While He Was Napping

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Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks! Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups

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

While Big J is at school and Baby N is napping, I’ve been trying to capitalize on my time with Little J.  The differences between his and Big J’s learning styles have thrown me for a serious loop.  Big J is such a quick and easy learner.  Little J would rather climb something.  He doesn’t care how to count or what letters are in his name.  I’ve had to get creative.  One thing the boy does love is sweets.  This last week we’ve been learning about the letter W and what better way to reinforce the learning with a tasty treat?!  We made creepy crawly pudding cups, complete with wiggly worms.

WIGGLY WORMS TIC-TAC-TOE

Before I jump into the delicious pudding cups, I’ve got a couple printable activities we did to help with letter recognition, colors, sequencing and taking turns.  You can click on the image to download your own copies.

W worksheet

I had Little J help me circle all the w’s in the sentence and then we used the gummy worms to trace the large letters.  We talked about other words that start with w, specifically our last name.  And then he ate the gummy worms.

Gummy Worm Colors and Tic-Tac-Toe

A couple days later, we played a game with the leftover gummy worms.  First we matched the colors of the worms for a little color recognition practice.  Then we played tic-tac-toe with the worms.  He played with one color of worms and I played with another.  He didn’t quite get the game, but it was still fun.  Big J played when he got home and loved it.

Colors and Tic-Tac-Toe W Worksheet

Now, for Little J’s absolute most favorite part… dessert!

 

GO-PAKS! CREEPY CRAWLY PUDDING CUPS

Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups Go-Paks! Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups

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Go-Paks! Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups

Prep time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 1 Go-Pak!

Taking the "walking taco" trend into the dessert world. A fun snack for anyone who loves bugs!
Ingredients
  • OREO Go-Paks!
  • Chips Ahoy Go-Paks!
  • Chocolate Snack Pack Pudding
  • Chocolate Vanilla Snack Pack Pudding
  • Reddi-wip Original
  • Sour Gummy Worms
  • Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Open the Go-Paks! Use a fork and break up the cookies.
  2. Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups Go-Paks! Smash Cookies
  3. You want chunks about the size of a pencil eraser, give or take a little. Use caution while you're breaking up the cookies... you can break the container. Not that this happened... but, yeah it did.
  4. Open the Snack Pack Puddings. I put a Chocolate Vanilla container in with the dark OREO cookies and the Chocolate with the Chips Ahoy to help darken it up.
  5. Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups Pudding Cups
  6. Mix the cookies and Snack Pack Pudding until they are well combined.
  7. Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups Mix it up
  8. Top with the Reddi-wip and some gummy worms.
  9. Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups Go-Paks! Pudding Cups
  10. If you let the Go-Paks! sit in the fridge for a little while, the cookies will soften up. If you do wait, add the Reddi-wip and gummy worms right before you serve.

These are super fun snacks for any kid who loves bugs and it definitely made teaching Little J more fun and kept him engaged.  It was a little more sugar-intensive learning than I usually prefer, but… sometimes you pick your battles, I guess.  Little J at least knows what a W looks like now.  I hope.

Ready to make your own creepy crawly snack?  I grabbed all the ingredients on a recent trip to Walmart and we made our fun buggy snack. Create your own with the directions above.  This was so perfect for our study on W and the treats were enticing enough that even Little J – my boy with a .0003 second attention span, love of heights and all things mischief – was engaged through out the activity.  Total mom win.

Wiggly Worms Tic-Tac-Toe and Go-Paks Creepy Crawly Pudding Cups InStore

Want more delicious treat ideas?  Be sure to check out these very yummy Go-Paks! creations!  Which one are you dying to try?

 

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Start the Day Off Right with Kellogg’s Corn Pops Breakfast Bites

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

Today was one of those days.  The kind where you have to peel yourself out of bed and the whole house is a solid twenty minutes of chaos as you shoo everyone out the door.  The kind where you finally get all the kids deposited where they need to be and you just want to climb back under your cozy blankets in your nice soft bed, but can’t.  But, it’s never to late to start the day off right.  Or at least to start the rest of the day off right.  It our rushed mornings, my kids don’t have time (and I don’t have patience) for them to sit down and eat a bowl of cereal.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  But it can be stress-free and fun too!  I made up a batch of Corn Pops Bites and I couldn’t believe how quickly my family devoured them.  And Mr. Napping, who doesn’t eat cold cereal if he can help it, but will always stop for a bowl of Corn Pops, wasn’t here to help them disappear even faster.

