<![CDATA[Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively]]>

<![CDATA[Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively]]> Follow Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively, filter it, and define how you want to receive the news (via Email, RSS, Telegram, WhatsApp etc.) https://follow.it/BubbyAndBean2 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 19:55:56 +0200 <![CDATA[Sweet Springtime Snack Mix]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5VHNL0YWO6MXn9ye8UNv30

I shared this last year, but we just made it again and it was so easy and delicious that I just had to post it one more time. This is a fun recipe to make with kids and perfect for Easter gifts or baskets.

Sweet Springtime Snack Mix

INGREDIENTS

8-10 cups popped popcorn
1-1/2 cups vanilla baking chips
1 cup mini pretzel twists, broken up
1-1/2 to 2 cups M&M'S
pastel sprinkles

In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn, pretzels, and M&M’S. Melt vanilla baking chips in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir in between until melted. (Or use a double broiler.) Pour the melted vanilla chips over the popcorn mixture while stirring. Once combined, spread the mixture evenly on a wax or parchment paper covered baking sheet, and immediately cover with sprinkles. Gently stir so sprinkles stick to the vanilla coating. Allow to cool and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container or fill individual party bags.

We love giving these out to neighbors too. Enjoy!

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]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2023 13:08:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5VHNL0YWO6MXn9ye8UNv30 <![CDATA[8 St. Patrick's Day Activities for Kids]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5PwFBC34ydhMb1naedg1wr

St. Patrick's day is a very big deal here in Chicago. We go for it, Irish or otherwise. My kids treat it like any other holiday and really get in the spirit. Today I thought I'd share some of the things we do to make it fun.

1. Wear green.
Obviously!

2. Make an Irish meal.
A friend from Ireland recently told that no one in Ireland eats corned beef and cabbage, but that doesn't mean you don't have to! I've actually never had it, but I do love love vegetarian shephard's pie.

3. Go to a St. Paddy's Day parade.

We've actually never been to one, but have plans this year!

4. Make a leprechaun trap.
My kids are experts at this. You can find a ton of ideas with a quick Google search, or even buy one.

5. Color your drinks green.

A little green food coloring goes a long way. Or you can go a more natural route and make smoothies with spinach in them.

6. Get craftin'.
We have handmade St. Paddy's Day crafts all over our house right now. Paint rainbows with cotton ball cloud. Cut shamrocks out of green construction paper and make a garland. If you have green paper or colors, the possibilities are endless.

7. Read St. Patrick's Day themed books.

My kids love holiday themed books, and we keep a few St. Patricks Day themed ones for this time of year.

8. Have a coin hunt.

Leprechauns bring and hide coins throughout our house while we're sleeping the night before St. Patrick's Day, and our kids look forward to the hunt for weeks.

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]]> Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:48:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5PwFBC34ydhMb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Snowman Fruit Snacks]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5m28hVX4D863n9ye8UNv30

I think I'm in the minority, but I really dislike when it snows. I mean, I'm good with it in December and December only. After that, it's just a reminder that winter is still here, something I prefer to forgot. That said, my kids love it. I mean, they love it. They also love anything snow-themed. So we've been making these cute snowman fruit snacks. It's a great way to get picky little ones to eat fruit!

Snowman Fruit Snacks

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 2)

1 banana, peeled

1 strawberry

1 green apple

1 baby carrot

4 pretzel sticks

10 raisins or mini chocolate chips or raisins

2 wooden skewers

⁣
1. Cut banana into 6 thicks slices - 3 for each snowman.
2. Cut triangle shapes from strawberry and apple for hats, 2 slivers from baby carrot for noses, and peel slices of green apple for scarves.
3. Place 3 banana slices onto each skewer. Top one with the strawberry triangle and the other with the apple triangle.⁣
4. Insert pretzel sticks for arms, carrot slices for noses, and mini chocolate chips or raisins for eyes and buttons.

I know I've posted about these fun snacks before, but when you have a craft project and healthy snack in one, it's too good not the share more than once. Enjoy!

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]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:42:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5m28hVX4D863n9ye8UNv30 <![CDATA[Guacamole Pizza]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4fQngWpNs4ouT5HJgy6HUf

Guacamole and Black Bean Pizza (via Bubby and Bean)

Okay, so it's not really "pizza." But my kids call it pizza and if it encourages them to eat avocados and tomatoes, I'll call it whatever they want. This easy recipe it below!

