Epicurean Style

Product Review: Shampoo Rinse Cup

I was having a hard time thinking of something worthwhile to review today and after giving my son his bath this morning I realized just how much I love this product and had to share it with you. 

 

*Image Courtesy of One Step Ahead*

(Picture links to their website)

We use to have the hardest time washing my son's hair out.  He hated getting water in his eyes and even with "tear-free" shampoo's he would cry saying he got soap in his eyes.  I saw this Shampoo Rinse Cup in a magazine, but wasn't willing to pay the shipping and handling to get it (the shipping and handling was as much as the cup).  Plus I wasn't sure if it was just a gimmick of a product.  

Finally I spotted it at our Babies R Us and picked it up.  Bath-time, has been so much easier and so many tears fewer since we got this cup.  I LOVE it!  

The plastic part fits right around their head and really doesn't let water drip into their faces (unless they look down).  It is easy to hold and VERY durable. I haven't figured out why there are two compartment on the inside, it seems like it would work a little easier without the two, but it does still work.  

 

Jackson loves to play with it in the bath, so it doubles as a bathtub toy, for us. We also love using this cup to rinse Jackson's body off in a shower.  

 

*Image Courtesy of Kidzkamp at Buy Buy Baby*

(Picture links to their website)

 

The downside to this product, is probably that the child has to be old enough to at least look forward (and not down) when rinsing their hair.  However, I do know parents that use it on infants and say it works just fine, they just have to slightly tip them back.  So it could depend upon the child and the parent.  

It is a product a parent will appreciate it.  Anything that makes life a little easier or a little bit less stressful, is a product to love, in my opinion.  :)     

Valentines Cupcakes

Jackson and I are excited to have visitors coming this afternoon and decided we would make some fun Valentines Day Cupcakes for them. 



I asked Jackson what he wanted on top of the cupcakes and it was either dinosaurs or robots, so we went with the robots.  I was sure I could draw a few robots, but not so sure about dinosaurs.  :) 

I'm not sure if you are interested, but I thought I would upload the pictures if you wanted to print them off and use them in your own cupcakes this year.  Just print and cut them into squares, backing them on red or pink paper. 

Download Robots

Hope you have a Happy Valentines Day tomorrow!

Children's Books

With a sick little one books have been one of our main sources of entertainment for the last week, hence they have been on my mind A LOT. We have been having "book parties", where we pull out all the books and just start reading and read until we are tired of reading. 

We have some books I could read a million times and never tire of and others that make me want to gag when I see my son pick it up, because I know I am going to have have read it. 

I am going to share some of my favorite books with you (a product review...um, kind of?!)  And hopefully the list will inspire you to share some of your favorite books with us, because truly I LOVE children's books and are always on the hunt for new good ones. 

So here's a list of some of our favorite books, please share yours...

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

    A classic, I know, but truthfully I never really knew why it was a classic until this last year.  It has never been one of my absolute favorites. The pictures are a little dull, the words just okay, but then I started reading it to Jackson and seriously I can't get enough of this book!  I love it.  The reason I have this sudden love for it, well, two reasons actually...One, I love that it will say goodnight to something in the book and then Jackson will search for it on the pages.  So fun.  And two, because after we are all done reading this book we say goodnight to everything in his room, it can get a little silly at times, but that is what makes it so fun.  I never thought I would say goodnight to the light switch or the bumper pad on the crib, but it sure is fun. 

Duck In The Truck  by Jez Alborough

    I am a sucker for children's picture books that Rhyme, they are just fun to read, so that makes this one of the top on my list favorites.  The artwork is bright and colorful, love that.  Jackson loves to talk about all the food that gets bumped out of Ducks truck or that he sees stuck in the muck as the story goes on. 

How Do Dinosaurs Count To Ten? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

    Probably any book from this series could be a favorite, but this just happens to be the one that I mention.  Quick, Simple reads, with only a few words on each page and rhyming make this a favorite.  The artwork is fun. Jackson loves to talk about each page and has comments for every Dinosaur...such as, "Ewe, dirty socks under the bed!" or "That Dinosaur really needs a train table so he won't break his train tracks." or "Bad dinosaur, you are going to be in time out if you eat your blocks!"  Its funny to hear the things he is thinking about when the words are so simple and may not even mention what he is pointing out.

Freight Train by Donald Crews

    Simple.  The best word to describe this book.  It has simple pictures that catch your eyes (bold bright colors, but in simple shapes and solids).  With only one or two words on a page and only a few words in the book it is a quick simple read, but I love it.  I wish I could take the artwork from this book and hang it on Jackson's wall.  It is just so fun.  I love the movement that is created with such little effort.  We used this book to help teach Jackson his colors another fun reason to love it.

Spot: Goes to the Farm by Eric Hill

    Very few words, but cute illustrations and Jackson LOVES to lift up the flaps.  He loves to make the animals noises and say the words, because he has the book memorized. 

