All the best places to indulge in a luxurious babymoon getaway without getting on a plane
Travel planning may be a little more complicated these days, but that doesn’t mean deserving moms-to-be can’t indulge in a relaxing, rejuvenating babymoon. Thankfully, there are top-notch resort and hotel—some with daypasses—right here in our own backyard that offer everything you need for the perfect pre-baby vacation. From private suites adorned with ocean views and personal fire pits to poolside cabanas and prenatal massages, these local spots offer a slice of paradise for a San Diego babymoon—just what the doctor ordered.
L'Auberge Del Mar has always been known for its service and elegance but the local resort is leveling up. A multi-million-dollar transformation has been completed and guests can expect to be amazed by a fresh new experience in guest rooms, an expansive new bar and pool area, as well as waterfront dining at Adelaide—an exquisite outdoor restaurant concept with can't miss house-made green juice and breakfast burritos for breakfast and must-order burrata with summer peaches for dinner.
2. Best Babymoon in Laguna Beach: The Ranch at Laguna Beach
A quick drive north to The Ranch at Laguna Beach will make all those babymoon dreams come true. This boutique ranch resort is nestled in the majestic Aliso and Wood Canyons in the heart of Orange County. Parents-to-be will find extra privacy because all rooms are accessed via outdoor corridors and feature private patios or porches without a singe elevator or cramped hallway in sight. Relax at the pool, play 9 holes of golf, savor beachside bites at Lost Pier Cafe, or cozy up by the fire on The Porch to hear live music daily as the sun sets and moon rises over the canyon wall. It’s a romantic and restorative getaway, and a peaceful place to connect before the baby arrives.
31106 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA Online:theranchlb.com
3. Best Babymoon in Encinitas: Alila Marea Beach Resort
This warm, modern resort took inspiration from the coastal town's vibe and is decorated in natural stone, warm woods and clean lines. And while there are plenty of rooms (130 coastal and garden view rooms and suites), we recommend choose one of the first floor "Fire Pit Rooms" which all have a spacious deck complete with a private fire pit and absolutely stunning garden or coastline views.
Guests will enjoy easy access to Ponto beach and your very own Beach Ambassador to reserve lounge chairs and umbrellas or help you round out a day at the beach with a picnic. If you'd rather soak up the sun at the pool instead, go for an elevated poolside experience with a cabana and lunch from The Pocket, which serves up the flavors and culture of Southern California and the Baja Peninsula (hello tacos!).
When you're ready to bliss out, head to the spa and book the Nourish prenatal massage (60 minutes for $235), which is a Swedish-style massage that utilizes prenatal-safe massage techniques and products to nurture your skin.
Winner of top 10 romantic island inns, this is an ideal spot to connect with your partner before baby arrives. Take advantage of the attentive, caring staff on hand to make every detail of your stay relaxing. Schedule an in-room prenatal massage and lounge by the pool. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning, relax beachside or play games in the parlor. You'll leave feeling connected and revived. Depending on your style preference pick a contemporary room or a mansion room, either way you'll be thrilled.
5. Best Babymoon in Carlsbad: Omni La Cost Resort & Spa
Once your little one arrives, your day trip to Carlsbad will probably include a trip to LEGOLAND. But, pre-baby, the place to visit is The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. It's a paradise for parents-to-be. You'll instantly feel stress drift away as you drive into this Carlsbad resort. The Spa at La Costa was named a nationwide favorite but we think taking a dip at the Edge Adult Pool before retreating to your private cabana would be relaxing enough. Cap off the evening with dinner at VUE or Bob's Steak House.
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd. Carlsbad, CA Online:lacosta.com
6. Best Babymoon in San Juan Capistrano: The Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Located in the heart of historic downtown San Juan Capistrano, just steps away from the awe-inspiring ruins of the mission, the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a truly romantic, intimate destination for babymooners. Spacious, hacienda-inspired suites are beautifully appointed with high ceilings, mission-style grand armories, chandeliers, private balconies, with some offering large soaking tubs for two. Couples can enjoy an intimate olive oil tasting in the Olive Grove alongside local wines, dine on classic Spanish cuisine with a modern twist at Ysidora, and savor distinctive craft mocktails (for mom) and cocktails under the stars on the expansive restaurant patio. The Spa at the Mission also offers various rejuvenating treatments utilizing natural oils infused with on-site herbs for a relaxing experience.
31692 El Camino Real San Juan Capistrano, CA Online:marriot.com
7. Best Babymoon in San Diego: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Lavish in luxury at this Mediterranean-inspired resort located in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, close to Torrey Pines State Beach. Whether it's a relaxing, restorative maternity massage at The Center for Wellbeing's spa, dinner and "mom-mocktail" under the twilight at Amaya, or a quiet bubble bath in one of hotel's deep soaker tubs, you'll find it here. Have breakfast in your room on the terrace overlooking the beautiful views, then, take on the day or relax and revive—your choice, your day.
8. Best Babymoon in Rancho Santa Fe: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is touted as the "perfect combination of luxury and romance for parents-to-be," and it honestly sounds like something out of a dream. Indulge at the spa with wildcrafted, organic treatments and freshly pressed juices, book a private yoga or meditation session for two or relax by the poolside cabana with VIP wait service.
