Author: mkokopelli

mkokopelli https://mkokopelli.wordpress.com With a BA in Creative Writing, I have always had a passion for telling a story. When I graduated from UNCW, the job market was scarce so I pursued my other love, photography. I managed a photography studio for 3 years before starting my own company, M&M Photography. As luck would have it, one of my clients worked for the Charlotte Observer and asked me to join her team in launching their new mom website, MomsCharlotte.com. During this time, I had a baby and after learning some disturbing things about big name baby shampoo, I started researching children’s products and eventually family products. I began a blog, Mkokopelli, as a side project to document all of the things I was learning and to share my knowledge with other concerned parents. Mkokopelli led me down many exciting roads as I got to work with amazing companies and organizations. I began freelancing for several big named eco-friendly businesses including Inhabitots, Stonyfield, Franklin Goose, Earth Mama Angel Baby, The Baby Grocery Store, Juice Beauty, rocklovepeace, and Sacred Pregnancy. After having my second child, I decided to focus my talents on social media content as well as video editing. My current clients are a multi-billion dollar real estate company based out of Dallas, TX and a NC therapist who specializes in Transformative Insight Imagery. When not writing, I enjoy hiking, traveling, photo journalism, poetry, reading, nature, politics, activism, and painting.

Parenting Is Easy: You’re Probably Just Doing It Wrong

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Have you ever looked at a ridiculous photo and created your own caption? Or made a joke at how obnoxious a photo looks? After seeing a photo of a mother breastfeeding her newborn on a golf course, that is exactly what Sara Given started doing on her Tumblr page, It’s Like They Know Us. Now Sara has published her first book using stock photo images that are more Leave it to Beaver than the real world with her hysterical captions.
If you are in need of a dose of healthy sarcasm or want to give an amazing baby shower gift, Sara’s new book Parenting Is Easy: You’re Probably Just Doing It Wrong is the book for you! The book has several chapters including pregnancy, newborn, toddler, and school-aged years- so no matter the age of your child, you will enjoy. 
Stonyfield sent their YoGetters a copy of Parenting Is Easy: You’re Probably Just Doing It Wrong and challenged us to find a stock photo to caption. This was loads of fun, so if you have time, go to the Mkokopelli Facebook page and submit your own! 
Pregnancy tip #147: Make sure you wear a crop top while grocery shopping so no one mistakes you for being fat
*I am part of the Stonyfield YoGetters group of bloggers and receive compensation and products as part of the program. My opinion is not influenced in any way.

AdoramaPix Gift Ideas

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Looking for personalized holiday gift ideas? I was just introduced to AdoramaPix and I can’t wait to try them out! We love turning our photos into works of art, but I have yet to try metal prints!

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. Their contemporary metal prints capture memories in rich color and vibrant detail. Because your images are infused right into the metal, and not painted on the surface, their metal prints are extremely durable. Not only will your metal image be water and weather proof, but scratch resistant as well. You can even clean it with glass cleaner. Your memories deserve to live in true, archival luxury with AdoramaPix metal prints.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE: http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/

My readers get to save 35% off all metal prints. Use code: pxusfam35m expires 12/15/2015

Carolina Renaissance Festival

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Last week we got to visit my favorite Fall attraction in NC- the Carolina Renaissance Festival. My kids look forward to the 25 acres village of Fairhaven each year for so many reasons. Whether it is shopping, playing games, riding one of the many rides, playing dress-up, learning how to make crafts, watching the jousting knights, juggling acts, musical performances and so much more- there is something to do for everyone. 

When we went, it was pretty muddy and the VIP/handicap parking was full due to the mud. So if you go after it rains and need close parking, you might want to get there right at opening or later in the day. It was also too muddy to take the stroller. Luckily little man still fits in his Tula carrier, so when he got tired I was able to wear him.

Some of our favorite highlights included making yarn, visiting the fairies, a magic show, playing instruments, hatching a baby dragon, auditioning for a play, and just walking through the village taking it all in. We all were entertained by the fairies, gypsies, pirates, knights, acrobats, musicians, magicians, royals and more. 

  
 
The great thing about the festival is that you can spend just the admission price and still be entertained all day or you can add rides, games, shopping, and more. Make sure you bring some cash to tip the performers. Most hand out gifts to your children. 

Enjoy your best day out in history- Saturdays and Sundays from now until November 22. Details online at Carolina.RenFestInfo.com


My readers get to save with your visit! FREE Child Admission! – Receive one FREE child admission for children age 5 – 12 with purchase of one full price adult ticket at Festival gate. Children under 5 are always free. Coupon is valid at the Festival ticket booth!  Just click here!

Stonyfield Organic Fruit Snacks

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Stonyfield just came out with new organic fruit snacks and they are AMAZING! My whole family is addicted- especially my husband who has been eating them like were candy. These delicious fruit snacks are made with real organic fruit and vegetable juices with no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. 
The fruit snacks are in adorable little pouches, perfect for packing in lunch boxes or even your purse. And they are a great portion size for toddlers and preschoolers. We try to limit sugary snacks, so these really are the perfect kid size treat.  
What I love the most is that the fruit snacks are cows!! How cute are they?? My son has enjoyed playing with them while snacking on his farm set. They’ve also taken a ride in his tractor and on a train. 
My favorite are the Mixed Berry. The strawberry are great, but the mixed berry pack a punch that are absolutely delicious. They have definitely fulfilled my preggo sweets cravings. I highly recommend trying them if you spot them in a store near you! 

