Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

These are Jason's favorite cookie that I bake.  So much so, if he discovered I was giving his prize recipe away for free he would flip.  It's a weird pride bragging rights thing with him :)  However, they are simple, relatively inexpensive and a great DIY gift option.  I made these recently as a gift, along with two other cookie recipes that I am still working up the courage to put the recipes on here in fear of retaliation from my recipe protecting husband. Hopefully, those will be coming soon.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened coco
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries
1 6 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup eagle condensed milk

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Beat butter, sugar, egg and vanilla.
Step 3: In a separate small mixing bowl combine flour, coco, baking soda, and baking powder.
Step 4: Gradually add dry ingredients into the butter mixture.  Beat on medium until thoroughly mixed.

Step 5: Using a cookie scoop, roll balls into even 1 in. balls.

Step 6: Bake for 8 min.
Step 7:  While cookies are baking, melt the chocolate chips, condensed milk and 4 tsp of cherry juice in the microwave. (approximately 45 sec. on my 1100 watt micro).  Stir until mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 8.  Remove cookies and while still hot make an indentation in each cookie either using your thumb or tsp.

Step 9: Place a single cherry in each well.

Step 10: Spoon the melted chocolate onto each cookie to cover the cherry and let cool.  The chocolate will gradually harden to the consistency of fudge.

This gift box was one I had saved from a gift I had received.  I lined it with tissue.  I then printed out labels for each type of cookie and mounted it one shiny paper.  Using a ribbon I also had leftover from a gift and hot glued the ribbon to the box and the cards onto the ribbon.  Very cute and a sweet gift I know I would like to get :)  I know Jason wanted one too because I had to make him extra just so he would leave these alone :)

The Mean Green

So my dad and I had a little weekend splurge...  I have talked about it, thought about it, and debated.  Now it was time to act on it.  A friend of mine has been buzzing in my ear about the benefits of juicing.  I thought, "That's nice...for hippies and workout nuts."  However, I'm tired.  All the time.  Granted I don't get more than a two hour stretch a night due to my precious little ones desperately craving my awesome attention.  But we are going on three years of this now and it's starting to show in my appearance and demeanor.  Since I can't really change the sleep situation I thought it's time to take charge of something I can control.  So, I have decided to try my hand at this crazy, efficient, plethora of micro nutrients to mouth train, called juicing.

My friend pointed me in the direction of a documentary called, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead," by Joe Cross.  It was actually pretty interesting, entertaining and common sense.  We as a country are fat, um yup.  We as a country eat too many processed foods and not enough of God's given goodness, um...yup. But here is the one that got me, the people he interviewed across the country actually liked this green stuff.  It looked absolutely disgusting and to be honest I thought this is one of those things I'm going to waste money on trying and never form a habit.  But after watching the movie a second time with my dad, who has also been yearning for a healthier lifestyle and way to control his cholesterol without medication , we decided to invest in a juicer. 

We got this one at Costco for $90.  Now my friend informed me that the Omega is better (but pricier) and we thought for beginners this will have to do.  It came with a great recipe book!  The movie suggested fasting but since I am an exclusively nursing mommy that isn't an option. We started Saturday night and decided our goal was going to be to replace breakfast and lunch with "the juice."  This concoction I made in the picture was the Mean Green recipe from the movie.  It contained kale, cucumber, celery, apple, lemon and ginger.  Sound disgusting?  Well, it really wasn't.  I am not a big fan of ginger and it was definitely something I learned I will leave out in the future but overall it was surprisingly good.  I was floored how many veggies and fruits it took to make two glasses and it dawned on me.  I just consumed more good for me stuff in one drink than I have realistically ingested in the last month combined! 

The next couple drinks I added a little more fruit but still jammed packed with veggies and I am now convinced that this is definitely worth the life style change.  I am excited to see if it makes any real difference in how I feel but even if it doesn't it has motivated me to get my body moving and take care of the temple that God has placed me in :)

Here's to nothing.  Wish me luck!

