#TopTwo Baby Items I Still Use Every Day

This installment of my #TopTwo is dedicated to saving you a little money.  Having a baby can be an expensive endeavor which I why I always recommend that you shop smart, buying only what you truly need and looking for gear that will do double duty.  For example, skip the changing table when you are buying nursery furniture and buy a dresser that can double as a changing table.

The same is true when it comes to buying smaller items and believe you me, there are a ton of small items to buy.  Here are two of my must have baby items which I am literally still using 5 years later.  Really, every day.

Boon Patch  

Not only is the Boon Patch just about the most stylish bottle drying rack there is, it is uber versatile.  Years after the boys have outgrown bottles I am still using my Patch for everything from small items like measuring spoons and corn on the cob holders to delicate items like wine and champagne glasses or vases.  Cutting boards, spoons, spatulas and water bottles will dry quicker and look cuter!

Munchkin Baby Bottle Brush

I have tried a lot of baby bottle brushes over the years (a LOT) and the Munchkin Big Brush is still my favorite.  It is the perfect compact all-in-one brush that made bottle washing much easier.  So what do I use it for these days?  This brush is my go to for water bottles, wine and champagne glasses, vases, ramekins, small pots, you name it! Like any kitchen sponge you’ll want to swap it out when it starts looking a little iffy, but at this price you might as well buy 3 at a time.

How is that for 2 inexpensive long term investments?! Who doesn’t love #TopTwo money savers :-)

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

www.CluelessChick.com

Even S’more S’mores!

As seen in Carolina Parent Magazine

When August rolls around everyone thinks of the end of summer, going back to school and the craziness of normal life.  But did you know that August also brings National S’mores Day?  Yep, August 10^th, a day dedicated to the perfect ooey gooey treat that kids and grownups of all ages love.

S’mores are so much more than just the plain old graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate, although a good old fashioned s’mores will always do the trick.  If you are looking for some fun twists on the traditional recipe, check out some of my favorite idea:

S’mores Pudding Cup 

A fun way to make a s’mores dessert without toasting a single marshmallow is by whipping up a s’mores pudding cup.  You can keep your pudding cup super simple by using a pudding cup, or make your own pudding and layer it in a clear cup with graham cracker pieces and whipped cream, more chocolate pudding and top with graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows.  TIP: For the perfect grownup treat, serve your s’mores pudding cup in a wine glass for a fun and fancy sweet treat.

S’mores Munch

A fun s’mores munch is the perfect make ahead treat to serve on it’s own or mixed with popcorn. 

Ingredients

2 cups cinnamon graham cereal

1 cup mini marshmallows

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Spread 2 cups of cinnamon graham cereal on a lined baking sheet and cover with 1 cup mini marshmallows and 1 cup mini chocolate chips.  Bake at 350 for 5 min or until chocolate chips begin to soften.  Remove from oven and promptly toss the munch to cover all of the cereal and marshmallows with chocolate.  Allow to cool and break into bite size pieces. 

Serve your S’mores Munch in small cups or mini paper bags. TIP: S’mores munch can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

S’more Pretzels

Think s’mores are just for graham crackers?  Think again!  Instead of using graham crackers for your s’mores, place 3 mini marshmallows in-between two twisty pretzels and dip the pretzel marshmallow sandwich in chocolate.  Allow the chocolate to cool and harden for a perfectly popable s’mores.  This will fall into the ‘you can’t eat just 1 category’.  TIP: I also use gluten free pretzels to make the perfect gluten free s’mores!

S’mores Brownie Cup

Another fun popable s’mores comes in the form of everyone’s favorite, a brownie cup, the perfect cross between a brownie and a cupcake.  These fabulous treats are adorable and easier to make than you’d think. Simply make your favorite brownie mix and bake in a mini muffin tin for 2 min less than directed so that your brownies are still ooey gooey in the center.  As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, immediately press 3 mini marshmallows in the center of each brownie cup and add a teddy graham cookie or graham cracker stick.  TIP:  These adorable s’mores brownie cups look just like a little teddy bear bubble bath and make the perfect dessert for your next baby shower or 1^st birthday party.

S’mores To Go

Believe it or not, s’mores also make the perfect party favor and small gift for friends and family.  Gather your favorite graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars and cute bags or reusable containers.  Stack the chocolate bar, graham crackers and a few marshmallows in a cute layered design and tie it up with a bow.  You can even include a cute note with directions to toast the marshmallows on top of the graham crackers in the oven at 350 for 5 min then add the chocolate.

Now that you are armed and dangerous with fun and easy ways to create every type of s’mores imaginable it is time to start scouring grocery store adds and stocking up on ingredients when they are on sale.  After all, most of the ingredients will stay fresh for months in their original containers.

Whether you decide to enjoy the perfect combination of graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate the same why you did growing up over a campfire, or you branch out and make S’mores Brownie Cups, make sure you celebrate National S’mores Day!  Heck, go crazy and invite a few friends or the neighbors over for a S’mores party.

For even more inspiration, and a few more complicated ideas, check out my S’more S’mores pinboard.

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

As seen in Carolina Parent Magazine

Designer Consignors Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

Hello!

Anyone who knows me knows how I LOVE a consignment sale! After all, you have been coming to see me at the Good2Grow sale for the past couple of years :-)

What do I love even more than a good old consignment sale? Giving away a $25 gift card to one of YOU!  Designer Consignors, the Cary consignment sale you've always loved is having their first sale in Chapel Hill in June, and they would love to have you.

So, go ahead and enter below to win a $25 gift card so you won't feel any guilt going a little crazy :-)

Designer Consignors Sale June 11-13 in Chapel Hill

(a Rafflecopter giveaway )

Designer Consignors 

All Seasons Sale

University Mall (Across from K&W )

Open to the Public June 11-13 10am-7pm

Find name brand name and designer labels for less along with home decor!

