Easter Art for the Littles

Spring Break is here and almost over (I can't believe it!).  I thought I would share some of the cool projects I prepped for Ethan's TK class.  I did some of them with Weston, who is three.  But, if you need some fun ideas and your kids are driving you crazy. . . here are some ideas.  

1. Scrap paper Bunnies.  

The hump in between the ears is a baseball hat, because Ethan didn't want a bow.  

2.  Pom Pom Easter Eggs

Attatch different sizes and textures of pop poms to close pins and start painting.  Super fun for all ages!

3.  Easter Bunny Basket
A little bit more difficult, but super cute!

4.  Easter Basket for holding eggs found at the class Easter Egg Hunt

Happy Easter!!!!  What have you been doing this week to be creative?

Sprinkles make everything better! {Granola Bars}

Sprinkles are kind of an obsession.  I have a whole shelf of them, because seriously sprinkles just make everything better.  I am sure you would agree.  

We eat a lot of granola bars around here.  In fact, they are kind of a necessity for lunches.  However, one week we were out honey, which is one of the major ingredients for our usual recipe, but I found this recipe and happened to have a different ingredient. . . one that was not only unexpected, but also something I had in the pantry: Yellow Cake Mix! These were a big hit, especially by the Ethan.  I will definitely be making these again in the very near future.   And you probably have sprinkles in the cupboard. . . for ice cream. . . you know the ones?

I got the thumbs up by this one. . . that's BIG in my house!

Cake Batter Granola Bars
from le Crem de la crumb

Ingredients:
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup light Karo Syrup
2 cups oatmeal
3 Tbsp oil
1/2 cup cake batter mix (as in the dry stuff, out of the box, nothing added)
2-4 tbsp sprinkles

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325.  Spray an 8x8 inch pan with cooking spray.  Mix together the first 5 ingredients.  Then, gently mix in sprinkles.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

I like to store mine individually in snack bags and I have a counter jar that holds granola bars specifically.

Monday Meanderings {Beach Edition}

It's Spring Break and I am at the Beach.  Be jealous.  Seriously, though.  This has been one of the most relaxing weeks ever.  And the kids are here, too.  Yep.  Relaxing.  You can follow my adventure on Instagram if you find that sort of thing interesting.  Probably not though, because seriously I am relaxing and enjoying life.  I'm even reading a book I've read multiple times before.  

So, here are some things I encourage you to do or read:

:: play with this.  This site will come up with some really funny status updates for your social media accounts.  Or just give you a fun laugh. . . It's Monday.  You might need a laugh right now. 

:: Make these cookies. . . I made them and they are all gone.  They are my favorites! I blogged about them here a long time ago, and they continually are my favorites!  They are also super simple!

:: I am re-reading the Cheney Duvall series.  If you like Historical Fiction, I highly recommend them!  I've been reading them over and over again for years.  I just don't get sick of them!

:: We will be making these again this year. . . can't wait!

:: And, I think this idea is so awesome!  I'm wondering if I can still do it. 

And that's about it. .  . because, really, I'm on vacation and not doing much of anything.  I've scheduled some super yummy and fun posts for this week.  Enjoy your week and Happy Easter!  

Easter Treats and Printables {Free!!}

I may have mentioned before that I am a procrastinator.  It's true.  Very true.  Once both kids are in school, I am NOT going to be able to this the night before. . . or I just may not sleep.  I do pretty good on little sleep.

Today is the last day of school. . . for 10 whole days!!!!!  Then starts the countdown to Summer. . . and that's just a whole other thing.  Let's forget about that for a minute and get back to today.  Before we head out of town, our TK'er will participate in a fun Easter egg hung and all sorts of fun Easter activities.  It's going to be a super fun day!

So I whipped up some fun treat toppers, using my new favorite color scheme: blue and coral.  You got that memo, right?  It really is the new trend!  My kids spring wardrobe can prove it!

And found these cute tins at Target (dollar spot!!) and added some vinyl from my stash to make it a bit more personal.  Inside are Cadbury eggs: both white and milk chocolate of course!  Then, I added a quick tag in the colors that I wanted.

And then there are these two!  Cute kids for a fun morning!  

Click Here to get the gift tags.

I made one for teacher, teacher's aid, neighbor, and friend.  Because we can all use a treat! 

Click Here to get the treat toppers. 