Salmon and Spinach Salad

Made this the other night for dinner.  With the craziness of Adelyn yelling and trying to feed her baby sister large choking hazard chunks of salmon and Marcella screaming and throwing them, I forgot to take a picture... So I borrowed this one (I'm biased but I think mine looked better).  Next time I make it I will preserve its glorious goodness through photograph.  This recipe serves four.   One serving is under 350 calories and full of all kinds of nutritional goodness  :) 

Maple-Dijon Dressing
1/3 cup low fat maple-flavored syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil


Salad
1 lb salmon fillet
4 cups baby spinach
1 hard-cooked egg cut into wedges
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup almonds or walnuts
Freshly ground black pepper if desired


1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.


2. Cut salmon crosswise into 4 sections.  Place on broiler pan. Brush on the dressing until each fillet is coated. Set aside the remaining dressing for the salad.


3. Broil the salmon for 10 to 15 minutes.  Until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.


4. Slide a pancake turner between salmon and skin to remove each piece from the skin.

5. In a large bowl, mix all the salad ingredients together and pour in remaining dressing.  Place salmon on top.


I served mine with a side of brown rice.  Tasted incredible.  Even if you don't care for fish I think you would enjoy this salad!

Italian Turkey Meatballs

Love this healthier version of one of my favorite meals!  Simple yet delicious!  I always cook for at least 6. So feel free to half this recipe!  Serves 8-12 people

Ingredients:
2 lbs ground turkey (love the Italian seasoned but not always available)
2 eggs
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup parmesan cheese
3 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
2 tsp kosher salt
olive oil cooking spray
2 jars of red sauce (partial to Classico's or Trader Joe's cheese red sauce or Trader Joe's vodka sauce)
pasta

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix together the eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlics, seasoning and salt.  Add turkey.  Massage together with your hands.  Roll mixture into inch size balls.  Use a small cookie dough scoop for consistent sizing.  Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.  Place balls on sheet an inch apart.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

In a large skillet on low heat, pour both jars of sauce.  Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce for 10-15 minutes.  Serve over pasta.

Best Websites for Reviews

A friend of mine, hi Amy,  recently asked me for sites that I recommended for researching baby gear.  Thought I would share my method with everyone. 

Usually the best resource is friends with kids.  No joke.  Some of the best things I use and own are things that friends who have been there recommended.  Sometimes not the "cute or adorable" option that I would have been led to make but two babies in I'm all about function.  The plus to that is there are a lot of creative people on etsy who have learned to make these used or ugly items cute and customized.  This is my daughters ugly worn fabric Britax carseat that I purchased a washable cover for on etsy.  I got to choose the fabric and it's reversible.  You just have to make sure that it is not going to jeopardize the safety of the object.  That is why I didn't opt for a padded comfy one.

If I fall short in response from friends, I usually go on the store site that I anticipate buying the item from and read the sites reviews.  For me this is usually Target, Walmart, or BabiesRUs.  Even if you found it or plan on buying it somewhere else, chances are they sell it at one of these three stores and they usually have ample customer reviews to go with each item.

If you still feel like you are yearning for more info, these are some sites that I do use.

http://www.consumersearch.com/

This site is not baby or kid specific but it is very thorough in its explanation and usually has a large pool of advice.  It also gives price comparisons and where the item is sold.  It has a brief easy to follow pros and cons listing.

http://www.parents.com

Lots of "top ten" style lists.  Not always budget savvy though.

http://www.classymommy.com/

I like this site if you have NO idea what you want.  The reason being there really is no specific search tool.  However, let's say you know you are in need of a double jogging stroller, there is a huge list of strollers that have been reviewed by moms with an easy to follow star rating system.

https://windsorpeak.com/sites/baby411/
This one I have not personally used but a friend has the app on their phone and loves it.  From what I read and heard it comes highly recommended.

