A New Generation Of Builders With Magnetic Stick N' Stack

We received complimentary product in order to help facilitate the article below, regardless all photos and opinions are genuine and copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2016.

Momma Told Me: If you imagine it, you can build it.

As a young girl I was considered quite the tom boy. While my cousins were toting around baby dolls in toy strollers, playing 'house', I was often drafting the plans for building block skyscrapers and baking glow-in-the-dark bugs with my Creeper Crawler oven. It wasn't the specific type of activity I craved, it was an opportunity to create or problem solve that I truly loved. From early grade school I found myself spending hours making something from nothing- whether with my mothers' crafting scraps, discarded toilet paper rolls, or rainbow building blocks. If Momma said I couldn't have a dragon, Id' make one- if my father told me I'd have to wait until my birthday for new action figures, I'd make new clothes and personas for the old ones. And I am so glad to say that, even in a few short generations, building is now widely accepted as a gender-less play-time activity.

In fact, building blocks are the most popular toys at the after-school daycare I work with on Thursdays. Regardless of a child's age, gender, or background, each can enjoy the satisfaction of bringing their imagination to life, when playing with building blocks.

Of course, as the times change, so do the toys- yet some of the most awesome toys on the shelf remain those with the simplest of concepts, and the most limitless of possibilities. Enter Magnetic Stick N' Stack tiles by Shape Mags. Quite possibly the coolest building blocks ever (and yes, I'm comparing them to blocks that glow in the dark, light up, or stick together like Velcro) these translucent colored tiles feature carefully placed internal magnets which magically fasten them to one another in an almost never ending configuration of shapes and patterns.

Now, you may have seen similar toys at your child's school, daycare, or even in advanced learning classes- There are a few other brands out there cornering the magnetic block movement. However, Magnetic Stick N' Stack sets are actually more affordable than those 'other' brands, while also being 100% compatible! They're also incredibly durable, and the perfect size for small hands- great for kids as young as age 3+.

And, while we did have several 3 and 4 year-olds on hand to build with these, right out of the box, I have to say the adults and even tweens were also eagerly waiting on their turn as well! So what can you expect if you have littles afoot? Magnetic Stick N' Stack sets are perfect for homes with multi-aged children, or toddlers- children can not only grow with the tiles, but also grow and learn while playing with others as well! Carter is often very reserved, yet extremely articulate in his thought processes- at 5 he built several 3-dimensional structures and even a multi-layer vehicle. His pride was evident, as he'd stop those around him often to exclaim, "Look guys! Look what I made!"

Magnetic Stick N' Stack pieces are a little on the heavy side, compared to other brands, which gives me confident they will outlast other sets and toys. This also means a more deliberate hand is required in advance structure design. Lynnsey, age 6, was keen to spot structural flaws in her magnetic structures and would visibly light up anytime she happened to solve a 'problem.' Many of the younger kids worked on a 'piece by piece' level, while the older kids (10+) would gather a group of pieces for their design prior.

I can't lie- I spent my fair share of time trying to sneak away unused pieces to build with. There was something calming as I was taken back to my own childhood of building fantastical structures. I especially enjoyed the more advanced concepts of weights and balances, or structural support. By the time I got my 'penguin' complete, above, I had several pairs of eyes on me. And that's when it officially became a group toy- suddenly the kids were donating their pieces to make one, giant, structure together. And you can't ask much more from a toy than to foster communication, problem solving, and friendship, while remaining wildly fun.

Magnetic Stick N' Stack sets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I highly suggest investing in a Master or Engineer Builder set to start. While you may not seem too keen to leap into the investment at first, I promise you the wide range of shapes will provide endless entertainment. Once children have had a chance to explore the types of structures they can, and prefer to, make, then you can add on supplemental pieces like a dome set, or building plate. And, did I mention- these don't hurt to step on (that's a building block joke for you!)

