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Five New Year’s Resolutions to Get Your Entire Family on Board

by Kate on January 16th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Blog

In general, there are mixed feelings out there when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. For some, it’s a time to start fresh and pick up where they left off last year. But for others, New Year’s resolutions are just a reminder of how difficult it is to follow through with the goals they set. Research shows that having a buddy increases our chances for success and it’s more enjoyable. One way to help those who may be struggling to stick to their New Year’s resolutions is to get the whole family involved. Here are five resolutions that are a great way get to the whole family on board this year.

five family new year's resolutions1. Get balanced. Whether this is a balanced diet or a more balanced lifestyle in general, there’s no doubt kids will enjoy reaping the benefits of parents who create a healthier work/life balance. From making sure that work stays at work so you can spend time with your kids in the evenings, to putting away cell phones and laptops before bedtime so you can relax and reconnect with your spouse after a long day at work, these healthy habits are a great way to show your kids what a balanced lifestyle looks like. However you decide to balance your schedule and your lifestyle, your kids will surely appreciate the stability it brings to your home and family.

2. Get healthy. We live in a day and age where it is often cheaper and usually more convenient to pick up a bucket of fried chicken on your way home from work than preparing a healthy dinner yourself. However, creating healthy eating habits with your children is an important resolution to make as a family. Here are just a few ways to make this healthy lifestyle change a little less cumbersome after a long day’s work:

  • Create a meal plan so you don’t have to spend valuable time each night deciding what to make for dinner.
  • Prepare healthy snacks ahead of time and keep them on hand and in the fridge for quick and healthy go-to snacks.
  • Cook in bulk on the weekends if you don’t have time at night to spend in the kitchen.
  • Make easy freezer meals to use on evenings where you don’t get home until later.
  • Invest in a slow cooker/crockpot to assist you in home cooked meals even though you’re not at home.

3. Get moving. Exercising is just as important as eating right. While it’s hard to stick to a work out routine when you’re doing it alone, exercising as a family is a great way to follow through on your resolution together. Whether it’s at the gym or by finding healthy activities as a family that can get your heart pumping as you spend time together, it’s vital that your kids get moving too. You could take a walk every night after dinner, ride bikes around the neighborhood, go on a hike, go swimming, or even play video games such as Wii Fit if you can’t go outside. There is always a healthy alternative to watching TV if you are looking for ways to get your family moving in the new year.

4. Get saving. Saving money is only the start to finding ways to save as a family. Cutting back doesn’t only have to do with putting unspent money in the bank. Have you considered other ways your family can save in the new year? Can you save energy by turning off lights in vacant rooms, or save on gas by carpooling or walking instead? Can your family cut down on garbage by recycling or simply by using cloth napkins instead of paper towels at meals? There are many ways to save around the house if you think about it. Perhaps you can brainstorm other ways to save with your whole family, like requesting a few new auto insurance quotes online to see if you qualify for any insurance discounts to save you even more money

5. Get going. The best way to achieve your family resolutions and goals is to just get going. Whether it’s the first of January or halfway through the year, there’s never been a better time to start than right now. So, go get your entire family and decide together what your family New Year’s resolutions should be. You won’t ever regret conquering family goals if you’re tackling them together.

These are just five of many family resolutions you can make. The important part is that you make and do them together. Having a partner to hold you accountable is one thing – but having an entire family to support each other in their goals and aspirations is quite another. So don’t wait and start planning for the new year today.

Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.

By: Micah Moon

Friday Five: New Year, New Start Edition

by Kate on January 4th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

We’ve rounded up five of our favorite posts from around the web and blogosphere from this week. A new year means new beginnings, a clean slate, if you will so these reads will all inspire and help you start the year on the right foot.

1. Start the year on a stylish foot with Spring 2013 Style Trends with Audrey McClelland’s appearance on the TODAY Show. We love the shades of green and pops of blue.

2. Mommies with Style is Going 13 in 2013. 13.1 Miles, that is. Someday we’ll do a half marathon, too. Some day…

3. We love these Five Ways to Improve Your Friendships in 2013 on Mommy Niri.

4. The 15 Books for Chronicling Life from the Mom Creative are a fun and easy ways to tell the most important story: yours. Love the My Quotable Kid book!

