No Bake Christmas Desserts in 30 Minutes or Less

Christmas is a time of peace, love and joy.  We see loved ones and go to parties.  We spend time shopping and buying gifts.  There is a magic in the air that is missing the other eleven months of the year.  Usually December is gone in the blink of an eye because of all the activities and events that go along with the holiday season.

All the running, wrapping and shopping leaves little left in the engine for elaborate desserts.  I'm sharing a few of my favorite no bake desserts for classes and parties.  When you are short on time or just short on energy, these desserts still offer plenty of "wow" and not as much time in the kitchen.

"Bake" away!

Chocolate Dipped Anythings

The easiest, quickest "wow" dessert is anything dipped in chocolate.  Think pretzels, crackers, twizzlers, gummy bears and oreos. 

 

What you need:

2 bags milk chocolate chips
anything "dippable"
wax paper
festive sprinkles

In a glass bowl, microwave two bags of chocolate (minus approx 1/4 cup chips).  Heat on high in 30-45 second intervals, stirring after each interval.  When chocolate stirs smooth, toss in 1/4 cup chips and stir until melted.  This will lower the temperature of the chocolate making it perfect for dipping.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper.  Dip your pretzels, oreos or whatever and place on wax paper.  If you're using pretzels, and feeling crafty make a wreath.  Sprinkle on some festive sugars and sprinkles and chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.  The chocolate will set, and you have a tray full of goodies in less than thirty minutes.

Christmas Krispy Treats

Everyone loves Krispy Treats.  Or at least everyone I know loves Krispy Treats.  They are easier on the hips and a cinch to make.

What you need:

5 cups rice cereal
1 bag mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter/margarine
red and green chocolate candies or sprinkles
greased 9x13 baking dish

Melt butter over low heat in heavy saucepan.  Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.  Remove from heat, add rice cereal.  Stir in candies or sprinkles.  Spread in greased 9x13 baking dish and place in fridge to set.  In twenty minutes, cut into squares and you're ready to rock.

Reindeer Oreos

I saw these on Pinterest, and they are adorable and simple.  Perfect for class parties or holiday gathering where there will be kids.

What you need:

1 package oreos
1 bag mini marshmallows
mini chocolate chips
broken mini pretzels
red chocolate candies
vanilla frosting

Using vanilla frosting, attach two mini marshmallows and two mini chocolate chips for eyes.  Attach reindeer antlers.  Add chocolate candies for nose.

Viola! Adorable edible reindeer!

If you have any links to other easy and fun dessert, please share!

Christmas is a time of peace, love and joy.  We see loved ones and go to parties.  We spend time shopping and buying gifts.  There is a magic in the air that is missing the other eleven months of the year.  Usually December is gone in the blink of an eye because of all the activities and events that go along with the holiday season.

All the running, wrapping and shopping leaves little left in the engine for elaborate desserts.  I'm sharing a few of my favorite no bake desserts for classes and parties.  When you are short on time or just short on energy, these desserts still offer plenty of "wow" and not as much time in the kitchen.

"Bake" away!

Chocolate Dipped Anythings

The easiest, quickest "wow" dessert is anything dipped in chocolate.  Think pretzels, crackers, twizzlers, gummy bears and oreos. 

 

What you need:

2 bags milk chocolate chips
anything "dippable"
wax paper
festive sprinkles

In a glass bowl, microwave two bags of chocolate (minus approx 1/4 cup chips).  Heat on high in 30-45 second intervals, stirring after each interval.  When chocolate stirs smooth, toss in 1/4 cup chips and stir until melted.  This will lower the temperature of the chocolate making it perfect for dipping.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper.  Dip your pretzels, oreos or whatever and place on wax paper.  If you're using pretzels, and feeling crafty make a wreath.  Sprinkle on some festive sugars and sprinkles and chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.  The chocolate will set, and you have a tray full of goodies in less than thirty minutes.

Christmas Krispy Treats

Everyone loves Krispy Treats.  Or at least everyone I know loves Krispy Treats.  They are easier on the hips and a cinch to make.

What you need:

5 cups rice cereal
1 bag mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter/margarine
red and green chocolate candies or sprinkles
greased 9x13 baking dish

Melt butter over low heat in heavy saucepan.  Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.  Remove from heat, add rice cereal.  Stir in candies or sprinkles.  Spread in greased 9x13 baking dish and place in fridge to set.  In twenty minutes, cut into squares and you're ready to rock.

Reindeer Oreos

I saw these on Pinterest, and they are adorable and simple.  Perfect for class parties or holiday gathering where there will be kids.

What you need:

1 package oreos
1 bag mini marshmallows
mini chocolate chips
broken mini pretzels
red chocolate candies
vanilla frosting

Using vanilla frosting, attach two mini marshmallows and two mini chocolate chips for eyes.  Attach reindeer antlers.  Add chocolate candies for nose.

Viola! Adorable edible reindeer!

If you have any links to other easy and fun dessert, please share!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dollar Store Christmas

*This is one of my most cherished Christmas traditions with my kids.  A re-post that I wanted to share again because I love it so much!  Many great memories from this tradition!*

Every year, I take my munchkins to the Dollar Store to do their Christmas Shopping.  While I realize a dollar store is no place to find quality gifts, it is a place they can shop without me constantly over their shoulder checking prices.  They have the freedom to choose what they like, for who they like.

If they want to buy something for the mailman, they have my blessing.  I do not, if at all possible, sway them in any which direction on what to buy.

I silently follow them, always amused, as they peruse each aisle in search of that "most perfect" Christmas gift.  They fill their little shopping baskets with goodies for just about every person they know.

Luckily for me my kids don't know too many people.

Once all gifts have been thoughtfully and carefully selected, we set aside an hour for them to wrap their own gifts.  I set out cheap wrapping paper and stick on bows.  We play Christmas music.  They cut and tape until their tiny little hearts are content.

Every gift they give is completely from them.

If Hubby is to receive a pen that reads "#1 Uncle", wrapped almost entirely in Scotch Tape, then that is what he will receive.

This method of gift giving makes for a very interesting Christmas Eve.  Before bed, the munchkins set their gifts under the tree and walk every self-wrapped present to its recipient. Over the years we have unwrapped rocks, plastic flowers, whistles, stuffed animals, keychains, notepads, pens, hair clips and several gifts of the homemade variety.

And they are some of the most cherished gifts ever given in our home.

Christmas is about giving.  And about remembering those you love. 

Our "Dollar Store Christmas" allows my munchkins to do just that.  On their own terms.

*This is one of my most cherished Christmas traditions with my kids.  A re-post that I wanted to share again because I love it so much!  Many great memories from this tradition!*

Every year, I take my munchkins to the Dollar Store to do their Christmas Shopping.  While I realize a dollar store is no place to find quality gifts, it is a place they can shop without me constantly over their shoulder checking prices.  They have the freedom to choose what they like, for who they like.

If they want to buy something for the mailman, they have my blessing.  I do not, if at all possible, sway them in any which direction on what to buy.

I silently follow them, always amused, as they peruse each aisle in search of that "most perfect" Christmas gift.  They fill their little shopping baskets with goodies for just about every person they know.

Luckily for me my kids don't know too many people.

Once all gifts have been thoughtfully and carefully selected, we set aside an hour for them to wrap their own gifts.  I set out cheap wrapping paper and stick on bows.  We play Christmas music.  They cut and tape until their tiny little hearts are content.

Every gift they give is completely from them.

