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Staying Home

How To Make Family Meals That Everyone Will Love

There are few things as satisfying as sitting down to a meal that you’ve lovingly prepared for your family. It is a great way to show them how much you care and a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to new flavors and dishes. However, getting everyone’s approval can be tricky – not everyone likes the same thing. So how can you ensure that your culinary creations will be met with unanimous approval? Here are some tips for creating family meals that everyone will love.


For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and Recipes collections


1) Keep It Simple

When it comes to family meals, simplicity is key. After all, you want to be able to prepare the dish quickly and easily without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, who has time for complicated recipes when there are hungry mouths to feed?

That’s why it’s a good idea to stick to simple dishes that everyone will enjoy. Think classic comfort foods like spaghetti and meatballs, roast chicken, or mac and cheese. These recipes are easy to make and universally loved by kids and adults alike. So why not give them a try next time you’re planning a meal?

 

2) Get Recommendations From Everyone

If you want to ensure that everyone in the family enjoys their meal, it’s essential to get input from all of them. For example, ask your spouse and children what kind of dishes they’d like to try – this way, everyone can have a say in what’s on the menu.

You can also look for inspiration online or through cookbooks. This is a great way to find interesting recipes for your whole family. No matter what you choose, be sure to keep things balanced by including plenty of fruits and veggies alongside the main course.

 

3) Use Familiar Ingredients

If you want to ensure that your family will enjoy their meal, stick to ingredients they know and love. This way, even if the flavors are new to them, they’ll have an idea of what to expect. For example, if you’re making chili, use beef and beans as your main ingredients, which are familiar to most people.

On the other hand, if your recipe calls for more exotic ingredients like tofu or tempeh, it might be a good idea to serve those dishes as side dishes instead of as the main course. That way, everyone can still have a hearty meal without feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar flavors.

4) Experiment With New Flavors

Don’t be afraid to introduce new flavors and dishes into your family’s meal rotation. After all, everyone needs a little variety every now and then! However, if you’re feeling intimidated by unfamiliar ingredients, start small. For example, you could try adding a few new spices to your slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. This way, you can still enjoy a familiar meal with an unexpected twist.

Once you get more confident in the kitchen, you can start experimenting with more adventurous recipes. Just be sure to keep it simple – otherwise, your family may feel overwhelmed by all of the new flavors.

 

5) Get The Kids Involved

One great way to ensure that your family will enjoy their meal is to involve the kids in the cooking process. Not only is this a great way to teach them valuable life skills, but it can also make them more likely to try new dishes and flavors.

If you’re making tacos, for example, let your children help chop the vegetables or add spices to the meat mixture. You could even have them help assemble the tacos themselves – that way, they’ll know exactly what ingredients went into their meals and be more likely to try them.

 

6) Consider Dietary Restrictions

Finally, it’s essential to consider any dietary restrictions that might be present in your family. A vegan or vegetarian may need different ingredients than a meat eater, and gluten allergies must also be considered.

Fortunately, many online recipes cater to special diets so everyone can enjoy their meal without compromising their health or beliefs. Just make sure that you double-check the ingredients before serving them – this will ensure that everyone can safely enjoy their meal together.

 

Making Family Meals That Everyone Will Love

Cooking a meal that everyone in your family will love doesn’t have to be complicated. By keeping it simple, getting input from all family members, using familiar ingredients, experimenting with new flavors, involving the kids in the cooking process, and considering dietary restrictions, you can create an enjoyable and satisfying meal for everyone. With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can ensure that your family loves every meal you make.

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and Recipes collections


Filed Under: Recipes, Staying Home

Teaching from Home: 35 Free Printables for Teachers and Parents

Teaching from Home Printables

Parents, teachers, and students have had to make big changes to how they teach and learn. Below we have put together 35 free printables for teachers and parents who are currently teaching from home.

Parents, teachers, and students have continued to adapt to new ways of learning! Whether your family is homeschooling, doing a cyber school option, or participating in virtual learning days when there is inclement weather throughout the school year – we have some helpful resources to share. The printable packet below includes helpful tips an daily planners to make your life a bit easier this school year!


