• About
  • Contact

Gina Gibson

simple, healthy, meals

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Salads
    • Desserts
    • Smoothies & Juices
  • Lifestyle
    • Mom Life
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Kitchen
    • Home
    • Beauty
    • Dress Me
    • Baby & Toddler
  • Homemade Products

Favorite Baby Books at 1 Year

December 17, 2020 by Gina +

this Pin this

Christmas, it’s right around the corner. If you can even believe that. 2020, the year that threw everything at us, is wrapping up. And I love that we get to end such a wacky, crazy year with the Holidays, because there really is no greater time. Especially in 2020.

This year will be especially special for having a one-year-old. Last year we were still just trying to reach the goal of putting clothes on to make sure our teeth were brushed. Life with a newborn. This year, while he still isn’t fully aware of Santa and all that magic, he is more into his toys, especially books. Which is very helpful for a newish parent. So on his (my) list for baby, lots of books.

So let’s talk about kid books. Like many other parents to be, I was given lots of books at my shower and shortly after. I had no idea by the time he was one he would have such a strong opinion on books. I thought, if I read it, he will love it. Make the sounds, read with enthusiasm, we are all good. But kids are tiny people and they have opinions. And his opinion is: Trucks, cars, and animals. These are the books he gravitates to. We currently read Goodnight Tractor at least 15 times a day.

This leads me to my next point about gifts and books. What I thought he would like, he doesn’t so much. I bought some really cute books with beautiful pictures, books with lots of colors, books with cute storylines. But he mostly wants to know what The Little Blue Truck is doing. Every book he LOVES, the ones we read multiple times a day, were gifted to us. This tells me two things, I wasn’t the best book picker outer. And two, veteran moms gift certain books because they too have children who want to hear that same story over and over. They know what’s up!

So here’s my (short) list of books that now at 15 months I highly recommend to moms. I’ll be adding to the list with other recommendations from moms too. So if you have one to add, please leave a comment on here or Instagram.

The Little Blue Truck. This was his first favorite, and since we have added the Halloween and Christmas versions. The Halloween one was a big hit. The Goodnight edition is under the tree.

Goodnight Tractor is another big hit. My son brings this to me first thing in the morning. We read it a few times, then flip through pages pointing out trucks, tractors, and animals. A close second in how many times we read and flip through is this Truck book. He flips and reads through it so much, the cover is no longer with us.

Non-car or truck related, but still a favorite, You’re My Little Cuddle Bug. This is one of the books I read at night. He likes the cutout shapes and (I think) the rhyming. The book holds his attention and is super sweet. I got the Christmas edition for under the tree. Biscuit’s Pet and Play Christmas was a gift from last year that he’s recently taken to.

My mom friend suggests this book for us. She and her daughter love it, so I added it to the books under the tree.

Let me know what I should add to the list!

You might also like:

My Pregnancy Journey-First Trimester

Filed Under: Mom Life Tagged With: books, kids books, motherhood

The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.

Copyright © 2026 · Daphne v2 · Designed by Designer Blogs