Take your staycation to the next level in this luxury eco-resort perched right above the Pacific Ocean (and just a quick 31 miles from DTLA). It’s a dream destination on 102 spectacular acres of natural beauty, wildlife and unparalleled views. Kick back and enjoy the panoramic ocean vistas from one of their four pools or join a daily guided coastal nature walk and learn all about the local flora and fauna. After you’ve worked up an appetite, there are eight restaurants to satisfy your every culinary craving. Just make sure you leave time to book their "Mommy-to-Be" Massage.
100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes Online:terranea.com
10. Best Babymoon in Santa Barbara: Hotel Santa Barbara
Feel the freedom of a road trip to the American Riviera, aka Santa Barbara. Stay at the historic Hotel Santa Barbara in the heart of downtown and stroll to museums, the SB Public Market, shops and great dining. At the hotel, you'll enjoy plush robes, cozy beds and gourmet, locally-made croissants at the continental breakfast before you set out for the day. Whether you hit the beach or a relaxing sunset sail, this gorgeous seaside town is sure to be just the R&R you need before the little one arrives.
Dinner can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be with the best meal delivery service options available for your family.
“What’s for dinner?” is our favorite question—said no parent ever—especially not when it’s 5 p.m. and you don’t have an answer to that question. With our round up of meal and meal delivery services, you’ll say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning, prep and best of all, all that cleanup.
HelloFresh
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes.
Feeding your family delicious food that doesn't break the bank is just about everyone's goals so we are on board with this value meal brand. Of all the samples we've tried, their Cajun Chicken Sausage Penne was a top favorite—we're talking lick-the-plate-clean good!
Cost: starts at $6/meal + shipping. Online: everyplate.com
Hungryroot
Hungryroot
Offering both groceries and recipes to go with, your family can easily plan for meals, snacks and everything in between! Most recipes are prepped and on the dinner table within 10-15 minutes (try the creamy miso salmon) with the option for roast-and-ready meals that are conveniently popped in the oven. Fill your fridge with produce, protein and delicious snacks from Hungryroot and never be hungry again.
Cost: Starts at $70/delivery with free shipping. Online: hungryroot.com
Territory
Territory
Fresh meals from local chefs straight to your door equals taking your dinners to the next level. Easily meet your health and wellness goals with gluten, refined sugar and dairy-free recipes while subscribing to a plan to filter your preferences and choose for delivery even for once a week. We also loved that every packaging item was either recyclable or compostable which is important to us plus the ability to donate meals to our local community means you can feel great about your meal delivery service.
Cost: starts at $11/meal for the smaller “boost” size or $14/meal for standard size. Online: territoryfoods.com
Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon
Have 30 minutes and can follow six easy, precise steps? That is all it takes to allow your inner Martha to shine with this cook-at-home food delivery service! With 29 menu choices every week and meal tags such as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories, there is something for everyone. Bonus: the website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for kids who want to help.
Cost: Plans start at $10/portion + $10 shipping. Online: marleyspoon.com
Gobble
One pan. 15 minutes. That is the only requirement before dinner can be on your table! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. In fact, their main selling point is that every recipe takes 15 mins to cook, which is something we can all get on board with. Choose between Classic vs Lean and Clean recipes and personalize it as you see fit. Having been voted by Parents magazine as the #1 Meal Kit delivery service means that picky eaters are sure to find something they like.
Cost: Prices start at $12/serving (dinner for 4). Online: gobble.com
Freshly
Freshly
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features fresh, chef-cooked comfort food meals with smart ingredient swaps.
Cost: starts at $10/meal for 4-12 meals per week. Online: Freshly.com
Green Chef
With plans like Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered, healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Organic produce and eggs delivered to you with easy recipes means eating well and healthy go hand in hand. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer.
Cost: Meals start at $13/serving with $10 shipping. Online: greenchef.com
Blue Apron
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors such as curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Cost: Meals cost $12/serving with $10 shipping. Online: blueapron.com
Home Chef
Home Chef
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. Curate a box to personalize the cooking experience you want: 30 vs 15 min meal prep, grill ready, oven ready, or even special occasions in which a premium meal ups the ante. Most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or kid-friendly preferences. Our taste testers enjoyed the Cheesy Steak and Chipotle Ranch sandwiches and were licking their fingers at the end of the meal while the French Onion Chicken was also delectable and essentially French Onion soup on a plate.
Cost: Meals start at $7/serving. Online: homechef.com
Dinnerly
Dinnerly
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Cost: Meals start at $5/person. Online: dinnerly.com
Veestro
With 100% organic, vegan and gluten-free chef-prepared entrees, soups and juices there are no animal products of any kind here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick and no one will miss the meat. Meeting your family’s dietary needs has never been easier or more delicious.
Cost: Starting at $11 for 30 meals. Online: veestro.com
Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are both good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free, easy to prepare with the option to add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Sun Basket’s meal kits come with organic produce with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Their "super speedy" meals go from box to table in less than 20 minutes, "one pot" meals keep the dishes to a minimum and Fresh & Ready meals are pre-cooked, pre-packaged to go from oven/microwave to dinner table in six minutes. WIN.
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
There's nothing fussy here—organic, non-GMO ingredients come pre-chopped, pre-measured and ready to go from box to table in less than 30 minutes. Kid-sized portions (about half of an adult-sized portion) and pricing is available by indicating how many children are in the family. Bonus: free, gourmet and organic cookie dough is included in every box!
