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Over 50 Kid Friendly Appetizers

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love a good appetizer..I mean I do and so do my boys!

Kids are the life of every party and gathering. Whether you are fixing up something tasty for a birthday or cookout you gotta have kid friendly appetizers…and adults love them too! Here are 55 easy recipes that will be a total hit for everyone!

Kid Friendly Appetizers

1. This Irish Nacho Recipe is a kid favorite loaded with all the nacho fixins! Crystal & Co

2. What kid does not love Rotel Dip with Ground Beef? I mean, this could be a meal by itself at my house! 3 Boys and a Dog

3. Just throw this Artichoke Dip in the crockpot for a quick kid favorite appetizer. Crystal & Co

4. If you have a kiddo that likes a dip with a little kick then fix this Jalapeno Popper Dip. Crystal & Co

5. My kid would love these Macho Nachos Appetizer! So easy and does not heat up the house! 3 Boys and a Dog

6. These Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Stalks are so good they won’t last! Two Healthy Kitchens

7. This Quick and Easy Hummus recipe sounds simple and perfect! Rainy Day Mum

8. Who says you can’t have one of these cute Strawberry Mice before a meal! Spaceships & Laserbeams

9. Your kids will go crazy over these super easy Pigs In A Blanket Hot Dogs. Melanie Cooks

10. Only 3 savory ingredients for these Crescent Sausage Bites. The Kitchen Is My Playground

11. These Halloumi Chorizo Kebabs are super easy for kids to munch on. Anything on a stick is a hit at my house! Rainy Day Mum

12. 7 Layer Dip packed with Tex Mex flavors is always a hit! The Rising Spoon

13. You have to make these super easy Crockpot Meatballs that are a fan fav! The Country Chic Cottage

14. Whip up some Mini Prosciutto, Olive, & Fennel Pizza Bites that are drizzled in honey! Feast in Thyme

15. These Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect savory appetizer! Spaceships & Laserbeams

16. These Homemade Goldfish make for a great dipper into your favorite dip! Strength & Sunshine

17. Check out these Pepperoni Pizza Puffs that are a great bite sized appetizer. The Kitchen Is My Playground

18. Everything Bagel Dogs are wrapped in loaded bagels, YUM! Peace Love and Low Carb

19. Your kids will eat these Spinach & Artichoke Pastry Swirls up! Feast in Thyme

20. This Homemade Queso Dip is perfectly creamy & cheesy. The Rising Spoon

21. Healthy & gluten free these Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites are perfect! Suburban Simplicity

22. Sweet and savory are included in these Ham & Pineapple Pinwheels. Heidi’s Home Cooking

23. The cheesy goodness of these Cheesy Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes is delish! Ann’s Entitled Life

24. How about this scrumptious Garlic Pizza Bread with Tomato! Honest Mum

25. These Turkey and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are super tasty and so easy to make! Ann’s Entitled Life

26. French onion flavors all in one easy dip with this Crockpot French Onion Dip. Recipe This

27. Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are simple and always a hit! Spend With Pennies

28. The combo of pretzel, hot dog, and cheese in these Pretzel Dogs is awesome! The Slow Roasted Italian

29. These Baked Mashed Potato Bites are totally kid approved! Cookin Canuck

30. Check out these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders perfect for dipping! Recipe This

31. Oven Fried Chicken Taquitos are just what your kids want! Hungry Hobby

32. Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Tots are so good any kid will love them! Kalyn’s Kitchen

