Kale Smoothie

by 12 Comments

It’s Smoothie Saturday

Happy Saturday, I hope you had a great week! We made it to the weekend - and let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier to share a new smoothie recipe with you as part of my Smoothie Saturday series.

If you haven’t been here before, thanks for stopping by and I hope you follow each week for a new smoothie recipe.

On the menu this week:

Kale Smoothie

Kale Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Cup Kale, Chopped

3/4 Banana, Sliced

4 Strawberries, Cut

1 Cup Almond Milk

1/4 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Tbsp Peanut Butter

1 Tsp Flaxseed

6 Ice Cubes

Now, just add all your ingredients into your blender, mix well and you’re ready to get your green-on - with this delicious Kale Smoothie.

This smoothie has become one of my favorite go-to recipes. I usually make this at least 2x a week. Trust me, this smoothie is super yummy and a great treat morning or afternoon.

Makes 16oz.

Still not sure if you want to try a Kale Smoothie, check out a few of my other Smoothie Saturday Recipes. I’m sure you’ll find one that fills your smoothie fix.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Carrot Cake Smoothie

Pumpkin Smoothie

Blueberry Momberry Smoothie

Pineapple Orange Smoothie

Cucumber Smoothie

Thanks for stopping by to check out this weeks Smoothie Saturday - Kale Smoothie recipe. Once you mix yours up let me know how you like it. I’d love to hear what you think.

 

Teacher Quotes and Printables

by 10 Comments

Teacher Printables

Ok… So where did this school year go? Can you believe Summer is nearly here? We have been on a countdown to summer, and oh-boy it’s 10 days away and I’m seriously counting… You can’t tell I’m a tad excited, can you? Yes… I’m probably more excited than the kids at this point.

Well with school ending soon, I always like to show my appreciation for our teachers. Usually with a small gift and a card made by the kids. This year I’ll add these teacher quotes and printables in a frame or maybe have the kids sign them.

If you’ve been looking to give your teacher a thank you card or note, well - you’re in luck. I put together these fun printables just for your special teacher in mind.

Click on the link below each photo to download and save.

Teacher Quotes

Soda-Lighted Teacher Printable

I think these are a great way to say thank you to your favorite teacher, or really to use anytime of the year. I plan to print and frame ours or maybe have the kids sign them. I love printables and I hope you enjoy them just as much. How do you plan to use yours?

Click Here to download Teacher Quotes

Click Here to download Soda-Lighted

Thanks for stopping by Krafts and Kiddos. I hope you found a little something that sparked your interest today.

Last Day of School Printables

by 14 Comments

End of the School Year Printables

Can you believe the end of another school year is nearly here? Some of your kids may already be home for summer and if that’s the case, I have got to tell you….I’m jealous. We are about 2 weeks shy of summer starting, and oh-boy I cannot wait!!!

My daughter is only in 1st grade so I’m still a newbie at end of the year traditions both at home and in the class. But, this year is different - instead of doing a photo on the 1st day of school, and totally forgetting the last day of school - why not snap a cute photo on that last day of school too? I would’ve never thought to do both.

So, I put together some fun last day of school printables for Elementary grades PreK thru 5th Grade. I hope these help you wrap up your school year. You can print these and frame a fun photo, use for graduation party, or use them for a class signing party.

Either way, have fun kick starting your summer with these fun printables.

Just click below each image and download to your computer and print.

Last Day of Preschool Printable

Last Day of Kindergarten Printable

Last Day of 2nd Grade Printable

Last Day of 3rd Grade Printable

Last Day of 4th Grade Printable

In case you don’t want to scroll back up click on any of these to download.

I hope these fun printables are helpful for you and easy to round out your last few days of the school year!

Download and save for later. Print later.

If you take a photo with your kids using our free printables I’d love you to share. Stop by Facebook and showcase your amazing end of the year school photos, I’ll be posting mine very soon (2 weeks to be exact).

How are you gearing up for the end of school this year? Any big traditions you enjoy with your kids?

