My team didn’t make it to the big game, but it was a fun ride anyway.   Super Bowl, whether you watch for the game or commercials is a time when you hang out with family and friends to enjoy the show.  After seeing last week’s “This is Us” it may be the last time you ever watch a Super Bowl before your heart is officially torn into pieces.   Here are some Super Bowl snack ideas for the big game…or to hold you over until This is Us comes on.

1. Fruit Kabobs  Healthy, easy and delicious.  A must have at your Super Bowl Party!

from momendeavors.com

2. Pizza Bagels I’d find almost any excuse to have these.  Pizza and football always go well together though.

from web.kidsactivityblog.com

3. Chicken & Waffle Sliders  Don’t knock it til you try it is all I’m saying!

from Foodfolksandfun.com

4.Chocolate Covered Strawberry Footballs  Some healthy mixed with some sweet. These are cute and delicious!

from domesticfits.com

5. Mini Mac-n-Cheese Bites  Everybody loves mac-n-cheese! Especially kids!  Check this out for your little ones to enjoy!

from oldhousetonewhome.com

6. Football Pizza Pockets– Big Pizza fan here, and how cute are these football pockets?

from party city.com

7. Football Veggie Tray  Appetizers are the perfect way to get some healthy goods in both adults and kids.  Check out this colorful, healthy idea!

From The Art of Nutrition

8. Avacado Hummus Dip  I love hummus and avocado.  Add them together..perfection!

From Eatingwell.com

9.Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry– This might be heaven.  You may want to save some of these as comfort food during “This is Us”

From halfbakedharvest.com

10. Football People  I’m not a hotdog person but the kids are, and I cannot deny how cute this idea is!

From Yummly.com

11. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wrap– One of my FAVORITE things! Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps.  Don’t worry This is Us fans, there’s no crock pot involved here!!

12. Nutella Football Truffles– Saving the best for last, check out these Nutella Football Truffles.  Amazing!!

From justataste.com

Hope you find these yummy recipes helpful in planning your party food!

Will you be watching the Super Bowl or waiting for This is Us?

It’s a good feeling when you buy something that you not only like but that also does good beyond just what you get out of it.   This is one of the reasons that I love The Little Market.  This isn’t a sponsored post, just me sharing about a great brand with products that I absolutely love.

What is The Little Market?

The Little Market is a non-profit that was created by women, to empower women.  Founded by Lauren Conrad (Laguna Beach, The Hills, Clothing Designer, DIY Queen, Author, Blogger, etc. etc) and Hannah Skvarla (her background includes non-profits and human rights work) they are changing lives for the better through the products that are offered on their site.  You can read more about it on Bumble- Inside the Little Market

From their website:

The Little Market is a nonprofit fair-trade shop featuring ethically sourced, artisan-made products. Behind each of our products is a person who created it — and a story. We seek to empower artisans around the world by extending their products’ distribution and supporting sustainable income opportunities. We are committed to upholding the dignity of artisans, celebrating their cultural techniques and traditions, and bringing attention to social justice and human rights issues faced by their communities.

They offer a variety of products that all evolve around empowering women, paying fairly and promptly, prioritizing marginalized individuals, promoting a safe and dignified workplace, ensuring cultural maintenance, cultivating environmental consciousness, and advocating for human rights and social justice.  According to their wesbite, they source from 75 artesian groups in over 25 countries and sovereign states.

Another cool fact is that in each purchase, they include a little card about where the product was made and who made it.  It’s a lovely touch that helps you see the difference that your purchase makes.  It also creates the feeling of a connection and makes you feel good to know that your purchase goes beyond just the use that you get out of it.

Read more about The Little Market and How It’s Different.

