How I’m Trying to Improve My Poor Mama Diet

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CONFESSION: basically I have a pretty poor diet.   I try my best to get active everyday but some days my workout only consists of chasing my kids around the park.  A healthy diet is important to me on those days where I don’t get in a TIU workout, T25, MixxedFit, or go the actual gym.   That’s why my new goal is trying to focus on my diet and eat better-healthier foods.   As a mom, I pride myself on my kids {mostly} eating healthy.   I’m not a crazy person and I don’t deprive my kids of In and Out BUT for the most part they eat healthy which is why I need too!

My diet currently consists of making meals and getting them eaten by my kids because my breakfast apparently looks so much better than theirs. My son often will eat his meal and mine!  Or my meal is left to get cold because I have to attend to a dirty diaper then come back to my dinner looking totally unappetizing after the stench of poo.    I’m often snacking on my kid’s uneaten snacks and meals, you know that last chicken nugget they leave on their plate-or the one I swipe when they aren’t looking.  wink. wink.   I might finish the banana they start and then try to toss, or the apple they take one bite of that’s all of a sudden ‘not good.’   Every night my husband and I reward ourselves after parenting and working hard all day by treating ourselves to a low-cal dessert.  So yep my diet is ummmm not great but not necessarily horrible.  

  •  Here are some goals I have for improving my diet:
    1. Eat a good breakfast-not just coffee
    2. Make myself a REAL lunch not just eat my kids left overs- preferably a salad or sandwich
    3. Add more vegetables into my diet as I snack on fruit all the time
    4. Only eat dessert 3 times a week {haha like that will happen}


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Lately due to some health issues I’ve been really wanting to amp up my veggie intake and start taking vitamins.   That’s when I came across Kiwami Greens! {KEEP READING FOR A PROMO CODE FOR 10% off!}

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With anything new, I wanted to read up on the product and do some research.  I learned that Kiwami Greens is inspired by the Japanese tradition of Aojiru, a traditional Japanese greens blend known for its great nutritional properties.    {Don’t ask me how to pronounce that word! haha}

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I think its pretty cool that Kiwami Greens is crafted to complement your daily intake of vegetables in the most convenient way by adding it to water or into a smoothie!  Also Kiwami Greens is JAM PACKED with calcium, vitamins B, C, and E, iron, fiber, and folic and amino acids.   It also has an ingredient called Ashitaba, a very unique plant that’s long been used in traditional Japanese medicine — it’s a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, and B6, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin E.   These are all things I KNOW I’m not getting in my mama on the go diet. 

Being a mom it’s SO IMPORTANT to take care of yourself and your health, because if you are not healthy and not at your best it’s impossible to take care of your children.   With these added veggies in my diet I did notice myself having a bit more energy-which being a mom of two toddlers is a life saver!

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I love that Kiwami Greens comes in individual packets so that you can easily toss them in your purse or diaper bag.   You can quickly pour it into a water bottle give it a shake and you are on your way!    This drink is approved for kids as well {although personally I haven’t given it to them yet}.

Real Talk: lets talk taste!  Honestly to me most vegetables taste like shi…I mean…crap….unless they are smothered in cheese, dressing, or some other disguise so I was scared to take my first sip of this drink.   BUT you guys its actually good! If you are a green tea lover like me-you will become OBSESSED with the taste of Kiwami Greens.   {My mom actually downed her drink in a matter of seconds.}

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To order a box Kiwami Greens you can visit their website at this link!  Use my code SUMMER10 for 10% off!

Have fun adding in those veggies with Kiwami Greens! How do you stay healthy with the on the go mommy duties of everyday life? Please share with me your healthy recipes too!

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

**the promo code SUMMER10 is only for one-time use per email. For subscription orders, the first order will be discounted and all others will be the original price.

Making Memories Last Forever with Shutterfly

Making Memories Last Forever with Shutterfly

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I have always been OBSESSED with taking photos and capturing moments even back in the era of disposable cameras.  I love going over to my parent’s house to browse though my baby books and high school scrapbooks-those memories are made to last forever because of a photo book.  Its so fun to compare myself as a child to my children.  But now in the digital age the hard copy photo book is starting to became a thing of the past because they take so long to make-but NOT WITH THIS SECRET I am going to share with you-the Shutterfly Make My Book Service.

