Healthy Zucchini Muffins or Bread the Fruit of our Harvest

We started a modest kitchen garden in the early spring by going to Home Depot in April and selecting a variety of seeds that interested the twins.  They chose carrots, summer squash, pumpkins, cucumbers and I added a tomato plant and a blueberry bush.  I also introduced them to cilantro and basil which are two of my favorite fresh herbs.

The children planted their seeds in clear plastic cups with small drain holes in the bottom.  They carefully watered and watched over them.  They were rewarded with quick roots, and soon after came the first leaves.  As the temperatures warmed up we carved out a small garden area, prepared the soil and planted their "little babies." Our veggies were a little slow to grow because they didn't get enough sun in our garden patch (note to self for next year).  However in mid-August we finally harvested our first zucchini and some small carrots.  We had our first one in a yummy shrimp stir-fry so the kids could see it in a more natural form.  Once we had several squash at once and a small bunch of baby carrots it was time to make zucchini bread.  I searched around for a healthier recipe and none of them seemed just right so I took a couple of different recipes and created one that worked great for us.  We have been nibbling all morning.  

To add some extra interest for the kids I decided to use my William Sonoma Railway Cake Pan.  Once the twins saw me drag that out of the back of the kitchen cabinet I had their full attention.  

I did all the grating for the muffins by hand because I do not have a food processor.  I used two average  size squash (approx. 9 inches).  The kids can help grate the larger pieces under adult supervision.   

Here is the recipe I used: 

Harvest Healthy Zucchini Muffins

2 medium zucchini (about 2 cups) (optional we added a little carrot to fill the 2 cup mark)

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour (I like King Arthur's)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup low fat milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cloves

optional: chocolate chips or dried fruit

Directions: 

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare baking pan or muffin tins with non-stick spray or butter.  Dust the pan with flour make them easier to remove after baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl add the zucchini, sugar, egg, oil, and applesauce.  Mix throughly.  Next add the flours, baking powder, baking soda and combine carefully.  Add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves and mix until blended.  

3. Add your optional items if you wish.  We didn't add any on this batch.

4. Pour the batter into your pans.  It should be thin like cake batter.  You will have to adjust your bake time based upon the pan you use.  Our train pans bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Use a toothpick to check for doneness (should come out clean).  

Our train muffins came out with tall rounded tops so we cut the rounded parts off and ate some of them so that the trains would sit flat.     

These are so delicious and have so much less sugar than most of the recipes I reviewed.  Enjoy your garden, farmer's market or grocery store veggies today!

Back to School Season-Visual Morning Chart

We have been enjoying a leisurely summer without any early morning activities therefore the twins and I have developed a slow morning routine.  As we wind into the last few weeks of summer for my preschoolers we will have to tighten up the routine.  My experience has been that when my kids feel that they are aware of the expectations and have a sense ownership of the responsibilities they are more likely to complete the necessary tasks in order to get out the door on time.

I recently updated their morning routine chart to reflect our current needs.  It could be varied to meet your childrens' needs and ability levels.  An idea for older children would be to add a column with a digital or analog clock to add a skill and keep the kids on schedule so they get out the door for carpool or bus pick up.

I purchased a box a clear plastic sheet protectors and use them for a variety of purposes with the kids.  I slide the visual schedule in the plastic sleeve and keep it where each child can see it (on bedroom door).    I also keep a wipe off marker or wipe off crayon on the bookcase shelf (not in reach until we are ready for it to prevent undesirable wall decor).  As they complete the task they get to mark it on the chart.  This makes my kids feel very important and develops ownership for the process.

If you would like a copy of this chart tell me what you think in the comments section and I can email you a word document copy of Apple Pages document.

Fun With Paper Mache

My daughter especially loves crafts.  I have to keep coming up with ideas to harness her need for structured and creativity.  This time around I went outside my safety zone and decided to enter the world of paper mache.

First I looked around the house to see if I had the needed materials.  I came up with 3 round balloons left over from a birthday celebration.  Next I checked the flour, salt and water off the list.  Strangely, the hardest piece of the puzzle for me was newspaper.  I read news articles online and don't get a daily paper anymore.  Then the light bulb went on...packing paper! We had packing paper left over from our move.

The paper provides a great opportunity for your kids to strengthen their fine motor development.  Depending on the age group they can either tear the paper into small pieces or cut it into small pieces.  The beauty of it is that it doesn't matter what the paper looks like as long as the pieces are appropriately sized for the balloon you chose.  I had 10" balloons and 1-3" pieces.  I cut some and the twins did some just so we would have plenty before we were knee deep in paste.

I didn't have an exact recipe for the paste I simply added about 1 1/2 cups of flour to a bowl and slowly added a little water at a time till I got a consistency of thin pancake batter.  I added 1 tablespoon of salt to help dry out the paste and prevent mold.

