Family Schedule Command Center

My twin boys starting Kindergarten inspired me to plan out a MUCH needed command center for our hectic family life. I've been using for about 2 weeks now and it has kept me on track, kept my counters clear of clutter and made me feel like I was able to bring some control to our chaos!!

Here are the areas that were needing some organization and how those were incorporated in this design:

Misplacing Paperwork (because they were in piles on my counter)

I found these great wall file holders at Staples - Martha Stewart has a line of organizational products!! There is now one for each of the kids and then one for mail. The labels are chalk board labels which were also from the Martha Stewart line (I love her!!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constantly losing the "To-Do" and Shopping lists

Generic white board (also from Staples) serves two purposes:

1) To keep track of my reminders - when papers are due, things that we need to complete, etc. (In other words, those tasks that wake you up in the middle of the night or that you think of in the car and forget as soon as you are able to write them down!).

2) My ongoing grocery list!! Plus, I got this smaller holder (from Martha's line at Staples) that I use for coupons. The idea is that when I write down an new item on the grocery list, I pull any relevant coupons and keep them in this holder. I actually use the coupons that I've cut instead of not using them because I finally have an hour to run out to the store and I don't have time to sort through my coupon pile!!

 

No Dinner Plans

 


I found this white board weekly planner at Staples in the white board section and I am using it to write out my weekly meal plan each Sunday. I love that it has a cork board and magnets so if I find a recipe, I pin it up there.

This also coincides nicely with the grocery list so that I make sure I have the right ingredients on hand for the week.

 

 

Appointments, sports schedules, school events...Oh My!

We have always used our calendar, but only for bigger events and I was feeling like the little events were being missed or remembered at the last second, causing undue stress. This calendar holder from Target also includes a cork board so I pin birthday invitations, appointment reminders, etc which keeps them off my fridge!

Never a Note Pad or Pen When You Need One!

This is one of my favorite parts - I was always leaving my note pads in different places (never where I needed it when I was writing notes for school!) and pens were just as bad. We installed this shelf from Target and mounted this note pad (Marshall's) on the wall never to be lost again! My pens are now located near my note pad and we also add a change jar and our phone charger station.

DIY Personalized Drink Tray

I found this cool tray at Marshall's and thought it would make a great addition to an "Al Fresco Dining" themed gift. I wanted to make it more personalized so I added an easy and inexpensive touch that made it the centerpiece of the gift.

 

The tray itself was rustic so I thought some burlap would be perfect for it. I found this laminated burlap at Joanne's Fabric. It cut perfectly (no frays!!) and was sturdier than standard burlap which made it just right for a placemat to have drinks or food carried out on it.

I cut the laminated burlap to fit the base of the tray.

Then, I used a permanent black marker and stenciled in the first letter of their last name (this was part of a wedding gift, so using the new married last name initial was perfect!!).







I used my spray adhesive to secure the burlap into the tray. It really made the gift look much more personal and it took about 5 minutes!!

I thought this gift theme was such a fun idea for a new homeowner, bridal shower or wedding!! Below are some ideas that you could include.

Al Fresco Dining Gift Box:

- Personalized Drink Tray
- 4 placemats
- 4 napkins
- Napkin Rings
- Table Cloth
- Candle holder (a tall round one could be a candle votive or a wine bottle holder)
- Bread tray with dip bowl
- Gourmet Olive Oil
- Seasoning for bread dip
- Bottle of Wine
- Shatterproof Govino wine glasses
- Chalkboard for menu or fun message to be printed on

DIY Gourmet S'more Bar

 

 

 

My kids LOVE making S'mores in the summer but the bonfire or firepit takes time to get started, you smell like smoke, kids get waaaay to close to fire, plus I inevitably become the gatekeeper for the chocolate and marshmallows to keep dirty little hands from touching the entire supply!!! It is just not as enjoyable for me as it is for them!

This 4th of July we had a family BBQ and the kids wanted S'mores so I started researching some other options that would bring a little more serenity to the tradition. I ended up creating a Gourmet S'More Bar and it worked out really well!! So if you are looking to make a S’more bar – here is what you need:

The S’mores

I made individual S’more kits which meant no need to be the gatekeeper! Plus, with doing the gourmet s’mores, I had the combinations already put together for people.