KELLOGG’S CORN POPS BREAKFAST BITES

Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites Cereal Snacks

Start the day off right with these easy make-ahead, grab and go breakfast bites

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Kellogg's Corn Pops Breakfast Bites

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 15 cereal bites

Serving size: 26 g

Calories: 103

Fat: 6g

Start the day off right with grab and go Corn Pops Breakfast Bites. They also make a great snack anytime. A super easy, make ahead in the microwave recipe that will ease the morning rush.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Kellogg's Corn Pops
  • ½ cup instant oats
  • ⅔ cup peanut butter
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows
  • ⅛ cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Pour 1 cup of Corn Pops into a microwave safe bowl.
  2. Combine the marshmallows and peanut butter in the bowl.
  3. Microwave for 20-40 seconds, until the marshmallows and peanut butter are melted.
  4. Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites Combine Cereal and Marshmallows
  5. Stir until well combined.
  6. Add the oats. I mix in the oats with my hands to help them get evenly distributed though out the mixture.
  7. Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites Stir in Oats
  8. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and set on a cutting board or wax paper. Or you could shape them into bars if you preferred.
  9. Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites Roll into Balls
  10. Repeat previous step until all of the cereal mixture is rolled into balls.
  11. Place cutting board in refrigerator. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until chocolate is all melted.
  12. Get the cereal balls back out of the fridge and drizzle with chocolate. Return to fridge for 10-15 mins until chocolate is set.
  13. Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites Texture
  14. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Refrigerate if your peanut butter requires it.

I’m so glad I picked up some Kellogg’s Corn Pops last time I went to Target.  We love to snack on them straight out of the box, but these little treats are so tasty!  Be sure to check out Kellogg’s Back to School packaging and great on-pack offers in store at Target!  Stock up on Kellogg’s breakfast products from 9/13-9/19 and you’ll receive a $5 Target giftcard when you purchase five select Nutri-grain, Special K, Pop-Tart, and Kellogg’s cereal products.  Start the day off right with some protein and a little fiber to help keep your kids focused and fueled for school.

Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites In Store

I usually pair a couple of breakfast bites with some yogurt or a sting cheese and apple slices.  Things that are easy for my kiddos to eat on rushed mornings.  You don’t have to put the chocolate on top if you want something a little more healthy and sugary.  But I just couldn’t resist the peanut butter and chocolate combination.  I would also suggest using salted peanut butter (most of them already are, but you can get some that is unsalted) because the sweet and salty combination is pretty tasty too!

Kelloggs Back to School Corn Pops Breakfast Bites

And check out how you could win up to $100 when you purchase Kellogg’s cereal and Pop Tarts!  Who doesn’t want $100?!

 

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Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Red Peppers

If I didn’t have you at Philly Cheesesteak, I’m not really sure what I can say to reel you in farther, but I’ll give it a shot. This recipe came about after Mr Napping and I split a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich while we were on vacation in Northern Idaho. However, I’ve been trying to be more conscientious of what and how much I’m eating. While that sandwich was absolutely amazing, it was also loaded with calories. Which is probably why is was so amazing.  In an effort to keep the flavor, but reduce the caloric value of such a meal, I made Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Red Peppers. I wouldn’t go so far as to call this a low-calorie meal – but it’s definitely lower in calories than a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Mr Napping was quite skeptical when I told him we were having Philly Cheesesteak without the bread – the man loves his carbs – but he adored these peppers and fought tooth and nail to get the leftovers.  It was a total hit.