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
1 premade thin pizza crust*
2 cups guacamole (premade or make your own)
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup black beans
1/2 garlic clove, minced

1/3 cup sliced cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
olive oil
chili powder

Follow baking directions on pizza crust packaging. Once fully cooked brush with olive oil and minced garlic. Top with cheese and black beans, and chili powder to taste. Bake for 7-9 minutes until cheese and crust are golden brown. Remove from oven and cover with guacamole. Top with sliced olives and tomatoes.

This is delicious chilled as well. Enjoy!

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]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:48:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4fQngWpNs4ouT5HJgy6HUf <![CDATA[Happy 2023! (And Plans for this Blog)]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7rEgkBaZa4oaCY3L745TL_

Hello friends! We usually start off the year with a recap of our favorite posts of the previous year, but truth be told, we didn't publish a lot of posts here on the blog in 2022. People have been transitioning from reading blogs and websites like this to social media platforms for years, but this past year it felt stronger than ever.

The Bubby and Bean blog has now been active for over 12 years (!!!), and our plan is to continue to keep it alive. Our content may be less frequent, but as long as you're reading, we're going to stick around.

We hope your holiday season was wonderful and that this year has started off great for you. More soon!

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]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:42:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7rEgkBaZa4oaCY3L745TL_ <![CDATA[Apple Sauce Apple Pie Side Dish]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7KTcPcefVwiZVjH6qdYdAk

Before I share this incredible holiday meal side dish recipe, I have to comment on the fact that this is the longest I've ever gone without posting here. I still have quite a bit of traffic to this blog, but truth be told, the vast majority of my following is on Instagram. That said, I'm going to make the effort to post at least a few times a month here in 2023. I still haven't given up on the theory that blogs are going to once again reign supreme eventually!

When it comes to holiday meals, I could eat my weight in mashed potatoes, but my absolute favorite is a truly elevated side dish that I called "Apple Sauce Apple Pie." It's a simple, delicious way to add a little sweetness to holiday meals, and the perfect alternative to cranberry sauce.

Apple Sauce Apple Pie
(serves 5)

INGREDIENTS
1 24 ounce jar apple sauce (I use Musselman's Original Apple Sauc
1 apple
1 tablespoon maple syrup
cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground ginger

Peel apple and cut into small cubes. Pour applesauce in a small serving bowl. Top with cubed apples. Drizzle maple syrup over the top, then sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

This is extremely simple and can be served as a quick dessert as well.

Happy holidays, friends. If I'm not back here before then, Happy New Year too!

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]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7KTcPcefVwiZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Holiday Reindeer Chow]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4hQWdTkLM9_Zs0ohxaO6Yr

My sister is an expert "puppy chow" maker, and a couple of years ago, I decided to try to make a holiday version. It turned out amazingly well (if I do say so myself), and now we make it every year. The addition of peppermint bark really takes it to the next level, and we had to change the name to suit the season, duh.

Holiday Reindeer Chow

Yields 15-20 servings

INGREDIENTS
8 cups rice or corn square style cereal

2 cups peppermint bark, broken into small pieces
2.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Line a large baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Pour cereal into a large bowl. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler on stovetop over low heat, or in a bowl in the microwave for 20 second increments stirring in between, until smooth. Pour melted chocolate onto cereal in bowl, and stir until coated. Transfer mixture to 2 gallon food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, peppermint bark pieces, and crushed peppermint to bag and shake to coat. Spread onto baking sheet until cool, then pour into a serving bowl. Store at room temperature or fridge in covered container.

This recipe is great to make in double or triple batches to give as gifts too!

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]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:54:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4hQWdTkLM9_Zs0ohxaO6Yr <![CDATA[Our 2022 Family Holiday Cards]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6JbkBmnNI0aMb1naedg1wr

I don't want to jinx anything, but 2022 has been a whole lot better than 2020 and 2021. I mean, that's not saying much, but still. It's just seemed, I don't know, calmer? There's still a lot of room for improvement (come on 2023), but I'm feeling the peace and love right now - and that's the message I want to spread when sending out holiday cards this year.

