As a parent, we have all had long nights of helping sick kids. Managing a toddler for 1 or 2 nights is much easier than managing a baby for weeks on end, not knowing exactly what’s bothering them. Last night, just as I was falling asleep, I heard Carter crying,”runny nose, runny nose, runny nose.” I knew I’d be spending the night with him so my hub’s could get a solid night of sleep; he has people’s lives in his hands, he needs the sleep! If I’m up all night, I just plan a low key day the next day. And that is exactly what we are doing right now…
Homemade PSL, You're Welcome.
Starbucks makes a pretty delicious PSL; however, the homemade version is pretty darn good, and easy as well. Below is a big batch method, too, so you can make it on the weekend and enjoy all week long at work. Here’s what I did. I’ll also put a cheat recipe below if you’re short on time. Enjoy, fall is just 6 days away. Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients 2 TBSP canned Pumpkin 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus a sprinkle for garnish fresh ground black pepper 2 TBSP granulated sugar 2 TBSP pure vanilla extract, like penzeys 2 Cups Whole milk, or whatever you like 1-2 shots espresso, about 1/4 cup or…
The Classic Bento
Carter hasn’t been into eating well at school since he’s so exxited to be able to eat with friends. Ive packed their favorite things for tomorrow. They are currently playing pirate. Arrrr Matey. Boars Head ham Veggie chips Green Beans Strawberry Provolone cheese Chocolate soynut butter Soynut and jelly sandwich Hope your week is going great!! Maybe I’ll have time to write a real post soon!
Disney Veggie Chips
Is it just me, or does it seem like Disney owns everything? In search of a veggie chip or straws, I found these Mickey Mouse shaped veggie chips at Hy-Vee today. Speaking of Hy-Vee, have you tried their freezer meals workshops? For around $100, I just made 7 freezer meals in one hour. It is by far the most cost effective and efficient way to prepare meals for the week. They are all very healthy as well. Just add your choice of fresh vegetables or fruit. I’m very grateful for this opportunity today, my week is starting off less stressed already. And with my chores now complete, it’s time for…
Our First Snack Week
Our snack week is approaching, and I decided to stock up while I was at Target today. These are all on our safe list! The simply balanced and Frozen Graham crackers are not on the “55 snack ideas list, but are totally safe! We found most of them in the seasonal section of target, and the fruit strips near the cereal. If you still need school supplies, they are all 30-50% off. I snagged a travel coffee mug so I can stop taking my ceramic one in the car. Happy Wednesday!
55 School Safe Snacks
With school in session and snack schedules assigned, I’ve had a lot of questions lately about what is considered a “safe” snack for the classroom for sharing. Most of us nut-free families prefer pre-packaged items to minimize cross contamination that can sometimes happen very easily in our home kitchens. Fresh Strawberries Bananas Pop tarts – check labels String cheese Go-gurts or any yogurt Applesauce Boom chicka pop – pop corn Tostitos tortilla chips with mild salsa Carrot sticks Celery sticks Red pepper sticks Plain hummus (look for pine-nut free kinds, Boars Head, etc.) pre-packaged rice krispie treats NutriGrain Bars (must be the NutriGrain brand) Plain Raisins (coated are NOT safe)…
Biscoff European Cookies
This morning we made Stonewall Kitchen waffles in the waffle maker my Dad and Mary gave my husband for Christmas last year. As a treat for dunking in coffee and milk, we also decided to try Biscoff Cookies. Biscoff is made in a 100% nut-free facility and is a nut-free cookie. We like ginger snaps, but none of them are deemed safe! Biscoff is a nice alternative, and also served on my favorite airline, Delta! Have a relaxing Monday!
Bisquick Pancakes
Chloe chose these heart plates for a “lovely” Saturday morning breakfast. We had some friends over last night for wine and snacks. I guess you could say that I was not expecting the 5:50am Carter Alarm clock to go off, but there he was, just like any other day, “MAAAAAAM. Breakfast. I’m hungry.” Bisquick is SAFE! So are most syrups, frozen fruits and whipped cream! For the leftovers, just stack the cooled pancakes in a Ziploc bag, freeze and pop in the toaster when you want to use them! Enjoy your day!
Chicken Taco Bento Lunchbox
Garden tomatoes Pre-chopped lettuce from Trader Joe’s Tostitos tortilla chips Kraft shredded cheddar Hyvee rotisserie chicken Raspberries Happy FriYAY! Enjoy your beautiful, long weekend!!?
SB+J Bento Lunchbox
We go to a 100% nut-free school, so soynut or sunbutter is what we use on sandwiches. We love the flavor of WOW butter. Some studies suggest too much soy can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, so we mix up soynut and sunbutter frequently. This bento contains: Small fruit salad of canned Mandarin oranges and raspberries. BoomChickaPop (or chicks chicks boom pop according to Carter) Sandwich made with Country Hearth wheat (safe) Carrot sticks For a small snack, we have a brownie cookie by Enjoy Life brand. Hoping Nati let’s that slide tomorrow. She’s a tough cookie (pun intended becuase I’m a nerd) when it comes to healthy…
Southwest Bento Lunchbox
Eating the least amount of processed foods is always our goal at meal time. It doesnt always happen, but we try. Here is what the kiddos have in their bento tomorrow. Usually we try to use leftovers. Remember last week’s chalkboard, I had black bean burriotos for dinner Tuesday night? We made a double batch to put some of the leftovers to good use: LUNCH. Toasted pita bread cut into triangles Boars Head hummus, plain (safe, no pine nuts) Black beans mixed with corn, onion and garlic Carrots Raspberries Dessert: that new snack I just blogged about Milk from school HAve a great night! I’m so tired after today, 8pm…
Safe Cookie Bars
This week we are trying a new flavor of School Safe Bars. Already tested their banana chocolate chip and brownie bars. Both delicious, without that weird “Nut-free” flavor other brands sometimes have. Enjoy the first day of school!!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
You won’t need to burn those Pumpkin Spice candles when you come home from work if this recipe is simmering in your crock pot. After being out and about at the Dane County Farmers Market Saturday, we came home to a lovely, fall-smelling home! This recipe took about 25 minutes of prep, which was very easy, and then simmered on low for 7 hours (or until you get home from work is fine, too) Ingredients Adapted from Cooking Light Magazine, September 2016 issue: 1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock 1 1/2 teaspoons sherry vinegar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Cooking spray 3/4 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-in. pieces 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed…
Safe Cliff/Luna Bars
Hopefully you had a great weekend and have started your Monday off with a giant mug of coffee or other delicious drink of choice. Today was our first FULL day of two kiddos in school. Still adjusting to just how quiet my van and home are during the day. A few tears were shed as we embrace this huge milestone in life. It’s exciting though, and both kids are loving their classes, teachers and new friends. How did I cope? Retail therapy. When I was taking my time grocery shopping today, I discovered that I was actually breathing, not holding my breath waiting for something to come crashing down by…
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