2020 Archives - Page 2 of 3

June 22, 2020 by Elena Epstein

We’re excited to introduce you to Nicole Black, a mom and wellness entrepreneur. Nicole, who lives in Santa Barbara with her daughter, is the creator behind the Spa Girl Life Candles, a 2020 NAPPA Award winner.

While working in the spa industry for many years, Nicole learned about the soothing benefits of aromatherapy and relaxation and the healing powers of crystals. Creating a life of intention to manifest your dreams, wishes and desires is how Spa Girl Life Candles came to be. The candles are hand-poured using soy wax and cotton wicks. Each candle arrives with two stones and a link to a guided meditation as well as a mantra card. These candles are great for moms and moms-to-be. You can read our mom evaluators comments about these candles in here.

Tell us a little about your daily life as a working mom.

If I were to sum it up in one word, it would be busy! Balance has become my middle name because I am regularly working on three projects. The first project is The Spa Girl Life – my luxury candle line, which fulfills my professional needs. My secondary project feeds my soul, working on my second book, The Spiral Staircase: The Path Isn’t Always a Straight Line. My third project is my passion project. This year I am working on getting my late father’s film “Pretty Poison” named to the Library of Congresses National Film Registry. Balancing that with spending time with my daughter, cooking, cleaning, and spending time outdoors every day keeps me pretty busy.

How do you destress and maintain your own well-being?

Ho’oponopono. An ancient Hawaiian method of releasing and restoring oneself to a zero state, using a four-sentence mantra designed to restore peace. Plus, I light a lot of candles. Aromatherapy and a warm bath allow me to put things in perspective.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Travel. Exploring new cities and all of the adventures that go along with that is my absolute favorite past time. Being out of my element allows my brain remarkable creative freedom, and some of my best ideas show up when I have been on vacation.

Favorite place to be with your family?

Together! In my world, it doesn’t matter if we are in a tropical paradise or a snow-covered mountain, time spent talking and laughing with my loved ones is my favorite thing.

Best life advice?

Live each day fully and in the present moment. The good news is if it were a great day, you would be able to tell stories about it forever. If it wasn’t a great day, it’s over, no need to reflect on it any longer. Additionally, remember to embrace all five senses: smell, touch, sight, sound, and taste.

Best advice for moms – new moms, moms with teens, mom entrepreneurs.

My advice for all moms is the same – be present and show your children you love them. New moms: you’re going to get a lot of unsolicited advice. Take what you can use and forget the parts that won’t work for your family. Moms with teens: be present with your children, know who their friends are, and ask a lot of questions. Mom with jobs: you are doing incredible work! It isn’t easy to balance work and life. Do the best you can each day and strive to do 5% more the next day.

What was your motivation behind launching Spa Girl Life?

Candles have always instilled a sense of peace inside of me. After leaving the restaurant group I co-founded, I felt as if I was at a crossroad, what should I do next? As a serial entrepreneur, I am always looking at products and thinking of ways to improve them. One of the things I noticed about candles that come with accessories is that you have to be incredibly patient waiting to get the prize inside. I wanted to create a candle that had crystals that could be used with guided meditations while burning the candle. Hence the mini first aid kit for the soul was born. I hope that women will have a moment of peace in their busy days to reflect and breathe.

For more award-winning products visit nappaawards.com

June 15, 2020 by

This summer will be different, but as parents we need to do all we can to create fun and a sense of calm for our kids. So this summer, turn your backyard into the FUN ZONE! Our NAPPA Awards Guide to Summer Fun is here to help you bring that carefree vibe home. We have toys, family games, music, recipes and much more. Happy Summer!

June 9, 2020 by

Ice cream scientist Maya Warren. Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison

Maya Warren has a job title that would get most kids’ attention. She’s an ice cream scientist. Translation: Warren is senior director of international research and development/tastemaster at Cold Stone Creamery, and has a doctorate in food science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in frozen desserts. After being introduced to food science through the Food Network show “Unwrapped,” she decided to combine her passions for ice cream and chemistry to create a career that lets her do what she loves every day.

While her favorite ice cream flavor fluctuates between cookies and cream and a double-buttered candied pecan that is her own creation, the L.A.-based flavor maker finds inspiration for new flavors everywhere. “Whether it is at a fine dining restaurant, the candy or yogurt aisle at the grocery store or just following up-and-coming food trends across the globe, creativity is always around us,” Warren says. “It is really fun to push the envelope with ice cream flavors.”

