Unique lunch and after school snack ideas for kids
- These orange muffins are delicious, moist and easy to make. It uses the whole orange, which gives a bright and strong orange flavor.
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Category: Kids
Flower Pot Cookie Cups
Flower pot cookie cups are the perfect treat for celebrating spring
This post, flower pot cookie cups, is sponsored by Nellie’s Free Range Eggs. All opinions are mine alone.
I’ve shared before that the kids really enjoy participating in our backyard flower and vegetable garden. I thought it would be fun to celebrate spring and reward their hard work with a special after school treat: flower pot cookie cups.
No Candy Easter Basket Ideas
This is an #AD from Hasbro.
Poll: what was your favorite Easter gift? Our Easter Bunny mostly left candy, so the year he brought me roller skate adapters for my tennis shoes was an exciting one! As parents, I think we’re always trying to re-create that magic, and today’s post is all about that.
How to Naturally Dye Brown Easter Eggs
These natural dyes are food safe and work great for other natural tie dye projects!
Thank you to Nellie’s Free Range for sponsoring this post. All opinions are mine alone.
I’ve always wanted to experiment with using natural dyes to dye our hard boiled Easter eggs, but I’ve also been a little intimidated by the idea.
Over the last few years we’ve made the switch to exclusively using Nellie’s Free Range Eggs. Since their eggs come only from Certified Humane Free Range hens that live healthy, happy lives, I feel better about serving them to my family. So, it only seemed fitting that we would go the more natural route for egg dye this year.
But the big question was…can you dye brown eggs? The answer is, yes! It creates even deeper natural tones, and I’m going to show you how! Continue reading
15 Kid Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Treats
These St Patrick’s Day treats are almost as sweet as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
St. Patrick’s Day is often known for its festivities and libations, but these kid friendly St Patrick’s Day Treats are perfect for classroom parties, scavenger hunts, or preparing together at home.
Made with Lucky Charms cereal, quick cooking oats, and white chocolate chips, these no-bake Lucky Charms Granola Bars from We are not Martha are a fun special treat for your loved ones at St. Patrick’s Day and year round!
Play with your food: Ladybug on Grass Open Faced Avocado Sandwich
This post and lunch idea, Ladybug on Grass Open Faced Avocado Sandwich, is sponsored by Babbleboxx on behalf of Brownberry Organic White made with Whole Wheat Bread.
One thing I’ve really loved about virtual school this year is the little moments I have with the kids, like preparing lunches together. More time in the kitchen has helped them explore new food options and get more confident preparing their own creations.
Easy DIY Teacher Gifts
This post, easy DIY teacher gifts, is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of The Quaker Oats Company.
School is out and it’s officially time for the kids to take a break from e-learning and enjoy the summer. This spring, as we transitioned to e-learning, our school didn’t miss a beat.
Top 20 Best DIY Mother’s Day Gifts
Thoughtful, homemade Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
I know I can’t be the only one who wracks my brain for Mother’s Day gifts every. single. year. Not only do the moms in my life all live out of state from us, but we are on a super tight budget! Today, I’m sharing some of the best ideas I’ve found for the top 20 best DIY Mother’s Day gifts on a budget.
- Homemade Watercolor Tea Towel – It doesn’t get any easier than this watercolor technique! Perfect for even the youngest kids to help out with. Even better, it makes such a pretty and practical gift!
- Bathtub Tray – I love this idea for a super simple DIY lucite bathtub tray! Totally waterproof, and matches any bathroom decor!
- Lavender Bath Soak – Take the Bathtub Tray idea up a notch by adding a relaxing Lavender Bath Soak and presenting it in a pretty jar. Get the recipe here.
- Cement Succulent Flower Pots – I’m still obsessed with these cement flower pots, and they are super easy to make! Cement doesn’t have to intimidating at all – check out this easy tutorial for creating your own!
- Garden Stone – We love to make handprint garden stones as precious markers of how the kids have grown over the years!
- Give her a hand – Okay, I really hope allll the husbands and kids out there are giving Mom a hand on Mother’s Day, but if you can’t be there to help, I love this simple idea for making life a little easier on Mom.
- Pamper Her with this DIY Leather Pouch – This no-sew leather pouch is easy to make and totally stylish and practical! Drop in a few of your favorite pampering gifts – like yummy hand lotion, or my favorite EVER lip balm for super dry lips (if you can get past the super crazy name!).
