Happy Thoughts Sunday!

Hello!

I've been thinking that Sunday might be a good day to share happy thoughts from the past week, fashion I'm loving, projects I want to do, etc! So here's my first "Happy Thoughts Sunday" post!

• I'm loving that both my littles have been going to bed and nap at the same time this past week. I'm enjoying it while it lasts!
• It cooled down quite a bit here the past few days, which I'm thankful for. It's been unusually hot and dry around here. When the temp gets above 75, I get a bit grumpy!
• That being said, I'm totally looking forward to sweater weather!
• Happy I was able to get a few more projects done. Can't wait to share some soon!
• This drink looks tasty! We have so much mint right now! I think maybe a bit of rum or vodka would be good in it...
• I finished this book the other day and loved it! I can't believe I never read it when I was younger. It's a very quick read- which is good with kiddos around. Can't wait to see the movie! I've since moved on to "Gathering Blue", which is the second book of the series. So far so good!

Hope you have a fantastic week!

Death by Smores!

Hello!

I must confess that I am a bit of a sugar freak and I LOVE baking! I have to plan on giving away a good portion of what I bake or I will eat all of it. All. Of. It. 

Here's a recipe that is great to make anytime- especially during the winter months when campfire s'mores seem like a distant memory. If you haven't tried Reese's peanut butter cups instead of Hershey's bars on your s'mores- do it! I love butterscotch as well, so I put some in these and it sent them over the top!

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup almond butter
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (12 cracker squares crushed)
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup butterscotch chips
2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non stick spray.

3. Mix butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Add almond butter and continue mixing.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Add in vanilla.

5. Combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, oats, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a small mixing bowl.

6. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, slowly stirring until well combined.

7. Stir in the butterscotch chips.

8. Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes.

9. Spread 2/3 of the dough on the bottom of the pan.

10. Top with semi sweet chocolate chips.

11. Sprinkle marshmallows on top of chocolate chips.

12. Drop the remaining dough on top of marshmallows- I just used my hands and made tiny pieces.

13 Sprinkle chopped Reese's over top.

14. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely and then cut into bars.

15. Grab a glass of milk, these babies are sweet!

Random Objects Matching Game

Hello!

Here's a really simple game to make for your little one and it doesn't have to cost a thing!

Random Objects Matching Game

Supplies: 

Cardstock-any size you like
Random objects
Fine point Sharpie

Step 1: Lay out your objects so that they fit on page. (I used 4" x 6" so it would fit in a sandwich size Ziplock  for easy transport)

Step 2: With Sharpie, trace objects on the page

Step 3: Show your toddler page with all objects on it then remove them. Have them put the objects back on page. This game improves matching as well as fine motor skills

Color Wheel Matching Game Tutorial

Hello!

Welcome to my page! I've been wanting to do this for some time now and I realize I just need to do it and stop thinking about doing it! I feel like I have some fun stuff to share. I'm not sure exactly what I want this page to be yet, so bare with me. I love to make things and my favorite blogs are those in which the author shares how they've made or done something. Whether it's recipes, art or crafts.

I have an almost 3 year old and a 3 month old. I'm always trying to find new and interesting ways to teach, and distract, my 3 year old while I tend to the little one. Here is a project I made recently. It's SO easy! I had all of the supplies already and you probably do to if you do any creating at home. It's a good lesson in colors and promotes fine motor skills. I've been working on making games that fit into sandwich size Ziplocks for easy transport/storage.

Color Wheel Matching Game

Supplies:

White cardstock cut into 5 1/2" diameter circle
Ruler
Fine point sharpie
Paper punch in 1" diameter
Paper/cardstock in colors of the rainbow, plus brown and black
Glue- I used Modge Podge
8 Clothes pins
Sandwich size Ziplock for storage
Optional- clear contact paper to make more durable

Step 1: With your ruler mark off  8 "pie pieces" on your 5 1/2" circle with your sharpie

Step 2: Using 1" punch, punch out 1 circle in each color and glue to each pie piece

Step 3: Cut 1 strip of each color the width and length of your clothespin

Step 4: Glue strips to clothes pins- I put a coat of modge podge over each strip for durability

Step 5: This is optional, but I sealed the whole 5 1/2" circle between 2 pieces of contact paper once it was dry

Step 6: Have fun with your toddler matching the clothes pin to the circle!

You could also make this with paint or markers. I'm thinking it will be fun to use patterned paper next!