Honey, cornbread and blackberry jam? Thai curry, peanuts and lime? Why not! “The flavors you can make are totally endless!” Warren says. “Now, not everything will taste amazing, but you never know when you might develop an amazing flavor that will leave people wanting more.”

What does she eat when she isn’t eating ice cream? “I love a great plate of veggies,” Warren insists. “I pretty much add spinach and broccoli to anything and everything … except ice cream. I’ve definitely not tried spinach or broccoli ice cream!”

The recipe this ice cream scientist has shared is the no-churn variety, which means you can make it without an ice cream maker. She says both varieties are very tasty, and that the main difference is in the process. No-churn recipes involve whipping the cream separately to create foam and give the mixture lightness, which wouldn’t be efficient for large-scale production. Ice cream that is churned freezes a prepared mixture and uses the machine to incorporate air during the freezing process.

Using this no-churn recipe, you create the base, then let your creativity loose to create your own flavor combinations. “Layer in whatever your creative mind and taste buds desire!” says Warren. Want more inspiration? Follow the ice cream scientist on Instagram, where she hosts live “Ice Cream Sundays with Dr. Maya,” demonstrating her recipes so that families can follow along.

The No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe:

2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream, chilled

1¼ cups of sweetened condensed milk (approximately one 14-ounce can)

¼ cup evaporated milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Inclusions of your choice – broken/chopped cookies, sprinkles, caramel and/or fudge sauce, etc.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla extract.Gently mix with a spatula until homogeneous, then set aside.

Pour the heavy whipping cream into a smaller mixing bowl. Starting on the lowest speed to avoid splashing, then gradually increasing to the highest speed, whip with a hand or standing mixer until whipped cream forms stiff peaks, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip the cream or it will turn into butter.

Using a spatula, scoop and gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture until all of the cream is folded in. This now becomes your ice cream base – set aside.

Grab your storage container and a ladle. Using the ladle, scoop a layer of ice cream base into the container. Spread a layer of inclusions on top. Add another layer of ice cream base, followed by another layer of inclusions, and alternate until all of your ice cream base and inclusions are in your container.

Place a lid, plastic wrap or parchment paper over your ice cream. If using parchment paper or plastic wrap, gently press down until it lightly touches the ice cream. Freeze for 5-6 hours or overnight. Remove the container from the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 5-7 minutes if the ice cream is too hard to scoop. Enjoy!

May 6, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

We’re so excited for this! Welcome to Julie’s Library, where books bring us together. Every week, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton will settle into the reading nook for a new story during their story time podcast. This is definitely one of our favorite things!

May 6, 2020 by

Zoe Nathan, part of the team behind the Rustic Canyon family of restaurants and author of “Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes From our Kitchen,” got this recipe from her dad. “My father used to make these almost every weekend when I was growing up, and then he proudly made them every weekend for Saturday Morning Breakfast at Rustic Canyon, she writes in her cookbook.

We think this makes them perfect for your Mother’s Day menu – or any day. Dads, you can do it!

Nathan does have one piece of advice about perfecting this simple recipe. “If these pancakes aren’t done on a super-hot griddle and they don’t get that deep brown color,” she says, “they become an entirely different, sadder animal. So please, cook these properly and make my Dad proud.”

Photo by Matt Armendariz

‘My Dad’s Pancakes’ from Rustic Canyon

Makes about 12 pancakes

1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole milk

2 cups/250 grams all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

4 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 eggs, separated

If using the vanilla bean, split lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the milk, and toss the pod in, too. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally to help break up the vanilla bean. Allow to cool or refrigerate overnight. Discard the pod before using.

Place the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter, egg yolks and vanilla milk (or milk and vanilla extract). Whisk to combine.

In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks with an electric beater on medium-high speed, 3 to 4 minutes. Fold the whites into the batter.

About 5 minutes before you’re ready to make the pancakes, preheat a greased griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat; the griddle is ready when a few droplets of water sizzle and dance across the surface.

Drop . ½ cup of batter onto the hot griddle. When bubbles set on the surface of the pancake and the bottom is golden, flip and cook about 1 minute longer. Serve immediately, while hot, with butter and maple syrup or yogurt and fruit.