33. No dipping sauce needed for these yummy Cheese & Bacon Gougeres. Living Sweet Moments

34. These cheese and bacon combo in these Cheesy Bacon Pull Apart Bread takes things to a whole new level! Finding Zest

35. These crunchy Baked Zucchini Fries are super good! Cookin Canuck

36. Check out these Spinach Stuffed Potatoes with creamy spinach centers! Hungry Hobby

37. Make this sweet Chocolate Hummus that makes for a wonderful treat! Recipes From a Pantry

38. Serve up this Creamy Bacon Cheddar Dip with butter crackers! Penny Pincher Jenny

39. These Tequenos are packed with cheese and fried! Yum! Living Sweet Moments

40. Try out these Ham Roll Ups with pickle inside! Wholesome Yum

41. These Avocado Deviled Eggs are fun and festive and super tasty. Courtney’s Sweets

42. Make these Sugar Cookie Fruit Cups that are colorful and sweet! Bitz & Giggles

43. The kids could fill upon these Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs. Penny Pincher Jenny

44. Make with Greek pita bread this Veggie Flatbread is delicious! Finding Zest

45. These Toffee Chocolate Apple Nachos will be your kid’s favorite. So Typical Me

46. Buffalo flavors without any guilt in these Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. Wholesome Yum

47. Make, bake, or pan fry these scrumptious Chicken Quesadillas. Courtney’s Sweets

48. Circus Animal Cookie Dip is made with yummy cake mix! Bitz & Giggles

49. These creamy and crunchy Lasagna Fritta are delicious! Baking Beauty

50. Perfect for morning or afternoon these Ham & Cheese Pull Apart Biscuits are great. Home Cooking Memories

51. These Chili Cheese Egg Rolls are an awesome make ahead kid snack! Gym Craft Laundry

52. This Easy Bruschetta is just right for kids and they can help make it too! Rainy Day Mum

53. Salty snacks are the best and so are these Bacon Wrapped Pickles. Dancing Through the Rain

54. These crunchy chocolatey Rocky Road Chocolate Cherrio Balls are irresistible! Gym Craft Laundry

55. You just can’t go wrong with Rainbow Veggie Kabobs. Two Healthy Kitchens

56. Your kiddos will love these Mozzarella Sticks that are vegan too! Strength & Sunshine

57. What kid wouldn’t love this Pizza Dip! Crystal & Co

58. Make up some of these delicious Soft Pretzels. Peace Love and Low Carb

What is your go to appetizer for kids?

Make Ahead Freezer Meals for May

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

Dinner time is a struggle. Whether you have a houseful of kids or just you and your spouse dinner time becomes redundant and most often times something that we just run out of time to even think about. How many of you guys honestly think about dinner every single morning in hopes that your start of the day preparations will make dinner come off without a hitch? Not me because sometimes it is an act of congress to make that possible.

Have you ever tried make ahead freezer meals?

Good news! We can help you make this happen. We have a group called Get Dinner on the Table. You should totally join! We make freezer cooking easy with little prep.

You can make the most of your evenings and have family around the table. Getting dinner on the table in the evenings after a long day does not have to be something complicated with five courses and include all the spices in the spice cabinet.

Each month we are assembling 7 meals that work really well for families. Yep, that’s right 7 freezer friendly meals with grocery lists, recipe directions, and a check off list for your pantry. It is an instant download and you can just print it right off at home!

May Make Ahead Freezer Meal Plan

This past Sunday we assembled a really great freezer meal plan for May. It has a great variety of meals that are totally crowd pleasing. Here are the meals we prepped for May that are absolutely wonderful, easy, and delicious. Plus, the plan is very versatile!

Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Sour Cream
Sweet Italian Pork Chops
Sheet Pan Salmon with Peppers and Asparagus
Coca Cola Round Steak
Glorified Bean Burritos
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

My favorite thing about this months freezer meal plan is that we worked in lots of fresh veggies. So not only is it a healthy take on dinner time but also great for the produce you will find right now at your grocery store.

Show Notes:

Here are products mentioned for this prep:

Collapsible Colander – This is perfect for draining pasta in the sink without all of the yucky water touching your noodles.

Thaw Board – Thaw meat in no time with this thing. <–MY KITCHEN FAVORITE!

Freezer Bag Holders – Lifesavers when it comes to assembly, making sauces, marinades or whatever!

Produce Saver – Keeps all your favorite veggies and fruits fresh in the refrigerator by removing moisture.

Each month we create a new menu. You can find all of those here. You don’t have to make the meal options for that particular month you can view the recipes prior to purchasing and choose whether or not that meal plan works for you. Make March meals in July. Make January meals in May. Whatever you choose, there is no judgement here. You can also double the recipes to make 14 instead of 7 or divide them if you have a smaller family. It is whatever works for you! We just want to help get dinner on the table!

