v 4 issue 21: Editor's Picks I

Our current issue includes our favorite picks from 2008. These products are of high quality, along with being stylish and of excellent value.



Cover by Shannon Stewart






1 Kate Quinn's adorably organic kimono bodysuit is now available in new yummy shades for the season. The ginger colored organic rib cotton is complimented with pomegranate red for a delightful twist to the original favorite. Long sleeved for warmth, ultra soft for comfort, and snaps to keep everything in place.

2 Bathe him upright with the Spa Baby bath tub. This European-styled baby bathtub allows your baby to sit with the warm water up to their shoulders. Spa Baby has created a tub that is much like the environment where they spent their first nine months. $44.95 at Petiteposh.com.

3 Little tykes will look swell in the buckaroo shirt from Bobinette- the makers of fine baby accessories and clothing. Green polka dots are accompanied by blue denim shoulders for a rugged look with a shout of playfulness. Gussy up boys for entertaining in a shirt that makes sense.

4 Unbelievably soft!!! Max Daniel Baby is the place to find seriously luxurious blankies and throws to cuddle up with on a brisk autumn day. We are especially fond of the camo print with it's chocolate charmeuse satin ruffle edging. Highly coveted by kids and Moms alike.

5 Research shows rooms should be kept between 61-67 degrees Fahrenheit for baby to sleep safely and comfortably. The Grobag Egg is the nursery room thermometer which allows parents to quickly peek in and check on baby's sleeping arrangements. The glowing thermometer changes colors with different temperature readings and doubles as a nightlight to easily assess the situation.

6 Soft to the touch velour is wrapped in olive and blue stripes, then paired up with solid color velours and soft knits. Le Top creates these sweet outfits, and we think they are just fabulous. Fill up on the details of this great playwear in the editor's blog.

7 The quality of this boy's make noise canvas print has us barking with joy. It's an original, as is all the artwork you'll find at Kelly B. Rightsell. Sure to add a sparkle of fun to any child's room.

8 Coral Camelia offers vintage-styled duds that are unique and simply stunning. Their online store has everything from dresses to jackets and complete outfits all handmade by this designer mom. We adore this Betsy Birdseed Dress. Hurry and shop while several pieces are on sale.

9 Now your favorite soft-soled shoes can head outside! Your toddler can now enjoy the outdoors in comfort with the new Robeez Tredz. These new outdoor shoes still have the stay-on elastic ankle, the comfortable shoe design and adorable styles... now combined with an outdoor protective sole.


Our favorite Mom tips
Time Saving Tip:
Save time by having your grocery list sent directly to your cell phone with Cozi, a free family organizer. Cozi helps busy families manage schedules, appointments, shopping and communications from wherever you are — the kitchen, car, office or even the grocery store. Learn more at www.cozi.com

Cleaning Tip: Before hanging shower curtains, soak in salt water solutions to prevent mildew.

Green Tip #1:
Turning off and unplugging electrical appliances when they are not in use will save a surprising amount of energy. Many appliances enter “passive standby” mode when they are turned off, which allows the appliances to start up quickly when switched on. Other appliances continuously use energy to power clock displays. According to Energy Star, as much as 40 percent of the energy used to power appliances is consumed while they are turned off. Unplugging appliances will help avoid this energy waste.

Green Tip #2: Formaldehyde may be present in plywood & particleboard, and in some drapery & upholstery materials, so check for warnings before you buy.

Organizing Tip:
Purchase baskets/bins for the hall closet and label them for each family member. This way you can put everyone’s hats, mittens, bags etc in their basket for later picking up or just to keep the closet organized.

Financial Tip:
Do as mom would do...turn down the thermostat by two degrees, repair those leaky faucets, use light bulbs that consume less power, clean heating and air vents regularly, and make sure that doors and windows are airtight. You will save a bundle following these rules.


Recipes from our readers:
Coconut-Frushi

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked sushi rice or other short-grain rice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light coconut milk
Dash of salt
Cooking spray
10 orange sections
20 fresh raspberries
1 (6-ounce) carton vanilla fat-free yogurt

Preparation
Bring water and rice to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until water is almost absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 15 minutes.

Place rice in a large bowl. Add sugar, coconut milk, and salt, stirring gently until well combined. Cover and let stand 20 minutes.

Lightly coat hands with cooking spray. Divide rice mixture into 20 equal portions, shaping each into a ball (about 1 rounded tablespoon each). Lightly press each rice ball into an oval between palms; place ovals on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Top each of 10 ovals with 1 orange section, and press gently to adhere. Top each of the remaining 10 ovals with 2 raspberries. Cover and chill frushi until ready to serve. Serve with yogurt for dipping.

Makes 5 servings (serving size: 4 frushi pieces and about 2 1/2 tablespoons yogurt)

Submitted by TTW reader Emily
Source: Cooking Light


Whole wheat banana chip muffins

1 c. ripe mashed bananas
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. butter or shortening, melted
1 c. whole wheat flour
3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Mix bananas, eggs and butter. Combine dry ingredients with above.
Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, Cook mini muffins for 10 minutes.
Can freeze. Yield: 1 dozen large or 2 dozen minis.

I like to bake 3 batches at once and freeze in large bags for quick and easy on the go breakfast.

Submitted by TTW reader Alex


Old Fashion Suckers

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
1 tsp pure peppermint extract (or another flavor of choice)
gel-paste food coloring of your choice.

In preparation grease both a baking sheet (rimmed) and a metal spatula. In a sauce pan bring sugar, corn syrup, and water to a boil over medium-high heat-stirring till you reach a boil. Allow the mixture boil now without stirring. You will need to bring the mixture to 304 degrees on your candy thermometer, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and add lemon and your flavoring extract. Stir and then pour onto prepared pan. Fold mixture into itself from all sides using spatula until the mixture starts to turn a little opaque.

Wearing rubber gloves, you will need to pull candy-as soon as it's cools enough to handle-although it will remain hot. Pull to about 8-10 inches, twist and fold back into itself. Take a small ball and drop food coloring in-you will need to continue to fold and twist both pieces until the candy mixture begins to whiten. Just a minute or two.

Lengthen both pieces about a foot and twist into each other. Twist from one end and use scissor to cut the length you desire. I wrapped mine around candy sticks--but you could easily cut into bite sized peppermints! You will have to work quickly-but worth the effort. So yummy-hard to resist! A great treat to add to a Christmas gift.

Submitted by TTW reader Joy


Kentucky Egg Nog

4 egg yolks
8 cups milk
2/3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
Heat until simmering, set aside to cool. Once room temp, refrigerate.

While the above is cooking, mix:
4 egg whites
6 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1.2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. vanilla
Combine well and chill. Shake or stir several times before adding to milk
mixture. When all ingredients have chilled for several hours, mix the egg
white mixture with the milk mixture. Serve chilled.

I use skim milk (or almond milk), organic sugar and real or 'pure' vanilla. I also go a little heavier on the cinnamon and nutmeg. I think it tastes better.

You may add Kentucky Bourbon to your liking.

Submitted by TTW reader MaryAnne, NH