These are best the moment they leave the griddle.

The Rustic Canyon Family restaurants include Rustic Canyon, which is temporarily closed, and its sister restaurants Huckleberry, Sweet Rose Creamery, Milo + Olive, Cassia, Esters Wine Shop and Bar, Tallula’s, Milo SRO and Birdie G’s. All of the restaurants except Rustic Canyon are offering curbside pickup, takeout and delivery. You can also support the restaurants by purchasing gift cards used to dine at a later date.

May 6, 2020 by

Happy Mother’s Day!

While this year is a different kind of Mother’s Day, celebrating mom is not cancelled and we have some great gift ideas for the new mom or mom-to-be in your life.

VISTA V2

Meet the VISTA V2 from UPPAbaby — a stylish stroller that will grow as your family grows. VISTA’s intuitive design allows for multiple configurations, making transporting a second and third child a breeze — all while strolling like a single. Features include: a detachable bassinet that can snap into a Bassinet Stand for a secure place for baby to sleep; ventilated canopy and extendable UPF 50+ sunshade; reversible toddler seat; one-handed recline; adjustable, leather handlebar; extra-large, easy-access basket; shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension, and one-step fold for easy storage.

Popperton Boxy Backpack

Packed with style, the JJ Cole Popperton Backpack Diaper Bag is super cute, super convenient and super cleanable. With 8 pockets, including 4 easy access exterior slip pockets, there’s room to tuck everything you need while on the go with your baby. Diaper changes are also easier thanks to the included changing pad that stores easily inside the bag and gives you a safe place to rest your baby.

mbrio Clip-on Earbud Adapters

mbrio clip-on earbud adapters transform regular audio earbuds into “pregnancy headphones.” It takes just a second to push your earbuds into the adapters, and another to clip them to your waistband. There’s no easier way for you to share music with your baby. Made from medical-grade silicone and independently-tested, mbrio’s patented adapters are safe for baby’s ears, skin-safe, comfortable and ultra-lightweight.

‘I was the Perfect Parent…then I had kids’ Parenting Book

I Was the Perfect Parent…Then I had Kids will help you navigate the parenting journey will less guilt and more joy. Experience parenting with greater victory and less guilt. Save yourself guilt by learning to understand your why. Read each topic and agree or disagree and ask yourself why you agree or disagree and now you will “Parent with Purpose” and start to realize your full potential as a parent. Heal from past guilt as well by reading the “Guilt- Not always your friend” chapter.

Dream On Me Nursing Chair

Let’s face it, both mom and baby benefit from breast feeding but it can be hard work! The Dream On Me Nursing Chair is designed to add more convenience and comfort to feeding time. And it can be used later on for playtime and reading time. The portable nursing chair requires no assembly and is 6-position adjustable and lies flat for easy storage.

Emmaline Robe

The Emmaline Robe is a must-have for every stage of motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum. This cozy and stylish robe has two places to tie the belt, offering an empire or traditional waist. The ultra-soft fabric will keep mom comfy, and the satin trim and belt add a subtle, feminine touch. Plus, extra-deep pockets provide storage for anything you need to have on hand while you’re breastfeeding or carrying your little one from room to room.

For more great mom and baby products visit nappaawards.com

April 23, 2020 by

One fun side-effect of being at home is that everyone has lots more time to make – and eat – breakfast. This French toast recipe from La Brea Bakery makes use of their wonderful baguette (in case you didn’t finish it off with dinner) and doesn’t require any special equipment or technique. You can put the whole thing together the night before, then quickly finish it up in the morning to kick-start everyone’s day.

La Brea Bakery Oven Puffed French Toast

1 La Brea Bakery baguette (unsliced)

10 eggs

½ cup all-purpose flour

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup milk

1 cup dark beer

Pinch of coarse salt

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cut the bread diagonally into ¾-inch slices and place in a dish in a single layer. Whisk together the eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, milk, beer and salt. Pour over both sides of the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a very large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter. Add the soaked bread, and brown on one side. Turn the bread over and place the skillet in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the toast is puffed and golden brown on the bottom.

