go on beverage cans to make them like bottles! It helps save mess and leftover beverage from going flat. I love these for use with kids. They are inexpensive too (shhh, I won’t tell mom that you didn’t spend much). They retail for $10 at stores like Amazon.com, Target, Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Kitchen Dry Mat**

This handy little product has been great for saving me from washing kitchen towels, well when paired with the ToweLoc above. We usually place a towel under the dishes for them to dry, but have been using this instead. It is much more absorbent than the kitchen towels and is easy to wash and reuse when it gets dirty. There are tons of dishes on a Once A Month cooking day so it would surely be worth its weight in absorbed water.

A few weeks ago a Smashburger opened near us and I got invited to a special grand opening event BEFORE the restaurant even opened. I was so excited and my husband was incredibly jealous. So I did what any good wife would do, I got him invited too!

At any rate, I had never eaten at a Smashburger and wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t disappointed though. Myself, my mom and the two kids (18 months and 2 months mind you) went for the event. The staff was so incredibly helpful and caring. They did a great job of serving us and helping us to find things that we wanted. And that is no easy feat with an 18 month old!

I loved the burger! Hubby says there is another burger chain that he likes better, but not me. I prefer the Smashburger. I loved the seasoning and the way it was cooked (probably in lots of grease, I know). I also liked that I could get quacamole on my burger. Yum!

Tessa wanted a milkshake but I insisted she stick with formula!

They even have super good milkshakes! They are made from real Haagen Dazs ice cream. Like, not from a machine milkshakes but mixed when you order them milkshakes! People, I have managed at a restaurant chain in the past, this IS impressive!

It was a great experience. The only down side is that I have been craving one ever since!

Have you ever tried Smashburger? What is your favorite burger joint?

Yep, definitely not me in a bra!

Melinda G nursing bras were recommended to me on Twitter. I wrote the company and they agreed to send me a style of my choice to review. I ended up deciding on the Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra. In hind-sight, I probably should have gone with one that would offer a little more support. I did like the bra and it was comfortable, but it was more comfortable as a night-time sleep bra then a day-time run after the kids, cook dinner, clean the house kind of bra. I just didn’t have a lot of support in those early days from this bra.

However, it was a GREAT sleeping bra. And lets face it, we all need great nursing bras for sleeping too. There are other great styles to choose from so if you are looking for a new nursing bra I would recommend that you give a Melinda G a try!

This post is linked up at Works For Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.

Recently My Blog Spark contacted me about reviewing Yoplait Smoothies. I was so very excited because we all know I have a tremendous love for frozen fruit products. We made some great smoothies back at the Tweet-Up and we have even had smoothies on a Once A Month Mom menu. So how would these stack up to those experiences?

I was sent a coupon to purchase them at the grocery store and sent it with my husband on a trip where he was doing the shopping. I figured this would be a good test to see if they were easily located in the grocer’s freezer. It turns out that they are, as he found them easily. (And believe me when I say he doesn’t find things easily.) However, I also sent instructions to purchase one that didn’t contain strawberries. (Here is a fun fact about me: I am allergic to strawberries. It is an allergy that grew over time and YES I am seriously bummed about it). He reported home with the Mixed Berry Smoothie which, of course, contains strawberries and reported that he didn’t see any that didn’t contain strawberries. Well, that is no good! (At least for allergic me.)

So I did a little research and it turns out that there are three “types” of smoothies that Yoplait makes and ALL of them contain strawberries. Bummer. My husband can still have them though so we proceeded with trying them out.

I loved how easy they were to make. Simply open the bag, put a cup of milk in the blender and blend. Done. That was SUPER easy!

And how did it taste? Hubby reported that it was very good. He would definitely suggest purchasing them again, especially for those mornings when you are in a hurry.

As for me, my only suggestion would be that Yoplait come up with a flavor that doesn’t contain strawberries. That would be awesome! Otherwise, they looked great to me. (How is that for an honest review).

Would you like to win a chance to try Yoplait Smoothies for yourself? Along with a cute little blender for blending them? (Note: please don’t enter the contest if you are allergic to strawberries. he he.)

