Every Day a Play Day Challenge!

Some of you may know that I am a Mom Ambassador for Polarn O. Pyret, an amazing brand of Swedish clothing for kiddos that has recently made its way into the United States. They cater to form and function, and sell pieces meant to be passed down from brother to sister, and cousin to cousin. The quality is amazing, and the stripes and patterns are fun and funky.

In addition to the obvious allure of their clothing, I can't help but love their motto - "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing". Their outerwear is made to withstand frigid temperatures, wind, pouring rain - all of those weather woes that generally keep kids cooped up inside during the cooler months. They aim to provide clothing that allows kiddos to play outside in any weather, which is a mission that any parent can appreciate.

To this end, P O.P is challenging parents to get outside with their little ones every day for a week to celebrate the idea that every day, regardless of the weather, can be a play day! Starting Sunday the 4th I will be keeping a daily log of our hours spent outdoors, and hope to snap pictures of our great discoveries to share with you! The Polarn O. Pyret team and I challenge you to do the same! Feel free to "like" Polarn O. Pyret on Facebook so that you can watch as families all across the country participate in this week of outdoor fun!

Are you up for it??

Crockpot Refried Beans

These super simple, amazingly inexpensive beans are a staple in our house! I make them in large batches and freeze them in meal-sized portions for later use. These beans have so much more flavor and much less sodium than the canned variety, and will cost you around half as much to make.

Here's what you'll need:

1 lb dry beans, sorted and rinsed
6 cups water or stock
1 onion, roughly chopped
1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, diced
3 cloves garlic, sliced or crushed
Cumin to taste
Salt & pepper to taste

Now let's get to the truly overwhelming instructions. This one might really push your kitchen skills to the edge (not) ...

First, dump the beans into your slow cooker.

Then add in your onion, garlic, and jalapeno.

Now toss in the seasonings.

And the water/stock ...

 Allow the mixture to cook for 6-8 hours on high, or until the beans are soft.

Now smash them!

Congrats! You just made ridiculously easy, super healthy, homemade "refried" beans!! Celebrate with a taco...

Pumpkin Muffins

The weather has started to move into its Autumnal pattern here in Nebraska, and harvest is happening all around us. Fall in our house means the return of pot roast, chili, lasagna, and all of the yummy cool weather baked goods we can handle. This pumpkin muffin recipe is perfect for school days, as they freeze and thaw beautifully, and the kids beg for them!

What you'll need to make 24 muffins:

3 1/2 cups flour (I use 1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 white whole wheat so that they are whole grain, but you can use any kind you prefer)
1/2 cup milled flax seed
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or to taste)
2 cups pureed pumpkin (canned or homemade, or you can also sub in sweet potato!)
1 cup sugar (I prefer brown)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt (or plain yogurt and a teaspoon or so of vanilla)
4 eggs
1 cup raisins, unsweetened coconut flakes, or nuts (omit if you don't like them!)

First, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

 Next, mix in the wet ingredients until well incorporated. The batter will be quite dense, but we can't all be perfect.

Then fold in your raisins, coconut, and/or nuts.

Fill lined muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. If you like your muffins to look pretty, consider sprinkling them with some coconut. Coconut makes me happy.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Engage nom.

Homemade Christmas: Fleece Knot Blankets

If your family is anything like mine, you love to spend those cold winter evenings snuggled up under a blanket with a bowl of popcorn while watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. We generally store two blankets in the family room for these occasions, which are supplemented by comforters and quilts that five small Linuses drag from their beds. I don't know about you, but remaking beds isn't usually something I look forward to. This year I decided to make a fleece blanket for each one of the kiddos, with the intention that they will be left in the family room for those snuggly nights. Want to make your own cuddlebug a cozy fleece blankie? Here's what you'll need ...

2 1/2 yards of fleece (patterned, solid, or 1 1/4 yard of each)
Scissors

That's it. Really. Total cost using a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby: $12.


First, remove any selvage from your fleece using a pair of sharp scissors. Don't worry if it isn't perfect - this is a super forgiving project!

Next, fold your 2 1/2 yards of fleece in half hamburger style and cut along the fold so that you have two pieces of equal size. If you chose to do two pieces at 1 1/4 yards each, skip this step.

 

Now, arrange your two pieces of fleece so that the "nice" sides face out, and the "ugly" sides are facing each other. The next step is to cut a 4" square out of both layers, at all four corners.

Then cut 1" wide and 4" deep strips along all four sides, through both layers at the same time. This seems like a daunting task, but don't worry about measuring - the fringe doesn't have to be perfect! I just guesstimate and make adjustments for my lack of depth perception as I go.

And then you simply tie a double knot using both layers of fringe. A lot of knots. I suggest cuing up some My So Called Life reruns and zoning into the tube while completing this step.

VOILA! A super fuzzy, cozy, snuggly buddy blanket! I can't wait to give this fun "beep bot" throw to Dayne for Christmas!

