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Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year Coloring Page


Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2GPtPSv

Color your way into the new year with this free, printable New Year’s Coloring Page!

Happy New Year Coloring Page

Countdown the moments until the new year begins with this fun Happy New Year! Coloring page! Featuring an adorable banner, balloons, and party horns, this free, printable coloring page is a great way to keep busy until the ball drops.

While using crayons to color this New Year’s coloring page is always an option, you can also use:

  • colored pencils
  • chalk
  • fine tip markers
  • broad tip markers
  • watercolor pencils
  • watercolor paint
  • tempera paint
  • or do a mixed medium collage by ripping bits of tissue paper and gluing them on.

Happy New Year Coloring Page
For any of the options other than crayons or colored pencils, we recommend printing the pages out on cardstock. You can usually find cardstock in the same aisle as the plain copy paper.

Have a great New Year’s Eve and be sure to check out our other fun New Year’s printables!

Happy New Year Coloring Page

Download & Print: HAPPY NEW YEAR COLORING PAGE

We wish you a Happy New Year!

More New Year’s Activities

15 New Years Eve Snacks for Kids

Make some delicious food with these 15 New Years Eve Snacks for Kids.

These 10 Kids New Years Eve activities are a blast!

Start a fun family tradition with this New Year’s Eve Time Capsule.

Tell us how you’re planning to spend New Years Eve on our Facebook page!

The post Happy New Year Coloring Page appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

If You Think Being a Mom is Stressful, Wait Till You Play Black Mirror Bandersnatch


Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2AqPVoT

If you think being a mom is stressful, wait until you play Black Mirror Bandersnatch!

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding, yet hardest jobs in the world.

And can be stressful at times, too!

Today we wanted to tell you about something that has made our stress levels skyrocket!

 

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

If you haven’t noticed, Netflix has been producing some amazing content that has been catching the eyes and attention of millions of viewers.

Right now, Bird Box, is one of their most talked about movies. (Oh and for all you Bird Box fans who like to read, check out this book list of other books like Bird Box).

But something else is going viral on their platform right now as well…an INTERACTIVE Black Mirror episode that lets you control the the story.

With this futuristic feature, is Black Mirror Bandersnatch still considered to be TV? Or is it a…game?

 

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

If You Think Being a Mom is Stressful Wait Till You Play Black Mirror Bandersnatch

The Bandersnatch story is set in 1984, and follows along the seemingly boring life of a young man named Stefan Butler.

Stefan is a novice programmer who is currently in the process of developing a new video game. However, this new video game features advanced technology that hasn’t been seen before in any of the other video games in the time period.

The young man is adapting his video game concept from an old fantasy novel written by an author who appears to be…insane.

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

Things quickly take a turn for the worst when Stefan starts to blur reality with fiction. He soon starts to wonder if something or rather SOMEONE, is controlling him.

 

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

But here’s the catch.

Viewers are given complete control to choose and pick different options which can lead to multiple alternate endings in the episode.

Can you Say Stressful Choices?

Some of the choices are simple.

 

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

While others…are more complicated.

 

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

To add to the stress of having to pick the choice that seems right to you, you’re also timed. YIKES!

If you don’t happen to pick a choice in time, then the program picks a random one for you.

But if you pick the “wrong” choice, the story stops and you have to start from the beginning. This can happen several times, so choose wisely!

With some of the more simple choices, your answer doesn’t matter as much. But when it comes to the bigger choices, it changes the whole course of the story..for better or for worse.

If you happen to pick the choices that allow you to move forward in the story, there are multiple possible endings.

 

Black Mirror Bandersnatch

 

Each ending is extremely different from the others and features unique story paths in order to get there.

We won’t spoil any of the endings, but be prepared. Because the content of this show is very dark violent, gruesome, and graphic. So if you have a weak stomach this may not be for you.

Yet somehow the stress from this experience makes tantrums, potty training, and sibling brawls seem like a more appealing choice in comparison.