**Entries into this contest are CLOSED. The winner was selected through random.org and was number 88 – Paige.

Here is how you can enter to win (you can comment using the following criteria for up to 5 entries. Leave a separate comment for each entry):

1. Comment – What is your favorite flavor of fruit smoothie (Yoplait or otherwise)?

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – make sure that you use @onceamonthmom in your Tweet or Facebook status.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Tweet or Facebook the Once A Month Mom Cook Off – make sure that you use @onceamonthmom & one or more of the following: @cuisinart_PR @CUTCOCutlery and/or @Crocs in your Tweet or Facebook status.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

4. Become a Fan of Once A Month Mom. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, February 22nd at midnight. Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

For months I have wondered what is wrong with the internet world that I am not asked to review aprons. Really, you know this is a cooking blog right? PR people are seeking out cooking blogs for apron reviews, right? I am glad other bloggers get apron review love, don’t get me wrong, but I am always befuddled when I hear non-cooking blogs are reviewing aprons while I receive no pitches for apron reviews.

And then there are the smart people at Flirty Aprons. They contacted me right before Tessa was born about reviewing their aprons. I was so ecstatic. Yay! Unfortunately, it has taken me a little longer than I had hoped to review them. But wait no more, my first apron review!

Sassy Black Flirty Apron

I chose the Sassy Black Flirty Apron because I wanted something that matched my kitchen. LOL. I know, I am completely silly. I love the style and the “sexy” look of the apron. I feel all sassy in this apron. It also has lots of great pockets for stuffing my “things” as I cook. (And when I say things I mean pacifiers, hot wheels and the occasional oven mit.)

And another thing that I like about Flirty Aprons? They have matching children’s aprons. If Tessa was older I would totally be getting her one as well. I can’t wait until we can share memories in the kitchen. If you have a younger cook in your family, definitely check them out.

Now is your chance to win a Flirty Apron for yourself. I am giving away one apron, style of your choice, to a reader.

**Entries into this contest are CLOSED. The winner was selected through random.org and was number 169 – Leanne. Please feel free to visit Flirty Aprons to order one for yourself.

Here is how you can enter to win (you can comment using the following criteria for up to 6 entries. Leave a separate comment for each entry):

1. Comment – Which Flirty Apron would you choose and why?

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – make sure that you use @onceamonthmom and @flirty_aprons in your Tweet or Facebook status.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Tweet or Facebook the Once A Month Mom & Dole Menu Contest – make sure that you use @onceamonthmom in your Tweet or Facebook status.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

4. Tweet or Facebook the Once A Month Mom Cook Off – make sure that you use @onceamonthmom & one or more of the following: @cuisinart_PR @CUTCOCutlery and/or @Crocs in your Tweet or Facebook status.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

5. Become a Fan of Flirty Aprons Facebook Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so.

6. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, February 15th at midnight. Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

**Don’t forget this months ongoing contests in celebration of the Once A Month Mom Blogiversary! There are great prizes to be won!

• Once A Month Mom & Dole Menu Contest
• Once A Month Mom Cook Off

When Isaac was born I insisted we get a video monitor. Many looked at me like it was a bit of overkill and definitely not a necessity. I disagreed. And I was right. We did the whole Babywise thing with him (which he absolutely took to right away and loved) and the video monitor came in HUGE help through that process. You know those fitful grunts where you are trying to determine if they are awake or just falling deeper into sleep? You know, the ones. You sneak in to check on them, they hear you and they are up for good now. Crud! I hated that.

Except I didn’t have that with Isaac because we had a video monitor! I would hear those grunts and groans at 3 am and just take a look in the monitor. He was still sleeping. So I went back to sleep. And the same thing for afternoon naps.

As much as I loved having a video monitor I wasn’t pleased with the one we had. It was big and clunky, like an old black and white television unit. If I was doing anything around the house I had to transport the monitor here and there and find a place to position it. The camera for the bed was stationary and attached to the bed so when he got older he could reach it and mess with it. And the camera stopped working 9 months into use. (It *could* be because he could reach it and liked to play with it BUT that was no good).