Happy shopping :)

Goldfish Bread

This was an impulse, spoil my granddaughter,choice from my mom at the grocery store. At first I was a little ticked because this is not a splurge I would usually indulge in and the thought of the tantrums that would follow when I tried to present the "regular" boring bread, did not seem like fun. However, I soon began to see the power these little whole wheat fishies held. This child will eat anything I squeeze between these two pieces. I mean anything. It is also a bargaining tool and has been used as a treat for good behavior. Beats something non-nutritious!

Operation Toddler Bed Update...

After a horrific fail at naptime today, I decided that it was time to research.  After surveying the local mom blogs and commentary I came up with a plan that would fit our family style and Adelyn's stubborness, bribing.

Let me elaborate on our naptime situation.  I was watching a friend's kiddo today so he got the pack-n-play in our room.  I said, "It's naptime."  This two year old responded, "Ok," and just laid down and fell asleep.  Amazing.  Made my kids look horrific.  Then I proceded into Adelyn's room to put my crazies down.  Adelyn was soooo tired she just climbed right into her big girl bed and laid down.  Marcella, being fat and fed, was already asleep before her head hit the matress.  I closed the door and thought to myself, "That was surprisingly easy."  and it was.  As soon as I got upstairs I heard a blood curtling scream.  I ran downstairs and noticed the light was on in the girls room.  Adelyn had jumped into Marcella's bed, on sound asleep Marcella mind you, scared the poo out of her and hurt her.  Then she proceeded to turn on the light and steal her blankets.  And to top it off reopened her busted lip and was bleeding everywhere!  It took me a good twenty minutes to calm little one down while Adelyn ran around screaming, "No nap for me, Mom."  I calmy said, "Goodnight, Adelyn," and closed the door to her excorcist style screaming.  She finally fell asleep... in Marcella's crib.  In the meantime, our little friend slept perfectly.  Not fair.

Therefore, tonight I concocted a perfect plan.  We took Adelyn to Babies R Us to pick out any sheets she wanted.  She picked out pink Winnie the Pooh.  So we were blessed with Jason's "Poo" on your sheets jokes.  Then let her pick out a toy at the dollar store telling her that if she made it the whole night in her bed it would be waiting for her at breakfast.  We came home, changed her sheets and put all her stuffed animals in with her.  She has been down for two hours... Wish us luck :)

Milestones

With two little ones it seems like we are constantly celebrating new achievements and developmental milestones.  However, this weekend we were inundated with new growth!  My little ones are getting big way too fast.  I see now how moms who are done having children baby the baby!

Our first landmark happened on Friday night as we were putting the girls to bed.  We had just put Marcella down and were reading Adelyn her two books.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw major stirring in Tiny Hiney's crib.  I looked up and Marcella was sitting up, peering over her crib, about to come on over to join us head first!  Jason was summoned to lower the crib.  There was great excitement from both girls giddy with the new change.  I teared up :(

Milestone number two occurred Saturday night.  Jason and I frantically rushed to get the girls down a little early so we could have a night out with friends.  We weren't gone twenty minutes when I got a call from my dad.  I was a little nervous as I was answering because he never calls when watching the little ones.  He wanted to inform me that while checking on the girls, after they had began to fuss, that Adelyn was waiting for him at the door!  She had discovered how to get out of her crib!  I still don't know how that is physically possible since she is so petite her head barely clears the railing.  It was decided that a toddler railing would be in store for the next night and the fear of starting a new routine was intimidating.  And we discovered, rightfully so...  She was sooooo excited about her new big girl bed until it was actually time to sleep in it.  I left the room with her screaming and yelling.  I sat by the door to try and listen to make sure she didn't attempt to kill her little sister who sleeps in the same room.  Sure enough, I hear a thud and Adelyn starts wailing.  That wailing that only pain brings.  I hurried in there to find her frantically trying to climb in with her sister and falling off the precipice of her crib.  She was terrified to lose the comfort of her crib fortress.  I promised her I would sleep on the floor next to her bed if she would cooperate and lay down.  After minutes of watching her run around, bringing me toys and talking a mile a minute I calmly informed her I was going to have to go to bed in my room.  She laid on the carpet and said, "Nigh Night here, Mom."  I tucked her in right there and snuck out.  Two seconds later, screaming and frantic running insued, waking her sister momentarily.  I listened for a couple minutes before it went starkly silent.  I held my breath and after what seemed like forever, I braved opening the door to see what had happened.  I could hear thumb sucking but couldn't see through the dark where it was coming from.  I tip toed into the room, terrified I would wake them and I found her.  Huddled in her reading corner with every stuffed animal she owns piled on top of her.  She made herself a protective teddy bear cocoon.  I snuck out slowly, sad that I was such a mean mommy that my daughter had to resort to curling in the fetal position, sucking her thumb in a frantical effort to find comfort that I clearly had not provided.  After much deliberation, I still haven't decided how to proceed for tomorrow night.  I have considered letting the girls co-sleep but that's not fair to Marcella since Stinky Butt Adelyn wiggles as much in her sleep as when she's awake.  Or should I move Marcella out of the room with us and let Adelyn have free reign of the room?  I don't know.  The jury is still out.

