Splenda Brand Sweetener Review & Recipies

This year I am excited to announce that I have been selected to be a SeaWorld Wildsider! What does that mean? Well it means I get to attend fun events and bring you behind the scenes look into the world of SeaWorld! My first event is going to be this Saturday April 11th! I will be joining 14 other Wildsiders at the Just for Kids breakfast with Elmo & Friends then heading out into the park for a day of fun!
If you live in Texas or will be in the San Antonio area this month and would like to join us for this fun breakfast as well as the Just For Kids event there is a BOGO deal going on! Buy 1 Adult Ticket Get 1 Child For FREE!
What’s is the Just For Kids Event?
Bring your little ones to sing, dance and play the day away at Just for Kids!, SeaWorld’s park-wide festival made just for kids! From Shamu’s Party Zone, to kid-friendly entertainment and a super-sized foam pit, there’s no better festival that’s Just for Kids! So come join us Saturdays & Sundays this April.
Shamu’s Party Zone & Foam Pit
Shamu’s Party Zone is the place to be for fun! With a super-sized foam pit, a live family-friendly DJ, dancing on Shamu’s dance floor, games, and a host of interesting and friendly costume characters, it’s fun for the whole family all weekend long! Look for the party in front of Nautilus Amphitheater.
Elmo Rocks!
It’s a rock ‘n roll sunny day with Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Ernie in this hilarious musical show. Don’t miss your last chance to see Elmo Rocks! before it’s gone for good! And be sure to visit Sesame Street Bay of Play to see more of your favorite characters after the show. Location: Nautilus Amphitheatre.
Ocean Adventure
This is an activity that’s “Just for Kids!” Go on an Ocean Adventure and learn all about the fascinating animals here at SeaWorld San Antonio. Grab your Just for Kids! festival map for all of the details.
SeaWorld Express
This kid-sized train equals lots of smiles. A ride in the SeaWorld Express, located in front of Nautilus Amphitheatre, is sure to entertain SeaWorld’s littlest guests. All aboard for fun!
A Sesame Street Breakfast
Limited time offer during Just for Kids weekends ONLY – kids eat FREE at Sesame Street Breakfast! When you purchase 1 adult reservation, you get 1 FREE reservation for your child. So start your day with a delicious buffet and great big hugs from Elmo and his Sesame Street friends. Reserve your spot early; space is limited and you will not want to miss this! Book now >
Sesame Street Bay of Play
Sesame Street Boy of Play is an attraction for the whole family! Featuring Elmo, Big Bird, and all of their friends, it is three acres of exciting rides, shows, and play areas that will bring out the child in everyone! Explore more >
Be sure to follow me on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter and follow the hashtag #Wildside15 to keep up with all the Sea World fun!

The progressive mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a melting pot where animals from every habitat live side by side and “anyone can be anything.” But when new rabbit police officer Judy Hopps arrives in town she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of tough, hulking animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack an unsolved, challenging case even if it means working with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery. But the case leads these two unlikely partners to an uneasy conclusion that Zootopia’s “evolved” society is being pulled apart by unseen forces determined to use fear to take control of the city by turning predators and prey against each other.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ (WDAS) comedy-adventure, “Zootopia” has broken records worldwide earning more than $900 million at the global box office to date. The best reviewed movie of 2016, critics and audiences around the world have fallen in love with the wonderfully innovative animal metropolis of “Zootopia” and the comedic chemistry of rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). It’s been called one of the best buddy cop comedies in years! Viewers will not only be able to enjoy the vibrant world of Zootopia and reunite with their favorite characters, but also discover more about the evolution of this extraordinary tale through in-depth bonus offerings.
Bonus features include*:
BLU-RAY 3D, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
Zoology: The Roundtables – Ginnifer Goodwin hosts an in-depth look at the movie’s characters, animation, environments and more. The artists at Disney Animation give a rare and in-depth look at the complexities of bringing an all-animal world to life from the ground-breaking technology behind the characters’ fur and clothing to the varied and vast environments of Tundratown, Sahara Square and the Rainforest District as well as the deep thought and research given to bringing 64 unique animal species to life through animation.
The Origin of an Animal Tale – Follow the story’s development from its origins to a big story shift that turned the film upside down. In this feature-length documentary, filmmakers give a candid look into the difficulties of creating the story of Zootopia and the bold decision to switch the main character late in the production process, putting one resolute rabbit center stage.