Parts by Tedd Arnold

    I'd say this book makes me laugh more than Jackson, at this point, but it still get us laughing and talking about silly things.  It is a fun read that talks about all the confusing things that happen to our bodies that might make a child nervous.  Like finding lint in his belly button and thinking his "stuffing" is coming out etc.  I actually like all of the Part's books, this is just the first one he wrote.  The pictures are bright and fun and the book rhymes and is easy to read...not too wordy. 

There's a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Seuss

    This and The Foot Book (also by Dr. Seuss) are probably tied for my two favorite Dr. Seuss books.  I love the Rhymes and the crazy words that he comes up with and Jackson thinks all the crazy things living in the house are just so funny.  He loves to point to each thing on the page and ask what the creatures name is and then try to say it.  Dr. Seuss is a classic, but this just happens to be one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

    Another Classic book, but I love it and have to mention it. 

Tails by Matthew Van Fleet

    Jackson loves lift to flap or other interactive books and this one fits the bill.  It has very few words per page and rhymes, plus touching the texture or pulling the flaps makes it a little more fun to read. 

There's an Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Meyer

    With only a few lines of text on each page, bright or bold illustrations, and a clever little boy this book comes alive.  Jackson loves to point out all the different foods the boy lays out for the alligator and the cleverness of the little boy makes me smile.  

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

    Definitely "over" Jackson's head, but still really fun.  The pictures are dull with little color, but it fits the book, in my opinion.  The details in the illustrations are awesome.  It won't catch the eye of really small children, but the words and the ideas are great fun for older kids.  Jackson thinks it is funny to see all the food raining from the sky or that Grandpa flips a pancake onto the little boys head, but doesn't really understand the story.  He does enjoy listening to it and looking at the pictures as we point out all the silly or funny things happening and I enjoy reading the book.

Never Take a Shark to the Dentist by Judi Barrett

    This book is written by the same author that wrote the classic, Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing.  Both books have wacky ideas that send both Jackson and into giggles and keep us entertained.  The illustrations are bright and fun showing kids exactly why the idea is such a bad idea.  The charm of this book is definitely in the details of the illustrations of the funny ideas.

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that type by Doreen Cronin

    With several books in the series, they are all fun, but this one is my favorite.  I know that Jackson doesn't understand the whole story, but he definitely likes to have it read to him and it is one that I enjoy reading.  Plus the illustrations are great, the detail of the cows faces, the duck, and Farmer Brown make the story come alive.  The idea of cows typing and negotiations being made are hard for a young child to imagine, so the pictures really make the story come alive and become silly.

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood

    Yet another classic, but it is such a fun read that I have to mention it.  I think this book is fun for all ages.  The pages are large and have bright bold artwork, with great detail that makes the story come alive.  The mouse's facial expressions are great.  It's fun to watch Jackson cheer on the mouse and tell him what to do.  

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

    Okay, so almost any book written and illustrated by him is great, but this and Brown, Bear, Brown Bear are definitely our favorites.  Obviously a classic.  I am probably not pointing out a new book to anyone, but I have to say that we own this book in a paperback version and a board book version and I absolutely LOVE the board book version.  It has all the same words and illustrations, sometimes board books are shortened, leaving parts out, but not this one.  We have read this book with Jackson since he was a baby.  And he has ALWAYS loved to stick his fingers through all of the little holes, so the board book version is great.  He also loves to pretend to eat the food off the pages too and offers it to us.  Obviously it is great for counting and illustrations are beautiful bold vivid colors.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

    Great read.  Love the Rhyme.  Love that it teaches the alphabet.  Love the bright illustrations.  Definitely a classic.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

    Way over Jackson's head and the pictures are mostly black and white, but I love this book.  Jackson likes it when I point out all the "sad" things that are happening or making the boy upset, but doesn't truly understand the storyline.  Older kids would definitely love it, because they have definitely felt this way and would like seeing the idea.  I think it has a great message and is fun to read.

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam Mcbratney

    Soft, cute illustrations send a fun message of love that Jackson absolutely loves.  He loves the idea of saying " I LOVE YOU!" in so many ways and in such fun ways.  It can send him into "I Love you more!" wars with us.  Only making all of us end up giggling and having way too much fun.  Very simple words and illustrations.

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

    The details of the illustrations are great, they make the words jump off the pages and will have you cracking up at the funny ideas that this little worm comes up with. 

Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis

    I actually can't say much about this book, considering we don't actually own it, but I've read through it several times at other peoples homes and love the idea behind it. This is a book that is on "One day I will buy..." list of books.  It is a fun one.  

