Grab these Travel Gadgets and Essentials to help make car rides, plane rides and hotel stay go smoother as you travel this Spring and Summer with your family.
Electronic Organizer Cable Accessories Bag
Mini Blankets
Hair Brush, Comb and Dryer Bag
Hair Tools Organizer, Hot Combs
Hair Spray and Hair Care Organizer
She looketh well to the household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).
This Colorful Rainbow Sensory Rice Bin is a great way to help your little ones engage in fun and imaginative play.
My children had a ton of fun playing withe Rice bins. Through the years, I’ve made several different colors and themes of Rice bins according to each season. Now that they are bigger, I don’t make them like before but I wanted to share this colorful one I made so you can have a tutorial. See my original Rice Play Post Here.
Colorful Rice bins are super fun to look at and even more fun to play with. Making a Colorful Rice bin is super easy. White Rice, food coloring and a small amount of liquid is all you need. You can make rice sensory bins at home and customize the colors according to the season or theme. If you want to make a Princess themed look, you might choose colors such as pink and purple. If you desire a trucks and cars look, you might choose colors like red and blue. Or if you desire something seasonal, you might make the colors red and green for Christmas or brown and orange or Fall, Pink and Red for Valentines, etc.
The best part is when you add all the little themed or seasonal trinkets in the bins for the kids to play with – dig with shovels or scoop and find things hidden in the rice or whatever they ideas these little ones come up with as they play.
Rice bins can be a safe activity for young children based upon what you add to it, especially for the ones who tend to put everything in their mouths. While the rice is uncooked, it’s safe to eat. However, if you have kids who put small toys in their mouths, you might consider adding larger toys in the bins that make it hard to swallow.
In this post, I’m sharing a full photo and video tutorial of how I create a standard rice bin. I made several colors for a rainbow bin – That way, you get the full tutorial for all (or most) seasons.
You’ll need:
• White Rice
• Food Coloring of Choice
• Water or Vinegar
• Ziplock Bags
Directions:
• Pour 1 cup Rice in a Ziplock Bag.
• Add 2-3 drops Food Coloring.
• Add 1 tsp Water or vinegar.
• Zip bag and shake until the rice has mixed with the food coloring.
• Add more food coloring if needed plus a tiny bit of water.
• Pour rice out in a bin.
• Repeat the steps to make different colors of Rice.
Note: You could spread rice out on a tray to dry fully but I don’t always find that necessary. The rice dries pretty quickly since we’re only using a small amount of water or vinegar.
We could have left all the pretty colors but eventually, that pretty look will be all mixed up as they play. You could add the toys prior to mixing up the rice or you can mix the rice then add toys. Either way, the rice will be a pretty sensory bin for the kids.
Once you the rice is ready for play, add it to a bin, then add toys, alphabet letters, fake fruits, all kinds of fun stuff for the children to play.
Pin This Rice Bin to Make or Share
She looketh well to the ways of the household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).
These Easter Pretzel Rods are a colorful, salty-sweet treat that’s easy to make and can be a tasty Easter treat.
I know, I’m sharing these after Easter but I made them before Easter and didn’t get a chance to share them. But I didn’t imagine these would be as addicting as they were when I made them. My 13 yr old girl tried it and said, “hmm”, like these are really good. And then I tasted one, and could not stop eating. They are very good. I think these would make a fun treat Easter.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Pin This Recipe
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).
Wow your guests with these Cool Whipped Cream Dyed Eggs that are edible and make a pretty dinner table decor for Easter.
My kids dyed these eggs this past week. They turned out very so pretty.
You’ll Need:
What to Do:
Note: Washing the dye off the eggs are possible too but more dye will come off.
Eggs when peeled – keeps their original white color, some with just a little tint.
Pin This To Try Later
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Make a cute Bunny-Shaped Cake for your family to enjoy this Easter.
I’m all about cute seasonal bakeware that make fun shaped foods. Last year, I made this Bunny cake as a surprise for the kids. It probably wasn’t such a surprise since the kids ended up helping me decorate it but purchasing the pan and baking the cake probably were more of the surprise.
Get a Bunny Cake Pan Here (Affiliate Link)
Isn’t this little bunny cute? My frosting isn’t perfect but the cake turned out cute. And.. eating this Lemon cake was even better.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Losing my Dad was one of the most personal things that happened to me when it comes to my parents.
We lost my father in March a year ago today. It’s so sobering thinking you’d never see this person again, I really try not to think about it. In fact, just typing this brings me tears. I had just settled down into a chair and got very comfortable to blog. My daughter who was in Grade 6 a the time was home with me – I believe she had a cold and fever and had to be home from school. She was sitting on one couch all comfortable. I hoped on and just about said “Ahhhhh” (like I finally can just sit here, relax and get stuff done online). Minutes later, the call came from my sister frantically crying and saying “(insert dad’s name) died”.
