» Catherine McCord: Tot Foodie + Founder, Weelicious

Mini and Me

Catherine McCord: Tot Foodie + Founder, Weelicious

The Master of "Mouthfuls for Mini's" Whips up A Neighborhood Cheat Sheet For City Moms

ELAINE SAYS: Most of us moms know the challenges of setting the bar for healthy eating at home. But no one has cleared that hurdle like TV Expert and Kiddie Cuisine Queen, Catherine McCord. This former Model and East Side Mom's popular website, Weelicious.com, offers lots of usable tips, recipes and even videos for moms into mindful eating. Here, she shares great ways to make the most of LA life with the little ones.

Posted on February 4th, 2012

Kids

Consolidate Shopping with Socializing: Sweet as Vintage VISIT WEBSITE Between two kids, work and a busy schedule, I rarely have time to go clothes shopping for myself (unless of course you count the odd track suit I grab while shopping for detergent at Target -- I’m sort of kidding, but not really). Thank goodness for Sweet As Vintage. Their monthly Girls’ Night Out parties are filled with vintage clothing, jewelry, purses and shoes that have been remade into totally chic and stylish pieces....and they’re all at the right price. The cool crowd, free glass of champagne and nibbles never hurt either!
Family Friendly Favorite: Aroma Restaurante, Silverlake VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 2903 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles [Silverlake] When I'm not at home cooking (which is rare), I find myself in the capable hands of Edin Marroquin (or, “Chef Ed”, as my kids call him) at Aroma restaurant in Silver Lake. Everything on Aroma’s menu and their long list of daily specials is unbelievably fresh and delicious. And if you love the sound of a mix of fresh seafood in tomato sauce, ask for the “Catherine special” (they'll know what you mean). From the impeccable service to the delectable dishes that arrive piping hot at your table, you'll feel special even on the nights you bring the kids.
Edible and Incredible Family Project: Edible Gardens LA VISIT WEBSITE I openly admit that until a few months ago I had 2 brown thumbs when it came to gardening -- not a hint of green on either of them. All of that has changed because of the divine Lauri Kranz. Her company, Edible Gardens LA, will come over and transform your garden or backyard area into a luscious paradise of fresh fruit and vegetables. Lauri has inspired my kids as much, if not more, than she has me. I can’t keep my two kids out of the garden now. Before you know it, your supposed picky eaters will be pulling green beans off the vines that they took part in growing and munching on them like they were candy!
A Lunch Box I Love: Planet Box VISIT WEBSITEThank goodness for my kids' PlanetBoxes! Tying to make and pack an exciting school lunch for your little ones five days a week (and that they will actually eat) is tough. With the Planet Box lunch box, kids can easily open their lunch (even at age 3) and see the choices they've been offered without you having resort to using a ton of plastic bags or loose containers. The best part is that to clean it you just toss the whole thing in the dishwasher, so there's no waste!
The Art of the Matter: Art Classes at Purple Twig VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 2038 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles [Eagle Rock] I'm not necessarily hoping that my son becomes Picasso (OK, secretly I really am), but since he started taking art classes at the Purple Twig, I've been blown away by the projects coming home with him. I'm not talking about a piece of construction paper with crayon scribbles, I'm talking about well thought out works that fill him with pride, excitement and a love of art. So much so that our kitchen wall is now completely adorned with his masterpieces!
Coolest Cookery: Green Cooking Pots and Pans VISIT WEBSITE In the sea of pots and pans available out there, it can be challenging to decide which brand is best for you. Nonstick? Cast Iron? Stainless? The list goes on. I recently started using Green Cooking’s saute pans and they've quickly become my go-to pan when making scrambled eggs, quesadillas and more. Nothing sticks to them and they're super easy to clean.
Inspiring Little Minds: The Norton Simon Museum VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 411 West Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena [Pasadena] When you're hanging out with kids under the age of 5, obvious places to keep them engaged and occupied quickly come to mind: your local playground, the Zoo, Travel Town, etc. One of our favorite places to visit is the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. My son loves looking at the art, asking me tons of questions and especially checking out the garden. NSM has family events which inspire both kids AND their parents to learn about art, history and more.
A Worth It Work Out: Pilates Plus, Silverlake VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 2630 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles [Silverlake] I feel like I've tried about every exercise regimen in L.A known to woman, but for the past 2 years I've been taking classes at Pilates Plus and I have to say it makes me feel like a new person every time I leave -- stronger, lighter and even a bit happier. It’s a cool environment, they play great music and the instructors are the best, bar none. I don't have a ton of free time in my day, so the 50 minute classes which don’t leave me so drenched with sweat I need to take a shower afterwards are just up my alley!
Practical and Pretty for Every Day: Clare Vivier Handbags VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 1404 Micheltorena Street, Los Angeles [Silverlake] From the very first time I saw a friend carrying a Clare Vivier purse, I had total bag envy. All of their styles are totally chic, fit just the right amount of your "stuff" and are priced in a way that don't make you have to decide between your accessorizing or your child going to preschool for a month.
Let the Kids Go Bananas: Hollywood Farmer's Market VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Sundays, 8am-1pm- Ivar and Selma Avenues [Hollywood] I'm not sure what our family would do without the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. Probably starve. We buy about 80% of what we eat each week from the farmers there who sell everything from fruits to veggies to fish, bread, eggs and more. My kids love tasting all the free samples (which I refer to as the baby buffet) as well as visiting with the farmers and merchants who have become their friends like: Harry's Berries (I cry every time I have a bite they're so good), Peacock Family Farms and Spring Hill Dairy....I could go on and on! And of course, no trip would be complete without a free balloon animal from John Buckner, the legendary Balloon Guy.