Some Days I’m A Bad Mom

This really got to me. In my eyes it’s 100% true and I think most mom’s can relate to this!

The Pinterested Parent

Some days I’m a good mom – I feed you veggies & fruit

I keep my calm & don’t yell, even when we’re in a dispute

Some days I’m a lazy mom – I stop at Mickey D’s

I talk on the phone & sit around & park you in front of the tv

Some days I’m the funny mom – I am silly when I talk

You laugh at me when I tell jokes that begin with Knock Knock

Some days I’m the mean mom – I can’t help but scream & shout

You look at me with tears in your eyes when I send you to time out

Some days I’m a nurturing mom – I dry your every tear

I hold you close & comfort you & let you know that I am near

Some days I am the jealous mom – Tonight you like daddy more

I smile with a tinge of…

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Best 10 Jello Shots!

1. Raspberry Lemonade Jello Shots

Double the flavor in just One bite! At the bottom, a tart lemony coat and a sweet Raspberry gel on top. It gives you an amazing combination. Check it out at DIY Ready!

2. Vodka Sunrise in Orange Wedge

Who would have ever thought you could use an orange peel in such an awesome way? Check it out at Kirtsy.

3. Strawberry Margaritas Jello Shooters

Little stuffed strawberries. They look pretty and they are delicious, what else cPina   you possibly ask for? You can find how to make these at Bakers Royale.

4. Pina Coolada Jello Shots

If you like Pina Coladas then these are for you! Get the how to over at That’s So Michelle!

5. German Chocolate Cake Shots

Cake infused vodka with butterscotch pudding and rum. If these sweet treats sound like something you would like head on over to The Jello Mold Mistress

6. Blackberry Gin & Sour Jello Shots

With an unexpected dash of gin, not much can go wrong when sweet meets sour! Check them out at My Thirsty Spot.

7. Watermelon Mint Jello Shot

Watermelon with a fresh taste of mint, combined with citrus infused vodka. Perfect for a hot summer day. Find it at E is for Eat.

8. Salted Caramel Jello Shot

Sweet, salty, creamy, and boozy. Another one from That’s so Michelle

9. Caramel Apple Jello Shots

Definitely one to try! Thank you to Food.com

10. Guiness and Baileys Jello Shots

St. Patrick’s Day may have come and gone already, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try these out now! Brit + Co has the how to on these!

 

 

Memorial Day Desserts

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. So I’m putting together a few dessert recipes that I’m wanting to try, but can’t really decide on one. Maybe you’ll even find the dessert you will use from this list, unless you’re like me and can’t make a decision to save your life. Then it’s the day of your Memorial Day Party / Cookout / Picnic and you’re scrambling to make a last minute decision. I guess the word would be procrastinator.. which is the ONE word I would use if someone asked me to describe myself using one word. I’d like to think procrastination and being a mother come hand in hand, but maybe that’s just me.

So the first recipe I found, is seems pretty simple… so if all else fails and I’m counting down the minutes until my guests arrive, this may be what I throw together just to get something festive out.

Red, White and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies – I found these over at Just A Taste

Patriotic Cake –  found at Createdby-Diane

Patriotic Jello Cookies –  Munchkin Munchies

 

No Bake Flag Cake – Mommy’s Kitchen

Red, White and Blue Tie-Dye Cake or Cupcakes! – Sally’s Baking Addiction

Red, White and Blue Fudge Stars – Hungry Happenings

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

So I went searching the internet yesterday to try and find a recipe for cookies. Something that was a little different from the basic (and now I think plain) chocolate chip cookies. My search took me from Pinterest to a website called Sally’s Baking Addiction, where I found, what I thought, were the most delicious looking cookies I had ever seen. I’m not joking, they looked that good. Now I made a batch of these cookies last night and they didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a recipe for the best cookie in the history forever, well I’m going to strongly suggest that you try these.

Just look at them! I don’t think I need to say another word about them.. I’ll just tell you what you need to make them, and how to make them. ** I did not come up with the recipe just sharing it because they are amazing. **

Go to Sally’s Baking Addiction for extra tips for this recipe. She also included a bonus recipe for red velvet crinkle cookies made from scratch, that I haven’t tried yet but look good. Seriously, just go check it out! 🙂 I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I did!