So with Tessa on the horizon I decided to do a little more research to find a better video monitor. And I found one! Summer Infant monitors are some of the best rated video monitors you can find. I received the new Sleek & Secure Handheld Color Video Monitor to review and can I just tell you that it is AWESOME!

The camera can be mounted anywhere or just placed on a flat surface like a nearby dresser or shelf. The receiver is incredible because it is not much larger than my iPhone. And it is in color during the day (hard to have color when the lights are out at night). And the sound? I can hear Tessa breathing with the camera 6 feet away. (I turn the volume down a bit so that I can fall asleep).

One of the other functions of the unit is that you can add additional cameras to it. That is INCREDIBLE! I am currently in the process of purchasing a second camera for Isaac’s room. I originally thought I would only need one camera for Tessa’s room. However, we have moved our bedroom upstairs and the two children are downstairs. For safety reasons I would like to have a monitor in his room as well. Add to that, that a week or so ago I found Isaac teetering over his bed rail trying to climb out! I think he scared himself enough to not do it again but to make sure I would like to keep my eye out. (And I’m not ready for another life transition right now so we are not moving him to a toddler bed).

We will add the second camera and the receiver lets you see both cameras at the same time so that we can keep an eye on both kids. You can have up to 4 cameras attached! And hopefully get a good nights rest!

If you are having a baby or have a little on and have been debating the value of a video monitor, I personally recommend the investment. I have definitely gotten enough use out of it to warrant the monetary commitment. And if you are having your first child, you can get much use out of the Summer Sleek & Secure Handheld Color Video Monitor because you will be able to just purchase another camera at a later date instead of buying a whole other unit.

Excuse me while I go stalk my children a bit more!

Disclosure: I received a Summer Sleek & Secure Handheld Color Video Monitor to review. The opinions listed above are my own. I did do the research and was most interested in reviewing a Summer Infant Video monitor.

This post is linked up at Things I Love Thursday at Diaper Diaries.

I wasn’t happy with any of the nursing bras I had with my first pregnancy. It wasn’t that they weren’t quality or didn’t function well. The problem lies in the fact that I am a small framed woman with larger than normal breasts and get headaches from too much weight distributed to my shoulder area. (Rest assured I won’t divulge more personal information from here).  For example, I can’t wear sports bras that cross in the back because they pinch my shoulder muscles and cause migraines. Weird.

Where did I start my search for the perfect nursing bra? Twitter, of course! I put a call out to my following and asked them who was the best. One of the responses that I got (from several followers) was Bravado. So I began an investigation and contacted them.

I will have to say that they were a great group of people to work with too! The first nursing bra I selected for review was the Sublime. Have you ever seen a nursing bra that is so sexy? I thought it was adorable and better than anything I had ever seen grace a stores shelves. Unfortunately, when I received my size it didn’t fit too well (see above about being big busted). It was a great bra just not the right fit for me. So I contacted Bravado and we had some dialogue.

The great people at Bravado went back and forth asking me questions and helping me to do measurements so that we could potentially determine the best fit. Then, they sent me a new nursing bra that they felt would meet my needs. I was a little sad because it wasn’t the Sublime, it was the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. Again, did you see that sexy little Sublime? But after wearing the new style for awhile I knew it was the right style and fit for me. And I love, love, love it. In fact, I have an order in for another as we speak (paid for by me this time).

One of my tweeters mentioned that they were known to wear Bravado even when they weren’t nursing. I will have to say, that is definitely going to be the case with this mama. I have a hard time finding bras with the right fit so when I find one, I stick with it. Bravado now has my loyal following, nursing or not.

Here is what I love about their bras:

• comfortable
• great customer service – don’t be afraid to order online they will assist you through the process
• options for sexy styles
• reasonable prices (I am willing to pay a *little* more for quality and comfort)
• very easy to use nursing access

Whether you are a mom-to-be or are looking for a gift for a mom-to-be I would strongly suggest giving her the gift of comfort and sending her a Bravado Nursing Bra. And if you are dad-t0-be (or new dad) reading this post you should consider the Sublime as a Valentine’s gift for the mom-to-be in your life!

