holidays

Name: Valentine's Day Cake Pops
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 20
Ingredients: 1/2 of a cake (such as a box cake), baked; 2 Tablespoons of cream cheese frosting, softened; 12 ounces of candy melts, red; 20 count of 6-inch cookie sticks; Pink, red, or white sprinkles!

STEAM Valentine’s Day Card Printable

January 25, 2021 by Rachel 10 Comments

I had barely heard of STEM or STEAM before I had kids. But when my son was born 8 years ago, I become almost instantly familiar with the term. Even now, with homeschooling during a pandemic, I try to focus on STEAM learning. I know that if I focus on STEAM learning, the rest will fall into place. And, despite there not being a ‘school party’ for Valentine’s Day this year, we are going to make cards and send them in the mail! And what better way than with punny STEAM Valentine’s Day Card printable!

Turn Real-Life into STEAM lessons

One thing I’ve learned over the last year is that you can turn nearly everything into a teaching moment. Homeschooling has given me the opportunity to teach my kids through crafts, cooking, and even outdoor play. And, although my kids might not know what Pi means; this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to some new math terms!

Send snail mail with this STEAM Valentine’s Day Card Printable

My son reminded me that the last time he had a school party, it was just before the shutdown. Valentine’s day, actually. And, thinking back on his party with his friends made him happy. But he still wants to do something special for his friends, despite not being in-person with them right now.

We’re using this printable to send out Valentine’s Day cards to all of his old classmates. And practicing our handwriting by writing out their names and addresses on the envelopes to send old school snail mail.

To access the printable, just click here. I highly recommend using a thick cardstock if you’re printing this out at home. It looks best on a white background, but feel free to play around.

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Easy Valentine’s Day Cake Pops Recipe

January 16, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

Confession: I love making cute desserts more than I like eating them. It’s true. My husband hates when I bake or buy baked goods because I never eat them. But that doesn’t stop me from baking. And, like all kids, mine just seem to love everything teeny, tiny, or cute. So these easy Valentine’s Day Cake Pops are sure to delight the heck out of them this season!

What you’ll need for this recipe

Listen — cake pops don’t have to be difficult. In this case, I used boxed cake mix. I made the cake according to the box instructions and then use half of it for these cake pops (I froze the other half to use at a later time). My kids prefer vanilla cake mix, so that’s what I used. But you can use whatever you like!

In addition, you’ll need the following for these Easy Valentine’s Day Cake Pops:

2 Tablespoons of cream cheese frosting, softened
12 ounces of candy melts, red
20 count of 6-inch cake pop sticks
Pink, red, or white sprinkles! Better yet? All three!

How to make this delightful snack!

Yield: 20 cake pops

Valentine's Day Cake Pops

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 of a cake (such as a box cake), baked
2 Tablespoons of cream cheese frosting, softened
12 ounces of candy melts, red
20 count of 6-inch cookie sticks
Pink, red, or white sprinkles!

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a large bowl, crumble your cake.

STEP 2 -

Add in your cream cheese frosting. Mix well with a hand mixer, spoon, or stand mixer.

STEP 3 -

Divide your cake into 20 sections. With the palm of your hand, round out each portion into a ball shape.

STEP 4 -

Place your cake pops on a sheet pan or plate, and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

STEP 5 -

While your cake pops are in the freezer, place all of your candy melts in a medium sized bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals until completely melted.

STEP 6 -

Remove the cake pops from the freezer.

STEP 7 -

Place your cookie stick in the candy melt, then the cake pop. Then add your cake pop to the candy melts. Coat the pop completely with the melt. On the side of the bowl, tap it gently with the stick removing any excess chocolate from the cake pop to create a smooth finish.

STEP 8 -

Place the cake pop on the parchment paper. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate dries.

STEP 9 -

Continue steps 6 – 8 until each cake pop is complete.

STEP 10 -

ENJOY!

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Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles Recipe

January 14, 2021 by Rachel 11 Comments

This year, more than ever, we need to celebrate the small things. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — it’s time to make a big deal out of the small holidays for our kids. I’ve never been one to obsess over Valentine’s Day — even before I was married. I recognized it for what it was. But just today my 8-year-old second grader asked me if we could do something special. Last year he had a school party, but he knows that’s not happening now. So instead we’re going to make Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles for our at-home party!

