Bringing kids into the kitchen not only teaches them valuable skills that will serve them well later in life, it gives you time with them. And we all know that time is precious. Start using the time you're making dinner to involve the kids.There are nights where you're eating on the run or you have company coming and it might not be the best time to have a little one helping you. But, on the nights where it's just the family and you don't have any place to be, involve your kids in the … [Read more...]
Easter Potluck Must-Have: Rice Krispies Easter Egg Nests
Rice Krispies treats have always been a kid-favorite around our house. So we decided why not take the recipe and make it into an Easter-themed treat?This recipe is one that kids can help with, there's no oven time, and you'll be done in about 15 minutes. It's that easy!Not to mention these little 'Easter baskets' are as cute as can be.Ingredients7 cups Rice Krispies 1 package mini-marshmallows 3 Tablespoons butter 1 package cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar … [Read more...]
Self Care: 7 Days of Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water
In my renewed quest to eat healthier, my husband and I have recently become totally hooked on sparkling water.Something about the bubbles, make it seem like a treat instead of plain old water, and the health benefits of substituting it for all our other drinks have been amazing!We've also found that while the store-bought, lightly flavored stuff is OK, infusing the water with fresh fruits, citrus and often some mint makes them feel even fancier. (Friends are especially impressed when we … [Read more...]
Free Printable: A Week’s Worth of Valentine Lunchbox Knock-Knock Jokes
I credit my years as a first grade teacher for my love of holidays.Every holiday is thoroughly celebrated in the younger elementary years. We spent weeks putting together themed crafts, sing-alongs and writing projects. I've carried on my love of celebrating holidays as a mom.When the kids were younger, I helped them make personalized valentines and now I make a special trip to the bakery for my teenagers that aren't handing out valentines anymore. It's those special touches that make … [Read more...]
What to Eat for Breakfast When It’s Too Cold for Smoothies
Smoothies are the go-to around this house when it comes to a quick healthy breakfast. I can pack so many vitamins and nutrients into a glass. They can be taken on the go and I'm always switching up the flavors. You can't go wrong!The only drawback? They can leave me shivering long after my drink is gone during the cold winter months.Even when I'm craving a warm breakfast, though, it can be hard to come up with something healthy AND able to be eaten in a car or while walking to school. … [Read more...]
Christmas and New Year’s Morning Mimosas
One of my favorite New Year's traditions is waking up late and staying in my pajamas.My mother-in-law makes her famous cinnamon rolls. My father-in-law cooks eggs and bacon to order and we all enjoy mimosas while we watch the parade.This year, I'm taking on the mimosas and we're putting a little twist on things. Instead of the typical orange juice, I'm using ruby red grapefruit juice.The color is so pretty and festive. I'm also getting fancy with some sage-infused simple syrup to … [Read more...]
9 Kid-Approved Fall and Winter Soup Recipes
As the weather cools, there's nothing like a big hearty bowl of soup to end the day.I personally love setting up my crock pot, so I can come home to a simmering soup, just waiting to be scooped into bowls and topped with a crusty piece of buttered bread.Even though this is where my heart is this fall, it may not necessarily what my kids would like for dinner. Let's face it... chicken nuggets, pizza and mac and cheese will always rule.But, what if we could come up with some … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Thanksgiving Gratitude Conversation Starters
Gratitude isn't a new concept for us. We've talked before about regularly expressing gratitude toward our kids and putting our gratitude into writing.Do a simple search for gratitude on the blog and you'll see many ideas for crafts and thoughts about giving thanks.The benefits of being a grateful person range from being more optimistic, less materialistic and self-centered, to increasing our self-esteem and actually making us healthier. This is something we should be working on … [Read more...]
11 Brilliantly Simple DIY Halloween Costumes for Moms
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I'm going to my first adult Halloween party in years and I'm super excited about my DIY costume.That got me to thinking that there may be a lot of moms out there who could use some quick and easy ideas on how to throw together an easy costume for neighborhood parties, classroom parties, or just trick-or-treating with the kids. So I asked our contributor, Kristin, to throw together a list of costumes mom could throw together and she didn't … [Read more...]