Growing up, my mom always did such a fantastic job bringing the whole family together with all the classics for Easter brunch.We always had deviled eggs, ham, scalloped potatoes and an assortment of salads. But, she would change up the desert and we loved it. Sometimes she would bake a cute Easter bunny cake. Other times she would make something with seasonal ingredients.This year Easter is falling a little later in the calendar, which means strawberries are now in season. When I … [Read more...]
The Secret to Gorgeous Plant Pots (The Forever Home Project)
Are you guys' big planters? I have to admit, I never really thought about planting until we moved into our forever home. Now when spring rolls around, I just can't wait to start adding bold, beautiful colors to the yard via a few artfully designed pots.In the past my mother-in-law has graciously done my pots for me as an anniversary present to my husband and I. This year, though, my kindergartner's elementary school was having a massive plant sale so he and I are going to attempt the task … [Read more...]
Parent Hack: Healthy Shamrock Shake
Around my house, everybody loves a good smoothie. We like to sneak in vegetables when we can, especially when no one can taste them!Spinach makes the whole smoothie green, but is 100% tasteless.This got me thinking about the shamrock shake that everyone looks forward to this time of year. Couldn't I just use spinach instead of green food dye?And wouldn't I be mom of the year for sneaking in another serving of vegetables?I started tinkering with the smoothie basics; … [Read more...]
Kid-Friendly Baking: Chocolate Heart Rice Krispy Treats
Did you know that cake decorators sometimes use rice krispie treats to mold under fondant for things like, say a giant cowboy hat?It's true! The rice krispie treat recipe can be used as a type of playdough. Once it has slightly cooled, you can mold it into any shape you like.In honor of the upcoming holiday, we decided to make up a batch and shape them into Valentine hearts.You can stop there, or you can really take it up a notch by dipping them in white chocolate and adding red … [Read more...]
7 Skinny Coffee Drinks You Can Make at Home
I'm a morning person. I wake up at 5:00am to work out, I come home and enjoy a cup of simple black coffee. It starts my day out right and I'm packing lunches and making breakfast for the kids like a pro.This leads into my work day where I'm ticking off my to-do list, preparing myself a healthy lunch and picking up the kids from school. That's about the time I hit a wall.It's that afternoon slump that gets my every time. Instead of reaching for a snack that will only … [Read more...]
The 9 Kitchen Hacks I Use Every Single Day
January has us all ready to organize and eat healthier. Every year I try to be more efficient in the kitchen.I'm always asking seasoned moms about how they do things and sometimes I stumble on tricks of the trade on the internet or simply by accident. I wanted to share with you the nine down-and-dirty secrets that I use in the kitchen every single day to make my life easier. Cutting lots of vegetables once a week Every morning my husband and I eat some form vegetables and eggs. … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Like, Wear, Read & Need
Everyone wants Christmas morning to have the wow effect. Which is why shopping for holiday gifts can have a snowball effect.You pick up something here, another little something there, and the next thing you know there's a giant pile of 'stuff' in the closet. This year, we want to help you be more intentional in your shopping.Go for gifts that have meaning and purpose. This means asking our kids some questions.Have you heard of The Four Christmas Gifts Method?It's become … [Read more...]
Parenting Hack: Free Printable Kid’s Coupon Book for the Holidays
Sometimes the best gifts are the unexpected ones. Haven't we all experienced giving a baby the latest and greatest toy... and all she wants to do is play with the box?Simplifying may be just what we all need this holiday season.We created this coupon book for you to print off and use as a stocking stuffer. All you have to do is think about what makes your kids the happiest.Skipping their vegetables at dinner or reading an extra story at bedtime might just elicit as much joy … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Advent Calendar with Jokes for Every Day
Advent calendars have become such a HUGE part of Christmas these days – have you noticed? We’ve tried several variations over the years from our DIY Freezer Paper Stencil Advent Calendar and our Family Activities Advent Calendar to LEGO Advent and our Reading Advent Calendar. This year, though, with three kids including a feisty 1 1/2-year-old, I’m once again opting to go the super simple route.Our free printable Christmas Joke countdown (created last year by our contributor … [Read more...]