It was such a tender time in our lives. We waited until the beginning of May to bury him and say our goodbyes. This long wait was mainly for travel purposes between families. My dad lived abroad so my own immediate family along with siblings and other relatives had to travel from the U.S. We Coordinated travel plans to accommodate everyone. My own family was ready to travel the moment dad passed but we decided to wait for dad’s side of the family to come. So much drama came out of the whole thing too that every time I think about it, it makes me so sad. Once everything was settled in that regards, we were able to move on, not in the sense of getting over it (because there’s nothing like grieving a loved one’s lost) but in the sense of trying to pick up ourselves and continue on.
It’s not easy to lose a parent. Every so often, I get a moment where I think of asking my mom how dad is doing. Asking how he was doing had become a regular question. You see, he was ill for over 2 with foot problems and prostrate cancer. Most of it, he either took short steps or could not walk without help. Eventually within the last 4 months or so of his life, dad had 2 falls while trying to practice walking. These put him down and confined him to the bed. Other complications made things worse and eventually, dad passed. Now that he is gone, I still find my self on occasion almost asking that question. It seems so unreal.
People have told me that the grief does not go away and that it’s ok to take time to grieve. If you’ve ever lost someone close to you, I know you feel this. It’s OK to grieve. The world may forget and move on but you wouldn’t, at least not right away. That person was special to you. Things are going to feel empty, like what was there is no longer there. You take the time you need to come to terms with it; grieve as you need to.
I’ve been trying to get around to writing this post for months now and just didn’t know what to say. I did mention it here last year but then decided to do a separate post just for that.
Someone told me that the clouds look like wings like my dad is surrounding me. I guess they were referring to the blue outline – not sure.
Here’s just a few casual photos around my sister’s house
There’s not much more to add to this post; just wanted to put this on here since this blog has been a part of my family’s journey and sharing lifestyle updates has been a part of that. Thank you for your support friends.
Mini Carrot-Shaped Cakes are very cute and can be a surprise twist for an Easter Dessert, especially for kids. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
I had the bright idea to make these little cakes when I stumbled upon a Carrot-Shaped Cookie Cutter at Walmart. One of my daughters enjoyed these so much, she even compared it to cupcakes. She had quite a few and even wanted on in her lunch box (yes, it was dessert):) The other kids enjoyed them too but my son is not much of a cake fan.
I think these mini cakes would be such a fun little treat at an Easter dinner or dinner party. They are mini and perfect for kids. They look beautiful and you could take your favorite cake and shape them into this. Ah so cute.
Instructions:
Directions:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Chick-in-a-Nest Chocolate Cake is perfect for gracing an Easter Table and will make a very pretty and tasty Easter Dessert.
I made this cake years ago and have always wanted to update the photos. I guess I never think of it much until Easter season and then never got around to it before now. I’m so glad I did because the photos are a lot clearer and a little more than before. Although the frosting color is much more brilliant in the older version as seen here.
Easter desserts are really just some of the best! I love the variety of desserts and food that come out at Easter. I think anything Spring-Like can be made into an Easter dessert. Fun pastel colors like blue, yellow, pink, green can be added to a cake (whatever flavor) to make it an Easter dessert.
Directions:
To Frost & Decorate:
Chick-in a Nest Topping: Add Chocolate Eggs in the grass, both at the top and around the bottom of the cake.
The Bunny Easter Cake is Another Cute Idea – See it all Here
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls would make a beautiful and tasty food for Easter Breakfast or on an Easter Brunch Menu.
Easter is the perfect time to roll out the Cinnamon Rolls. And what’s better than shaping them into little bunnies. They are just the cuties little rolls I ever did see. Sometimes I don’t know what seasonal foods and colors I love to see best. Ah, so fun!
These were such a delight to the kids. Now, we don’t like sprinkles that much on Cinnamon rolls – they just look cute with the shape. I tried to not add too much.
Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls would make a beautiful and tasty food an Easter Breakfast or on an Easter Brunch Menu. They would be fun for the kids. In fact, if you’re doing breakfast with just your family and the kids are smaller and don’t eat much, that could totally be the only food on the menu. I think that’s what we did last year. Our kids were between the ages of 10-12 and that was enough for us.
It’s all over Instagram. Use your own shape. My shape is not perfect and maybe the body could have been a little bit more closed but they still look like bunnies. How fun those – I just love looking at the photos.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Lemon cake is a great choice if you’re looking to make a cake with your kids for Spring or Easter.