Cost: Plans start at $14/serving. Online: onepotato.com
Thistle
Thistle
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year (and who isn't?!) then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Every menu item is gluten and dairy free with vegan and non-vegan options.
Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $42/week or $12/meal. Online: thistle.com
Methodology
Methodology
As a pre-prepared food delivery company, Methodology aims to nourish your body with foods that help it perform at it's tip-top level. With a menu designed by food lovers for food lovers, your taste buds will thank you.
Flexibility and options rule at Good Eggs as you can choose a single meal kits We love their family-friendly meal kits like the One Pot Pasta e Fagioli. Simply heat and toss to get a comforting meal in minutes (add a side salad and take-and-bake garlic loaf for a complete meal).
Cost: Meals start at $18 for 3 servings. Online: goodeggs.com
Pocket Chefs
Pocket Chefs
For a meal service of a different style, enlist the help of a professional chef in your own home! Pocket Chefs enables families to hire affordable and experienced culinary professionals to assist with everyday cooking needs. This service enlists vetted, culinary professionals who have served many years as private chefs, caterers or restaurant chefs. All of their chefs pass a background check and are certified through SafeServ for cleanliness standards. Pocket Chefs understands the needs of your family and aims to deliver delicious and affordable meals in the comfort of your home. You can simply create an account, pick your preferred package and schedule when you'd like your Pocket Chef to arrive and start cooking!
The chef will call you beforehand to go over your meal plan and grocery list, taking into consideration any food restrictions or allergies. You purchase the groceries according to a list provided by your chef and then the chef shows up at the agreed-upon time to cook the meals for you.
With kids heading back to school, the to-do list is getting longer by the day so let’s take some things off the list and delegate one of the most time-consuming, thankless jobs parents have—feeding the family. Whatever your dietary requirement, we’ve got a family meal delivery service for you. From organic, ready-to-eat snacks and lunches to cook-at-home ingredients the whole family can enjoy, check out the best meal delivery service for families in Los Angeles.
The Best Prepared Snacks & Meal Delivery Services around LA
This recently opened West LA meal delivery service focuses on providing highly nutritious ingredients with a side of cuteness overload. Nutritionist-approved, chef-made and delivered right to your door, these lunches can be eaten right away or saved for up to 5 days—no heating or cooking necessary. PS: While the meals are made with 3-10 year olds in mind, don’t mind us if we order an extra set for ourself—they look downright irresistible.
Good to Know: Currently delivering to West LA, there are plans to expand and deliver to more areas around LA shortly.
Cost: Weekly and monthly subscriptions are available. The 3-meal weekly lunch plan is $30 while the 5-meal weekly lunch plan is $50.
Thanks to Feel Sunnie, you can provide your kids with freshly made, 100% organic, plant-based snacks you can truly feel good about. Our kids loved the granola and blueberry snack but don't be surprised if you find yourself keeping some of the snack boxes for yourself—the hummus and crackers are just the thing to keep your own afternoon hangries at bay.
Good to Know: The packaging is recyclable and they are helping to fight hunger in the Los Angeles area—check out how you can help by donating a Sunnie box (or two) to underserved communities.
Cost: Their snack sampler is $40. Purchases over $55 qualify for free shipping.
Striving to eat healthy sometimes feels like another full-time job but thankfully Taylor Made Cuisine has made it easy for you and the whole family by delivering everything you need (from breakfast to dessert) for the week. Offering meal delivery services in LA and Orange County, these ready-to-eat meals are nutrient dense and properly portioned—no more guesswork. Are you and the family following a special meal plan? They've got it covered—from KETO to pescatarian and vegan, all the meals are full customizable to meet your needs.
Good to Know: If you want to eat healthy but don't have the time or energy to cook (raises hand), Taylor Made Cuisine is for you.
Cost: Family meal plans start at $115 per week but you can also order meals, snacks and desserts for yourself.
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year, then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Every week there's a new menu that's gluten- and dairy-free. You can also choose from vegan and non-vegan options.
While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals or eat them room temp instead.
Cost: Customizable packages start at $11.50 per serving.
Territory Foods enlists the expertise of talented local chefs and informed nutritionists to bring their unique culinary skill to every dish. If you'd like a seasonal, restaurant-quality meal made fresh, delivered to your door, and ready to eat in under two minutes, then this is the way to go.
Once upon a time, a pregnant mom was disheartened with the lack of fresh, nutritious, and yummy baby meals that were readily available (without spending hours steaming and puréeing on a daily basis). Thus Yumi was born. A meal delivery service made just for babies, this service offers healthy, fresh-made baby food, making it ultra-convenient to feed your baby without the added sugars, preservatives and allergens found in store-bought options. Now they even have nutrient-rich snacks like pizza bites (11+ months), mixed berry fruit leathers and finger food options like cauliflower puffs for those who are ready to go beyond spoon feedings!
Cost: There are 3 membership plans, starting at $5 per day.
Nurture Life caters to babies, toddlers and older kids with menus customized to each age group. Choose from selections like chicken parmesan and broccoli, beef lasagna or mac & cheese with cauliflower sauce to really get little mouths watering. Order weekly meals for the kiddos to be delivered to your doorstep, all freshly made, pediatric-dietician approved and ready in under one minute.
Eating organic, healthy meals at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Beef Tenderloin with Brown Butter Carrots, Chicken con Queso, Mediterranean Salmon and French Onion Pork Chops.