Created and written by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full Back to School collection

Teaching from Home Printables

Teaching from Home Printables


Distance Learning Resources

Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a caregiver, a tutor, or the student; you will surely find something helpful within this distance learning packet. Included are:

  • Tips for Teachers
  • Advice for Parents
  • Strategies for Teaching at Home
  • Lesson Planners
  • Subject Planners
  • Student Reviews
  • And a couple different book report templates

Family Resources for Staying Home

Be sure to check out our Staying Home collection. Here you can find even more free printables and resources to help you navigate this crazy time, and figure out how to thrive at home. Below are some of the topics that you can explore to help your family.

Staying Home Collection

RESOURCES FOR STAYING HOME

  • Family Activities at Home
  • Teaching & Learning at Home
  • Cooking at Home
  • DIY Project Ideas
  • Self Care Resources
  • Organize Your House
  • Tips for Saving Money
  • Simplify Your Family’s Routine
  • And How to Eventually Transition Back to Normal

Co-Owner: Karissa Tunis

Karissa Tunis is the co-owner of both the parenting website Adore Them and the family event company Milestone Family Expos. Through these ventures she is able to share inspiring, heartfelt insight with large audiences within local communities and across the country! Her knack for all-things-organization allows her to balance content creation, brand partnerships, and event planning without losing sight of what she wants for her own family. Despite her busy schedule, Karissa also makes it a priority to spend quality time with her husband and three children. You will often find her volunteering at her children’s schools, cheering them on from the soccer sidelines, or enjoying the great sites of Charleston, SC with her family.

Contact: Karissa@AdoreThem.com

 


Teaching from Home Printables

 

Filed Under: Back To School, Staying Home

90s Movies for Kids – Where to Watch Classic Movies as a Family

July 18, 2022

90s Movies for Kids

Our kids are so used to watching YouTube videos and Netflix series that sometimes it’s nice to snuggle in for a family movie night! It can be especially fun to pull up a classic family movie from your own childhood and bask in the nostalgia while sharing a special moment with your own kids. Below you’ll find great 90s movies for kids along with their trailers and where you can watch those 90s movies today.


This article is written by Shari Medini
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home collection

90s Movies for kids

A Bug’s Life

A Bug’s Life came out in 1998 and is rated G. I remember watching this movie many times throughout my childhood, and my favorite characters were the silly rolly pollies.

Where to Watch A Bug’s Life

A Bug’s Life is available to watch on Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu.

A Goofy Movie

A Goofy Movie came out in 1995 and is rated G. I’ve never watched this movie in its entirety, but it seems to be a cult classic among some people!

Where to Watch A Goofy Movie

A Goofy Movie is available to watch on Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu.

Air Bud

Air Bud came out in 1997 and is rated PG. It’s all about a boy and his golden retriever that can play basketball – a very 90’s movie.

Where to Watch Air Bud

Air Bud is available to watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu.

Aladdin

Aladdin came out in 1992 and is rated G. This is my all-time favorite Disney movie, and when I watched the remake, I still knew all the words to all the songs!

Where to Watch Aladdin

Aladdin is available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Babe

Babe came out in 1995 and is rated G. Two standout moments of this movie – The singing mice and “That’ll do pig. That’ll do.”

Where to Watch Babe

Babe is available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, HBO Now, and Vudu.

90s Movies for Kids - Free Printable Checklist

90s Movies for Kids Checklist

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast came out in 1991 and is rated G. I haven’t seen the remake of this movie yet, but I can’t imagine that it’ll stand up to the original version.

Where to Watch Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Casper

Casper came out in 1995 and is rated PG. A cute movie that somehow made preteen girls fall in love with an animated ghost.

Where to Watch Casper

Casper is available to watch on Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Flubber

Flubber came out in 1997 and is rated PG. Robin Williams was a staple of 90’s movies, and this one is a fun, goofy watch for the whole family.