For Los Angeles residents, fresh-baked artisan breads and pastries are available for 25% off for pick-up at the La Brea Bakery Café on South La Brea. The café’s full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner is available for pick-up, and also through Grubhub, Postmates, UberEats and DoorDash. In addition, health care workers, first responders and essential front-line employees can receive a free boxed meal that includes a sandwich, chips and a cookie when they present their badge or proof of employment at the South La Brea café.

April 23, 2020 by

When it comes to parenting in the COVID-19 era, the onslaught of “new normal” practices is, frankly, exhausting. But parents everywhere are rising to the occasion and finding ways to adjust.

In the realm of co-parenting – the term used most for parents who are divorced, separated or not in a relationship with each other – the challenge is especially real. Conflicts about shared custody, safety protocols and court-ordered support payments are on the rise. Family law attorneys are being inundated with calls and questions about co-parenting daily.

Communication, consideration and cooperation are key to co-parenting that is best for your child. Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

Some of the more frequent inquiries are:

Can I have visits with my child during quarantine?
I don’t live near my child’s mother or father. How can I visit?
My former spouse cleans offices for a living. I’m scared for them to have custody. What should I do?
I need to work, and my co-parent isn’t helping with childcare. What do I do?

There are also questions about financial support, and the list goes on and on.

I sat down with Judge Sherrill A. Ellsworth, co-founder of the parenting app CoParenter and past presiding judge of Riverside County, and Laura Wasser, author of “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself” and founder of It’s Over Easy online divorce services.

Ellsworth and Wasser agree that the first step during this unprecedented time is to take a deep breath and think before you act. Understand that you are in a very different situation. Take away the animosity for the moment. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to go rushing to an attorney at this point, because most of the courts are closed, and you are not going to get a hearing,” says Wasser. “The courts are only dealing with domestic violence cases. So, save money and save your child’s emotional wellbeing during this time.”

First, think about what you need to do now. “This is about empowering parents to do the best thing for their family financially, emotionally and at this time for safety purposes,” says Ellsworth. “At the heart of this is keeping children safe and families safe. How can we plan for right this minute?”

Both experts advise discussing crucial questions together and putting everything in writing. You can always revise and readjust later. Here are a few things to consider:

Who is an essential worker?
Whose health might be especially at risk due to underlying conditions?
What is the family’s safety plan? All must adhere to it.
Whose household is safest?
Can co-parents safely exchange custody?
How can co-parents remain consistent during this time and keep the children’s needs at the forefront?
What is the schedule for each parent to see their child who might be sheltering in place in the other parent’s home?
What is the plan for making up days missed?
What is the “new normal” schedule in relation to school, chores and tech time?

Wasser believes that what she calls the “three Cs” will also help. “Even without a global crisis, we generally try to recommend that parents try to adhere to the three C’s: communication, consideration and cooperation,” she says, “and really, really listen to each other, keeping in mind that there are court orders in place and to the extent that you can adhere to those court orders, you should do so.”

Wasser’s CoParenter app is designed to help parents get through the most trying times. It is dedicated to eliminating high-conflict divorce from the list of adverse childhood experiences (ACES). According to co-founder Jonathan Verk, the platform has helped divert more than 20,000 cases from family courts. The app allows users to resolve disputes online in real time with a qualified mediator, and also helps them manage co-parenting duties via a calendar, messaging and journaling functions.

Start by taking that breath, as Ellsworth and Wasser suggest, and resolve to find ways to agree and to settle disputes during these difficult times. Along the way, practice compassion for yourself, your ex and, most importantly, for your children. If we rethink how our actions and words impact our children’s health and wellbeing, this situation could create a reset for the entire extended family.

Donna Tetreault is a journalist and host of the podcast Kids Under Construction.

April 15, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

Our homes have always been our havens and now more than ever we are grateful to have a cozy place with our families to shelter in and face the current crisis with strength and hope.

With kids learning from home and parents working from home, we want to share a few NAPPA Award-winning products that will bring a sense of security, some ease and fun to daily activities.

Baby & Toddler Proof with Ease

Keep your little explorer safer while at home with Safety 1st Furniture Straps. These universal straps work in 3 different configurations to keep your children safe. Secure your TV to the Wall; Secure your TV to your Furniture; Secure your TV to your Furniture and your Furniture to the Wall (first strap of its kind).