Favorite Products from The Little Market

Totes

I am so in love with their totes!  They have the best quality, are cute and very durable.  They make the best gift bags that can be used as an everyday tote.   I’ve purchased some for gifts such as the

Best Teacher Ever Tote Bag

I normally try and stay away from things that teachers get a lot of as gifts, but I couldn’t pass up this adorable tote bag.  We used it as a gift for Teachers Appreciation Day and she loved it.

from thelittlemarket.com

Bride Tote Bag

We got this one for one of the kid’s teachers that was getting married.

from thelittlemarket.com

Best Day Ever Tote Bag

We use this one to carry the kids’ stuff in when they go to their grandparents during the day or when we need to carry things with us somewhere.  It’s the Best Day Ever which (for me) is a nod to Rapunzel.

Sugar Scrubs

These sugar scrubs are absolutely amazing!  A-m-a-z-i-n-g.   I’ve bought these for myself and for gifts.    They’re made in Chicago, Illinois.  They’re made by Bright Endeavors which empowers young mothers that are from under-resourced communities.   For those that want to purchase a product that makes a difference in the United States, this is a great choice.

The scrubs are incredible at exfoliating and leaving skin super soft.

Tassels Keychains

I am always losing my house key because it’s rarely used, normally I go through our garage.   When I saw these yarn tassel keychains, it reminded me of a hotel we stayed at in Denver, Colorado they had big ones on the end of their room keys.

These would work well for a key you don’t want to lose or as a purse/bag accessory.  There are many options!

Toys

They have some of the most adorable toys for kids!!

Flamingo

My daughter love flamingos.  Loves them.  So I found this one at The Little Market and bought it about 4 years ago now.   She still has the little card that tells you about where it was made and who made it.  She insisted on sticking it on the little bulletin board frame on her wall.

These are just a few of my favorites, there is so much they offer that is unique and beautiful.  If you haven’t checked out The Little Market yet, I highly recommend it.

Want to know more about The Little Market?  Check out Inside the Little Market!

This post includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to use the product I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  I only recommend products and/or services that I honestly like myself.

Food and kids can always be a challenge.  For us, it always has been.  Kids go through different phases of what they’ll eat (or not eat) and it can be frustrating as a parent. There are so many suggestions and opinions on how to raise a non-picky eater.  Every child is different- ultimately, we have to offer them healthy choices and try and make the best of it finding a balance in food choices.

Suggestion: Making Your Own Baby Food

I made baby food fresh with both of my kids.  I made a variety of different types of foods, even ones that I personally don’t like as a way to hopefully have a non-picky eater.  Can I tell you- it didn’t work? Maybe for some people, it does and that is fantastic.  I’m not saying not to try, I ‘m just saying if it doesn’t happen immediately don’t be discouraged.

What I’ve learned about toddlers and food

I try my best to get the kids to try new foods and to get the appropriate servings of food groups.  It doesn’t always work…in fact, it probably fails more often than not.  My pediatrician told me that toddlers eat when they are hungry.  If they aren’t hungry it’s a task they just don’t want to do.  Meaning, don’t offer them junk food because it makes you feel better about getting them to eat something.   This is hard, and I don’t always stick to the rule sometimes I give in and give them the goldfish and juice.  However, I’ve found that if I am patient and wait until they are actually hungry, they are more apt to eat real food.

Involve Kids In Cooking

Kidstir is a monthly subscription box that comes in the mail with recipes and tools for kids to cook with. It makes it convenient because you get a great set of recipes and kids love to use the tools that are especially for them.

Salad Bar (from Kidstir)

Introduce your kids to new salad combos at a restaurant salad bar and encourage experimentation. Ask them to try a new veggie or dressing or combination of toppings on their lettuce. At home, you can then create your own salad bar with bowls of toppings. Think greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula), protein (hard-boiled eggs, cubed cooked chicken), veggies (corn, cherry tomatoes, grated carrots), and dressings. Then let everyone at the table customize their own salad. This makes a fun dinner when the kids’ friends are over, too.  For more on Kidstir check out my review- Cooking with Kidstir!