This TV episode/game would be best played on your laptop, or in a place that is safe from young curious eyes. Trust us when we tell you: THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN.

Do you think you’ll play Black Mirror Bandersnatch? Or have you? Tell us about it on our Facebook page!

The post If You Think Being a Mom is Stressful, Wait Till You Play Black Mirror Bandersnatch appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

5 Simple Salad Recipes to Eat Healthier in the New Year!


Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2QZH6fT

Eating healthier in the new year is definitely a resolution I hope to keep this year.

So today on Family Food Live, 5 Simple, Salad Recipes to Eat Healthier in the New Year!

These recipes will not only help keep your resolutions but get your excited about salads!

Join us for Family Food Live at 11 am CST/12 Noon EST every Wednesday and Friday!  Today I’ll be live on the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page. But make sure you like both the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page and the Quirky Momma Facebook page now so you never miss an episode!

5 Simple Salad Recipes

5 Simple Salad Recipes

If you missed today’s Family Food Live, here’s a look:

Now on to today’s recipes!

5 Simple Salad Recipes

Cucumber Salad

Shopping List:

  • 2 Cucumbers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons Dill, chopped
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Mix everything together!

5 Simple Salad RecipesRadish Salad with Feta Cheese

Here’s a new salad recipe that is really easy in a pinch. This Radish Salad with Feta Cheese recipe also has a wonderful Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing you will love.

5 Simple Salad RecipesTraditional Caesar Salad

Shopping List

For the dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • A dash of Worcestershire Sauce
  • Pinch of Garlic Salt
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Black Pepper

For the Salad:

  • 1/2 bag Shredded Romaine Lettuce
  • 5 Grape Tomatoes
  • Parmesan Cheese, shredded
  • Handful Croutons

Instructions

  • In a jar or bowl, add mayo, milk, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, salt and pepper and mix
  • In a mixing bowl, combine romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons
  • Add dressing and mix again
  • Add Parmesan cheese and more pepper and combine again

5 Simple Salad Recipes

Salad in a Jar with Poppy Seed Dressing

This is one of my all time favorite salads! And this Salad in a Jar with Poppy Seed Dressing is perfect to take with you to work or even on a family picnic!

5 Simple Salad RecipesChicken and Avocado Salad

Shopping List:

  • Rotisserie Chicken
  • 1 Avocado, chopped
  • 1/4 Red Onion, sliced
  • 6 cups Spinach & Arugula
  • 6 Strawberries
  • 1/4 cup Feta Cheese
  • Use Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, add the spinach/arugula, red onion, strawberries and chicken
  • Spread dressing on top and mix
  • Add feta cheese to the top
  • Serve

Join Family Food Live with Holly & Chris every Wednesday and Friday at Noon CST on either the Quirky Momma Facebook page or the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page!
We are also so excited to share our first Family Food Live Apron with you.  Be the first to pick one up and start cooking with us! Just click buy now below!


Here are a few of our favorite products from Family Food Live (affiliate links)

The post 5 Simple Salad Recipes to Eat Healthier in the New Year! appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

21 Fine Motor Skills Winter Crafts and Activities for Kids


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Click here to read 21 Fine Motor Skills Winter Crafts and Activities for Kids on Hands On As We Grow®


Bring snowy fun inside with super fun fine motor skills winter crafts and activities from Brigitte. Your kids will love these cute winter crafts!

Has it snowed yet where you live? Or does it even snow at all?

We’re all about some snow this winter! From crafts to activities, snowmen to snowballs, we are just itching to dig right in.

21 Fine Motor Skills Winter Crafts and Activities for Kids

Which is why these 21 crafts and activities are perfect. Plus they double as great fine motor practice, too.

Make cute fine motor skills winter crafts for extra special winter fun!

Which activities and crafts will you be trying out first?

Snowflake Crafts

Spruce your house up this winter season with these beautiful snowflake crafts that promote fine motor skills.

