Dress Up Your FireplaceIf it’s time to replace that dingy 1970s-era mantel, choose one with enough depth to let you display pictures or other decorations. If you buy a ready-made mantel, don’t be afraid to paint it or add moldings. To quickly and easily rehabilitate your existing fireplace, a gas or wood-burning insert adds energy … More Project Ideas In A Weekend

It’s time to toss out the junk food and start making snack time fun again! Check out these kid-friendly ingredients that make great snacks and have an easy recipe for each one. CheeseThe protein in this kid-friendly snack keeps energy levels high until dinnertime. We like to stick salt-free pretzel sticks into cubes of low-fat … More The Best After-school Snacks for Kids (or anytime of the day)

1. Choose Her FriendsWhen you have a toddler, she hangs out with your friends’ kids as you have a mommy gab session. Oh, those simpler times! After age 5, your child will naturally start gravitating toward certain children, for better or worse.What to do: If your child starts hanging out with friends you’re not crazy … More 7 Things to Never Do for Your Kid

Bento ~ What is it? Well, Bento is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional Bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container BUT who likes traditional! “These beautiful lunch box ideas will certainly change things up — but still let you … More A Great Lunch Idea for Kiddos and Adults ~ Bento Lunch Boxes, Compartments, and Accesories

Back-to-School can be a scary time, so sometimes it’s nice to know that Mom–or Dad– is thinking of you with a little lunchbox surprise. Here are some ways to spread the love. * Write an “I love you” message on a banana. * Slip a Lunchbox Love note into her pack. The cards have cute … More Message in a Lunchbox

Skillet Vegetables on Cheese Toast8 slicesrustic wheat bread1/2 8 ounce packagepeeled fresh whole baby carrots, halved lengthwise1 8 ounce packagebutton mushrooms, halved4 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped1 small red onion, cut in thin wedges2 tablespoons olive oil4 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre)Fresh basil (optional)Preheat broiler. Place bread on baking sheet; set aside. In large … More Healthy One-Dish Dinners

Kids cannot live on bread ~ slathered with PB and J ~ alone. Here are some healthy new ideas to avenge lunchtime boredom. Ok some adults may love these too! Avocado and Cheese Roll-UpsServe cut-up wraps with pesto for a fun, dippable lunch option. More roll-up ideas: Try bacon, lettuce, and tomato with barbecue sauce … More Fun School Lunch Ideas for the Kiddos

Transitioning from summer to school year can be a bit hectic, so rely on these mother’s (and father’s) helpers. To Get the Kids UpOn sluggish mornings, pump a CD to get kids moving, managing their time, and out the door: Tell them that by the time track four finishes, breakfast should be eaten and they … More 5 Things to Make Back-to-School Week Less Stressful For The Littles Ones

Alphabet VaseTalk about an easy gift! Your kiddo will love that he.she made it almost by themselves and you’ll love that there’s almost no mess! Just put a small glass cup or jar inside of a larger mason jar. Fill the space between the two jars with plastic refrigerator magnet letters and numbers. Fill the … More 6 Homemade Teacher Gift Ideas That Will Really Getted Used and Loved ~ Great for Back to School or Teacher Appreciation