Disclosure: Bravado did provide me with a nursing bra to review. All the opinions in this post are mine. As mentioned above, I am the one that contacted them!

My apologies to you and to Pampered Chef for not getting this post done before the holidays. That was my intention but things got a little crazy with Tessa and the holidays. Oh well. This is still a great product though! And there are plenty of uses for it not only during the holidays but during snowy winter days when you are looking for something to do with the kids or for making any holiday treat really.

Cookie Press

Pampered Chef contacted me about reviewing their Cookie Press. I was excited about reviewing the product because it is actually something from Pampered Chef that I don’t already own. And folks, I own A LOT of it! I also thought it sounded like something fun that my son and I could do together.

I decided to make some spritz cookies for our New Years Eve gathering with friends. (We just watched a movie at our house with some friends as we couldn’t go out with such a young baby.) However, we decided to have some fondue with our movie for which the cookies were perfect! You know for dipping in delectable chocolate! Yum.

The cookie dough was easy to make and was great because I already had all of the ingredients on hand which didn’t mess up my Eat From The Pantry Challenge intentions. I made the dough and then chose a couple of the cookie plates that I wanted to use. I started with the snowman. I actually wouldn’t recommend starting with this shape. It was a bit more difficult than the others and mine didn’t turn out looking too grand.

However, I changed plates after a few frustrating moments and found the cookie press very easy to use and lots of fun. I eventually got the hang of snowmen later after I had more practice with the cookie press. I didn’t end up having my son help as I made these while he was napping but I am going to schedule that adventure really soon. However, I did seek his opinion on the final results:

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The cookie press also helps make cheese straws for all you Southerners who love some cheese straws! (I actually had NEVER heard of cheese straws until I lived in Georgia). There are 10 plates total for you to experiment and play with.

And don’t worry, I get to share some Pampered Chef love with all of you too! Yes, one of you can win a Pampered Chef Cookie Press by entering below.

Here is how you can enter to win (you can comment using the following criteria for up to 3 entries):

1. Comment – What is your favorite Pampered Chef product?

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – make sure that you use @onceamonthmom in your Tweet or Facebook status.  And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Thursday, January 14th at 5 pm. Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.

Disclosure: I received a Pampered Chef Cookie Press for myself and one to giveaway to a reader. All the opinions of the product are my own. I love Pampered Chef and I love trying out new products.

Last month at the Once A Month Mom Tweet-Up Cuisinart sent us a Rice Cooker Plus with Fuzzy Logic Technology to review. There wasn’t a great way to display it in use so I decided to do a vlog about it and show you some of the great features. Here is my review of the product, and why I think you might want to consider adding it to your wish list this holiday season.

Cuisinart Rice Cooker Plus with Fuzzy Logic Technology

In Use:

I recently took some footage using this appliance so that I could show you some of the practical uses for you and your family. There are A LOT of uses when it comes to using this appliance in conjunction with your Once A Month Mom cooking days (and beyond). Here is a glimpse at the appliance and some dialogue about my preparation of brown rice.

An Introduction. . .

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Cooking Brown Rice . . .

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

The rice turned out great too. (Sorry, for some reason I didn’t get video of that – duh!) This appliance has many uses other than cooking rice. If you make baby food, it also works as a vegetable steamer which is very nice. It will also work as a slow cooker warming up your soups and various dishes. The best part, it has a pre-set timer so that you can set it to be done at a certain time. How awesome!