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (198g) all-purpose flour (careful not to over measure)
• 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar (or dark brown)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature*
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.5 Tablespoons red food coloring (liquid, gel, or 2 tsp beet powder alternative)*
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a few extra for after baking)

Directions:

Toss the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl as needed. Switch the mixer to medium speed and beat in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Once mixed, add the food coloring and beat until combined. Turn the mixer off and pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer on low and slowly beat until a very soft dough is formed. Beat in more food coloring if you’d like the dough to be redder. On low speed, beat in the chocolate chips. The dough will be sticky.

Cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (and up to 4-5 days– make sure you let the cookie dough sit out at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking if chilling for more than 1 day.). Chilling is mandatory.

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

Scoop 1.5 Tablespoons of dough and mold into a ball, as pictured above. Place 9 balls onto each baking sheet. Bake each batch for 10-11 minutes. The cookies may have only spread slightly, that is ok. Simply press down on the warm cookies to slightly flatten and form crinkles. Stick a few chocolate chips into the tops of the warm cookies (as explained in the post) – that’s optional and only for looks.

Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Cookies may be frozen for up to 2 months. Cookie dough may be frozen up to 2 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Cookie dough balls may be frozen up to 2 months. Bake for 1-2 extra minutes (do not thaw).

Frozen Spiked Bomb Pop

I don’t know about you, but when I was younger I absolutely loved Bomb Pops. It was the perfect cold treat to have in the Summer. Now as a mother I find myself buying these for my kids, and occasionally I’ll take one for myself and enjoy it with them!

But sometimes, grown ups need well… Grown up drinks. And what’s better than an adult drink that brings up happy childhood memories, and tastes amazing? Nothing, I can’t think of one thing. Beware, these go down super easy!

What you need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 4-6 cups ice
• 4 ounces blue raspberry vodka
• 3 ounces cherry vodka

What to do:

1. To make a simple syrup, combine sugar and water and heat in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves. Cool completely in refrigerator.
2. In a blender add clear vodka, lime juice, 2 ounces simple syrup, and 1½ cups of ice; blend on high until it reaches a “slush like” consistency, adding more ice if necessary. Pour into a container and place in the freezer.
3. Next, in the blender add blue raspberry vodka, 2 ounces simple syrup, and 1½ cups of ice; blend on high until desired consistency is reached, and pour into a container and place in freezer.
4. Then, in the blender add cherry vodka, 2 ounces simple syrup, and 1½ cups of ice; blend until desired consistency is reached and place into a container and place in freezer.
5. Let chill in freezer until ready to use.
6. To “assemble” drink layers, spoon some of the blue in the bottom of a glass, then white, then red on top.

** You may add less or more alcohol to taste.

** If needed add more ice to each layer.

** You can freeze this until it’s ready to use, but the consistency will change a bit.

** To make a faster simple syrup: place sugar and water in a sealed container and shake well until sugar is dissolved.

Like the glass in the picture? You can buy it on Amazon!
Anchor Hocking Footed Hurricane Cocktail Glass - 15 oz




20 Summer Desserts

As summer gets closer, I’ve been looking all over the internet to put together a list of EASY, COLD, and DELICIOUS desserts to keep those ovens off without having to sacrifice your sweet tooth. I’ll admit that these pictures have me drooling and left me wondering which one of these was going to be my first to try.

1. Since the colder months just ended I’m going to start this list off with something that I have personally tried and loved. What is there not to love about Frozen Hot Chocolate?

2. Now this has to be the easiest no bake cake. Cool whip – fudge and candy, what could be better? Check it out at The Girl Who Ate Everything.

3. These “Lowered Sugar” Kool-Aid slushies are perfect for the kids!

4. Now for a slushy that the adults will be sure to love, check out this Watermelon – Lemonade Slushy from Half Baked.

5. These Chocolate Almond Bars look yummy! And you can use whatever flavor of ice cream you’d like, and change the almonds to peanuts, or don’t use any at all!