Don’t forget the Croutons!  I know they are my son’s favorite part of a salad! This recipe is super easy!

from kidstir.com From muminthemadhouse.com From evolvingtable.com

This one is a little trickier to involve the kids with however, they can still help with getting the seasonings together as well as getting the ingredients out.  Sometimes making them part of the process can encourage them to try new foods as well!

from Popsugarmoms.com

Glazed Salmon

One of my favorite resources for recipes is from Annabel Karmel she has a lot of fun, delicious recipes for the littlest members of the family up to the oldest member.

From annabelkarmel.com

Cookie Cutter Fruit Salad

From witandwhistle.com

It’s a constant struggle for a lot of us to get our kids to eat new things, and to eat healthier choices but it’s part of parenting.  Hopefully, you can find sanity in the fact that you aren’t alone in this struggle.

Do you have a favorite recipe to make with or for your kids? Share them with us!

It’s a good feeling when you buy something that you not only like but that also does good beyond just what you get out of it.   This is one of the reasons that I love The Little Market.  This isn’t a sponsored post, just me sharing about a great brand with products that I absolutely love.

What is The Little Market?

The Little Market is a non-profit that was created by women, to empower women.  Founded by Lauren Conrad (Laguna Beach, The Hills, Clothing Designer, DIY Queen, Author, Blogger, etc. etc) and Hannah Skvarla (her background includes non-profits and human rights work) they are changing lives for the better through the products that are offered on their site.  You can read more about it on Bumble- Inside the Little Market

From their website:

The Little Market is a nonprofit fair-trade shop featuring ethically sourced, artisan-made products. Behind each of our products is a person who created it — and a story. We seek to empower artisans around the world by extending their products’ distribution and supporting sustainable income opportunities. We are committed to upholding the dignity of artisans, celebrating their cultural techniques and traditions, and bringing attention to social justice and human rights issues faced by their communities.

They offer a variety of products that all evolve around empowering women, paying fairly and promptly, prioritizing marginalized individuals, promoting a safe and dignified workplace, ensuring cultural maintenance, cultivating environmental consciousness, and advocating for human rights and social justice.  According to their wesbite, they source from 75 artesian groups in over 25 countries and sovereign states.

Another cool fact is that in each purchase, they include a little card about where the product was made and who made it.  It’s a lovely touch that helps you see the difference that your purchase makes.  It also creates the feeling of a connection and makes you feel good to know that your purchase goes beyond just the use that you get out of it.

Read more about The Little Market and How It’s Different.

Favorite Products from The Little Market

Totes

I am so in love with their totes!  They have the best quality, are cute and very durable.  They make the best gift bags that can be used as an everyday tote.   I’ve purchased some for gifts such as the

Best Teacher Ever Tote Bag

I normally try and stay away from things that teachers get a lot of as gifts, but I couldn’t pass up this adorable tote bag.  We used it as a gift for Teachers Appreciation Day and she loved it.

from thelittlemarket.com

Bride Tote Bag

We got this one for one of the kid’s teachers that was getting married.

from thelittlemarket.com

Best Day Ever Tote Bag

We use this one to carry the kids’ stuff in when they go to their grandparents during the day or when we need to carry things with us somewhere.  It’s the Best Day Ever which (for me) is a nod to Rapunzel.

Sugar Scrubs

These sugar scrubs are absolutely amazing!  A-m-a-z-i-n-g.   I’ve bought these for myself and for gifts.    They’re made in Chicago, Illinois.  They’re made by Bright Endeavors which empowers young mothers that are from under-resourced communities.   For those that want to purchase a product that makes a difference in the United States, this is a great choice.

The scrubs are incredible at exfoliating and leaving skin super soft.

Tassels Keychains

I am always losing my house key because it’s rarely used, normally I go through our garage.   When I saw these yarn tassel keychains, it reminded me of a hotel we stayed at in Denver, Colorado they had big ones on the end of their room keys.

These would work well for a key you don’t want to lose or as a purse/bag accessory.  There are many options!

Toys

They have some of the most adorable toys for kids!!

