The idea of green beer has never really been that appealing to me but the festive fun surrounding St. Patrick’s Day is something I look forward to each year. So the ScrapPop Popstars have compiled a few fun ideas to help everyone feel a wee bit Irish this St. Patrick’s Day! The Sparkling Shamrock Cocktail I like this recipe from Happy Healthy and Motivated is refreshing, fun and takes less than 5 minutes to make. And who doesn't love a creative use of a garnish? Mike's March … [Read more...]
It is that time of year where I am torn between getting excited about the year ahead and fighting to get motivated through the gray winter of Chicago. As I see the family calendar slowly filling up...even the summer months I can’t yet even identify with, I think I am stuck in what I can best describe as the post holiday blues. December packs a one-two punch in our home with 4 birthdays and the Christmas Holidays. And just like that --- it’s over. I believe a big factor contributing to my … [Read more...]
No, this isn't an anti-Frozen post, but who doesn't love to build a snowman. The challenge here in Chicago is we haven't really had any real snow. So, I decided we could certainly at least celebrate with melted snowmen! I saw this clever idea for a melted snowman ornament on Pinterest and of course had to give it a try first at home and then as a room parent at school. It's quick and easy with very little clean-up! Do you want to build a snowman, a melted snowman that … [Read more...]
With what feels like a sprint from Halloween to Christmas, I often feel the real meaning of Thanksgiving is lost. As the host for our family Thanksgiving this year, appropriately now referred to as #Turkeypalooza, I want to help everyone to stop and take pause. grat·i·tude - ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ noun 1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Over the years I have heard different ideas for how people share what makes them feel grateful. Time … [Read more...]
You can add the fun of Halloween (or any other holiday) to breakfast with just a little creativity. The trick to these fun shaped pancakes is a squeeze condiment bottle. You can find these anywhere baking or serving items are sold. While the tip allows you to create any shape of pancake you wish, we recommend snipping the tip of the spout to create a slightly larger opening to accommodate the thickness of pancake batter. As pictured, to create a spider simply create a circular body on the … [Read more...]
It’s Birthday party time for our kids and I couldn’t say no when they all requested a game of Kiddie Pool Kickball! For those not yet familiar, you essentially set up a kickball field using kiddie pools for bases and slip and slides for the base paths. The game was fun for all. The younger kids enjoyed every aspect from wanting to beat the so-called “grown-ups” to sliding, splashing and watching the hilarity as folks misjudged bases, slipped and fell. I think the grandparents had the most … [Read more...]
A summer birthday celebration was made easy by hosting a private party at our pool a couple years ago. Rules didn’t allow for too many decorations so we had to get a wee bit creative to bring out our theme, but I think the kids had a GREAT time! Food: We served fish filled jello cups, shark shaped fruit salad, veggies, chips and chum (watermelon kool-aid). TIP: When carving any shape out of a watermelon, the first step should be flattening what will become the bottom so that it can … [Read more...]
4th of July fun doesn’t have to be just for the kids!? Keeping that in mind, we will keep this post short and sweet so you have time to sample a few of these ideas in planning your 4th festivities. Nothing draws your attention to a cocktail like a splash of color or fancy garnishes. Here are a few Pinterest Inspired drink ideas to spice up the adult bevi’s this 4th of July. Boozy Bomb Pop from Simply Fresh Cooking Yes -- you guessed it, not only do they look like the childhood … [Read more...]
If you are a tomato fan like I am, you know there is nothing better than a homegrown tomato! Not only in gardening but also in country music -- wink wink! (Learn more about Saladgate here as this post is actually focused on gardening but I couldn't help myself!) This is the year… this is the year I will be a successful gardener, or at least that is what I am telling myself. Every summer, just around 4th of July, I whine about how I should have taken time to plant some tomatoes and veggies. I … [Read more...]
We all know the famous saying "It's the thought that counts," and when talking about birthdays I find this to be especially true. Now that I am a parent, I find myself looking back to my own childhood and our family traditions more often. One of the fondest birthday memories I have were these little funny packages my Grandma would prepare in honor of your special day. The contents themselves wouldn't cost more than a dollar or two but it wasn't the gift that was so special. As clichéd as it … [Read more...]