Lastly, gum has been broken!  After months of crabbiness and fussing, Marcella has teeth breaking through!  They have just freed their way through and are barely visible but they are there!  Come on more solids and the possibility of maybe sleeping more than two hour shifts!

It was an eventful weekend of firsts and I'm exhausted.  It is exciting to watch and wonder what the Lord is doing in these little girls lives.  How he will shape their future and in what ways will He use these milestones to further prepare them for their walk later on.  They probably seem trivial to the non-guardian but to me they make me beam just thinking about them.  Elated about the next wave of newness!

Today Was Just Peachy... Peach Pie Recipe

Had a blast at Eckert's Farm in Belleville, IL today!  Hopped on a tractor for a ride to the orchard, 
strolled down beautiful peach tree adorned paths and watched Adelyn and friends pull fresh peaches straight from the tree and into their mouth.

 
It was a hot one but nobody cared.  We had a picnic lunch and treated the kiddos to fresh fruit sundays.  When we were ready to leave everyone was sweaty, dirty and exhausted and the long car ride home was wonderfully silent with sleeping little ones.  The day cost us $10 (which is a splurge for me!) but totally worth every penny!  Can't wait for September apple harvesting!

Once the stinkers were asleep, I decided to fight pure exhaustion and surprise my late working husband with a homemade fresh peach pie.  It wasn't bad for my first attempt at pie making.  Here's the method...

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) package pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
3 eggs
5 cups sliced peeled peaches
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup light cream or milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tbsp ground cinnamon

Step 1:  Blanch the peaches.  I know a lot of people say to boil water and soak and then place in ice water but this did not work for me.  I put them individually in the microwave for 30 seconds and then let them sit for 2.  This worked much better.  Once peeled, I sliced them into 1/2 in segments.  Place them in a strainer.

Step 2: Beat one of the eggs.  Using a pastry brush, brush some of the egg onto the pie crust.

Step 3:  Pour the lemon juice over the peaches and toss so they are evenly covered.  Allow the leftover juice to run out of the strainer.

Step 4:  Place the peaches into the pie crust.

Step 5:  In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, sugars, salt, cinnamon and flour; add cream/milk and vanilla and stir until smooth. Pour mixture over peaches.

Step 6: Cover with the other pie crust, and fold the edges under. Flute the edges to seal or press the edges with the tines of a fork dipped in egg. Brush the remaining egg over the top crust. Cut several slits in the top crust to vent steam. Mine broke into a hundred pieces when I tried this so it became more of a crumb topping :)

Step 7: Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes; (Mine started to burn early since my oven runs hot, so, I loosely covered it with foil) reduce oven temperature to 375 and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. 

Voila!  Let cool for 2 hours on cooling rack.  It was delicious!  Served warm with vanilla bean ice cream :)

There Are Some Things That Are Just Worth the Money...

I thought I would be resourceful and cut Adelyn's bangs myself.  How hard could it be, right?  She's only two, right?  Well, there are some things that are just worth the $8.  Say hello to my pumpkin pie hair cutted freak :)  Good thing is she is ignorantly bliss!  She has been running around the house yelling, "I'm pretty like Mommy!  Pretty bangs like Mommy!"  I know she meant this as a compliment but I pray that that is not pretty like Mommy bangs :)  Jason is going to kill me...

