“Mom, this was the best day ever!” declared my five-yr. old boy. I agreed, as I whipped off my bike helmet and gently uncurled my sleeping toddler away from the pumpkin she was “taking care of.” We had really loaded the bike trailer down with a 25 lb. toddler, two large pumpkins and various other ingredients we purchased at the fresh produce stand. My husband was the brave soul that pedaled all that weight through the bike trail outside our home. We really look forward to this day – the day we bring the pumpkins home! I was thoroughly pleased that my boy was satisfied with our conquest of securing our chosen pumpkins and returning home, however our family tradition includes a couple more hours of kitchen fun! “Addison, don’t you remember that now we get to roast the pumpkin seeds? THAT makes it the best day ever!” My eldest daughter never forgets anything. In order for my kids to have a vested interest in what they’re eating, we try to get them involved with the process of … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2011
Homemade fruit leather
Who doesn't like a fruit leather (a.k.a. fruit roll-up)? They're a huge favorite at our house. But if I am being 100% honest I can't stand that the first ingredient in them is HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)....in fact it really ticks me off (ahhhh- Jamie will wanna slap me if I go to "crunchy mama" on you so I will leave it at that). I did a great deal of searching on the web to find a recipe that actually works AND tastes good and I think I may have a keeper. Want to make your own fruit leather? It's super easy! Here is what you need: 4 cups fruit of your choice (we love raspberries, strawberries and even mixed berries) 1/2 cup water 2-3 Tablespoons sugar (this is 100% optional, when the fruit is sweet and in season I don't even add it) Measure out your berries or fruit and place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Pour your puree into a sauce pan and bring to a boil (to cook the fruit a little). Simmer for about 10 minutes (not … [Read more...]
Creative lunchbox ideas
Creative lunchbox ideas...yeah that's what I said! Are your kids picky eaters? When you send a bag/box lunch to school with them is half of it uneaten? I might have the cure for you and your picky eater. My quest to get my kids to eat more all of their lunches started with the growing list of things I COULDN'T pack in their lunches. The school they go to has all these "rules" about things that you can and cannot pack in their lunches, yet they offer no school lunch program. (Nothing that needs to be heated up, no peanut butter (or any nuts for that matter), under the age of 4 no carrots or celery (choking hazard), blah blah blah). I found myself, and my kids, were getting bored with the same old standby of a meat and cheese sandwich. So......I thought to myself "hmmm, what can I do to livin' up the lunches?" I did a little searching on the internet and found some great blogs and ideas of things to do to jazz up their lunches. I can say, it takes a bit more time (a few minutes) but it … [Read more...]
Candy Corn Pudding Treats
I don't know about you but candy corn is a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge deal in our house (me- I could do without). When it comes out this time of year in the store my kids go crazy for it. So this year I thought I'd try something out on them, and be a little creative too! Here is what you need: Vanilla pudding a bowl candy corn milk (for the pudding) red and yellow food coloring whipping cream Have your kiddo mix up the pudding until it is read to eat Then divide your pudding into half and make half orange (a little red and a little yellow) After you fill the orange spot add the vanilla Top the pudding with whipping cream Sprinkle on a few candy corn candies then sit back and watch him enjoy! … [Read more...]
Costume making 101
Now, now...don't run off all scared when you see that post title...I'm not going to overwhelm you in anyway! I promise! There are four approaches to costumes, in my opinion, and I am going to share them with you! Approach #1- For the crafty nerd, sewing fanatic, and mom who doesn't sleep There are many amazing patterns out there that you can find to help you make the most amazing costume for your kids for Halloween. While I hate to admit it sometimes, I just really find sewing to be relaxing (I know- I'm a nerd) and I really enjoy making my kids costumes. Here are some great resources for patterns and fabrics. Simplicity Their patterns are for the beginning sewer, and they're really easy to follow and complete McCalls Their patterns are a little more advanced, so newbies beware. Sewing Patterns These patterns are pretty complex and can be quite intimidating. Photo courtesy of Coolest Baby Costumes Approach #2- For the "sort of crafty" person The sort of … [Read more...]
Make your own crayons
Wanna be the "coolest mommy out there" (a direct quote from my 4 year old)? Take crayons to the next level with just a couple of bucks. I am a huge fan of party planning...and some would say I probably go overboard...but I just love it! I saw someone selling crayons in shapes in an online store for a pretty penny (5 for like 8bucks!) Way more than I wanted to pay. So here is what I did. I went to the dollar store purchased a few packages of crayons. I sorted them by color group. Peeled the wrappers off and broke them. Microwaved the crayons til they were melted. Carefully poured the melted crayons into candy molds. Let them set and harden...and viola, you have awesome crayons shaped to whatever you want. My son requested a Star Wars party so I purchased Star Wars candy molds! If you get a chance, what shapes would you make? Stop by our community and share with us. … [Read more...]