We hear so often that time is a huge dinner time issue. So with little prep dinner can be done and totally uncomplicated. Join is in our Get Dinner on The Table support group on Facebook where we share all kinds of other recipes, ideas, and humor!

You can watch our full live video here:

Large Family Meal Plan

You can also find my large family meal plan for this week here. I incorporate many freezer meals into my menu each week.

With six kids at home and running businesses from home and homeschooling, freezer meals are my saving grace!

More Meal Prep Options:

The 6 Week Freezer Meal Plan

30 Recipes For When You Camping

Large Family Meal Planning Week 241

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

We had an awesome freezer meal assembly this weekend for our May freezer meal plans. Super delicious recipes!

If you are a big family like me and you are struggling to get dinner on the table, I am here to help you! I have been in your shoes more times than I can count.

Large family meal planning has become a way of life for me with six kids still at home. They range in age from almost two years old to just turning seventeen years old.

I have been meal planning for years, but became serious about it when my now twelve year old twin were babies. I had gone from being a single mother, to being a mom of four very quickly. We married, and I welcomed a step son and then soon we had twins. Life was a little hectic for a while and I was honestly overwhelmed. There were many nights that we ended up in the drive thru lines. Finally I became serious about meal planning and created a five step guide for helping moms get dinner on the table. I still follow it to this day.

TIP: Ready to see what I am feeding my family this week? I plan for five dinners, one leftover night and then we have one night to eat our which we usually do on Sunday’s. I do not assign any of our meals to specific days. As I share in my meal planning guide I choose what is before dinner each night the night before. If it needs to be thawed I pop it in the fridge so it can begin defrosting.

Large Family Meal Planning

Baked Spaghetti with Sour Cream– this is becoming a family favorite! Spaghetti is one of those dinners that I could make five nights a week and no one would complain. Believe it or not, there are so many ways to make spaghetti. I love to bake it and layer it like a casserole. You will love this version and it freezes perfectly. It is one that we share in our May Freezer Meal Plan. I will serve this with fresh fruit and dinner rolls. I love these.

Homemade Pizza– one of our twelve year old twins LOVES to make homemade pizza. He even likes to make the dough himself (we just use a mix that you add water to).

Chicken Nachos– using leftover chicken from a meal a few weeks ago that I froze. It will be similar to what I do when I make Lentil Nachos.

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies– this is a freezer meal that we just made in our May assembly. It has zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and broccoli as well as lots of great seasoning. Serving over brown rice and fresh fruit on the side.

Clean Eating Tilapia– this is one of my good friends recipes. She lives in Alabama. I live in Texas. This recipe has been so popular on the internet, that I have run into people at the store viewing this recipe and grabbing ingredients to make it . I will serve it with a side salad and steamed broccoli.

Leftovers– use em up. And if there are none leftover, we will make eggs or grilled cheese or traditional waffles. We always have this on hand!

Meal Planning for Breakfast and Lunch

Years ago when I first started shared our breakfast, lunch and snack plans for the week when I shared our meal plan. I stopped doing that and I am not sure why. Now that school is out for summer I know many of you want breakfast and lunch ideas. So this week I am going to share those with you and you let me know if this is helpful to you!

Breakfast Options:

Waffle Omelets– yep use a waffle maker to make omelets. Super awesome!
Pancakes
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls x2
Cereal x2
Yogurt, fruit and granola

Want more breakfast ideas? Here are 25 that you can make overnight in the slow cooker and breakfast is ready when you get up! Score!

Lunch Options:

Turkey Sandwiches x2
Hummus and Pretzels
Mac and Cheese
Grilled Cheese x2
Crackers, cheese, lunchmeat and fruit

How to Stop Impulse Shopping at the Grocery Store

If you struggle with impulse shopping at the grocery store, this is how I battle that. AND, it’s just the best way to go for moms needing to streamline their grocery shopping.

If getting dinner on the table each night is a struggle, you need to embrace freezer meal cooking. I am here to tell you it is an absolute game changer. Here is a six week freezer plan if you want to give it a try. Use the code loyalreader to get 10% off.

