At Home With Valerie

  (BPT) - Few plants are as iconic as the poinsettia. The eye-catching blooms are a holiday tradition around the world. But the blooms aren't a flower at all, they're actually the leaves, or bracts, of the plant. Poinsettia are native to Central America, and in 1825, those stunning red leaves captured the attention of the United States ambassador to Mexico. A century later, the poinsettia was brought to market as a Christmas season plant in the U.S. Today, red is still the most popular color, making up about 80% of all the poinsettias grown. Breeders around the world are developing new varieties that offer more color choices for holiday décor. Shoppers can choose from brilliant whites, deep burgundy hues, sparkling pinks and a number of other specialty colors. "Breeders are also enhancing features that make the plants more enjoyable for everyone," says Diane Blazek, executive director of National Garden Bureau. "They're developing varieties that bloom earlie...

  (Family Features) Your baby’s first holiday season is one to treasure. While you’re busy making memories, remember enjoying a meal together as a family is also a convenient and practical learning opportunity for your little one to explore the world of eating and solid foods. Babies learn to eat new foods when they are exposed to them. They see their parents model healthy habits or having the opportunity to try new foods, including fruits and vegetables. Fruit and veggie purees like Gerber 1st Foods and 2nd Foods purees help ensure babies experience a variety of flavors made from real, nutritious foods. The baby food line includes seasonal varieties such as butternut squash, pumpkin and sweet potato plus pear, blackberry orange, peas and apple zucchini spinach. “I often see parents worried about their baby’s nutrition, especially during the busy holiday season,” pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro said. “As a parent myself, I firmly believe in having convenient and practic...