If your child is a little less creative, and needs some inspiration- or prefers to recreate and build based on concepts, Magnetic Stick N' Stack also makes some really durable idea books that tuck right away with the blocks. We often started building one concept, then used the foundation of the idea to make something a little more our own. Before long, the kids were going wild creating their own buildings, cars, bridges, animals and more! This is definitely one toy I could have spent hours a day with growing up!

What Daughter Says: I never outgrew building blocks- now kids can grow with a whole new way to build and imagine.

Brighter Smiles And Sweeter Doggy Kisses With Fuss Free Oral Care For Dogs #BlueStemPets

This post is sponsored by bluestem™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to increase awareness of and share my experiences with the bluestem™ oral care products, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bluestem™ is not responsible for the content of this article.

Momma Told Me: Good dog. Bad Breath.

It's widely accepted that dogs require many of the same things as their human counterparts, when it comes to staying healthy and living a full life. From a safe and loving home, to a healthy diet and active lifestyle, it's crucial that we monitor several key elements of a dog's health and hygiene; especially as they age. For example, when we take Nora to the groomer they always ask if we'd like to have her teeth brushed as part of her grooming package. And for over 95% of the canine pet population that may be the only time, if at all, during the year a dog's teeth is brushed. Even more staggering is the knowledge that the best dental hygiene plan for a canine often includes brushing with a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste, every day. While the momentary escape to a vision of your pup brushing their teeth at the bathroom sink might solicit a chuckle, there really is little to laugh about.

It's hard to imagine an animal needs daily oral care- but their teeth accumulates plaque, bacteria, and even can cause serious gum and dental diseases when left un-cared for. Just like humans.

Not to mention to thought of kissing someone who hasn't brushed their teeth in over a year (or maybe their entire life?) might put a damper on those sloppy puppy kisses!

However, proper dental hygiene in dogs is not just about bad breath- plaque and bacteria buildup (often evident by poor breath in your pup) can result in loose and rotting teeth, infected gums, and even life-threatening health issues. Some breeds of dogs are notorious for being more at risk than others, and small breeds often top the list, while larger breeds can experience broken or cracked teeth. That's why we have Nora's teeth professionally cleaned, at our veterinary office, about every other year- or when it becomes a concern. In addition, we brush her teeth during every bath (it's not the suggested every day, but we work on it,) watch her diet, provide her with plenty of healthy chewing toys, and have recently started a new water additive which will help break down biofilm, where harmful bacteria multiples in the mouth.

Many per owners care about their pet's dental health but simply don't have the time to keep up with it, or the patience to brush their dog's teeth. I recently learned about an amazing brand of pet oral care aids called bluestem™, which works to remove the food source bacteria needed to build plaque and tartar.  It's not a miracle product but bluestem™'s active ingredient, coactiv+™, can help to maintain a healthier mouth when used alongside with other good oral hygiene practices for your dog. bluestem™ products come in a few formats to help fit the lifestyle of you and your dog, their Oral Spray can be used alongside their Water Additive for a comprehensive routine that helps battle plaque and bad breath.

Of course, sometimes you just want to spoil your pup- so we're sharing this simple 4 ingredient recipe for Mint Parsley Pup Treats at the bottom of the post as well. Made with fresh mint leaves, parsely, plain yogurt, and pure peppermint oil, these frozen bites are the perfect bad breath buster during those incredibly hot dog days of Summer. We like to put one in an empty food bowl and let Nora lap at it as it melts in the afternoon heat.

For those days when you're on the go and you can't quite bring bluestem™'s water additive, or our breath freshening pup treats, bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s Oral Spray in Vanilla Mint can be applied directly to the base of the gums, up to twice a day. This unique breath freshener has an awesome no startle nozzle that makes the entire process fuss free. I've actually been noticing Nora fights me less and less when I go to lift up her gums, which is great, because she associates that with teeth brushing, which has always been a battle! I think she genuinely enjoys the Vanilla Mint flavor, and I love knowing that I'm directly helping to reduce up to 23% of everyday tarter when I use bluestem™ with coactiv+™ daily as directed!

