Homeschooling 
Do you homeschool through the holidays or do you avoid it like the plague? I know we used to take a break from the Monday before Thanksgiving until after New Year's. One year that was necessary as we were hosting Thanksgiving at our house and did all the cooking. Then, I was just worn out from it all. We didn't get back into it the next week and before I knew it—it was January 5th. While the break was nice, it was also difficult because we didn't follow a set routine and it really threw the kids out of whack. It was more difficult than I ever thought to get them (and me) back into a routine. So the next year, I ...Read More
Top 10 Christmas Gifts for the Kitchen Diva
Do you know a kitchen diva? The lady in your life who loves nothing more than to bake, entertain, and prepare delicious, nourishing meals. Or maybe it's you? (if it is, be sure to forward this blog post on to the people who are buying your Christmas gifts). I've got a list of 10 must-have Christmas gifts for the Kitchen Diva. Read on! . 1. Dinner Decided Dinner Decided is an online meal planning service. Meals are simple, delicious, gluten-free and often dairy-free (Paleo meal plan coming soon!) Each recipe is tested on my family of 5 to ensure it is kid friendly and easy to make. The meal plans include main ...Read More
25 Days of Grain-Free Christmas Cookies: Coconut Flour & Almond Butter Cookies, Three Ways
Though the Smith family is not grain-free, I occasionally like to turn to coconut flour as an alternative to typical grain flours when making cakes and cookies. The whole family enjoys the soft texture, unique flavor, and slight sweetness of it. A while back I developed a peanut butter cookie recipe featuring coconut flour. We actually eat it most often for breakfast! It's a win-win when I can offer my family cookies that are healthy enough for a meal, but delicious enough that we can all enjoy them as a treat. Looking for more gluten-free recipes and resources? This Everything Gluten Free page is a library of ...Read More
Top 10 Gifts for Moms and Dads
Shopping for kids is one thing. Finding creative gifts for mom or dad is another. Sure, you can always get adult friends and family something they need—new kitchen appliances or clothes—or you can play to their hobbies. But if you're looking for something truly unique, then perhaps these gifts will spark some ideas. 1. 2020 Daily Planner Get ready for 2020 with the perfect planner for the unpredictable life of a homemaker! This 6x9 sturdy, spiral bound planner is easy-to-use with plenty of writing space. It also includes: Two-page spread for each month Two-page spread for each week Section for projects ...Read More
25 Days of Grain-Free Christmas Cookies: Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Each thumbprint is individual, a unique marker for every person. No two thumbprints are the same. Just like these apricot almond thumbprint cookies, no two are the same and each are perfectly individual. These pretty little gems are a yummy treat any time of year, but we love them at Christmastime! When I bake during the Christmas season, I make cookies and baked goods that are reflections of my family heritage. I also enjoy making ones that have unique qualities and show how much love I’ve poured into these delicious treats. Apricot almond cookies are my favorite to bake during the holiday season because they are ...Read More
Top 10 FUN Gifts for Kids!
"Do you have a Christmas list for the kids?" "No, unless you want to buy them clothes." "Well, I need to know what to get them! And I am absolutely, not getting them clothes. I want to get them something FUN!" I can't tell you how many times (or how many grandparents) I've had this conversation with. My kids really don't need any new toys. That's part of the reason some Christmas' we've completely skipped buying our kids gifts (of course the grandparents and other family members still load them up pretty well—they don't even miss them from us). When put on the spot, I find it really difficult to think of gifts. ...Read More
Foods 25 Days of Grain Free Christmas Cookies Cookies: Magic Cookie Bars (sugar-free, dairy-free)
Grain-free Magic Cookie Bars that are sugar-free and dairy-free too? You bet! This is one of my all time favorite family treats-- you know, the ones that really invite you down memory lane? That is what Magic Cookie Bars are to me. Making these with my mother are some of my fondest and earliest memories. Eating most of the pan, that's a memory of mine too! Dad, Brother and I all fighting to lick the last crumbs out of the pan, yep, we did that. We loved those cherished magic cookie bars treats and I was so sad when I thought I could never have them again. I mean, how can you make these dairy free and ...Read More
Top 10 Educational Gifts for Kids
When it comes to buying my kids gifts, I really enjoying purchasing gifts they both learn from and enjoy. Some of my kids favorite toys and games are those that have educated them. One year for my sons birthday, he received an animal dissection kit. He had more fun with that kit than any other gift he received that year! Sometimes though, we can feel a bit dry for ideas. Here are some fantastic unique gifts you can consider purchasing for the children you know! 1. Christmas Art Lesson Inspired by Polish Artists Every December, the city of Krakow, Poland, holds a contest. Contestants create incredibly intricate ...Read More
