Friday, March 28, 2014

Once There Was a Snowman, Snowman, Snowman...

With spring officially here I can finally wave goodbye to winter. Although, I couldn't help but look back at one of our favorite winter traditions that we missed out on. Which of courses is strange and was started quite randomly. Every winter we like to make a unique or themed snowman. It started when my oldest son made his first snowman. He was 2 1/2 and we chose some random things to go on the snowman. He was so excited to show Dad it when he came home. Ever since then we try to make a fun snowman every year.




This year we had an early snow towards the end of October. I was right before my brother left on his mission so we decided to have some fun in the snow before he left. Especially because we knew in Utah the snow would be gone within a day.

We came up with this concoction. Which was just colored water and a plastic knife from the dollar store. We also used wood to make the X eyes.







We made this one the following year in honor of my brother. He was serving his mission in Mexico and missed the snow. Since we missed him in Mexico, and he missed the snow by us, naturally we needed a Mexican snowman.


Last year we made this mailbox snowman. I remember seeing a picture somewhere, so when the snow wasn't sticking too well, the idea of stacking it against the mailbox was a perfect solution.  The kids were making up all kinds of reactions they thought the mailman would have when they came for the mail.



This year the few times we had a good snow we weren't able to play in it. Usually someone was sick or it melted before we had a chance. So this winter we didn't do one :(
So hopefully this fall we can have the most epic snowman of all.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Kodiak Cakes Minute Muffins Review


I was intrigued when asked to review Kodiak Cakes new Minute Muffins. As a mom of 4 always on the go I am always in need of a quick healthy breakfasts.

The first one I tried was the lemon chia muffin. It ended up being my most my favorite! It had a nice bright flavor to wake you up in the morning. Plus the chia seeds will give you energy and much needed antioxidants and other nutrients. it was so easy to make too. First I tapped it a few times to make the mix flat, then added the necessary water, and stirred.


 Then I popped it in the microwave for a minute, and yummy hot muffin here we go.

The very next morning also happened to be my errand running, mom chauffeuring go, go, go day. I had just strapped all the girls in the van and started to head out when I realized I not only forgot my daughters ballet shoes but I also forgot to eat breakfast. I ran in the house, added water to the blueberry muffin cup, put in the microwave, and just as the timer beeped a minute later I had found my daughters shoes. Perfect timing. I grabbed it, a plastic spoon and a banana and went on my way. Actually eating breakfast is not only the ideal way to start the day, but helps me not turn into a grouchy mom. I was so grateful that these were sitting out on my counter, otherwise who knows what I would have done. Needless to say these are officially added to my always keep a few in stock list, just for those crazy quick breakfast mornings. Way healthier and tastier than pop tarts ;)
I saved the chocolate one for a night when I was exhausted and needed a chocolate treat after putting the kids to bed. The apple cinnamon I had for a snack one day and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was light and had a nice subtle cinnamon flavor. Every time I ate one I couldn't help but think how much I would have loved these  when we were moving around a lot and living in hotels.
  Here is the link to there website to see how and where to purchase these delicious quick and easy muffins.  http://www.kodiakcakes.com/minute-muffins/
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