It brings me so much joy that we live in the age of technology were 1,000 photos can be taken at just one event making them a permanent part of the history of our families.   What is sad is that most of us just load those photos on a Facebook album and that is that-lets put an end to that!   Often there is no printing, scrap booking, framing, nothing.    {I never even finished our wedding album!}  Shutterfly has made a NEW way to make photo books-they do it for you! SCORE!  Shutterfly makes it so easy with their Make My Book service-it literally took only minutes out of my day and I received a beautiful product.

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I have this new rule as I am ‘adulting’ its called-leave it up to the professionals.  Painting, wedding planning, plumbing, installing just about anything–DIYing is not really my thing anymore as my hubby and I pretty much ruin everything we touch. {Sorry babe}  I am also a working mom so often crafts and DIYs are much harder as there is NO TIME to do those things.  Its worth the time and headache to just pay someone to do it for me.  The Shutterfly Make My Book service takes all the headaches away from photo book designing.

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We seriously LOVED getting our photo book back and looking at all the wonderful memories we made.

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I really enjoy the process of making photo books on Shutterfly, making sure every photograph I like is exactly on the right page-and showing my right angles lol.  This crucial process would not only take me hours, it would take me days!  I was skeptical, but hopeful to try their new Make My Book service.   For only a $9.99 service fee they design the entire book for you-cover to cover-all you do is submit the photos.

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The process was almost too easy guys!  It took me less than 5 minutes to submit my family photos and select and overall design of the photo book.  In a matter of about 24 hours my book preview came back from the Shutterfly designers.   It was pretty much perfect!  Of course me being a psycho- I didn’t like how I looked in a few photographs.  I could easily hit ‘edit’ swap them out and it was as good as ever!  So don’t be hesitant if you think you won’t like what they come up with, you can make major changes to your book {even though I don’t think you will.}   You can also choose not to buy the book entirely–like you’ll do that–so really there is little risk involved.

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From now on I know I personally will always be using the Make My Book photo book service from Shutterfly because the product came out PERFECT and it saved me massive amounts of hours in front of my computer-precious time I could be spending with my family, or sleeping lol.  Our photo book looks FAB as a coffee table book!

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Have a great time making your photo books with the Make My Book feature from Shutterfly!

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

**The photography in the Shutterfly photo book was captured by J.anne Photography

 

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5 Tips on Keeping your Home Tidy During the Holidays

5 Tips to Keep Your Home Tidy During the Holidays with BLACK+DECKER

Keep reading & scrolling for a  GIVEAWAY for a chance to win an awesome BLACK+DECKER product!

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  1. Make a Plan

I am queen of ‘to-do lists’ I feel it really helps me stay focused on what needs to get done, what’s important, and it also lets my husband know what I need help with. Wink wink.   I often will print out a calendar and mark holiday festivities to do with the family on them from seeing Christmas lights, making Christmas crafts, and even wrapping those presents to make sure every moment of the holiday season is used.   Being a working mom I often will clean my entire house on Saturday morning so I can enjoy a clean home all weekend.   I will make a list of things to do-dishes, vacuum with the BLACK+DECKER cordless hand vacuum, do laundry, tidy up bedrooms, etc. that way it can get done quick and efficiently!

  1. Minimize Clutter by Using Bins

I love being a mother, but I hate the sight of toys and clutter! Especially around the holidays when there are more things out in your home, I really like to minimize clutter by using bins that tie in with my décor.  My rule is if it doesn’t fit in the bins then it goes in the closet or gets donated!   This is a perfect time of the year to do a secret nap time toy rotation or to donate some of those rarely used toys to charity.

All of the bins in these photos have toys hidden in them!

  1. Teach the Kids to Help!

Being a parent means you’re constantly cleaning, washing, folding-but hey you also had kids to help with household chores right?   Kids are never too young to start helping out with mommy and daddy with small chores for their age group.   Little tasks for toddlers like putting away shoes, toys, or even bringing their dirty sippy cup to the sink are all chores my toddler does around the house. My toddler as learned that she must help clean up an area of the house by putting her toys away in the bins before moving on to the next activity.   Sometimes this task is done with a smile all by herself, often with help from mom, and sadly sometimes with toddler tears, but it’s a rule we like to have in our home to keep it clean.

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  1. Use the BLACK+DECKER Compact Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum to Spot Clean Little Messes

Keeping a clean home is important to me, but it should not overhaul the entire day-this is the time to celebrate not clean! Who has time to lug out an entire large vacuum?   I love to keep my BLACK+DECKER  Compact Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum in arms reach to quickly clean up small messes like Christmas tree pine needles, sprinkles from holiday cookies, baking disasters such as dust from flour, or milk-YES IT EVEN VACUUMS LIQUIDS!!! Hello! This tool is amazing around little ones!   The Compact Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum is also quiet too so it doesn’t scare my toddler or wake my napping baby.