Kits:

• Clear favor bags (I used Wilton party bags 4x6 that I got at Joanne Fabrics in the cupcake decorating aisle).

• 2 ½ inch Wired Ribbon – I used a patriotic color scheme to go with the holiday, but you can use any kind and customize the look of the kits for your event or your style.

• Stapler

• Scotch Tape

Directions:

• In each bag, place the graham cracker and marshmallow along with chocolate or other ingredients (see my gourmet s’more list below for some fun ideas!)

• Cut the wired ribbon to the length of the bag opening

• Fold over the top of the bag and tape it closed.

• Fold the ribbon over the top and staple the two ends to attach it to the bag.  

Note: I made the kits the night before and I placed them in the fridge so that the chocolate didn’t melt all over the bag!!

Gourmet S’Mores: 

Here is a list of possible s’more combinations that can be made into kits. I made 4 options and did twice as many “Classic” s’more kits than the others but the gourmet ones got devoured as well!!! 

“The Classic” – graham cracker, marshmallow, Hershey chocolate

“The Grasshopper” – grahams cracker (or chocolate graham cracker), marshmallow and peppermint patty or Andy’s Candy. 

“The Samoa” – graham cracker, marshmallow, chocolate carmel (I used Dove but you could also use Ghiradelli) and toasted coconut (buy shreadded coconut in bulk and then place on a baking sheet in over at 300F for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes). 

“The Nutty Buddy” – graham cracker, marshmallow and mini peanut butter cup

“The Girl Scout” – graham cracker, marshmallow and thin mint 

"The Razzle-Dazzle" - graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate raspberry square

Alternatives to Graham Crackers: Ginger Snaps, Chocolate Chip Cookies,  Nilla Waffer, Pizzelle

The Tabletop S'more "Fire"

I saw these on Pinterest and they are really easy to make and was so much more practical than a fire!

What you need: 

Container (no plastic or anything that would melt or catch on fire!). I found this little one at Target.

Sterno cooking fuel (you can usually get them in a pack)

Sand or gravel  to put in the bottom on the container to anchor the sterno containers.

River rocks to add around the sterno.

Additional Items:

Baskets or containers to put the S'more kits in

Something to label the different S'more options (I found these chalkboards at Joanne's in the wedding section)

Wooden or metal sticks to toast the marshmallows

Small plates and napkins

Garbage can to dispose sticks, empty kits, etc

Fun Food Ideas: Sailboat

This was my last day of school breakfast for the kids...celebrating them "sailing through" yet another year!

Fun Food Ideas: DIY Animal Pop Tarts

Last week, I intended to make a chicken pot pie so I took out a pre-made pie crust from my freezer. It was so warm last week that we ended up grilling the chicken instead, leaving me with a pie crust...




Then I came across some Wilton animal cookie cutters and I thought of the pie crust and decided I could make something fun for the kids for the last week of school. My kids have NO idea what a Pop Tart actually is, but I found a few posts from people who had made them and used some ingredients that were healthier that the boxed version.

So, here we are!!!

The filling

 (Note: Although easy, this part takes some time!! I failed to realize this when I started this food adventure at 9:45pm!!!!)

Growing up, my Mom always made her own strawberry jam and I remember how much sugar she added (which as a kid is awesome....as a parent, not so much!). This recipe only uses honey and I have to tell you (don't tell my Mom!) that I prefer it to my Mom's sugar heavy recipe!

Ingredients:
3 Cups frozen berries
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

• Put all ingredients into a pot
• Simmer on medium heat until it starts to bubble
• Reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes (stir it often)
• The jam is done when it is smooth (although I like to have a few chunks of berries left!)

The Pop Tart

Since I used pre-made crust, I didn't have to roll out the dough until I used the scraps. Just like Noah's Ark, cut the animal shapes out two by two!!








Put a small amount of the berry filling onto the first cut out, spread it around and then place the matching animal cut out on top. With a fork, seal the edges.

I finished off the Pop Tart with an egg wash (one egg and some water whisked together and then painted each animal for a brown finish).