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK STUFFED RED PEPPERS

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Red Peppers Hero

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Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Red Peppers

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 10 servings

Serving size: 155 g

Calories: 185

Fat: 8.1 g

Ingredients
  • 5 Red Peppers
  • 12 oz Steak, cut into strips (smaller steaks that equal about 12 oz)
  • 6-8 Portabello Mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp Butter, olive oil or other oil
  • 10 slices of Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
  1. Slice the mushrooms.
  2. In a large skillet on the stove, melt the butter or warm the oil. Depending on what kind of oil you use, you may need to melt it.
  3. Sauté the steak strips in the oil or butter. When the steak is no longer pink, toss in the mushrooms.
  4. Sauté the steak and mushrooms until they are tender.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400F.
  6. Cut the bell peppers in half, lengthwise. Clean out the seeds.
  7. Put a layer of foil on a baking sheet. Lay the pepper halves on the foil.
  8. Fill each pepper with the steak and mushrooms.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on the top of each pepper and bake for 5-7 more minutes.
  11. When the cheese is melted, remove the peppers from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
  12. Serve.

I love this with a big spinach salad!  So delicious.  It’s a great Philly Cheesesteak alternative for anyone watching carbs and calories.  My boys loved them too.  Next time, I’m gonna try them in the crock pot… Who doesn’t love a good slow cooker meal?!

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Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

This week is a little crazy, so I’m all about the simple dinner. But I try not to feed my family from a can or box very often. Big J’s absolute favorite food right now is mac and cheese. I made homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch the other night and Mr Napping loved it, but Big J was disappointed. The boy was expecting something from a box. Homemade macaroni and cheese is definitely my preferred recipe and Big J admitted it was good, “just not what I expected really.”

So, if you want mac and cheese from a box, skip this recipe.  But if you want some delicious homemade macaroni and cheese made with real cheese, give this baby a whirl.  It might seem like there are a lot of ingredients, but it all comes together pretty quickly, so it’s still a quick prep dinner.

HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

 

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Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 6 servings

Serving size: 205 g

Calories: 553

Fat: 31g

Creamy macaroni and cheese made with real cheese, bacon and topped with green onions.
Ingredients
  • 1 lb uncooked pasta
  • 6 oz sour cream
  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 5 oz shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or more if you want)
  • 1 Tbsp powdered Parmesan cheese
  • Bacon bits for garnish
  • Green onion slices for garnish
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the directions on the packaging. Cook time will depend on the kind of pasta you use.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, in a medium sauce pan, melt the butter. Add the sour cream and milk and stir until well combined.
  3. An ounce or two at a time, add the mozzarella cheese and stir until it's combined with the milk mixture.
  4. When the mozzarella cheese is all melted, add in the cheddar cheese an ounce or two at a time.
  5. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Add the powdered Parmesan cheese and the garlic powder. Mix well.
  6. When the pasta is al dente, drain the water and rinse if desired. Return to the pot.
  7. Carefully, pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
  8. Let stand 3-5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with bacon bits and green onions, if desired.
  10. Serve.

 

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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Coconut Lime Chicken

We are BIG fans of grilling. Not just during the summer either. My and Mr. Napping’s first Christmas after we were married, I was just getting over some terrible morning sickness and we splurged on some salmon for our Christmas Eve dinner. Mr. Napping grilled that delicious fish in the snow. I am always looking for a good marinade or rub to grill with. In the past few months, I have started using coconut oil more often. This lead me to coconut milk… and the most delicious marinade I have managed to concoct. And it’s just three ingredients. Ready for some delicious, hot off the grill Coconut Lime Chicken?

COCONUT LIME CHICKEN

BBQ Coconut Lime Chicken is so tender and moist with just the right touch of tropical sweetness

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Coconut Lime Chicken

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 4-6 chicken breasts

Ingredients
  • - 1 (13.6 oz) can of coconut milk
  • - ¼ cup lime juice
  • - 2 tsp ground ginger
  • - 4 to 6 chicken breasts
Instructions
  1. - Thaw the chicken breasts if they frozen.
  2. - Warm the can of coconut milk in hot water. Coconut milk can be solid or partially solid at room temperature. Warm it up and mix the milk with a whisk until it's all homogeneous and combined. It just needs to be warm enough to mix together.
  3. - Combine the lime juice and the ground ginger with the coconut milk and mix together. The ginger sometimes clumps up, try to break it up as much as you can.
  4. - In a large container (preferably with a lid), pour the coconut milk marinade on top of the chicken breasts. Put the lid on and shake the container to help the marinade get between the pieces of chicken.
  5. - Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 4-6 hours, overnight is ideal.
  6. - Cook the chicken. My preferred method is on the grill, but these are delicious baked in the oven as well.

 

Coconut Lime Chicken Close Up

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