There are four to a page.  Enjoy!

Easy Date Night Caramel Corn

When I was pregnant with Weston the one thing I craved the most was caramel corn. Not that lovely red box of cracker jax box, though.  That yummy crunch-a-munch box that every now and then graced the dollar spot sections at Target was where my heart was. And a bag of moose munch.  I probably had a problem.  Seriously.

I really do like making caramel corn.  I mean there are some great recipes (some even on this blog) out there.  But last weekend, I wanted a yummy treat to watch a movie with the hubs, but didn't want to spend a ton of time making caramel corn and I didn't just want Kettle Corn.  It was quite a predicament.  But, thank goodness, I found a recipe that really hit the spot.  Seriously, I would have never guessed that marshmallows would be an ingredient the would make a lovely, crunchy caramel corn.  I confess, I really thought it was going to end up more like a rice krispy treat.  But, now I am not sure I will use anything different.  

Did I mention that I am still eating them. . . a couple days later and they are even better. . . just like a box of crunch-a-munch.  Okay.  I have a problem.  Get me help.  Please!

Caramel Corn

adapted from here

Ingredients:

1 bag of popped microwave popcorn

1 cup (heaping) mini marshmallows

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 stick of butter

Directions:

Pour your popped popcorn into a large bowl, so you will be able to stir it without it all falling out.  This is VERY important, or you will have popcorn and caramel all over your floor. . . Trust me on this!

In another, smaller and microwave safe bowl (I recommend one of those 4 cup Pyrex measuring cups, because it's going to get foamy).  Melt your butter.  Then add brown sugar and marshmallows. Microwave for 1 minute.  Stir and return to microwave.  Repeat. Microwave again for 2 more minutes. Whisk until smooth.  Pour over popcorn and stir carefully.  

Pour out onto a lined baking sheet and let rest.  Just a few minutes will do.  Break apart and eat.

If you are looking for more caramel corn ideas, check out this one:

  cinnamon bun caramel popcorn with pecans

Monday Meanderings

It's Monday.  5 more days until the Spring Break officially begins!  I am determined not to leave my house in the condition that it is currently in.  Seriously, I have purged, created messes, and have been in the middle of so many projects that I just want my house to be clean.  On that note, I ordered this steam mop tonight.  I am so excited for it. . . which is weird because I really didn't think you could get excited about mopping. . . but you can.  Trust me!

I have been doing some experimenting in the kitchen and so expect some yummy recipes coming your way!

I also have been playing with my blog design.  Bear with me as I am trying to make some improvements.

Did I mention that I am going on vacation soon?  I am so ready for some time at the beach!  The salty air is calling me.

I am loving this article from Good Housekeeping. You should read it. . . especially if you find yourself on my blog.

I have a problem with putting things in boxes with lids.  I really need to put labels on things.  In the end, my house is going to be very organized.

I really need to sit down and make some cards. And scrapbook.  I just bought the sleeves for my Project Life Album.  I should probably start on that.  And my kids albums.  This is kind of a must since Ethan needs to have pictures for his class after Easter.  Yikes.  Lots to do!

I decided to host a brunch to get to know the moms in Ethan's class a lot better.  I am praying that some come.  I am still trying to decide if I am going to make muffins or scones or maybe both. . . thoughts?

I am working on adding some decor to our house.  And painting my kitchen cabinets.  I sometimes feel like I need more time.

Oh, and I just started Angela Thomas' Brave study.  It is so good!  I highly recommend it!

Have a great week!

Spring Art for the littles {flowers}

I am knee deep in yard sale prep.  I have piles around the house from purging.  It's going to be a good thing.  I keep telling myself that anyways.  Feel free to join in, because even though I feel like I have been working on the house, it's still a complete disaster and driving me crazy!

In the meantime, I will share these that just got put up in Ethan's class. I am seriously loving using my teaching skills to NOT teach, but help out my son's teacher.  Here are some of things I prepped for Flowers.

The colorful tulips are probably one of my favorites!  They are just forks! The stems are just drawn with paint brushes.

The Lupines are the student's fingerprints with construction paper stems that they had to cut out.

These flowers are just construction paper flowers that I traced for the kids to cut out and glue.  I love how each one has it's own personality, just like the students! 

I can't wait to show you the Easter art that I prepped last night.  They are going to be sooo cute!  

I hope you have a great weekend!