Kids + messy recipes + clean ovens don't go together very often. My boys love to help me cook and want to participate in the entire process but no matter the recipe it seems to end up a mess! I have a messy recipe for you today that the boys like to help make but that leaves my oven (and kitchen) less than desirable. It's definitely worth it though!
My kids love parties or anything you make into a party. Set up a little snack table and a banner and they are in the party mood! We decided to set up a Pirates viewing party with a fun snack table featuring banana boats for dessert!
Pirate, food, inspiration, parties, theme weeks I love this DIY Indoor mini S'Mores grill from ManMade
Easy to make with a cedar plank, soufle cup, and a few nuts and bolts! Details at ManMade
Would be fun project for older kids to learn some new tools and fun for younger ones to roast their own marshmallows indoors!
If your kiddo likes camping my mom got my nephew this set for Christmas and all the kids were playing with it. It's REALLY cute - love the "fire" (the fan is a little loud but I didn't notice much with all the other noise going on lol!)
Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links
DIY, activities, food, gifts, toys 
My 10 year old and I both cannot eat gluten. Eating at home is no big deal for us, but eating out and at friends' house can be somewhat of a challenge. Parker is our house's newest football fan. We've always loved football parties (what's not to love? food, friends, football, commercials) and have hosted several ourselves! With football party season in full swing it's inevitable that we'll be headed to more and more parties soon. As his mom I strive to make parties (especially football parties) fun for him NOT another eating burden. I had a great idea and solution!
food, inspiration, parties BAKED OATMEAL
I don't post about food too often here (my husband is the chef of our family) but I wanted to share our new experience with baked oatmeal for breakfast. My youngest (8) is not a fan of oatmeal at. all. I'm not talking about the mushy instant stuff. I've only made old fashioned or steel cut (because that's what I like) but it's his very last choice for breakfast and even then he'll only take a bite or two.
I thought I'd finally try out baked oatmeal. I went with a basic recipe from Taste of Home
It was a HUGE hit. I couldn't believe he was eating bite after bite but the jaw dropper was when he asked for seconds. This kid NEVER asks for seconds lol! It was such a great texture (I think that was his issue with oatmeal the "old" way) and this has such a great texture - we served it as shown with milk and all of us really, really enjoyed it. I used a bit less sugar but I'm excited to try out some healthier versions. AND take a photo for you next time!
Night Before: In a large bowl combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Whisk the eggs, milk and butter in a seperate bowl. Pour into the bowl with oat mixture and mix together well. Cover and place in the refridgerator
Morning: Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until set. It will be golden brown on the edges. Serve with milk.
My friend Becca from Beccas Crazy Boys has an apple cinnamon recipe and My Blessed Life has a pumpkin spice version that looks good!
Just wanted to pass on something that might work for one of you - it reheated great this morning and both the boys scarfed up the leftovers!
food I was delighted to be asked by BlogHer to share this episode of Weelicious Lunch Crunch sponsored by Odwalla Fruit Smoothies For Kids with my readers. Enjoy!
I love fun lunch ideas and this one is easy and one my boys like (don't forget to include the chopsticks if your school allows them, I send the "kid" ones and haven't had a problem). If I am posting a sponsored post you can be sure that I agree with, use, or will use the products! My boys LOVE Odwalla products.
Yes I said tea party. Since my mom took us to the Ritz Carlton for our first Teddy Bear tea my boys have loved them. Yummy drinks, little food - really, what's not to love?! 4 Men and 1 Lady held the perfect Gentleman's tea party!
All the details and a lot more photos on 4 Men 1 Lady. Be sure to browse her blog, it's one of my favorites!
Have you ever had a tea party with your kids?
activities, food, parties My name is Alison and I blog over on 'this homemade life...' . When Allison asked if I might be interested in coming over for a little guest post, while she soaks up the Hawaiian sun, I jumped at the chance. Not only do Allison and I have our name in common, but being a mama to boys as well. I love scrolling through this site for all kinds of ideas and inspiration to keep my fellas busy and inspired. Now, onto popsicles! On hot summer days there is nothing we love more than water balloon fights and popsicles. These strawberry popsicles come together easily and are a great way to cool off on a warm afternoon. With yogurt, maple syrup and fruit, we've even been known to enjoy them for breakfast.
Strawberry Yogurt Swirl Popsicles adapted from Ice Pops 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced in half 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 3/4 cup whole milk greek yogurt, plain 3/4 cup whole milk In a saucepan, combine the strawberries and 1/4 cup of the maple syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened to a syrup consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. In a 4 cup measuring cup, stir together yogurt, milk and remaining maple syrup. Add the cooled strawberry mixture. Gently swirl to combine, leaving large streaks.
Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.
A few of our favorite popsicle molds...
Ring Pops Rocket Ship Molds Groovy Ice Pop Molds Ice Pop Makers
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