October 11, 2016 by Krista

13 Spooky Fun Halloween Projects {for you and the kids!}

October is zooming by! That’s okay though, there’s still time to get some great Halloween projects in before another one comes and goes.

Want some fun craft projects for you? These Halloween projects are some of my very favorite projects I’ve ever done. Seriously. I’m glad Halloween is at the end of the month so I get to enjoy them for 31 whole days.

Looking for kid activities to do with the kids this month? We’ve got some fun ones (#9 has been a TOTAL hit this year! I had to make another set so my little ones would stop fighting over it!).

And, of course, there’s some fun snacks to help you celebrate this month.

13 HALLOWEEN PROJECTS

HALLOWEEN PROJECTS FOR YOU

#1. DIY Spell Books with 12 Spells. For several years, I had dreamed of creating some spell books. I want to be able to open up the books and to even have spells in them. I got the project done a couple years ago and it is still one of my favorite Halloween decorations.

#2. Life-Size Witch’s Broom. You’ve got the spell books, but what about the broom? This project is practically free and you can find all your supplies while you’re out for a walk. The kids can help with this one too!

#3. No-Sew Witch’s Hat. Finish up your witchy collection with this no-sew DIY hat that you can really wear. It’s a great afternoon project that will really kick up your witchy ways this Halloween.

#4. DIY Potion Bottles. Whether you use these with your spell books or because you have a mad scientist, you’re gonna love these potion bottles. The best part is coming up with what to put in each bottle and what to call it. Don’t worry, there’s a list of suggestions if you get stuck.

#5. Directional Halloween Sign. This was a project I did last year and didn’t get to show off nearly as much as I wanted to. I love the color on this sign and all the fun street names. It’s definitely set up camp in my flower bed for the month.

HALLOWEEN PROJECTS FOR THE KIDS

#6. Slime. This is one of my boys’ favorite activitites and they love it when we creep in up just a bit for Halloween. Add plastic spiders, creepy crawers or have a contest to see who can hold the most slime for the longest.

#7. Monster Mash Munchies Mix Printable Snack Labels. A fun way to give our your Halloween goodies this year. Just print, cut and staple to the top of plastic ziptop bags for a hauntingly good treat.

#8. Halloween Bingo Printable Game. The kids will love this Halloween Bingo game and it’s FREE! Come grab your set and keep the kids entertained while you cook dinner tonight.

#9. Build a Jack-O-Lantern Printable. We love this printable because there are SO many ways to play with it. Play a game of pin the face on the jack-o-lantern, practice numbers, talk about emotions, and see how many different faces you can make. My little especially love this one.

#10. Halloween Countdown Jar Printable. Want to make some memories and maybe a few traditions too. This fun FREE printable countdown jar is super easy to put together. Just print, cut and fold. Put all your October bucket list activities in the jar or use the included ones for fun all month long.

#11. 5 Ways to Get a Great Last Minute Halloween Costume {on a Budget}. Creating costumes with the kids is the way to go! These are some of my favorite go-to ways to create costumes that don’t break the bank, whether it’s last minute or not. Way #1 is especially my favorite, I love that they can wear them for more than one night!

HALLOWEEN PROJECTS YOU CAN EAT

#12. Make Halloween Cookies. Here is a collection of 10 cookies that anyone can make. No amazing crafty, super baker skills needed. These are perfect to do with the kids… or without. They are all pretty quick and easy too!

#13. Halloween Treats That Aren’t Candy. Maybe you’re on sugar overload (or the kids are!) and you just need something that isn’t dripping with sickly sweetness. Try one of these great treats. Fun Halloween eats without the sugar rush? Yes please.

BONUS HALLOWEEN PROJECTS TO EAT:

Thirteen was too perfect a number to stop at, but these nachos are still some of my favorite Halloween food we’ve enjoyed. In fact, they are tradition in our family on Halloween night.

Spiderweb Nachos

Happy Halloween! Now, go do some celebrating!