If you've been reading here for a while, you know how much I love sending holiday cards. In fact, I have never gotten rid of a single holiday card I've received. True story. I have a huge bag of them in my basement dating back 30+ years. Am I just a hoarder? Will I ever do anything with them? Who knows.The point is that I have a special (possibly irrational, but that's okay) place in my heart for holiday cards.

While we're on the subject of holiday cards and special places in my heart, eight years ago, I came across and fell in love with a card company called Postable. I've had a massive crush on them every since. Not only do they offer a huge variety of really cool, stylish, fun designs, they also have a special way to make my (and you) life way easier. (Pssst. I have a pretty major discount for you, from Postable, at the bottom of this post.)

Before I get into the details about what sets Postable apart, I wanted to make sure to let you know that this isn't a paid review. It's a trade. The give me the best cards ever and I share my thoughts about them with all of you, but I would buy and send their cards regardless. I love the quality and selection of their cards, the fact that they're fully customizable, and that they are 100% post-consumer recycled and/or tree-free 100% (envelopes too). But the best part about Postable, in my opinion, is what makes them really unique. They offer a very user friendly way to design cards, then print the cards, then stuff the envelopes, then address them, then stamp them, and finally, mail them all for you. All of it. I don't know about you but I'm pretty freaking stressed during the holiday season and this is a pretty huge thing to be able to cross off the list.

As I've said before, the people at Postable are genuinely nice humans too. And generous. In fact, they're giving you 20% off your entire order with code BEAN22. Head over to their site right now and you'll be amazed. (No really, you will!) Happy holiday card season!

This post is in collaboration with Postable.

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]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:14:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6JbkBmnNI0aMb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Simple Fall Planter]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4ovZsHXd76pZVjH6qdYdAk

I just wanted to share an idea for a very simple but beautiful fall planter. I have a large pot in my front yard that I fill each spring for the summer. This year I went for wild flowers, and it was looking pretty rough by September. I grabbed a small white mum, two types of ornamental cabbage, some small white pumpkins, and a medium white pumpkin, and in about ten minutes, had a fresh autumn planter.

I'm not an expert gardener by any means, but it's fun to update planters with the seasons. Your local nursery/greenhouse is a great place to go for seasonal refresh plants, and they're usually willing to help with design suggestions if you bring in a photo!

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]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:24:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4ovZsHXd76pZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Autumn Rosemary Crescent Rolls]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X73NG5SEzoqTClmFkX7M1Jw

You may remember me sharing a version of this recipe before, years ago. It's really not even a recipe - more of a way to elevate ready-to-bake crescents. It's a favorite side dish for us during the holiday season, but we've been eating them a lot this fall. It really is the perfect fall food - warm, comforting, and delicious with autumn soups.

Autumn Rosemary Crescent Rolls

INGREDIENTS
8 refrigerated crescent rolls (1 can)
1/8 cup butter

2-3 teaspoons dried rosemary
5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter either in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in garlic powder. Open the can of crescent rolls, unroll dough, and separate into 8 triangles. Brush melted butter and garlic powder mixture onto the top of each triangle, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Flip each triangle so the buttered side is down, and roll into crescent shape (so that buttered side is on the outside). Place each crescent onto a baking sheet, and top with another sprinkling of parmesan and a few pieces of rosemary. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

We especially love these with a hearty vegetable soup. They're great with chili too!

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]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:48:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X73NG5SEzoqTClmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[Classic Halloween Costumes: Over 50 Ideas]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6O9Y9g6LK9RClmFkX7M1Jw

It's that time of year again where I share my favorite classic Halloween costume ideas! I absolutely love simple, classic Halloween costumes, and have been sharing this list here for years, but each time I have new additions and updates. This is our biggest list so far!

When my kids were little, they were all about dressing up at black cats and pumpkins and witches. These days they usually opt for trendy characters instead. This year though, my daughter chose to be a devil and my son is dressing as a baseball player and Jack Skellington - all of which make my classic costumes loving heart happy!

The past two years we also did family costumes (Addams Family, as seen above, and The Wizard of Oz the year before). This year we decided to take a break from the stress involved with all of that and each do our own thing, but I'll always be a sucker for a family costume too.

Scroll down for our most recent list of 50 timeless costume ideas.