If Hubby is to receive a pen that reads "#1 Uncle", wrapped almost entirely in Scotch Tape, then that is what he will receive.

This method of gift giving makes for a very interesting Christmas Eve.  Before bed, the munchkins set their gifts under the tree and walk every self-wrapped present to its recipient. Over the years we have unwrapped rocks, plastic flowers, whistles, stuffed animals, keychains, notepads, pens, hair clips and several gifts of the homemade variety.

And they are some of the most cherished gifts ever given in our home.

Christmas is about giving.  And about remembering those you love. 

Our "Dollar Store Christmas" allows my munchkins to do just that.  On their own terms.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

15 Fun Gift Ideas for $30 or Less

Tis' the season.  The shops are bustling with shoppers and the mailman is busy delivering packages.  I have a list of people I'm shopping for, and I feel extremely accomplished every time I check a name off the list.

This time of year I love to show our appreciation for everyone we are grateful for throughout the year.  This includes family, friends, teachers and coaches.  It's never easy trying to keep all my buying and gifting in budget, especially with four kids.  Over the years I've discovered quite a few fun, easy and inexpensive gift ideas.  I'm wracking my mommybrain to list fifteen under (or at) $30.00, and please feel free to share in the comments any great ideas you may have as well!

1.  If you know a coffee drinker, try a $10 Dunkin' Donuts giftcard in a funky mug.  This is a good one for teachers.

If you are related to a coffee drinker, try a giftcard in a personalized mug.

2.  Everyone loves scratch off tickets.  Buy a few and stuff them in a pair of warm, fuzzy socks.  Looks just like a mini stocking full of chances to win something bigger.

3.  Etsy has some amazing gifts for everyone on your list.  My favorite for family and friends?  The Family Birthday Calendar.

                                     
How fun is this?  $30.00 and there has never been a better way to remember family birthdays.

4.  Touch Gloves.  For anyone (like myself) with poor circulation in their hands and feet these are a must have.  You can use your touch screen phone without having to take off your gloves, which would have been fabulous when I was standing in line outside Black Friday.

Below is my pick for ladies, for cost and cuteness.  There are great sleek styles for men as well.


5.  Know a friend who can use a a little "me" time?  Consider a gift card for a manicure/pedicure.  Add a box of gourmet chocolates and you have one happy recipient.

6.  I love these hand stamped personalized necklaces from JillianBDesigns on Etsy.


                                      
7. For kids, I don't think you can wrong with anything Melissa and Doug.  This week on Amazon you can score some great Melissa and Doug toys.

Melissa and Doug

8. Have a person on your list who needs just about nothing?  Or someone you have no idea what to buy them?  Consider a gift in the their name.  Through Samaritan's Purse, you can give towards the cost of clean water, clothes and shoes or even teaching a child to read. 

This is my favorite gift idea for teachers.  Teaching a child to read and write is only $15, and making this donation helps your child's teacher reach far beyond their classroom.  Very cool.

9.  For the active person on your gift list, try Philips ActionFit Sports Earhook Headphones.  I only suggest these because Hubby loves them, and they do stay on the ears while running.  Even better? They don't need to be jammed inside your ear to work well.  


10.  Just about anything from my blogger friend Sam's Goodnyou? Etsy shop.  My favorite is the homemade body butter.  
                                            


11.  Have you ever shopped at Red Envelope?  Everything arrives packaged in a ridiculously adorable red box.  I love, love LOVE these infomania family table topics. 

A box of cards with fab conversation starters sure to drive all kids crazy.

12.  For the gardener in your life?  Try these top rated monogrammable gardening gloves from Red Envelope.  Again, they arrive in that adorable gift box. 

13.  Soft, fun pajamas.  I don't know anyone who doesn't love soft flannel pajama pants.  Well, maybe my sister-in-law, but she is just too stylish and adorable and looks great in yoga pants.

We won't count her in the flannel pant comment. 

Pajamas are great for kids too, of course with a small stuffed animal or toy.  Old Navy currently has some fabulous finds when it comes to everything cozy.

14.  Anything Lolita.  Lolita makes adorable hand painted glasses and bowls, and they are my absolute favorite funky, fun gift.

Lolita Gifts

15.  When all else fails, go homemade.  Make up festive baskets with chocolate dipped pretzels, oreos or even crackers.  Sprinkle with festive sugars and package everything in ribbons and bows.  Add a gift card, a bottle of wine or cookie cutters and kitchen towels. 

The gift will be unique and useful, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Share your gift ideas in the comments section!

Tis' the season.  The shops are bustling with shoppers and the mailman is busy delivering packages.  I have a list of people I'm shopping for, and I feel extremely accomplished every time I check a name off the list.

This time of year I love to show our appreciation for everyone we are grateful for throughout the year.  This includes family, friends, teachers and coaches.  It's never easy trying to keep all my buying and gifting in budget, especially with four kids.  Over the years I've discovered quite a few fun, easy and inexpensive gift ideas.  I'm wracking my mommybrain to list fifteen under (or at) $30.00, and please feel free to share in the comments any great ideas you may have as well!

1.  If you know a coffee drinker, try a $10 Dunkin' Donuts giftcard in a funky mug.  This is a good one for teachers.

If you are related to a coffee drinker, try a giftcard in a personalized mug.

2.  Everyone loves scratch off tickets.  Buy a few and stuff them in a pair of warm, fuzzy socks.  Looks just like a mini stocking full of chances to win something bigger.

3.  Etsy has some amazing gifts for everyone on your list.  My favorite for family and friends?  The Family Birthday Calendar.

                                     
How fun is this?  $30.00 and there has never been a better way to remember family birthdays.

4.  Touch Gloves.  For anyone (like myself) with poor circulation in their hands and feet these are a must have.  You can use your touch screen phone without having to take off your gloves, which would have been fabulous when I was standing in line outside Black Friday.

Below is my pick for ladies, for cost and cuteness.  There are great sleek styles for men as well.


5.  Know a friend who can use a a little "me" time?  Consider a gift card for a manicure/pedicure.  Add a box of gourmet chocolates and you have one happy recipient.

6.  I love these hand stamped personalized necklaces from JillianBDesigns on Etsy.


                                      
7. For kids, I don't think you can wrong with anything Melissa and Doug.  This week on Amazon you can score some great Melissa and Doug toys.

Melissa and Doug

8. Have a person on your list who needs just about nothing?  Or someone you have no idea what to buy them?  Consider a gift in the their name.  Through Samaritan's Purse, you can give towards the cost of clean water, clothes and shoes or even teaching a child to read. 

This is my favorite gift idea for teachers.  Teaching a child to read and write is only $15, and making this donation helps your child's teacher reach far beyond their classroom.  Very cool.

9.  For the active person on your gift list, try Philips ActionFit Sports Earhook Headphones.  I only suggest these because Hubby loves them, and they do stay on the ears while running.  Even better? They don't need to be jammed inside your ear to work well.  


10.  Just about anything from my blogger friend Sam's Goodnyou? Etsy shop.  My favorite is the homemade body butter.  
                                            


11.  Have you ever shopped at Red Envelope?  Everything arrives packaged in a ridiculously adorable red box.  I love, love LOVE these infomania family table topics. 

A box of cards with fab conversation starters sure to drive all kids crazy.

12.  For the gardener in your life?  Try these top rated monogrammable gardening gloves from Red Envelope.  Again, they arrive in that adorable gift box. 

13.  Soft, fun pajamas.  I don't know anyone who doesn't love soft flannel pajama pants.  Well, maybe my sister-in-law, but she is just too stylish and adorable and looks great in yoga pants.