Flamingo

My daughter love flamingos.  Loves them.  So I found this one at The Little Market and bought it about 4 years ago now.   She still has the little card that tells you about where it was made and who made it.  She insisted on sticking it on the little bulletin board frame on her wall.

These are just a few of my favorites, there is so much they offer that is unique and beautiful.  If you haven’t checked out The Little Market yet, I highly recommend it.

Want to know more about The Little Market?  Check out Inside the Little Market!

*Products mentioned in this post are not sponsored but something I found very helpful and wanted to share*

Worry is natural when you face the unknown.  Regardless of your age or even your experience, the unknown is scary.  A change in your routine makes you feel unbalanced.   This is especially true for kids.  While kids are resilient, this isn’t to say that the sudden changes of the current pandemic going on doesn’t affect them.   How do we, as parents help?  After all, this is a first for us too.

Understanding that kids feel the pandemic stress too is the first place to start in understanding why they may be more clingy or reverting to behaviors from earlier in childhood such as bedwetting, tantrums, or thumb sucking.  There are things that can help though, such as talking with them about how they’re feeling.  Finding a new hobby or way to be creative can help them focus on something positive.  It’s been proven that for kids and adults exercise is very beneficial when it comes to not only physical health but mental health as well. It seems hard right now, but perseverance through this is building kids grit and will make them stronger.

Now that school will be starting back, I wanted to find a way to help ease the kid’s concern about going back with mask, and sadness about not getting to visit with old teachers or interact with friends as much.  It’s going to be different than prior years and I don’t want their worry and fears to contribute any more than what it already is to their learning process.

I follow Vickle Pickle Boutique on Instagram and saw that she was offering “worry stones” for kids that come in adorable tin containers.   The best part was she not only had one for girls but boys as well.

Worry Stones from Vickle Pickle Boutique

I decided to get one for each kid as something small they’d be able to carry with them as a reminder that things will be ok.  They were so surprised when they opened them and read the message inside.  I thought they would like them, but their reaction was so much sweeter than I anticipated.

My six-year-old will stick his in his pocket when he’s having a bad morning so he remembers that he doesn’t need to worry, things will turn around.   I only know this because one day he had gotten mad and was sitting on the couch huffing when he reached in his pocket and pulled out the stone feeling it with his hands.

My daughter, who is very analytical and very much an overthinker which then sometimes leads to worry and fear has found that it’s a small reminder to stop letting worry in.  She’s nine, but sometimes her little brain seems much older in the things it contemplates.  She likes to hold hers, or carry it with her so that she says ‘when I’m not feeling too happy so it reminds me to smile.’

A reminder that comes with the Worry Stone

I love the stones because they are not only pretty, as well as small, but can be stuck in a bag or backpack easier than a stuffed animal or blanket.  If you’re looking for a small reminder for your child, I think that this is definitely worth checking out and it’s something they can have for a long time than will mean something even beyond this pandemic and childhood.

If you’d like to hear more about the story behind the stones, check out “Woman Starts Vickle Pickle Gratitude Stone Business” from Staten Island Advance.

Don’t forget to check out Vickle Pickle Boutique on Instagram!  Also, she has Gratitude Stones that are great gifts for everyone!

Mason Jar Craft Ideas can be used for your own home or for a gift that you want to give.  The really great thing is you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy a pack of Mason Jars.  You can also use things like spaghetti sauce containers for many of these craft ideas.  When something can be repurposed into something new and be effective, it’s always a good thing to do!  Don’t forget to check out these jar gift recipe options for more ideas!

Back to school Striped Mason Jars

These adorable striped mason jars are great for back to school, teachers appreciation, or a holiday gift.  The same idea could be applied for home to… give it a Kate Spade feel with some black and white stripes!

Water Color Mason Jars

These Water Color Jars are beautiful and simple to do.  Again, perfect for brightening up your home or offering as a gift.

