How I get my toddler to try new foods

In all fairness to my child, who doesn't get to blog in her own defense, she is a pretty good eater. But, as she's approached the age of two, she's become increasingly resistant to trying new foods, especially at dinner time (the meal where she regularly has the least appetite, regardless of how long it's been since she last ate). I try avoid bribery and I don't want to make meal times unpleasant for her, but I do want her to try at least a bite or two of whatever we're having for dinner.

Related: 14 tricks for dealing with a picky eater

I've discovered that one trick will get her to open her mouth, happily, 99% of the time. I tell her, "Try this one bite and if you don't like it, you can spit it into my hand." For some reason, the idea of being given permission to spit out her food is just the temptation she needs.

She does spit out that first bite probably three-quarters of the time, but usually that one taste is enough to make her willing to eat at least a couple

Source: 6 Smart Add-Ins For Your Next Smoothie

If your diet is lacking in enough nutrients, adding a smoothie to your diet can help immensely. Toss any of these six ingredients into your next smoothie along with your favorite fruits to get their nutritious benefits without sacrificing taste.

• Broccoli: The fiber-rich vegetable helps keep you full without changing the taste of even your favorite smoothie combinations. You can use raw broccoli or steam it quickly first for a smoother consistency. This 330-calorie peanut butter, broccoli, and strawberry smoothie will keep you full throughout the morning.
• Chia seeds: If you're looking to start the day right, add a tablespoon of chia seeds into every smoothie. The high-fiber seeds are also a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, so you'll feel full and ready to take on your morning. A berry chia seed smoothie recipe masks the taste and texture of chia seeds if you're not a fan.
• Green tea: Want a little energy boost in your

Rocking Gnome Homes This was such a fun project because I was able to involve my 4-year-old with every step of of the process. We spent the morning at our favorite exploring park and gathered stones together, carefully choosing the very best ones to bring home. Then, instead of cleaning the dirt off by myself, I filled up a tub with warm, soapy water, and the two of us sat outside in the sunshine and scrubbed our rocks clean with old toothbrushes. He thought that was the funniest thing in the world, by the way. Rocks don't have teeth! After our rocks dried off, we painted rocks together and turned them into these sweet little gnome homes. Once they were completed, it was fun to find special places in the garden to place the tiny gnome homes.

Supplies
Small rocks, cleaned and dry
Acrylic paint
Permanent marker
Spray on varnish

Related: 13 delightful dwellings for fairies and gnomes

Directions

1.Start with a clean, dry stone. Place the rock on a flat surface to see how it sits and the best orientation.

2. Cover the

Splish, splash, slide! You're ready to introduce your child to the season's fun, but these carefree days can come with surprising risks for tots. Follow our stay-safe guide.

By Sunny Sea Gold

Last summer, my daughter Penny, then 11 months old, lost her appetite and was having a fussy spell when small, flat, blisters appeared on the soles of her feet. That's when I realized she had the summer baby virus I'd been warned about: Coxsackie, also known (less appealingly) as hand, foot, and mouth disease. Her doctor confirmed it and explained that the blisters were also in Penny's mouth and throat, so no wonder she was off meals. The virus would take about five days to run its course, and infant pain reliever would help soothe her.

While grown-up bugs typically don't circulate in summer, baby-centric germs do. "There are certain viruses that thrive in the late spring and summer that young children are most vulnerable to," says Alicia Brennan, M.D., a pediatrician at the CHOP Pediatric Care

Calling all shutterbugs: May is National Photography Month! If you're ready to capture your pregnant glow on film, take a look at these beautiful maternity photos to show to your maternity photographer to spark some ideas. I've rounded up some truly gorgeous finds from around the country… which one will be your favorite? - By Keiko Zoll

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This beautiful summer makeup look is yours in 5 minutes flat!I'm writing this post from one of the hottest places in the world: Phoenix, Arizona. So, if there's anyone who's familiar with wearing makeup in hot climates where there's a 90% chance of sweating, it's me. In other words, I know how to make sure your makeup doesn't melt off your face. And no, you don't need to spend 30 minutes in front of the mirror to get the look!

Of course there are many other desert-dwelling women who are qualified, but I'm breaking things down for those of you who are busy and have only but 5 minutes to spare for your morning face routine.

Minute 1: Prep
Prep that pretty face of yours, ladies. In the mornings, especially when it's hot, I like to rinse my face with cool water and gently damp dry. Once you're all dry, apply a face primer with clean fingertips. This helps minimize pores and creates a smooth surface for any foundation. If you don't wear foundation, skip this step.

Minute 2: Even Complexion
Summers mean hot weather. And for some of you, it means

Photo: Bicycle Bob/ Creative CommonsI love cozy nights, walking in sock feet from the dinner table to the couch to watch movies or snuggle and talk. After darting around to work events all week, volunteering at school and running to soccer practices, most of the time I just want to stay home.

Read More: Schedule a Regular Date Night with Your Sweetie

Since Trey and I blended our families five and a half years ago, he's been resolute about the necessity of date nights. No excuses, once a week. Over the years I've become a believer. Date nights are vital to our marriage. We reconnect and talk to each other without our conversation being drowned out by whining. Yes, we talk about the kids, but we also talk about our future and our work. Here are five tips for figuring out date nights even when the odds are stacked against you.

Read More: 10 Cheap and Easy Kid-Free Date Night Ideas

1. Consider a babysitting swap. If a few willing girlfriends team up, you can alternate who gets to stay home with the kids and who goes out.

Out, out! Darned, spot!

You know what they say: The unsoiled life is not worth living. Fine, we made that up, but we can all agree that life is more fun when we aren't panicking over lipstick smears and condiments gone rogue. A stain can be a bummer, but don't let it ruin your day -- or your top. Get our fixes for ketchup splatters, wine dribbles, pen marks, and more.

Chopping Block

A hot stove is a hotbed for cooking-related stains. If grease is the culprit -- think butter, oil, or mayonnaise -- first, treat the area with a dry solvent. Using an eyedropper, rinse with isopropyl alcohol; dry well. Spray a dish-soap solution on any remaining residue and soak the item in an enzyme detergent before washing.

Proteins such as blood and egg require a different fix. Should a runaway yolk or a chopping mishap leave you with damages, spray a dish-soap solution on the stain and let it sit before rinsing in tepid water. If a stain remains, treat the area with an enzyme detergent and wash according to