Halloween Brownie Ghosts

Learn how to create your own edible and yummy ghosts!

by Bethany

Settle down with all your compliments, I know that ghost brownie is amazing! I love Halloween. So do my kids (they have no choice!). Thought I would partake in some creative baking and try my hand at turning my brownies into ghosts. J helped as he loves to do, but possibly did more eating than he did working...

Making the brownies is the easy part! You can use your own recipe, of course. Or any brand of your choosing. I thought a nice dark chocolate fudge brownie would be perfectly delicious (and it was!).

If you would like your brownies more on the thin side, then do what I did, and bake them using a cookie sheet. Less time in the oven, and super tasty.

If you are going to make a ghost, you need a ghost cookie cutter. I was lucky enough to snag this one last year after Halloween for only 10 cents at Target! Definitely looking forward to going back this year for their clearance sales. Anyways, I digress. To make your ghost brownies complete, you will need coconut. 

The coconut WILL toast when you bake, and therefore will lose some of that whiteness that you kind of need for a ghost. I baked my brownies for 5 minutes, took them out of the oven, spread lots of coconut all over, and then finished baking. The coconut toasted brown more than I wanted it to, but I just added some more at the end. Mmmm, toasted coconut is delish!

Okay, if you can tell that is a ghost, then thank you! It was hard getting that cookie cutter to go through the toasted coconut... but I must say, the brownies (ghosts and ghost parts!) were definitely a hit. The kids loved the dirty ghost / ghosts that need a bath / what shape is that brownies!

Some alternatives:

- Bake brownies. When cool apply a thin layer of glaze (water and powdered sugar), cut into ghosts,     top with coconut if desired.

- Use a bat cookie cutter and nix the coconut. Yes, yes, yes I also own a bat cookie cutter!! Sigh...

If you try any of the above, or have another idea, share it with Moms on Coffee!

Nothing like cup of black coffee in a fun ghost mug to enjoy with a wonderful ghost brownie. BOO!

Hey Everyone!

I wrote a new article for Red Tricycle. Hope you enjoy it.

http://redtri.com/the-secret-of-how-to-have-a-play-date-during-nap-time/

I Have No Idea How to Hand Sew!

I Have No Idea How to Hand Sew!

By Jessica

 

Alright everyone a new sewing post is here! Sorry for the delay. Nanny continues to come over a few times a week for my sewing lessons. As we were finishing up the shirt for my daughter’s outfit Nanny asked me to hand sew the bottom hem with small close stitches. When I started my sewing adventure, I wasn’t kidding when I said I knew nothing about sewing. Which means I have never hand sewn anything, not even a button! So here we are Nanny asking me to hand sew and me looking at her completely lost. I looked her in the eye and said, “Nanny I have never hand sewn before.” I was finally feeling more confident with using the sewing machine, and here I was faced with using a needle and thread by hand.  So of course I had to ask her every question that popped in my head.

How do you knot the thread? How do you keep the thread from coming out of your needle? Do you need to reverse sew when you’re done?

Not only did I ask her question after question I even had her show me like three times!  By the end of this lesson my homework was to finish hand sewing the hem. Which by the way took me forever! But I will admit I am proud of myself I mean I actually became one of those woman hand sewing while trying to watch television.  

The next day I couldn’t help myself and asked her like multiple times if the hem was okay. I want my daughter outfit to be perfect! So this got even more amusing when Nanny introduced me to sewing snaps on the shirt.  She showed me the snaps and demonstrated how to tell snaps apart. I was unprepared for what she was going to say. She took one snap and said male and the second one she called it female. Of course I wasn’t looking closely at them which is why when I asked why her response threw me.  She took the male snap and said it looks like the male part while this one looks like the female. From that moment on I have never been able to look at snaps again. It never occurred to use the male and female anatomy in sewing.  

 

So Nanny is not just teaching me to sew but how to use the male and female body parts to tell the difference between snaps. I mean really who wants to sew two male snaps they won’t close at all!

 

My love for coffee continues with French Vanilla!