For more snowflake activities, check out these 30 snowflake ideas.

Snowball Activities

Try these fun snowball activities that can be done inside to practice counting, spelling, and size recognition while promoting fine motor skills.

  • Practice counting while moving snowballs as seen on Fun-A-Day.
  • Bring some snowballs into the house with this winter snow bin as seen on Things to Share and Remember.
  • Practice spelling names or words with this snowball name activity as seen on Fun-A-Day.
  • Use cotton balls as snowballs in this snowball sensory bin seen on Pocket of Preschool.
  • Create snowball sculptures using styrofoam balls and craft sticks as seen on Stir the Wonder.
  • Practice size recognition by sorting snowballs as seen on Learning and Teaching with Preschoolers.

Snowmen Crafts

You can still have fun creating snowmen without stepping out in the cold with these snowmen crafts that promote fine motor skills.

  • Fill a bottle with cotton balls to create a cute snowman body as seen on Early Learning Ideas.
  • Practice shapes while creating this melted snowman collage as seen on Fun Learning for Kids.
  • Put a jumbled snowman back together with this snowman sensory bag as seen on Playground Park Bench.
  • Decorate a snowman using this snowman sensory box as seen on Where Imagination Grows.
  • Practice sewing using paper plates to make these lace snowmen as seen on I Heart Crafty Things.
  • Create a marshmallow snowman as seen on Hands On As We Grow.

For more snowmen fun, check out these 24 snowman crafts for kids to make.

Mitten Activities

Try these simple mitten activities to practice sewing, number recognition, and letter recognition while promoting fine motor skills.

  • Practice sewing with this lacing mitten activity as seen on Preschool Teacher 81.
  • Clip mittens together while practicing number recognition with this mitten number match as seen on The Kindergarten Connection.
  • Practice matching upper case and lower case letters with this mitten letter match as seen on Fun Learning for Kids.

Which fine-motor skills winter crafts will you try first?

21 Fine Motor Skills Winter Crafts and Activities for Kids


Hands On As We Grow® http://bit.ly/2AmDjPG

Click here to read 21 Fine Motor Skills Winter Crafts and Activities for Kids on Hands On As We Grow®


Bring snowy fun inside with super fun fine motor skills winter crafts and activities from Brigitte. Your kids will love these cute winter crafts!

Has it snowed yet where you live? Or does it even snow at all?

We’re all about some snow this winter! From crafts to activities, snowmen to snowballs, we are just itching to dig right in.

21 Fine Motor Skills Winter Crafts and Activities for Kids

Which is why these 21 crafts and activities are perfect. Plus they double as great fine motor practice, too.

Make cute fine motor skills winter crafts for extra special winter fun!

Which activities and crafts will you be trying out first?

Snowflake Crafts

Spruce your house up this winter season with these beautiful snowflake crafts that promote fine motor skills.

For more snowflake activities, check out these 30 snowflake ideas.

Snowball Activities

Try these fun snowball activities that can be done inside to practice counting, spelling, and size recognition while promoting fine motor skills.

  • Practice counting while moving snowballs as seen on Fun-A-Day.
  • Bring some snowballs into the house with this winter snow bin as seen on Things to Share and Remember.
  • Practice spelling names or words with this snowball name activity as seen on Fun-A-Day.
  • Use cotton balls as snowballs in this snowball sensory bin seen on Pocket of Preschool.
  • Create snowball sculptures using styrofoam balls and craft sticks as seen on Stir the Wonder.
  • Practice size recognition by sorting snowballs as seen on Learning and Teaching with Preschoolers.

Snowmen Crafts

You can still have fun creating snowmen without stepping out in the cold with these snowmen crafts that promote fine motor skills.

