​​Hey Reader,

​

I’ve been a parent for ten years now, which means I’ve entered my “cynical about everything” era. And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, all I can think about is the tidal wave of tiny junk that’s about to flood my house. I already know where I’ll find it—between couch cushions, on my pillow, scattered across the kitchen table, under beds, in the bathroom… just absolutely everywhere except the trash can, where it belongs.

​

Now, don’t get me wrong—I loved Valentine’s Day as a kid. I get it. I’m not here to ruin the magic. I’ll just silently seethe while my inner rage simmers until, one random Tuesday, I wake up and announce that I’m throwing away everything we own.

​

When my kids were in preschool and kindergarten, I was determined to find Valentine’s treats that were fun, but also disposable. Nothing that will live in the backseat of someone’s car for the next six months. And also I wasn’t about to give candy to a bunch of toddlers. (The dietitian mom can’t be the candy mom at preschool!)

​

So if you, like me, are not someone who plans ahead, and still need to grab something for your kid’s class, I’ve got you covered. I put together a list of my all-time favorite Valentine’s gifts—things kids actually enjoy but won’t clutter the house until the end of time.

​

One of my personal favorites? Wildflower seed packets. Might sound weird, but trust me—kids love a low-stakes yard project, and bonus—you’re basically helping the bees. So really, it’s an act of environmental heroism.

​

Check out the full list, save yourself some stress, and let’s all try to survive the impending avalanche of Valentine’s Day junk together!
​

​

​

New This Week From Mama Knows

IN THE RECIPE BOOK

The Best Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I can’t be the only one who buys bananas over and over again only to watch them turn from green to yellow to brown all alone on my kitchen countertop. If you know me, you know I hate wasting food! But bananas- they have a secret superpower. When they go “bad,” they actually turn reaaaaal good- right into my favorite chocolate chip banana bread recipe.

​

​

​

​

ON THE BLOG

Surviving and Thriving: Your Ultimate Guide to First Trimester Nutrition

Nutrition is really important throughout all of pregnancy- including before you’ve gotten a positive test. So if you’re here and you’re either newly pregnant or want to embark on that journey soon, I’m here to help with the nutrition side of things!

​

​

​

​

Feeding Tip Of The Week​
​
If your kids (or you!) just want to eat carbs – that’s okay! Use my favorite hack to add more protein to the dish, whether it is spaghetti, mac and cheese, or even rice or potatoes!

The secret: bone broth!

I love Kettle & Fire because of their high quality ingredients, and each container has 20g of protein. The other night Ben and I had these amazing chicken cheesesteak rice bowls that he made, and my kids only wanted the rice. But since I made it with bone broth, they got more than just carbs!

Want a Recipe Idea With Bone Broth?

I just made this tortellini soup and it’s delicious, simple, and nutrient dense! (Even if your kids eat around the greens, like mine.)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1.5 c chicken stock
• 2 c bone broth
• 1 14-oz can tomato purée
• 1 Parmesan rind
• 1 (9-ounce) pack refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 c fresh spinach, chopped
• ⅓ c heavy cream
• 3-4 tbsp grated Parm
• chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion & cook 2-3 min.
2. Stir in garlic & Italian seasoning. Cook 2 min; season with salt & pepper to taste.
3. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 min.
4. Stir in chicken stock, tomato purée & Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil; reduce heat & simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 10 min.
5. Stir in tortellini; cover & cook til soft, about 5-7 min.
6. Stir in spinach until wilted. Stir in cream & basil until heated through; season with s+p to taste.
7. Serve & enjoy!

​

​

​

What I’m Loving This Week

You’ve probably heard me talk about my favorite humidifier once or twice (or three times 😅) but it’s just THAT GOOD.

​

This is one of my top picks for how to help myself or my family feel better when we’re sick. And the fact that it’s top-fill and easy to clean? That just makes it a win-win-win.
​

​

​

​

​

​

Hoping you and your family are healthy,

P.S. Don’t miss out – book a one-on-one nutrition consultation spot with me now!

​

Disclaimer: this message contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.​
​