Baking with kids can be fun yet a little challenging at times:) But when my kids were much younger, we baked plenty together. I didn’t mind messes with kids. Like to be honest, glitter and slime and playdough and all the messy things did not and I stress, did not bother me. I also think my kids were pretty good with containing these in spots where I set them for play, aka, the craft table or dining table. So baking with kids – eh, don’t bother me unless every man decides to do what is right in his own eyes.
Ingredients:
Directions:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
This Bunny-Topped Easter Chocolate Cake is a delight to look at and will be a cute addition to your Easter Dinner Table.
I had fun making this bunny topped cake. Isn’t the little chocolate bunny so cute? It’s my favorite just sitting there. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see this on a table? This cake is a replica of one I made years ago. I long wanted to update photos and finally just did it. Compare the older version here. Although the frosting on the older version is a lot more brilliant in yellow and the cake is more moist.
Ingredients:
Directions:
To Frost & Decorate:
Bunny Chocolate Topping: Add Chocolate Eggs in the grass, both at the top and around the bottom of the cake.
I love the look of this – the bunny is seriously is my favorite. I had to add the “grass” for emphasis to show that the bunny is sitting in the grass outside… on a Sunny day (yellow decor), and the chocolate cake representing the dirt:)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
This DIY Leprechaun Trap was a fun craft that the kids and I enjoyed making for our son’s class project.
Ah, if you ever did tell me I’d be making a Leprechaun trap at some point, I’d say you’re kidding! Who knew? Yet here we are – we made a Leprechaun trap and we are so happy with how it turned out.
My son had a class project to make a Leprechaun trap and we got right to it. To my surprise, it was so fun to make. (Yes, my son’s feet are ashy from playing outside ….haha. We came from church and in-between play, he wanted to finish this trap that we started the previous Saturday and mom needed a photo).
To Trap a Leprechaun, of course. Well, to be honest, I have no idea of how the full story goes. But that Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow would not be there if a Leprechaun got to it:) Here are the materials we used and the instructions below.
What you need:
Directions:
Note: We placed the gold next to the trap hole so that Little Leprechaun can hopefully fall in once he reaches for the gold:) We probably should have made a little cover there too but that’s ok. He probably won’t have a way of climbing back out from that hole anyways:)
The instructions seemed way longer to type than it was to make. I still feel like I missed something, but maybe not. Oh, that’s what I missed (adding the instructions for the arrow – adding it now). Don’t let it scare you from trying – the longest wait is letting the paint dry. Everything else is an easy glue together (the ladder) and glue on. If you don’t have everything, some can be skipped.
Have you ever made a Leprechaun trap before? How did it turn out?
Chocolate Covered Pretzels - These were so good. I made these a few weeks ago and wanted to share them. Didn’t get the chance until now. Ingredients from @walmart - Full recipe via link in bio.
I used these small Pyrex dishes to melt different colors of Candy melt. The dishes are great for storing food, heating food, mixing ingredients, etc.
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Home.. I mean, Snowy Chicago for Spring Break… It’s been rainy & and per usual, also snowing a bit in April.❄️🌧️ Quite the change from Sunny/a little cool in SC.
It’s been 5 years since we moved from Chicago. I thought it was 3 but now that I counted, 5 sounds about right. My…. how the time went by. We’re here visiting for Spring Break this week.🩷🩷
Dining room & Office Combo. I didn’t have my “baby’s breath” flowers (previous reels) when I took this photo🩷🩷
Got some of these Colorful Baby Breaths from Trader Joes. So pretty. I opted to add water - as one of the sales persons mentioned that they can last a long time without water. I know how the stems of cut flowers can get when left in water and also needing feeding and constant change so I decided that ”no water” sounds good to me. This was when they were new but they’re still pretty after 2 weeks.🌼🌸
Cool Whipped Cream Dyed Easter Eggs - So easy, colorful and fun for an Easter dinner table🙂🙂
You’ll Need:
Hard Boiled Eggs (shell on).
1 Tub Cool Whip Cream (not whipping cream in milk form)
Food Coloring (one color or multiple colors)
What to Do:
For multiple kids – Scoop out Whipped Cream into smaller bowls
For one or two kids – Scoop out Whipped Cream from the tub unto a larger pan (baking pan or so)
Add drops of food coloring
Swirl a little
If you only want one color, it can be mixed in fully with whipped cream or still partially
Dip eggs into Whipped Cream and Swirl until fully covered.
Place on a tray.
Allow the eggs to to remain on the plate about 5 minutes.
Gently wipe off each egg with paper towel.
Note: Washing the dye off the eggs are possible too but more dye will come off.
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