Maybe you don't brush your dog's teeth regularly, or at all, because you simply don't like the struggle and dog-mom guilt inevitably creeps in ad you and 2 other family members attempt to hold a squirming dog down and brush. There is honestly no replacement for brushing your dog's teeth every day- but, thankfully, there are still things you can do to help encourage a healthier oral care routine. Providing your pet a wide variety of oral safe (items that are not harder than your dog's teeth) pet toys can help your pets naturally break down residue and buildup from tartar. Our homemade chew toy is not only a simple and fun project to do just that, it's also a great reward AFTER you've brushed your dog's teeth. Remember to always reward good behavior!

D.I.Y Homemade Chew Toy

Supplies:

1 Appropriately Sized Dog 'Tennis' Ball

1 Scrap Fabric Square (Approximately Equal To 15x The Ball Width, In Length)

Scissors

Directions:

1. Place the ball in the center of your fabric. Measure 1/3 up from the bottom, and 1/3 in from the right, and cut an even square of fabric from the corner. Measure 1/3 down from the top, and 1/3 in from the right and cut an even square of fabric from the corner. Repeat on the left side until you are left with a 'cross' of fabric.

2. Cut a small 1/2" slit in the center of the left strip, just where your cuts end, as to create a buttonhole. Repeat with the bottom strip.

3. Pull the top strip through the slit in the bottom strip and tie a knot. Pull the right strip through the left strip and tie a knot.

4. Cut each strip into 3 even strips to about 1/4" from the knot base. Braid each corner to desired length and tie in a knot to fix.

5. Toss around or indulge in a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war!

Of course our favorite way to fight doggy breath and help keep Nora's teeth clean doesn't involve much effort at all- A little play time in the backyard and she'll help clean her own teeth (fight plaque buildup) when she enjoys a few hearty laps of water from her drinking bowl. For the past 30 days we've been using bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additives in one of 3 formulations, unflavored, chicken flavored, or vanilla mint flavored. As a Special Note: The Chicken Flavored, and Unflavored
bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additive formulas are also safe for use with cats. Bonus! Truffles enjoys the benefits in her bowl as well! The Vanilla Mint formulation should only be used with dogs, and is not approved for use with cats.

So what does all that fancy talk mean? Well, we first began introducing Nora to bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additives by adding a half cap to her 2.5 C water bowl, each time we gave her fresh water. Once we were sure she hadn't caught on, we increased the amount to a full cap, and then in about a week, 2 caps per bowl. Some of you may remember Nora has a slight water addiction, so I never had a fear of her turning her nose, but some dogs might be a little more keen to the change, so a gradual introduction is suggested. The bluestem™ with coactiv+™' water additives are clear, and have no odor, so the process truly is painless!

Nora drinks just as much water a usual with bluestem™ and I honestly can't determine whether she has a preference for chicken flavored or vanilla mint more. Since we use the oral spray in Vanilla Mint, and the Original and Chicken Flavor formulations are cat safe, I think we'll be buying more of those from now on. 

What can you expect to notice in just 30 days using bluestem™ with coactiv+™' water additives in your dog's water? An independent study showed that dogs using bluestem™ regularly had up to a 25.4% reduction in tartar, even experiencing visibly cleaner teeth! Where we've noticed the difference? Nora still has 'breath' after all, her mouth is still a mouth, but her breath is more like one would expect a human to experience throughout the day, and far from the repelling 'doggy breath' we're used to around here. Let's just say I no longer cringe when Jay lets her lick his face endlessly with 'kisses'.

It's important to me that Nora not only has the prettiest smile on leash, on the block, but that her teeth and gums are their healthiest. I still experience 'dog mom' guilt that I don't brush her teeth everyday- but I feel a lot more confident I am doing what's best for her oral care with the introduction of bluestem™ products into her everyday routine.

bluestem™ products are an alcohol, xylitol, and chlorhexidine free, and a potentially delicious way to help support your dog's good oral hygiene routine. Their products are currently sold at a variety of specialty stores and boutiques nationwide, or online through their website. Learn more about the products and availability, and take the 30 day challenge to see results for yourself! Now, be honest, what do you do to help maintain your pet's oral care?