Packing the Perfect Beach Bag

by 21 Comments

Packing for the Beach with Kids

So I think it’s officially safe to say summer is HERE. Even as a kid I thought that once the warm days of Memorial Day arrived, that summer was just around the corner, okay… 25 years later, yes… I still feel this way.

Although, summer now means something different to me. What used to be days of sleeping in along with non stop playing with friends and not a care in the world, I’ve now traded that in - for waking up at 7am, and playing with my own kids. (Oh the days of sleeping in… how I miss thee)

To keep busy in the summer and stay sane at the same time, I do take my kids to the beach a lot. We only live 6 miles from the coast so it’s pretty easy to get there, the second part of this equation is packing the perfect beach bag while trying not lose my cool before we even arrive. Shouldn’t going to the beach be an exciting day out? Well…..I have to admit with two kids in tow, in can be challenging at times - that’s why I’ve found some great tips to share with you, that have truly made my days at the beach a…. SUCCESS!

Here’s a few tips to pack the perfect beach bag and stay sane for a day at the beach with your kids.

Beach Day Tips

#1 - What can’t fit into my beach bag OR on my back, is NOT GOING. I learned this early on when my son was still in diapers. At that time I packed what he needed, but if it didn’t fit into 1 bag, um - it wouldn’t go. If you can leave a change of clothes for the kids in the car, this helps and leaves more room in your beach bag. Pack only what you must bring. I pack 2 sand buckets - one for each child, if I stack them together they’ll fit in the beach bag, no prob. If the kids would like to bring a chair or boogie board try to carry it together, or they can carry it on their own, if they can - of course this all depends on their age too.

#2 Purchase a carry-on backpack beach chair (sold at Costco for under $30). Okay, yes I felt like a crazy lady just thinking of carrying a chair strapped to my back, what is everyone going to think of me, right?…. Well think again, this is a true LIFE-SAVER. Not only does this free up your hands (bonus), the chair includes a zipper cooler and another zipper pouch for storage + a drink holder + a cell phone sealed carrier (double bonus). Now, if I haven’t sold you on this yet… look at the picture below and you’ll know why - it’s a must-have. It even lays flat in case someone needs a nap.

#3 Even if I’m not feeling like making it a “beach day” - try to look at the experience through your child’s eyes. I have to admit, kids are thrilled with the excitement of the beach. You remember as a kid how fun a day of playing in the water, making sand-castles, and collecting sea-shells was. So, if anything make an outing to the beach in honor of those memories you’ll be making with your kids.

#4 Pack lots of snacks and water - again only enough that will fit nicely into your 1 bag. This can calm any child who may be cranky or tired after a long afternoon in the sun.

#5 Once you arrive at the beach, set your ground-rules fast and right away. One of my rules -  The kids must stay in front of the beach chair where I can see them. Yes, I’m also a tad helicopter’ish… but this just gives me a little more sanity knowing the kids are in eye-sight.

#6 Pack lots of snacks and water - again only enough that will fit nicely into your 1 bag. This can calm any child who may be cranky or tired after a long afternoon in the sun.

#7 If you’re not up for water play, take sand buckets and get walking… Take a nature walk at your beach. So many fun things to find as you go. Seashells, rocks, sand-crabs, sea-weed, all kinds of amazing little things that’ll make any child smile ear-to-ear. This is a must for me and my kiddos at the beach (burns some energy too).

#8 Bring sand-toys and enjoy some sand play - make a fun sandcastle together or let the kids bury moms or dads feet. Sometimes I bury the kids (only up to their chin of course) always silly fun for everyone!

#9 Set a Time Limit (in your mind) for how long you’ll stay at the beach. That way you’re not sitting there thinking oh my goodness is it time to go YET? Just breathe and relax, you’ve got your inner-clock set, you’ve got this! Each family is unique some kids can last 4+ hours in the sand with no problem. Me, oh I’m more like 2 hours and we’re set. Either way, by giving yourself a time frame it will help keep some sanity - remember it’s only for a few short hours (or less, if needed).

Once you’re ready to pack up it will be easy-peasy since you only have 1 BAG + a chair

Beach days are such a treat and these precious days should be easy for moms and dads, and beach trips should be fun memories dropped into your child’s memory bank.