5. Ellen at Thrifty and Chic Mom is getting organized! Check out the series on 31 Days of Organization for lots of tips, tutorials and inspiration.

Udi’s Gluten Free Pizza Crust Challenge

by Shannon on January 31st, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  In the Kitchen, New Year New Mama

Allegies? Growing up, the only meaning that word held for me was “seasonal allergies” that came when everything turned yellow in the spring. In the recent decades, and since having children, that word has come to mean so much more. For my own family, it means preschool girl is/was allergic to eggs (we switched to organic and things are much better) and toddler boy has a suspected allergy to penicillin. As I’ve met other mothers and young children, I’ve learned many are dealing with food allergies. Many of my adult friends are now suffering from allergies as well, specifically wheat allergies and/or Celiac disease, making their diet a huge concern. In fact, my mother-in-law, best friend from high school and the best man from our wedding have all become wheat intolerant.

For our daughter’s egg allergy, we simply avoided baked goods and omelettes (it was a little more complex, but not much). A wheat allergy is more difficult because wheat (or traces of it) can be found in so much more. So, any relief a sufferer can get is welcome. Enter, Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods.

Udi’s Gluten Free Foods

Udi’s offers a comprehensive line of gluten-free baked goods that are produced in a 100% gluten-free facility. Their goal is to make fresh breads and pastries daily that look and taste like their conventional wheat counterparts. It may seem like a small thing, but buying bread, bagels and muffins for your gluten-free child is a HUGE thing. And buying bread, bagels and muffins that your whole family can enjoy together is a HUGE thing.

My mother-in-law is planning to visit during the upcoming Easter weekend. As such, I was anxious to try some Udi’s products to see how they compare with the conventional versions with which I am familiar. I was was happy to participate in the Udi’s January Pizza Challenge where families make their own pizzas using the Udi’s gluten-free pizza crusts.

Gluten-Free Pizza Challenge

My children and I have never made pizza at home. I know, as much as we cook we’ve never made pizza from raw ingredients, so all of us were excited to try this for the first time. And, of course, the kids had a marvelous time deciding what toppings their pizza would sport. They were also slightly full after eating almost half of the raw ingredients during assembly. We made both pizza crusts contained in the package because they average 10 inches in diameter.

We cooked the pizzas a little longer than the 5-7 minutes recommended on the crust packaging, but were very happy with the results. Our pizzas were yummy! The crust was nice and crispy on the outer edge, while still softer and chewy (er) in the middle. The whole family enjoyed the pizza and, while the crust was not like a big 2-inch thick doughy crust from some national chains, that’s not our style anyway. I think Udi’s succeeded in making a crust that can appeal to the masses, not just those suffering gluten intolerance.

I will also mention that we received a sample of their snickerdoodles and blueberry muffins as well. They are all gone. Yum! (Though I’m always a proponent of more blueberries.)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods offers a tasty line of products that include breads, muffins, granolas, bagels, cookies, hamburger and hot dog buns and pizza crusts. For anyone avoiding gluten, Udi’s can fill the void that wheat-based products leave when omitted from the diet. And they do it with great tasting products. As a hostess, I’m looking forward to having items on hand when visitors come. I won’t feel so helpless when planning meals.

Or Not to Buy… If you and your family are not sensitive to wheat, Udi’s products may not be necessary. But those snickerdoodles might be worth a try!

Shop! Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods are available in may national retail outlets including your local grocery store, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and online at http://udisglutenfree.com/products/. Indeed, Udi’s is now available at 50 Wal-Mart stores across the country and the store will carry 5 of Udi’s best-selling products (soft white bread, soft whole grain bread, plain bagels, chocolate chip cookies, and pizza crust) in the bakery department. To find a store near you and learn of coupons and special offers, be sure to visit the Udi’s website and check out the store locator.

Thanks to Udi’s for providing samples.

Mom Style Q & A: Lauren Maslin of Encore Maternity

by Kate on January 31st, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  New Year New Mama

As part of the New Year, New Mama series, we are seeking out fashion insight some very stylish moms. We’re hoping the quick Q & A will give us all a little style inspiration to kick it up a notch in the new year.