  • Fill a bottle with cotton balls to create a cute snowman body as seen on Early Learning Ideas.
  • Practice shapes while creating this melted snowman collage as seen on Fun Learning for Kids.
  • Put a jumbled snowman back together with this snowman sensory bag as seen on Playground Park Bench.
  • Decorate a snowman using this snowman sensory box as seen on Where Imagination Grows.
  • Practice sewing using paper plates to make these lace snowmen as seen on I Heart Crafty Things.
  • Create a marshmallow snowman as seen on Hands On As We Grow.

For more snowmen fun, check out these 24 snowman crafts for kids to make.

Mitten Activities

Try these simple mitten activities to practice sewing, number recognition, and letter recognition while promoting fine motor skills.

  • Practice sewing with this lacing mitten activity as seen on Preschool Teacher 81.
  • Clip mittens together while practicing number recognition with this mitten number match as seen on The Kindergarten Connection.
  • Practice matching upper case and lower case letters with this mitten letter match as seen on Fun Learning for Kids.

Which fine-motor skills winter crafts will you try first?

Sunday, December 30, 2018

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping


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Every year we set New Years Resolutions, but this year I wanted to set some New Years Resolutions worth keeping!

At your New Years Party this year, make a resolution and stick to it!

You can do it!

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

This is the time of year to make goals, resolutions, and lifestyle changes. Everything starts over, so set yourself up on the right path, and make this year your BEST year, because you deserve it! 

Here are some tips to get you started!

The Home

1. Try any of these house hacks to make life easier!

2. Make breakfast every day (or at least a few days a week). These breakfast recipes will help you get started!

3.  Clutter can cause some serious stress! Check out these tips on how to declutter your house, from Your Modern Family!

4. Have everyone in the house help out with chores! It actually can be a fun way to spend time together as a family!

5. Organize the home in 40 days with these ideas from Your Modern Family. Take it one room at a time!

 

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

6.  Organize your home office! You can’t work well in a chaotic area (well, maybe you can, but its easier to work in an organized area).

7.  Clean your house with these hacks! Also, add this cleaning list, from Your Modern Family, to your cleaning routine to help track your progress!

8. Make your bedroom the coziest place in the house with these helpful tips from Totally the Bomb.

9.  Does a cluttered car drive you crazy? Try these tips from Your Modern Family! Clean out your car every week, and use these hacks to keep it organized!

You56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

 

10. Learn a new skill (crochet, sewing, or even sugar string crafts, perhaps?)

11. Start meditating. I read that one minute of meditation a day can make a huge change to our stress levels! Try it.

12. Be present.

13. Read a good book (here are some recommendations to get you started)

14. Write a good book. You can do it!

15.  Work out with your kids. You can even workout while you are sitting at work with these creative exercises from Your Modern Family!

16. Cook dinner 6 nights a week. These crock-pot meals will make that pretty easy. Just throw it in before you leave, and a home-cooked meal, that your family will love, will be waiting when you get home!

17. Eat clean and teach your family to eat clean (even if you are just starting) with these tips from Your Modern Family.

18. Resist sugar cravings even when they hit you the hardest, with tips from Beauty Through Imperfection!

 

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

 

19. Fix yourself up every day. No more PJ’s all day long! When you look better, you feel better!

20. Stop biting your nails. This is my bad habit! Keep them looking great, and motivate yourself not to bite with nail art hacks from Totally The Bomb!

21.  Keep a journal for your family to look back on! Loving this idea from The Realistic Mama!

22. Volunteer! Give your time, and if you have young kids, find alternatives. Send cards to the home bound, or take a meal to someone going through a hard time. Everyone will feel better after!

23. These 25 Health Hacks for Mom are a great place to start this year!

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

Parenting

24. Give 3 ups for every put-down. Every time that you say something negative to your kids, give them three positives.

25. Be more patient. Don’t discipline when you are angry. Take a minute to breath, and then talk to your kids.

26. Teach your kids about money.

27.  Combat sibling rivalry with some tips from Your Modern Family.

28. Your Modern Family also has some great advice on teaching your kids to be responsible!

29. Check out this information from Your Modern Family, about why it is so important to put your kids to sleep earlier, in order to help them sleep through the night. Teach them to sleep later (they need the rest!).