Car Trash Can

This one was made for me by my husband's cousin, Amy.  All she did was cut a hole on the top of a plastic cotton candy container (any plastic container will do) and voila!  Instant trash can for the car.  The hole is small enough that the trash doesn't come toppling out if my crazy husband driver takes a turn too fast.  Another added bonus is that it is plastic and easily emptied and wiped out with disinfectant wipes.  This simple little thing is what I credit for my car being so clean :)  This would be easy to have the kiddos decorate too.

I Love Downtown Kirkwood

If I had unlimited funds and a super duper handy husband there wouldn't be a doubt in my mind that Kirkwood would be where I call home. I love the charm of the older homes with mature trees and the small quaint feel of the historic downtown area. I have a little dream of being able to live within walking distance of the Farmer's Market there and cute boutique shops. But reality check, teachers don't pull in 6 digits and its just material wants anyways. That being said, I do still enjoy spending a lot of time there and taking advantage of all the free family friendly events that they hold!

This is the site I refer to for everything happening in Kirkwood.

www.downtownkirkwood.com

Today what caught my attention is the Kirkwood Farmers' Market Dog Days Celebration. I fully intend on going. A free dog parade for cute pet (and people) watching and a chance to spoil my boy with dog related gifts. My kids LOVE seeing doggies and it's like a free petting zoo :) and Jason can get his puppy fix out of his system... It's being held Saturday, September 24 starting at 9 a.m..

Also looking forward to the Fall Festival of Local Flavor on Oct. 8th. It's a kickoff to everything I love...Fall and um...Fall. They will have free children craft activities between 11 and two. There will also be live music and a local art show. The Farmers' Market Pumpkin Patch is an incredible FREE fall play area for kids. Last year they had a fort with hay, corn kernel play box, tractor tricycles and swings. Not to mention all the incredible pumpkins! Took Adelyn there at least twice a week to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

Lastly, I am already pumped about the Kirkwood Halloween Walk on Thursday, October 27 from 5-7. We attended last year and had a blast! The kiddos dress up (I thoroughly enjoy seeing all the costumes) and trick or treat at the local businesses in Downtown Kirkwood. Last year they had a children's musical performance and he was fantastic. The kids loved it.

Scaredy Squirrel

This is one of my favorite picture books! It's about a little squirrel who doesn't leave his tree ever. He is overly cautious with the fear of the unknown and obsessed with the safety of routine. Until, all his planning goes out the window with an unplanned and unexpected turn of events. He learns that sometimes the unknown isn't as scary as it seems. It is very funny with adorable illustrations. I love this book and beg Adelyn to let me read it often :)

Ode to Chango

This is my first born son, Chango. My husband and I's first real glimpse of the awesome responsibility of being the sole care giver to another living being. His name is a term of endearment, meaning "little monkey" in Spanish. That is exactly what he is, my little monkey.

I always wanted a dog. However, Jason made it very clear early on in our marriage that he definitely did not. Then life stepped in. Jason and I lost our first pregnancy to miscarriage and our little neat, organized and planned out life got turned upside down. For several weeks, even months following we struggled verbalizing and rationalizing the sickness of sorrow and loss that we felt. I was lucky to have the comfort of tearful conversations with friends. Jason, however, was a man and struggled with how to communicate his pain. That's when he surprised me with Chango. Not that he meant to replace what we had lost but he had found an outlet for his emotions. Another living thing that needed love and care almost as much as he needed something to give it to.

Since then this dog (or should I say 5th member of our family) has become an irreplaceable presence in our family. He taught me how selfish with my time I was and gave me insight on what it really took to be relied upon. He is a goofy guy (friends and family can attest to that) but he is stoic, in-tune, and comforting when you need him to be. He has become a best friend to my children. Selflessly patient and gentle when I myself probably could not. A picnic table for a princess.