Enjoy 20% off your order with bluestem™ in September (2016) when you use promo code: TRYBLUESTEM

What Daughter Says: Don't fear puppy kisses, take some simple steps to fight doggy breath and help improve your dog's oral hygiene today.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of bluestem. The opinions and text are all mine.

Mint Parsley Pup Treats

***Click here for printable recipe

How To Calm Anxiety In Dogs

***I received a product from Calmz to help facilitate this story, regardless my thoughts, and experiences are all my own. Nothing written below should be taken as veterinary advice. If your dog exhibits any of the behaviors discussed please consult a veterinarian.

Momma Told Me: Don't be a fraidy cat.


Everyone who knows Nora, our Morkie, says she is the happiest, most energetic, enthusiastic dog they have ever met. And, while it's true Nora never stops exploring and greeting everyone/everything that crosses her path, even she experiences anxiety from time to time. Anxiety, in dogs, brought on by specific personal triggers is not uncommon, and does not mean your dog is a 'bad dog.' Much like children, our pets are conditioned to respond to different situations and stimuli from a very young age. One traumatic bad experience can trigger an uncontrollable response, even years later. Unfortunately, unlike children, we can't sit them down and explain there is nothing to fear, or that they are going to be 'okay' when their anxiety kicks in.

The degree of anxiety your dog experiences, and the severity of the symptoms varies with the type of trigger and your dog's individual personality. Anxiety could be caused by meeting new people, traveling, thunderstorms, fireworks, or even separation from a family member or owner. It may not always be obvious at first that your canine companion is feeling stressed. Anxiety in dogs often presents itself first as panting, excess salivation, hiding/tucking the tail between it's legs, or even whimpering. In extreme cases a dog may even respond to anxiety by urinating, chewing, or digging where it's not supposed to.

As pet parents I know it can be frustrating to see your lovable best friend acting contrary to themselves. It's natural to worry if your dog is ill or requires professional training, when they exhibit these signs. It's important to pay attention to what occurred immediately before the behavior was witnessed, often there are signs and patterns of triggers resulting in the behavior. (NOTE: If your dog experiences anxiety towards a specific person, and only that person the behavior may be as a result of negative experiences with that individual. Examine the entire situation before assuming it's a case of unjustified anxiety.)

So what makes 'the world's happiest dog' feel anxious? Nora, like many dogs, and quite understandably, has a hard time coping with sudden loud noises. She can be carried through a concert, or the bustling fairgrounds with complete enthusiasm and excitement, but the sound of lightening, fireworks, a car misfiring, or anything similar completely disables her. Ever since we first brought her home she was a fearless ball of fluff- We like to joke she'd walk up to a man in a hockey mask with machete and lick them to submission. But there is something about sudden loud noises which pins her ears back, makes her pant heavily, tremble, drool, and hide.

Every year I stay home with the house buttoned up, playing some sort of loud music to try and drown out the sound of fireworks. Unfortunately, despite being illegal in our country, this year the fireworks began over a week before the 4th, and to this very date we still hear one or two shot off a day. It is entirely unexpected and truly puts both Nora and I on edge. A year ago, after a car had misfired in the alley and Nora had begun showing signs of immediate anxiety I discovered that singing (No, I am not a good vocalist) 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' in a very calm lullaby tone, and noticed that Nora responded dramatically and immediately to this. Ever since it has been my best tool to help her cope.

Flash forward to our recent discovery of the Calmz Anxiety Relief System- We'd previously tried aromatherapy and compression treatments for on the spot anxiety relief, after our veterinarian suggested them, but neither seemed to offer long term, or continued relief beyond an initial calm. The Calmz system combines a few common anxiety relief treatments into one easy to use therpy 'harness'. The specially designed neoprene harness comes in a variety of sizes for different breeds of dogs, and is very breathable. It's made to fasten and provide direct pressure to acupressure spots on your dog, while acting as a holster for the companion Calmz device.