Between online grocery shopping, meal planning and freezer meals will change your life this summer. Now is the perfect time to try it.

Need More Help Getting Dinner on the Table?

Get our free five day freezer meal plan if you’re not convinced that it will change your life.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Using an Instant Pot

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 2 Comments

When my mother-in-law gave me my first electric pressure cooker a few years ago for my birthday, I knew this would be a game changer for dinner. Things cook super fast.

But I had no idea that desserts and breakfast ideas were even an option.

But it makes sense. Just about anything that can be cooked in the oven or on the stove can be cooked in a pressure cooker by adjusting liquids and cook time.

Let me show you how easy it is to make Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe will serve six people.

This is perfect for an easy breakfast at home, or take your Instant Pot along when you go camping!

Ingredients:

Filling:

¾ cup packed light brown sugar
4 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp salt
1 tbsp melted butter

Dough:

1 ¼ cup buttermilk
2 ½ cups flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp melted butter

Icing:

1 oz softened cream cheese
2 ½ tbsp whole milk
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

2 cups water to add to the Instant Pot liner

Method:

Mix together brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter in a small bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and make a well in the center. Pour in buttermilk and mix until a dough ball is formed.

Knead dough on a well floured surface and roll into a 9×12 rectangle.

Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle filling on top and pat it down to make sure it sticks.

Roll the dough into a log shape and cut into 6 equal pieces.

Grease the inside of a Corningware dish or push pan that fits into your Instant Pot(about 7in around).

Place cinnamon rolls into the pan and brush tops with melted butter.

Place a paper towel on top and cover loosely with a piece of foil.

Pour 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner, place trivet inside, and put the pan of cinnamon rolls on top of the trivet.

Lock the Instant Pot lid and set vent to sealing.

Set Instant Pot to manual high pressure and change time to 25 minutes.

When Instant Pot beeps allow to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes and then release remaining pressure.

Remove pan with trivet handles, remove foil and paper towel, let cool for 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and milk. Stir in powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over the top of the cinnamon rolls and serve!

Large Family Meal Plan Week 240

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 1 Comment

What is on your meal plan this week?

Each week I create and share a new weekly meal plan for my large family of eight.

I share five dinner recipes, and then we have leftovers for one night. This also gives us one night a week to eat out which we usually do on Sunday’s after church.

As the weather starts to heat up here in the North Texas area, I am excited to things like pasta salads and baked potatoes.

For sides we use things like salads, rolls, fresh fruits and veggies this time of year. Here are 10 no cook sides that we love.

Here is our meal plan for this week….

Large Family Meal Plan

Chuck E Cheese– for Luke Henry’s birthday. Whoop whoop!!! I call is Vegas for kids. lol

Chicken Pasta Salad– this is AMAZING!!! Literally. I can’t even describe it and do it justice. The grapes, mandarin oranges and pineapple mixed with the dressings and pasta and cashews are sooooo good!! This makes a lot and can be eaten all week long for lunch as well.

Chirozo and Eggs– this is such a faithful dinner to keep on hand!! So easy too. Might even have the 12 year old twins make dinner this night. It’s pretty easy.

Chicken Broccoli Quinoa– this is also from our April freezer meal assembly. I will serve this with dinner rolls and salad. (carry over from last week) Serving with rolls, cantaloupe and a salad.

Southwest Chicken Sweet Potatoes– you will find the recipe for this over in our March freezer meal plan. So good and perfect for warm weather! Serving with salad and fresh fruit.

Leftover Buffet– use em up!!

How I Make Meal Planning Easy

This makes grocery shopping a breeze for me.

This is my method for meal planning.

Here is how I use freezer meals to make life easier.

Over 25 Recipes Using Strawberry Cake Mix

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

Nothing beats the flavors of strawberry. Just so good. I am always on the hunt for strawberry desserts and recipes using strawberry cake mix are the next best thing to fresh strawberries!

These recipes are so good and a sure way to fix your strawberry dessert addiction. There is something here for any occasion!