Cost: Meal plans start at $13 per serving, $10 for shipping.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. You can choose meal kits or prepared meals! All meals are meat-free and you can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Cost: Meal kits start at $13 per serving while prepared meals start at $13 per serving.
How about a choice of over 50 meals that are 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no animal products of any kind. Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight-loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine, many of the meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops, peels and delivers gourmet meals using just one-pan, all under 15 minutes. Talk about fast (yet still good for you) food!
Cost: Meal plans start at $15/serving for dinner for two.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose the Signature for 4 if you want to feed the family. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
This weekly subscription service delivers fresh—not frozen—chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, fewer processed and more nutrients, the menu offers better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner home-eco pro. The menu features 29 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, vegetarian & vegan and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Cost: Meals start at $7 per portion, plus $9 for shipping.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow, family-friendly recipes, delivered weekly. With a variety of recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most meals include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. For busy parents, there's the 15-minute meal kit, which includes dishes like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
HelloFresh aims to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. It's also one of the less expensive options. They keep their pricing down by using digital recipe cards, fewer ingredients and simple packaging. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Feeling like a short-order cook come dinner time is never ideal, which is why One Potato believes that it’s possible to prepare one meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. The idea behind this family-friendly company is to make it easy for parents to serve up healthy, organic meals that appeal to both grown-ups and kids (even the fussiest of eaters). The best part, however, is that the prepped food kits are built to encourage your little chefs to get involved in the dinner-making process. They also offer kid-friendly lunchboxes for $7.95/box that your kiddo will love. Another bonus: Each meal delivery comes with your own organic slice-and-bake cookie dough, guaranteed to delight your sweeties.
Over two decades ago, this company started out as a gourmet food delivery service to the stars, pioneering the way for modern-day meal-delivery services. Nowadays, Sunfare offers full-service food delivery that can be customized to any of their healthy meal plans. For families, there's the Family Dinners program, which offers a wide range of main entree choices, plus up to two sides. It's the perfect alternative to ordering in...again!
Cost: Family Dinners (for 3) is $53 per day, with an additional $4 per day delivery fee.
Your summer fun itinerary includes lemonade stands, picnics and backyard BBQs, so why not switch it up with a new lemonade recipe? From blackberry mint lemonade to passionfruit lemonade, there’s a flavor for everyone! These lemonades will be the star of your summer get-togethers.
This drink might be cold in temperature, but you'll soon feel the heat that ginger and cayenne pepper leave dancing on your tongue. Sweetened with honey, this is a refined sugar-free drink that can be made with still or sparkling water. Find this lemonade recipe at Somebody Feed Seb.
If you are looking for a refreshing blackberry drink for summer then this Blackberry Lemonade Mojito Mocktail is the way to go! Fresh muddled blackberries and mint are mixed with lemonade and sparkling soda water for a fun twist.
Did you know that grapefruits are high in vitamin C, lycopene and potassium? Created by Juls' Kitchen, this drink is not only healthy, but it packs a delicious punch without any sugar to boot.
Lavender may not come to mind as the first ingredient ideal for lemonade, but trust us, you’ll want to try it out. The food blog, Havoc in the Kitchen created a refreshing lemonade recipe that infuses lavender into the simple syrup.
Can’t get away to Hawaii or the Caribbean this summer? No sweat. Just make this tropical drink from the food blog, A Spicy Perspective. And, yes, this recipe will spice up your lemonade!
According to Lucy of the food blog, Turnip the Oven, this recipe is what happens when your super healthy, holier-than-thou green juice meets everyone's favorite lazy summertime drink. Convinced to try it out?
Ginger Lemonade
Food Network host and mom of two, Daphne Brogdon created this lemonade recipe that showcases fresh ginger. Made in only two steps this drink is a cinch to make. Click here to get the full how-to.
If you're feeling really adventurous, try this lemonade recipe for color-changing lemonade from Bitz N Giggles! Made with butterfly pea flower tea, your kids will get a kick out of the "magic" that happens when the lemonade is added.
With all us moms and dads have to remember on a daily basis, we don’t blame you if you forgot to stock up on Kiss Me, I’m Irish tees and shamrock socks in preparation for St. Patricks Day. But that doesn’t mean you have to send your little leprechaun to school without a speck of green. Here are seven simple (and sometimes silly) ideas for how to add some instant green to their look today, to ensure no one gets pinched.
Photo: The Twig and Toadstool
Make a Leaf Crown Forget the store, just stop by the nearest tree to complete your “Luck of the Irish” look. Just follow this easy tutorial from Twig and Toadstool, and your little will rule the day.
Raid the PJ Drawer
No green tees or pants? You may have more luck in the pajama department. For this fun day make a wardrobe exception, and let them wear those dino PJs out into the world.
Photo: Mom100
Pack a Green Lunch Pesto, broccoli, edamame, kiwi, grapes, bell pepper, celery, green apple—we are betting your fridge is stocked with green, so why not challenge yourself to pack an all green lunch today? The Mom100 has more great ideas on adding some color to packed lunches, so check it out here.
Sport a Green Juice Mustache
This idea is so easy it involves doing LESS than you do on a typical day. Just blend up a greens-filled power juice and skip the clean up after, and let your little smoothie sipper sport a green juice mustache all day. Some dripped on their shirt? Even better.