Stay with me, because I laughed a bit at how the Calmz system worked, at first- but I was honestly willing to try anything to ease Nora's sudden anxiety to loud, unexpected, noises. The Calmz device sits in a specially designed pouch atop the Calmz harness, right between your dog's shoulder-blades and along the spine. With several options for intensity and length of programs, the Calmz device delivers targeted pulse vibrations in time with an ever so faint 'zen like' audio track, played just behind your dog's ears. A massage and meditation, I thought- right.

While some dogs might have a unique response to the system at first, ans require an adjustment period, Nora is used to wearing a harness, and even clothing, so she instantly took to the Calmz system. I was also expecting her to turn her hear from side to side, in an attempt to figure out where the vibration and music was coming from. To my surprise I saw an immediate response. The dog who never closes her eyes when a human is awake and present, the dog who never lays down when I have my camera out began almost collapsing into the couch. And by collapsing I mean she was fighting the urge to lay down and relax. Just look at the photos I snapped as she attempted to keep her eyes open only 2 minutes into her first Calmz session.

Clamz isn't meant to be worn everyday, or constantly. It's intended to be used as a conditioning aid to provide relief and calm when your dog is in a stressful situation. For us that means we will only be using the vest during thunderstorms, or firework seasons (4th of July and New Years). For others it may be a vital aid when traveling, or even a useful tool to help integrate a pup at the local dog park. Each dog, like every human, responds differently to anxiety, and your dog may or may not require several sessions with the Calmz system before seeing results. So far, I can say it really does have an impact on our, generally hyper, dog. Learn more about the Calmz Anxiety Relief System for dogs online.

What tends to stress your dog out? What signs of anxiety do you notice when they are stressed?

What Daughter Says: Man's best friend experiences many of the same emotions- help your dog deal with anxiety by first recognizing the signs and cause.

Less Is More: Clean Eating With Lärabar On The Go

Momma Told Me: Sometimes less is more.


As many of you know, I've played around a lot with Vegan and clean eating over the past year. When a close friend of ours made a dramatic lifestyle change, 2 years back, I was worried everyday events, such as social gatherings and seasonal celebrations, would become hard to include him in. I can only imagine the undertaking of so dramatically limiting your everyday palette, while being so acutely aware of every ingredient in every item placed before you. So I committed myself to exploring what it truly meant to be Vegan, and set out to experience an array of dietary options we could both enjoy during mutual events. I'll have to say I was surprised- eating 'simpler' was not always easy!

When you live a busy lifestyle any commitment to healthy eating or living can seem like a massive chore. I've found the simplest way to begin eating cleaner is to go back to the basics. Most of my best Vegan recipes include 5 ingredients or less, and often have at least one base ingredient in common. I use dates often, not only for their nutritional content, but their texture and binding impact within recipes. And I find, when I limit the ingredients I can not only enjoy the natural richness of flavors, but I fuel my body with pure, clean, energy that satisfies me long beyond a hunger craving.

It wasn't long ago my friend asked if I'd ever heard of a brand called Lärabar, a company that's entire motto revolved around 'food made from food.' I scoffed a little imaging it was another brand committed to non-GMO, preservative free food- which is great, but truly, how all food should be made in my opinion, and nothing too special. As it turns out Lärabars are actually food brought down to it's simplest structure- they're about as 'real' as you can get next to eating the ingredients in their raw forms. Imagine grabbing an apple and some almonds, walnuts, and raisins and heading out the door on a hike- that's the Apple Pie Lärabar in a wrapper. Convenient, delicious, real, food. Period.

My two biggest hurdles to eating cleaner, and healthier, is the lack of convenience on the go, and the cost of keeping delicious healthy ingredients on hand. Cue Lärabar products at Sam's Club. Sam's Club members can now pick up a Lärabar 18ct variety pack of fruit and nut bars or a 16oz Chocolate Macaroons Lärabar Bites bag and keep their cupboards stocked with real, delicious, snacks. For those who have never experienced Lärabar before, the 18ct variety pack is the perfect way to play with fun flavors and try some of the brand's most popular bars like Cashew Cookie, Apple Pie, and Peanut Butter Cookie.