October 5, 2016 by Krista

Printable Halloween Planner

“How did this happen?” I thought as I stared back and forth between the two invitations. Yep, just as I had feared. I had committed to two different Halloween parties, in two different locations, on the same night, at the same time. Clearly, the holiday excitement had gotten the best of me and my organizational skills had taken a steep nose dive. If only I’d had this Halloween Planner.

LET THE HALLOWEEN PLANNER HELP YOU AVOID MY MISTAKE

Don’t let the holidays get the best of you. Put in a little bit of planning and a little bit of time and you’ll have the best Halloween ever. You won’t double book yourself, you won’t miss any costume details, you won’t forget to do any of your fun Halloween traditions. This Halloween Planner will help keep your October organized.

I looked back and forth between the invitations, trying to decide how to fix my faux pas. We’d committed to bring something to both parties and I didn’t want to leave any one unprepared. Could we go to both parties? The idea of putting my family through all that running around did not appeal to me. If only I’d been more organized and planned it out better…

HOW WILL THE HALLOWEEN PLANNER KEEP YOU ORGANIZED?

Use the Event Tracker and calendar to keep all your commitments and events within a glance. No double bookings!
Plan all the costume details for the whole family so everyone looks their very best.
Make a bucket list together so you don’t forget any traditions or so you can make some new ones.
Plan the perfect Halloween party! With 5 pages of party planning organizers, it’ll be so easy to keep track of all the details.

I called up my brother and had to tell him that we’d try to make their party, but that I’d double booked us. I arranged to drop off our food contribution that afternoon and apologized again. We spent most of the evening at the other party, but we did make a stop by my brother’s before we called it a night. And now I double, triple and quadruple check that we aren’t double booked during the holidays! And I use a planner to keep track of all those details.

GET YOUR OWN HALLOWEEN PLANNER AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HOLIDAY.

This 11-page planner is yours. I want you to have it so you don’t experience the same scheduling mishap I did. I’ll even send it right to your inbox.

Print your planner at home, on regular 8.5″x11″ printer paper. Print copies of the pages you really want. And enjoy October while it’s here. Before you know it, we’ll be eating turkey and stuffing around the family table.

Happy Halloween!

Don’t forget to add your favorite Halloween activities to your plans. Get more ideas with this Halloween Bucket List! Or check out this one to find some fun activities the kids will love to do!

August 25, 2016 by Krista

13 of the Best Back To School Ideas

Hey, I’m glad you’re here! It’s official, Back to school season is here! If your kids haven’t already started back, they will be shortly. We are already into week 3 around here and that means I’m finally starting to get a hold on our new routine. Well, at least I can hope so.

I have been loving all the ideas I’ve found floating around out there in the web-world and I wanted to share my very most favorites with you! These are ideas that will make your routine and your life easier! Who doesn’t want life to be just a smidgen easier?!

So, here they are!

MAKE THIS!

Start the day off right with this delish Banana Waffle Recipe found at Centsable Momma. A good breakfast is essential because everyone knows it’s the most important meal.

Every girl needs one of these adorable Laptop Bags over on The TipToe Fairy whether she’s going back to school or not! Computer safety and fashion are important!

STAY FOCUSED

I love this simple and oh, so cute checklist found at the 36th Avenue!

There’s another great After School Checklist over on the Penny Pinchin Mom too!

This Sand Writing Tray over on Stir the Wonder is perfect for my preschooler to practice his letters while my 2nd grader does his homework too!

PRINT THIS!

Grab this super cute Tips for Getting Straight A’s over on Michaela’s Corner for your teen and watch the A’s roll in! Or maybe you can pin in next to the calendar because teens don’t listen. Or so I’ve heard.

These First Day of School Signs over on Paper Trail Design are perfect for those first day of school photos that everyone shares on Facebook! If there aren’t photos on Facebook then it didn’t happen, right?

I am practically in love with these Print and Color Binder Covers over on How Does She.

ORGANIZING IDEAS

If you haven’t seen this Printable Student Binder on Just a Girl and Her Blog go check it out, PRONTO!