Over 25 Recipes Using Strawberry Cake Mix

1. If you have never made a scrumptious Strawberry Refrigerator Cake you are missing out! Crystal & Co

2. Make up this quick and easy Strawberry Cake with only 2 ingredients! Eating On A Dime

3. With only 4 ingredients these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies will be done in no time. The Frugal Girls

4. This Strawberry Cake Recipe is just like from scratch…. but there is a secret ingredient. Crystal & Co

5. Make these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies that melt in your mouth! Crystal & Co

6. Try out Strawberry Cake Mix Donuts that will totally make your morning amazing! Leah With Love

7. Filled with marshmallow cream these Strawberries and Cream Sandwiches are almost too good to be true. A Latte Food

8. Nothing says summer and warm weather than Strawberry Lemonade Bars. Yum! Six Sisters Stuff

9. You won’t be able to get enough of these delicious White Chocolate Strawberry Gooey Bars. Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

10. The flavors in this Strawberry Vanilla Dump Cake will surprise you! The Cards We Drew

11. Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies are fun and simple treat your whole family will love! Made To Be A Momma

12. It doesn’t get any better than a Strawberry Poke Cake seasoned with condensed milk. Plain Chicken

13. This recipe for Strawberry Banana Bread is the perfect combination of fruit flavors. Little Dairy on the Prairie

14. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Balls made from strawberry cake. Crisco

15. Cookies are good but these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups are better. Life Love and Sugar

16. Whip up a Strawberry Pineapple Cake that is seriously oh so good. Our Table For Seven

17. If you are craving chocolate and strawberries these decadent Oreo Strawberry Cake Bars are perfect! Picky Palate

18. Check out these Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies that will be your new addiction! The Country Cook

19. This Strawberry Cheesecake Cake super delicious and has a secret ingredient! I Heart Naptime

20. These Strawberry Cake Mix Cupcakes are irresistibly good and pack a punch. One Sweet Appetite

21. Check out this Strawberry Sheet Cake that is moist and delicious! Southern Bite

22. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is creamy, sweet, and chocolatey! Easy Peasy Mealz

23. Now these Strawberry Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are something the kids will rave over. Beyond Frosting

24. These Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes are quick and easy and not too sweet! Everyday Jenny

25. The buttery strawberry flavor of Strawberry Chess Bars will have you drooling! Southern Bite

26. These Strawberry Bars are so easy to make and a perfect sweet treat! Blessed Beyond a Doubt

More boxed cake mix recipes:

Cake Mix Recipes

Other helpful tips on making cake mix better:

5 Ways to Make Cake Mix Better

How to Make Boxed Cake Mix Better

25 Genius Camping Hacks

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 14 Comments

Summer time is truly a time for family time. Going camping as a kid is such a wonderful experience. It is that whole being one with nature and getting to sleep outside that is a true treat for kiddos.

If you are one that plans a family camping trip during the summer you know being prepared is a must. After all there is really a lot that goes into getting everything packed up and the commute. Whether you are glamping or camping in a tent the whole process can go super smooth with these 25 genius camping hacks!