 

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

30.  Potty Train your child

31.  Listen to your child when they talk- really pay attention! Stop what you are doing, look them in the eye and give them your attention.

32. Say yes when your child asks ¦ “Mommy, will you lay with me?”

33.  Say YES more often, like Beauty Through Imperfection.

34.  Read more with your kids and follow up by asking them questions about what they just read (have them go into detail with you!)

35. Teach your kids to be creative, be creative as a family or even teach them to be inventors!

36. Less TV ¦ more reading.  Set a limit (an hour a day, maybe?) and try to stick to it. Try a week of no-tech!  

37. Potty Train your bed wetter to wake up at night (even your older child)

38. Ask your kids  to fill out this after-school survey to find out what they did that day.

39. Here are a few more parenting resolutions from Meaningful Mama

Saving Money

56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

40. Save enough money to allow your family to live on one income

41. Have a budget. (My mom used to use the envelope system when I was younger. Every month you put money into an envelope for the car, shopping, and groceries. When the envelop became empty, you are either done or you take from another envelope).

42. Save money and be frugal with these 50 ways to save!

43. Shop only on the clearance rack (everything goes on sale) or shop without spending money by finding things in your home to reuse.

44. Spend less money on your groceries (without coupons) by buying things on sale, buying on the day old rack & watching for specials.

45. Do things around your house that are free (like organizing with items you already have!)

46. Or use coupons & save a little more – here is a little tutorial on how to use coupons to shop online at Amazon!

47.  Build up your savings account! Try to only buy what you NEED, not what you WANT.  Every week put the extra money that you  WOULD have spent into a jar (example:  If you didn’t go out to eat tonight, but you wanted to, add $20 to your jar.)

48.  Try to go 40 days without spending money on anything except food, gas and bills. I tried this for lent one year and we saved a lot of money in those 40 days!

49. Sell your things! Go through your home and find things that you no-longer need. List them on Facebook yard sales or other online places like Craigslist.

50. Do more work yourself. Cut your own grass, clean your own house, cook your own meals, make your own ingredients.

51.  Stop paying for things that could be FREE!

52- Stock up on gifts while they are on sale or on clearance and save them until you need them (you can get free new mom & baby items for free.  I do this!)  

Marriage
56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping

 

53. Treat your husband like you would treat a house guest (this tip is my favorite one)

54. Have date nights without even leaving the house with these 21 Romantic Ideas for a Date Night at Home from Fulfilling Your Vows.

55.  Pursue your spouse and be intentional about it.

56.  Keep the romance alive, even when you’re both busy and exhausted.

Or you could skip resolutions altogether and just pick a word for the year.

If you have trouble sticking to your resolutions, try this strategy.

Some New Years resolutions can turn into a lifestyle change for the better! Try one that you would like to stick to!

Thanks for reading & trying out a great new resolution.

Ready to organize the entire house for the new year? We LOVE this declutter course!  It’s perfect for busy families!

BE SURE TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION OVER ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

The post 56 New Years Resolutions Worth Keeping appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

8 Ways to Jumpstart Your New Year’s Resolutions


Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2SxU2qo

Don’t drop the ball this year jumpstart your New Year’s resolutions before the countdown even starts!

(contains affiliate links)

8 Ways to Jumpstart Your New Year's Resolutions

8 Ways to Jumpstart Your New Year’s Resolutions

Get Fit

Primed for adventure, these wearable activity trackers will get your heart racing.

Don’t Lose Your Mind

Tired of losing things (or people)? Grab one of these incredible smart tracking devices.

Stay on Top of Things

If you’re constantly missing phone calls, text messages, or other notifications, even when your phone is right next to you, it might be time to invest in a smart watch.