We took our project outside so I wouldn't worry about the mess I knew we were about to create. I had the bottoms of two milk jugs that were left over from another project that I used to hold the paste and paper pieces, but any shallow bowls or pans will work.  Our original plan was to also cover the toilet paper rolls too but the kids tired out a little at the end.

 I found that it worked well for the twins to dip the paper in the paste and then smooth it onto the balloon with the paint brushes.  That helped to make sure that the paper got a more even coating of paste.

 I would suggest using smaller balloons then we did for the 3-4 year old set.  They loved this project but they did tire out a bit towards the end so I helped them push through so they would have a finished product.

 It is important to make sure the whole balloon is covered with multiple layers, but I would not do more than 4.

This was a great time for us just to spend being messing and working together.  I value these special opportunities with my kids.  They really couldn't do anything wrong.  When the wind kicked up a little I moved our paper pieces into a bucket I found in the garage to keep them from blowing away.

Finally after the final pieces were attached we left them to dry in the garage for 2 days (they were probably good after one day but I wanted to be sure so I waited an extra day.  They were so excited for the next step PAINTING!

Considering that the twins are almost 4 it made the most sense just to let them free paint.  Older children could paint them pink for pigs, black and white for cows, yellow for ducks, etc.  The paper rolls (TP or paper towel) could be sliced by a grown up to add on for feet, or a pigs snout.  I was going to make one that was going to be a hot air balloon with the paper towel roll cut to form the basket below.   

These were such a hit with my kids that they decided to hang them up and use them as decorations for their daddy' birthday.  We did not pop the balloon inside yet because my kids love to touch everything and I was afraid the might squish them before they made it to the display area.  Also the balloon know made them easier to hang.

This is a great project for children of all ages because the older they are the more creative and skilled they can be.

Please leave your comments and suggestions below.

Simple Pillow Covers

I have been moving around the same tired old pillows for several months.  First, I thought maybe they would look better in a different location.  When that didn't work I vowed that I would select some fabric and make new covers for them.  Well a few more months went by and several trips to the fabric store.  I had a lot of trouble committing to a fabric choice.  I ended up playing it safe with a little color and stripes.  One thing you will never get from me is decorating advice.  Today I am here to share probably the simplest way to change up your pillows.

This clearly had to go

The first thing I did was to measure the pillow.  When I purchased the fabric I added a little extra to allow for any beginner mistakes.  Generally, I allowed for an extra inch and a half all the way around.

1.The method I used was to iron out the new fabric to get any of the wrinkles out.

2.  Next I measured out the fabric very carefully and cut it so that I could fold the fabric over and only have 3 sides open.   For example my pillow insert was 18" square so I cut the fabric to a size of 21" x 42".  [NOTE: if you are using a patterned fabric, preview how the edges will match up before making your cuts and pinning your fabric-- I missed this step on my first try and had the result below]

I can live with this, but I didn't want to do it again, so check and recheck your fabric.

3.  I folded the the long pieces in half inside out (good side in) and pinned every thing together leaving the side across from the fold open.  The pins will keep the fabric lined up as desired as you begin closing the pillow up.

4.  I sewed a one inch seam around the 3 pinned sides (including the folded side so I would have a neat edge) and left the 4th side open.

5. Turn the case right side out and stuff it with your pillow insert.  Push the insert deep inside so that you have room to spin and sew the final seam closed.  I rolled the raw edges in and ironed them down before pinning to make the seam neat and smooth.  Finally I sewed it closed.  It worked out much better on the second pillow below.

Much Better!

5. I hope that this helps you transform the pillows you are tired of in your house.

Light Carrot Cake with Toasted Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

This is probably the best carrot cake recipe I have ever eaten.  I think a lot of carrot cake recipes tend to be too dry but this one is so moist and delicious I keep sneaking extra little bites.  The secret unusual ingredient is the carrot puree (baby food).  The best part is that it is light!

It is great for a spring/Easter brunch, baby shower, or your new summer harvest from your garden.   You will never make a boxed variety again.  For those that like walnuts that would add some extra nutrients as well.  We are a nut free household due to an allergy, but I usually like to add them to carrot cake.

I walk by it on the kitchen counter determined not to have more but then I can't stop myself.  If I just knick another little piece off the side with my knife it doesn't really count, right.

