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Things We Are Doing To Supplement Virtual Learning

Updated: May 29, 2020



I am so so so lucky to have a group of mama friends that I can swap around ideas on how to supplement virtual school. I especially love these ideas for summer, traveling or weekends. Our girls really just don't do great with too much screen time, they become little over stimulated monsters and Ami won't even watch longer than a movie (as she shouldn't at three!) so I like to keep a list of ideas.


I don't force the idea of art or craft time but like to leave out coloring books, or art supplies so that they are inspired to create and then when I see them sitting I throw on a podcast or book or music.



Podcasts have always been a favorite for the car or just lounging. These are all really engaging and perfect for when I need them to play independently.


A friend sent this debate one for kids over to me a few weeks ago and OMG we are obsessed.

But Why A Podcast for Curious Kids

Story Nory An online treasure-trove of free audio stories. You can listen to a mixture of original stories, fairy tales, and specially adapted myths and histories.

What IF Every two weeks, the creative host of this podcast takes questions from kids and spins them into an entertaining tale. What If Clouds Were Made of Cotton Candy?orWhat If Magic Didn’t Exist?



In the kitchen at least one a day, they help with dinner but also letting them pick recipes to try!




Audio Books are a way I can keep them both engaged, they color or paint or build while we listen. I've slowly started increasing the time with Ami but Zoe and I can listen forever!


We just started Charlotte's Web (which I Was reading in NYC to the girls, so we got the audible version)

And of the Roald Dahl are so fun to listen too!

The Secret Garden is next on our list!

Stuart Little is also on our list!



We have been adding more book series For Zoe to read on her own.

Magic Tree House ( we are almost through this series and LOVE)

Weird School Series ( so silly and engaging she keeps rereading the ones she has so we need to order more!)

Dory Phantasmagory (another fun and engaging one she loved!)


This is it for now but I promise to follow up this post with some other fun things that don't fall under these categories! And remember that not having it all planned is ok, taking a break is ok, just simply letting them be bored is ok, over planning is ok, being the craft mom is ok, whatever you choose to help your child have fun and stay engaged during these difficult times is OK. You got this.


xoxo

Natalie

8 Things To Make With Your Kids This Weekend!

Updated: May 29, 2020











It's almost the weekend!!! We have survived. I will admit this week was a, barely survived, one over here. My girls have had a tough one for sure , actually all of us are feeling the weight of everything but the weekend is here. Looking forward to taking off the teacher hat and being just mama. We have been letting the girls come up with a weekend list and baking something is always on there.


And since we have 50 pounds of flour (best Costco replacement) we have had so much fun with these baking requests. Here are 10 things you can choose from to make with your kiddos.


1. Pasta! We used this no pasta machine pasta recipe from one of my favorite bloggers. This is what we were making in the photo above.

2. Bread. I am going to have to share O's mom's recipe soon but there are so many great ones. We made it this past weekend and enjoyed it all week. Something about homemade bread that is just glorius.

3. Homemade tortillas, this was the one we tried for Taco Tuesday! You can use so many kinds of flour or add seasonings/veggies! So much easier than I thought for sure.

4. Churros, the girls were thrilled with this recipe!!! They were a lot easier than I thought to make and so delish. Tip: Pipe them onto a cookie sheet to get the right shape!

5. Homemade waffles is always fun!

6. Homemade donuts, always a great idea for something sweet, or my infamous chocolate chip cookies (which we are making tomorrow!)

7. We are going to make some soft pretzels too, I love it with a spicy mustard, with honey to dip them in.

8. Pancake muffins for kiddos to have for breakfasts!! (double the recipe, freeze and heat up during the week!) They always love that they can pick the toppings :)


Tips for kids in the kitchen.

1. Prepare for a mess.

2. Set expectations low!

3. I measure out ingredients into bowls or at the very least take out all of your ingredients and have them on the counter.

4. We always have the girls repeat the rules before starting anything.


Here is to hoping that your weekend fills your cup with all the goodness you need, may you just ignore the mess, stay in bed a bit longer, have hot coffee (until you switch to mimosas!) and snuggle those that made you a mama. These times are friggen hard AF but they have also really reminded me of the things that make life rich and full. These moments with my girls are ones they will never forget, so cheers to that (and may the forget the meltdowns by mama!).


xoxo

Natalie



Mi Casa: What To Serve It On

Updated: May 29, 2020




I talk so much about changing up how you serve meals to your kiddos and how it just creates a better experience for them, for you and I swear to you they eat more. And the honest to goodness truth is I also LOVE serve wear, I love beautiful plates, platters, cutting boards, napkins and towels. I look forward to the pantry of my dreams where I can have an entire section of beauties to serve. Just because we aren't hosting parties, playdates or neighbors for dinner doesn't mean you can't step it up. Try it this week!!! And be sure to share a photo and tag me when you do.


I also get a lot of questions on where I get all of my serving dishes so I thought I'd round them up! Here they are, all the pretties to make your food look even prettier.



First up, your wood cutting boards!

*for any wooden ones, get high quality, do not wash in dishwasher, treat with oil after you wash it! Same goes with anything with marble, you want to make sure you treat them well!

I love these olive wood ones, just so beautiful. Mine I bought at a Christmas market in Switzerland but these are stunning.

This set of two round ones would look gorgeous on the counter!

I love the metal handle on this.

This rectangle one is half wood and half marble, would look great leaning on a wood one on your counter!

This round one is a great one, I think maybe meant for pizza but would be awesome for any apps or a cheese plate!

Love the shape of this rectangular one with a handle.

Another one with a handle! So pretty!!!

A pizza peel is another multitasker to have!


Then lazy susan's.


I have a similar marble lazy susan that I use often! Great for taco night, the girls just love spinning it around to get their toppings.

Round wooden one with a metal rim.

Or this one with out a rim, great for a cheese plate!

Love this one with the print!!! Reminds me of summer outdoor dining.



And let's not forget serving dishes.



This rectangle one I use a lot, under $10!

This set of three for $31 is the best bang for your buck and has three sizes!

The oval ones I have two of from last year but these look even prettier because they are stoneware!

This is the wooden serving dish from the photo!

I have a few of these thinner olive wood ones, great for serving a baguette!

And this set of three round ones is a great starting place

Or this set of 2 rectangular ones.


And of course these divided platters, so incredible for taco toppings, or dividing fruit and dips.


Love this with the wood and white bowls.

The girls would love these starfish ones!

This one with three compartments is the one I use the most!

This Round one with with four compartments may be my next purchase, love how compact it is!


I created this board on Pinterest for inspiration on what to serve on a platter but honestly the options are endless. Make sure to share and tag me when you serve your kiddos snack on a platter!

xoxo

Natalie

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