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  1. Make it a Game!

To keep little ones entertained and helpful turn any chore into a game or competition. Make the job a race and see who is the best little helper to clean up the mess the fastest.   Turn on a favorite Christmas song like ours-NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas Happy Holidays” and set a goal to get the whole area cleaned up by the time the song is over! Clean up Elf style by talking to Santa in a funny voice.   Give a prize or reward like a small candy cane or be the first family member to open a gift on Christmas morning if they can clean up the fastest.   The ‘Clean Up Monster’ was a game my dad played when I was little which was a modified version tag in the dark-whoever he caught had to clean up! Whatever game you choose, making a dull task fun can make it go much faster!

Those are my top 5 tips on keeping your home tidy not just around the holidays, but all year long!

BLACK+DECKER is a great brand, check out these other items on our Christmas wish list:

  • The 20V MAX Lithium Cordless Drill Driver will be a WONDERFUL drill for my husband to put together all the kids toys and home projects I have him complete.
  • The MarkIT Picture Hanging Tool works wonders making sure all pictures, artwork, and canvas prints are hung perfectly straight.  This is a need for the gallery wall trend in home decor right now!
  • The Cordless 2 In 1 Stick Vacuum is a fab product as it is the best of both worlds a hand vacuum for couches and everything above ground, and a regular vacuum for floors! 

Check out the BLACK+DECKER  Holiday Handbook for more holiday and Christmas tips, recipes, and DIYs!

 

**GIVEAWAY**

The BLACK+DECKER brand will be giving away a 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum to a lucky Redlocks and Shamrocks reader!  This Stick Vacuum makes cleaning super easy with the product’s cordless feature! To enter the GIVEAWAY:

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  1. Check out this LINK and read all about the 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum!
  2. Comment on my blog post below telling me what you LOVE about the cordless stick vacuum OR what you like about the other products from this post: the drill, the hand vacuum , or the picture hanger!

The giveaway is that SIMPLE!   Good luck!

I hope you all have a wonderful {and clean} Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas!

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

Redlocks Review: Nuby NanaNubs Massager

Redlocks is here reviewing a Nuby product on teething, the NanaNubs Massager!  This product is great for helping babies sooth their sore gums while cleaning at the same time!

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My son is going through the teething phase, he is constantly drooling and in pain-poor little guy!  With recent shocking FDA reports of teething tablets gone bad causing seizures and difficultly breathing {thankfully I’ve never used them} its always great to find a product that helps ease our baby’s sore gums that is SAFE!   The Nuby NanaNubs Massager is great for this!

This Nuby NanaNubs product is 100% soft silicone which is great for soothing sore gums.   It also has soft bristles which helps clean baby’s gums very gently by the unique textured designed bristles.

This super cute banana shaped teether is designed so the peels are handles easy for baby to grasp.   This massager also assists in the eruption of teeth by gently massaging the infant’s gums.

This Nuby product, the NanaNubs Massager is of course BPA free and is available now at Amazon!

How else are you helping your little one with the teething process?

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

Redlocks Review: Mobi Ultra Pulse Themometer

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One of the worst things in the world to a mother is her child being sick!  Instantly you feel a pit in your stomach, your heart is pounding out of worry, and you would do anything to trade places with your little one.  When the Doyle crew is sick we like to cuddle in bed and drink lots of fluids.  Being a mother of TWO under TWO I have had several thermometers and this one is by far the best-the Mobi Ultra Pulse Thermometer.

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I have had digital thermometers that swipe across the forehead, ones that go in the armpit, and even rectal ones (sorry babes) but I am seriously in love with this one!  The Mobi Ultra Pulse Thermometer takes the baby’s temp with one QUICK touch to the forehead OR in their ear just by one click!   This product is FAST and ACCURATE!  Two crucial aspects when fighting with a fussy and sick baby to take a temp.

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Personally I LOVE the forehead option because you can check the baby’s temperature while they sleep without disturbing them.   The Mobi Ultra Pulse also has a Diagnostic Fever Indicator and Memory Log allowing you to focus on caring for your child instead of writing down data like their temperature and the time it was checked. 

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What else makes this product stand out from others?  It has a talking feature, can check your pulse, and has a built in flashlight! This thermometer is really ideal for all ages!