Spend More Time with Your Kids

Instead of marking down “diapers” or “baby food” on that grocery list for the hundredth time in a row, make life easier on yourself. Get an Amazon Mom account, click the “subscribe and save” button next to all your top purchases, and get things delivered to your door the moment you need them.

Get More Done

Instead of carrying your phone around in your pocket all day, grab a bluetooth headset and let the notifications come to you. Bonus: hands free chatting while changing diapers, wiping noses, and assisting all types of zany art projects.

Multitask

Nix the laptop and pick up an iPad Mini. You can carry it around in one hand, and it can do almost everything your laptop did, anyway.

Get Out of Here

Start planning your next trip. Can’t remember the last one? Then it’s time you did something about that.

Be Their World

Kids don’t need endless amounts of stuff, but you can definitely find the COOLEST, most creative toys (that you can be sure they’ll look at you in admiration for) right HERE.

Now go bake yourself some cookies. For more inspiration, please follow us on Facebook!

The post 8 Ways to Jumpstart Your New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays


Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2AldzmC

The holidays are already hectic enough, but being a sick mom during the holidays sends you through a cacophony of emotion. You have to give yourself permission to acknowledge them.

I’ve lived with multiple chronic illnesses for about 15 years now, but I’m still blindsided whenever I am sick or if one of my chronic illnesses flares up during a holiday. Why is it that the time of year when expectations run at their highest happens to coincide with germageddon? Talk about a cruel joke!

When it comes to being a sick mom during the holidays, be it acute or chronic illness, there are many stages of grief. Below are some tips on coping with each stage.

The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays

Stage One Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Shock

I had it all figured out. This was going to be my first holiday season as a freelancer gifting myself and my daughter with the present of being 100% present.

We had plans to hunt down a ton of Santas, bedazzle every ornament in reach, shop ’til we dropped, see all the family we could, go to the theater and watch a bunch of movies, go sledding with my daughter’s friends, craft like crazy, eat amazing food, and turn external technology off, moving inwards like a cozy, little Christmas card.

Then life said, “hold my egg nog,” and I got sick.

Not just a cold. Really, really sick.

The added joy of chronic illness is that it takes something that isn’t horrible for most people, like a mild case of viral bronchitis, and turns it into A Thing. Even though I knew this, I wasn’t giving in, because stubborn. I probably made it worse by sliding right on into Stage Two.

Stage Two Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Denial

Welcome to the “tape the wrapping paper and platter of Christmas cookies to my hands, and I’ll be fine” phase of being a sick mom during the holidays.

I sought out my usual arsenal of juice shots, oils, and vitamins, in addition to my medication, because balance.

I also over-caffeinated, put off seeing the doctor, and ran myself into the ground preparing my work so that I could finish early for the year. The icing on the cake was the night I felt myself slipping and still crammed in a visit to see Santa, our annual mecca to Build-A-Bear for my daughter’s “waiting for Santa” buddy, the Christmas house light scavenger drive we always go on, and a ton of shopping I probably would’ve been better served doing on Amazon from my couch.

The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays

Stage Three Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Anger/ Guilt

A big part of the anger side of Stage Three of being a sick mom during the holidays is knowing that some of the discomfort is self-inflicted. If I hadn’t been trying so hard to deny being sick, and just rested a bit, I probably would’ve felt better quicker!

Guilt is something that comes hand-in-hand with motherhood, but for the chronically ill mama, it’s a little different. I’ve had heath problems for the extent of my daughter’s life. I’ve always worried that my issues would take away from her experiences.

If anything it has made her a compassionate and empathetic human. She never lacks for anything that she needs, and that includes most of her wants in life. She knows she is loved. But I still feel bad.

Whenever I ask her about her feelings about it, she tells me, “I just see you as my Mom, and you’re strong.”

In order to ensure that things always run smoothly when I’m sick or in a flare, I put a lot of planning in behind the scenes, since it is just the two of us. I always keep a fully stocked DIY Sick Kit, make sure that my “sick day section” of the freezer and pantry has the necessary supplies.