Set the oven to 350, bake the pop tarts on a baking sheet (use parchment paper). Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve them warm or you can heat them in the microwave or toaster oven before serving!!

Since I did the egg wash, I didn't top them with an icing glaze - you can do this if you wish by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar and milk (add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you get the desired consistency).

Fun Food Ideas: Dump Truck Waffle

Here is a fun one I made for my twin boys (we read Good Night Construction Site at bedtime which inspired me to make this fun breakfast for them!)

What you need: 

2 Frozen Belgian Waffles
2 Frozen Mini Waffles
Blueberries
Whip Cream (or yogurt)

Directions: 

Cut one row off of one of the square waffles to use as the truck bed. Cut the other square waffle at a diagonal to make the truck cab. I used a tip of a strawberry for a headlight, but you can use a blueberry!

I had this great place-mat for the boys which made for the perfect plate and construction background!! This waffle design was big enough for both my boys to share!!  I just had them dip the waffles into a little dish of syrup instead of pouring it right on top. 

Fun Food Ideas: Pig Waffles

This week's waffle creation was inspired by some really cute pig cupcakes that my sister-in-law made. When I saw them, I thought that pigs would make a really great waffle idea too!!

My boys are going on a field trip to the zoo with their class, so I thought an animal themed waffle breakfast was in order, so here is my pig waffle!!!

I really love that the kids like the yogurt on the waffle with the fresh fruit instead of sugary syrup - it is a win-win! 

What you need:

1 regular waffle
1 mini waffle
2 blueberries
1 strawberry
2 chocolate chips or Mini M&M's
strawberry yogurt

Pinterest Review: Lego Cookies

We went to an outdoor movie night this past weekend to see The Lego Movie so I thought I would try out a version of the Lego cookies I've seen all over Pinterest with the goal of making the cookies in the simplest way possible.


Step One:  Ingredients - very simple!

 Step Two: Sort the M&Ms and color the frosting

 Step Three: Roll out the dough on wax paper with a rolling pin and some flour. Then I used a pizza cutter to cut out the different sized lego cookies.

Step Four: Place the lego cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes because they are so small. Let them cool on a cookie rack for about 10 minutes.

Step Five: It's all fun and games until you have to frost them!!! These are tiny cookies and tiny M&M's...it took over an hour to frost and place the M&M's on the cookies. (Make sure you place the M&M pieces with the "M" face down - just an aesthetic thing!).

Step 6: Once frosted, I put the cookies into two Lego bin lids - I thought it was a cute way to present them!

My overall review of Lego Cookies: 

These are really cute and the perfect size for kids because they are small cookies. It was just the frosting process that was the real time consumer (although if you made your dough and your own frosting then you are definitely making a real project for yourself!!!).  My kids like helping me sort the M&M's and they were really excited to bring these to the movie!

Non-Lame Playdate: Upcycling Crafts

 I actually did these projects for a Brownie Meeting with an Earth Day theme, but I thought they would also work well for a fun play date.

I love the idea of "Upcycling" - someone's trash can indeed be someone else's treasure!

I found all of these ideas on Pinterest and they turned out to be pretty easy for a group of 8 year olds!!

Project 1: Tin Can Flower Pot/Pencil Holder/Vase

Materials:

Tin cans (I had all different sizes to choose from)

Burlap 

Twine

Ribbon 

Glue or Spray Adhesive (I used the spray adhesive in the interest of time although an aerosol can did not really fit my Earth Day theme!!)

Directions:

• I precut the burlap ahead of time and placed in the tin cans because I had a group of 10 girls and I wanted to make sure I had enough! It also made the process a little smoother to have this part done. 

• Spray the burlap with adhesive. 

• Line up the bottom of the burlap with the base of the tin can and wrap the burlap around the can. 

• Measure a piece of ribbon so it fits around the can. I bought a few ribbons for the girls to choose from so they had some unique looks. I also told them they could place the ribbon where they felt it looked best - secure the ribbon with glue or spray adhesive. 

• Lastly, measure and tie a piece of twine around the ribbon.

You could also collect or have them bring upcycled items to design their new can like buttons, artificial flowers, lace, etc. It is always fun to let them really design their own unique look!!! 