What you’ll need for these Instant Pot Valentine’s Day truffles

I used my Instant Pot for this recipe because it makes the cake extra-moist. But you don’t necessarily need to use an IP. You can make the cake traditionally as well. I just really love the texture from pressure cooking.

As far as equipment, you’ll also need a springform pan. Other ingredients are vanilla almond bark, red food coloring, red velvet cake mix, eggs, cream cheese frosting, sprinkles, and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Throw in some holiday-themed sprinkles, and you’re good to go!

How to make your Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 box of red velvet cake mix
3 eggs, large
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
3 rounded tablespoons of cream cheese frosting
18 ounces of almond bark, vanilla
Red food coloring
Sprinkles

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

STEP 1 -

Mix together your cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs.

STEP 2 -

In your greased spring pan, pour in your cake batter.

STEP 3 -

Place one and a half cups of water to the bottom of your instant pot. Place the trivet inside. Cover your pan with aluminum foil. Place your pan inside the instant pot.

STEP 4 -

I close the lid on your instant pot, and make sure to close the ceiling valve. Set your instant pot to one hour 10 minutes on high pressure. Once the time is done, do a quick release.

STEP 5 -

Remove your take carefully from the instant pot by using a towel or hot pads, and use the trivet handles to pull the cake out. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Transfer your cake to a large bowl. Crumble it up. Spoon and three rounded tablespoons of frosting. Mix together.

STEP 7 -

Transfer the cake batter to parchment paper. Lay it out flat and use a small heart shaped cookie cutter to make each truffle.

STEP 8 -

After you have made each truffle, transfer to the freezer for about 15 minutes to allow them to harden.

STEP 9 -

While they’re in the freezer, make a small bowl of your white chocolate. Placed three squares in the microwave for 30 second intervals until completely melted.

STEP 10 -

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring to create your desired pink color.

STEP 11 -

Remove the truffles from the freezer, place in your chocolate, and make sure they are completely coated. Remove them from the chocolate, transfer them back to the parchment paper and Top them with your sprinkles. The chocolate will start to harden.

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

STEP 12 -

ENJOY!

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

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Valentine’s Day Girl Superhero Cards With Printable

January 13, 2021 by Rachel 11 Comments

The last twelve months have been anything but normal. Not just for us, either. I know it’s been crazy hard on our kids. And, not only that, but it’s been a helluva year for the girls of the world, too. I know that I lost one of my heroes — the notorious RBG was a hero of mine. And I was crushed when she passed. But there was also the release of a very powerful movie about a very powerful woman — Wonder Woman. My family went to a private pre-screening of the movie, just the five of us. It was incredible. And every since then, my four year old daughter has referred to herself as Super Wonder Woman (and I don’t have the heart to correct her). So why not this year for Valentine’s Day Girl Superhero Cards?! Even if your son is giving them?

Because representation matters

Growing up we were told we can be anything. And, while that’s true, women and especially women of color, have obstacles in their way. And while I do my best to teach my daughters and son that both boys and girls (and everyone who identifies in between) are all valued. But there are just far more images of boy superheroes than girls. And that’s why I was so excited to see Wonder Woman 1984. My (almost) 5-year-old daughter was glued to the screen for the entire movie. She loved every action-packed minute of seeing a GIRL superhero.

So perhaps the boys and girls in your life will love these Valentine’s Day Girl Superhero Cards just as much as mine do!

The Printable

Grab your printable from here to make these absolutely adorable cards this Valentine’s Day. And if your kids are remote learning, why not send them snail mail to all of their friends and make this an extra special day for everyone!

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Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

January 1, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

I’m obsessed with making small moments into big memories for my kids. And, perhaps, this year more than ever. Truth be told, I have never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Not even while my husband and I were dating. I just kind of saw it for what we have made it — into a “Hallmark holiday.” But kids don’t see it that way. I vividly recall Valentine’s Day as a kid. My dad used to shower my sister and I with chocolates and gifts. It was ‘his’ holiday. Even as a kid it was clear that my mom ran the show on other holidays. But Valentine’s Day was his. To continue this tradition, my husband has taken to showering our kids with chocolates and gifts at Valentine’s Day. He’ll even pass of my Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts as his. And I’ll totally let him!

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

What you’ll need to make these festive pop tarts

15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Why an air fryer?