Think Outside the Candy Bag this Halloween

by Bethany

The pumpkins are out, ghouls and goblins are on display, and the stores are chock full of that delicious Halloween candy. Halloween is almost upon us, and I know I am excited! It has always been my favorite holiday, and is quickly turning into a huge favorite of my children as well.

We greatly enjoy strolling through the neighborhood, checking out all the homemade graveyards, jack o lanterns, and cobwebs that always give a cozy home a spooky feel. Kids love Halloween. They love the decorations, being just a little bit scared, and of course, who does not love that candy?! I know I could go for a bite sized Three Musketeers just about now!

However, no kid actually needs that candy. Yes, it is yummy and our costumed kiddos do expect to get some sugary and chocolate treats on Halloween, but they are often just as happy, if not more pleased, to get something a little different.

There are tons of candy alternatives out there. Some non-food choices include bubbles, pencils, temporary tattoos, rings, bouncy balls, stickers, vampire fangs, and the list goes on. If you would still like to give a treat but something that is not candy, consider pretzels, chips, or the ever-popular Pirate's Booty (yum!). 

Have you seen a teal pumpkin outside on the stoop of a house in your neighborhood, or on a Halloween product at the grocery store? There is a push to make Halloween safe and fun for children who suffer from food allergies, and hence, the Teal Pumpkin Project was born. Children with food allergies, some severe, cannot consume most of the Halloween candy that is given out to trick-or-treaters. This makes the costume crazed holiday not as enjoyable when most treats end up in the garbage. If you see a teal pumpkin, that means that house has candy alternative treats for our little witches and devils.

I think the Teal Pumpkin Project is fantastic, but really, let's all think about giving out something just a little bit different that every child can enjoy (and won't keep them up all night!). My house is already piling up with candy-free alternatives. I just hope they all last until Halloween night!

Coffee with a Krackel is perfect for me right now (they can have the temporary tattoos- I'll take the candy!).

Keeping Her Distracted and Me Caffeinated

Keeping Her Distracted and Me Caffeinated

by Jessica

 

 

I know it is been a while since I posted.  Trust me, we have been busy between music class, playdates and swim class.  Let’s not even discuss how the cable company came to fix our internet only to disconnect my home security!  While all this is happening my husband is still in Nebraska working hard.  Since he’s gone I have tried to keep me and my little girl busy. Every morning we cross off a day on our calendar and say daddy will be home on the day circled in red. She now points to the day and says “Daddy Home” each morning. But even with how busy we are and our routine FaceTime during bedtime with dad, I can see a change in our little girl. For one she is usually independent and will only ask for me if she needs help. Now that it is just us two she has to be at my side at all times. The first thing my daughter says in the morning is “coffee” when we enter the kitchen. This little one will literally sit on my lap to watch a show on the couch. Even though she only two years old she definitely has picked up on daddy being gone. It breaks our hearts that she misses her daddy so much.  So we do what all parents do we find ways to distract her. I have been planning a daily fun activity every day.  We baked banana muffins, French toast and pizza fondue. 

 

She loves helping in the kitchen and wants to do everything herself.  My wonderful hubby has made it a point to send Miss F a present a week. The first week flowers were delivered to our house (she couldn’t stop smelling them).

 

Most recently he mailed her Halloween books now we read them before bed. As the time passes, I can’t help thinking about the moment we will all be together again! But until then I will continue to be silly and creative with our little girl.  Don’t worry I will be writing a new sewing post soon.

 

 

My coffee obsession continues. This week I made my sister bring me Empire Decaf French Vanilla from a great coffee place in Hoboken, NJ.

 

 

http://www.empirecoffeetea.com/

 

School's in Session: Drive Carefully!!

by Bethany

Here is my little Public Service Announcement for the day.... SLOW DOWN! We live in a walking district, meaning that the majority of the children who attend the local elementary school walk or bike each morning and afternoon. We walk, and really enjoy it. Even on a cool, fall morning such as today, it is so nice to take a stroll to school with all the neighborhood kids.

This week is actually Walk to School Week! 

Taken from a flyer handed out by my kid's school, walking to school has these benefits:

1. Meeting new friends

2. Going on an adventure and seeing their environment in a new way

3. Less pollution = great for the environment

4. Research shows kids who walk to school arrive less stressed and are more focused in class

5. Exercise! 

When we arrived at school this morning, every student who walked got a really cool sticker, which all the kids were just thrilled about!