Where to Watch Flubber

Flubber is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Harriet the Spy

Harriet the Spy came out in 1996 and is rated PG. This movie is all about a 6th grader who takes notes on any suspicious activities going on around her.

Where to Watch Harriet the Spy

Harriet the Spy is available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Hercules

Hercules came out in 1997 and is rated G. Anytime I think about this movie, I feel the urge to clap my hands and chant, “Hercules! Hercules! Hercules!”

Where to Watch Hercules

Hercules is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

More Classic 90s Movies Below

best video games for kids on the Nintendo Switch

Looking for more ways to entertain your kids at home?

Check out the 30 best video games for kids on the Nintendo Switch!

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids came out in 1989 and is rated PG. Sure, it’s not quite from the 90s, but I had to include it! This movie is iconic (or at least it was in my house growing up).

Where to Watch Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Hook

Hook came out in 1991 and is rated PG. This movie ranks high in my all-time favorite movies, and we watched it time and time again as kids! Rufio. Rufio. Ru-Fi-Ooo!

Where to Watch Hook

Hook is available to watch on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two came out in 1995 and is rated PG. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen basically ran the 90’s so you could spend hours going down this fun rabbit hole!

Where to Watch It Takes Two

It Takes Two is available to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Vudu.

James and The Giant Peach

James and The Giant Peach came out in 1996 and is rated PG. I fell in love with this book as a kid, but the movie admittedly creeped me out a bit. Still a fun, nostalgic watch though!

Where to Watch James and The Giant Peach

James and The Giant Peach is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Jumanji

Jumanji came out in 1995 and is rated PG. There are a lot of movies on this list that have had recent remakes, but can they really compare to the originals?

Where to Watch Jumanji

Jumanji is available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, fuboTV, and Vudu.

More Nostalgic 90s movies below

Looking for more ways to entertain your kids at home?

Check out the over 100 free printables for kids and families!

Matilda

Matilda came out in 1996 and is rated PG. There are certain scenes from this movie that are permanently imprinted into my brain. It is just a magical movie from beginning to end!

Where to Watch Matilda

Matilda is available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire came out in 1993 and is rated PG-13. Well, Hellooo! This movie might not be the best fit for younger kids, but I remember thinking that this movie was hilarious as a kid.

Where to Watch Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire is available to watch on Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Mulan

Mulan came out in 1998 and is rated G. Another Disney classic with a recent remake. Watch both and vote as a family on which movie you liked better!

Where to Watch Mulan

Mulan is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Now and Then

Now and Then came out in 1995 and is rated PG-13. This is another movie that isn’t appropriate for younger kids, but I do remember it having a huge impact on me as a teenager when I watched it at a sleepover!

Where to Watch Now and Then

Now and Then is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Space Jam

Space Jam came out in 1996 and is rated PG. Michael Jordan, killer soundtrack, and animated characters? What’s not to like!

Where to Watch Space Jam

Space Jam is available to watch on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

More Family 90s Movies Below

50 simple ways to help others

Looking for more ways to keep your kids occupied?

Check out 50 simple ways to help others!

Stuart Little

Stuart Little came out in 1999 and is rated PG. I remember that my brother loved this movie, and my mom pretended to hate it (because we thought it was funny that she hated mice)!

Where to Watch Stuart Little

Stuart Little is available to watch on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard came out in 1995 and is rated PG. This book series was one of my favorite series as a kid. Part of me still believes that toys can come to life!

Where to Watch The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard is available to watch on Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, and HBO Go and Vudu.

The Lion King

The Lion King came out in 1994 and is rated G. I’m not sure how this movie is rated G because it is filled with a whole lot of heart ache. It’s still a Disney classic with a pretty awesome soundtrack.

Where to Watch The Lion King

The Lion King is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Little Rascals

The Little Rascals came out in 1994 and is rated PG. “OooTayyy.” I haven’t watched this movie in ages, but I think it’s time for a rewatch!

Where to Watch The Little Rascals

The Little Rascals is available to watch on Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Mighty Ducks

The Mighty Ducks came out in 1992 and is rated PG. This movie is a classic for a lot of 90s kids, and I remember my brother really enjoying it.