While your curious toddler explores the house, the Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock will keep them out of restricted cabinets and drawers. Each magnetic lock provides a strong, childproof hold, and can be easily mounted to most surfaces. Operates with a magnetic key that should be stored in a high or secure spot. Adhesive backing allows for easy installation.

Make Brushing Teeth More Fun

BriteBrush is a game changer for kids who don’t always love to brush their teeth. This toothbrush uses songs, games and live coaching to encourage proper brushing in accordance with the Modified Bass Technique, a method that is widely endorsed by dentists. The brush also uses proprietary, smart sensor technology and a vibrating handle that encourages total mouth coverage and side-change recognition – and is equipped with a Parent Check Light to provide peace of mind that children are brushing correctly.

Add Ease to Your Cooking Time

We are all spending a lot of time home cooking now and the Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain’s universal design will take the strain out of straining. This heat-resistant, silicone colander is a practical way to get your food strained thoroughly while avoiding transferring the food out of the pot.

Keep Your Makeup Tools Clean

We know that your time is valuable and the Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner is here to help. Who wants to take the time to not only clean makeup brushes, but wait for it to dry? The Luxe spinner uses the newest technology to get all the dirt, grime and oil off of your brush within seconds of pressing the handle button.

For more award-winning products visit nappaawards.com

April 15, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

One of our favorite things to do with our kids is READ! We can’t get enough books and we’re so excited to share these latest NAPPA Award winners!

A Celebration of the Shy, Introverted Kid in Us All

A Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Sara Palacios is a sweet story that celebrates the shy and introverted kids among us, as well as the other small creatures to be found if we look closely enough. Poppy loves nature and can be found playing with bugs, but around people she’s more comfortable blending into her surroundings. At a party, Poppy stays out of sight until a special bug lands on the cake and draws her into the spotlight. Soon, the rest of the guests notice the beautiful dragonfly and Poppy, too. Maybe she’s not a wallflower after all, but a wildflower.

All About Our Big Feelings

Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival is the newest book in the Big Bright Feelings series, picture books providing kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence. Ravi never minded being the smallest in the family, until one day he runs into a lot of frustrations. Ravi gets so furious that he can’t control his temper anymore and he becomes a ferocious TIGER! Being a tiger is great, but when no one wants to play with him, Ravi discovers something very important about voicing his feelings.

A Hilarious Book About Potty Training and Independence

Sloth Went by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Benson Shum is a hilarious picture book about a sloth on the go. A sloth who is very slowly making his way to a major milestone: potty training! Today is Sloth’s big day. He’s excited. But he’s also nervous.What if something happens? What if NOTHING happens? More than a book about poop, this is an adventure story about facing your fears, gaining independence, and learning to do what you have to.

An Adventure of Limitless Imagination

The Girl and the Dinosaur is an evocative, enchanting picture book that celebrates one girl’s limitless imagination and takes readers on a magical journey far beyond the page, perfect for fans of the Fan Brothers. In a seaside town, Marianne often digs for buried treasure on the beach and one day finds a dinosaur skeleton! That night, Marianne wishes upon a star with all her heart that her dinosaur will come to life. When her wish comes true, Marianne’s adventures with her new friend are limited only by their imagination.

Strive & Grow with Exuberant Spirit

I Got the School Spirit is an exuberant celebration of the first day of school illustrated by award-winning Frank Morrison. This book will have every kid cheering for school to begin! Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit. She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street–VROOM, VROOM!–and in the bell sounding in the halls–RING-A-DING! She sings the school spirit in class with her friends–ABC, 123! The school spirit helps us all strive and grow. What will you learn today?

Filled with Charm, Spunk and Kindness

From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson comes the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness and sunshine. Acclaimed author Renée Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new series — Ways to Make Sunshine.

A Delightful Story of Friendship and Kindness

Lily to the Rescue is an irresistible chapter book series from the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tales featuring Lily, a rescue dog who rescues other animals!

A Witty Book to Get Things Done

Flush! And 37 Essential House Rules is the family operating manual for the next decade – a witty book of research-backed rules to help you raise calmer, happier children. By drawing upon neuroscience, academic research and focus groups around everyday family life, Flush! brings essential house rules to life with Mrs. Wordsmith’s acclaimed hilarious illustrations and witty words of wisdom that kids and parents alike won’t stop repeating.

For more award-winning books and products, visit nappaawards.com