25 camping hacks

25 Camping Hacks

1. Don’t go camping without your own homemade bug spray made that will keep those bugs at bay! Crystal & Co

2. Assemble these eggs in a bottle for the easiest breakfast done in no time and no worry about broken eggs! Lifehacker

3. Be prepared with this idea to keep toilet paper dry when camping. Field & Stream

4. Make sure you keep your matches dry in a jar for easy access and storage. From Like to Love

5. Prepare breakfast ahead of time with these pancakes in a bag that you just snip the ends and done! A Mum n’ the Oven

6. Easy transport spices in empty tic tac containers. Lifehacker

7. Here is a great tip for waterproofing your shoes just in case you run into some rain or wet weather! Brit & Co

8. Create your own handwashing station that makes keeping hands clean a breeze! Making Memories With Your Kids

9. Starting a fire will be a cinch with these homemade fire starters. Dukes & Duchesses

10. Use a shoe organizer to keep everything you need with arm’s reach and nice and orderly. Starling Travel

11. Take along this soap pouch for easy use in the shower and no mess. Whimsy Love

12. Make these easy salt and pepper shakers from jars you prob have at home! The 36th Avenue

13. Take along Orajel to stop the pesky itch of mosquito bites. Camping Livez

14. If you are in the mood to build your own tent then check out this tutorial for making it easy. The Merry Thought

15. Repel mosquitoes with these survival bracelets that are really simple to make. One Good Thing By Jillee

16. Toss a few glowsticks in the cooler to make it easier to find things at night. Camping Livez

17. Make these outdoor candle stakes for some awesome lighting around your campsite. A Subtle Revelry

18. Keep those nosey bugs out of your drink by using a cupcake liner on the top. Mom 4 Real

19. You can also make these really awesome glowstick table lanterns for some colorful lighting. Creative Green Living

20. If you are in a hurry to get to the bathroom this emergency potty is a great thing to have on your campsite.Mom With a Prep

camp hacks

21. Sleeping on something soft is a must so try this foamy floor tile idea instead of an air mattress. A Little Campy

22. This briquette fire starter makes getting a fire going for cooking super easy and fast. Sew Many Ways

23. This pill bottle first aid kit is so handy it can even be carried in your pocket! Chasing Green

24. Here is some hanging storage that makes your camping experience organized. Mama Momtourage

25. Use inexpensive magazine storage for holding all of your paper goods! Organizing Made Fun

Have a camping hack that is amazing? Share your ideas!

Need recipes for your next camping trip?

Moms do you ever feel selfish?

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 3 Comments

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Teladoc as part of the . However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This story is my own. The photos are courtesy of Teladoc.

I don’t know about you, but I personally have six children at home. I work from home running my own business. I help my husband run our family business. We homeschool our kids.

There are many days that I am last on my list.

I mean, sometimes it is three o’clock in the afternoon before I brush my teeth and get a shower.

I can’t tell you how many times I have run errands in my pajama pants and the shirt I slept in.

Some days I look in the mirror and do not recognize the person looking back at me.

I lay my head on my pillow and crash within seconds.

There are certainly days I feel overwhelmed.

I hear other moms talk about mommy and me time. Sometimes I lock myself in the bathroom just to get a few minutes of time to think and clear my head. How about a little bit of mommy time?

Is this anxiety? Is there too much going on? Is the busyness in life taking over?

All of that may sound extreme, but it is my truth. A lot of days I just push through and do the next thing. I mean… I am in the mist of motherhood. Motherhood has hard days and hard seasons.

42,000 million American adults live with anxiety issues.

The sad news is approximately 96.5million Americans live in areas where there is a shortage of mental health providers. This is according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

What if you could get confidential therapy on your terms? And what would that look like? Over the phone, in the comfort of your own home, where ever you want to meet, you name it.

Have you ever heard of Teledoc? This is exactly what they offer. Select a therapist you are comfortable with and they meet you on your terms any day of the week.

This means you could have 24/7 doctor, board-certified, licensed clinical social worker, counselor or therapist at our fingertips.

You can have scheduled repeated appointments or appointments on demand. I also like that you can speak to the same person through the course of your care.

I have been on this parenting journey for 19 years now. Just when we were out of the trenches stages, life changed when we adopted two littles and added them to our family.

One thing I have learned in my years of mommyhood is the trenches can be long a lonely. We get into this habit of putting ourselves last and thinking we are too busy to take care of ourselves.

We all get 24 hours in a day. Without a healthy mama, how can we take care of our kiddos?

I hope if Teledoc is something that can help you, you will hop over to lean more and to see if your employer or health plan provides this service for your and your family.

Over 18 Magical Unicorn Birthday Party Ideas

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

Are you in the midst of planning a birthday party? Unicorn themed parties have been hot for a while now.

Here is a magical guide to over 18 unicorn birthday party ideas you will love!