Where to Watch The Mighty Ducks

The Mighty Ducks is available to watch on Disney+, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

More 90s Movies for Kids Below

5 FREE Printablesto Encourage Reading

Looking for more ways to entertain your kids at home?

Check out these free printables that encourage reading!

The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap came out in 1998 and is rated PG. This movie has been remade over and over again, but this is the version I remember best!

Where to Watch The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Sandlot

The Sandlot came out in 1993 and is rated PG. I, um, have never watched The Sandlot… I know – I should probably fix that!

Where to Watch The Sandlot

The Sandlot is available to watch on Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden came out in 1993 and is rated G. This movie and book were such magical, immersive experiences for me as a kid!

Where to Watch The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Toy Story

Toy Story came out in 1995 and is rated G. It’s crazy to think that the Toy Story movies started back in the 90’s! Show your kids where it all began…

Where to Watch Toy Story

Toy Story is available to watch on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Shari Medini

Co-Owner: Shari Medini

Shari Medini is the co-owner of the parenting website Adore Them. Her prior experience includes working as a marketing strategist and writer on multi-million dollar capital campaigns, website designs, advertising campaigns, and book launches. Shari’s parenting articles have been published in dozens of publications; and she enjoys doing various speaking engagements. When she’s not on her laptop, Shari can be found spending quality time with her husband and two sons exploring their hometown of Lancaster County, PA

Contact: Shari@AdoreThem.com

90s Movies for Kids

Filed Under: Staying Home

Easy Ways to Improve Your Home while Stuck at Home

June 26, 2021

Improve Your Home

This lockdown period is the perfect time to be able to work on projects around the house and take steps in order to enhance your property. There are a lot of factors you need to keep in mind when working to improve your home, and choosing the right elements. Most of us are spending a lot more time at home than we normally would be, so let’s make the most of this situation right now.

Chances are that you are trying to work from home and teach from home, which probably means that you are identifying areas that could use some improvement both in and around the house. Try to think about what it would take to make your home better. Come up with a list of improvements that will allow you to take your home to the next level.

Below are some key ideas to help you get started now and make positive changes around your house.


For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and DIY Projects collections


Change the Color Scheme

The color scheme in your home is one of the most important factors! It can have a massive impact on taking things forward in the right direction. So, you are going to need to think about what you can do to change and experiment with the color scheme and the variations that you can use. There are so many elements that play a massive role in helping with this. The ideal color scheme can make a massive difference to the aesthetic of your home. Look for colors that either relax, inspire, or create the mood that you want for yourself and your guests when they walk through your front door. Also, look for colors that compliment one another. This way as you move from one room in your house to the next, it will all flow and blend together nicely.

Check out decorating your home on a budget

 

Rearrange Your Furniture

Look for new ways to rearrange your furniture. Not only will it create a new exciting space for you and your family to enjoy, but if done properly it can also help maximize the value of your home. This is definitely an easy project that you can focus on right now, and using feng shui is one of the best ways to improve your home and its flow. It is so important that your furniture arrangement highlights and enhances your space. The goal for this should be to make sure that each room flows from one room to the next, and feels as open as possible.

 

Be More Family Friendly

It is important to make sure you look at doing what you can to ensure your home is more family-friendly. There are a lot of things that play a part in helping your property to be a more family-friendly haven, and this is something you have to make the most of right now. You can make significant changes just by decluttering the home and making the most of your storage areas. An organized home will lead to a more organized and peaceful mindset for everyone.

 

In homes where there are bathrooms in basements, it is difficult for water to flush properly because the toilet is installed below the sewer line. This is why upflush toilets are used. These self-contained units may include a macerator pump, which cuts up waste flushed down the toilet. This prevents any instance of clogging. It also allows for problems with overflowing and bad odor to be avoided.

 

Add Some Ambiance

Adding some ambiance to the home is also really important. Small touches here and there can add up and together make a big impact. Lighting is a great option like white LED strip light, or adding some new twinkle in the corners of your home. Perhaps you even want to consider adding dimmers to several of your light switches. It’s amazing how lighting has the power to totally transform the mood and ambiance of your home!