Classic Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids

Classic Halloween Costume Ideas

1950s themed
1960s themed
Alien
Angel
Ballerina
Bat
Baseball/Football/Basketball Player
Bear
Black Cat
Bumblebee
Butterfly
Cheerleader
Circus themed
Classic Disney Characters
Classic 'Scary' Film/TV Characters (Addams Family, The Muensters, etc.)
Classic Star Wars Characters
Clown
Devil
Dinosaur
Doctor or Nurse
Dog
Dracula
Dragon
Fairy
Frankenstein
Genie
Ghost
Gypsy
Hippie
Ladybug
Lion
Mermaid
Mime
Monkey
Monster
Mouse
Mummy
Pirate
Princess or Prince
Pumpkin
Robber/Jailbird
Robot
Shark
Scarecrow
Skeleton
Superhero
Vampire
Western themed
Witch
Wizard of Oz themed
Woodland Animal themed

As always, if you have other ideas to add to this list, please share!

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]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:45:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6O9Y9g6LK9RClmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[6 Ways to Encourage Hands-On Play With Kids]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6xxynzDHWyGV1cWWor9YPv

My kids are at ages now (6 and 8) where they're busy with school, activities, and play with friends instead of mom and dad. (The picture above is one of my favorites, but it's from back from E was only 3. So tiny!) When they were home more, learning through hands on play was an all day affair. Now I'm discovering that we need to be intentional and set aside time for it. Here are some of the ways I do that.

1. Take a step back. I'm going to start with this one because even as my kids get older, I still naturally feel a pull to be involved in everything they do. While I think it's important to play with them, I also remind myself when I need to take a step and let them use their imaginations without any parent intervention. It's amazing what they can do when they're fully in charge of play.

2. Give them moldable objects. Slime may have ruined my sofa (long, painful story), but the truth is it's great for great hands on, sensory based activity. Play dough and kinetic sand are as well.

3. Give them building blocks. Whether wooden blocks or LEGOs, building blocks are incredible for encouraging kids to be creative, and they're great for tuning fine motor skills as well. Both my kids love playing with them, and have since they were toddlers.

4. Give them art and craft supplies. I literally pile a table with a random selection of art and crafts supplies, and they both just go to town. Making art or building a craft is an easy and incredibly effective way for kids to learn with their hands. My son make something - from books out of printer paper to instruments out of mac and cheese boxes - every single day, and the older it gets, the more intricate they get. It's fascinating to watch

5. Send them outside. I'm not an expert, but in my opinion, there is no better way to learn from hands on play then by just going outside. Riding a bike or scooter, playing backyard baseball, running barefoot in the grass, playing in the leaves, drawing with sidewalk chalk... It's all hands on and it all encourages learning.

6. Make sensory bins. Even my 8 year old still loves these! I love these! The possibilities are endless too. We've filled them with everything from dry beans to autumn leaves to cereal and more. Sensory bins are especially great for toddlers, and can be the perfect introduction to hands on learning.

I hope these tips are helpful. I'll share more soon!

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]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:20:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6xxynzDHWyGV1cWWor9YPv <![CDATA[Plant-Based Salsa Soup]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6rifHY88huNSlmFkX7M1Jw

This is an updated version of a super easy, super delicious late summer/early fall soup I've shared here before. We made it this past weekend and it was a hit with the whole family. It doesn't take long, uses staple ingredients you probably have on hand, and is completely plant-based!

Plant-Based Salsa Soup

serves 4

INGREDIENTS
4 cups salsa
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 can black beans
2 cups corn kernels
1 clove garlic, minced
2-3 limes
cumin
chili powder
black pepper
sea salt
1 avocado, cubed
scallions or cilantro, chopped

In a pot or large saucepan sauté garlic in a coconut or olive oil for 1 minute. Add salsa, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of vegetable broth, and heat over medium heat. Add remainder of veggie broth as needed. Squeeze in the juice of of the limes. Add chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and sea salt to taste. Once fully heated, serve immediately in soup bowls. Top each bowl of soup with cubed avocado and chopped scallions.

My husband like to eat this cold as well. It's also great with crushed tortilla or corn chips on top!