I found this recipe on Cooking Light as a award winner, and a winner it is.  I substituted apple sauce for the oil (I think you could substitute Greek yogurt as well).

photo from Cooking Light (Next time I make it I will try to snap a photo before digging in. ) 

Here is the recipe:

The Best Carrot Cake (Cooking Light Magazine)

Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 3 1/3 ounces)
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 (2 1/2-ounce) jar carrot baby food
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
• 1 1/4 cups finely grated carrot (about 4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup golden raisins 
• Cooking spray

Frosting:

• 1/3 cup (3 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened 
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup flaked sweetened coconut, toasted

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°.
2. To prepare cake, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a food processor; pulse 6 times or until well blended. Place flour mixture in a large bowl. Combine granulated sugar, canola oil, baby food, and eggs; stir with a whisk. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moist. Stir in grated carrot and raisins. Spoon batter into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray.
3. Bake at 325° for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
4. To prepare frosting, combine cheese and butter in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer at high speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating at low speed until smooth (do not overbeat). Spread over cake; sprinkle with coconut. Cover and chill.

Let me know what you think or if you made any changes.

ALPHABET FISHING

Today I want to share an activity that can grow with your toddler and preschool kids through a few stages or you can use with siblings of close ages.

This is a simple activity to make.
1. First you want to find some study paper such a card stock or heavy construction paper.

2. Next create a fish template (keep it simple) and trace it out on your colored paper.  To save yourself some work cut more than one fish at a time by tracing the top layer and cutting several at a time.  Use a variety of colors to keep it interesting for the kids and to allow you to vary the game a little.  You will need to cut out 26 fish.

3. Once all of the fish are cut out, neatly write the uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet on the letters.  Remember to keep the print large and clear so your youngest learners with recognize the letters.

4.  Next, add 2-4 staples close together on the end of your fish (either end, it doesn't matter).

5.  Finally, attach a magnet to a string of appropriate length for your child.  I found magnets at the local craft store with a hole in the center which made it simple to attach it to the string.  If you want to go one step further you can attach it to a wooden dowel with an eye screw but beware this could end up being a weapon without proper warnings and supervision of the child/children.

TIME TO PLAY
Here are a few ideas from the simplest to the more complex:

Catch a Fish:  Scatter the fish in a small area of the floor or for more fun you can use a dry baby pool.  For your youngest they will simply be working on the motor control to lower the string/magnet down to a fish and stead the string enough to catch the magnet to a fish. (skill: motor control)

Catch that Color: As your tot starts learning colors you can vary the game by directing them to find a certain color or once they have caught the color have them tell you what it is. (skill: color recognition)

Catch that Letter: Follow the same game idea but this time ask your little learner to find a certain letter or have them free fish but tell you the name of the letter once they "hook" it. (skill: letter recognition)

Name that Sound: Once again they follow the same format but once they catch the fish and identify the letter they can tell you the sound it makes.(skill: letter sounds)

Name a Word: This time your little genius will tell you the letter, its sound and a word that starts with that letter. (skill: connecting letter sounds to words)

Counting Fish:  Not a separate game but an add on to any of the others.  Have your little one count the fish they have in their "caught" pile. (skill: basic counting 1-26)

If you have other ideas I would love to hear about them.  Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Beginner Sewing: Tinkerbell Dress

This past winter, once we were settled into our new home, I decided it was time to get a sewing machine and begin navigating the world of CRAFTY MOMMA.  I have wanted to make cute items for the kids and some basic decor items for the house.

I researched sewing machine online and decided on the Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine.  So far it has been easy to use at my beginner sewing level, but I think that it has enough bells and whistles that I will still be happy with it as I grow in experience.  

One of my first projects couldn't have been easier.  Jo-Anne Fabrics sells bolts of character fabric that are pre-shirred at the top so that all I had to do was measure Sweet W and sew a seem and add coordinating ribbon for straps.  If you are looking for a simple project to get you started, I highly recommend this one.  I suppose it could be worn with a t-shirt beneath for cooler climates or more modesty.  Here is a photo:

Now if you are a mom of multiples or have siblings close in age you know that you can not create a project for one child without doing something special for the other.  I can not take the creative credit for the next project because I saw this idea from Georgia Leigh on her blog.  It was so cute I ended up making two.  First I made one for my son and then my daughter.  My sun requested Superman and Batman and my daughter wanted Wonderwoman and Princess.  The directions are all over on Georgia Leigh's website, but here are my pics.

 
Good luck with your projects and stay tuned for more ideas.

OLYMPICS FOR KIDS- Treats and Games

We are in the heart of Olympic fever and I wanted to get my preschoolers involved in the excitement.  I did some thinking and some web searching and came up with some ideas.  I decided to create a set of games that were appropriate for the 2-5 year old age group and gathered some friends together for a little fun.  I traveled over to Pinterest and found a link to Krissy Creations for her soft baked, frosted sugar cookies and combined them with another Pinterest  Oopsey Daisy where she made olympic ring cupcakes with M&M's.  Here is a photo of ours.