He is often the first one overlooked when things get hectic and the last to demand attention. I am his world and asks for only a scratch on the belly in return. God uses many things to reach people. He constantly uses Chango for me. Slow down, appreciate the simple and love unconditionally.

Thank you Chango for being the best companion and son a mom could ask for :)

Cake Pops

I am a huge cake pop fan! For those of you who do not know what they are you have no idea what you are missing! A cake pop is just what it sounds like, cake on a stick. A perfect little portion of sweet tooth gluttony without the extra party expense and mess of plates and forks. I have just started to dabble in this new found baking technique but the possibilities for versatility and customization seen endless. These were ones I made for Adelyn's second birthday party. They doubled as my favors and center pieces!

I wanted to share my step by step method because as easy as they seem, I had some trouble. To be exact, four experimental tries before I finally got it down. With countless tutorials and online researching I found the little tips that make this recipe a cinch! Once I sorted out the little glitches this is now my go to recipe for all party events!

Ingredients:
1 box of cake mix (will yield approximately 28-30 pops) Moist cakes work best (yellow and chocolate!)
3/4 can of frosting (Love the combo of Yellow cake mix with lemon frosting)
1 bag of colored candy melts
4 tbsp vegetable shortening
lollipop sticks
styrofoam block

Step 1: Bake your cake according to the directions on the box. Let cool completely and break into chunks.

Step 2: Place cake and 3/4 can of frosting into a mixer. Mix on medium until it becomes the consistency of play dough. Place in freezer for 10 minutes to help settle it (This is the first trick I learned. If you try to roll them immediately they will fall apart).

Step 3: While cake mixture is cooling, melt 1/4 of the candy melt bag in a glass mixing bowl with a tbsp of vegetable shortening added. I chose the microwave directions. (Second tip I learned, vegetable shortening is a must! Without it I could never get the melts thin enough and they would weight down the cake pop so much it would fall apart)

Step 4: I used a small 1 inch cookie scoop to help form consistent size balls.

Step 5: Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted candy melt and insert halfway into the cake ball. This will help hold it together later when you coat the entire thing. Place the tray in the freezer for 45 minutes to where they are almost frozen. (Third and most important tip! Most recipes I read either skipped this step or only said 10 to 15 minutes chill time. I found it wasn't long enough and if they weren't cold enough they fell off the stick in the coating process).

Step 6: Melt the remaining candy melts and vegetable shortening in the glass container. Remove cake pops from the freezer and dip it into the melt (DO NOT SPIN IT! They will beak off!) use a spoon to pour the melt over the cake pop. Turn it vertical and tap excess coating off. Place upright on a styrofoam block to dry. Viola! Cake pop!

Now I made mine into daffodils using yellow construction paper and orange mini cupcake holders.

I drew the shape of my flower on the construction paper and cut it out. This became my template. Once I had them all cut out I used an exacto knife to make a small hole in the center of my cupcake holder and flower.

Then I just placed the cake pop through the cupcake holder and flower. I arranged them on my styrofoam block.

Finished it off with a ribbon and bow. Here is another picture of plain ones I made for the Fourth of July utilizing sprinkles for my coloring. I cracked a few because it was extremely hot outside and they started to melt when I transported them :(

Homemade Halloween Costume ideas

I have a slight confession to make. I am semi-obsessed with anything fall. Pumpkins, leaves, the colors, the weather, activities and the costumes. It is the only time of year that I don't mind when they put the decorations out three months before! Now that I have little ones the obsession is growing at an exponential rate. It's bordering out of control :) There are too many fantastic DIY ideas and just not enough time to do them. I hope to be able to complete and post a ton in the next few months!

Today, I decided to start the process of costume ideas. Now I know it is only August but there are two reasons I start early.

1. Money. If I start collecting materials a little at a time and really think the costume through I can usually pull them off very cheaply. I search for coupons for all my supplies and since I have had plenty of time to prepare there are no last minute splurges because I procrastinated. If there is something I need that is expensive, with a little thoughts and ingenuity, I can usually come up with a comparable cheaper solution.