- Handwritten Heirloom Recipe Tea Towel – I absolutely love the idea of taking a handwritten heirloom recipe and putting it on a tea towel. Totally sentimental and useful. Check out how to make one here.
- Book Lover’s Gift Set – If she loves to read, give her a mini vacation basket, complete with a good book, chocolates, and a DIY leather bookmark. If you don’t sew – no worries! Just use a super strong, flexible all-purpose glue. Budget tip: upcycle an old purse from the thrift store to course your leather!
- Garden Gift Basket – This is attractive all on it’s own for a flower container, but I love this gift basket idea including custom garden markers and garden tools.
- Potted Picking Garden Flowers – I’ve been trying to grow my own flower picking garden, so lately I’ve been loving receiving peonies, hydrangeas, lilacs and more for Mother’s Day! Truly the gift that keeps on giving.
- Brunch – If you’re lucky enough to be with your mom for Mother’s Day, make her a special brunch (disclaimer: if you’re a mom yourself…schedule this for a day other than Mother’s Day so you can sleep in and get pampered by your kids!). I’m a huge fan of these Ham and Cheese brunch squares. Or, for something extra simple and a lot lighter, try these overnight Peaches ‘N Cream oats.
- Sunshine in a Basket – Okay, there just might be a floral theme on this list, but I’m obsessed with this cheerful gift basket idea. This collection of candles, chamomile, citrus, herbs, and a charming potted cactus would brighten anyone’s day.
- Framed photo or Photo Book – I mean, what mom wouldn’t love a photo of her kids or grandkids?
- Leaf Print Fabric – Am I overdoing it on the tea towel love in this list? Didn’t think so! ???? They are such a great idea because they are inexpensive, thoughtful, and practical! I love this idea for leaf printing on fabric for more charming tea towels.
- Send Flowers – I’ve often sent flowers, simply because it can be hard to give a special Mother’s Day gift from out of state. It’s not always frugal, but flowers are always a good idea! Click here to get 20% off from FTD.
- Something Sweet – My mom and I both have a serious sweet tooth, so I love this cool idea for saying it with ice cream! Whip up a batch of your favorite homemade ice cream (like creamy lemon vanilla or cookie dough frozen yogurt), add a few toppings, and top it with this cool gift tag.
- Handwritten Card – Trust me – you can’t go wrong with a caring, handwritten card. Let Mom and Grandma know just how much you love her, and list every. single. reason. why.
- Digital Frame – Okay, so this one isn’t truly DIY…or frugal, but I’m obsessed with this digital frame because multiple family members can update it in real time, right from their phones! And, it’s so stylish and sleek compared to the digital frames of yesterday.
- Last Minute Gift – If all else fails and you’ve totally blown it this Mother’s Day…well, Mom doesn’t have to know. Give her a call (or even better, show up in person), tell her how much you love her and bring a card with a gift card to buy whatever she wants. Amazon gift cards are always a good idea! Buy and print (or e-mail) one in minutes.
DIY Writing Skills Workbook
custom Writing Skills Workbook for less than $1
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlayWithPlaymobil #CollectiveBias
Create a custom writing skills workbook in minutes
When I was a young kid, I was blown away one day when my dad brought home a little toy doctor kit, little candies (aka pills – it was the 80’s, okay?) and flashcards for me.
Not an earth shattering story, right?
Except, my parents NEVER just brought home gifts for no reason, so it’s a memory that firmly planted itself in my mind.
Only recently, (many, many years later)I learned the rest of the story.
Lazy Mom’s Guide to Halloween Dinner
This post is sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Can you feel that? The chill in the air is already creeping in, and so are the Halloween decorations in every store I visit. As you’re well aware, I’m not a big fan of fall, but the holidays of the fall and winter seasons sure make the nip in the air a whole lot more tolerable.
While I do love delighting my kids with a fun themed meal every Halloween season, I don’t always have the same zest for pulling off the details.
Today I’m sharing my lazy mom’s guide to Halloween Dinner. I’m including three, super-simple ideas for pulling off that cute themed dinner, without the prep.
That’s right: if you’re decidedly *not* a Pinterest mom, this post is for you.