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Lauren Maslin has spent the last 15 years of her career as a celebrity stylist working between New York and Los Angeles. Her latest endeavor is bringing high maternity fashion to pregnant women at a more affordable price with the brilliant Encore Maternity. An online maternity consignment shop, Encore was born out of Lauren’s frustration at not being able to find her pre-pregnacy style at a price that also allowed her to save and prepare for her son. The result is a glamourous website where expecting moms can shop for Diane Von Furstenberg, J Brand, Missoni and many other designers at a more affordable cost.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Lauren Maslin: I would define my style as classic chic. I try to incorporate trends in small doses. For instance, when chartruce was a dominant fashion color, I would incorporate it in accessories like a scarf or a headband, rather than splurging on a handbag or pair of shoes. My wardrobe primarily contains basic colors that are spiced up with the latest accessories. When you open my closet, you will find a wardrobe from the finest designers that I have collected over the years. As a stylist, I had always shopped for my clients in high end consignment or vintage clothing stores. You can always collect pieces that will take you through the chicest occasions with a look of sophistication and style.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

LM: My favorite thing in my closet right now is my brown Christian Louboutin boots. They can be worn for most of the year with just about anything, be it a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, or a simple sweater dress. Best part is, I got them on ebay, brand new, for a crazy price!! To me, one of the biggest thrills is the ability to get high end designer goods from ebay or consignment shops.

TSM: If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

LM: Angelina Jolie. Whether she’s on the red carpet or trudging through Africa, she always maintains a chic sense of style. Who else can wear 5 inch heels or combat boots with a great sense of panache, and always look sensational.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

LM: I would have to say to splurge on a handbag. But it must be something that is timeless, like Chanel. You can’t go wrong with a black quilted bag with either a silver or gold chain. Trendy won’t stand the test of time. Good quality will last you a lifetime.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

LM: One must have for this upcoming season is a doctor bag. I’m sure many of us can dig in our mother’s closets and find one that we can bring to our local shoe repair and have refurbished, so you don’t have to spend the money on a new one!!!

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Keep up with Encore Maternity on Facebook.

Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Lemon-Garlic Sauce {Recipe} #Publix4Pork

by Kate on January 28th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  In the Kitchen, New Year New Mama

Over the next four weeks my family is participating in “The Good and Good for You Challenge.” Each week I’ll prepare a new pork recipe using a different cut of meat with the goal of learning to better incorporate this healthy meat into our diet. I totally admit that I’m a chicken (literally) when it comes to preparing meat. My repertoire is pretty much limited to chicken and ground turkey. For that reason I’m really into the challenge and look forward to learning how to prepare another meat that is a good fit in our diet.

Publix 4 Pork

Publix, my very favorite grocery store, is the National Pork Board’s retail partner. Every week during the Challenge, Publix is offering a special sale on a cut of lean pork. We’ll be using that cut in the healthy eating challenge. This week, Pork Tenderloin is on sale at Publix so I prepared Pork Tenderloin Medallions.

Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe

Recipe via PorkBeInspired.com

Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin, (1 pound), trimmed (the Lean Cut was on sale so it was trimmed and ready)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt , divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, (for non-alcoholic, substitute low-sodium chicken broth)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
  • Grated zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice , from 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, OR or 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or rosemary*

*To substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs, use 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley or 3/4 teaspoon dried sage, or 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Cooking Directions

Cut pork into 12 slices, about 1-inch thick. Sprinkle pork on all sides with 1/8 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, turning once, until the pork is well browned and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Transfer pork to serving platter and cover to keep warm.

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and broth. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until the liquid is reduced by two thirds, about 5 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper, the lemon zest and juice, and the parsley. Serve the pork medallions drizzled with the sauce (makes a generous 1/3 cup; about 1 1/2 tablespoons per serving).