Consign and earn up to 70%- this is a great way to earn extra money.

SPECIAL EVENT 

Designer Consignors will be  hosting a food drive/fundraiser event for Urban Ministries.

You can shop EARLY on Wed, June 10 from 7pm-9pm by bringing $10 or $10 worth of canned goods.

Public Sale is Free admission but shoppers are encouraged to bring goods for the food drive.

A list of Urban Ministries current needs can be found here: http://carysale.com/giving-back/

For more information please visit www.CarySale.com for more information

Good luck and Happy Shopping!
-Jennifer
aka Chick #1

DIY Teacher Appreciation Baskets

It is that time of year again, teacher appreciation month and the end of the traditional school year.  It is the perfect time to shower your kid’s teacher with a few thank you gifts for everything they have done.

Some of you may remember my Movie Theme Teacher Appreciation Basket or my favorite ways to Dress Up a Starbucks Cup for a coffee loving teacher. I am thrilled to share with you my 2015 Teacher Appreciation Baskets in the theme of:

Healthy & Helpful!

All three of these baskets for the teachers at Bright Horizons were inspired by my grocery store’s weekly sales add. I, like many of you, have become hooked on ordering groceries online so I spend many Sunday evenings finalizing my shopping list.  On this particular Sunday evening I was scrolling through the sales (always my first step!) and I noticed that everything you needed for a great cookout was on sale which got me to thinking, what if I put together dinner baskets for the teachers.  Thus began my basket creation :-)

My first creation was the ‘Where’s the Beef?’ basket for our favorite male teacher at day care, Mr. De.

 

Where's the Beef? Teacher Appreciation Basket

Ingredients:

Hot Dog Buns

Hamburger Buns

Fresh Corn on the Cob

Baked Beans

Hamburger Seasoning

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a basket, bag, or reusable foil pan covered in paper napkins for a little extra color and attach a tag which says ‘Where’s the Beef?’. Your teacher, and whomever they are cooking dinner for will be thrilled!

TIP: These also make the perfect Father’s Day Gift, Host Gift for a Cookout, or Welcome to the neighborhood gift!

My second creation was the ‘Dinner’s on us!’ basket for each of the boys’ teachers.

 

Dinner's on us! Teacher Appreciation Basket

Ingredients:

Angel Hair Pasta (or whatever you prefer)

Spaghetti Sauce

Green Beans

A Fresh Baguette

Garlic Salt

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a basket, bag, or reusable foil loaf pan covered in paper napkins for a little extra color and attach a tag which says ‘Dinner’s on us!’. If your teachers are anything like ours they will go crazy over this basket!

TIP: This is also the perfect Welcome to the neighborhood gift, Hostess gift when you are crashing at a friend’s house, Administrative Assistant’s Day gift, or Housewarming present.

My third creation, the ‘Just Add: Your Favorite Movie!’ was not quite so healthy, but a lot of fun!

Just Add: Your Favorite Movie! Teacher Appreciation Basket

Ingredients:

Cookies

Microwave popcorn bags

Cracker Packs

Candy

Soda

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a gift bag and attach a tag which says ‘Just Add: Your Favorite Movie!’ Your teachers will be thinking of you during their next night in!

TIP: This is also the perfect just because gift for friends or co-workers, Get Well Soon basket or Christmas stocking stuffer.

No matter what you decide to give your teachers, don’t forget about them. A sweet hand written note from your child or a piece are artwork created just for them will mean so much.  For me, the best part of creating Teacher Appreciation Baskets is definitely the delivery! My boys LOVE delivering these gifts and their teachers are always so excited – that is what I live for :-)

T-Dogg delivering a gift to Ms. Shawna

You don’t ever think you have to break the bank either, I did not spend more than $10.00 on any of these baskets!  Get your inspiration from what’s on sale :-)

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

Fun and Easy Memorial Day Cookout

My Carolina Today 05.22.15

With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner I spent the morning at My Carolina Today sharing some easy ways to keep all of the neighborhood kids entertained and simple tips for making setup and cleanup easier on you so that you too can enjoy your cookout.

Simple Setup Tips

·      Chalk up Your Hard Work: Skip countless rounds of 20 Questions about your beautiful buffet by writing your menu and suggested burger topping combinations on a small chalkboard. This is a quick, easy and a rustic centerpiece for your food table and a fun way to display your menu.

Quick Clean Up

·      Minimize the Mess: The best way to make your cookout cleanup easier is to avoid messes in the first place. If you're planning to throw a few dogs on the grill, don't forget your coffee filters. Yep, coffee filters! Believe it or not, your plain old coffee filters make the perfect hot dog holders and will help minimize the mess made when they are piled high with toppings.

Entertaining a Crowd

·      A Cool Crowd Pleaser: A water bucket full of water guns is the perfect way to keep everyone cool and entertained. Simply fill a bucket with water, drop in your water guns and let them fill and refill themselves. A bucket of water is also a lot less messy than using a water hose!

·      Gear for the Cool Kids: When you are planning activities for your cookout, don’t forget a fun and patriotic craft or two like DIY Patriotic Hair Clip. All you need are barrettes, ribbon and a hot glue gun. Simply tie your ribbon into a bow and glue it onto the end of your barrette. For the less crafty, pick up a few pair of patriotic sun glasses to play with. 

For all of my tips pick up your own copy of my Tips for the Clueless Chick books and following the Clueless Chick on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

P.S. It was a great Behind the Scenes show:

I got to see my favorite meteorologist Alyssa Corfont!

AND I got to meet the hilarious Sheryl Underwood from The Talk!