Get it for Free: Clothes for the Whole Family!!

Today's super saver tip is a GREAT one! Buying clothing for a family of seven seems like it would be an expensive task, but by taking advantage of clearance sales, coupons, and rewards I am able to keep our clothes budget to a minimum. My absolute favorite is Old Navy's smartphone app Snap Appy.

Snap Appy works with the camera on your smartphone (or wifi enabled iPod with a camera) to "snap" pictures of Old Navy logos, and then rewards you with coupons and fashion advice. While the fashion advice is appreciated, it is the coupons that make this app a real winner! You can generally get three coupons every week - $5 off a $25 purchase, $15 off a $75 purchase, and the real deal - $5 off of ANY purchase!! That means that you can score $5 worth of free clothes - EVERY WEEK! If you have multiple devices like I do you can score even more! Occasionally Old Navy will also include a $10 off of any purchase coupon, which is even better!

Old Navy generally has awesome clearance and sale prices, so you should be able to find some real steals. This week I was able to use my phone, my husband's phone, and my iPod to score this adult polo, child's polo, and two pairs of toddler pajamas absolutely free!!

Download the app today and get snapping! 

The Honest Company Bargain!

The Honest Company was founded by Jessica Alba in an attempt to provide safe, effective, and stylish products for families with kiddos. They have a wide range of products - diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent - and lots more! They offer two options - bundle your products for one low, monthly cost, or pick and choose what you need from their online shop.

Now, here's the deal! Plum District is offering a $40 voucher to The Honest Company for just $20! To make this deal even sweeter, they are offering an additional 20% off using code LONDON20. The voucher you receive will cover the entire cost of one month of the Family Essentials Bundle which includes 5 personal and household care products, or it will cover half the cost of one month of the Diapers Bundle, which includes 6 packs of diapers and 4 packs of baby wipes! If you decide not to purchase a bundle, you can also apply the voucher towards the cost of any items in their online shop.

If you choose to do a bundle, feel comfortable knowing that they have a no-hassle cancellation process. You simply make a quick phone call, and they won't put you through an annoying spiel if you do choose to discontinue receiving their products.

What are you waiting for?! Head on over to Plum District and give The Honest Company a try today!

Free Christmas Tip #3: Opinion Outpost!

Opinion Outpost is another site that allows you to earn PayPal funds or Amazon gift cards. When you sign up they will send you an email when a study is available for you to participate in. The surveys can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, and the pay off is usually proportionate to the amount of time spent taking the survey. If you stay on top of the surveys they offer it is quite easy to accumulate quite a lot of rewards! I like to do surveys in the evenings after the kids go to bed, but before winding down with a book and conversation with my husband.

Sign up for Opinion Outpost now and start bankrolling those Barbies and Legos!

Homemade Cheese Crackers - YUMMO!

There are a few versions of this floating around the net, but I added and changed a few things to suit our tastes. This recipe is awesome for a lot of reasons. First, by making your own snackies versus serving Goldfish, or even the organic bunny shaped crackers, you are eliminating all of those crazy ingredients that you can't pronounce. Everything in this recipe is a pantry staple! Second, this is a chance to bring your kids into the kitchen and get them involved in the process, and interested in the food that they eat. What kiddo can resist tiny cookie cutters?!

Here's what you will need:

1 cup flour (I used white whole wheat)
4 Tbs butter, kept cold and cut into chunks (if using salted butter, omit the salt below)
1 tsp salt
2 cups sharp cheddar or other flavorful cheese, shredded (keep in mind that the more flavorful your cheese choice, the more flavor your crackers will have, so aim for one with a bite!)
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp baking powder
3-5 Tbs cold water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I started with a block of cheese, so I began by shredding my chedda' in the food processor ... (I made a double batch, so keep that in mind when my ingredients look disproportionate to what is written above. Since I have five kids and a snack-obsessed husband, one batch of anything just doesn't cut it!)

Next, set the cheese aside and combine the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, baking powder, and pepper in the bowl of the food processor. Pulse them a few times, just to combine.

Add in the butter and cheese, and pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Once your mixture is crumbly, add in the water, one tablespoon at a time until the dough forms a ball.

Remove your dough ball from the food processor and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator to rest for 45 minutes or so (I tossed mine in the freezer for 15 minutes instead. I'm impatient like that.)

Once your dough ball has had a chance to chill, roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 1/8 inch thick.

At this point you can decide what shape you would like for your crackers. If you are working without small helpers you could certainly use a pizza cutter or knife to simply make small squares, similar to a Cheez It. I took the kids to Hobby Lobby and let them choose these fun little cutters.

Bake your shapes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size and shape you chose. The crackers are done when the edges are slightly golden and the crackers are crisp! Allow the little guys to cool, and then store them in a tightly sealed container for up to a week or so.

Our entire family was REALLY impressed with the ease of the recipe, and everyone loves the taste! They have just the right amount of cheesy flavor, and are obsessively snackable!