 

Improve Your Home

These are some of the easiest solutions to help you get started as you begin to improve your home. Make the most of this time in lockdown. Be sure that your house is functioning in the best way possible for you and your loved ones. 

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and DIY Projects collections

Improve Your Home

Filed Under: DIY, Staying Home

Sunday Brunch: Tofu Pancakes

Tofu is one of the most versatile foods around. While it doesn’t have any particular taste on its own, you can pair it with just about any flavor – spicy, sweet, sour – and it will come out a winner. This is, of course, providing you know how to prepare it. Below we will look at both sweet and savory versions of tofu pancakes to bring some punch to your Sunday brunch.


For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and Recipes collections


Sweet Tofu Pancakes

This recipe uses silken tofu, which is smooth, soft, and perfect for blending with other ingredients to give your finished recipe a creamy texture. The combination of silken tofu and a ‘flour’ made from blitzed oats is perfect for everyone, including those who crave pancakes and don’t eat gluten. Drizzle these babies with maple syrup and fresh fruit, and you’re all set.

This recipe below serves 4 people.

 

Sweet Tofu Pancake Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups rolled oats, divided
  • 1 small packet of silken tofu (8 ounces)
  • 3/4 cup plant-based milk (almond works well, otherwise any kind)
  • Maple syrup (2 tablespoons for the recipe, plus more for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted* (plus either cooking spray or more coconut oil for cooking pancakes)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Sea salt
  • 1 egg (OR 1 tablespoon chia seeds, soaked in 4 tablespoons water for vegan pancakes)

*If your coconut oil isn’t already soft – this is to enable it to blend. You can melt it gently in a bain-marie or the microwave.

 

Method

Blitz 1 3/4 cup of the oats in a food processor or blender till you get a fine flour. Add the silken tofu (without the liquid) along with the remaining ingredients. Blend till smooth, and then pour into a bowl. Stir in the rest of the oats, and let the batter stand so that it can thicken (about 10 minutes).

Now melt 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a large pan or skillet (nonstick) over medium heat. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup for each pancake to pour the batter into the pan. Let it cook till you can see bubbles forming on the top. The edges of your pancake should start to turn golden brown. At this point, flip over the pancake and fry for another 2 minutes or so.

Repeat this process till all pancakes are cooked, adding a teaspoon of coconut oil in between pancakes if needed (you can use a nonstick cooking spray instead if you wish).

Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit, if desired. Enjoy!

[Read: Quarantine Baking Recipes Your Kids Will Love]

 

Savory Tofu Pancakes

These pancakes make great additions to any brunch, as well as an easy treat for packed lunches or an accompaniment to dinner.

This recipe serves 5 people.

 

Savory Tofu Pancake Ingredients

  • 1 packet extra-firm tofu
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini or nut butter (peanut, almond)
  • 1/3 cup water (possibly more, see method below)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free or all-purpose flour
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Savory dipping sauces (optional, for serving)

 

Method

First, set the tofu to drain while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. The drier your tofu, the better it will soak up flavors like a sponge. If you have a tofu press like this, place the tofu in the press. Leave it for about 5 minutes or more, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you don’t have a tofu press, press your tofu by hand. Wrap your tofu in a towel and put it in a colander, and put a weight on top. Leave it to drain for about 30 minutes.

Heat a large nonstick pan, griddle, or skillet over low to medium-low heat.

With your hands, crumble the tofu into your food processor and add the diced shallot, soy or tamari, nut butter, and 1/3 cup water. Process well till the mixture is smooth. The batter should be fairly thin. Taste the batter and add a bit of salt or a bit more soy sauce if desired.

Now put the tofu mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the flour and a few grinds of black pepper. Check the consistency: your batter should now be thick like pancake batter. If you need to, add a bit more water or flour to adjust.

To cook your pancakes, use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop up the batter and pour it into the hot pan. Spread it out gently for a thin pancake, making sure there is enough room between pancakes to flip them.