Packing the perfect beach bag honestly helps so much in making your beach day the best, fun, and stress-free day, which of course is the best part.

Have you had a crazy beach experience with your kids, something happen that made your day a disaster, or made it a hilarious outing? I’d love to hear about it.

Now, are you feeling the beach fever… ready to pack up your bag and hit the sand?

Go for it, let me know how it goes this time. If it puts a smile on moms face and the kids are happy - well then your beach day is a win/win for the whole family! 

Pumpkin Smoothie

by 9 Comments

It’s Smoothie Saturday

Welcome to Smoothie Saturday! If you’ve never been here before, thanks for stopping by to check it out, I’m so glad you did! Each week I post a new and delightful smoothie recipe. Since, I have a slight obsession with a daily smoothie fix - I love sharing my secrets with you.

I know… it’s Memorial Day weekend, and I should be sharing a Blueberry or some Raz-Strawberry summer type of smoothie, but instead our menu is:

Pumpkin Smoothie

Why Pumpkin during the month of May you ask?….. Well, my very persistent daughter has basically been harassing me ever since we stopped by Jamba Juice, where she tried their Pumpkin Smoothie. She’s  now…..Obsessed! So I figured what the heck - let’s try a new recipe at home instead of paying over $4.00 at the store for one, right? So, even though summer is here in full force this weekend, we are going backwards and enjoying a fall favorite, are you’re with me? Just grab a few ingredients and go for it.

Ingredients:

1 Banana, sliced

1/3 cup of Pumpkin Puree

1/3 cup vanilla flavored greek yogurt

1 cup of Almond Milk

A dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice

6 Ice Cubes

Add all your ingredients to your blender, mix well, and you’ve got yourself a sweet pumpkin smoothie.

It’s SO easy to make this smoothie, and my daughter was happy too, it was a win/win! The pumpkin puree I used was 15oz, so you’ll have plenty left over to make more of these fun smoothies. I hope you and your kids enjoy this just as much as we did.

Makes 1 serving.

Have you ever tried a Pumpkin Smoothie? 

Have a great weekend!

 

Memorial Day Food Ideas for Kids

by 6 Comments

It’s Memorial Day weekend! What a wonderful time to remember all those men and women who have served for our country. In honor of that, we usually celebrate with a Memorial Day BBQ. This year is no different… but I always tackle the issue of picky eaters at my house = MY KIDS! My two munchkins are such picky eaters having bbq’s can be difficult. Well lucky, I have plenty of Memorial Day Food Ideas for Kids to enjoy. So if you’re looking for some fun and festive Memorial Day Foods to feed your kiddos this weekend - look no further + find a fun recipe!

Fun BBQ Food for Kids

Check out these awesome Rocket Dogs perfect for kids

Watermelon Grill Now, this looks A-Mazing for not only the kids… but for ME!

Delicious fruits for the occasion in this Patriotic Fruit Salad

These Burger Sliders are bite size fun + yum for kids of all ages

 

Now who doesn’t love Rootbeer?!!! Rootbeer Ribs delicious recipe

Grilled Corn on the Cob perfect for the grill and for those kiddo appetites

This Potato Salad is the perfect side dish to go perfectly at your BBQ

Let the kids enjoy some refreshing Blood Orange Creamsicles

Okay, everyone loves chocolate… check out these Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Always ready for a refreshing glass of Homemade Lemonade

No party would be complete until you tried these Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes

With all the excitement of a barbecue bash, your kids are sure to find something on the Memorial Day round-up. So many yummy recipes and choices to please any picky-eater (including my kiddos) and trust me when I say it… they give me a run for my money when it comes to eating.
These are sure-fire food ideas to enjoy at your next BBQ.

Have fun at your barbecue and enjoy the weekend!

What’s your kid-friendly go-to recipes for a bbq? 

DIY Wine Bottle Decoration

by 10 Comments

Three things I love… Wine, Decorating, and Chalkboard Paint, Yay! Put those three together and you’ve got a DIY Wine Bottle Decoration. Why not re-use some of your empty wine bottles around the house and re-purpose them. Even if you don’t have wine bottles, you’re still in luck as most craft stores sell all kinds of bottles similar to this, if not the same you can decorate. Gather your bottles around the house and join me as we make some beautiful wine bottle decorations.