I work ahead as much as possible on my client projects, so that when I need the inevitable day or two to chill, I am ready for it. Starting next year, I am hoping to get a head start on my holiday to-do’s, just in case!

It makes me feel good to know that it all pays off and she is a happy little girl, but it doesn’t take away from the anger, guilt, or sadness that comes with being a sick mom during the holidays.

Stage Four Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Despair

I shed angry tears a few nights this week, after my daughter went to bed, disappointed that the plans I so carefully constructed for us were sabotaged by my traitorous body.

You know what? That’s okay, and it is necessary sometimes.

Moms have to put on happy faces all day long: at work, and at home. Once you’re alone, it’s actually helpful to fall apart, once in a while.

Feel it, acknowledge it, but then release it, for the good of your body, mind, and soul.

When I’m upset over my health issues, I just remind myself that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I have lessons to learn, and this is all part of it.

Some Christmases are quieter than others, and that’s okay. My biggest thing is trying to be a good example for my little one. Challenges make a person stronger and better, and we all have them. They teach patience and how to appreciate all of the little things in life that we sometimes overlook when we are healthy and things are going well.

Bad times allow us to be more open and appreciative of the good. I need to mirror that for her.

Stage Five Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Acceptance

Wave that white flag (a.k.a wad of tissues in your hand), grab a Medicine Ball from Starbucks, and flop yourself down on the couch, Mama!

90% of the pressure we deal with as moms during the holidays, we place on our own shoulders. Let that sink in, because I struggled with the realization.

That’s right, your tiny army doesn’t really care about the shiny details that we fret over. They just want you.

By the middle of this week, after I realized that Christmas break was halfway over, and that we weren’t going to be able to make it to the light show that we attend with friends every year, or the village tree lighting–and our gingerbread house?

…Let’s just go ahead and admit that it’s either going to be a President’s Day or Valentine’s Day House this year. Yay, to strange, new traditions!

I wrapped my arms around my daughter and apologized for ruining Christmas. She wriggled out and said, “Mom, you can’t really ruin Christmas. I don’t care where we go or what we do, as long as we’re together.”

The #1 Key To Coping With Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Cut Yourself Some Slack!

This post contains affiliate links below.

Cindy Lou-Who was right. We modified our plans by dragging my daughter’s new Barbie DreamHouse over to the couch to play. We used this amazing slime book to make small batches of slime, and read books together.

There was some light cooking, as we made our Christmas dinner sides. Who cares if I ordered the turkey from Boston Market, because I wasn’t feeling well enough to make one? We worked on a no-sew blanket craft that she received for Christmas. She slayed me at MarioKart, and we watched Christmas movies. We ate cookies while we talked about life.

For New Year’s Eve, we will either dress up or we won’t, and binge-watch Harry Potter movies. We’ll eat our favorite foods and play all of her new board games. There may or may not be a terrible round of karaoke.

We’ll end the night reminiscing over the highs and lows of the year, and share our dreams for the future. I’m surprising my daughter with a fun Mother and Daughter journal for the new year. All of these things I can do, sick or healthy, and I am looking forward to it!

It was a good week. We absolutely used the time to reconnect as a family. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we are all trying to achieve during the holidays?

The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays

 

How do you deal with chronic illness or sickness during the holidays?

BE SURE TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION OVER ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

The post The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Why Bird Box Is The Movie That Has All Parents Talking


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If you haven’t seen Bird Box, then you should either stop reading this right now, or go check out this play-by-play write-up explaining the entire thing. But if you have seen it, then you can’t stop thinking about it.

 

And, you may not realize it, but you also totally get the reason behind the movie’s crazy success.