Project 2: Pop Top Bracelet 

Materials:
Pop Tabs (about 12 for each)
Ribbon - One 12 inch piece per bracelet

Directions: 

• Since I did this as a group activity, I found it easiest to make this as a "Ready to Craft" kit. Along with the pop tabs and pre-cut ribbon, I put the instructions into each baggie so that they could do this project again on their own and there are more complicated ways to make these too. 
• Weave the ribbon through the first pop tab and tie a knot, leaving enough ribbon to tie at the end.
• For the rest of the bracelet, we did the simplest bracelet design which is just weaving the ribbon through the pop tab holes - make sure the pop tabs are going in the same direction.
• For the last pop tab, I had the girls tie the end of the ribbon with the remaining ribbon from their first knot. You could also get a simple toggle in the jewelry department.

Project 3: Word search!

If you are doing this for a Girl Scout Troop or school group, I also found this lesson planwhich had some great activities. I printed out the word search and gave it to the girls that finished first so they were occupied while the others finished up. (Any teachers or troop leaders know why this is a very important back up plan!!!).

Department of Energy K-5 Lesson Plans

 

Snack: Edible Bird's Nest  

I thought this was a cute Earth Day themed snack!! I had seen it around Easter time.

Ingredients: 
5 cups Rice Krispies
40 large marshmallows
1/4 cup Margarine
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Yogurt Covered Cranberries (3 per nest)

Directions:

• Spray muffin tins with Pam, set aside
• Melt the butter in a large pot
• Add marshmallows and stir until mixed
• Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies and chocolate chips, stir until mixed
• Fill muffin tins with mix
• Use a spoon or melon baller to shape each one into a "nest"
• Let cool 
• Once cool, remove "nests" from muffin tin and place on a platter. 
• Add yogurt covered cranberries to each nest

 

 

Fun Food Ideas: DIY Celebration Waffle Bar

My kids LOVE to have breakfast for dinner (Brinner) and I found that a DIY Waffle Bar complete with Shirley Temples in fun champagne flutes made for a great celebration dinner (birthdays, end of school year, New Year's, etc!).

Disclaimer: In my quest for fun but healthy options, this one is fun but falls within the "in moderation" category for nutrition!!  :o)

Here is what you need:

Waffles!! You know that Waffle Iron you got as a wedding gift?! Dust it off!!
Lots of fun toppings - fruit, marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, etc. I also put blueberry pie filling in a small crock pot so it was warm.
Last but not least, don't forget the different flavored syrups!!

Fun Food Ideas: Flower Breakfast

Happy (Belated) Earth Day!!! I meant to do this for the kids for their Earth Day breakfast...but I will admit that I just couldn't drag myself to the grocery store for a cantaloupe and grapes on a Monday night. My kids thought it was great anyway!!!

So here is my cheerful flower made from my favorite mini waffles and cantaloupe and grapes!!!

DIY Disney Autograph Books

We are taking our first family trip to Disney World this year - which means everyone gives you advice on what you should bring and do!! One of the suggestions was to get the kids their own autograph books for Mickey, Minnie and everyone to sign while we are there.

I looked them up online through Disney and they were cute, but I wanted something a little more personal for the kids (also with their names on it since it will be inevitable that they will argue or which one is theirs!!).

Off to Joanne Fabrics I went to get my supplies:

1) Photo Books ($0.97 each)

2) Disney Scrap Book paper (one for each - $0.99 ea)







3) Mouse Ear Letter Stickers ($4.99 in the scrap book section - they had a whole Disney scrap book aisle!!)

4) Sharpie (have the characters sign the plastic pages -  some characters have big hands and little pens are hard for them to hold!)






I replaced the photo book cover  (front and back) with the scrap book paper and then added their names with the mouse ear stickers - I luckily only needed one package of letters for all three books.

Besides the personalized touch, I like that the books have a plastic cover in case they get wet. I plan to add pictures of the kids with the character so they have a full memory book in the end!

I also got 2 packs of Disney stickers to add after, so in total, I spent about $16 which is a little less than if I had purchased them online...but I like these much more!!!