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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Celebrating Mardi Gras With Your Kids


This post contains affiliate links at NO extra cost to you,I just like sharing the things that I love and worked for me. Thanks 


Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras! My girls have learned a little about this fun holiday through the Marie Grace and Cecile American Girl books they have been reading. In the books, the two girls live in New Orleans during the 1850's, speak French and have exposure to various cultural celebrations.

Over the last few months we have learned new French words, made French beignets, sampled New Orleans/Cajun cuisine and most recently made masks for Mardi Gras. It has been fun learning about history, different cultures and celebrations through the American Girl books together.

Here are some pictures of the girls and their masks. The masks were made by cutting out a mask shape from an empty cereal box, stapling a craft stick to one side and letting the kids decorate the masks with anything they wanted (feathers were a big hit!)




There are some great crafts besides making awesome Mardi Gras masks you can do with your kids to celebrate with them. I'd love to hear what you will be doing with your kids on Fat Tuesday - leave a comment or picture below.



Wednesday, February 22, 2017

The Best Pumpkin Muffin Recipe


Pumpkin Muffins Rock!

I have been using this recipe all fall and winter and everyone here just LOVES it! The muffins are soft, full of pumpkin flavor and the crumble sends it over the top! These muffins don't last long around here and I bet you will have the same problem at your house too. 

This is a simple recipe that uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. So what are you waiting for get those mixing bowls out get baking!

Click HERE for the pdf version of this recipe

enjoy,
Erin

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

10 Simple Valentine's Day Desserts



Looking for some special Valentine's Day desserts to serve your family or friends to show you love them? Here is a list of 10 simple Valentine's Day desserts that are sure to please everyone.







1. Homemade Italian Cream Sodas: These "kid friendly" drinks are a great way to start off your meal or serve after dinner as an after dinner "mock"cocktail. (via Butter With a Side of Bread)




2. Chocolate Fondue: Simple yet so very elegant! Use dark chocolate to boost your antioxidant intake along with a variety of fruits to dip into it and you have a fairly healthy yet decadent dessert. (via Fox and Briar)



3. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes: This is two desserts in one, a cupcake + a chocolate covered strawberry! What is not to love. (via Lil Luna)





4. Individual Fruit Chocolate Brownie Trifles: A mouthwatering combination of gooey brownie, light fluffy cool whip and raspberries. (via Just A Taste)



5. Heart Macarons: Such a sweet little treat to finish off a Valentine's Day meal. (via Liv For Cake)



6. Amaretto Truffles: These look complicated but I promise this simple recipe whips together quickly and tastes amazing. (via Lazy Cat Kitchen)



7. Chocolate Chip Blondies: Here is a simple cookie recipe you can even make a ahead! A heart shaped cookie cutter adds a little pizzaz to this sweet dessert. (via Cooking Classy)



8. Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salt from the pretzel just enhances the chocolate flavor making this one of my favorite treats. You can customize the sprinkles or toppings to your liking. Oh, and it is super easy to make! (via Love From The Oven)



9. XOXO Rice Krispie Treats: Looking for a gluten free and nut free dessert? Rice krispie treats are a winner! You can color them and shape them into a variety of Valentine themed shapes too. (via Two Sisters Crafting)



10. Cherry Delight: Doesn't this just look amazing! The name says it all DELIGHT! (via Life In The Lofthouse)

Happy Valentine's Day to you! I'd love to hear (or see) what dessert you serve this Valentine's Day to your friends and loved ones. 

xoxo
Erin

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Etsy Finds

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Baby, it's cold outside!! Really, truly COLD - 8F on the thermometer this morning.

Yikes. Spring is a few months away yet so winter clothing and accessories are what I'm all about in an attempt to keep warm. If you are looking for a great scarf to accessorize an outfit with as well as one that will truly help keep the chill of your neck I have found what you are looking for!

This little Etsy shop Sweet2Sisters has some really great scarfs for sale. They are all handmade, knitted and super cute! Here is my favorite -

Arm knit infinity scarf, blue and brown

I have a few of their scarves and just love the soft texture, colors and how they look when I wear them.

Stay warm my friends!