You see, it all starts out with Sandra Bullock as the reluctant about-to-be parent. She’s pregnant, and the world is basically coming to an end. Look, if you’re a parent, then you already know this feeling. You’ve sat there, staring at your belly thinking crazy things like, “What if the world ends before this baby gets to see it?” or “How would I deal with this baby and being pregnant in a doomsday scenario?”

It’s just practical thinking, people. And by practical I mean totally crazy pregnant brain thinking.

Which is why we all instantly get the situation she’s stuck in. 🙂

In the opening scene, when she’s yelling at her kids, you can feel exactly what she feels. She’s yelling at them in the “you have to do this for your safety” mom voice, and she NAILS IT.

We’ve all lost our temper a time or two, but you can tell that this isn’t about tempers lost or being upset, this is the voice we use when our kid runs out into the middle of the street chasing after a ball or when they’re about to fall into the pond.

This is the mom voice.

And then she has to make that choice. You know the one– where she’s got to decide between the two kid’s she’s raising as her own. Except one of them actually IS her own kid, and the other is a kid she promised someone she would raise as her own and has raised since birth.

 

And then, she doesn’t choose. She can’t pick one over the other. THAT is when you know she’s a mom. She’s a real mom. Even though she tried to keep herself completely detached from the kids by not naming them, even though she’s done everything she can to keep them safe, it’s in that moment that she is the most relatable mom on the planet.

And it’s in that moment that you, as a parent, start to question what you would have done. I have to be honest, I can’t stop thinking about it. Would I have risked all our lives to save the life of one of us?

I just don’t know. That’s what makes it SO GOOD.

The reason parents love this movie so much is because it’s all about coming into your own as a parent. It’s all about realizing how much you love your kids. It’s all about understanding what it’s like to put someone else’s life before your own. No matter what.

And that is the best part of all.

Want to know why defiant kids are actually the best thing ever? Check it out here.

The post Why Bird Box Is The Movie That Has All Parents Talking appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party


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It’s just about time to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in the new year!

How will you celebrate on New Year’s Eve?

Today on Family Food Live, we shared 5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party. So whether you are hosting a party or planning a quiet evening in, these appetizers are perfect.

Join us for Family Food Live at 11 am CST/12 Noon EST every Wednesday and Friday!

Today I’ll be live on the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page.

But make sure you like both the Quirky Momma Facebook page and the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page now so you never miss an episode!

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

If you missed today’s Family Food Live, here’s a look:

Now onto today’s recipes!

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Shopping List:

  • Block of Cheddar Cheese, cut lengthwise
  • 12 Jalapenos, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
  • 12 strips Bacon

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil
  • Put cheese inside the jalapenos and wrap with bacon
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

Goat Cheese Crostini with Snap Peas

Dazzle your guests or family with this delicious appetizer or meal. These Goat Cheese Crostini with Snap Peas are the perfect compliment to any buffet table.

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears

Shopping List:

  • 2 Pears, sliced
  • Prosciutto
  • Garlic Herb or Blue Cheese
  • Honey for drizzling

Instructions:

  • Slice the pears and put in water with some lemon juice to prevent from browning
  • Spread cheese over the top of pear slice and tightly wrap with prosciutto
  • Drizzle with honey
  • Serve

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

Spicy Nuts

Here’s another great option for your buffet table. These Spicy Nuts are easy and work with any cheese plate appetizer.

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Shopping List

  • Champagne
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Limes
  • Fresh Cranberries

Instructions:

  • Pour about 8 oz. of cranberry juice in a champagne flute
  • Squeeze some lime juice on top
  • Top off with Champagne and garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wedge

And don’t forget the Black Eyed Peas for good luck!

Happy New Year everyone!

Join Family Food Live with Holly & Chris every Wednesday and Friday at Noon CST on either the Quirky Momma Facebook page or the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page!

We are also so excited to share our first Family Food Live Apron with you.

Be the first to pick one up and start cooking with us! Just click buy now below!


Here are a few of our favorite products from Family Food Live (affiliate links)

The post 5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.