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Not only does this thermometer take your temperature but it can ALSO even check nursery room temperature!! What else can’t this tiny but powerful product do? 

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This product is small & portable and requires no expensive replaceable probes, just batteries that are included!   From now on this is my go to therMOMeter when my kids get sick!  You can purchase your Mobi Ultra Pulse Thermometer at Babies R’ Us

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

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Redlocks Review: Nuby Snack N’ Sip

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Today Redlocks and Shamrocks is bringing you a review on a product that I now say “changed my life,” the Nuby Snack N’ Sip hitting stores this October!   There are so many cups and snack holders out on the market, but this one makes things SOOOO much easier!   I don’t know about you but getting my TWO under TWO in the car is a whole ordeal.   Not to mention all the snacks, cups, and toys that can’t be left behind-according to my two year old!  The Nuby Snack N’ Sip allows you to have one less thing in your hand as it combines a cup and snack holder!

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The Nuby Snack N’ Sip holds 9oz of liquid on the bottom and 4.5 oz of dry snacks on the top!  The snack holder section snaps closed, but is easy enough for a little one to open and closed.   

The cup is NO SPILL: Logan tested, mommy approved!  The straw on the cup is a soft silicone flex straw–my favorite, as I feel it is less dangerous while running and playing with the cup in hand. The no spill valve opens with lip pressure so that the flow rate is totally controlled by the toddler.

This product is recommended for 12 months and up, but in the Doyle house we share EVERYTHING so Kohen-my 7 month old-approves too!

img_7949The Nuby product is of course BPA free and comes is fun colors and prints.   The Nuby Snack N’ Sip is coming to Babies R Us this October!

As I am writing this blog and Logan saw the pictures of herself using the Snack N’ Sip cup she ran around the house looking for it!  She is obsessed! I hope you enjoy this product as much as Logan and I do!

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

Redlocks Review: Nuby Silicone Feeding Spoon

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Redlocks is here bring you a review from Nuby their 100% Silicone Feeding Spoon!  This spoon is great for babies experiencing their first solids because it is so soft on their gums.  The spoon is squishy and flexible making it ideal for their tender gums and new teeth.

This spoon comes in bring fun colors AND comes with an awesome hygienic carrying case which is perfect for traveling and eating out!

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The Soft Flex spoon makes it easy to clean excess food from around baby’s mouth, which is great because my little guy rarely comes out of meals unscathed by extra food.  The deep bowl allows you to scoop the desired amount of food for your baby-not too much and not too little!

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The easy grip handle ensures a comfortable, secure hold during feeding-which helps because my little man is always reaching and grabbing to steal the spoon away from me! Not this time buddy! 

The Nuby Silicone Feeding Spoon is also really easy to clean as there are no “hidden” crevices that food can get stuck in.   This spoon is in the right price range and is very affordable!  This Nuby product is also BPA free and available now at Amazon!

Kohen’s is eating some delicious organic apples during this meal, what are your favorite foods to feed baby? Comment below! 

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

Pogo Pass: Las Vegas Fun for the Whole Family!

When it comes to raising a family in Las Vegas it can be hard to find fun family things to do.   Not only that all of the activities, venues, and museums can get really pricey!! I have great news for my Vegas friends! Pogo Pass is now open and active in Las Vegas! This is ONE pass that gets you in to several different family fun activities and museums! SCORE!!  Here is a quick breakdown of just how amazing this deal is.

Using my code REDLOCKS, you can get your passes for 60% off! That takes them from $99.95 to only $39.98! If you’re hesitant, let me just break it down for you:

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Cowabunga Bay: One visit: $30-$40 value (fall vs. summer pricing)

Power Up Gaming: 1 visit per month: $6 per visit x 12 months = $72 value

Sprigs Preserve: 1 visit: $5-$18 value (resident child to non resident adult)

Discovery Children’s Museum: 1 visit: $14.50 value

Las Vegas 51’s: 2 games: approx $12 value

Nevada Climbing Center: 1 visit: $10-$14 value

Battle Blast Laser Tag: 1 visit: $8.50 value

Bouncy World: 1 visit: $10-$12 value

Lion Habitat Ranch: 1 entry a $20 value

Rockin’ Jump: 1 hour jump session: $14 value

Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station Bowling Allies: 2 games per location per month: that makes 8 games per month at $3 per game: $24 per month x 12 months: $288 value!! (Pass does not cover shoe rental)

Holy Cow you guys!! That makes the total value of the Las Vegas Pogo Pass…
$489-$518!!!