Unicorn Birthday Party Ideas

1. Make your own piñata with this DIY Unicorn Pinata idea that is super cool. Little Inspiration

2. This super fun game of Pin the Horn on the Unicorn will be so much fun for party guests! Redo Mom

3. Use these adorable Unicorn Gift Bags for all your guests! Tikkido

4. Use these Unicorn Wands to make the whole party magical! Mom Spark

5. No party is complete without a little Unicorn Ice Cream! Yum! Big Bear’s Wife

6. These Sprinkle Oreo Pops are great party favors or snacks for guests! Catch My Party

7. This Unicorn Fudge takes only 2 ingredients and it so sweet for a party. Kara’s Party Ideas

8. Make up this oh so colorful Unicorn Bark that is a sweet treat and a great thank you gift too! The Spruce

9. Throw together this Unicorn Rainbow Funfetti Dip perfect for adding color to any plate. Twinspiration

10. All of your party-goers will enjoy these Unicorn Poop Truffles that are seriously so good. Princess Pinky Girl

13. If you are looking for the perfect way to brighten your party you need these Unicorn Bars that totally top an ordinary cookie! Cookies and Cups

14. How cute are these Unicorn Marshmallow Pops! So perfect for a unicorn party! The Decorated Cookie

15. Hot chocolate can be served any time of year when it is this Unicorn Hot Chocolate! Dixie Crystals

16. Rainbow Poptarts are simply the best and easiest dish you can make for your unicorn party. Aww Sam

17. Don’t leave off these super easy Unicorn Poop Cookies that are so cute! Life is Poppin’

18. These Unicorn Poop Cupcake Cones are the perfect all in one special birthday treat. Momdot

19. Your kiddos and guests will adore this No Bake Unicorn Cheesecake that is so easy to make. Brit Co

Things for Your Unicorn Party

This unicorn balloon kit lets you make ordinary balloons extraordinary.

Put this super cute glitter unicorn cake topper on top of the birthday cake for your party!

Use this unicorn cookie cutter to cut cookies or fruit!

No table setup is complete without a sequin table cloth that goes great with the unicorn theme.

Deck out your party space with these marble balloons that are perfect for a unicorn party.

Effective Clean Moms Can Trust

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 130 Comments

When I became a mother, learning more about the products we were using in our home became very important to me.

We have one child with eczema, access so dye free products is important to us.

Over the last few years, paying attention to soaps that are paraben-free has become something I regularly look for. Not sure if you know this or not, but paraben is a preservative found in soaps and other products we buy often.

I love that Softsoap now has a product that is free from paragon.

There is a new line from Softsoap called Earth Blends. There are three scents:

coconut and fig
grapefruit and cucumber
pomogranit and plum

We all have our own favorite! They all smell amazing!

Personally, I love anything that smells like grapefruit. Such a clean smell.

There is hand soap, which is perfect for keeping in the kitchen and bathrooms.

With six kids at home we do a lot of hand washing, all year long.

Those same scents come in body washes too.

I want you to think about this….your skin is your biggest organ. We have to protect it.

Softsoap Earth Blends are not only dye-free and paraben-free, but also alcohol-free. This really helps to cut down on drying our skin out.

The clean, fresh, natural scents just can’t be beat, in my opinion.

I love that this is a clean I can trust and it is certainly effective.

They also have a moisturizing body wash in each of the scents as well. Perfect for using in the shower.

TIP: One way we like to help our liquid body wash last longer in the shower is to use a loofa.

This really helps us stretch out our soap and with six kids this is a budget-friendly must!

Another way to make soap last longer is to use bar soap. Each of these Earth Blends scents come in bar soaps as well.

My husband is a bar soap lover. We like to use bar soap in the shower and bath, but also for hand washing sometimes.

TIP: To help make your bar soap last longer, store it in a dry space when it’s not being used.

I love that the Earth Blends line is effective at cleaning and is a soap I can trust.

Giveaway

I would love for you to have the opportunity to try try the Earth Blends line from Softsoap for your family.

We are giveaway away a Softsoap package to a lucky reader. The package will include:

1 winner will win the full Earth Blends product line, inclusive of all of the below. The full package is worth approximately $30.

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Body Wash Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Body Wash Coconut & Fig

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Body Wash Pomegranate & Plum

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap Coconut & Fig

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap Pomegranate & Plum

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Triple Milled Bar Soap Pink Grapefru kjit & Cucumber

· Softsoap® Earth Blends Moisturizing Triple Milled Bar Soap Coconut & Fig

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