I absolutely love having a specific spot for homework time. Make your own Homework Station like this one on Polka Dot Chair so homework time is a breeze.

This is a neat idea! Put together a whole Organizer Homework Station like this one on Bowl Full of Lemons and keep everything in a tidy little home.

LUNCH IDEAS

Every kid loves getting a little note from home. At least, I did. These Lunch Box Notes over on A Little Claireification are just what you need and will let your kiddo know you’re thinking of them while they are away.

If your kid is a jokester, these Lunch Box Jokes over on Blooming Homestead are super cute! Share a laugh with your kiddo even if you can’t be there.

Do you have any great back to school tips? Share them with us!

May 31, 2016 by Krista

Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CelebrateWithM #CollectiveBias

Hey, I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by today! So… I have a question for you… Do you have a sweet tooth?

Did you say yes? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Especially if you have a thing for chocolate and caramel. Or sweet and salty. This will tickle your taste buds into ecstasy.

Here’s one more question… Have you ever made your own caramel? I used to help my grandma when I was little and what I remember most are the arm cramps I got from stirring the pot. I really had no desire to make caramel without my grandma…

… Until this barely-stir recipe entered my life. It’s absolutely amazing and super simple. It takes a little bit of time, but you can totally just set it and check on it every so often. There’s no heavy arm work!

If you’re in a rush and don’t have time for homemade from scratch, that’s ok! I’ve got a quick and easy version for you too. Check that recipe out down below.

HOMEMADE FROM SCRATCH CHOCOLATE CARAMEL POKE CAKE

CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

Print This Recipe

Chocolate Cake

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Serves: Approx 20 servings

A not-too-sweet chocolate cake that is moist, light and fluffy and perfect for poke cakes.

Ingredients

1 c. white sugar
3 eggs
2 c white flour
1 c milk
¼ c butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking soda
6 tbs cocoa

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13" glass pan.
In a large mixing bowl cream together sugar and butter.
Beat in eggs.
Add vanilla.
Combine flour and baking powder. Mix well.
Stir in milk until batter is smooth.
Pour into pan. Lower oven temperature to 325°F and bake for 28-32 mins.
(This is the perfect time to get your caramel started. See recipe below.)
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 mins.
Use a butter knife to poke holes in the cake. The more holes you make, the more caramel will soak down inside. Poke your knife into the cake and give it a little twist to make the holes bigger. The caramel will soak in better.

CARAMEL SAUCE RECIPE
(I originally found this recipe on leafytreetopspot.blogspot.com a few years ago and I LOVE it. I tweaked it slightly to fit my needs for this recipe. You can see the original recipe at the link above.)

Print This Recipe

Caramel Chocolate Poke Cake

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 35 mins

Total time: 55 mins

Serves: Approx 20 servings

The perfect sweet and salty dessert that will leave your taste buds wanting more!

Ingredients

- ¼ Cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 Cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 Cup whipping or heavy cream
- 2½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

** If you're in a hurry or don't want to mess with making your own caramel sauce, just use a jar of your favorite caramel sauce from the store and skip to step 11.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat on the stove.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add sugar and corn syrup and mix until well blended.
Add the salt and combine with a spatula.
Slowly stir the mixture until it comes to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium low and let boil 4 minutes without stirring.
Remove from heat and slowly stir in the whipping cream. Be careful and don't pour too much in too quickly. It might spatter and could burn. Stirring nice and slow will help get the cream mixed in smoothly as well.
Return to medium low heat and continue cooking without stirring until mixture is 245°F on a candy thermometer.
*Note: This makes the caramel a firm chewy candy. You'll probably have to cut the caramel on the cake with kitchen shears, but I love the chewy texture. For most people, a caramel sauce will be more to your liking. There's lots of recipes, but I've never tried any and don't have a favorite to point you to. You can even add sea salt to the sauce and make it salted caramel sauce if you'd like.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Pour caramel over the cake (recipe above). If your cake is domed after you bake it, you can use a spatula to pull the caramel back to the middle as it soaks in and cools down.
If desired, sprinkle caramel with sea salt before it cools too much. If the top has already started to firm up, you can gently press the salt into the caramel with the palm of your hand. Be careful, the caramel will still be hot!
Allow to cool completely (2-3 hours). Slice and serve topped with whipped cream, pretzel sticks and M&M's® Red, White & Blue Milk Chocolate for the perfect sweet and salty ode to America.