6. If you love cheese cake, you’re going to love these strawberry cheesecake popsicles from Damn Delicious.

7. Easily make this semi-homemade Peanut Butter Fudge Icecream.

8. Eat these delicious Greek Yogurt Berry Smoothie Pops GUILT FREE. I would make these as a smoothie, and then whatever was left over I would freeze and it made the perfect snack for my kids.

9. Fresh Fruit Ice Pops. They’re pretty, healthy, and a snack you can the kids will love.

10. The Freckled Fox posted a recipe for this Homemade Orange Julius!

11. These Ice Cream Pops are perfect to get your kids involved in what they eat. Let them pick out the candies that go in each layer, they’re sure to love it!

12. Only two ingredients to make this Healthy Frozen Banana “Ice cream”! From Modern Parents Messy Kids

13. Clean and Scentscible share a fun technique for making homemade Slurpees from any soda. Another kid favorite!

14. Over at Kraft you can find a recipe for Chocolate Mint Frosty.

15. I found this recipe on Call Me PMC and it was a huge hit in my house! No Churn Cake Batter Ice cream 

16. How did I not think of this on my own? Easy Oreo ice cream sandwiches.

17. Now this Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie is a MUST TRY. Just look it!

18. This Berry Cheesecake Pudding Salad is good for a sweet side, or a light dessert!

19. Now these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches look amazing, and will certainly be one of the first things on this list that I try this summer!

20. Oreo Madness – Now I guess It’s a knockoff of the old TGI Friday’s version, back from before they started serving Klondike bars and calling it Oreo Madness. This is the real deal, and looks incredible!

Sidewalk Chalk Art

My kids absolutely LOVE playing with chalk, and I love to see the smiles on their faces when they are outside and using their imagination. So here are 4 sidewalk chalk activities that I hope your kids will love as much as mine did!

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1. Sidewalk Chalk Paint  – (This is different then my previous post as that was a spray and this one should be used with a foam paint brushes.)

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What you need: 

Water

Cornstarch

Liquid Watercolor Paint or Food Coloring

** Liquid Watercolor is a fabulous substitute for food coloring. They are WASHABLE, they are more vibrant, they are easier to use, and cheaper! **

What to do: 

Fill your container of choice halfway with cornstarch. Muffin tins from the Dollar Store are my favorite for homemade paint. Then add you choice of colors. Add water to the colored cornstarch and stir. And you really can’t go wrong with the ratio, if it’s too thick add water; too thin add cornstarch. It’s super simple.

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2. Erupting Rainbow Sidewalk Chalk Paint

What you need: 

Cornstarch

Baking Soda

Water

Liquid Watercolor Paint or Food Coloring

Squeeze Bottles

Vinegar

Spray Bottles

What to do:

Again, super simple. I mixed 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup cornstarch, and 1/3 cup baking soda for each color. The more color you add, the more vibrant the color will be. I found it easiest to mix the ingredients in a measuring cup with an easy pour spout then put it into the squeezy bottle.

After the kids have used all their paint, give them Spray Bottles with the vinegar in it and let them spray over their creations! My kids call it magic and they get so excited! 🙂 Just use the hose for easy clean up!

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3. Chalk Bombs: Water Balloon Fun

What to do: 

Use the same ingredients from up top **Sidewalk Chalk Paint.

(Cornstarch, Water, Liquid Watercolor Paint/Food Coloring)

Then refer to my earlier post (click here) on directions on how

to fill up your water balloons!

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4. Frozen Popsicle Chalk

What you need & need to do:

This time I used half cornstarch, half water, and washable tempura paint instead of food coloring.

If you choose to use food coloring, add a few drops of dish washing liquid to make clean up easier!

Make your different colors, and then poor them into your Popsicle molds. (You can use regular ice cube trays, I just think these are easier because they are on the stick.) Freeze then play!

And even though they look good, I don’t suggest letting your children eat these!

17 Fun Water Activities for Kids

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Some awesome ideas that I’ve found to get those kiddos outside and staying cool this summer! I may make everything on this list my personal summer bucket list to try and keep those whiny “I’m bored” words to a minimum.

