In my neighborhood, Trick-or-Treating is a thing. It's one of those 'hoods that's proud of their reputation as the spot to be, and happily embraces the families that come from all around year after year. Our kids especially love it; the over-the-top decorations, the excitement of seeing so many classmates and friends walking the streets and ringing our doorbell, the block party vibe that permeates the night. So I've been thinking a lot about how we (and all other parents) can live up to … [Read more...]
DIY Father’s Day Banner & Card
When was the last time you decorated for Father's Day? Never? Yeah, me neither but if ever there was a time for it, this is it! This year we made a card for my husband that would double as decor for Father's Day. My daughter loves that it isn't a normal folded card, and I love that it will give a festive touch to our Father's Day celebration. … [Read more...]
9 Mother’s Day DIY Projects Your Kids Can Make in Under 30 Minutes
My husband got an email blast the other day that made me laugh out loud. The gist was this, "Heads up guys, there's no elementary teacher to help your kids make their Mother's Day gift this year... it's on you!" If you have a suspicion your partner doesn't have a thing planned, first, no judgement. We're all juggling what feels like a million things right now. Second, we're here to save the day with some adorable DIYs that your kids can make in under 30 minutes this week. Maybe your kids will … [Read more...]
St. Patrick’s Day Treat: Rainbow Drinks
I love celebrating the holidays with my kids - they have such a knack for getting excited about each and every one. But that doesn't mean I want to stay up all night frosting cupcakes! Simple but special treats that take under 5 minutes to prepare are much more up my alley. Here's Janssen with a great one... Last year, I made some of that rainbow jello that's floating around on the Internet to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It looked great, but it took hours to make (because it had to set between … [Read more...]
Free Printable: A Week’s Worth of Valentine Lunchbox Jokes
I've been talking to you a lot about healthy kid food lately. You know what goes fabulously with healthy lunches? Absolutely anything that makes eating them more fun! Younger kids almost universally love knock-knock or punny jokes. So we've put together a printable with valentine jokes for you to slip inside your child's lunchbox. Simply print out the free form, cut along the lines, and you're good to go. Send me the lunchbox notes! You'll have one for every school day the week of … [Read more...]
Playtime: Valentine Fortune-Tellers & Knock-Knock Jokes
I don't know about your kids but mine are totally obsessed with knock-knock jokes - they think they're hilarious and absolutely love getting a laugh when telling one. So I know they're going to go nuts for these adorable Valentine Fortune-Tellers. Be sure to click for the printable with all 14 Valentine-inspired knock-knock jokes! Do you remember folding fortune tellers back in elementary school? (Maybe you called them cootie catchers?) If I wasn't busy playing M.A.S.H. with my BFFs, we were … [Read more...]
Family New Year’s Eve Idea: DIY Balloon Drop
Do you guys celebrate New Year's eve with your kiddos? In years past I've skipped it due to the whole, "there's no way my kids are making it to anywhere near midnight and, if by some some miracle, they do - I'm scared to see what will happen the next day" thing. But then I stumbled on the concept of "Happy Noonyear". Which is just what it sounds like, basically celebrating at noon instead of midnight. Kinda genius, right? Regardless if you decide "Happy Noonyear" or stay up for regular … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Family New Year’s Resolutions & Year-in-Review
How is it possible that we can easily countdown the final days of 2018 already? Whether I'm ready or you're ready, the end of the year is quickly approaching. It's just about this time when I always ask myself: Should I make New Year's resolutions this year? And if I'm making that plunge, which goals are both aspirational and approachable? This year we've come up with a simple tool to help you and your family make some goals for this year while reminiscing all the … [Read more...]
Giant Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows
I had grand ambitions of baking a fancy madeira wine cake for each of my neighbors this year... guess how far I've gotten. I think, instead, I'm going to make a batch or two of these over-sized chocolate marshmallows with the kids and gift a few to each neighbor. I love Janssen's idea of putting them on a stick and adding them to a decorative bag filled with hot cocoa mix in the bottom! Psst one quick thing... Christmas is coming SOON, be sure to check out our SUPER POPULAR toy gift guide … [Read more...]