This cake is super moist, not too sweet and the perfect blend of sweet and salty. I wanted to add some patriotic love to this cake and the M&M’s® Red, White, & Blue Milk Chocolate were perfect. They also have M&M’s® Red, White, & Blue Peanut that compliment the sweet and salty of the cake just right.

Maybe you’re more a Skittles® fan? Well, there’s Skittles® Red, White, & Blue too! I’m not sure I’d eat them with the chocolate caramel cake, but they are pretty tasty little treats.

Right now MARS/Wrigley is showing appreciation of our troops by donating M&M’s® to the troops for every bag purchased at Walmart. Select stores will have representatives sharing more information about the “1 For You, 1 For the Troops” campaign exclusively at Walmart.

Did you know that M&M’s® were originally created for the troops? Keep the tradition going and buy M&M’s® at Walmart or Walmart.com.

Supporting the troops is definitely something I can get behind. America has always held a special place in my heart. I truly love this country, despite any flaws she may have.

When I met my husband, he was a soldier. We have lived the life of a military family and I had a love-hate relationship with the military, for many reasons. But, I will be forever grateful for and to the courageous and selfless men and women who defend our freedom. The brave people who leave their families to stand against and protect our rights and privileges. I admire and respect the families that are left behind, the single parents who hold their homes and families together while the one they love most is thousands of miles away, often in mortal danger.

The men, women and families who make up our armed forces are some of the strongest, bravest, courageous and selfless people I have ever had the privilege to know. I am so grateful for the time we had among those heroes. I will always respect, admire, and love those who have, who do and those who willingly sacrifice holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, time with their families, their health and even their lives to protect this country and all those within her borders.

If purchasing a bag of M&M’s® or Skittles® can help lift a service member’s day with a small treat, it’s the least I can do. Help support our troops and grab a bag (or two!) at Walmart today. And check out more fun patriotic recipes for your celebrations this summer!

I hinted at the quick and easy version earlier; but, as promised, here’s the recipe. This is a little different consistency and flavor, but still really yummy.

QUICK AND EASY
CHOCOLATE CARAMEL POKE CAKE

Print This Recipe

Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 40 mins

Serves: One 9x13" pan

Quick & easy chocolate caramel poke cake ready to serve in 45 minutes!

Ingredients

1 Family-sized Chocolate cake mix box (should bake in a 9x13" pan)
12 oz bottle Caramel ice cream topping
Sea salt to garnish (optional)
Whipped cream
Pretzel sticks
M&M's® Red, White, & Blue Peanut

Instructions

Mix and bake the cake according to the directions on the back of the box.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 mins.
Use a butter knife to poke holes in the cake. The more holes there are, the more caramel will soak in. You can give the knife a twist after you poke it in the cake to make the holes a bit bigger.
Pour half the caramel over the cake and let it sit and soak in for 10 minutes.
Pour the other half of the caramel on top and let it soak in.
Slice and served topped with whipped cream, pretzel pieces and M&M's® candies.

March 16, 2016 by Krista

24 Favorite Easter Recipes

One of my favorite things about Easter… the food! It’s almost as good as Christmas! Here are 24 awesome recipes that will rock your Easter Sunday Dinner! That’s right, 24 Easter recipes – main dish, side dish and desserts are all included! Just try to make it through this list without your mouth watering, I dare you.

Easter is nearly here and that means it is time to start thinking about your menu. The Easter weekend gives us plenty of opportunities for feasting whether it’s appetizers before the big Easter Sunday meal or family brunches during the weekend. Several bloggers have gotten together to bring you our Favorite Easter Recipes. From delicious brunch, dinner and, of course dessert recipes you’ll be sure to find something to add to your Easter menus.