Cook each pancake till the bottom is golden brown and you can see bubbles forming on the surface (about 4-6 minutes).

Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite savory dipping sauces on the side.

[Read: Veggie-Packed Lasagna (Grain Free)]

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and Recipes collections


 

Filed Under: Recipes, Staying Home

30 Best Video Games for Kids on the Nintendo Switch

December 3, 2020

best video games for kids on the Nintendo Switch

In a world ruled by Fortnite, parents are reasonably concerned about what their kids are playing. I’ve had many parents come to me because they were thinking about buying a Nintendo Switch, but then they were concerned about what games their kids would play on it. You also don’t want to spend money on a video game that your kids will never play. You want something that holds their attention, and that they genuinely enjoy. The worry is always that you’re going to buy a video game console like the Nintendo Switch and then it ends up being a parenting battle over appropriate versus inappropriate video games for young kids. Here is a list of the 30 best video games for kids for the Nintendo Switch so that the whole family can enjoy the experience!

This page contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change your price or buying experience, but they do help us out! Thanks for supporting Adore Them.


This article is written by Shari Medini
For more on this topic, check out the full Gift Giving collection

Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids

Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 is such a unique game for the Nintendo Switch! It allows kids to create their own video game levels by using logic, strategy, and design. They can customize the way their levels work, and the way they look!

I am always amazed at the creativity of what my boys have come up with… They have made levels that are more like puzzles where certain doors lead to certain paths. They have made levels filled with bad guys, and you have to find the right power up to beat the level. They have made levels where you have to speed run through the entire level as quick as you can.

And once they complete their level, you can choose to upload it to the Super Mario Maker community so that other people around the world can also play your level.

Both of my boys (ages 6 and 9) have spent hours playing this game, which means we have definitely gotten our money’s worth!

View on Amazon

Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee

This game includes a lot of really unique features that are very impressive! You can choose to buy the Pikachu or the Eevee version – they are the same game just the one you start with Pikachu and the other you start with Eevee. And I would highly recommend getting a bundle that includes the Pokeball Plus. Yes, it is an extra expense, but it is what brings the game to life!

As with all Pokemon games, you go through the universe catching Pokemon. But what’s unique is that you can actually put your caught Pokemon into the Pokeball Plus! Once you “put” them in your Pokeball, you will hear them make their noises, and it will light up with their colors. You can “play” with your Pokemon in your Pokeball and walk around with it to level it up so that when you transfer it back to the game, it is more powerful than before.

The other really cool feature is that this video game works in cooperation with the mobile game Pokemon Go. You can transfer Pokemon that you caught on your phone into the Let’s Go video games.

The technology is really incredible, and if your kids are Pokemon fans, they will love it! 

View on Amazon

Scribblenauts Mega Pack

This game is so creative and fun (especially for kids just learning to spell). Scribblenauts is an adventure and puzzle type of game, but what makes it unique is that you can create anything that you can imagine! You type words into the game to create objects to solve the levels. If there is a person that is cold, you can type in “sweater” to make them warmer and happy. If you need to get to a higher place in the level, you can type in “wings” and fly up there yourself!

I appreciate that this game feels like an educational game in that kids are practicing spelling and problem-solving. At the time of posting this, the game is only $19.99 on Amazon, which is such a great deal!

View on Amazon

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

While many of the Rabbids games are kind of crazy, this game is actually really great for kids! It is essentially a strategy game that involves a lot of puzzles and logical thinking. It is almost like a very involved and vibrant game of chess where each level gets a little trickier and includes beloved characters.

My older son was really into it for a while and ended up beating the entire game, and then just recently my younger son started getting into it too! And with it being priced under $30 on Amazon right now (at the time of posting this) – it is a steal!

View on Amazon

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

I played the original Link’s Awakening game when I was a kid. I played it on my Gameboy, and I think it was the first game I actually ever completed! I was so excited to introduce this game to my kids, and they ended up loving it as much as I did.