Supplies:

Wine Bottles

Ashland Burlap Garland

Floral Embellishments (3.5 inches x 3.5 inches or larger)

Chalkboard Spray Paint (I use Rust-Oleum)

Scissors

Hot Glue Gun

Instructions:

First rinse out bottles, I know it seems silly to say - but just in case…. Then remove the label.

Start spraying your wine bottle with your choice of chalkboard spray paint & let dry at least 30 minutes.

Once your wine bottles are dry - you are ready to get decorating, yay because this is my favorite part……

Roll out your burlap and measure the width of each wine bottle.

Cut your burlap

Using your hot glue-gun spread glue along edge of burlap and position tightly over the wine bottle into place. Press down on the seam to ensure burlap is tightly fitted around the bottle.

Using your hot glue-gun dab a small piece of glue onto back of floral embellishment, then press firmly into place.

DIY Wine Bottle Decoration

Enjoy your newly decorated DIY Wine Bottles.

 

So next time you’re whining over wine and unsure what to do with those left-over bottles, you can re-use  them to make beautiful wine bottle decorations. These are perfect for centerpieces, end-tables, or just for regular home decor.

Where will you put yours? Have fun! 

10 Water Safety Tips

by 19 Comments

The month of May is National Water Safety Month and May 17th is National Learn to Swim Day. A day to help educate parents and children all about water safety and the many different benefits of learning to swim safely.

Our first home had a pool in the backyard, so of course we installed a safety fence and immediately enrolled my daughter into swim lessons. She learned how to swim before the age of 1. To some this may seem young, but to us it was the right time because she should always know if she falls into a body of water (not only a pool), what to do + how to get to safety. My son learned to swim at the same age, and now they are such fish out there, it’s tough to get them out of the water because of how much fun it is.

In honor of this very important topic, I’d like to give you 10 Water Safety Tips.

10 Water Safety Tips

  1. Teach your children to swim or enroll in swim lessons as soon as possible.
  2. Stay close, alert, and near the pool, watching children both in and around the water at all times.
  3. Learn CPR and update your certification regularly.
  4. Never use floatation toys or devices as a suitable supervision or safety.
  5. Talk to your children about the importance of water safety, in and out of the water. My kids love to run around the pool, so this is one area I have to remind them about. The danger of slipping, falling, hurting yourself, or others and putting everyone in risk of injury.
  6. Inform babysitters, or family members that are in charge of your children - the importance of water safety. It doesn’t hurt to have a friendly reminder about the supervision required near pools or other water sources.
  7. Never assume someone else is watching your children in or around the pool.
  8. Don’t assume you’ll hear a child who’s in trouble in the water, drowning is silent and unlikely you would actually hear the child in trouble.
  9. If a child does go missing during a pool or water outing, always look in the water source first and fast.

 If you own a pool:

10. Install a child safety fence and locks &/or alarms on any entryway to pool &/or cover your pool or spa when not in use.

According to the American Red Cross, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14. It’s a scary reality, but following these safety tips can help parents and caregivers provide the water safety that is so important for children.

 5 Ways to Get Out and Enjoy National Learn to Swim Day -  May 17th

  1. Talk to your kids about water safety and answer any questions or concerns.
  2. Enroll your kids in swim lesson in the spring before summer starts, or in the summer months when they are more likely to continue using their new found skills.
  3. Visit a community pool as a family. Enjoy the water together!
  4. Have a pool?…. Invite friends over for syncronized swimming games and contest.
  5. Still too cold to swim outdoors… No problem, let the kids splash around in the bathtub while you supervise, making water fun and safe!

 If you are able to teach your child to swim on your own, or they have taken strides to learn.

Download and print this fun certificate

Always a great way to encourage water safety but also have fun!

At what age do you feel it is appropriate to teach a child to swim? 

 

The Liebster Award

by 10 Comments

Today was a special and unexpected day for me… I had a fabulous message from the girls at Justatouchofcrazy. Leilani and Emily so kindly nominated me for a Liebster Award! I honestly was beyond excited! I am honored they would think of me. These ladies are so supportive and I’m lucky to have them as friends as I have starting my journey in the blogging community.