Don A Broccoli and Kale Corsage This one is sure to garner giggles from their schoolmates. Just bundle up a few of the prettiest greens from the crisper drawer and make a prom-worthy (and Iron-packing) corsage. The best part? A healthy snack is always at hand…literally.
Green Hair, Don’t Care All you need is a stick or two of green chalk, some warm water and a little hair gel for an instant and very temporary (promise!) hair dye. Follow these simple instructions from The Krazy Coupon Lady and your kid will head to school looking like you planned for this holiday for weeks.
Raid Mommas Jewelry Box We are betting there are some faux emeralds or even forgotten Mardi Gras beads in that jewelry box of yours, so let you littles sort through your stash and come up with something sparkly and green. Just be sure and remove anything of actual value from the pile of options!
Studies have revealed that a toddler can ask anywhere from one hundred to three hundred questions a day on average! That’s one of the reasons why outsourcing the inevitable, ever-present “what’s for dinner” dilemma is such a treat for busy, overstretched parents. We’ve found a bounty of quick prep and prepared meal delivery services in San Diego that bring meal kits right to your doorstep. Read on to feast your eyes on the best meal delivery services, and give yourself a well-deserved break.
Veestro
Ready for 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
Cost: Starting at $9.90/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options
Go local by choosing Territory for your meal delivery service. Choose from a variety of 35 meals, so you and your family never get bored with the option of adding, skipping, and pausing meals at any time. This community-based service has a roster of local, independent San Diego chefs who work with a registered dietician to craft wholesome and nutrient-dense meals—bonus; every dish is made with no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
Cost: Meals $8.99/serving. Delivery is free for all orders.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
Cost: Customers can order 4 meals ($11.50/each), 6 meals ($8.99/each), 9 meals ($8.99/each) or 12 meals ($7.99/each) weekly.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Cost: Plans start at $7.99/portion + $8.99 shipping
This meal-delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist-approved and kid-approved, too! Choose your kids' meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Hungryroot is an online grocery service that delivers modern, healthy food with recipe and meal planning support. Hungryroot’s mission is to help people feel their best by making it easier to shop for, cook, and love healthy food. Customers share their food needs and receive personalized weekly deliveries of healthy groceries along with 10-minute recipes to make fresh, delicious meals. All of Hungryroot’s deliveries are nutrient-dense and tailored to a variety of diets and food needs including vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian, tree-nut free, peanut-free, and egg-free.
Cost: Pricing plans average from $60 to $100 per week and orders over $70 receive free shipping.
Parents, take one thing off your plate by having Nurture Life put meals on your family table? Nurture Life makes the process super simple by delivering meals with ingredients that are focused on organic veggies, lean antibiotic-free proteins and whole grains. Additionally, their meals are developed by a team of registered dietitians and chefs and all are peanut and tree nut (except coconut) free—and their facilities don’t contain any peanuts or tree nuts. Bonus: Nurture Life meals are ready to enjoy in two minutes or less!
After signing up, you can choose the meals that best fit your kiddos' palate (or what you'd like them to try) based on their age group, and you can select the number of meals you'd like in your box. It's easy to skip weeks or add additional meals, and you can be worry-free with these veggie-forward, nutritious dishes. Food preferences include veggie, meat and fish, and meal plan age groups are: Baby (10-24 months), Toddler (1- 4 years), Kids (5-10 years) and Kids (11+ years). Family meals like mushroom and truffle ravioli are also a great option.
Cost: Plans start at $39 and you can skip weeks, pause or cancel services at any time.
Factor is a weekly subscription service with flexible management options. You can select from plan sizes of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 18 meals per week with the option to change your plan size at any time. You can also skip any weeks when they don’t need a delivery or turn the subscription off and back on at any time. Factor believes clean eating shouldn’t have to be so hard––and that healthy food should be readily available to everyone. They deliver chef-crafted and dietitian-designed meals nationwide; meals arrive fresh (never frozen) and are fully prepared. Simply heat in the microwave or oven and enjoy.
Their menu features a variety of different meal options for those that follow specific diet patterns such as keto, Paleo, low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein and dairy-free. Their dietitians and chefs create these meals to ensure that they reflect the standards of each diet. For example, keto meals are made with 70% fat or above, Paleo meals are dairy-free, and high-protein meals are made with 35 grams of protein or more.
Factor is also very strict about what they put in their meals, and their chefs use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available. Every meal is free of gluten, soy, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs and preservatives.
Additionally, their dietitians are on-hand to provide an extra level of support. They offer free 20-minute consultations for all new or prospective customers.
Fresh and easy! Michaela’s meals are organic, gluten-free, and contain no GMOs. She’s known for answering the phone to take your order herself, and she shops at the local farmer’s market to source her ingredients. Michaela will customize meals to fit your needs––even catering to Keto and Paleo diets. You can order breakfast too! Half-pints will love the high protein cinnamon roll pancakes.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $65 for 5 meals/week
Locally made and organic! We love that you can order from breakfast and lunch to dinner and snacks with Foods Made Fresh. Even more, the menu changes weekly, so the family gets a variety of meals. Dig into the blueberry French toast to start the day and delight in the roasted chicken with green tahini sauce, and quinoa salad delivered fresh to your door for dinner.
Delivery: Most of San Diego (see map on website). Cost: Minimum order $35, plus $9 delivery fee.