Key Features:

• Pre-programmed menu options including white rice, sushi rice, brown rice, risotto, oatmeal, slow cooking, steaming, and soup, as well as quick cooking and a reheat function
• Programmable finish time allows user to set when dish will be ready
• Makes up to 15 cups of cooked rice
• Dishwasher safe
• Limited 3 year warranty

Where to Get One (Prices listed as of 11/9/09):

• Amazon.com -$134.62 + free shipping
• Bed, Bath & Beyond -$149.99
  • Use U Promise to get 2% rebate on your purchase.
• JCPenney – $149.99 (Get on the JC Penney list for more great savings!)
  • Use Mr. Rebates or Ebates to get 4% back on your online purchase

Disclosure: I was provided with this rice cooker for reviewing during the event. The ratings of the rice cooker is my opinion after having used it in my own kitchen.

You really can’t do a Once A Month Mom cooking day without one (or let’s face it two, three or four). However, you don’t necessarily have to personally own more than one, you can always borrow from friends for the day.

At any rate, last month at the Once A Month Mom Tweet-Up Hamilton-Beach sent us one for participants to review. I made a buffalo chicken dip that was served in it so that participants could see some of it’s functionality. In addition, I have taken some additional pictures and video because I love, love, love this slow cooker. And one of it’s best features? It isn’t that expensive! Take a look for yourselves.

Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set N’ Forget Programmable Slow Cooker

Here is Emily talking about the slow cooker at the event. Turns out she just purchased one for herself and her family:

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Key Features:

• 3 choices for easy, automatic, cooking
• Thermometer probe for meat
• Clip-on spoon
• Clip-tight gasket lid
• Easy, automatic cooking
• Full-grip handles
• Power interrupt protection

Participant Reviews:

We asked participants to rate the product based on the following factors: value, ease of use and recommend-ability on a 5 point scale (1 being “hate it”, 5 being “love it”). Here are the averages:

• Value – 4.80
• Ease of Use – 4.70
• Recommend-ability – 4.65
• Overall Rating – 4.72

Where to Get One (Prices listed as of 11/9/09):

• Amazon.com -$48.26 + free shipping
• Bed, Bath & Beyond -$49.99
  • Use U Promise to get 2% rebate on your purchase.
• Target – $52.49
  • Use Mr. Rebates or Ebates to get 4% back on your online purchase

One of my favorite new tricks to speeding up my Once A Month Mom cooking days is to brown the ground beef in the slow cooker over night. This slow cooker is perfect for that! It has a meat thermometer and you can use the probe setting to program the slow cooker to be done when your meat hits a certain temperature. Once it has reached that temperature the slow cooker switches to warm. This means that I can leave my meat over night and not worry about whether I programmed it to cook long enough or too long. It is great!

Disclosure: I was provided with this slow cooker for reviewing during the event. The ratings of the slow cooker are that of the participants of the event, not mine. The written review is my opinion of the slow cooker after having used it in my own kitchen.

This information should help you to make a blender choice for someone you love (or yourself) this Christmas.

Ninja Master Food Prep

This was one of the HOT, HOT, HOT products of the night. Everyone seemed to love this little thing. I think it was the ease of use and completely economical price that had everyone swooning. It technically could be a food processor as well but I felt it fit into this category a little better. But it is a good combination product to consider for sure.

The comments from participants included: “This is awesome;” “Love that there is a blade in the center of the arm;” “Loved it – would totally buy it;” “easy to use”.

Key Features:

• Ninja Blade technology
• Large 48 oz pitcher for making drinks with easy flip pour spout & no slip bottom
• Food processor with 2 cup processor
• Interchangeable motor head for ease of use at parties for multiple purposes
• Ergonomic operation with one touch pulse.
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Participant Ratings:

We asked participants to rate the product based on the following factors: value, ease of use and recommend-ability on a 5 point scale (1 being “hate it”, 5 being “love it”). Here are the averages:

• Value – 4.43
• Ease of Use – 4.71
• Recommend-ability – 4.57
• Overall Rating – 4.57

Where to Get One (Prices listed as of 11/2/09):

• Amazon.com – $52.80 + Free Shipping
• Bed, Bath & Beyond -$49.99
  • Use U Promise to get 2% rebate on your purchase.
• Kohl’s – $53.99 (free shipping when you spend $75)
  • Use Ebates for 4% back on your purchase.
• Target – $49.99 (free shipping when you spend $50)
  • Use Mr. Rebates or Ebates to get 4% back on your online purchase

The Breville ready to take on a smoothie.