These flavors might sound like indulgent bars from heaven but they're all non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, and Kosher. They also pack a powerful blend of natural fiber and protein to help keep you feeling satisfied and fueled on the go. My favorite, Peanut Butter Cookie, contains just 3 ingredients- 3! And it's so satisfying I actually chop up half a bar for an afternoon snack in a little bowl I like to call 'Peanut Butter And Jelly Protein.'

You don't need to be a master chef to whip up this delicious snack. All you need is about 5oz of Greek Yogurt (I like to use Blueberry Greek), fresh blueberries, raspberries, honey (note: honey is not Vegan), and half a Peanut Butter Cookie Lärabar. slice your Lärabar in slivers, then slice each sliver into quarters so you get a little bite-sized pop of delicious chewy peanut butter flavor in each bite. Then layer your Greek yogurt with a sprinkling of Lärabar pieces, raspberries, and blueberries until your bowl is nice and inviting. Drizzle a thin ribbon of honey atop and enjoy clean eating at it's most delicious!

So you might not be quite ready to toss out the soda pop and candy bars from your kitchen, but clean eating can be equally convenient and satisfying for you none-the less. Eating simple, real, whole ingredients is a lifestyle change, but Lärabar makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the fruits of their labor with inspired products that are just as tempting. Not much for bars? Check out their Lärabar bites, the 5 ingredient Chocolate Macaroon flavor is worthy of hiding and hoarding all on it's own. Now, tell me, what's a simple low ingredient recipe or snack you love to prepare and eat to recenter yourself?

What Daughter Says: Real quality ingredients don't need to be dressed up to taste great. Lärabar is proof of that.

Generation McNugget- How Fast Food Is Changing For The Modern Consumer

Note: While I was invited to attend an event  held by McDonald's, during my trip to #BlogHer2016, I was in no way compensated for sharing the following information or story- it is entirely of my doing.

What Momma Told Me: Baby steps.

I'm not going to lie, when I was a little girl the biggest fuss over eating out was whether I'd finish all of my food fast enough to get the toy that came inside my Happy Meal. We didn't eat 'fast food' often. As a result there were little rules to what I could order or eat when we did, so long as I ate the majority of my meal. Trust me, Momma made up for it with 27 other days in the month full of heaping piles of vegetables and a rotating concoction of 'grown up food' (as I called it). Yes, fast food, especially McDonald's was always considered a treat, something to indulge with on special occasions.

Let's face it, up until about a decade ago the term 'fast food' had a negative connotation. I'll admit, whenever I was asked by a coworker why I had for lunch and named one of the major chains on the corner I felt a sense of shame. Why couldn't I have delicious food prepared for me on the go, at an affordable value and convenient time frame? Of course several brands have made great strides to restructure their menu, and re-evaluate their food sourcing and preparation processes, to meet the growing demands of conscientious consumers. If you'd have asked me in 2003 if I'd buying salads at my local McDonalds on lunch breaks I would have laughed as if you were crazy.

 We give chains like McDonald's a bad wrap a lot. Yes, it is 'fast food'- but fast food no longer means 'junk food.' It's a mentality that I daresay will yet take generations more to embrace. Are golden delicious, freshly salted, french fries still on the menu, sure. It wouldn't be McDonald's without french fries! But the brand has made efforts to expand on the convenience of their delicious sandwiches as meals and offer alternative sides, and a smaller standard portioning of french fries when ordered. This was one of the first steps the brand made where I truly noticed a difference.

However, the concept that their most delicious menu items could be enjoyed in moderation wasn't the only message McDonald's worked to convey. Over the past 10 years the brand has listened fervently to consumer feedback across the United States and worked to make dramatic changes to everyday menu items, while innovating lighter, health minded, introductions to the traditional menu.