Makes 4 servings

Prepared Pork Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 calories
Protein: 24 grams
Fat: 5 grams
Sodium: 220 milligrams
Cholesterol: 75 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 1 grams
Carbohydrates: 1 grams
Fiber: 0 grams

Challenge Results

This meal was a big success! The recipe was very easy – even for me, so that’s saying a lot – and it was delicious. I’ve never sautéed pork before but it was very simple and a quick method of preparation. If I change anything, next time I’ll make more sauce because it was super tasty and you can never have too much sauce. My husband raved about this meal and kept all the leftovers to himself! We served it with white rice, which was a good pairing with the zesty sauce, and steamed broccoli. One of the great things about the recipe is that several key ingredients are staples already in our kitchen (chicken stock, cooking wine, garlic and herbs) or relatively inexpensive (lemons). Overall, a VERY healthy meal with a lot of flavor. And, of course, it’s extremely healthy. This recipe will definitely become a regular in our house. Two thumbs up!

Shop & Cook! Lean Pork Tenderloin is on sale at Publix for $4.99 a pound through January 31. PorkBeInspired.com has a great collection of recipes using this cut of pork. For even more ideas, visit Pork Be Inspired on Facebook and follow @allaboutpork on Twitter. 

This is a sponsored post coordinated by TheMotherhood.com on behalf of the National Pork Board and Publix. As always, opinions are my own.

Fashion Forward Maternity: A Stylish Pregnancy for Less {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on January 24th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, Giveaways, Pregnancy

I made a decision early on in this pregnancy that I was going to try my hardest to be stylish. I didn’t want to fall into a yoga pants rut and I honestly feel better about myself and my growing bump when I feel good about how I look. It’s been a challenge to do so without breaking the bank but I’ve lot of fun finding new and fashionable ways to dress my bump. One of the coolest discoveries for an more affordable way to expand your maternity wardrobe is maternity clothing rental. Fashion Forward Maternity offers a wide range of stylish, designer maternity clothes – from casual wear to special occasion dresses.

About Fashion Forward Maternity

Based on the idea that all women should feel POWERFUL- BEAUTIFUL- COMFORTABLE- and STYLISH during pregnancy, and every day, Fashion Forward Maternity is an online boutique where savvy professional women can renthigh quality and designer maternity fashions at a fraction of the price of new to serve them during “all four trimesters.” We then “pass it forward” by donating all gently used clothes that can no longer be rented to women’s organizations around the country. Our unique model lets women choose the subscription level that allows them to maintain their style and fashion-sense during pregnancy and to keep their wardrobe fresh throughout all “four trimesters”.

  • The right fit throughout your pregnancy and nursing time.
  • Hundreds of styles and sizes to complete your look.
  • No wasted time and energy shopping in overpriced boutiques.

Fashion Forward Maternity has a great FAQ section that describes how the process works. It answered a lot of my immediate questions – definitely check it out!

Renting Maternity Clothes from Fashion Forward Maternity

I was curious to get some feedback from other expecting moms about the idea of renting maternity clothes so I asked the question on BabyCenter’s Momformation blog: Would you rent maternity clothes? The overwhelming response was “Yes.” And, it makes sense. Many moms turn to consignment shops or other sources to purchase maternity clothes at a discount. After all, you only need them for a finite period of time. It’s much harder to justify buying a new shirt for $90 when you’ll only wear it for a couple of months. But, $90 is the suggested retail price of this Oilan Boatneck Tunic I’ve been borrowing from Fashion Forward. (right) Rather than shelling out the big bucks, you can rent it for $12.50 a month.

But, let’s back up a minute. The experience of renting clothes from Fashion Forward is really pleasant and similar to typical online shopping. The website allows you to search for clothes by type and occasion. You have the option of joining a subscription program – which includes a monthly fee but the cost of each clothing item is less per month – or you can rent piece by piece. Whether using a subscription or not, one of the benefits of wearing clothes for only a month is that if you don’t love something, you return it and try something else. Or, as your belly grows or the seasons change you can get clothes that are better suited for your needs. The shipping is free and your package arrives nicely packed and with a free return shipping label.

