Hearty Homemade Pot of Sauce

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The Best Homemade Pot of Sauce

Kick start your week with this hearty dinner recipe for Homemade Sauce and Meatballs. This is actually a family recipe that my hubby probably wouldn’t want me to share…. Lucky for you, when something is this tasty I have to share! Plus my mom and step-dad gave me the okay to share it! This sauce makes tons of leftovers, great for the first half of any busy week. Plus, it’s kid approved (and I’ve got some picky eaters!). This meal is always a big hit at our house and is great re-heated on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

2 (12 oz) cans of tomato paste + 4 cans of water

1 (28oz) can of tomato puree + 1.5 cans of water

4 (8oz) cans of tomato sauce

8+ cloves of garlic, peeled and diced

1 TB dried oregano

1 TB dried parsley flakes

1 Tsp dried basil

3 bay leaves

salt, pepper to taste

1 Tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Small handful of grated parmesan cheese

Add all ingredients into a large pot, simmer on lowest setting all day for an amazing aroma and tasty homemade sauce.

Meatballs

1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup of water

2 eggs

Small handful of grated parmesan cheese

Small handful of bread crumbs

Salt, pepper to taste

Mix all these ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Once mixed, roll out your meatballs. I do several sizes for all appetites to enjoy. Salt and pepper the tops of meatballs. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour, then add to your simmered sauce on the stove.

Optional Additions  (but highly recommended)

1 package Italian Sausage links (about 5 links)

6 Hardboiled eggs

Let your sauce, meatballs, sausage, & hardboiled eggs simmer in a pot all day long. Usually at least 6-7 hours , or longer if you like. Best served over fresh rigatoni or pasta of your choice. Add grated parmesan cheese on top, you’re all set! Enjoy.

 

 

Smoothie Saturday

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Kale Smoothie

Love my daily smoothie and today I’m going to share one of my fav’s for Smoothie Saturday.

Ingredients:

1 Banana, 1 Cup of Kale, 1 Cup of Fresh Spinach, 1/2 Cup of Almond Milk, 3 Clementines, 3 ice-cubes

Peel your clementines, slice the banana, cut up the kale, cut up the spinach, and toss everything into you blender. I also add 1 scoop of protein powder (optional). Mix well and enjoy a nice ice cold smoothie! This is a refreshing and filling smoothie to enjoy any time of the day.

Mosaic Picture Frames

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Check out these adorable wooden mosaic picture frames

A friend of mine Amie, at Glitter and Glue Studio hosts weekly art and crafts for after school activities, camps, and birthday parties. This week they showed the kids how to make these creative and fun Mosaic Picture Frames.

In my world, a girl can never have too many picture frames, so this project was just perfect for my daughter. You could change the tissue paper color and embellishments to use for all sorts of holidays, events, birthdays, or even teacher appreciation.

Supplies:

Wooden Frame ($1.00 at Craft Store)

Glue

Brush (to apply glue)

Tissue Paper (Cut in Squares)

Scissors

Instructions:

Apply glue across your wooden frame using your brush. Next have your child apply assorted tissue paper colors to completely cover front of picture frame.

Let Dry and you’ve got a beautiful and crafty Mosaic Picture Frame.

Thanks Glitter and Glue Studio for creating a fun picture frame for the kids to showcase.

10 Must Haves Packing for Disney Trips

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10 Must Haves Packing for Disney Trips

I am super excited…. we have planned our first ever family vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida. I actually think I’m more excited than the kids, probably because they don’t realize just how huge this trip is for us! We just received our MagicBands, which is like gold in our house. If you’re not familiar with MagicBands, these are Disney Worlds way of keeping track of your hotel room key, park tickets, meal-plan, & it even comes with each visitors name assigned to it. It’s technology I’m impressed with, all from a wrist band. Here’s a look at ours:

Before going on our trip I am so busy trying get my checklists done so we don’t forget anything, all in hopes I don’t have to pay for these expensive little extras when we arrive at the park. So I decided here’s a few things we “must-have” for our DisneyWorld trip.

10 Must-Haves to Pack for Disney Trips

1) Comfortable Walking Shoes

2) Backpack

3) Camera - you don’t want to miss any of those magic moments on film

4) Sunscreen

5) Hat

6) Sunglasses

7) Poncho, Windbreaker, &/or Stroller Cover (for those unexpected rainy moments that Florida is known for)

8) Snacks, Snacks, and more Snacks! - If you don’t want to miss out on a ride or parade, but the kids need to fuel up, having LOTS of snacks in your backpack can do wonders.

9) Ouch-Kit aka Emergency Kit - Include Band-Aids, Neosporin, Antiseptic wipes, Wet Wipes - hopefully you’ll never need this kit while traveling, but hey better prepared, than pay the extra fees Disney may charge for these same items.

10) Autograph Book - I chose a great book for my kids to bring, called Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World for Kids 2014. Great book that even includes a whole autograph section along with tips and tricks for “kids-only”. It’s been a big hit at our house!

Luckily the parks at Disney provide what you may have forgotten, but hopefully using this list might help out any busy family traveling.

It’s Official, Krafts & Kiddos Blog!

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Hi There, I’m Heather I am so happy you are here!

I started my blog Krafts & Kiddos as a way to reach out to families, friends, and others who want to connect about raising kids, crafting, baking, reading, and everything in between - when it comes to raising a family and enjoying the amazing moments in our everyday life!

I’ve always considered myself a pretty creative type.. in the sense of trying out new crafts, decorating (which I love!) and overall adding a creative spin to any projects I do for either myself or others. When I put my mind to a project that’s all I can think about…..well after I put the kids to bed or off to school, at least My family comes first and foremost, as my two kiddos are the true love of my life. They are two spunky kids who make me smile and pull out my hair, probably all in the same day. One things for certain I love every minute of being a stay at home mama, wife, and all the fun adventures we embark on each and every day.

So stayed tuned as I embark on some fun crafts, ideas, tips, and exciting daily adventures through my family life. Looking forward to sharing with you!

Thanks so stopping by, I couldn’t be happier you are here.

 Comments are always welcome and much appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you. You can also email me at:

kraftsandkiddos@gmail.com