We won't count her in the flannel pant comment. 

Pajamas are great for kids too, of course with a small stuffed animal or toy.  Old Navy currently has some fabulous finds when it comes to everything cozy.

14.  Anything Lolita.  Lolita makes adorable hand painted glasses and bowls, and they are my absolute favorite funky, fun gift.

Lolita Gifts

15.  When all else fails, go homemade.  Make up festive baskets with chocolate dipped pretzels, oreos or even crackers.  Sprinkle with festive sugars and package everything in ribbons and bows.  Add a gift card, a bottle of wine or cookie cutters and kitchen towels. 

The gift will be unique and useful, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Share your gift ideas in the comments section!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Ten "To Do's" Before December 1st

Being the mom of four, I have to plan ahead if I want anything to run smoothly. It's imperative.  At least for the big stuff like Christmas.

I admit that for anything not completely necessary or of vital importance I fly by the seat of my pants.

Before December 1st, there are a few things I try to accomplish in order to enjoy my holiday season without undo stress.  This is how I avoid waking up in a cold sweat because I have a thousand things to do with just a few days to do them. 

I love my sleep too much to let that happen.

1.  Take down the Halloween decor.  Do this today.

2.  The first mild, sunny day you have get out the holiday lights.  This sounds crazy, but if you hang them now you won't have to worry about it when its 20 degrees outside.  Set the timers, have everything up and ready.  Thanksgiving night plug them in and watch the kids get super excited at the official start of the Christmas season.

And you can super excited the lights are up.

3.  Make "the list."  This includes every single person who you plan on buying for, even if it's just a small token of appreciation.  I can't even begin to admit how many times I rummaged through the house for an unused candle or uneaten box of candies five minutes before the bus driver pulled up.

It happens.

4.  Start grabbing small items like giftcards.  It stinks to buy three or four (or more) gift cards at once.  You spend $100 and all you have are small four envelopes to show for it.  I prefer to buy one every few weeks, starting now.

5.  Make a Thanksgiving plan.  Decide what you're bringing or making, and purchase all necessary supplies.

6.  Start stockpiling magazines for kids to make holiday wishes.  Sit the kids down at the end of November, near Thanksgiving time, and make wish lists.  Make this an event, and have discussions with the kids regarding their wishes.  If you just hand them five magazines and tell them to circle what they want you'll have five magazines full of circles.

Explain Santa has MANY kids to make presents for, and they need to prioritize what they want the most.  More on list making here.

7.  Buy an elf.  They are fabulous fun and useful in many, many ways.  There is no better friend than one who flies to the North Pole every night to report to Santa himself.

8.  If you aren't a Black Friday fan, remember the same deals are often found online with FREE SHIPPING.  Start browsing Thanksgiving night, and get a few purchases taken care of at deep discounts.

9.  On Thanksgiving, make "Thankful Lists."  Everyone makes one, and stipulate how many blessings must be listed.  You'll be amazed what kids write down, and it keeps everyone in a thankful mindset instead of a "I want, I want" mindset.

Perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and even better way to start December.

10.  Take time to smell the pumpkin pie.  Or apple pie.  This season is all about friends, family and remembering all of our blessings, big and small.

HAPPY NOVEMBER 1st!

Being the mom of four, I have to plan ahead if I want anything to run smoothly. It's imperative.  At least for the big stuff like Christmas.

I admit that for anything not completely necessary or of vital importance I fly by the seat of my pants.

Before December 1st, there are a few things I try to accomplish in order to enjoy my holiday season without undo stress.  This is how I avoid waking up in a cold sweat because I have a thousand things to do with just a few days to do them. 

I love my sleep too much to let that happen.

1.  Take down the Halloween decor.  Do this today.

2.  The first mild, sunny day you have get out the holiday lights.  This sounds crazy, but if you hang them now you won't have to worry about it when its 20 degrees outside.  Set the timers, have everything up and ready.  Thanksgiving night plug them in and watch the kids get super excited at the official start of the Christmas season.

And you can super excited the lights are up.

3.  Make "the list."  This includes every single person who you plan on buying for, even if it's just a small token of appreciation.  I can't even begin to admit how many times I rummaged through the house for an unused candle or uneaten box of candies five minutes before the bus driver pulled up.

It happens.

4.  Start grabbing small items like giftcards.  It stinks to buy three or four (or more) gift cards at once.  You spend $100 and all you have are small four envelopes to show for it.  I prefer to buy one every few weeks, starting now.

5.  Make a Thanksgiving plan.  Decide what you're bringing or making, and purchase all necessary supplies.

6.  Start stockpiling magazines for kids to make holiday wishes.  Sit the kids down at the end of November, near Thanksgiving time, and make wish lists.  Make this an event, and have discussions with the kids regarding their wishes.  If you just hand them five magazines and tell them to circle what they want you'll have five magazines full of circles.

Explain Santa has MANY kids to make presents for, and they need to prioritize what they want the most.  More on list making here.

7.  Buy an elf.  They are fabulous fun and useful in many, many ways.  There is no better friend than one who flies to the North Pole every night to report to Santa himself.

8.  If you aren't a Black Friday fan, remember the same deals are often found online with FREE SHIPPING.  Start browsing Thanksgiving night, and get a few purchases taken care of at deep discounts.

9.  On Thanksgiving, make "Thankful Lists."  Everyone makes one, and stipulate how many blessings must be listed.  You'll be amazed what kids write down, and it keeps everyone in a thankful mindset instead of a "I want, I want" mindset.

Perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and even better way to start December.

10.  Take time to smell the pumpkin pie.  Or apple pie.  This season is all about friends, family and remembering all of our blessings, big and small.

HAPPY NOVEMBER 1st!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Tammy Mahan, from Healthline, is guest posting today with an article every parent will find extremely useful!  Stay healthy and keep your kids healthy too!

The time of year when colds and flu are most common is one that most people dread because of the ability to simply treat the symptoms instead of curing the ailment. You have to be prepared for the season by going to your doctor and getting the flu shot in order to help keep colds and flu at bay. You should not get the shot if you have already become sick since it will make illnesses worse.

There are some things that can be done in order to remain healthy while avoiding colds and flu.

●      Stay away from sugar because the immune system is weakened with it; fruit juices have high sugar concentrations.

●      The immune system is aided by vitamin C, which is found in vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus, leafy greens and cauliflower. You should consume at least three to five servings each day.

●      Drink eight to twelve cups of water daily to keep your system flushed out and get exercise regularly.

●      You should make a kit of things such as vitamin C, grapefruit seed extract and lozenges in the event that you get sick.

●      Wash your hands frequently and sanitize surfaces when you have encountered a sick person. Carry hand sanitizer for the times when there is not a sink readily available.

When it comes to keeping children healthy during cold and flu season, you should make sure to teach them not to share food or drinks with other people since this spreads germs. It is important to keep your distance from sick people when you have babies or small children in the house.

Getting enough rest is essential to remaining well since the immune system aids the body in healing itself better when the body is rested. Getting the flu shot will also help to prevent you from getting sick.

Healthy Diet for Avoiding Colds and Flu

Eating certain foods can help you to maintain your health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the main food groups that will aid you in remaining healthy. This includes an adequate intake of vitamin C and vitamin D. Sources of these vitamins include:

●      Citrus fruit such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruits

●      Fish which can be taken as a supplement of fish oil

●      Ginseng in combination with vitamin C helps to prevent colds.

