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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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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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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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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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Caramel Apple German Pancake

This caramel apple German pancake is a sweet twist on the classic breakfast recipe. It’s a perfect “fancy” breakfast for special occasions that takes minimal extra effort. This caramel apple German pancake is a sweet twist on the classic breakfast recipe. It's a perfect "fancy" breakfast for special occasions that takes minimal extra effort. 

NOTE: THIS POST INCLUDES AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I HAVE USED AND LOVED. SEE MY DISCLOSURE TO LEARN MORE.

I LOVE German pancakes–so much so that they take front and center on our breakfast table at least once a week. Why do I sing their praises?…

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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner

This hearty Instant Pot chicken and rice has become a staple in our house on busy weeknights when I need a no-fuss dinner that can keep up with the appetites of three growing boys. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that everyone loves!

This hearty Instant Pot chicken and rice has become a staple in our house on busy weeknights when I need a no-fuss dinner that can keep up with the appetites of three growing boys. It's a simple, one-pot meal that everyone loves!

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

I love to cook. But I HATE the stress of trying to get a healthy meal on the table in between school, sports practices, homework, and other errands. I’ve finally admitted to myself that this is NOT the right season of life for me to be making elaborate meals on a regular basis. Instead, I’ve made it my quest recently to compile a list of healthy, homemade meals that take minimal effort. 

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Kids in the kitchen: Fudge in a bag

This simple fudge in a bag is a perfect opportunity to get kids in the kitchen. A handful of ingredients, a plastic baggie, and some good ol’ elbow grease will yield a tasty treat kids can make all by themselves!This simple fudge in a bag is a perfect opportunity to get kids in the kitchen. A handful of ingredients, a plastic baggie, and some good ol' elbow grease will yield a tasty treat kids can make all by themselves! Have you ever made fudge in a bag??? I had never heard of such a thing until a few weeks ago when my sister-in-law was visiting us from Texas and told my boys all about it. As soon as they heard the word “chocolate” they were sold on the idea….

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Kids in the kitchen: healthy fruit salsa with baked cinnamon chips

This simple fruit salsa recipe is a perfect, beginner-level dish for getting your kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, it’s addictively delicious–a perfect afternoon snack or summertime dessert.

This simple recipe is a perfect, beginner-level dish for getting your kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, it's addictively delicious--a perfect afternoon snack or summertime dessert.

Does anyone else feel like this summer is just FLYING by? At the beginning of the summer I was full of plans (and some trepidation), worrying about how I would occupy my three kiddos ALL. SUMMER. LONG. But now summer is more than halfway over, and we have barely touched our summer bucket list.

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Healthy Homemade Pancake Mix

This handy homemade pancake mix is a quick-to-make pantry staple…perfect for busy moms who want a simple way to get a hot breakfast on the table in under ten minutes. This handy homemade pancake mix is a quick-to-make pantry staple...perfect for busy moms who want a simple way to get a hot breakfast on the table in under ten minutes.  Hot breakfast or cold cereal…What do mornings look like at your house? If you’re anything like us, mornings–especially school day mornings–can get a little crazy with getting kids dressed and out the door, trying to get myself a shower, and managing the general hoopla of the beginning of a new day. 

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