Painted Mason Jars

Painted jars do wonders to transform them!  For jars this size you could recycle a pesto jar to create something new with it.

Glitter Mason Jars

Dress up jars with glitter and tape to make a fun, personalized jar!

Glittery Winter Mason Jars

Mason Jars make great flower holders, even for fake arrangements!  This one is a pretty glittery winter option that could be used as holiday decoration, a housewarming gift, or a present!

Mason Jar Vases

Another great way to dress up a jar and make something new and unique!

Mason Jar Pencil (Supply)Holders

These would be great to help organize kids craft crayons/pencils/markers!  They are easy to do and would make a fun family project!  They also make great teacher gifts!

Dinosaur Topped Mason Jars

These Dinosaur Topped Mason Jars could be used to store things, a party, or even a fun alternative to a “gift basket.”

Mason Jar Cupcake Holder

Baking is always a heart felt thing to do but sometimes it would feel a little awkward to present someone with just a cupcake.  That is, until now.  Use a jar to create an easy cupcake holder that you can add a bow and personalization to creating a total package!

Baby Showers can be fun and exciting, however they can also cause some anxiety over what to get.  No worries!  I’m here to help!  From necessities to favorite books check out the list below for help finding your perfect baby shower gift ideas!

*This post includes affiliate partner links.  This means that if you choose to make a purchase from the link then at no additional cost to you I may receive a small commission.*

All of these are tried and testing items as well as practical.   Practical can be very important when it comes to things for Mom and Baby.  While clothes are wonderful and amazing, many times new moms can be overwhelmed with the number of newborn clothes they receive, not to mention how many of those are not season-appropriate and won’t ever be worn.

1. Diapers (various sizes)- There’s not a mom I know who wasn’t grateful for diapers.  No, they aren’t flashy and shiny but oh so needed!  Want to get creative with the diapers? Make a diaper cake!  My favorite diapers are from Honest Diapers ! Amazon offers many choices though for Diapers including Huggies and Pampers ! 
2. Sophie The Giraffe– Make fun of it if you want- but I’m telling you from experience babies love this thing. When I had my son the nurse at the hospital was sharing how Sophie is part of her staple baby shower gifts to people.
3. aden + anais Swaddle Blankets– These blankets are light, breathable and great for swaddling! They get softer the more they are washed. They are also nice to help provide extra protection over a stroller or carrier.  These are also useful even past the swaddling stages as light blankets for toddlers. My soon to be 6 year old uses it on car trips to cover her legs when she’s cold.
4. Kinsa Smart Stick Digital Thermometer – Medical Thermometer with Fever & Health Tracking for Children and Adults– I LOVE this product! It’s so easy to use and helps me keep track with the kids are sick.  Side note- make sure you actually read the directions with using the extension piece or else you’ll get mad and frustrated for an hour like I did when in fact if you read the directions it’s incredibly easy lol)
5. Aquaphor – This stuff works wonders! It’s a multi-purpose ointment that can be used from chapped cheeks, scrapes/scratches, diaper rash and more.
6. Books- It’s never too early to start a book collection for the new baby! Some of my favorite picks are- Goodnight Moon, The Wonderful Things You Will Be, Moo Baa La La La, A Book of Sleep, and I can’t forget The Book with No Pictures (which is great for when they’re around 2!)
7. Nursery Care Kit– These always come in handy!
8. Bibs– whether used when feeding or to protect baby’s clothes from drool they are always handy!
9. Baby Wash- My favorite is California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash, Fragrance Free. For whatever reason Johnson & Johnson broke my kids out on their faces.  The California Baby may seem expensive but it just takes a pump and the soap last a long time.
10. Don’t forget Mommy! – A bag with items for mom to take to the hospital  is a great gift and very useful.  Travel size items of toothpaste, face wipes, small brush and hair ties, ect. make the trip to the hospital a little easier. This is a great option- Women’s Premium 19-piece Necessities Travel Kit.

Do You Have A Favorite Baby Gift Received or That You Like To Give?