You are often unprepared when colds strike since they come on suddenly. Keeping a few things such as pain relievers, chicken noodle soups and lozenges on hand to keep you from having to go out and exposing others to your germs when you become sick is a good idea. Determine if your physician can call in prescriptions to the pharmacy for you, and if the pharmacy will deliver to avoid having to leave home during a cold or the flu.

It is good to be prepared for the cold and flu season but it is better to practice prevention to avoid catching them. Keeping hand sanitizer with you will aid in killing germs while you are out; you should sneeze into your elbow and avoid congested areas to help keep germs from spreading.

Tammy Mahan has worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with Healthline.com.

Tammy Mahan, from Healthline, is guest posting today with an article every parent will find extremely useful!  Stay healthy and keep your kids healthy too!

The time of year when colds and flu are most common is one that most people dread because of the ability to simply treat the symptoms instead of curing the ailment. You have to be prepared for the season by going to your doctor and getting the flu shot in order to help keep colds and flu at bay. You should not get the shot if you have already become sick since it will make illnesses worse.

There are some things that can be done in order to remain healthy while avoiding colds and flu.

●      Stay away from sugar because the immune system is weakened with it; fruit juices have high sugar concentrations.

●      The immune system is aided by vitamin C, which is found in vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus, leafy greens and cauliflower. You should consume at least three to five servings each day.

●      Drink eight to twelve cups of water daily to keep your system flushed out and get exercise regularly.

●      You should make a kit of things such as vitamin C, grapefruit seed extract and lozenges in the event that you get sick.

●      Wash your hands frequently and sanitize surfaces when you have encountered a sick person. Carry hand sanitizer for the times when there is not a sink readily available.

When it comes to keeping children healthy during cold and flu season, you should make sure to teach them not to share food or drinks with other people since this spreads germs. It is important to keep your distance from sick people when you have babies or small children in the house.

Getting enough rest is essential to remaining well since the immune system aids the body in healing itself better when the body is rested. Getting the flu shot will also help to prevent you from getting sick.

Healthy Diet for Avoiding Colds and Flu

Eating certain foods can help you to maintain your health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the main food groups that will aid you in remaining healthy. This includes an adequate intake of vitamin C and vitamin D. Sources of these vitamins include:

●      Citrus fruit such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruits

●      Fish which can be taken as a supplement of fish oil

●      Ginseng in combination with vitamin C helps to prevent colds.

You are often unprepared when colds strike since they come on suddenly. Keeping a few things such as pain relievers, chicken noodle soups and lozenges on hand to keep you from having to go out and exposing others to your germs when you become sick is a good idea. Determine if your physician can call in prescriptions to the pharmacy for you, and if the pharmacy will deliver to avoid having to leave home during a cold or the flu.

It is good to be prepared for the cold and flu season but it is better to practice prevention to avoid catching them. Keeping hand sanitizer with you will aid in killing germs while you are out; you should sneeze into your elbow and avoid congested areas to help keep germs from spreading.

Tammy Mahan has worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with Healthline.com.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Blogging Tips

I started blogging three years ago.  I sat in my pajamas at 10pm and started a blog.  My first post was just a heartfelt "my kids are getting older, another school year is here..."

The next morning I checked my"stats" and some of my friends on Facebook actually read it.  I was hooked.

Since that groggy night on my laptop, I've learned MANY things.  I'm still learning.  I don't know everything there is to know about blogging, but I have learned some valuable information.  I've started making money, reaching more people and in general I feel at peace with my blog.

It's my happy place.

If you're new to blogging or been at it a while and still haven't found your groove, here are my blogging tips to get ya going.

1.  Write what you know.  Stay true to yourself.  Monetization is awesome, but not if you're selling out or not staying true to what you love.  Readers want to hear from you and everything you love; keep your voice in all things.

If you are looking to make a few dollars, start small.  Add Google Adsense (not my favorite but people use them) to your sidebar, or try working with sites such as Social Spark.

2. Don't freak about statistics.  They go up, they go down.  There are good days and bad days.  If you are very new to blogging, focus more on developing a good clean blog (too much "design" isn't always a good thing) and teaching yourself how to navigate your host site.

I spent HOURS trying to get a blog signature under my posts.  If you want to be successful it will take time.

3.  Use Pinterest.  This is the number one traffic driver for my site.  If you are looking for more followers, write a solid "How To" on something you're fabulous at.  Maybe it's a recipe, maybe a craft.  Maybe you know how to redecorate on a budget or how to save money at the grocery store.

Always, always have at least one good clear picture with your post.

Use sites such as picmonkey to edit your picture, resize it (watch those huge files, they slow your site. Try for 900 pixels or less) and add text.  Be clear, be simple. 

Pin this fabulous post to Pinterest and watch your stats creep up.

This takes time, and you may have to write a few informative posts every so often.  The key is good content and clear pictures.  The readers will come.

4. Write regularly.  You might go through "blah" days.  Keep with it.  Re-post an oldie but a goodie, or just post a picture.  Tell the world you're blah.  Just post.

Readers need something to read.

And when you do write, put it out there.  Tweet, post it to Facebook or Pin it.   I'm not huge on Twitter, but I use it and I'm getting more followers.  Use tools such as AddThis to get those "follow" buttons on your sidebar.

People need to be able to find you!

5.  Network.  Cruise other blogs, and visit blogs like Kludgymom to get ideas on how to better your blog or add new fonts.  KevinandAmanda is another great site.  Read other blogs and comment.  Join blog hops or twitter parties.  My first year of blogging I participated in "5 Question Friday" over at Mama M's blog.  It was a great source for meeting other bloggers and getting content on my blog.

Do you have any other great blogging tips?  Share with us!

I started blogging three years ago.  I sat in my pajamas at 10pm and started a blog.  My first post was just a heartfelt "my kids are getting older, another school year is here..."

The next morning I checked my"stats" and some of my friends on Facebook actually read it.  I was hooked.

Since that groggy night on my laptop, I've learned MANY things.  I'm still learning.  I don't know everything there is to know about blogging, but I have learned some valuable information.  I've started making money, reaching more people and in general I feel at peace with my blog.

It's my happy place.

If you're new to blogging or been at it a while and still haven't found your groove, here are my blogging tips to get ya going.

1.  Write what you know.  Stay true to yourself.  Monetization is awesome, but not if you're selling out or not staying true to what you love.  Readers want to hear from you and everything you love; keep your voice in all things.

If you are looking to make a few dollars, start small.  Add Google Adsense (not my favorite but people use them) to your sidebar, or try working with sites such as Social Spark.

2. Don't freak about statistics.  They go up, they go down.  There are good days and bad days.  If you are very new to blogging, focus more on developing a good clean blog (too much "design" isn't always a good thing) and teaching yourself how to navigate your host site.

I spent HOURS trying to get a blog signature under my posts.  If you want to be successful it will take time.

3.  Use Pinterest.  This is the number one traffic driver for my site.  If you are looking for more followers, write a solid "How To" on something you're fabulous at.  Maybe it's a recipe, maybe a craft.  Maybe you know how to redecorate on a budget or how to save money at the grocery store.

Always, always have at least one good clear picture with your post.

Use sites such as picmonkey to edit your picture, resize it (watch those huge files, they slow your site. Try for 900 pixels or less) and add text.  Be clear, be simple. 

Pin this fabulous post to Pinterest and watch your stats creep up.

This takes time, and you may have to write a few informative posts every so often.  The key is good content and clear pictures.  The readers will come.