2. Homemade. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing technically wrong with store bought costumes and I'm not here to judge. But I have always found the thought out, creative, DIY ones are by far the best and usually don't break the bank. Your kids can help, give input and the process is usually just as fun as showing off the outcome.

I like to look at different DIY homemade costume sites for ideas to get me started. I found this one last year and it was the only site I needed! I spent hours looking through this costume contest photo gallery! There aren't step by step instructions but you definitely get your creative juices flowing!


www.parenting.com/article/homemade-halloween-costume-contest-galleries

This was Adelyn's costume I made last year. Not a lot of sewing because I really don't know how to use a sewing machine. Took time but was not hard at all. I got a plethora of positive comments on this costume and she loved it. Didn't want to take it off and still wears it often for dress up.

I bought a white clearance hoodie sweatshirt from Old Navy (had an additional coupon) so it ended up only costing $2! I used RIT fabric dye to get it the color I wanted.
For the mane, I had a coupon for 40% off fleece at Hancock Fabric. I bought two yards of shades of brown, cut them into strips of 5inch by 2 yards and made 1 inch wide slits on both sides about 2 inches into the fabric. I stacked three strips together with a single stitch down the middle to hold them together. The time consuming part was hand sewing the strips onto the hood of her sweatshirt. Cut out some felt ears and hand stitched those on. It was by no means neat or perfect but the floppy fleece hid all my imperfections!

The tutu was just made out of 1in. by 24 in. strips of different shades of brown tulling knotted around a strip of elastic.

The tail I made out of the left over fleece that I had. I hand stitched it into a tube and stuffed the remaining fleece into it to make it firm. I sewed it directly onto the elastic band of her tutu. I used a brown washable magic marker to color her nose and whiskers. I paired it with brown leggings and boots she already had.

After I was all said and done, it only cost me $15! And because it was a hooded sweatshirt she was nice and warm on Halloween. I know I'm biased but she looked adorable.

I really enjoyed making this costume and am so excited about getting to make two this year! The juices are flowing and can't wait to show you my finished project!

Daniel Boone Story Time and Wet Playtime at the Vlasis Park

"Today storytime Mom? Today storytime?" This is a question I wake up to almost every morning. Since we moved back last year one of my favorite fun activity finds has been St. Louis County Library's Lap Time at Daniel Boone. It is held at the Daniel Boone Branch, located on Clarkson between Manchester and Clayton, every Thursday morning from 10:00-11:00 a.m.. This is kind of a drive for me currently but worth every precious earned dollar on gas to get there.

We have tried other closer story times but let me share why this one is worth the distance. The instructor used to be a preschool teacher and you can tell. She is excellent. She does about 15 to 20 minutes of sharing stories with fun corresponding songs in between. There is lot's of wiggling and moving during the structured part (because anyone who know my daughter knows she does not stop moving or talking. So this is key for us!) She also throws in her weekly regular songs that my daughter lights up every time she hears because of the rote memorization and familiarity. Once the activity has stopped, perfectly timed to little attention spans, the real fun begins. A cart is rolled out with every kineshetic learner's dream, toys and free reign. It is 45 minutes of beautiful controlled chaos at its best! On average, 30 little two and unders running around playing and learning how to socialize and share. The kids are in an enclosed area and have free for all on all the toys that are spread out. It is a great time for both kids and moms who so desperately need some adult interaction.

After we have helped clean up, a few friends and I have started making it a tradition to pack up the kids and head down Manchester to Vlasis Park for a picnic lunch and water play time. We spread out a blanket under a huge oak tree located conveniently next to both the playground and water attraction and chow down. It is timed almost perfectly to where as soon as the kids are fed and getting restless, we can strip them down to diapers, lube them up with sunscreen and the water feature starts up. It comes on starting at noon and operates in 20 minute intervals during the summer months. Just the right amount of time for a two year old :) The beauty of it is that when it shuts off it's the perfect apparent reason to pack it up and head home. No tantrums, no screaming for more playtime because there is no more water. They have no idea it comes back on in 20 minutes and no need to inform them. They are so exhausted from all the overload of playtime they crash when they get home for some much need mommy rest time as well!