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1. Sponge Ball – One Charming Party

2. Swimming Pool Scrabble –  Toddler Approved

3. Sponge Bullseye – Mamas Like Me

4. Water Balloon Pinata – Scrap Happy Heather

5. Water Limbo – GoGo Squeez

6. Trike Car Wash – Apartment Therapy

7. Splash Volleyball – Spoonful

8. DIY Water Ramp –  Caution! Twins at Play!

9. Homemade Sprinklers – Homespun Threads

10. Ice Cube Painting – Share and Remember

11. DIY Foil River – Camo and Bows

12. Soap Boat Races – I Heart Nap Time

13. Bubble Snakes – Somewhat Simply

14. Scented Bubbles – JoJo & Eloise

15. Giant Bubbles – Tatertots and Jello

16. Water Blob – Clumsy Crafter

17. DIY Slip ‘n Slide – DigitalMisery.com

No Bake Banana Split Pie

Now, another dessert coming right in time for Summer.. Who doesn’t love the Banana Split? Well… honestly, I don’t. I don’t like bananas and I’m not a huge fan of ice cream. But PLEASE don’t let that stop you from trying this amazing recipe I have found. Just because I don’t like bananas doesn’t mean that my family dislikes them too. And this No Bake Banana Split Pie was a huge hit in my house. My husband and our two kids absolutely loved this pie!

Since I don’t eat Banana Splits, I had to do some research on how the Banana Split became so popular. I had no idea that this widely loved dessert was created in Latrobe, Pennsylvania! And well most of you probably don’t know that I currently live in Pittsburgh, Pa and it’s not very far away from here. I also learned that it was created by a 23 year old named David Evans Strickler who was an apprentice pharmacist. He created the Banana Split in 1904 using the stores soda fountain, and it only cost 10 cents, twice the price of all other sundaes!!

Anyways, back to the No Bake Banana Split Pie before I bore you all. Here’s what you need to make it.

Ingredients:

1 package Vanilla Instant Pudding

1 1/2 cup Milk

16 oz Cool Whip

2 sliced Bananas

1 cup Pineapple Tidbits, drained

1 cup diced Strawberries

1 prepared Chocolate Pie Crust

Chocolate Syrup

Crushed Nuts

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Directions:

1. Place a layer of sliced bananas on pie crust.

2. Mix pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl. Stir until it begins to thicken.

3. Whisk in 8 oz Cool Whip to incorporate and then add diced strawberries and pineapples

4. Spoon mixture into crust and refrigerate for at least several hours.

5. Top with remaining Cool Whip and drizzle with chocolate syrup and crushed nuts.

Watermelon Cupcakes

In the spirit of watermelon season and summer not too far away, I thought I’d share a recipe I found for Watermelon Cupcakes. No, that’s not a typo! Watermelon Cupcakes. Because who doesn’t love watermelon? Wait wait wait.. The more appropriate question, who doesn’t love cupcakes? What’s better than a delicious, easy to make, pretty to look at dessert that you and the kids will love!

This recipe will make you 2 dozen amazing cupcakes!

What you need:

1 box of white cake mix

1 1/4 cups pureed watermelon, divided

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 egg whites

a few drops of pink food coloring, optional

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups of powdered sugar

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Directions:

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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

 2. Line 2 (12-count) muffin tins with paper liners.  Set aside.

 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat white cake mix, 1 cup pureed watermelon, vegetable oil and egg whites with an electric mixer.  Beat in a drop or two of pink food coloring.

 4. Pour batter into prepared muffin tins and bake 19 to 21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

 5. Allow cupcakes to cool in tin about 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to finish cooling.

 6. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat butter, remaining 1/4 cup pureed watermelon and powdered sugar until blended.  Add more watermelon if the frosting is too thick or more sugar if it’s too thin.  Beat in a drop or two of pink food coloring.

 7. Frost cooled cupcakes with Watermelon Frosting.

 8. Store in the refrigerator when not enjoying.

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Or, if you’d like to make it a little easier I just came across this pre-made Watermelon cupcake mix made by Betty Crocker. I haven’t tried these so I can’t say that they’ll be AS good as the recipe above, but they could be worth checking out.

Amazon sells the mix and frosting together! You can check it out here if you’d like! 🙂