4. Write regularly.  You might go through "blah" days.  Keep with it.  Re-post an oldie but a goodie, or just post a picture.  Tell the world you're blah.  Just post.

Readers need something to read.

And when you do write, put it out there.  Tweet, post it to Facebook or Pin it.   I'm not huge on Twitter, but I use it and I'm getting more followers.  Use tools such as AddThis to get those "follow" buttons on your sidebar.

People need to be able to find you!

5.  Network.  Cruise other blogs, and visit blogs like Kludgymom to get ideas on how to better your blog or add new fonts.  KevinandAmanda is another great site.  Read other blogs and comment.  Join blog hops or twitter parties.  My first year of blogging I participated in "5 Question Friday" over at Mama M's blog.  It was a great source for meeting other bloggers and getting content on my blog.

Do you have any other great blogging tips?  Share with us!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

(At Home) Birthday Party Ideas

Birthday parties at home are a dying breed.  It's a lot of work to host a dozen (or more) kids and entertain them for a few hours.  Even worse?  The prep and clean up.  It's a lot easier to book a birthday at a bowling alley or gymnastics studio and call it a day.

The trouble with parties outside the house is they are expensive.  You'll be hard pressed to find an exciting location that will run you less than $150 for ten kids.  Add in goodie bags and the cake? you're pushing $200.

This past weekend, we celebrated my son's 8th birthday.  I bit the bullet and hosted 12 kids at our house.  I'm happy to report it was a blast, and the entire party, (start to finish) cost under $100.00.

Goodie bags, prizes and party supplies - $35
Pizza - $40
Cake - $16.99

Here are my tips for a fun (affordable) at home birthday party.  I've included keep sane as well as moneysaving ideas.

1. Limit the guest list to 12.  Time frame? Two hours.  Go over these two numbers and you'll be trying your patience.

2.  Kids love games, and you'll need at least two organized activities to keep your party moving. 

This weekend we did an obstacle course (which we ran through twice) and the toilet paper Mummy Wrap.

Our obstacle course was fun for boys and girls.  We used things we had in the garage, such as Kan Jam cans and Ladderball, as well a footballs and buckets.  We made two equal teams, and the kids had to run through the course one at a time, tagging the next player as they finished.  As kids finished they went to the end of the line and sat down.  First team to have all players through, and seated, won.

The Mummy Wrap game needs six or more players.  Teams of three compete to wrap a "Mummy" in toilet paper (ankles to shoulders) and have their mummy jump across the finish line.  This game requires skill, because players need to be quick but not rip the toilet paper as they wrap. 

Other great activities?  Bingo, scavenger hunts, crafts (more popular for girl parties), wiffleball tournaments and  old school games like hot potato.

3.  Along with games, kids love prizes.  Add these two loves together, and this weekend I decided to make a raffle table. 

At the Dollar Store I bought  foam footballs, bouncy balls, giant boxes of candy, slime, and other goodies.  I made up cellophane bags with the help of my daughter and we set up a raffle table.  I had 12 prizes in all, and we made one brown paper bag for each prize to collect tickets.

Purchase or make raffle tickets, and have each guest start with the same amount of tickets.  As teams win games, they get extra tickets.  After all the games are finished, give the kids time to look at the raffle table and put their tickets in the bags they like best. 

The trick here is to have a few small prize bags made up for the kids who don't win anything, since you don't want anyone to go home empty handed.  I also limited the winners.  Two bags was all you could win to keep the winners diverse.
 
4.  Make goodie bags for all the guests.  Having a party at home leaves a little spending room and kids love the parting gifts.  Think seasonal to add to the fun.  Bubbles, bouncy balls and chalk are great for Spring and Summer parties; football cards, flavored chapstick and Halloween stickers for Fall; and indoor fun for Winter such as crayons and small play dough containers.  Toss in some lollipops and candy. 

5.  Stay sane timeline:

First half hour: arrivals, casual games outside (weather permitting).
Second half hour: first party game, if kids have fun play two or three times.
One hour mark: pizza/food/raffle table time
One hour fifteen to thirty minute mark: second party game, raffle table time
Last half hour: Cake, raffles, open presents

*If you must host outside the home, try a craft store.  We rented a room in Michael's Craft Store one year for my daughter.  The rental was $50.00, and I managed to dream up a craft that was a few dollars per child.  Add in food and a cake and you're going to stay under $130.00.*


Happy planning, share your party tips below!!

Birthday parties at home are a dying breed.  It's a lot of work to host a dozen (or more) kids and entertain them for a few hours.  Even worse?  The prep and clean up.  It's a lot easier to book a birthday at a bowling alley or gymnastics studio and call it a day.

The trouble with parties outside the house is they are expensive.  You'll be hard pressed to find an exciting location that will run you less than $150 for ten kids.  Add in goodie bags and the cake? you're pushing $200.

This past weekend, we celebrated my son's 8th birthday.  I bit the bullet and hosted 12 kids at our house.  I'm happy to report it was a blast, and the entire party, (start to finish) cost under $100.00.

Goodie bags, prizes and party supplies - $35
Pizza - $40
Cake - $16.99

Here are my tips for a fun (affordable) at home birthday party.  I've included keep sane as well as moneysaving ideas.

1. Limit the guest list to 12.  Time frame? Two hours.  Go over these two numbers and you'll be trying your patience.

2.  Kids love games, and you'll need at least two organized activities to keep your party moving. 

This weekend we did an obstacle course (which we ran through twice) and the toilet paper Mummy Wrap.

Our obstacle course was fun for boys and girls.  We used things we had in the garage, such as Kan Jam cans and Ladderball, as well a footballs and buckets.  We made two equal teams, and the kids had to run through the course one at a time, tagging the next player as they finished.  As kids finished they went to the end of the line and sat down.  First team to have all players through, and seated, won.

The Mummy Wrap game needs six or more players.  Teams of three compete to wrap a "Mummy" in toilet paper (ankles to shoulders) and have their mummy jump across the finish line.  This game requires skill, because players need to be quick but not rip the toilet paper as they wrap. 

Other great activities?  Bingo, scavenger hunts, crafts (more popular for girl parties), wiffleball tournaments and  old school games like hot potato.

3.  Along with games, kids love prizes.  Add these two loves together, and this weekend I decided to make a raffle table. 

At the Dollar Store I bought  foam footballs, bouncy balls, giant boxes of candy, slime, and other goodies.  I made up cellophane bags with the help of my daughter and we set up a raffle table.  I had 12 prizes in all, and we made one brown paper bag for each prize to collect tickets.

Purchase or make raffle tickets, and have each guest start with the same amount of tickets.  As teams win games, they get extra tickets.  After all the games are finished, give the kids time to look at the raffle table and put their tickets in the bags they like best. 

The trick here is to have a few small prize bags made up for the kids who don't win anything, since you don't want anyone to go home empty handed.  I also limited the winners.  Two bags was all you could win to keep the winners diverse.
 
4.  Make goodie bags for all the guests.  Having a party at home leaves a little spending room and kids love the parting gifts.  Think seasonal to add to the fun.  Bubbles, bouncy balls and chalk are great for Spring and Summer parties; football cards, flavored chapstick and Halloween stickers for Fall; and indoor fun for Winter such as crayons and small play dough containers.  Toss in some lollipops and candy. 