*I am part of the Stonyfield YoGetters group of bloggers and receive compensation and products as part of the program. My opinion is not influenced in any way.

Carolina Renaissance Festival is Coming!

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It is my favorite time of year in the Carolinas! Time travel to the Carolina Renaissance Festival where history comes alive with non-stop day-long entertainments, arts and crafts, games and rides, jousting knights on horseback, feasting and so much more! Each day inside the 25 acre Village of Fairhaven is filled with an abundance of attractions and entertainments for all ages. Enjoy your best day out in history 8 consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, October and November. Details online at Carolina.RenFestInfo.com

My readers get to save with your visit! FREE Child Admission! – Receive one FREE child admission for children age 5 – 12 with purchase of one full price adult ticket at Festival gate. Children under 5 are always free. Coupon is valid at the Festival ticket booth!  Just click here!

Mixed Pear BiteSizers

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September is baby safety month and a good time to refresh on home safety tips. A recent study said that in the U.S. 34 children are admitted to the ER daily and 1 child dies every 5 days from choking. That is over 10,000 children- a scary statistic! The best way to make sure your infant, toddler, or child doesn’t choke is to cut their food to appropriate sizes. You shouldn’t have to limit what they eat, just the size of their bites.

I think that family dinners should be just that- one meal that everyone eats together. When my children were infants, I would turn whatever we were eating into babyfood or I would cut it up so they could chew. Chewing is important for speech development, which is why it is encouraged early on.

My picky toddler eats the same meal as us, though I cut his food up into smaller bites, especially since he stuffs his mouth. I was recently introduced to Mixed Pear BiteSizers Mealtime Scissors and they have made my life so much easier!

BiteSizers Mealtime Scissors are certified to be BPA-Free, Lead-Free, Phthalates-Free, PVC-Free, Formaldehyde-Free, NSF Certified for home use and are made with utensil-grade Japanese Stainless Steel blades. You cut the cooked food or raw fruits and/or vegetables to the size you need. They come with a snap on cap, so they are easy to take with you to restaurants or when traveling. They are easy to use and clean. 
The scissors are made to cut fruits, vegetables, cooked meats and seafood, pasta, and any other food you need to be bite sized or small. Another thing I’ve found the BiteSizers Mealtime Scissors are good for is food prep!
Sometimes we have to cut veggies to hide in foods for our picky eaters. My oldest loves eating carrot chips with her lunch, but my toddler does not. He likes them cut up into shreds sometimes, but not always. I usually make zucchini carrot muffins, but it is hard to shred the carrot chips that my daughter eats. The BiteSizers Mealtime Scissors are perfect for the job! 
You can purchase BiteSizers Mealtime Scissors online for $19.95 and they are available through Amazon. 
Sample Disclosure: The opinions expressed above are honest, accurate, and not encouraged anyway by monetary donations. A sample free of charge was received from said company, as stated within the editorial.

Back to School with Stonyfield

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I love cooking with yogurt. With the kid’s allergies it has been hard to incorporate it in family meals, but now that it is back to school time- I get to enjoy yogurt with my breakfast and lunch without the guilt!

I’m ready for Fall and am already bringing out the pumpkin and apple flavor everything. I can’t get enough of these yogurt pumpkin muffins!

Sorry for the non-Pinterest perfect muffins, but 20 weeks pregnant with an almost threenager and making it through the first week of school… Just take my word for it and you’ll want to try these muffins.

Stonyfield’s Oh My Yog! is my absolute favorite yogurt they make. I have tried all of the flavors and it is a tie between the Wild Quebec Blueberry (served with Challah is amazing!) and the Apple Cinnamon. You can freeze the yogurt right before you go to bed, take out when you wake up, and by lunch time it has defrosted and is still cold. 
I like treating Oh My Yog! as a dip and am always trying new things. Like I said above, dipping Challah in it is divine. The Apple Cinnamon tastes just like an apple pie. There are apple chunks in the yogurt, but I love the texture of a fresh apple. This could be a great breakfast, lunch or snack for at home or on the go. 
Another one of my favorites is adding pumpkin puree to Stonyfield Greek yogurt. 
I used Vanilla, but you could also use plain. I added nutmeg and cinnamon for flavoring. 
Then serve with graham crackers. For packing for school, make ahead of time and store in the freezer the night before. 
*I am part of the Stonyfield YoGetters group of bloggers and receive compensation and products as part of the program. My opinion is not influenced in any way.

YayLabs Ice Cream Ball {Stonyfield Frozen Yogurt Recipe}

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Being pregnant in one of the hottest summers recorded is no fun. I’m always looking for ways to cool down, so when Stonyfield introduced us to YayLabs Soft Shell Ice Cream Ball, I was super excited.