Walking and biking to school is fantastic, no doubt about that. However, I have to say that my stress level is a little high this morning. Why? Cars!!! I cannot believe how many people drive so recklessly around walkers, little kids at that. Not stopping at crosswalks, driving in the pedestrian lane, and failing to look before they pull out of a parking lot, were all seen this morning as we made the short stroll to school. It is scary. One of our crossing guards was hit last week (I believe she is okay). SLOW DOWN! Leave earlier if you are in a rush. The worst part, is that many of the cars driving this way pull right into the school parking lot. They are parents!! Before a major tragedy occurs, I hope all drivers (ahem, parents) think twice about how they drive. Also, put down the phone, breakfast, and mascara too... yeah, we walkers can see what you are doing as you whiz past us... we usually catch up to you at the red light...

My family, friends, and neighbors will continue to walk to school. We love it. While we are careful, we only hope drivers learn to slow down and watch for all our school children. Maybe, just maybe, one day these drivers can hop out of their oversized SUVs and walk to their destination themselves. Perhaps that will change their driving habits. Needless to say, after this morning, with extra crazy drivers (even though it IS Walk to School week), I definitely need an extra strong coffee or two...

  You Want Me to Sew What?

By Jessica

 

It’s been a while since I have written anything. Life has gotten crazy with learning to sew, starting fall activities with my little toddler and my husband leaving for Nebraska for work. He will be gone for a month. I’m on day three of being a temporary single parent. I feel like I will have a whole new appreciation for single parents once my husband returns.

Well since my first sewing post I had three more lessons. The Nanny is an amazing teacher who has taught me so much already. The first thing that was eye opening is when she suggested we make an outfit for my daughter as my first project. I was shocked when she mentioned a whole outfit. I even said “Are you sure that will be easy enough?”.  I mean I know nothing about sewing an entire outfit!

 To my surprise she introduced me to Easy Stitch ‘n Save by McCalls. 

 

 All you do is pick an outfit you like and buy the packet. This packet will include the template of the outfit you want to sew. Just buy the fabric you want and use the template to cut out your outfit. Now I don’t need to freak out about making on arm longer than the other. If I had known this I might have tried to learn years ago.

In the last three days I have cut out my outfit template.  I also pinned the pieces to together and even sewn most of my daughter shirt.  I don’t want you to think I know what the hell I’m doing because I don’t! I made a million mistakes and Nanny is so patient with me. My mistakes have been not putting my bobbin into the machine correctly, not sewing in a straight line and forgetting to put my needle down into the fabric when I stop sewing (this keeps me in place). Let’s not even get me started how it took almost an entire second lesson to find the best stitch on the sewing machine. Who knew there were so many different stitches.

 

But even with all the mistakes and sewing imperfections I still feel so accomplished. I never imagined I would learn to sew and make my daughter an outfit. Before becoming a SAHM I never had time to learn. I spent my evenings lesson planning, grading and working on IEPs. Being a SAHM has some perks I finally have a little bit of time to learn a new craft for myself.

 

 

 

Since my husband is away I started having my coffee in his favorite mug. I may not give it back to him when he comes home.

 

What is a Bobbin? The Clueless Sewing Mom

by Jessica

Now that I am the proud mother of a toddler, I decided this would be the perfect time to learn to sew. I know that sounds crazy I can barely drink an entire cup of coffee each morning. The truth is, I’m not artistic or crafty. I’ve never sewn a day in my life. But I’ve always wanted to make my own curtains and decorative pillows. When a friend or family member gives me a handmade gift or even just hems my clothes, I’m always jealous.  So I have decided that it’s time for me to stop asking others to make and fix things and learn how to do it myself! I want to be one of those moms that can make my daughter a Halloween costume (maybe next year) or new pillows for her room. Of course saying this is a lot easier than doing it!

Once I told my husband my plan, he jumped all in. He even went to the store and purchased me a sewing machine. When we brought the machine home, I stared at the machine and a wave a panic set in. I have no idea what any of these knobs do! How much fabric do you need? What is a bobbin?! Can I sew in a straight line without using a ruler? The thoughts wouldn’t stop.  My solution to this new fear was to read the directions which only made it worse.

So I did what any clueless woman with a sewing machine does. I called my husband's grandmother, the Nanny. This woman can knit, sew and upholster. She does it all. I honestly think everyone has the one relative who can sew or bake. Well, today she came over to give me my first lesson which we planned to happen during my daughter’s nap time.

I must admit that I am quite proud of myself for the first lesson. Nanny taught me how to thread a needle, fill a bobbin and I even sewed a piece of fabric.

Can I tell you how great it was to sew on my machine! When I say I knew nothing I’m not kidding. Nanny would tell me to lift the needle and I had no idea what she was talking about. I even learned that there are different stitches and lengths! This was eye opening for me. After today I have now decided that Nanny will be coming over once a week to continue my lessons.

I’m on the path to being the mom who can sew!

So shocker of the day I had no coffee because I went to Zumba instead.  Yup, that’s right I actually worked out. I regretted skipping my coffee after my first sewing lesson.

The PTA ain't like Bad Moms!

by Bethany

Back to school time! After dropping my son off at his first day of school, parents were greeted with platters of bagels, muffins, scones, Dunkin Donuts coffee, juice, and more, all in front of the beaming faces of the PTA moms. Stereotypical? Sort of. Was I the only one waiting for Christina Applegate and Mila Kunis to show up? Probably not...

While the dads (yes, go away dads) scarfed down endless breakfast carbs, the moms were busying themselves in an attempt to decide, Do I join? Do I volunteer? What Twilight Zone am I in right now?! It certainly is a weird feeling to find yourself suddenly A MOM at a PTA meeting. 

I sure felt as though I didn't belong. Even though I did, and do. I am now officially a member of my kid's school's PTA. Not sure how exactly that happened, but it did! While I almost signed up for mundane opportunities such as Gardening or Book Fair, I think I'll wait. After all, I never got my coffee. Or my mini-scone. Or that mysterious red liquid... dammit! 

No coffee (or anything) for this newbie PTA mama today...

Oh, Daddy a Plane! Look!

By Jessica

 

 This weekend we had a family day at the New York Air Show.  My husband and his dad who is in the Air Force love planes. Which means my little girl loves them too. I always get nervous when we take F for a whole day event since I keep her on a tight schedule. But I have to admit when she loves an activity she doesn’t mind skipping a nap.  To begin with Saturday was a beautiful day to see an air show.  The actual air show started at 12:00 but we got there early to find a seat and to have time to look at the planes they had on display.  I’m glad we did about 20,000 people attended last year. Since my father-in-law works at the base the air show was being held we had some perks.  The best was skipping the long line at security to get in!  I mean who wants to stand on a long line with a toddler.  When we got into the event my little one went inside the cockpit of a C-17. She absolutely loved it.  The buttons and dials she wanted to touch were endless.

 

When the show started, she pointed shouted “Oh, Daddy a plane! Look!”. I don’t know who loved it more my daughter or husband.  This air show is great for all ages. They have a huge selection of food and drink vendors that the lines can go quickly.  If you have a child who can’t sit still or gets bored watching the planes, then taking them to play in a bounce house or even climb a rock wall is a great distraction. By the time the show ended at 4:00 little F was exhausted and couldn’t wait to go home.

My own recommendations for anyone taking a toddler to an air show are to bring the following chairs (with umbrellas to block the sun), stroller, snacks, water, sunscreen, kids earmuffs and plenty of water.

Since we had an early morning Starbucks Coffee was required.  I had my favorite a Grande Carmel Macchiato.

 



Independent play, Captain America and Hulk...

by Bethany

I am so excited that Parent.co has published my article on the importance of independent play! My kids are (usually!) wonderful at playing by themselves, as well as with each other. They both have truly amazing imaginations. 

Recently, I was listening in on J's conversation between his "guys". It is so funny the stuff these kids come up with! I mention it in my article.

Read more about independent play and the incident between Captain America and Hulk here.

Make sure to like Parent.co on Facebook, too! 

When independent play is in session, I love to sit down with my favorite blend of coffee, Nantucket (I can pretend I am sitting on the shore until my kids snap me out of it)! 

Sunday Night Meatballs

Sunday Night Meatballs

by Jessica

Tonight my mother-in-law came over and made meatballs with my daughter. Now to give you a back story, my little girl loves to help out in the kitchen. We even have a Kitchen Helper for her to reach the counter.  Tonight was her first experience making meatballs. She loved it! My little one with her crazy messy hair acted like she’s an experienced cook! She poured the spices in and mixed the meat together with her hands. But her favorite part by far was trying to roll the meat into meatballs and putting them into a glass dish. I have to admit this was so much fun to see.  Between myself and my mother-in-law we couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. She patted the meat in her hands, attempted to roll it and place it in the glass dish! Watching her make meatballs was the perfect way to end our weekend.

Sunday coffee wasn't made until 11:00 AM!

Stamford Museum and Nature Center

by Bethany

We recently visited this super fun farm and museum located just outside of Stamford, CT. We borrowed passes from our local library so the cost was free! Well, except for the tiny farm animal toys we just could not pass up at a stop at the gift shop before leaving.

When we first arrived, we walked up past the beautiful trees to the museum. Small, but nice. Quite a variety inside, from a model train to the bust of Abraham Lincoln to dinosaur footprints! They were running a special exhibit on ants at the time of our visit, so they had ant farms, molds to play with, and even the game Ants in Pants to play! The kids had the most fun in their children's room, though. Tons of Legos to play with. They could build for hours in there!

Just down from the Museum is an awesome playground. A treehouse leads to many different slides which no kid could pass up. They even have this cool pirate ship to play on! Imaginations can run wild on this playground.

Snacks are a must! All the play on the playground deserves a nice snack on a fun swinging bench! Almost everything in the playground is wooden (not the slides, of course), which makes you really feel like you are in a fun playland in the woods.

Most of Stamford Nature Center is made up of their farm. Every farm animal you can imagine is located here, such as donkeys, pigs, cows, horses, chickens, sheep, goats, and more. Kids can get up close (but not too personal!) with real farm animals. Watch those fingers, kids!

Just walking along the farm path makes you feel like you are somewhere else, on a real farm, far away from any city (remember, this is suburb of Stamford, CT!). A nice, wide open view on a beautiful, sunny day.

Some of the animals are more friendly than others! The cows seem to love people. They will moo at you and come right up to the fence.

The cows even followed us around the corner. Call him the Cow Whisperer! What a fun day trip, highly recommended!

Lots of walking + hot day = 

Large iced coffee for this trip 

Red Tricycle Article

My fellow mom Bethany just had her article published on Red Tricycle. Check it out! http://redtri.com/it-s-not-good-bye-it-s-see-you-later/

I'll see you one day, hot cup of coffee...

I long for the day when I can sit and relax with a nice, steamy cup of my favorite coffee. See the picture above? That is my coffee- from THIS MORNING! It is currently 3:15 P.M. Yep, never even pressed the button. It never was brewed.

I need (make that require) my caffeine first thing in the morning. But on days like today, which are rushed in the A.M., sometimes my poor old Keurig gets forgotten. As my afternoon headache looms, I think oh no, I never had my coffee! Welp, no better time than the present, so let's get caffeinated now. At the very least, I'll be energized for bathtime, right?

This morning we ended up in a rush to get going. Two kids seem like twenty when things need to get done! Everyone gets up at the crack of dawn, so that is not even an issue. The problem is usually getting them to eat the breakfast I prepare (and one they say they want). Hey kiddos, if you say you want a waffle, then you better eat that waffle!! Brushing teeth, getting dressed, putting shoes on, that takes hours. HOURS. Or at least it feels that way. Honestly, if we have to be somewhere at a specific time, I need to start getting them ready at least 30 minutes prior to departure. 

Things that make the mornings easier? Fun plates (see follow-up post soon!), 2 second showers, laying out clothes night before, forcing toothbrushes into tiny mouths, and my dear (usually finished as cold) cup of coffee. If I remember it that is.