5.  Stay sane timeline:

First half hour: arrivals, casual games outside (weather permitting).
Second half hour: first party game, if kids have fun play two or three times.
One hour mark: pizza/food/raffle table time
One hour fifteen to thirty minute mark: second party game, raffle table time
Last half hour: Cake, raffles, open presents

*If you must host outside the home, try a craft store.  We rented a room in Michael's Craft Store one year for my daughter.  The rental was $50.00, and I managed to dream up a craft that was a few dollars per child.  Add in food and a cake and you're going to stay under $130.00.*


Happy planning, share your party tips below!!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

How to Install a New Font in Windows

Since becoming a blogger, I'm kind of into fonts.  Corny I know.  It's amazing how being on the computer often makes you interested in things like font style.  Hey, to each their own right?

I always thought font installation would be confusing.  It seemed intimating and complicated.  Truly, it's not.  If you use windows, I'm going to attempt to guide you through font install.  I've included five snazzy new fonts below for you to play with. 

Choose a font from my list below, and click on the corresponding link.  A new page will open, click "download."

 Click "save file."

Open your downloads, I open mine from top right arrow.

Open file and select "install."

After installation, the font should appear in your fonts menu when using Word.  Try it, and let me know if it worked!

 5 Friday Fonts

Yippy Skippy

Macilyn Marie

Orange Juice

Frosting forBreakfast

Event Shark

If you're having a Halloween party or event in the next few weeks, Gigi over at Kludgy Mom has Halloween Fonts to download.

Good luck!

Since becoming a blogger, I'm kind of into fonts.  Corny I know.  It's amazing how being on the computer often makes you interested in things like font style.  Hey, to each their own right?

I always thought font installation would be confusing.  It seemed intimating and complicated.  Truly, it's not.  If you use windows, I'm going to attempt to guide you through font install.  I've included five snazzy new fonts below for you to play with. 

Choose a font from my list below, and click on the corresponding link.  A new page will open, click "download."

 Click "save file."

Open your downloads, I open mine from top right arrow.

Open file and select "install."

After installation, the font should appear in your fonts menu when using Word.  Try it, and let me know if it worked!

 5 Friday Fonts

Yippy Skippy

Macilyn Marie

Orange Juice

Frosting forBreakfast

Event Shark

If you're having a Halloween party or event in the next few weeks, Gigi over at Kludgy Mom has Halloween Fonts to download.

Good luck!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Save with Target Cartwheel

Recently, I discovered an app called "Target Cartwheel."  I stumbled upon it somehow, like everything else in life.

The app is fairly simple, although when I first started using it it did take me a good few minutes to get going.  Basically, the Cartwheel app is just a place chock full of mobile coupons.  You can browse the categories, which are fairly descriptive, and select offers such as 5% off bagged apples, or 15% off Cherokee tops for boys.

When you choose an offer it goes into your "Cartwheel."

You get so many "slots" to put your offers in, and as you continue to use Cartwheel you can open up more slots to save.  When you go to the check out, the cashier scans the Cartwheel barcode on your phone to apply your savings and discounts. 

You don't fumble with coupons, you just flash your Cartwheel barcode. 

Cartwheel offers aren't going to save you thousands, but I've saved about $20.00 in the last three weeks, which is pretty nifty.  The app has become a "see how much I can save with Cartwheel" game. 

Cartwheel offers can be combined with coupons, sales and Redcard savings, which adds up to even more cash in your wallet.  If you're a Target shopper, consider downloading Cartwheel, because using it will make you even happier in Target.

Hard to believe, but true.

For the record Target has no idea who I am.  Well, the local Target does because I'm there every day.  I'm just saying that I shared this because I love to save.

And I know you do too.

Happy weekend.  Try the Cartwheel app and let me know what you think!

Check out my post "Save BIG at Target" for even more moneysaving tips!

Recently, I discovered an app called "Target Cartwheel."  I stumbled upon it somehow, like everything else in life.

The app is fairly simple, although when I first started using it it did take me a good few minutes to get going.  Basically, the Cartwheel app is just a place chock full of mobile coupons.  You can browse the categories, which are fairly descriptive, and select offers such as 5% off bagged apples, or 15% off Cherokee tops for boys.

When you choose an offer it goes into your "Cartwheel."

You get so many "slots" to put your offers in, and as you continue to use Cartwheel you can open up more slots to save.  When you go to the check out, the cashier scans the Cartwheel barcode on your phone to apply your savings and discounts. 

You don't fumble with coupons, you just flash your Cartwheel barcode. 

Cartwheel offers aren't going to save you thousands, but I've saved about $20.00 in the last three weeks, which is pretty nifty.  The app has become a "see how much I can save with Cartwheel" game. 

Cartwheel offers can be combined with coupons, sales and Redcard savings, which adds up to even more cash in your wallet.  If you're a Target shopper, consider downloading Cartwheel, because using it will make you even happier in Target.

Hard to believe, but true.

For the record Target has no idea who I am.  Well, the local Target does because I'm there every day.  I'm just saying that I shared this because I love to save.

And I know you do too.

Happy weekend.  Try the Cartwheel app and let me know what you think!

Check out my post "Save BIG at Target" for even more moneysaving tips!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

My Favorite (Random) Household Tips

I'm starting to feel like a Pinterest spokesperson.  Pinterest is my "go-to" for the best tips, recipes, decorating ideas and useless information.

It's addicting, and lately I'm very selective about pins I like and pins I actually "pin,"  like some kind of Pinterest snob.

Here, are some of my favorite "Household Tips" from Pinterest.  Some of them, like the dry erase marker on the washer, are perfect for my house.  Just last trip down the beach I shrunk my sister-in-law's brand new crochet sweater to the size of a babydoll dress.

It happens.  Often.

1.  Wrinkly clothes?  Toss them in the dryer with a few ice cubes for five minutes.

2.  A hot spoon on a mosquito bite stops the reaction, and the itch.

3. Make a homemade ice pack: 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water, gets really cold, but never hardens so you can manipulate it.  

4. Glue a magnetic strip inside a drawer to hold your bobby pins.

5. Have an item that can't be dried in the washer (like a crochet sweater that isn't yours)?  Keep a dry erase marker with your laundry detergent and write on the washing machine item that needs to be removed before drying.

6. Put your pancake mix in a squeeze bottle...no more messy ladles.

7. Heal paper cuts and stop the sting with chapstick.

8.  Line a paint tray with a plastic bag...no more washing messy paint!

9. Use cupcake liners under Popsicle (poke stick through) for little ones.  No more sticky hands.

10.Toothpaste has many powers.  Use it to remove crayon marks from a wall, whiten the soles of your sneakers and deodorize your hands (ever cut an onion?)

On another note, have a fab Friday.  The weekend, my friends, is upon us!

Cheers!

I'm starting to feel like a Pinterest spokesperson.  Pinterest is my "go-to" for the best tips, recipes, decorating ideas and useless information.

It's addicting, and lately I'm very selective about pins I like and pins I actually "pin,"  like some kind of Pinterest snob.

Here, are some of my favorite "Household Tips" from Pinterest.  Some of them, like the dry erase marker on the washer, are perfect for my house.  Just last trip down the beach I shrunk my sister-in-law's brand new crochet sweater to the size of a babydoll dress.

It happens.  Often.

1.  Wrinkly clothes?  Toss them in the dryer with a few ice cubes for five minutes.

2.  A hot spoon on a mosquito bite stops the reaction, and the itch.

3. Make a homemade ice pack: 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water, gets really cold, but never hardens so you can manipulate it.  

4. Glue a magnetic strip inside a drawer to hold your bobby pins.

5. Have an item that can't be dried in the washer (like a crochet sweater that isn't yours)?  Keep a dry erase marker with your laundry detergent and write on the washing machine item that needs to be removed before drying.