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Choose what option works best for you with the price per item decreasing the more items you select. Every week there's a new menu and everything that is available is gluten and dairy-free. You can choose from vegan and non-vegan options.
While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals (if you desire) or eat them room tempinstead.
Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $29.98/week.
Farm fresh goodness! We love that these meals are local, organic, farm-to-table meals that offer options like going grain-free. One of our faves is the orange basil Salmon with organic quinoa pilaf and organic heirloom ginger carrots. Even more, if you want to take a week off or not commit to a subscription, then this delivery service is for you. Further, you’ll enjoy large portions and get to choose from Keto or Paleo options too.
Delivery: North County San Diego Cost: Minimum $45 order per delivery. Plus $7 delivery fee.
Calling all vegans! This meal delivery service offers a selection of delicious meals that contain no animal products, and they arrive in plant-based containers too. The vegan meal plan offers dishes like kung pao “beef” (made with vegan beef substitute), steamed broccoli, snap peas and brown rice. Moreover, you can order a family subscription (it’s non-vegan) with dishes like maple BBQ chicken with potatoes if you want too. There are many choices to fit your family’s tastes.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: Vegan from $53.55 for 5 meals/week; Family Plan from $54.99 for 5 meals/week
We love this local husband and wife owned meal delivery service with a focus on lean, healthy food. Firstly, if you call, there’s a good chance you will talk to Anthony, the friendly customer-oriented owner. From chicken breast bites with asparagus and brown rice to vegetarian chili, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your family’s dinner table. So what are you waiting for? Try them out today.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $52.50 for 5 meals/week
Ingredients at your door! You’ll find organic, non-GMO ingredients that are pre-chopped and pre-measured ready to go. Make your nightly meals easy on you with these 30-minute meals from box to table. The meals are perfect for families and offer from two to six servings based on your choice. Even more, there is a pint-sized (kid’s) meal option. From the ground beef tacos to the many vegan and gluten-free options, we give this meal prep service a thumbs up!
Delivery: California (San Diego included) Cost: From $59.79 for 2 meals/week; Plus $7.99 delivery fee.
All the hues of the rainbow! We love that this San Diego delivery service lives up to its name. So, expect plenty of healthy (and colorful!) food on a plate, from spicy shrimp and veggie pad Thai to rainbow veggie tacos. What’s more, you’ll find smoothies and sweet treats like vegan peanut butter cups.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $33 for 3 meals/week
If your family wants clean protein, organic produce and delicious gluten-free meals, SoCalFRESH has got you covered. Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken and wild-caught salmon mix with heart-healthy oil and Himalayan pink salt. What you won't see is any white sugar, dairy or wheat flour. With tasty dishes like Moroccan chicken or Beef Bolognese, we're pretty sure your family will want seconds.
Delivery: San Diego, Orange County and Riverside Cost: From $67 for 5 meals/week
Ready to kick your summer menu up a notch? Start with this sunny collection of our very best easy summer recipes! From pasta salad to grilling recipes and even summer dessert recipes, keep scrolling for the best dinners and side dishes to make this season.
Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and from hot dog boards to fruit boards and even a s'mores board, we found 11 that are perfect for summer. See them all here.
When a heatwave hits, skip the stove! Instead, turn to this collection of no-cook summer recipes. From refreshing salads to colorful summer rolls to simple crockpot meals, we have the stove-free dinners you'll love. Get the recipes here.
Our Favorite Grilling Recipes
Get fired up because we have just the recipes to take your grilling to the next level. Think top-notch skewers and kabobs, Mexican corn, strawberry tart, grilled peaches, and more! Get the great grill recipes here.
Whether you're headed to a summer picnic or just need a new summer recipe to add to the rotation, you can't go wrong with simple pasta salads! Check out the crowd-pleasing pastabilities here.
Take advantage of seasonal summer produce! First step: try these recipes that spotlight summer fruits and veggies. With these ideas, you can use up your tomato crop, sip on fruity agua frescas and enjoy the best of what summer has to offer. Click here for the roundup.
Applying SPF this summer? Go one step farther with a summery superfood menu! These summer recipes full of antioxidants, vitamins and other goodies that can help block UVA rays, protect skin, and even ease sunburns. Click here to shine on.
Summertime is kebab time! Get grilling with some of our faves like veggie skewers, teriyaki kebabs, and fancy salmon varieties. For your next favorite meal-on-a-stick click here.
Sweet Treats & Drinks and All the Ways to Use Summer Fruit
Celebrate summer with strawberries! We've given everyone's favorite summer fruit the spotlight, with recipes that'll amp up your smoothies, salads, scones, and more. Take your pick with these recipes.
It's blackberry season! To celebrate, we've got blackberry recipes for the whole family, for the whole summer. Discover the berry bliss of blackberry fruit roll ups, ice cream and even pizza. Get all the blackberry recipes here.
Every summer bucket list should include lots and lots of popsicles. We rounded up 20 homemade popsicle recipes that feature fresh flavors, fresh fruit, and even funfetti. Now the question is which delicious popsicle you'll whip up first. Click here for the icy scoop.
Make way for mocktails! Every summer staycation needs a sip of something good. That's why we've searched all around for slushies, fancy lemonades, Italian sodas and other delicious drinks. Grab a paper umbrella and get the recipes here.
Now here's a cool idea: get extra refreshed this summer with flavored ice cubes! Try chocolate cubes in your iced coffee, pineapple cubes in your water or go crazy with layered juice cubes. Ready to raise a glass? Click here for all the icy ideas.