Research: A True-Life Adventure – The filmmakers traveled the globe to find inspiration for the diverse characters and amazing city of Zootopia. They reflect on the importance of research and how a deep dive into animal behavior at Disney Animal Kingdom theme park and a deep immersion into animal society on the African savanna shaped and inspired the characters of Zootopia and changed the filmmakers’ lives forever.
Z.P.D. Forensic Files – Find the movie’s hidden Easter Eggs. Every city has its hidden gems, especially when it has been created by the filmmakers of Disney Animation who love nothing more than sprinkling hidden references to some of Disney’s greatest animated features throughout the story.
Scoretopia – Academy Award®-winning composer, Michael Giacchino spotlights five of cinema’s greatest percussionists and how they brought an organic, animalistic sound to his powerful and emotional music score.
Deleted Characters – Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore introduce citizens of Zootopia who did not make the final cut.
Deleted Scenes:
Alternate Opening – Young Judy Hopps rescues a fellow classmate and realizes she can reach beyond a life in carrot farming to a future in law enforcement.
Wild Times! Pitch – Nick desperately pitches the bankers of Zootopia on funding Wild Times!, an amusement park made exclusively for the predators of Zootopia and a sure-fire, money-making scheme for Nick and his friends.
Alternate Homesick Hopps – After a frustrating first day on the force, Judy has a conversation with her parents. See how this scene changed from a heartfelt conversation with her parents to tough love when her parents discover their daughter is only a meter maid and not a “real cop.”
Detective Work – Judy borrows a fellow police officer’s computer to conduct research, which turns out to be no small task.
Alternate Jumbo Pop – In this early version of the story where Nick was the main character, the filmmakers and Jason Bateman were able to take hustling to a new level.
Hopps’ Apartment – When Judy’s entire family pays her a surprise visit they are shocked to discover the company she’s keeping.
The Taming Party – In this emotional clip from an early version of “Zootopia,” Judy attends her first “taming party” and gains a deeper understanding of the plight of the predator.
“Try Everything” Music Video by Shakira
DVD:
Scoretopia
“Try Everything” Music Video by Shakira
DIGITAL HD EXCLUSIVE:
International Character Reel – See the variances in news reporters in Zootopia around the world!
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wildly Witty, Vibrant World of “Zootopia” Arrives Home
June 7 via Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and Disney Movies Anywhere
Related

Once your little one is well acquainted with solids and is at least six months old, it’s time to introduce new tastes and textures to her palette. Continue to follow your baby’s cues. Go at her pace and do not move beyond simple solids before he/she’s ready.
When trying new flavors, gentle persistence may be necessary. Never, ever force feed your little one, but keep in mind that it often takes five or more tries before a baby takes to a new food. The more flavors you introduce, the more adventurous his palette will be later.
While still avoiding added salt and excess sugar, you can begin incorporating fresh herbs or mild spices to baby food, watching carefully for adverse or allergic reactions.
Butternut Squash
1 medium-large butternut squash
(can also use canned or frozen butternut squash puree; see below) 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/3 cup water or organic, low-sodium chicken stock
1 tsp. fresh ground nutmeg (optional)
If using fresh butternut squash… Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the squash’s hard shell. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop the seeds out with a spoon, and discard. Chop the squash into 1/2-inch sized chunks and place inside large bowl. Coat squash evenly with the oil. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast the squash in the oven until very soft and beginning to brown, 40 to 50 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove the cooked squash from the baking sheet and puree in a food processor until completely smooth. Add fresh nutmeg if desired. Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size. If using canned or frozen butternut squash… In large stockpot, empty entire can of butternut squash puree along with chicken stock and nutmeg. Make sure that mixture is heated throughout, to about 160 degrees.
Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size.
Country Pumpkin
This recipe calls for fresh roasted pumpkin…but here’s a little secret. You can substitute fresh pumpkin with nutrient-rich canned pumpkin. The benefit to fresh pumpkin is all those yummy roasted pumpkin seeds, but either way, it’s a sweet way to eat one of the most powerfully nutritious super-foods.