6. Put your pancake mix in a squeeze bottle...no more messy ladles.

7. Heal paper cuts and stop the sting with chapstick.

8.  Line a paint tray with a plastic bag...no more washing messy paint!

9. Use cupcake liners under Popsicle (poke stick through) for little ones.  No more sticky hands.

10.Toothpaste has many powers.  Use it to remove crayon marks from a wall, whiten the soles of your sneakers and deodorize your hands (ever cut an onion?)

On another note, have a fab Friday.  The weekend, my friends, is upon us!

Cheers!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

God's Country

I've heard Pennsylvania is nicknamed "God's Country."  I'm not sure if it's the whole state or just a county, but someone somewhere decided Pennsylvania was worthy of the name.

I must admit, it is beautiful.  I'm more of a beach gal, but rolling hills and Amish farms do have their appeal.  We just returned from a whirlwind two days in the great state of Pennsylvania, visiting our new town.  We tried a new gymnastics facility, walked the elementary school and attended baseball practices.

I also made it a priority to locate and try the nearest Starbucks.  Check and check.

After a day navigating country roads, I was much more comfortable than when I first arrived.  Usually Hubby does the driving, and this time I had to drive the circus out to meet him in PA.  And because he is a working man, I had to find my way to and from every place I took the kids for two days.

We passed Amish buggies, signs for fresh eggs and plenty of cows.  We found landmarks to remember where to turn and I made a mental note to refrain from night driving for the first several months.

The upside?  The kids are getting used to the idea of life in PA.  They are slowly meeting more kids with every trip we take, and they are more comfortable now that they've seen the school, the ballfields and the gym.  They know they will be okay, and I do too.

The downside?  We are leaving behind a solid group of friends and a fabulous community.  We are saying "See ya later" to fun carpools, summer days at the pool and autumn nights at the football field.

We are also going to be farther from my parents than I ever wanted to be in my whole life.  Ever.

But as a wise neighbor once told me many years ago, the one constant in life is change.  We need to roll with the punches and look forward to the adventure ahead.

We're closing in on our big move, and we're just about, almost ready.

Happy Easter everyone!

I've heard Pennsylvania is nicknamed "God's Country."  I'm not sure if it's the whole state or just a county, but someone somewhere decided Pennsylvania was worthy of the name.

I must admit, it is beautiful.  I'm more of a beach gal, but rolling hills and Amish farms do have their appeal.  We just returned from a whirlwind two days in the great state of Pennsylvania, visiting our new town.  We tried a new gymnastics facility, walked the elementary school and attended baseball practices.

I also made it a priority to locate and try the nearest Starbucks.  Check and check.

After a day navigating country roads, I was much more comfortable than when I first arrived.  Usually Hubby does the driving, and this time I had to drive the circus out to meet him in PA.  And because he is a working man, I had to find my way to and from every place I took the kids for two days.

We passed Amish buggies, signs for fresh eggs and plenty of cows.  We found landmarks to remember where to turn and I made a mental note to refrain from night driving for the first several months.

The upside?  The kids are getting used to the idea of life in PA.  They are slowly meeting more kids with every trip we take, and they are more comfortable now that they've seen the school, the ballfields and the gym.  They know they will be okay, and I do too.

The downside?  We are leaving behind a solid group of friends and a fabulous community.  We are saying "See ya later" to fun carpools, summer days at the pool and autumn nights at the football field.

We are also going to be farther from my parents than I ever wanted to be in my whole life.  Ever.

But as a wise neighbor once told me many years ago, the one constant in life is change.  We need to roll with the punches and look forward to the adventure ahead.

We're closing in on our big move, and we're just about, almost ready.

Happy Easter everyone!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

4o Easter Basket Ideas

*an Easter worthy archive*

When I was a kid, my Easter baskets were cellophaned to the sky and stuffed with goodies galore.  I have pictures of me as a toddler, holding my basket in my little nightgown, and the basket was taller than I was.

Along with the gifts, my basket always had those hollow sugar eggs with the ornate "scene" inside.  Do you remember those?  They had exquisite sugar decorations on the outside and an intriguing little diorama inside.  They were the most coveted Easter treat in our house.  They amazed us; only the bunny could make something so magical.

My parents always did holidays big.  Birthdays too.  With six kids the daily grind was often hectic, and there was little time (and money) for eating out or special "just because" gifts.  But we knew on Easter, the bunny was bringin' the goods.  And the night before, we went to bed with butterflies in our tummies excited for Easter morn.

These memories are some of my most cherished, hunting for eggs in my pajamas and searching the house for my basket.  

One year my brother's was in the oven.

With money tight these days, and the economy still struggling, huge holidays are a challenge.  I am a big fan of after Christmas sales to stock up on toys for Easter and birthdays.  I also watch for clearance year round, and scour the $1 spot at Target for smaller goodies.  

Below I am sharing my favorite basket stuffers, large and small.

40 Easter Basket Stuffers

1.  Chocolate bunny (every basket needs a chocolate bunny.  Melt these down after Easter and dip strawberries for an after dinner dessert)
2. Stuffed animals
3.  Bubbles
4.  Chalk
5.  Coloring books
6.  Small figures
7.  Books
8.  Lip gloss/chapstick
9.  Flip flops
10.  bathing suit
11.  beach towels
12.  Tee shirt (think favorite baseball team, or something glittery for the girls)
13.  Hair accessories
14.  Water guns
15.  Plush football/baseball
16.  Water bottles for sports
17.  itunes gift card
18.  Magazines (American Girl, NFL Magazine, Highlights)
19.  Pajamas
20.  Markers
21.  Small dry erase board
22.  Wiffleball and bat
23.  Small Lego set
24.  Puzzle
25.  Seeds for a garden
26.  Gardening gloves for kids
27.  Sand toys
28.  Movie ticket vouchers/giftcard
29   Play make up/think dress up masks for boys
30.  Nail polish/decals
31.  Puppets
32.  baseball/football cards
33.  Bracelets/play jewelry
34.  Sticker books/stickers
35.  Slippers
36.  Jump rope
37.  Craft sets
38.  Sunglasses
39.  Wind up toys
40.  LOTS of candy.  They are only kids once!

Happy Basket Stuffing!

Like this post?

*an Easter worthy archive*

When I was a kid, my Easter baskets were cellophaned to the sky and stuffed with goodies galore.  I have pictures of me as a toddler, holding my basket in my little nightgown, and the basket was taller than I was.

Along with the gifts, my basket always had those hollow sugar eggs with the ornate "scene" inside.  Do you remember those?  They had exquisite sugar decorations on the outside and an intriguing little diorama inside.  They were the most coveted Easter treat in our house.  They amazed us; only the bunny could make something so magical.

My parents always did holidays big.  Birthdays too.  With six kids the daily grind was often hectic, and there was little time (and money) for eating out or special "just because" gifts.  But we knew on Easter, the bunny was bringin' the goods.  And the night before, we went to bed with butterflies in our tummies excited for Easter morn.

These memories are some of my most cherished, hunting for eggs in my pajamas and searching the house for my basket.  

One year my brother's was in the oven.

With money tight these days, and the economy still struggling, huge holidays are a challenge.  I am a big fan of after Christmas sales to stock up on toys for Easter and birthdays.  I also watch for clearance year round, and scour the $1 spot at Target for smaller goodies.  

Below I am sharing my favorite basket stuffers, large and small.