50 Totally Free Day Dates With Kids
50 Frugal (mostly indoor) activities to do with your kids
Looking for ways to spend more quality time with your kids, one-on-one? I’ve pulled together 50 totally unique and creative ideas for building memories and bonding with your kids.
Of course, you don’t need to have an expensive outing to get a little quality time in. That’s why these ideas are all frugal or free. 
The Best Advice I Can Give My Kids + Giveaway!
advice for kids this back to school season
This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of OshKosh B’gosh; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
If I can think of one piece of advice I’ve given to each of my kids multiple times over the years it’s this:
Family Friendly Getaway Weekend
Back To School Countdown Banner
Free Library Card Printables for pretend play
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BackToSchoolGoals18 #CollectiveBias
T-minus 1o days until school starts in our area, and we are not ready mentally…or emotionally…at all. I’m not that mom with the glass of champagne at the first day of school bus stop. I’ll miss the easy mornings of summer and the lack of homework and activities in the afternoon. Life is crazy enough with all of that, but what can you do?
For starters, we can prepare ourselves with a good old fashioned back to school countdown banner.
Printable Morning Routine Chart
Free Printable Back to School Morning Chart for Kids
This shop, Morning Routine Chart, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SnackToSchool #CollectiveBias
I can hardly believe I’m writing this post – but, believe it or not, school is almost back in session. HOW did the summer fly by so fast?? The more relaxed morning routine of summer will soon give way to the chaos of the school year, so today I’m sharing a Morning Routine Chart designed to make life a little easier.
Road Trip Travel Tricks for Moms
Printable Travel Journal and Car Activities for Kids
A big thank you to Firestone Auto Care for sponsoring my Road Trip Travel Tricks for Moms. As always, all opinions are mine alone.
Summer is road trip season, and our family is always on the go. Mr. Marigold and I are both from Iowa, so we try to get back as often as we can to visit our families. While that isn’t nearly as often as we like, it’s often enough to have perfected the art of traveling with three kids. Today I’m going to share my favorite road trip travel tricks for moms – including a free printable travel journal for kids.
Sew Pajama Pants from Vintage Sheets
Sew Pajama Pants in just 15 Minutes
If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time, you know that I love all things vintage. Lately, I’ve been especially fond of vintage sheets, afghans and quilts. I’m always brimming with ideas for repurposing these treasures, and I even sell my finds in my small Etsy Shop. Last year I shared an article with genius ways to repurpose vintage sheets, and I fell in love with the idea of sewing pajama pants from vintage sheets.
What could be better? The soft feel of summer sheets paired with gorgeous vintage patterns.
Peter Rabbit Party
Bunny Bar and Minute to Win it Games for garden party
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WelcomeToFamilyNight #PeterRabbit #CollectiveBias.
A few weeks ago, I shared about how our family has a weekly tradition of Family Movie Night. It’s something we look forward to every week, whether it’s an old throwback movie from my childhood, or we treat ourselves to a new movie.
Most times, it’s an excuse to veg out. Sometimes, we have fun taking our movie night to the next level.
Bless This Mess: Face Painting Kids’ Activity
Confessions of a (semi-) reformed Neat Freak Mom
I have a confession. I’m not a fun mom. I love to peruse Pinterest and find activities that my kids will enjoy, but when it comes to the actual DOING of the activities, I have a tendency to squash fun with my “clean as you go” mentality.
My oldest daughter is a creator. An artist. An, “I’ll just throw this over there in the corner” sort of gal.
The mom struggle is REAL.
However, there is real joy in seeing our kids develop and grow into individuals with unique abilities, talents and interests. I want to be the kind of mom who fosters those things, instead of stifling those things byf fostering my own unique interest in, well, cleanliness.
So, I took a leap at Christmas when I got my daughter a face painting kit. Just a basic kit with a few colors and instructions. You would have thought we’d given her the moon. She could NOT believe we would allow – even encourage – this activity.
Kid Friendly Honey Bread
Easy, Kid Friendly Honey Bread Recipe
Today I’m excited to share one of our family’s favorite recipes: Kid Friendly Honey Bread. I’ve been meaning to share this on the blog for, like, years, but just never got around to it.
Yes, the recipe is called kid friendly because my kids love to eat this bread. But, more importantly, this is a super easy recipe that your kids can make with you.