(or can of organic canned pumpkin – make sure it’s not the sweetened pie filling.) 4 drizzles of extra virgin olive oil ¾ cup milk ½ tsp. fresh ground cinnamon (optional)
½ tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line heavy baking sheet with aluminum foil. Using sharp knife carefully cut off the top 1/3 of the pumpkin. Remove seeds and set aside. Scrape away the fibers inside the pumpkin cavity and discard. Cut the pumpkin into quarters and place on large, lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil onto each pumpkin quarter. Cover the pumpkin with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until completely tender. Once cooled, scoop out pumpkin flesh from skin; add to food processor. Add milk, vanilla and cinnamon and puree until completely smooth. Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size. In large stockpot, empty entire can of pumpkin puree along with milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Make sure that mixture is heated throughout, to about 160 degrees. Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size.
After introducing your baby to fruits & vegetables, you can begin serving mixtures. With so many fruits and vegetables to choose from, the possibilities for tasty combinations are endless.
Garden Vegetables
1 cup fresh or frozen petite green peas, thawed 1 cup green beans, trimmed, or broccoli florets
3 carrots (about 1/2 pound) cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
Arrange all vegetables in a vegetable steamer, steam, covered, 13 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Remove vegetables from steamer, reserving cooking liquid.
Place vegetables in a food processor process until smooth, adding cooking liquid, 1 tbsp at a time to reach desired consistency.
Yield; 2 cups or 8 (1/4 cup) servings
It’s a delicious way to introduce greens into your little one’s diet, as the mild, sweet winter squash tones down the strong broccoli flavor.
1 medium winter squash* 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium stalk broccoli
1/3 cup water
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut winter squash in half; scoop out seeds. Coat squash halves in olive oil and bake for 60 minutes, or until flesh is soft. Meanwhile, cut broccoli into small pieces and put in steamer. Steam for 5-6 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.
Let cooked winter squash cool to the touch and scoop out flesh from skin. Place peeled squash in blender, along with broccoli florets and blend until completely smooth. Add water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
Distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size. *You can substitute fresh winter squash with frozen, organic pureed winter squash. It’s readily available at most grocery stores and makes for a great time saver! Just heat squash in microwave and add to pureed broccoli.
It’s a delicious way to introduce greens into you child’s diet, as the mild, sweet potatoes tone down the strong broccoli flavor.
1 medium sweet potato 1 medium stalk broccoli
1/3 cup water
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap sweet potato in foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until soft. Meanwhile, cut broccoli into small pieces and put in steamer. Steam for 5-6 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. Let cooked sweet potato cool to the touch and peel off skin. Place peeled sweet potato in blender, along with broccoli florets and blend until completely smooth. Add water if necessary to achieve desired consistency. Distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size.
Cauliflower and yellow potatoes…blended together until smooth and creamy. The mild potatoes are a good complement to the “cabbagy” flavored cauliflower.
2 cups cauliflower florets 3 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped (about ½ inch pieces) 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
Steam cauliflower in steamer basket for 5-6 minutes, or until tender. Set aside.
In pot of water, add potatoes and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for about 10 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and potatoes and cool slightly.
Combine potatoes, cauliflower, ¼ cup of boiling liquid, and butter to food processor. Blend until smooth; add more water if necessary.
Disperse mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
Other Combination options;
Spinach & Sweet Potatoes
Beet & Carrot
Squash & Zucchini
Asparagus & Zucchini
Veggie & Fruit Combos to try;
Apples & Butternut squash
Squash & Peach
Avocado & Banana
Sweet Potato & Apricot
Sweet Potato & Peach
OTHER MAKE YOUR OWN BABY FOOD POSTS:
Veggies Stage 1
Fruit Stage 1
Fruits Stage 2
Sample Menu for 6-8 Months

If you are a basketball fan, you are no doubt anxiously awaiting the start of those epic weeks known as March Madness. With all of this frenzy comes the opportunity to gather friends and host watch parties. This means that several thirsty sports fans will be heading your way to watch the madness. Sure, you could pick up a few cases of beer, but if you are looking to mix up something a bit more creative for your March Madness get-togethers, check out my Slam Dunk Orange Beer Cocktail that’s sure to be a…well…Slam Dunk with your guests.
INGREDIENTS:
3 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Orange Liquor
1 Bottle Orange Beer (your choice)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use shaker with ice to mix Orange Juice & Orange Liquor.
Pour into glass
Finish glass off with Orange Beer
Garnish with slice of orange