40 Easter Basket Stuffers

1.  Chocolate bunny (every basket needs a chocolate bunny.  Melt these down after Easter and dip strawberries for an after dinner dessert)
2. Stuffed animals
3.  Bubbles
4.  Chalk
5.  Coloring books
6.  Small figures
7.  Books
8.  Lip gloss/chapstick
9.  Flip flops
10.  bathing suit
11.  beach towels
12.  Tee shirt (think favorite baseball team, or something glittery for the girls)
13.  Hair accessories
14.  Water guns
15.  Plush football/baseball
16.  Water bottles for sports
17.  itunes gift card
18.  Magazines (American Girl, NFL Magazine, Highlights)
19.  Pajamas
20.  Markers
21.  Small dry erase board
22.  Wiffleball and bat
23.  Small Lego set
24.  Puzzle
25.  Seeds for a garden
26.  Gardening gloves for kids
27.  Sand toys
28.  Movie ticket vouchers/giftcard
29   Play make up/think dress up masks for boys
30.  Nail polish/decals
31.  Puppets
32.  baseball/football cards
33.  Bracelets/play jewelry
34.  Sticker books/stickers
35.  Slippers
36.  Jump rope
37.  Craft sets
38.  Sunglasses
39.  Wind up toys
40.  LOTS of candy.  They are only kids once!

Happy Basket Stuffing!

Like this post?

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Easter Egg Hunt: What to Stuff in all Those Eggs

We love a good Easter egg hunt.  The bunny stays up late the night before Easter because he's never quite prepared, and he stuffs eggs with all sorts of goodies.  This takes time.  It takes time because stuffing eggs requires creativity, and the bunny needs to stuff quite a few eggs to make an egg hunt interesting in our yard.

Forty eggs, stuffed with goodies, is no fun when four munchkins are all hunting.  That gives each munchkin ten if they hunt at the same rate.

We all know that older munchkins hunt much faster than younger munchkins. 

The bunny stuffs about eighty eggs to ensure the egg hunt lasts more than a minute, and that each munchkin finds more than two eggs.

That being said, there is only so much that can fit inside a plastic Easter egg.  Yes, candy is king.  Candy is grand.  But how much candy does one munchkin really need on Easter?

Below are my top ten goodies to stuff inside Easter eggs (courtesy of the Easter Bunny, of course):

1.  Small candy such as chocolate eggs
2.  Necklaces/bracelets (buy them in packs of 10-12 in the party aisle)
3.  Rings (Ring Pops included)
4.  Bouncy balls
5.  Stickers
6.  Tattoos
7.  Coins/money
8.  Mini erasers
9.  Squinkies (they are the perfect size!)

And my absolute favorite egg stuffing item?

10. Tickets.

The bunny prints tickets for special items such as an extra dessert after dinner, or a trip to the Dollar Store.  These tickets are uber exciting for munchkins, they don't cost the Easter bunny any money, and they make life interesting.

My munchkins lock up their tickets and redeem them as they wish.  We take trips for ice cream, pack extra desserts in school lunches and even take trips to the batting cages.  And the driving range.  We have family movie nights and picnics in the yard.

We also cringe every few weekends when a munchkin whips out the almighty "stay up late ticket."

"Hey Mom... since there is no school tomorrow, tonight I'm using my ticket to stay up until 10pm!"

Dang Bunny. 

Happy Easter Egg Hunt Planning!

*this is from my archives.  I am suffering from vacation brain*

We love a good Easter egg hunt.  The bunny stays up late the night before Easter because he's never quite prepared, and he stuffs eggs with all sorts of goodies.  This takes time.  It takes time because stuffing eggs requires creativity, and the bunny needs to stuff quite a few eggs to make an egg hunt interesting in our yard.

Forty eggs, stuffed with goodies, is no fun when four munchkins are all hunting.  That gives each munchkin ten if they hunt at the same rate.

We all know that older munchkins hunt much faster than younger munchkins. 

The bunny stuffs about eighty eggs to ensure the egg hunt lasts more than a minute, and that each munchkin finds more than two eggs.

That being said, there is only so much that can fit inside a plastic Easter egg.  Yes, candy is king.  Candy is grand.  But how much candy does one munchkin really need on Easter?

Below are my top ten goodies to stuff inside Easter eggs (courtesy of the Easter Bunny, of course):

1.  Small candy such as chocolate eggs
2.  Necklaces/bracelets (buy them in packs of 10-12 in the party aisle)
3.  Rings (Ring Pops included)
4.  Bouncy balls
5.  Stickers
6.  Tattoos
7.  Coins/money
8.  Mini erasers
9.  Squinkies (they are the perfect size!)

And my absolute favorite egg stuffing item?

10. Tickets.

The bunny prints tickets for special items such as an extra dessert after dinner, or a trip to the Dollar Store.  These tickets are uber exciting for munchkins, they don't cost the Easter bunny any money, and they make life interesting.

My munchkins lock up their tickets and redeem them as they wish.  We take trips for ice cream, pack extra desserts in school lunches and even take trips to the batting cages.  And the driving range.  We have family movie nights and picnics in the yard.

We also cringe every few weekends when a munchkin whips out the almighty "stay up late ticket."

"Hey Mom... since there is no school tomorrow, tonight I'm using my ticket to stay up until 10pm!"

Dang Bunny. 

Happy Easter Egg Hunt Planning!

*this is from my archives.  I am suffering from vacation brain*

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S'mores

S'mores are just about the best summer dessert.  After a barbeque, you toast them up over the grill.  Or you make them camping.  Or you make them after dinner for no reason at all.

Over winter break, we made them in our oven.  After two snowstorms in seven days we needed something to pick us up out of our "snowed in" mode. 

I put graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate chips on our kitchen table.  Each munchkin sat in front of a piece of tinfoil, and they were allowed to assemble own their s'mores.

LLG prefers very little marshmallows, and more chocolate.

The others like a good balance of chocolate and marshmallow.

I don't care how it's made as long as I get to eat it.

Either way, s'more making was super easy and fun.  No major prep, no major cleanup, and the kiddos enjoyed making their own dessert.  After everyone had assembled their s'mores, we wrapped them tight, marked the tinfoil with an initial, and tossed them into the oven.

Just five to ten minutes later, we had dessert that took us back to lazy days and warm nights.  Fabulous.

A few more weeks and we'll be closing in on Spring.  The birds will be singing and the sun will be shining.  Until then hang in there.  And make some s'mores.

Cheers!

S'mores are just about the best summer dessert.  After a barbeque, you toast them up over the grill.  Or you make them camping.  Or you make them after dinner for no reason at all.

Over winter break, we made them in our oven.  After two snowstorms in seven days we needed something to pick us up out of our "snowed in" mode. 

I put graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate chips on our kitchen table.  Each munchkin sat in front of a piece of tinfoil, and they were allowed to assemble own their s'mores.

LLG prefers very little marshmallows, and more chocolate.

The others like a good balance of chocolate and marshmallow.

I don't care how it's made as long as I get to eat it.

Either way, s'more making was super easy and fun.  No major prep, no major cleanup, and the kiddos enjoyed making their own dessert.  After everyone had assembled their s'mores, we wrapped them tight, marked the tinfoil with an initial, and tossed them into the oven.

Just five to ten minutes later, we had dessert that took us back to lazy days and warm nights.  Fabulous.

A few more weeks and we'll be closing in on Spring.  The birds will be singing and the sun will be shining.  Until then hang in there.  And make some s'mores.

Cheers!

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