Okay, so I know I have given mad love to my Instant Pot. But we’ve been on the air fryer bandwagon as well. Like, for a long time. For the last 2 years we have hardly ever used our ‘bake’ feature on our oven — or our deep fryer. Because our air fryer has done so many amazing things. I throw the kids pizza rolls and chicken nuggets in it for a quick and easy lunch. But I can also make yummy treats like these pop tarts!

Yield: 8 Pop Tarts (approximately)

Air fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Total Time 21 minutes

Ingredients

15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Instructions

STEP ONE:

Lay your pie crust out flat on a lightly floured surface. With your cookie cutter cut out as many heart shaped hearts you can with the amount of pie crust you have.

STEP TWO:

On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.

STEP THREE:

Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.

STEP FOUR:

Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal.

STEP FIVE:

Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.

STEP SIX:

Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.

STEP SEVEN:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.

pop tarts

STEP EIGHT:

Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.

STEP NINE:

Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.

STEP TEN:

While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar and jelly preserve. Mix, and whisk together. You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your frosting thicker.

STEP ELEVEN:

Drizzle your frosting over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

STEP TWELVE:

Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!

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Need an easy and delicious treat to make Valentine's Day special for your kids? Air Fryer Valentine's Day Strawberry Pop Tarts are THE best!

2020 Year In Review Printable For Kids

December 28, 2020 by Rachel 12 Comments

I know it’s a phrase we’ve seen and heard time and time again — there’s no way any of us saw 2020 going like this. While I still managed to hit some significant goals, the pandemic certainly forced my focus to be at home. And that’s not a bad thing. I’ve tried to pass that perspective on to my kids as well. Sure, we don’t see our friends. But we will! And no, we didn’t get to go on vacation as planned. But we will when it’s safe. And so I created this 2020 year in review printable for kids so that we can look at the bigger picture together.

What I learned this year

I’ve always been a ‘busy’ person. I used to commit to too much and then feel completely drained. And when March hit, my busy-ness came to a full stop. I immediately leaned into it. Because, well, what other choice did I have?

Distance-learning

Who knew that remote learning and distance learning would be such an important part of our vocabulary in 2020?! I’m certain none of us had any idea. When schools went remote in the Spring, I was ready for it. I saw it coming and new that I just had to do what we could to get through until Summer.

Truthfully, distance learning at that point felt more like homeschooling on our schedule. I was grateful. Granted, my son was only in the first grade at the time. But still. And, most of the time, we made it through easily. Sure, we had ocassional hangups; but nothing major.

Being at Home

Ya know, this part of the pandemic didn’t quite bother me so much. I know I’m one of the lucky ones. I primarily work from home, but I did also take a leave of absence at my part-time gig (followed by a lay-off). We would go days and days without driving in the car. And then, suddenly, I would just need to get out. But without anywhere to go, the kids and I would just drive around.

But my husband worked from home for a couple of months and, honestly, it was nice having him around. The kids hated when he had to go back to the office (which, honestly, is just him and one other guy — distanced and masked).

And, after we decided to cancel our August vacation (in April), we made the decision to put some work into our house. We hired a local contractor to put up a very long privacy fence. Shortly thereafter, we hired him to also put in a deck for us. Hours and hours were spent tearing down and then building up a new playset for the kids. Next we built a new sandbox. And, finally, we installed a hot tub.

But we also had more meals at home. More movie nights weigh the kids. And many, many, more memories made.

Why I’m grateful for 2020

I’ve never ever been a ‘roll with the punches’ kind of person. I like a clear, set plan. But, it turns out, when faced with a global pandemic, I learned to seriously just lean into taking this year for what it gave me.

Don’t get me wrong — I am straight up sad. I’m sad for the lives lost and those who have suffered. I’m even more sad for those on the frontlines who have had to deal with science deniers in the digital age. But I’m also happy that this year brought clarity — some of which was hard-fought. I have lost friends and acquaintances to differences in opinion; but I’ve also gained a whole heck of a lot.

I’ve gained the understanding that some people are only meant in your life for a season or a reason. Additionally, I’ve increased my appreciation for the basics: a roof over my head, food on the table, my family, and our health. I’ve also strengthened relationships with family and friends. And I do not discount that for a second.

2020 Year In Review Printable For Kids

Whether or not you leaned into this year; whether or not you felt this year was majorly disruptive or a much needed slowdown; take a moment to check in with your kids. Be sure to use this PDF Printable and ask your kids to fill it out (or help them).