Homemade Christmas Gift Idea - Fabric Flower Hair Clips/Bands

 Today I want to share a SUPER simple, but awesome Christmas (or birthday, or any time!) gift idea for the little ladies in your life! These fabric flowers are super popular right now, and sell on Etsy for $10 or more. I am going to show you how to make them for MUCH less, and in only 20 minutes or so.  They are "sew simple", and even older kiddos could make them!

Here's what you'll need:

Fabric (this is a great chance to repurpose some old shirts, curtains, sheets, etc...!!)

Scissors

Needle & thread

Button

Small felt circle

Scissors

Iron

Trace the bottom of a juice glass (or any round object, approximately 3 inches or so in diameter) onto your fabric 5-6 times, depending on the number of petals you would like for your flower. 

Cut around your traced circles, and then iron them flat. Don't worry if they aren't perfect, or even if there is a little ink along the edges. This project is very forgiving! YAY!

 Next, fold the circle in half and iron again...

And again until you have a nicely pressed 1/4 circle.

Continue the process until you have a nice pile of pressed 1/4 circles.

Next, thread your needle and make a running stitch, three or four stitches, along the bottom curve of one of the 1/4 circles of fabric. Don't worry if the stitches are perfect - you won't see them in the end!

Now, pull the thread tight to create your first petal! Wasn't that easy?! Before moving on to your next petal, go back and make one stitch through the base of your petal to secure its shape, as shown below.

Then, grab your next 1/4 circle and make a stitch through the first petal and into the new piece of fabric, securing them together. Continue by again making a few running stitches along the bottom of the new petal, pulling them tight, and then securing the petal.

Repeat the process until you have the number of desired petals for your flower ...

Finally, stitch the last petal to the first, securing your work!

You should now have a pretty flower, with an ugly mess of stitching in the middle.

Hide your work by adding a button to the center of the flower, and stitching it in place!

Affix (stitch or glue) a circle of felt to the back of your flower to cover the mess on the other side.

Voila! A super simple, very pretty fabric flower. You can attach them to a hairclip, headband, or even to other crafts like a homemade picture frame or canvas tote bag! I chose to stitch mine to some stretchy headbands. 

The girls love them! We are busy making headbands for all of the little girls in our lives, so if you happen to be the parent of one of my nieces, keep the secret, please!! :-)

Free Christmas Tip #2: CrowdTap

In continuing with our theme of having a FREE Christmas, I am going to tell you about another great way to earn Amazon gift cards and freebies!

CrowdTap is an awesome try and tell site. They work with national brands - Old Navy, Woolite, Verizon, and McCormick, to name a few - and provide you with discussion opportunities and product try and tells in exchange for freebies and points that earn you Amazon gift cards! They regularly launch new discussions and home party opportunities, and I am usually able to earn at least $10 in Amazon gift cards per month in addition to the great products that they send and allow me to keep.

I have been a member of CrowdTap since it was in the early days of its beta form, and over the past few years I have received hundreds of dollars worth of free merchandise and Amazon gift cards. With the Old Navy try and tells I received free jeans, shorts, dresses, outerwear, complete outfits - literally an entire wardrobe for FREE!!! This one is definitely worth the time and effort!

When you first sign up it is important to complete the available "quickhits" (short, one question surveys on the main page) so that the site can offer you discussions and product trials that you are qualified for.

Give CrowdTap a try today!!

Cookies for Breakfast?!

It's summertime, so indulging the fancies of the small folk has become a top priority. These "cookies" are an awesome way to add a little excitement to your kiddo's morning, and they will never know how healthy they are! These taste pretty similar to a Clif Bar in my opinion, and are super easy to freeze, as well as take along in the car on rushed mornings! I have tried several similar recipes, and combined them all to make this one!

What you'll need:

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (not the instant kind!)
1/3 cup flour (use whole wheat for extra nutrition!)
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup flax meal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup peanut or other nut butter
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups of add ins - raisins, dried cherries, unsweetened coconut, chocolate chips, etc ...


Add your walnuts to the bowl of your food processor and grind them until they resemble a dense flour.

 Once your nuts have been beaten to a pulp, combine the dust in a large bowl with the flour, flax meal, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix it up!

In the bowl of your food processor combine the nut butter, egg, applesauce, honey, sugar, and vanilla. Whip it good!

Stir that lovely mixture into your dry ingredients ...

 ... and then fold in your goodies! I used raisins, dried cherries, and some semisweet chocolate chips.

 Next, place balls of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I needed two, since this recipe makes about 20 cookies.

 Bake them in a 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. They will be slightly poofy when you remove them, and still a little doughy. While they are still warm, use a spatula to smoosh them!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets. They will set up, and you will be left with a plate of cookies that look like this ...

YUM! Now you don't have to feel guilty about giving in when your kiddos ask for cookies at breakfast time!