The Many Little Joys

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Wookiee Cookies (AKA – Ranger Cookies)…a simple way to celebrate Star Wars Day

Celebrate Star Wars Day (May 4th) with this simple recipe for deliciously “chewy” ranger cookies that are a little scruffy-looking…just like your favorite Wookiee. May the force be with you!

Celebrate Star Wars Day (May 4th) with this simple recipe for deliciously "chewy" ranger cookies that are a little scruffy-looking...just like your favorite Wookie. May the force be with you!

Note: This post contains affiliate links to products that I have used and loved. See my disclosure to learn more.

Are you a Star Wars lover?

Star Wars day is coming up May 4th (you know…May the “4th” be with you). I’m not one for elaborate celebrations of obscure holidays, but I do think it’s fun on occasion to do something simple to make a random Tuesday feel a little special.

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Superhero Muffins (AKA – Hidden veggie muffins)

These healthy superhero muffins are packed with veggies and whole grains, and–even better–they taste really, really good. Even picky eaters are sure to love them!

These healthy muffins are packed with veggies and whole grains, and--even better--they taste really, really good. Even picky eaters are sure to love them!

Calling a muffin a “superhero” is a bold statement, but these muffins earn the title. They are full of nutrient-dense foods, so they are perfect for building strong muscles in the aspiring superheroes of your family. Besides, what kid can say no to a SUPERHERO muffin?

Truths of parenting: It’s all about the marketing.

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Cranberry Orange Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread is an iconic St. Patrick’s Day recipe, and this sweet version is perfect for cooking with kids: it’s simple, quick, and delicious!

Irish soda bread is an iconic St. Patrick's Day recipe, and this sweet version is perfect for cooking with kids: it's simple, quick, and delicious!

St. Patrick’s Day is kind of a random holiday to celebrate in the United States. Still, I’m all for a simple and fun day of celebration when we’re coming off a long winter and could really use a little pick-me-up. So, bring on the green food and the Celtic music; we’re celebrating St. Patty’s around here!

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Healthy mini pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

These bite-sized pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are the perfect afternoon snack or make-ahead breakfast. Plus, they’re full of healthy ingredients, so you can feel totally justified in having seconds…or more!

These bite-sized pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are the perfect afternoon snack or make-ahead breakfast. Plus, they're full of all the good stuff, so you can feel totally justified in having seconds...or more!

Tis the season for pumpkin and chocolate chip recipes. It’s just one of those combinations that works perfectly together. You can use them in bread, cookies…or these delicious mini muffins!

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EASY Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot honey garlic chicken is the perfect weeknight meal. Toss a handful of ingredients in your pressure cooker, walk away, and have a delicious, better-than-takeout dinner on the table in 30 minutes.

Instant Pot honey garlic chicken over rice

Note: This post contains affiliate links to products that I have used and loved. See my disclosure to learn more.

I do not have the time or energy for fancy dinners these days. Still, I don’t want to settle for mediocre-tasting food, nor do I want to spend a ton of money to buy already prepared meals or take-out all the time.

Call me picky, but I want it all: a healthy, delicious, home-cooked meal that I can have on the table in 30 minutes from start to finish.

Is that too much to ask?

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Easy lasagna skillet (one pot meal)

This one pot, 30-minute meal has all the fabulous tastes of a classic lasagna but a lasagna skillet is SO much less work. It’s comfort food at it’s best: simple, hearty, and delicious!

Note: This post contains affiliate links to products that I have used and loved. See my disclosure to learn more.

I love lasagna, but truth be told…I think I’ve made it twice in my whole married life. It’s just too much work. I mean, really! Who has two hours to spend making sauce, boiling noodles, and carefully layering everything into a masterpiece?

Not me. Do you know what messes a two-year-old could make it that amount of time? Come to think of it, you probably do. That’s why you’re reading this recipe and NOT one for traditional lasagna.

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Chocolate hummus recipe (quick & easy snack for kids)

This chocolate hummus recipe is a triple-threat in the good snacks for kids competition: nutrient-dense, as delicious dessert, and so quick to make!

Raise your hand if you’re going through food like CRAZY right now with kids at home and running around outside so much! Man, oh man. My three little men sure can eat! And as much as they would be happy to eat Goldfish crackers and popsicles all day, I occasionally like to expand their culinary horizons.

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Healthy breakfast banana split: a fun way to start the day

Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? Kids will love waking up to this fun (and still nutritious) breakfast banana split. Perfect for special occasions, but simple enough for weekdays morning, too!

Healthy breakfast banana split with strawberries, blueberries and granola

One truth I’ve learned in my eight years of parenting is this:

Successful parenting is all about marketing.

Really! I mean, how much time you spend every day thinking of creative ways to “sell” your kids on doing whatever you need them to do?

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How to simplify weekly meal planning + free printable templates

Meal planning is a life-saver, but sometimes it can feel like an overwhelming chore. Here’s how I keep things simple and delicious!

Meal planning is a life-saver, but sometimes it can feel like an overwhelming chore. Here's how I keep things simple and delicious!

Note: This post contains affiliate links to products that I have used and loved. See my disclosure to learn more.

I have been a firm believer in meal planning for years. It makes my life SO much easier. However, lately I’ve been simplifying my method even more to make mealtime doable during these crazy times we’re in.

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