When you need a sweet summer treat but can't face actual baking, turn to no-bake desserts! These recipes are easy, flavorful, and don't take a lot of energy—not from you, and definitely not from your oven. Click here for the no-bake list.
There's nothing more classic than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. But what about giving your refreshment a refreshing twist? From peach and pineapple to a kick of green juice, click here to add something new to your 'ade.
Which watermelon recipe will your family want most? That'll be the question once you've browsed our roundup recipes that incorporate watermelon for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Click here for all the watermelon goodness.
Did somebody say s'mores? If these marshmallow goodies are on your summer to-do list, check out our picks for unconventional s'mores that make your campfire memories even better. Click here for more s'mores.
Festival Fare: Classic Recipes You Can Make at Home
If your fave thing about summer is the fun of festivals and fairs, we have good news. We found homemade versions of your favorite festival food, from churros and caramel apples to no-dye snow cones. For the full fair experience, click here.
If you find yourself at home instead of trick-or-treating with friends, or showing off your costume at a Halloween party this year, here are some spook-tacular ways to create memories with your own Halloween festivities:
1. Dress up in Costumes as a Family and Take Silly Photos
Even if you didn’t plan to dress up this year, you can look in your closet and put together looks from your wardrobe or kids’ dress-up clothes. Take photos and share them with family and friends!
2. Don’t Forget a Spooky Spread
Food should absolutely be part of the decor. You don’t have to make anything too fancy, it should just be tasty, easy to eat, and of course, look scary! Think hot dogs cut like fingers, witch’s brew green juice, pizza with toppings like a jack-o’-lantern face, peeled grape eyeballs, and so on. As long it’s on theme, it works. For dessert, you could also bake or buy plain cookies or cupcakes for everyone to decorate with Halloween-themed icing and sprinkles.
3. Build a Blanket Fort for a Movie Night or Scary Stories
Movies are a great way to set the mood for the scariest night of the year. Depending on the ages of your children, these movies could range from It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! to Friday The 13th. Check your streaming providers for what’s available now.
Watch the movie from inside your fort, and tell stories in the dark with a flashlight afterward. Or you can skip the stories if the kids are too sleepy…or too scared!
4. Have a Zoom Party with Friends
If your friends want to be in on the fun, you could organize a Zoom party. Different members of each family could read stories out loud or you could all play games like bingo or Halloween-themed charades.
5. Organize a Family Scavenger Hunt for Hidden Candy
Even if trick or treating isn’t happening in your neighborhood this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t have candy! The adults (or kids if they wish) can leave clues for the other family members to follow in order to find hidden treats all over the house or even the backyard.
6. Each Family Member Can Paint Their Own Pumpkin
This is another activity that can be just with your family or can involve other families. It can be just for fun, or even a friendly competition! Even preschool-age children can have their own mini pumpkin and paint to their heart’s content. Share photos of your pumpkin art with everyone in the group!
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a fun and safe Halloween with your family!
Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.
There’s nothing quite like raising kids in Los Angeles. We can (in theory, at least) go to the beach in December, though we actually never would. Our kids have strong opinions about taking the freeway versus service streets, and they ask for sushi in their lunch box. And we worry about keeping up with the Kardashians, not the Joneses. Read on to see 25 signs that you are an LA parent.
9. You have literally never thought of taking a picture of your child by the Hollywood sign, or on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or really anywhere in Hollywood for that matter.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort
10. You've seriously considered getting an annual pass to Disneyland.
11. Your kid thinks the four food groups are sushi, burrito, power bar and green juice.
When dinner decisions have you in a rut, we’ve got the list for you! These Orange County meal delivery services will mix up your dinner routine and keep the kitchen prep to a minimum. With ready-to-eat options for those super busy days, to cook-yourself kits that get the kids involved, there’s something for every family. What a great way to get the new school year off to a nutritious start!
*As of this publishing, all of the below services had availability and supply.
Z.E.N. Foods (which stands for Zero Effort Nutrition) knows what it's like to feed a busy family. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts available, you'll be on your way to healthy eating in no time. The turkey sloppy joes and the filet mignon with butternut squash are family favorites and the menu changes weekly. Every entrée can be heated in under two minutes with a microwave or under seven minutes in mini-convection oven.
Start ordering by selecting a date you wish to receive the delivery. Browse through the menu and add the desired items to cart. You may order multiple deliveries by selecting different dates and adding desired items to cart. The minimum order is $25 per day plus delivery.
Catered Fit offers meal delivery to families that are looking for healthy options. In addition to classic meals, Catered Fit offers paleo, keto and vegetarian options. Daily delivery is available to members who are within drivable range of Catered Fit kitchens in Florida and California. They also delivery weekly to the remainder of the U.S. Classic meal options include Swedish meatballs with egg noodles, Italian baked snapper with angel hair pasta, and a pulled pork BBQ sandwich. This is a subscription service but you can skip week or cancel anytime.
This meal prep company delivers to the continental U.S. and has a special focus on health and wellness. Families following paleo, vegan, keto and high-protein diets will find plenty of tasty options. A new menu is posted each week for you to choose from. Subscribe and save with the weekly meal plan option or go for the one-time a la carte option for more flexibility. The peanut chia power bikes are the perfect after-school snack. Go for the candied granola pancakes to start your day off with 23g of protein.