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]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:40:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6rifHY88huNSlmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[Autumn Giveaway! Win a $200 Gaia Conceptions Gift Card]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7E4BISCj2csZVjH6qdYdAk

I may cling to summer with the tips of my fingernails, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love getting a few new pieces of really great fall clothing as the seasons change. You guys know how much I love our long time partner and friend Gaia Conceptions' gorgeous, sustainable clothing, and I'm very excited to team up with them again to give you one of you a $200 gift card to grab some new fall pieces for yourself! (Scroll down to enter!)

Gaia Conceptions offers a wide variety of genuinely beautiful eco-friendly clothing and accessory items, all designed and made by hand in the USA. Ordering their clothing is a truly customized experience - you choose color, fabric, and size. They're genuinely one of my all time favorite clothing brands.

$200 to Gaia Conceptions Eco-Friendly Clothing

Use the form below, and/or do the easy entry on on Instagram right here. There are several options for extra entries as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through the end of this Saturday September 17, 2022. It is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. All entries from the Rafflecopter form above and Instagram will be combined. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced here by end of day the following Monday.

Thank you to our friends at Gaia Conceptions for giving the Bubby and Bean family another chance to own some of their stunning apparel!

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]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2022 14:30:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7E4BISCj2csZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Almond Butter Oatmeal]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5Fc5ag4-7WR8b1naedg1wr

This super simple, semi-homemade oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings when you want something that will keep you full until lunch. It's healthy too, and my kids love it!

Almond Butter Oatmeal
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons almond butter
3 cups water
1 cup quick Irish oatmeal
2-3 tablespoons real maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
sliced bananas and strawberries to top

To prepare oatmeal, follow instructions on oatmeal packaging. (For quick Irish oatmeal, which is what we prefer, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of oats, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.) When oatmeal is cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of almond butter. (Trader Joe's Raw Almond Butter is our favorite.) Add 2-3 tablespoons of real maple syrup and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Pour into bowls, and top each bowl with drizzled almond butter, drizzled maple syrup, banana and strawberry slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

My daughter even likes this for dinner. Enjoy!

ALSO FIND US HERE: INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:44:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5Fc5ag4-7WR8b1naedg1wr <![CDATA[5 Tips for Organizing Your Fridge]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6arhZIEsMMbKCY3L745TL_

I'm just going to start this off by saying that I am not an organized person by nature. It took me until my 40s to even gain the smallest motivation to be more organized, and it's still a struggle. My fridge does not, by any means, look like this at all times. But it does feel good to occasionally give it a refresh like this. If you can relate, here are some tips that work for me!

For reference, here is what my refrigerator usually looks like:

1. Remove everything from your fridge. (I know, but just do it.)
Take it all out. Set everything on tables and counters. Then wipe down all of the surfaces inside your fridge and evaluate the situation. Throw out expired items. Maybe even make a grocery list of what you need.

2. Organize food and drinks by type.
I put all the product in a group, the condiments in a group, the leftovers in a group, the drinks in a group, etc. This will be useful when putting things back inside. Trust me.

3. Transfer items to containers.

I recommend investing in a good set of stackable containers with airtight seals. This really makes all the difference in terms of best utilizing space. I have been using Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. I like them because they're stain and odor proof and I can wash them in the dishwasher. But any stackable container system will work.

4. Place items back in fridge - by type.I do the best I can to (mostly) arrange items by type. For example, I put all of the produce items on one side of the fridge. I put all of the cheese and meat in one drawer. If I'm feeling extra motivated I might even arrange condiments by type. It might seem overboard, but it really does make things much easier when we're preparing meals. It looks better too.

5. Put most used items at eye level.This is sort of a life hack I learned that honestly works better for the pantry, but it's good for the fridge too. I also try to put produce low so my kids are more inclined to grab the healthy stuff. (Can't say it actually works, but hey, I'm trying.)

I hope these tips are helpful for my fellow organization challenged humans. Now let's see how long it lasts...

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]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:30:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6arhZIEsMMbKCY3L745TL_ <![CDATA[Back to School Survey for Kids]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X74iGEFI5wv1Mb1naedg1wr

You may remember back in May when I shared a fun survey I give my kids at the end of each school year as a way to see how their interests and favorites change over time. I give them a similar survey at the start of each year as well. They went back to school last week (yes, I know - so early!), so I thought I'd share the questions here again. Try this with your kids. I promise you'll love to see how much their answers change over time, especially if they're young kids.