To order your own Las Vegas Pogo Pass follow this link and enter the code REDLOCKS to get 60% off!

I have been to almost all of these places and we always have a great time!  Have SO much fun at all of these family friendly venues!  I know my family will!  We will definitely be hitting up one of the venues this weekend!

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XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrock Girl,

Lisa Doyle

Redlocks Recipe: Hidden Veggie Pizza Rolls

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My two year old is currently obsessed with Pizza!  Not going to lie sometimes we told her some meals are pizza when they are totally not just so she will eat them…Sorry Logie!   After a long day’s work the LAST thing I want to do is to spend time in the kitchen and not playing with my children.  😦  I am trying to find more and more recipes that are easy and Logan can help me make! That way dinner is being made and we are spending quality time in the kitchen.   (Hook a girl up if you have some of those meals!)  I have also found that Logan is more likely to eat something if she is helping with the process-even if it may slow me down.   For this Redlocks Recipe I will share my Hidden Veggie Pizza Rolls- this is not a cute “Pinterest perfect” recipe in looks but it is SUPER easy, tastes good, and can hide vegetables inside.  🙂  It took us about 15 minutes to throw together because we were on TODDLER TIME and 20mins to cook! 

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Ingredients:

  • Crescent Dough
  •  A can of Pizza Sauce
  • Turkey Pepperoni
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • Organic Chopped Spinach (or any veggies of your choice to sneak in)
  • Other pizza toppings of your choice.

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Roll out dough with rolling pin, make sure to use flour!   I like to lay out some parchment paper for easy clean up.  While doing this step, I cooked the spinach. 

Mix the spinach and pizza sauce together and spread on the dough.   I didn’t let Logie help on this part to keep the veggies HIDDEN!  Shhhhhhh

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Sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese!  Logan LOVED this job!

Lay on the turkey pepperoni and other pizza toppings of your choice.  We keep it simple in the Doyle house. 

Carefully roll up the dough tight (note my not perfect roll…it still tasted yummy…remember I am only a supermom in disguise.)  Cut into slices…again not perfect.. spray your baking tray with Pam, place accordingly, and top with MORE cheese!

Then pop it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes and have a DANCE PARTY in the kitchen while you wait!  P.S.  If anyone wants to sponsor me in renovating my kitchen I would be all about that…just kidding…no but really, a girl can dream right? 

When the dough is cooked through and cheese is melted voila! A toddler made meal with hidden veggies!   We severed ours with some boneless BBQ chicken nuggets on our Nuby Sure Grip Miracle Mat!   This plate suctions to the table and is easy to clean!   Available on Amazon and at Babies R’ Us.

That’s all to it!   This was my first time toying with this recipe, next time I might go a “healthier” route and swap somethings out but all is all it was quick and easy!  If you didn’t already read about my quick and easy toddler lunch idea check it out here.

What are some dinner ideas you love??? Comment below with your favorite recipe!

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle

Redlocks Review: Nuby Designer Series Snack Keeper

Redlocks is here bringing you a product review of the Nuby Designer Series Snack Keeper!

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The Nuby Designer Series Snack Keeper supports independent eating as your baby grows and develops into a toddler.   This snack keeper works wonders to hold in snacks as a toddler is running around your house or out and about! I use this product at home, in the car, out running endless errands, grocery shopping, or even at the park.   I also love the fact that the toddler can’t completely “see” whats inside.   So I can mix her favorites with some of my healthy favorites and its a surprise as she snacks on the go.

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It comes in super fun colors and designs! And each part-lid, handle, bowl, comes apart for quick and easy cleaning.

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The super soft lid is perfect for tiny hands to reach in and get their snack.   I don’t know about you but my toddler loves eating snacks out of containers!   This is a great way to make your own healthy snack, but still displaying it in a “fun” way.

The clever design means you can enjoy mess free snacking with fewer spills and waste!  This is also a life saver in the CAR!!!  

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Lets toddlers in, keeps doggies out! 🙂

The Doyle house not only has two kids under two, we also have two crazy dogs!   The Doyle dogs are constantly following around my two year old waiting for her to drop a snack or leave a plate unattended.   With the Nuby Snack Keeper they can’t get the food!

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The Nuby Designer Series Snack Keeper is of course BPA FREE and has a scratch free protective bottom.    This Nuby product is Redlocks and Shamrocks approved as is available for purchase at Babies R’ Us and Amazon!

What is your favorite on the go toddler snack to keep in your Nuby snack holder???

XOXO,

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle