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7 Ways to Improve Mental and Emotional Health

If you're looking for ways to improve your mental and emotional health, it can feel overwhelming to consider all the things you could be doing and where to start. Hopefully, these six ideas can be a jumping ground for you to find the low-hanging fruit in your life where you can pick one thing you can start doing now, and slowly incorporate more tools along the way.

Ways to Improve Mental and Emotional Health

Finding Ways to Improve Mental and Emotional Health:

I want to start this post by acknowledging that my own mental and emotional health is something that I've personally struggled with for more than half my life. I want to be transparent in that I am currently taking medication for anxiety and while it's something I've resisted for a very long time, it's honestly been one of the most compassionate things I've ever done for myself.

So while I want to acknowledge that these other things I'm going to share are great things to reduce stress in your life, I also want to say that sometimes medication can be a great tool in your arsenal to help along the way.
 

Start An Exercise Routine:

I have always been an avid runner so this is very easy for me to keep up with regularly. That might not be the case for you, and the idea of running gives some more anxiety than the intent of reducing anxiety. Find a workout routine that is meaningful for you, whether that's lifting some weights in your bedroom, walking regularly, or doing yoga, find something that's easy for you to stick to.

Ways to Improve Mental and Emotional Health

Social Media Fast:

We all love social media, but I think deep down we all hate it too. If you notice your anxiety, depression, etc... is worse when you consume social media, make a plan to stay off it for a certain amount of time, or set a time limit on your phone so you can't access it after a certain time limit each day. Set a boundary and try to stick to it.

Practice Mediation to Improve Mental and Emotional Health:

Being able to sit in silence by yourself and to sit in meditation is such a challenging skill to learn and master. I find it very difficult for myself. I have learned though that being able to sit in silence and stillness is very good for me to work through thoughts, find silence in my mind, and just be able to rest.

While you can set up a yoga mat and try sitting in pure silence, I find some of my favorite ways to be in silence is by sitting in the hammock in our yard by myself. It is the perfect escape to sit in nature and practice quiet time. Find a space that will work well for you and practice being in silence. Start with just a few minutes and see how long you can work toward.

Find a Spiritual Connection:

I firmly believe as humans we are spiritual beings and we need to be connected to a higher power than ourselves. When we think we're alone in the universe and everything we do is based on our work and the own circumstances we do and don't create, I think that can be a very crippling place to be mentally.

It shouldn't be a shock to anyone that I am a Christian, so for me knowing that God is in control of all the things I cannot control is a place of comfort and I'm able to go through my life open-handed seeing what doors God is opening for me, and what doors I can walk away from knowing he goes before me in all things.

Finding where you sit spiritually can be a great way for you to rest in uncontrollable situations and find comfort when life gets difficult.

Ways to Improve Mental and Emotional Health

Start an Ice Bath Routine:

We recently got a Cold Pod in the mail and it's been a great addition to my ice bath routine that I've had for a long time now. I've taken ice baths since high school and studies show that ice baths can have many benefits including:
  • Mental and Physical Resilience
  • Discipline
  • Energy
  • Relives Stress and Anxiety
  • Reduces Migraines and Headaches

They say to reach these benefits you need to work up to 2-3 plunges a week at 10-15 minutes per session. You might need to slowly work up to that amount but the benefits are great and it's a fairly simple practice to start.

I typically make ice in my freezer and dump it into my bathtub with the coldest water. But you can purchase a cold pod on Amazon and have a dedicated vessel for it that you leave up all the time.

Unplugged Screen Free Activities:

Finding activities you can do that don't involve screens is always a great way to improve mental health. Some that I like to do are puzzles, reading, and simply going on a short walk. Being outside is one of my favorite things because I feel like it grounds me in ways that most things just don't.

These are all things I do to improve my mental health, but I also cannot stress enough the importance of working with a good therapist, and not being too prideful when it comes to medication, especially if it's something you've been working through for a long time with little progress. I hope that medication won't be a long-term forever thing for me, but I am grateful to have it as a positive tool in my life right now.

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EASY S'mores Bar for a Party

Putting together a s'mores bar for a party is pretty simple and can be a really fun way to gather with friends and family during the warm summer months.

S'mores Bar for a Party



Easy S'mores Bar for a Party:

If you're planning a full-scale party or a simple gathering with friends throughout the summer, this s'mores bar is easy to put together and will be a massive hit with your family and friends. Simply set up a table with all your favorite s'more ingredients, have a heat source (either a fire pit or the fire pots shown below), and have a fun time coming up with your favorite s'more combinations and flavors.

You could take the fun factor up a notch and make a taste test game where everyone votes on their favorite flavor combinations, but that is only suggested for the most serious of s'more enthusiasts.

S'mores Bar for a Party

What You Need for a S'mores Party:

For a simple outdoor s'mores party, there are a few things you'll need to pull this off. You will need the following items:
S'mores Bar for a Party

Small Fire Pots for a S'mores Bar:

When we put together this s'mores party a few summers ago, I made these little fire pots with things I gathered from the dollar store. To make them simply take a small terra cotta flower pot, line it with tin foil, put some paper and charcoal on the inside, and then light the fire. I put these in a metal tray in case they got hot so the table wouldn't melt, but that ended up not being a huge issue and it went well.


These were fun because we were able to set up multiple heat sources at one time and multiple people could make a s'more at once instead of having to wait one at a time to make the s'mores. It was fun for kids and adults to gather around and make marshmallows to their heart's content.

S'mores Bar for a Party

Unique Fixings for S'mores Bar:

  • Milk Chocolate
  • Marshmallows
  • Coconut Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Graham Crackers
  • Reese's Chocolate
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas
  • Pretzel Thins
  • White Chocolate
  • Thin Mints

S'mores Bar for a Party

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Homemade Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt

Homemade pizza bagel bites with Greek yogurt are a healthy spin on a delicious snack that we've all grown up loving. The Greek yogurt ups the protein and nutrition value without detracting from the taste of this classic snack.

Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt

Homemade Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt:

A few years ago I made some everything bagels with Greek yogurt and was shocked by how well they turned out. While I might not have had much success getting my kids to eat an everything bagel, I quickly thought that I could turn them into pizza bagel bites. Turns out my kids LOVED this idea, and this has become a go-to recipe in our home since.

The Greek yogurt gives the dough an amazing texture, adds so much protein to the dish, and adds zero flavor differential. That's my kind of healthy recipe when you can't tell it's there.

Making the Bagel Bite Dough:

To make the dough for these bagel bites you will simply combine the flour, baking powder, greek yogurt, and salt in a bowl. Then you will form the dough into a ball, roll it out on the counter, and then I used the mouth of a kid-size plastic cup to cut the dough into circles. I then used the handle of a spoon to work a small hole into the center of the dough.

Before the bagels go into the oven, brush them with a whisked egg so they get that traditional bagel shine. They will then bake in a 375º oven for 18 minutes. Once they're cooled you can cut them in half, and make your pizza bagel bites.

I usually get 12 mini bagels when I do this, which yields 24 pizza bagel bites when they're cut in half and prepared for your family.

Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt

Fun Tips For Making Pizza Bagel Bites:

Let your family get in on the action: This is a great recipe to make with your kids and they will love topping their bagels with all of their favorite toppings.

Don't Go Too Heavy On the Toppings: That being said, don't stack the toppings too high or else they won't warm up all the way through when you put them in the broiler to melt the cheese, a single layer of toppings is perfect.

Have fun with the toppings: We just used salami in these photos but you can do veggies, pepperoni, sausage, olives, and red pepper flakes, the sky is the limit.

Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt

The Best Baking Sheet for the Kitchen:

I used a lot of cheap and terrible baking sheets in our marriage until I finally bought these Nordic Ware baking sheets. They are strong, thick, and sturdy. They don't warp in the oven when baking with high heat, and they just cook everything so evenly. They have been one of the best investments I made in my kitchen and have stood the test of time since I bought them back in 2018.

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Homemade Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt

Yield: 10
Author: Paige Flamm
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 18 MinTotal time: 28 Min
Homemade Pizza Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt come together with flour and non-fat plain Greek Yogurt. Your kids will love eating healthy pizza bagel bites after school!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, add in the greek yogurt and stir with a mixing spoon, or with your hands to bring the dough together.
  3. Flatten the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, it should be about a 1/2 inch thick. Using a small bowl or a cup, cut out small circles into the dough. Bringing the dough back into a ball and flattening back out as needed to use it all up. I got 12 bagels out of mine.
  4. On a parchment lined baking sheet, place all your mini bagels onto the pan. Whisk your egg, and then using a cooking brush, lightly brush the tops of each of the bagel with the egg.
  5. Bake in the oven for 18 minutes.
  6. Once baked, pull your bagels out, cut in half, spread a little sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings onto each bagel. 
  7. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until all the cheese is melted, and then serve!

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The BEST Baby Back Ribs EVER (5 Ingredients!)

These are the best baby back ribs ever for a few reasons: there are only five ingredients, they come out super tender and flavorful every single time, and they slow cook in your oven for a couple of hours making them a great option if you don't have a grill.

BEST Baby Back Ribs EVER

The Best Baby Back Ribs Ever:

When Derek and I first got married and I was exploring the kitchen and learning how to cook, baby back ribs felt very intimidating to make. I quickly learned though that the key to great ribs is cooking them low and slow for a couple hours to make them both tender and flavorful.

This recipe is really easy because you just season your meat, pop them in the oven wrapped in foil, and just cook them for a couple of hours. If you don't have a grill and don't want to spend money on one, this is a great recipe to go with since most people have an oven in their home.

Five Ingredients for the Best Back Back Ribs Ever:

  • 2lbs Baby Back ribs
  • Barbecue Sauce of Choice
  • Chili Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

BEST Baby Back Ribs EVER

Best Side Dishes for Baby Back Ribs:

When we make baby back ribs, it's typically for a Sunday dinner. We love to serve them with corn on the cob, a macaroni salad that we typically purchase from the deli section of the grocery store, and some watermelon. It's the perfect summer meal that our family loves. If you're looking for more side dish ideas you can try:

  • Corn on the Cob
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Potato Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Baked Beans
  • Rolls
  • Green Salad

BEST Baby Back Ribs EVER

How to Make Baby Back Ribs:

These baby back ribs are super easy to make and come together with just a few simple steps:

Step 1:

Take the baby back ribs out of the package and place them on top of a large sheet of aluminum foil.

Step 2:

Season the ribs liberally by sprinkling salt, pepper, and chili powder over the ribs until there is a nice coating on all of them.

Step 3:

Wrap the ribs up in foil and bake in the oven at 300º for 2 1/2 hours.

Step 4:

After 2 1/2 hours, unwrap the ribs from the foil and coat them liberally with BBQ sauce. Turn the broiler on in the oven and let them broil for about five minutes.

Step 5:

Serve the ribs with your favorite summer side dishes and enjoy!


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5 Simple Mantle Decor Pieces from AMAZON

If you're interested in decorating your home with a clean and minimal style, these five simple mantle decor pieces from Amazon can transition into any season all year long, won't break the bank, and are classic items that will last for years to come.

Simple Mantle Decor

Simple Mantle Decor:

I love having staple pieces in my decor that can last all year round and don't need to be changed out regularly. As a self-proclaimed minimalist, I also don't want to be changing out my decor with every holiday and season. I want my home decor to be a "set it and forget it" mentality.

This mantle comes together with really simple pieces such as faux flickering candles, candle sticks, some vases, faux plants, and a mirror. I love that these pieces are very simple, but don't take up a ton of space, they don't make the fireplace look cluttered, and they make the house look "done" without being over the top.

Styling Simple Mantle Decor:

When styling a mantle, it's really all about balance. There are a few questions you can ask yourself when you're trying to style a mantle:

Are the objects on the far left and right of the mantle the same height?

Does it look cluttered or intentional?

Are there varying heights on each side for interest and dimension?

Does it look too matchy-matchy on each side?

When you're styling a mantle you want to keep all these questions in mind. I like to have different objects that are similar heights on the ends of my mantle. This means I don't want the same plant on both sides or the same candle on each side. I think a lot of interest comes from mixing and matching heights while trying to keep the weights and balances feeling similar too.

How I Styled My Simple Mantle Decor:

For this mantle, my large mirror in the middle was the anchor piece for the entire design.

I've had these white vases up here for a few years now and knew they would be perfect with some fresh faux green stems placed inside.

I wanted to match the height of the plants on the other side, without pairing it with more plants.

I have seen these faux flicking candles all over lately and thought they would be perfect on top of some candlesticks.

I didn't want the candlesticks to be black and match the mirror because then the black would visually be too heavy on one side since there isn't black on the side with the plants.

I opted for gold candlesticks to match the light and brightness of the vases, which I think brings in good balance from the round mirror.

All these things can feel like a lot to think about at once when you're designing a space which is why I sometimes recommend purchasing more items than you need, playing around with a few variations, and then returning what you end up not using.
 

5 Simple Mantle Decor Pieces from Amazon:

All of these pieces are under $45 (most of them are under $20!), will look great in any space, and are classic pieces that will stand the test of time.

24-inch Black Circle Mirror:

We have had this black circle mirror above our fireplace for almost three years now and really love it. It was super easy to install, and I love that it's less than $45 for a 2-foot mirror. That is such a great price since mirrors can be really expensive.

Set of Two White Vases:

These vases were originally down in Derek's office when we first moved into this house almost four years ago, and then I stole them and brought them upstairs once we had finished our fireplace. They're perfect for every season, and if you like changing up your decor regularly, you can swap out the green stems for something seasonal easily.

Green Stems:

I think every space instantly looks better when you bring some green into the design. These stems come in a pack of five for about $6 which is a pretty good deal and you only need one pack if you're just filling those two vases linked above.

Set of Three Gold Candle Sticks:

This was a new purchase for this space. We originally had a plant that died, and then an award from my old job that I've since been let go from, so we really needed to bring some non-traumatic items into this space. These candlesticks are a great price and bring the right balance to this space.

Flickering Faux Candles:

These candles have been all over the internet lately the last couple of years and this deal was too good to not try them. You get 6 for less than $10, and they come with a remote and flicker when you light them. I'm excited to give them a try in this space.

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8 Amazon Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $40

Mother's Day is two weeks away, if you're in the market to purchase a gift or two, here are eight Amazon Mother's Day gift ideas that are all under $50 that any mom would love.

Amazon Mother's Day Gift Ideas


 

Amazon Mother's Day Gift Ideas:

When it comes to Mother's Day, I hate the idea of giving a gift just to give one, and I hate the idea of being gifted a gift just because someone feels obligated to give me something. When anything comes into my home I like to ask, does it have intentionality? Will it actually be used? Does it serve a purpose that another item in my home does not? With that in mind, I think that these Mother's Day gifts check those boxes, aren't wildly expensive, and will be useful and appreciated by most moms.

Espresso Machine:

Okay so right off the bat this gift is actually from Walmart, but it also has two-day shipping, it's $40 which is a killer deal for an espresso machine, and it has over 3,000 killer reviews. If you know someone who is in the market for an Espresso maker, this would be a great one to get. It's actually at the top of my Mother's Day wish list to save money from over-consuming Starbucks iced lattes.

Springtime Puzzle:

I love having a puzzle to work on, but to be honest 1,000-piece puzzles are a little too overwhelming for me. This 500-piece one is a perfect one that can be done in a day and is the perfect springtime picture.

Ice Coffee Glasses:

I bought an iced coffee glass like this last summer and it's a go-to in my house when I make coffee at home. These are under $20 and come in a set of four. The floral printed one is just super cute in my opinion.
 

Floral Printed Journal:

I'm not a huge journal writer, but I do try to write at least a few times a month. This one is really cute and pretty, very affordable, and might just be the right motivation to get Mom to journal more.

Modern Printed Apron:

Know your audience with this gift. I would love an apron because I don't currently have one, but I know some over-emotional mothers might interpret this as "You got me an apron, are you telling me I belong in the kitchen..." you know your mom, so stride lightly, but this apron is super cute (can you tell I'm into florals?), and it's a great price!

Coffee Table Book:

I love decorating with books and Amazon has so many great coffee table books that would be super fun to have around the home to look through. I love this history book that recreated black and white photos from history so you can have an idea of what things looked like "back then". There is also this home organization book or this really neat travel book.

Aesthetic Cutting Board:

Who doesn't love a good charcuterie board? This round one is well-priced and would make an amazing kitchen decor item that also serves a purpose and function.

Simple Modern Tumbler:

I got a Simple Modern Tumbler back in August as a birthday gift and I have LOVED it. It's cheaper than a Stanley Cup, it keeps your ice cold and frozen for literal days, and it comes in so many cute colors and patterns.

Greeting Card Box Set:

This is an awesome gift idea for any mom. I feel like there are so many occasions throughout the year when it would be nice to send someone a card, and I never have one on hand. This is a 24-card box set that has cards for every occasion, and it comes with dividers so you can continue to add cards to your collection and house them in the storage box.

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The BEST DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

This is the best DIY bath bomb recipe to make if you're a beginner looking to make bath bombs for the very first time, or if you've made them before but need an excellent user-friendly recipe to use!

BEST DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

Best DIY Bath Bomb Recipe:

When my kids were younger they were obsessed with bath bombs, and to be honest, I was too. They were our go-to for stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, Mother's Day... if there was a reason to give a gift, bath bombs were involved. We loved them so much that we started making them on our own, and this recipe was the one we always used.

The key to making this recipe work is not getting the mixture too wet, and keeping a wet sandy consistency, if you can nail that, the rest of this process is super simple.

Where to Purchase Bath Bomb Ingredients:

You can purchase most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, but it may be more cost-effective to purchase some of them on Amazon since you can get them in larger quantities and less money per ounce. I have linked you to Amazon options in the ingredient list below.

BEST DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

Best Essential Oils for Bath Bombs:

You can use any scent of essential oils that you like best. Some of my favorites are lavender, peppermint, and any of the citrus scents, but you can be as creative as you like. My only suggestion is to purchase an organic option since these will be touching your body. I've linked to some inexpensive organic ones below.

DIY Bath Bomb Molds:

When I make bath bombs I use a 3-inch Christmas tree ornament (linked below), fill each half, and then mold them together. You can get creative though with a lot of different mold shapes, and Amazon has a ton of different options that you can purchase and try!

BEST DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

Ingredients for DIY Bath Bomb Recipe:

Yields about three bath bombs
1 c baking soda
1/2 c citric acid
1/2 c corn starch
1/2 c Epsom salt
3/4 tsp water
2 tsp essential oil (scent of choice)
1 tsp coconut oil
food coloring (optional)
circle mold (I got one at Michael's for $1)

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How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky Fabric

If you're looking to learn how to sew a baby blanket with minky fabric, this tutorial will show you everything you need to know to make this process as easy as possible. Working with minky can be a little tricky but with the right tools it doesn't have to be overly complicated.

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky


How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky Fabric:

Something you might not know about me is that several years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter, I had an Etsy shop where I sold flannel and minky baby blankets. I think I only sold one blanket to someone in the UK and then closed my shop shortly after Kinsley was born, but I became pretty proficient in making these little blankets. 

The key to sewing minky fabric is making sure you have a good footer on your sewing machine to hold the fabrics you're sewing together. Minky fabric can tend to slip a bit when you're sewing so you want to make sure you have enough pins, and a good footer to hold everything in place. 

The Best Sewing Machine for Beginners:

If you're looking for a great sewing machine that is great and easy to use for beginners, I cannot say enough good things about this Brother sewing machine. It's the newer model of the one I purchased years ago and it is super easy to use. I love that it has many different stitch settings, can quilt, is super easy to thread, and is an all around delight to use. I've used a lot of terrible machines from other brands, but this is my go-to and my favorite. 

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky

Where to Purchase Minky Fabric:

You can get Minky fabric at most craft stores such as Hobby Lobby, Joann's and even Amazon. I've purchased fabric from a lot of online specialty retailers as well such as Spoonflower, and Harts Fabric, I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you choose, but I do love shopping in person and being able to see what I buy before I buy it. 

Supplies for Baby Blanket with Minky:

Steps for Sewing Baby Blanket with Minky:

Start by placing fabric right sides together. Pin all the way around your fabric to hold it in place, and trim off any excess that you may have. My yard of minky fabric is typically always a lot longer than my flannel.

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky
On one of the sides make sure to make a mark with your pins, and a gap about 6 inches wide. This is going to be where you will turn the blanket right side out when you're done stitching the inside.

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky
Straight stitch a 1 inch seam allowance a long the entire blanket. Back stitching at the very beginning and end, and at both ends of the opening where you will turn it inside out. You can get a better view of this here.

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky
Using an iron on the "cotton" setting, press the edges together so they are nice and neat.

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky
Using a 5/8in seam allowance, choose a decorative stitch, and stitch your way all around the top of the blanket. Make sure that the hole from where you turned it inside out gets sealed.

How to Sew Baby Blanket with Minky

At this point, you can iron again. Then you're all done! These blankets are super soft and cozy... I might have to make a massive sized one for myself!

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The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

If you're looking for the easiest baby blanket to sew, this flannel swaddle blanket was my favorite go-to blanket when my own kids were babies, and it's my favorite blanket to gift a friend when they're expecting too. 

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

The Easiest Baby Blanket to Sew:

This blanket is super easy to put together because you basically just sew two yards of fabric together using straight lines. If you can sew a straight line, and follow the guides on your sewing machine well, that is basically all the skill you need to be able to make these blankets. This is a very beginner friendly tutorial, and one that I hope serves you well for all your baby blanket sewing needs. 

What Makes this Baby Blanket Tutorial So Easy:

The best parts of this tutorial are that there is no cutting involved for the most part, except trimming edges if you wish once the blanket is pinned.

You don't need a rotary cutter. 

You don't need a sewing mat.

There is no complicated finishing binding. 

You don't need any fancy equipment for your sewing machine. 

This is literally the first thing I learned how to sew and it is such an easy starter project. I really cannot stress this enough.

Beginner Friendly Sewing Machine:

I love Brother brand sewing machines and am very partial to them. I've tried a Singer, and a few other brands that all have failed me over the years. Once I finally purchased my Brother machine sewing was significantly easier and there was a lot less heartache. 

My exact machine isn't available for purchase anymore, but if I was buying a new machine I would hands down purchase this Brother sewing machine. It's well priced, does all the functions you need, and has great reviews on Amazon. It checks all the boxes a beginner would need from a trusted brand. 

Baby Blanket Sewing Supplies:

Easiest Baby Blanket Sewing Instructions:

Line up fabrics, right sides together and trim off any excess fabric hanging off any of the sides and pin together.

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

Using a 2in seam allowance, straight stitch your way around the blanket.

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

Be sure to leave an opening about 6in wide, back stitching before and after the opening to prevent unraveling. You will use this hole to turn the blanket inside out, so the right sides are on the outside.

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

Turn the blanket inside out once you're done straight stitching around the inside. Make sure to pull your corners out all they way so they look nice and neat!

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

Using an iron on low heat, press the seams together.

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew

Using a 5/8in seam allowance, choose a decorative stitch, and stitch your way all around the top of the blanket. Make sure that the hole from where you turned it inside out gets sealed.

The EASIEST Baby Blanket to Sew
And then you're done! Let me know if you have any questions!

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The Best Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

This chicken and waffles recipe for kids is sure to become one of your family's favorite meals. We've been making this for our kids since they were toddlers and it's been a staple family recipe ever since. If you're looking for an easy and straightforward chicken and waffles recipe, this is the perfect one to start with.


Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

The thing I love the most about this chicken and waffles recipe is that it is both flavorful enough where adults love it, but not too overwhelmingly spicy that kids resist eating it. It also comes together really quickly, and isn't very intimidating to make at all. Chicken and waffle is one of those things that sound complicated to make, but the reality is that it's really straightforward and simple.


Chicken and Waffles Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup Corn Starch

  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1lb thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breast

  • Store Bought or Homemade Waffles


Preparing the Chicken

Begin by marinating the mini chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.


In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Optional: just the smallest amount of cayenne pepper makes a huge impact. This seasoned flour will give the chicken a deliciously crispy coating.


Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).


Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.


Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º.


Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.


Cooking the Waffles

While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffles according to your preferred method. You can use a waffle iron to make homemade waffles or toast store-bought ones until golden brown and crispy.


Once the waffles are cooked, place one on each plate in preparation for serving.


Assembling the Dish

To assemble the chicken and waffles, place a crispy fried chicken breast on top of each waffle.


Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory flavor combination that kids will love.


Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!


Now that you have the basic recipe, let's explore some creative variations to make this dish even more exciting for your little ones.

Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

Maple Syrup Magic

Maple syrup is the perfect accompaniment to chicken and waffles, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavors of the dish. For an extra special treat, consider infusing your maple syrup with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or even a hint of citrus zest.


Spicy Sriracha Mayo:

While our kids love this meal with maple syrup, my husband and I love to eat this with a spicy sriracha mayo drizzle. We simply mix together some mayo and sriracha until we get a consistency we like, and then drizzle that over our fried chicken. You can also mix in a little maple syrup into this mixture to give it another sweet depth of flavor.


Use Fun Mini Waffles

Mini waffles are not only adorable, but they're also perfectly sized for little hands. Experiment with different shapes and designs to make mealtime more fun for your kids. You can even let them help out by using cookie cutters to create waffle shapes like hearts, stars, or animals.


Waffle Slider Sensation

Turn chicken and waffles into bite-sized delights by making waffle sliders. Simply cut the mini waffles into smaller pieces, add a slice of fried chicken, and secure with a toothpick. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, picnics, or any time your kids need a quick and delicious snack.


Kid-Friendly Chicken

To make this recipe even more kid-friendly, consider using mini chicken tenders instead of breasts. These smaller pieces of chicken are easier for little ones to eat and can be dipped into their favorite sauces for added fun.


Healthy Twist

For a healthier version of chicken and waffles, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. This reduces the saturated fat content while still delivering the crispy texture kids love.


This is especially great if you're trying to be conscious of our cholesterol. Overall preparing the meal this way will give you a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, and it makes for a pretty well balanced meal.


Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken and waffles with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them with a side of honey mustard sauce or barbecue sauce for dipping.


Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, you can prepare the chicken and waffles ahead of time and simply reheat them when ready to serve. Just be sure to store the components separately to maintain their crispiness.


Final Thoughts

Chicken and waffles may be a classic southern dish, but with this kid-friendly recipe, you can bring the deliciousness of this comfort food favorite to your own kitchen. Whether you're serving it up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this irresistible combination is sure to put a smile on your kids' faces. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create memories around the dinner table with this delightful chicken and waffles recipe for kids.




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