It’s time for another ‘online’ post. This time I would like to introduce you to Marie from ‘The Toddler Ingredient’. Marie shares awesome kid friendly, healthy recipes on her website and on social media. We are a big fan of her delicious breakfast muffins which she published on her Instagram account and I thought – ‘boy that sounds good, I’d enjoy that let alone the kids’.

The breakfast muffins are super tasty – as well as being refined sugar free, filled with oats, whole meal flour, chia seeds and grated carrot { I grated in a whole bunch of baby carrots from Burrabee Farm}. They are really oaty/nutty in flavour and rather filling.

So without further ado, here is my little interview with Marie from The Toddler Ingredient.

Who is your favourite celebrity chef, and why?

To be honest I have several! I’m one of those mums who is (sadly) addicted to cooking shows and reading cookbooks! I don’t have a particular favourite chef however I do get the most help, inspiration and guidance from Nigella, Donna Hay and Jamie Oliver. They cook everyday foods that are normally simple and fresh. 

What is one food that you avoid feeding to your children, and why?

The one food I avoid has to be soft drinks and lollies. My son.. Who is now two and a half years old has not had either of these because I simply can not fathom the thought of him consuming such unnatural substances. In saying that, my son certainly has sugar, mostly unrefined though. We don’t always hold back on treats either. So he doesn’t miss out on the “junk” food… Everything in moderation I say.

Why did you start blogging/participating in social media?

To be honest, I started The Toddler Ingredient because I found out I had thyroid issues due to pregnancy. My best friend said to me “Marie, you need to take up a hobby”…. I couldn’t think of anything worse! Was she talking about stamp collecting?? Or reading novels…? I sat and I thought.. What do I love to do the most?! The answer was plain and simple.. To cook!!

Starting The Toddler Ingredient was a way to get me out of thinking about my health… And onto focussing on positive things. Because I focussed so heavily on my business I didn’t have time to dwell on blood tests, specialist appointments and constant check ups. The Toddler Ingredient helped me get “better”. Because of it… My thyroid levels are back to normal now!!

 

What is one thing that you always said you wouldn’t do when you were a parent – and now it is simply part of your routine?

What is your favourite part of motherhood?

What is your best ‘inside’ activity for keeping the little ones happy on a rainy day?

Being a school teacher (as well) I enjoy spending one on one time with children, and I choose one of the best schools for them, sending them to the Thrive kindergarten, but when they’re not a school, I have a large stash of games, educational flash cards and picture books that captivate my son. He loves matching single letters of the alphabet to the correct picture cards, reading Spot books, and enhancing his fine motor skills by playing magnets, kinetic sand and puzzles. Perfect activities for rainy days!

 

What is your best family recipe – that keeps everyone happy at dinner time?

Pasta!!! Yep.. Pretty standard for an Italian family haha. It’s easy and pretty much a staple in our house hold. The best thing about pasta is that you can make different variations of sauces to go with it. From Napoli to Bolognese… To carbonara to an actual pasta bake. It’s great for hiding vegetables in the sauce too. The family love it!

You’re in the supermarket, with a full cart, and your baby starts crying frantically…what do you do?

I’ll often leave the house without it being ‘pristine’, I’m all about making memories with the kids rather then them watching me mop and vacuum. What is you number one tip for keeping the house clean?