First I had the kids help me make and bake the cookies.   While they were cooling I gave each of the twins a bowl of M&M's to sort by color.  This made them happy and is great activity for preschoolers to review colors and physical properties.  After they cooled sufficiently we frosted them. Finally we practiced another essential preschool skill of patterning.  I made an example of the pattern on a cookie for each of them and then allowed them to copy the pattern based on the example.  This was a little harder for them than I expected, but after a little practice they improve in accuracy.

Next, while they moved onto some quiet plan I assembled the materials for our Olympic Games.  Here is a list of the games:

Olympic Games

Remind your athletes that every athlete in the Olympics represents their country and displays their flag proudly during the opening ceremonies.  While you are setting up the games provide paper and supplies for the kids to decorate their own flags of create team flags if there are enough children.  This will keep them busy for a little bit.  

During the Opening Ceremonies play some inspiring music and allow the kids to parade around the yard or neighborhood with their flag.  Draw a name to be the torch bearer and that person can carry a torch and lead the parade.   We used a paper towel roll covered with aluminum foil and read and orange tissue paper for flames similar to this one from I Can Teach My Kid 

Sponge Pass:  Kids stand in a line and with a bucket of water and large car wash type sponge at the front of the line and an empty bucket at the back of the line.  First kids soaks the sponge and then they pass it through the line over there heads and the last kids squeezes it into the bucket then runs to the front of the line and starts the process again. And they keep rotating so that each person gets a chance at the front and end of the line and they fill the back bucket with water.  

Scoop toss/catch: Using Jai Lai type scoops toss the ball back and forth as many times as you can with out dropping.  If you don't have store bought scoops you can cut the bottom portion off of two gallon milk jug containers with handles. (I often raid the recycling bin).

Egg on a spoon race: 2 teams race from one point to another.  Carry egg on spoon with out dropping to bring to partner and pass successfully from one spoon to another. I used plastic Easter eggs.  You may want to weight them with sand or clay if you have a windy day.

Balloon between the knees race: Athletes go as fast as they can from start to finish line

Ring Toss: You can use a store bought game or create your own with plastic water bottles filled with water or sand for stability.  You can use pool diving rings or make your own by cutting the center circle out paper dinner plates.  The kids throw rings and try to get them on the posts/bottles.

Ball toss into buckets: Use wiffle ball or other light weight ball and have the kids take turns trying to toss balls into bowls or buckets.  You can make this trickier for older kids by placing them in a vertical line and assigning a value to the bowls.  For example the closer bowl would be worth 10 points, next 20, then 30 and so on.

Biathalon: Athletes ride tricycle or bike on chalk path on driveway or sidewalk then get off and run to specified location.

Javelin throw: throw a pool noodle as far as they can.  To add another skill set out a tape measure and have the kids record the length and even graph it on a chart later.

Water balloon toss: see how many tosses before it breaks. A favorite on a hot day!

At the close of the Olympic all of the kids received medals and enjoyed their Olympic Cookies.

PRODUCT I LOVE: Perfect Travel Mug...In my opinion

Let's get started with a favorite product.  Let's face it parents, we need our coffee to make up for all the sleep we lose from waking up with the kids several times a night or worrying about their welfare.

Let me start by saying, I do not work for the company in any way.  I do not profit from their sales and I am not paid to advertise for them.  I just happen to love Aladdin coffee mugs.  They are durable, microwavable and made from recycled products.  This mug has traveled around the house, to play dates, and up and down the East Coast.  I don't like to use open mugs for my coffee for many reasons, but the two biggest  are to prevent spills and to keep it warm a little longer.  Everyday  I make a 12 ounce cup of coffee but it is nearly noon before I reach the bottom.  That sometimes means that the mug needs to be microwaved a few times for a warm up.  This mug meets my needs and fits in the cup holder of my car.

UPDATE: I have tried to keep this mug a secret in my house, but just recently my husband has discovered the merits of this mug and will only take this one on for his commute into work.  I have been forced to order a new one so I once again can enjoy my coffee without the fear of spills in the house... have I mentioned that I am clumsy?

NEW to BLOGGING

This is my first venture into the blogging world.  As a parent to twins the last few years have been a whirlwind.  My whole world has changed as I navigated the world of motherhood.  I have experienced life as new mom times two, staying at home, going back to work as an educator, and staying home again.  I have sold a home, had a new home built and been bounced around to different living arrangements in the interim. I am now the mother of preschoolers.  I don't know where the time has gone but it has been quite the ride!  The intention of my blog is to share a little about our life including our adventures, crafts, products and recipes we love.  Please join us for the ride.


Please post comment for ways I can improve my blog or categories you would like to hear more about. I have oodles of ideas.  See my "About Me" section to learn more about my background.  Like most stay at home moms, I did have a life before diapers and potty training.

Thanks for visiting!