Several of the pieces in my shipment still had tags on them and were brand new. Items that are not new are professionally cleaned and inspected before shipment. Here’s another outfit I’m borrowing: designer maternity denim by Union Laurel Canyon style Paige Premium Denim and a Japanese Weekend Stripe Dolman Tunic. The suggested retail price of this outfit is $267. Or you can borrow it for $25 (or $47 sans subscription) total a month. And, from experience now I know these pants are much better suited for early in pregnancy. I would have been disappointed if I ordered these online at this point in my pregnancy and paid a lot for them. I’ll enjoy them for a month but won’t be totally sad to send them back.

The final piece in my shipment hasn’t been photographed yet because, well, it’s just not that flattering! This Lined Dress in Mocha by Jules and Jim is another piece that would have looked better in the second trimester. And, again, I would have been bummed if I purchased this online. And, let’s face it, I do a lot of my shopping – for maternity clothes – and everything else online. It’s just not practical to try on everything before I buy it, but renting it is a much less risky option.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Fashion Forward Maternity has a really great selection of fashionable, designer brand maternity clothes for every occasion. I think renting maternity clothes makes sense no matter what the circumstances as it’s a great way to stretch your budget and expand your wardrobe. It’s particularly cost-effective if you only plan on one pregnancy or (like me) know you’re in your last pregnancy. Moms-to-be who work outside the home will benefit the most from the ability to borrow professional clothes with the ability to mix up the wardrobe every month. Further, who wants to buy a pricey special occasion dress when you are only going to wear it once? Rent, my friends!

Or Not to Buy… You do have to send the clothes back and whether you buy a subscription program or not, the cost of renting pieces can add up. If you’re not going to spend money on designer duds and high-end clothing it might not be worth it to rent them.

Shop! Fashion Forward Maternity clothes start at $23.50 a month per piece. The subscription service costs $125 a month with a rental fee of $12.50 per piece. Right now, if you sign up for the Fashion Forward Maternity mailing list, you get $25 off your first order of $150 or more. 

Win Fashion Forward Maternity Style for A Month! Your choice 2 regular items or 1 special occasion item.

How to Enter: Visit Fashion Forward Maternity and leave a comment here with a designer piece that you’d love to wear.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends February 8. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to Fashion Forward Maternity for providing a sample experience and the giveaway prizes. As always, opinions are my own.

Mom Style Q & A: Danielle Medina from A Few of My Favorite Things

by Kate on January 24th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, New Year New Mama

As part of the New Year, New Mama series, we are seeking out fashion insight some very stylish moms. We’re hoping the quick Q & A will give us all a little style inspiration to kick it up a notch in the new year.

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Danielle Medina is a TV producer by day, mom to twin girls and style hunter all the time. Her blog, A Few of My Favorite Things, is a great source for indie, handmade finds that will set your child, party and home apart. She recently re-located from NYC to Rhode Island and I’ve enjoyed watching her new home come together – it’s a great reflection of her personal style.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Danielle Medina: I would define my style as elegantly eclectic because I like a little bit of everything – preppy, trendy, classic, bohemian…. You name it, I’ll wear it in some way, shape or form.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

DM: That’s so hard! I’m going to go with this striped blouse I just bought at Old Navy. Not only is it the perfect color and pattern (Pantone named tangerine the color of 2012 and stripes are so in for spring!) but it’s also totally versatile. I’m wearing it now with blazers, sweaters and boots, will pair it with lighter weight pants and wedges for the spring and then shorts and sandals this summer. Plus it was only $20. Can’t beat that!

TSM: Aaaaand, now I want to buy that shirt. I LOVE how you styled it with the jeans! If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

DM: Probably Nicole Richie’s. She always looks great, whether she’s dressed up or dressed down, and I love how she rocks accessories. Sunglasses, bags, jewelry – they always perfectly pull her outfits together.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

DM: Spend money on handbags because they make a statement and can take an outfit to the next level. And you can wear them all year long! I have bags in my closet that are 10+ years old and I still use, so even though they may seem like a splurge up front, you can really get your money’s worth in the long run.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

DM: Something bold and bright. Whether it’s kelly green jeans, an orange bag or a pink blazer, one colorful piece will breathe new life into any old outfit. Scared to sport a bright top? Start smaller with bracelets or a belt and work your way up. And if you only want to buy one bold piece this season, go with a pair of ballet flats in a color like yellow or pink. They’ll go with everything!