1. What is your name?
2. What grade are you in?
3. How old are you?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. What was your favorite thing to do at school?
6. What is your favorite activity outside of school?
7. What do you want to be when you grow up?
8. What is your favorite food?
9. How old is your mom?
10. What is her job?
11. What is mom's favorite food?
12. How old is your dad?
13. What is his job?
14. What is dad's favorite food?
15. What do mom and dad like to do?
16. If you have siblings, what are their names?
17. How old are your siblings?
18. What is/are your sibling(s) favorite food?
19. What is your favorite toy?
20. Where do you live?
21. What is your favorite thing to do?
22. What is your favorite place you've ever been?
23. Who is your best friend?
24. What is your favorite animal?
25. If you could have anything you wished for, what would it be?

(Chalkboard signs we used for our photos were purchased here.)

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]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:42:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X74iGEFI5wv1Mb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Vegetarian Oven Nachos]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4E4p72gRSxTcb1naedg1wr

You guys know how much I love tacos, but believe it or not, I like nachos even better. And I have the most divine oven nacho recipe to share. They're vegetarian, but you won't miss the meat at all. They're full of yummy black beans, cheese, and spices, and topped with tangy salsa, spicy jalapeños, and avocado.

Serves 2-4

INGREDIENTS

1/2 bag tortilla chips

1 can black beans

5 cups shredded cheese

3/4 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups thick salsa

1 fresh jalapeño, sliced

1/2 avocado, cubed

lime

Preheat over to 400 degrees. Drain and rinse black beans. In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Add a single layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Spread beans evenly on tortilla chips. Cover with cheese. Sprinkle with spice mixture. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until cheese is melted. Top with CHI-CHI's® Thick & Chunky Salsa, avocado, and jalapeño slices. Squeeze on a little lime. Serve immediately.

These oven nachos make for a delicious snack, or even a meal. Enjoy!

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]]> Wed, 03 Aug 2022 13:46:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4E4p72gRSxTcb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Easy Black Bean Burrito Bowls]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6LTlQYnrvQ4ZVjH6qdYdAk

Black Bean, Avocado, and Rice Burrito Bowls

These black bean burrito bowls are such a great summertime meal! We love using the cherry tomatoes from our garden and eating them on the patio. And if you make the rice in advance, they only take a few minutes to prepare.

Serves 2-4

INGREDIENTS
3-4 cups warm cooked rice (any variety)
1 can black beans, drained
1 avocado
1 cup cherry tomatoes
handful baby greens
salsa (we like salsa verde)
salt to taste

half a lime
cilantro (optional)
hot sauce (optional)

In a small sauce pan, heat black beans over medium heat. While beans are heating, slice cherry tomatoes and the avocado. In individual bowls, add rice, beans, avocado slices, tomato, and greens. Top with salsa, lime juice, and salt. Add cilantro and/or hot sauce if desired.

My daughter also loves hers rolled up into a burrito. So good!

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]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:05:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6LTlQYnrvQ4ZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Our Iceland Trip]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4v1ByiTcWBqOzdsCmHakzH

I will admit that as Instagram (find us there) and TikTok (yep, I'm now there too) take over (or more accurately, have been taking over, for years) blogs, I only rarely share pieces of my personal life here anymore. The blog these days seems to be more of a place for me to share recipes or home projects or other content that will be of use to others, rather than glimpses into my experiences.

That said, I felt compelled to share some images from our trip to Iceland. This was way back in March, and since we've been on other trips (Disney, Clearwater Beach, various road trips), but Iceland was just so unique. The band my husband works for played there, and it was delayed two years because of the pandemic, which ultimately made it even more special. It was also the longest my husband and I have ever been away together without our kids. I missed them a lot, but it was so good for all of us.

We didn't get to see or do much outside of Reykjavik. It rained almost the entire time and we didn't have a personal vehicle to explore. But I still felt satisfied. The city is really incredible - full of color, progressive, safe, and easy to navigate. I liked everything I ate and drink and saw. We also got to go to the Blue Lagoon, which was magical and a bucket list adventure.

I'd love to make it back and explore the country more, hopefully in the summertime.

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]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2022 14:07:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4v1ByiTcWBqOzdsCmHakzH