I have come to really look forward to my Thursday routine. Worn out kids and great mommy conversation!

Family Friendly in St. Louis

There were several reasons why my husband and I decided to move back to St. Louis with our family, however, one stuck out in particular. We are a growing family now. And even though Orange County had plenty to offer, St. Louis could offer a lot of it for free.

Growing up in St. Louis I took a lot of the local attractions for granted. Doesn't everyone have a top ten zoo in the country that is free? Or an interactive science center that is free? Or an art museum, history museum, Grant's Farm or countless gorgeous parks with a plethora of events that are FREE? You get my picture. Yes, St. Louis is a sports town but it is also a family town. Since moving back last June I have made it my penny pinching mommy job to find as many of those free things as possible. Even the attractions that cost usually have free or discounted days. There are a few great websites that I have relied on to get me started and I want to share the wealth. Enjoy...


http://kidsinstl.com/
This one is the one I use by far! It has an easy to use calendar with descriptions and venue information. It has articles on anything and everything from great farmer's markets to new playground construction.

www.stlmoms.com
Fox 2 news local website for anything "mom". Lot of local coupons, deals and how to save money around the city. The calendar isn't quite as user friendly but extensive. Also has activity and recipe ideas.

http://www.stlouiskidsmagazine.com/
Has a good "Things to do" tab.


http://www.riverfronttimes.com/events/category/family-events-768362/
More of a general events site but has a family extension.

Some general good to know free or discounted local attractions...

Every third Friday of the month the Magic House is free from 5:30 - 9:00.

Wednesday and Saturday mornings before noon are free at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

https://wwwc.druryhotels.com/content/stlvacationsavings.aspx Drury Inn's website has lots of buy one get one free coupons. Just print them out! We use the Butterfly House one regularly.

The Children's Zoo, Carousel and Stingray Cove are all free the first hour of operation.

Grant's Farm has a pass for $40. It includes parking (which is $11!). If you go four time a year (which we already have) you have already saved money.

Hope these help and I plan on adding as I find more useful resources!

Missouri Botanical's Resident Free Wednesday Morning...

Woke up this morning to the news telling me it was only going to be 79 degrees today! After three weeks of being stuck inside with over a hundred degree temps, I decided it wasn't even up for discussion. We were venturing to the great outdoors. Lucky me it is Wednesday and Missouri Botanical Gardens is free to residents in the mornings (Also on Saturday mornings). We made a quick call to Adelyn's best bud Nate's mommy and off we were by 9:30 with a packed lunch, a picnic blanket, a latte (a necessity these days) and three very squirmy two and unders :)

It was packed, of course, with stroller clad moms, such as ourselves, desperate to release some of this overwhelming pent up child craziness. Good thing for us, the gardens are huge! So once we got through the parking space scavenger hunt madness it really wasn't too bad. We venture through the rainforest climatron, where Nate and Adelyn oohed and ahhed over the bananas hanging from the trees, and then it was straight to the children's play area. That place is awesome. Tree houses, rope bridges, slides, waterfalls, crafts, and water fountain play area to cool off. A child's play haven. And true to form, Adelyn's favorite part was picking up and digging in dirt. It amazes me that it never fails. I take her someplace that is inundated with over stimulating awesomeness and all she wants is dirt. Whatever. Right? Kids will be kids.

Once we dried off the squirms, we loaded them back up in our caravan of strollers and picked the perfect lakeside picnic spot in the Japanese garden. We relaxed and once again true to form watched Adelyn eat everything. Her lunch, my lunch and drove Nate crazy as she tried to eat his as well. For as little as she is, man, can she put it away.

Finished off the trip with some quality playtime in the tree house exhibits scattered throughout the park. When the raindrops and teardrops started to fall we knew it was time to pack it up. Everyone needed a nap, including the chaperones. Lovin' the free trip mornings in St. Louis.