We have an electric ice cream maker, but it can be a pain to make ice cream or non-dairy ice cream for the kids. What I LOVE about YayLabs Soft Shell Ice Cream Ball is that all you have to do is add yogurt, shake the ball around for 10-15 minutes and you have frozen soft serve yogurt. 0 prep work and no cooking required! Plus the kids love passing the ball back and forth- so it is really a win win.

You do need rock salt for the YayLabs Soft Shell Ice Cream Ball which was hard to find in our area for some reason. Luckily I found a bunch on Amazon reasonably priced. Our first try, the kids tried O’Soy yogurt for their frozen treat. After 10 minutes of rolling, the yogurt was still a little thick, so they did it for another 5 minutes. Then it was stuck to the sides, so they had to let defrost for 10 minutes.

I decided to try mine with Stonyfield Vanilla Greek Yogurt mixed with Oh My Yog. And OMY!

It did stick to the sides some like the kids, but not as bad. I like soft serve style, so this was perfect! The flavor was delicious and rich. I can’t wait to try other Oh My Yog flavors with it and might do a combo with less Vanilla Greek.
The YayLabs Soft Shell Ice Cream Ball makes about 1 pint of ice cream or frozen yogurt within 20 minutes. To make the ice cream, you shake, roll, pass or keep the ball moving for 10-15 minutes anywhere you like! You cannot drop, kick, throw, or bounce the ball or it will break- so adult supervision is required when kids are using. This is perfect for summer parties, camping, picnics, trips to the beach, or just when you have a craving for something sweet. You can purchase online for $34.99

*I am part of the Stonyfield YoGetters group of bloggers and receive compensation and products as part of the program. My opinion is not influenced in any way.

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Organic Greek Avocado Dip {Recipe}

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We traveled to Florida for July 4th weekend to visit family. While we were there, we had a huge family cookout. Amongst the chaos in the kitchen, I whipped up a simple avocado greek yogurt dip and it was gone in minutes! Everyone asked for the recipe and couldn’t believe yogurt was one of the main ingredients.

To me, when I think of yogurt, I think of a healthy dessert or fruity treat. But working with Stonyfield for the past couple of years, they’ve pushed me to see yogurt in a whole new way- it can be savory too! This recipe got me outside of my box and was a delicious Summer treat.

Late July has a line of tortilla chips that are delicious! They have 7 different flavors and I bet the Sub Lime would be perfect with this recipe. We had the Sea Sale Seashore chips for the party and they were great, but I can’t wait to try it with different flavors.

The organic dip I created is very simple and only uses a few ingredients- but it is packed full of flavor. I recently got a garlic press on Amazon for $18, and if you like garlic, I highly recommend getting one! Freshly minced garlic truly takes any dip or sauce to the next level.

In a bowl, mash your avocado with a fork until it is creamy, then add 5.3 oz of plain Stonyfield Greek Yogurt. I minced 2 garlic cloves for this recipe and added to the mix. I also added a little bit of salt, pepper, and lemon juice powder to taste. Mix all together and serve with Late July tortilla chips!
*I am part of the Stonyfield YoGetters group of bloggers and receive compensation and products as part of the program. My opinion is not influenced in any way.

 

Tommee Tippee and Stonyfield

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Last month Tommee Tippee sent us some of their fantastic toddler feeding products to go along with our Stonyfield yogurt! 

The Tommee Tippee toddler line has soft Easi-Roll Bibs, Easi-Mats, Easy Scoop Feeding Bowls With Lid and Spoon, Feeding Spoons, Insulated Sippy Tumblers, plus lots more! 
Our favorites were the Easi-Mat with Easy Scoop Feeding Bowls. The Easi-Mat has a suction cup that holds the Easy Scoop Feeding Bowl or one of the Tommee Tippee plates and stops your little one from sliding the bowl around while eating. It sticks to all surfaces and is super easy to clean. Little man loved that he could feed himself yogurt without having the bowl move around! The Easy Scoop Feeding Bowl has an easy scoop triangular base and has a handle for an easy grip. You also have the option to get the Easy Scoop Feeding Bowl With Lid and Spoon. 
The Easi-Roll Bibs are made with a soft material and can easily roll up for storage or travel. The crumb catcher is perfect for catching yogurt spills! It is lightweight, so it doesn’t bother your child while they are eating. 
The Tommee Tippee Feeding Spoons are perfect for toddlers learning how to feed themselves and master not spilling food. They have a chunky handle and a wide spoon to help scoop and hold food in place. They are great for cold foods like yogurt, cereal and oatmeal! 
Since my kiddos are allergic to dairy, they love eating Stonyfield Soy. I love that Stonyfield has a Toddler line with amazing flavors like Apple Sweet Potato, Banana Pumpkin, Raspberry Pear, and Strawberry and Banana. I wish they came in Soy! All of the YoToddler line has added Omega-3 DHA. You can get coupons by signing up here! 
*I am part of the Stonyfield YoGetters group of bloggers and receive compensation and products as part of the program. My opinion is not influenced in any way.