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Keep up with Danielle on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

SmartyPants Vitamins

by Kate on January 23rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  New Year New Mama

I am the first to admit that my children do not have the best diet. Try as I might to offer a balanced diet, my son just doesn’t eat his fruits and vegetables. But, really? He’s not alone. I know that *I* don’t eat as well-balanced a diet as I should. While there’s clearly no quick fix for a well-balanced healthy diet, there are some tools available to us moms to help fill the nutrient gap. SmartPants vitamins are gummy vitamins packed with goodness and they offer vitamins for both kids and adults.

About SmartyPants

The parents behind SmartyPants explain why they created the product: “We went looking for a solution: an all-in-one vitamin that had all the good stuff with none of the bad in one easy serving we could feel good about giving to kids. The problem? There wasn’t any such thing. And since that isn’t a good enough answer, we decided to make one ourselves.”

  • Only Multivitamin+Omega3s+ Vitamin D gummy on the market!
  • Excellent Source of Omega3 DHA+EPA* from eco friendly small fish oil
  • 100% of the US RDI for Vitamin D + includes 9 other nutrients
  • Most bio-available forms of key nutrients
  • No High Fructose Corn Syrup with only 5 g of Organic cane sugar per serving
  • No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives. Gluten & casein free
  • Made in California in a GMP-certified facility
  • Comes in yummy, naturally flavored orange, lemon, and cherry

You can feel good about your purchase, too, because every time you buy SmartyPants the company makes a 1-to-1 nutrient grant through Vitamin Angels. Vitamin Angels’ mission is to reduce child mortality worldwide by connecting essential nutrients, especially vitamin A, with infants and children under five.

SmartyPants for Kids

While there are a number of gummy vitamins on the market, SmartyPants stands out from the crowd. Indeed, it’s the first all-in-one multivitamin with 100% of US RDI of Vitamin D, eco-friendly DHA & EPA Omega 3′s and 11 other key nutrients with no artificial colors or sweeteners. At first my kids could recognize the difference in flavor and they’d tell you they missed the artificial sweetener. But, after eating the vitamins for a few days they were used to the taste and ate them with no problem. Clearly I’m not a nutritionist and I’m not a doctor, but I know my kids can benefit from the essential vitamins, healthy oils and other things found in the vitamins. And, of course, they’re better off not getting the things found in many vitamins (like artificial colors, preservatives and HFCS).

The recommended serving for children (3 and over) is 4 gummies.

SmartyPants for Grownups

After hearing many costumers say, “I wish you made these for grownups!”, SmartyPants decided to do just that. Formulated for the nutritional needs of adults, SmartyPants are all-in-one adult gummy vitamins - the only brand to offer Omega 3 DHA & EPA plus Vitamin D.

SmartyPants for Grownups are not marketed as prenatals, but let me tell you… the idea of chewing these little gummies is much more appealing than choking down a giant prenatal pill. I only wish I’d had a supply of these during the first half of my pregnancy when I was so sick and nauseous all the time! If I had to do it over again, I would take these from day one of pregnancy with a folic acid supplement. If you eat them expecting a super sweet treat, you’ll be disappointed but they really aren’t bad. They don’t taste like, say, my favorite Valentine’s gummy candy, but they sure taste better than a giant horse pill.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… It’s clear SmartyPants has made an effort to do vitamins right. They include a wider range of vitamins – and even fish oil – and leave out all the nonsense kids don’t need. Of course, we love the SmartyPants for Adults, too, and particularly see the benefit for pregnant mamas! The We love the feel good factor of the partnership with Vitamin Angels.

Or Not to Buy… SmartyPants are more expensive than most gummy vitamins you’ll find at the drug store.

Shop! SmartyPants offers a variety of purchasing options from one month’s supply (one bottle) to 3 month supply at a monthly subscription program (the most cost effective). A single bottle (which lasts one month) is $19.95 and there is free shipping on orders over $25. SmartyPants Vitamins are also available from our affiliate Amazon.

Thanks to SmartyPants for providing some samples.
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