Cost: The six-meal plan is $72/week and the 14-meal plan is $140.
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Choose what option works best for you with the price per item decreasing the more items you select. Every week there's a new menu and everything that is available is gluten and dairy free. You can choose from vegan and non-vegan options.
While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals (if you desire) or eat them room temp instead.
Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $29.98/week.
This meal delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist approved and kid approved, too! Choose your kids meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Wishing you had the superpower to make healthy meals magically appear on your dining room table? Kick up your heels because Nurture Life delivers nutritious, ready-to-eat meals for babies, toddlers, kids and adults straight to your door (read no more grocery shopping, meal prep or planning!). With Nurture Life, now you can serve your kids their favorite foods at lightning speed . . . no cape (or apron) required. Read our full review here.
Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 15 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray!
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
Another great option for healthy eating: Sun Basket launched their Lean & Clean menu with high-in-fiber-and-protein recipes around 550 calories. The meal kit includes kid-friendly games and instructions—an interactive way to get parents and kids cooking dinner together.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Seasonal ingredients, grass-fed ground beef and antibiotic-free chicken are all a part of the Dinnerly meal box. Efforts are made to reduce packaging waste and customers receive their recipe cards via email instead of receiving printed cards in their box. At only $4.49 per serving, Dinnerly makes easy weeknight dining a snap.
Cost: Two-person box containing three meals is $29.94, plus $8.99 shipping. A family box containing three meals that will feed four adults is $59.88, plus $8.99 shipping.
If you are looking to add some world flavors to your cooking repertoire, look no further than Takeout Kits. These kits offer globally-inspired flavors and brings them to your door in some totally adorable packaging. Ever wondered what went into your favorite pad thai, Japanese Tonkatsu Ramen or Indian butter chicken? Get to know some new, exotic ingredients and learn how to cook these delicious meals for your family.
The kits contain non-perishable ingredients that can wait in your pantry to be cooked for up to two months (pro tip: bring a kit along on your next camping trip!). This makes such a huge difference for busy lifestyles to always have a tasty meal ready to cook when you come back from vacation or can't make it to the grocery store. Some examples of the Takeout Kit proteins include: dry cured Spanish chorizo, canned premium Japanese snow crab, 100% natural pouched chicken and many vegetarian proteins like lentils, teff flour, freekeh and tetra-packed tofu. If you'd like to add your own protein, select the "add your own protein" option.
This Bay Area company ships all over the U.S. so order a meal to ship to your far away family. Better yet, opt for one of the sampler kits to try a few at a discount and add on a drink kit to pair with your meal.
Cost: Kits range from $29.99-34.99 and serve four adults. No subscription is required.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The partnership gives Marley Spoon access to Martha's archive of over 18,000 tried-and-true recipes to feature in their meal kits. They promise quality purveyors offering grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, American-caught shrimp and artisanal cheeses. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories.
Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help. Also, the blog offers great tips and ideas, like what to do with lentils, immune-boosting foods and Martha’s easy Oscar party snacks. The family kit feeds four adults, so will easily feed two adults and two kids.
Cost: Families can choose two meals a week ($76), three meals a week ($106.80) or four meals a week ($131.20). Delivery is free.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in 3 minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork, and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
Cost: Customers can order 4 meals ($11.50/each), 6 meals ($8.99/each), 9 meals ($8.99/each) or 12 meals ($7.99/each) weekly.
With a newly-expanded menu and new Family Plan, HelloFresh is better than ever these days. Their goal is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Meal plans available are meat and vegetables, vegetables, family-friendly and low calorie.
With the debut of HelloFresh Wine and their online marketplace that sells curated kitchenware, their portal is a one-stop shop for even more of your shopping needs (or wants).
Cost: Meals $8.99/serving. Delivery is free for all orders.
Farmbox offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to your door. You select the shipment size and customize your box, and check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
Cost: Prices start at $11.99/dinner and $5.99/lunch
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
If gluten is your family offender, they carry a special pack called The Gluten-Free Feast which comes swiftly to your home via a chilled FedEx box and includes an assortment of gluten-free breakfasts, lunches, dinners and two desserts: gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and "cheezcake"!
Cost: $35 minimum food order, packages start at $99; free shipping for orders totaling $199
When it comes to feeding families, One Potato has got you covered. Co-founder Catherine McCord's best selling Weelicious recipes are the basis of the One Potato meals. There's nothing fussy here—the organic, non-GMO ingredients come pre-chopped, pre-measured and ready to get from box to table in no time. Each recipe will be ready in less than 30 minutes, which makes weeknight meals a cinch.
One Potato understands that not every family has two adults and two kids so they offer plans for two to six servings per meal. By indicating how many children are in your family, you'll receive kid-sized portions (about half of an adult-sized portion) for them. Choose two or three meals to be delivered per week, or skip that week if you'll be out of town.
Each week you have eight meal options to choose from—five rotating Seasonal Favorite and three constant Family Favorites. Vegetarian, nut-free and gluten free meals are available. The included recipe cards are super easy to follow and kids will love getting involved in the cooking process by following along with the photos. Have them brown the ground beef for tacos or prep the par-cooked potatoes for French fries. The recipe cards provide tips for getting the kids involved in cooking.
Cost: Plans vary from $7.32-12.95/serving. The more servings you purchase, the lower your per serving cost will be.