Here are the rules for the Liebster Award:

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you

2. Answer 11 questions asked by the blogger

3. Provide 11 random facts about yourself

4. Nominate 5 or more bloggers with fewer than 500 followers

5. Let all of the nominees know they have been nominated

6. Write 11 new questions for your nominees

So here goes the fun part, answering Leilani and Emily’s questions:

1. What is something sweet your husband does for you on a regular basis? - My hubby always thinks of me when he’s out grabbing fast food, he calls to ask for my order.. Okay, that might not sound sweet (but I never think of him when I grab a quick bite at fast food, oops)

2. What do you do to relieve stress? - Read a good book, or sometimes a glass of wine (or maybe both)

3. Who is easier, a boy or a girl? - Oooh, this is tough. Boys are easier because they are more laid back. Girls are easier because they are more independent. Of course they both are my favorites

4. What is your favorite thing to play with your child/children? Love to swim with the kids, such water babies. There face lights up and that’s the best!

5. What is your favorite TV show? Game of Thrones on HBO

6. Where is your favorite place to vacation? With kids would be Disney World. Without kids = anywhere with a cocktail and a beach.

7. What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done? I’m not a big water-baby and I went white water river rafting 2x. Fell out both times, that felt pretty dangerous to this gal

8. What is one of your goals for the future? Read a new book or two, or three. Just sitting down long enough to really enjoy it.

9. What kind of exercise do you enjoy, if any? This is a love-hate relationship I have…. I love to bike ride, does that count?

10. How many siblings do you have? A brother and Sister. Plus 3 brother-in-laws & 1 awesome sister-in-law!

11. Who is your best friend? My bestie is Michelle since the age of 8, we met in 3rd grade. She rocks, we don’t even live in the same town (haven’t most of our friendship), but she’s like family to me. Knows everything about me and then some.

Here are 11 random facts about Me!

  1. I’ve been to over 100 concerts
  2. I’ve never broken a bone in my body
  3. Most of my teeth had to be pulled as a child, they didn’t come out much on their own
  4. I was at the World Series in 1989 when the 7.0 Loma Prieta earthquake struck San Francisco
  5. I have a slight crush on Jon Mellencamp
  6. I love all things chocolate
  7. Footloose is one of my favorite movies, so is Dirty Dancing
  8. I secretly wish I was a ballroom dancer on Dancing with the Stars (I swear I have the moves, lol) maybe that explains #7
  9. Reading is one of my favorite past times
  10. I love the sound of slot-machines
  11. My husband and I have birthdays only 1 day apart

Now it’s my turn to pass the award over to 5 other up and coming blogs that happen to be some of my favorites, I enjoy so much! You may have already been nominated - but I just wanted to show my appreciation for your great blogs and let you know I love reading it each day!

If you can’t accept the award, it’s no problem at all - I’m just super excited to let you know how much I enjoy your blog.

Here are the blogs I’ve nominated:

Katie @ A Little Pinch of Perfect

Kristi @ And Babies Don’t Keep

Jennifer @ JENerally Informed

Ginnie @ Hello Little Home 

Kristina @ A Mom in Need of Advice

So now here are my 11 Questions for those lovely blogs nominated.

What motivated you to start a blog?

If you had 1 super-power what would it be?

When you hear the word mom what words comes to your mind?

What is your all-time favorite movie?

What is one of you biggest goals this year?

What’s that one song you absolutely love, but embarrassed to admit?

What inspired your blog name?

What is the best book you’ve ever read?

If you wrote a story based on your life, what would the title be?

Who is someone you admire?

If there was a movie based upon your life, what actor/actress would play the part as you?

Thanks for stopping by and have fun asking yourself these same questions.

Thanks again to Justatouchofcrazy again for nominating me for the Liebster Award and allowing me the honor to nominate other awesome bloggers. They are two moms, who happen to be best friends sharing their very creative ideas, adventures, and motherhood stories. Make sure to stop by their blog and check them out.