Breville Die-Cast Hemisphere Blender

The comments from participants included: “I want this blender” and “love appearance”.

Key Features:

• 1000-watt blender with 2 speeds plus pulse
• Extra-wide stainless-steel blades
• Stainless-steel & polymer motor
• Dishwasher-safe 67-ounce polycarbonate jar with measurement markings & leak-free lid
• 1 year warranty

Participant Ratings:

We asked participants to rate the product based on the following factors: value, ease of use and recommend-ability on a 5 point scale (1 being “hate it”, 5 being “love it”). Here are the averages:

• Value – 3.63
• Ease of Use – 4.44
• Recommend-ability – 4.31
• Overall Rating – 4.13
  

Where to Get One:

• Amazon.com -$295.77 + free shipping
• Bed, Bath & Beyond -$299.99
  • Use U Promise to get 2% rebate on your purchase.
• Macy’s – $399.99 + free shipping
  • Use Mr. Rebates or Ebates to get 5% cash back on your purchase.

**Right now (through 11/11/09 5:00 pm) the ladies at Reviewin’ It Up are giving away a Breville Ikon Hemisphere LCD Blender – retails for $199. GO ENTER!

Disclosure: I was provided with each of these blender models for reviewing during the event. The ratings of the blenders is that of the participants of the event, not me. The written review is my opinion of the blenders after having used them in my own kitchen.

Isaac in his Tripp Trapp

It took me awhile to actually set it up and use it. Why? I have NO idea. Both my husband and I wished I had done it sooner. Isaac (our 14 month old) LOVES this thing! Which means we love it too! Just last night at dinner my husband kept going on and on about how much he enjoyed this new addition to our kitchen.

What is so amazing you ask? Well, honestly, the design is very simple, nothing too exciting there. Although you can see that I got the black chair with the polka dot cushion which makes it blend in perfectly in our kitchen. That in and of itself is a HUGE plus. People don’t even notice we have a highchair at the table when they come over. No bulky piece of baby equipment sitting around.

The Tripp Trapp is designed for baby through adult. It adjusts as the person using it grows. If we had it sooner we could have just started Isaac out in this chair with the baby seat attachment. However, it doesn’t have a tray. It is designed so the baby is eating at the table with you, as one family. We are huge fanatics of eating dinner together as a family so this feature is awesome to us. Although, I do have to admit that the potential “mess” of having a 14 month old at the table was a bit intimidating to me at first. But he has adjusted well; actually, I think he has matured a bit in this area after being moved from his original high chair to this chair at the table. He loves doing things like mommy and daddy.

Eating at the table just like his parents!

I’m am not exaggerating when I say that Isaac likes this chair more than Ben and I. He goes right up to it and pulls it out to climb up when he is ready to eat. He NEVER went up to his other chair and asked to get up. Our kitchen table sits at the front window and he really enjoys looking out and watching what is happening. He is also at a good height to see me working in the kitchen which is lots of fun too.

So if you are pregnant and contemplating a high chair to register for, are looking to buy a highchair for a loved one, or you are putting together your Christmas “wish list”; I would truly recommend the Tripp Trapp. True, it is double the price of regular high chairs, but here are a few factors to consider:

1. The seat will grow with your child so you will get a lifetime of use out of it rather than just one year.
2. You won’t have to buy an additional booster seat in the future and use up one of your kitchen chairs.
3. Your child will be observing you eat regularly which will increase their awareness and developmental growth.
4. Everyone can sit nicely at the table.

So yes, the initial cost is high, but the lifetime of benefits are higher. We are already saving up for a second one for the new addition, seriously.

Disclosure: Stokke provided me with a Stokke® Tripp Trapp™ High Chair 2009 , baby rail and seat cushion. It was not asked that I write a review of this product. However, I felt that it was a great product that you should know about. The opinions in this post are my own.