Eggs

I know, I know...its Monday and you should be getting a recipe, but today you are getting a little different tidbit.  I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but recently I bought medium size eggs instead of large eggs (most recipes out there have been tested or done using large eggs).  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with my medium sized eggs, so I did a little research and found some egg size equivalents and I thought I would share.  Just in case this ever happens to you. 

Egg Size..............Substitution

1 Large Egg.........1 jumbo egg, 1 extra-large,
                            or 1 medium egg

2 Large Eggs........2 jumbo eggs, 2 extra-large eggs,
                             2 medium eggs, or 3 small eggs

3 Large Eggs........2 jumbo eggs, 3 extra-large eggs,
                             3 medium eggs, or 4 small eggs

4 Large Eggs........3 jumbo eggs, 4 extra-large eggs,
                             5 medium eggs, or 5 small eggs

5 Large Eggs........4 jumbo eggs, 4 extra-large eggs,
                             6 medium eggs, or 7 small eggs

6 Large Eggs........5 jumbo eggs, 5 extra-large eggs,
                             7 medium eggs, or 8 small eggs

Maybe you guys already knew this, but seriously this was a huge find for me.  Hope it helps someone else out there too!  :)

Little Girl Skirt

I came up with this really cute little girl skirt.  These are super easy, but lots of fun.  The fabric could vary depending on the season and the holiday.  It is  reversible and could be lengthened or shortened to fit other sizes.  The finished length of this skirt is 9 inches, so adjust accordingly.

 

{ m e e t   l u c y }

I tried to get my son to try this on, just so I could get a picture of the length etc, for you. However, he would have nothing to do with it (not even with bribery).  He just kept telling me, "No, silly mommy.  Skirts are only for girls.  Silly mommy!"

materials needed:

 -3 Strips of fabric 7x45 inches

-1 Thick piece of elastic (7 inches)

-1 Piece of Ribbon (48 inches long)

 *skirt is 9 inches when completed. Change the width of the fabric strips to length or shorten it depending on the child’s height.

 General Information: Seam allowance: edge of your pressure foot.  If you want more seam allowance simply cut the fabric strips wider.

 -instructions- 

Step 1: Cut 3 strips of fabric (7 inches wide by 45 inches long)

 

Step Two: Determine which of the three strips are the front, back, and top pieces. Take the piece that will become the top piece and one other strip of fabric and sew them right sides together lengthwise (use the edge of your presser foot as your seam allowance).  

Take the last fabric strip and sew it to the other side of your top fabric strip, you will end up with a piece that looks like this...

 

Step Three: To create a clean/hemmed edge on both of our short sides of the fabric fold and roll the fabric under twice.  You can either pin it in place or iron it in place as you go. 

Step Four: After you have ironed/pinned it, sew these rolled edges down.

Step Five: Next fold your fabric in half (Right Sides Facing together) and sew along all the edges, leaving about a 1.5 inch opening along the folded edge on each side at the top (this is where your ribbon will come through for the drawstring).

Step Six: After it is sewn, turn it right side out and iron flat.

Step Seven: Top stitch, with a zig-zag stitch, around the edge leaving the opening at both top sides(the 1.5 inch opening).

Step Eight: Make a seam across the skirt about 1.5 inches from the top of your skirt (Seam should be just under your opening)

Step Nine: Set that piece aside.

 

Step Ten: Cut the ribbon in half and sew the elastic piece between the two ribbon pieces.

 

Step Eleven: Thread your ribbon through the two openings; centering  the elastic in the back of the skirt. 

Step Twelve: Find the center of the skirt (make sure the elastic is centered). 

Step Thirteen: Sew a seam through the center of your elastic piece, just long enough to hold the elastic piece in place.  Then scrunch up the edges with your ribbon drawstring and wear.

Finished product: 

{ m e e t   l u c y}

***I am also going to add printable directions for this skirt to the sidebar later today.  I can't seem to figure out our scanner, but I know my husband (aka technical guru) will be able to figure it out.  :)

Warm Turkey and Swiss Wraps

These are delicious! The amounts below should serve 6-7 people. Sorry, I tried to take a picture of this delicious dinner, the other night, and it didn't do it justice so you'll just have to trust me--it tastes and looks great!  :)

Warm Turkey and Swiss Wraps 

 

Layer: 

Flour Tortilla

3-4 Slices of Turkey

Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese or layer with slices of Swiss cheese. 

Roll Tortilla, place in baking pan or dish 

Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes…until cheese melts. 

When it comes out of the oven, unroll and spoon in dressing and lettuce mixture. 

 

Lettuce Mixture: 

Chopped lettuce

Chopped Roma Tomato (3-4 Tomatoes)

Chopped Green Onion (4-5 stems)

Chopped Cucumber (3/4-1 whole cucumber)

Chopped Green Pepper (1 green pepper) 

Dressing: 

1 ½ C Mayonnaise

6 Tablespoons Milk

4 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons mustard

1 teaspoon celery seed