I, including myself, found myself frustrated from time to time with how slow it seemed this 'industry' was responding to the rapidly changing lifestyles and quality demands of its' consumers.What I didn't know was that something as simple as adding apple slices to the Happy Meal menu took over 3 years to achieve. And the monumental 'breakfast all day' roll out? Just consider the logistics challenges of sourcing a regular supply of quality eggs for over 15,000 locations nationwide, essentially up to tripling the chains previous product demand! It's no small undertaking- but the brand has made it very vocal that they do not intend to let such hurdles or slow progression stop them from continually bettering their brand. While you may scoff, the brand is committed to providing 100% cage free eggs for their 16k locations across the United States and Canada by 2025.

10 years? Why is it going to take 10 years? Well, you just try to hold yourself to a quality standard, while contracting enough fresh cage free egg farmers to supply and feed the customers of over 16k restaurant locations every day. I'm not an expert in the field, but something tells me there may not even be that many cage free chickens producing in the U.S. at this point in time! It IS quite the undertaking.

Of course one of the way the brand can innovate and meet customers demands for consistently fresher, never, better ingredients and recipes is by adding regional or even seasonal menu items to their lineup. The California HASS avocado is a local treat I indulge in every Summer, but McDonalds wants to look into the process of sourcing them potentially year round for fresh guacamole with pico de gallo- yes avocados are used in guacamole on McDonald's menu offerings now- but the use of real HASS avocados would add an extra depth of flavor and quality to further elevate the menu.

Speaking of elevating- raise your hand if you have happy feels (memories) when you think of grabbing a Happy Meal as a child. That 4 count McNugget box was always my treat of choice, and nothing made me squirm with delight quite like dipping a freshly nibbled nugget into that little cup of sauce. McDonalds might traditionally be a 'burger' joint, but it's their famous golden nuggets that I find myself, and my nieces and nephews craving. A Happy Meal is not just an affordable and simple solution to meals on the go at crunch time- it's a tool for connecting and making memories.

The brand understands this, and as a result have made several changes to the famous recipe throughout the years. McNuggets get a lot of flack y'all. I get it. I, too, am always skeptical of any meat product that is not served in it's original shape. But I have to admit, I feel heaps better about treating my nieces and nephews (and myself) to a McNugget meal now and then knowing that the brand has now made it's commitment to use only antibiotic free (*antibiotics important to human medicine) chicken. This in addition to their ongoing commitment that McNuggets shall always remain free of artificial colors and flavors. So go ahead, dip happy.

Of course you don't have to crave 'fast food' to crave McDonalds- I'd say the majority of my trips over the past year were actually for something very 'not' fast food- a salad. And I'm not talking about a 'side salad instead of fries with my Big Mac' sort of deal- I'm talking a full blown, artisan inspired, entree salad like the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad featuring a Southwest Vegetable Blend, Cilantro Lime Glazed Grilled Chicken, and Chili Lime Tortilla Strips. It jut so happens to pair perfectly with a McCafe Smoothie (which I hear is being tested with a Greek yogurt base!)

This 'food journey' the brand proclaims it's on is not one that reaches it's destination overnight. Then again, when you're working to change an entire industry, nothing does. We, as consumers think of McDonalds as a 'fast food' chain, and, as a result we expect the ingredients and food to be in line with the affordable pricing and speed. As it turns out, there is nothing fast or simple about ensuring the freshest ingredients and flavors make it to your local drive-thru window every day. Not only do I, personally, have a newfound appreciation for the business of 'convenient' revolution, but I feel a little bit of pride in knowing I choose a brand that is so actively listening to it's customers and striving to meet their needs. Now, tell me, what do you look for most on a fast food menu? Are you the type only heading in to indulge in something sinfully greasy? Or are you the consumer demanding fresher, more lifestyle driven selections on the menu?


What Daughter Says: Fast food has a bad wrap. But it's come a long way from my mother's childhood, and it continues to evolve for future generations.