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...]
Do You Have a Halloween Ritual?
Our family is big on traditions. We've got them for major events like birthdays and Christmas, as well as small things like Saturday mornings and bedtime. Recently, I’ve been thinking about all the Halloween activities and projects we’ve tried (or wanted to try) since the kids were born. This year, I’m looking to officially elevate a few of them to “tradition” status. As I was compiling ideas, it occurred to me you too might be interested in starting a family Halloween tradition. So I’ve … [Read more...]
Last-Minute Halloween Cereal Bar Treats
Happy almost Halloween guys! I've got a lot on my plate between the big day tomorrow and wrapping things up to reveal our complete 2015 Toy Gift Guide next week, but I still wanted to quickly pop in and share what I've been up to elsewhere. Just in case you need it, here's a last-minute treat for a class party or impromptu, pre-trick-or-treating bash. Hope you enjoy and hope your kiddos score lots of goodies tomorrow. … [Read more...]
20 Treats Perfect for “Booing” Your Neighbors
I don't know about you guys but it's been an eventful couple of weeks around here lately! Along with turning 6 (what?!?!) my oldest lost his first and his second tooth. He opted to leave the first tooth for the Tooth Fairy but to keep the second. I lived for Tooth Fairy visits when I was his age so I couldn't quite fathom this idea but, hey, to each his own. This led to a rousing discussion on how much $$$ the Tooth Fairy leaves on the MPMK facebook page. Also this week, I shared 20 Treats … [Read more...]
Salted Caramel Brownie Bark (for “Booing” the Neighbors)
First of all, I want to say both I'm sorry and you're welcome. This salted caramel brownie bark is really, really, addictively good. And the recipe makes an entire half-sheet pan so you will have a lot of it around. This also, however, gives you the perfect opportunity to package some up and share with friends and neighbors.I especially love the idea of leaving some as a little "boo" gift for your neighbors. Do you do this? We're still fairly new to neighborhood living but I know … [Read more...]
Make Fruit Fun (and Spooky) with One Quick Trick
This might be the easiest food project I've ever created. It took mere minutes to give these pieces of fruit some personality. Here's what I did: Wash and dry the fruit. You want your surface to be relatively dry. Get some candy eyeballs. I used both small and large candy eyes from Wilton. These are especially easy to find during Halloween season, but I assume you can pick them up year-round. Apply your edible glue. We used peanut butter. You could also try any other nut butter, honey, … [Read more...]
31 Must-Try Halloween Treats for Kids
(pictured: Pretzel and Cheese Broomsticks, Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts, Candy Corn Pudding Pops, Haunted Hooting Owl Pretzels, Pretzel Mummy Treats, Ghost Milk Bottles, Oreo Bat Truffles) Halloween chatter has already started around my house, with my daughters throwing new costume ideas around every few minutes. Our neighborhood gets really into Halloween, with costumed kids everywhere and even most adults dressed in something festive. Naturally, I couldn't help but notice all of the fun treat … [Read more...]
25 Totally Do-able Halloween Lunch Ideas
I've said before I could never be a mama that regularly Bentos (see how I made it a verb?). I lack the time and, more to the point, the creativity. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the appeal. Not surprisingly, this glimpse into how guest contributor Wendy works her lunch-time magic has gotten my wheels turning on creative ways I can incorporate healthy new options into my kids' decidedly pedestrian lunches. Additionally, I love the idea of pulling out all the stops like this for … [Read more...]