It is a fun, classic-style Zelda game where you are using logic and problem-solving to work your way through dungeons and battling bad guys along the way. The graphics are cute and vibrant, and the gameplay is so much fun!

View on Amazon

100+ Free Printables

Check out our library of free printables for kids and families! Download helpful resources for managing your home and your time, and get free fun resources for your children.

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Rayman Legends Definitive Edition

My husband introduced me to Rayman a while back, and even though I was skeptical, I ended up really enjoying the game! It is another one of those games that can be fun for a wide variety of ages since the mechanics and concepts are simple, and the game teaches you as you play.

You basically run through the worlds collecting items as you go, and there are fun characters all along the way! My favorite levels are the the musical levels where your running, jumping, spinning, and ducking coincide with a song that makes it a fun rhythmical challenge! If your kids haven’t played this one before, I’d highly recommend it – especially since it’s priced under $30.

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Super Mario Odyssey

Yes, you’re going to continue to see a lot of Mario on this list! But it’s because they do such a great job coming up with unique and kid-friendly concepts.

Super Mario Odyssey is an adventure game where you travel to different worlds, completing missions, and collecting items as you go. The worlds are so colorful and fun, and Mario games always seem to find the right balance of letting you choose how easy or challenging you want the game to be. If you want to be a completionist and find every last item, it is going to take even the most experienced gamer a good amount of time. But if you just want to do the bare minimum and waltz through the game, you are able to enjoy that too!

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Minecraft

I don’t think I have to explain to anyone what this game is all about… I’m sure you are already at least a little familiar with Minecraft! The nice thing about getting the game for the Nintendo Switch is that it makes playing Minecraft much more portable.

After watching video about Minecraft for years, my 9 year old has finally gotten really into building worlds of his own. I am amazed at how creative he can get with this game, and it’s fun to see what he comes up with!

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Cuphead

This game blew up in popularity, and while I never ended up getting to far in the game myself, my husband and my boys love it! It’s inspired by 1930’s cartoons and has a really fun vibe to it, and the gameplay is extremely challenging.

It is the type of game where you need to play a level over and over again to pick up on patterns and hone your skills, which requires a lot of patience but results in a fun payoff when you finally beat each boss!

Cuphead is a digital download for only $19.99, which I’m sure is part of why it’s become so popular! You can get it through Amazon below or simply buy it through the Nintendo store on your Switch.

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Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Whether you actually understand the moves and strategy behind these battles, or you just like to button mash… this is a really fun game for a large group of people. When my son has friends over, this is usually what they want to play!

You can play this game with up to 8 people (if you have that many controllers), and you don’t have to know anything about the game to get started, which makes it a great party game.

This game brings about more yelling and laughter than most other games we’ve played, but that’s half the fun!

It also has a story mode type of game play that my boys have also enjoyed working through when they’re playing on their own.

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Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

These games are the latest in the Pokemon franchise and are following that similar style of releasing two similar games with a slightly different angle. The main difference between the two games is which types of Pokemon and Trainers appear throughout the game. Both of my boys say they want the Pokemon Shield version for what it’s worth…

These games are set to release on November 15th, 2019 so while we haven’t played them yet, they look like what you’d expect from the franchise. You collect. You battle. You power up. You complete missions. All things that my boys have grown to know and love, and they are really excited for this one!

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Nintendo Labo

Nintendo Labo is basically an elaborate craft kit for kids that love video games, which is a fun way to bring things to life! The Labo kit comes with a game cartridge and a whole bunch of cardboard. The game cartridge has tutorials and interactive games on it, which is a great feature for tying it all together! My kids were able to follow the simple instructions to build all of the fun Labo creations, and then enjoyed playing the games that go with those creations.

There are things like a fishing pole where you can virtually catch fish and a piano that actually plays music. At the time of posting this, the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit is being offered for over 40% off on Amazon!

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 is another one of those nostalgic games… I grew up losing horribly to my brother in Mario Kart, and I still love playing it today!

You can enjoy the challenge of winning trophies in single player mode and unlocking new vehicles and upgrades. You can race with multiple people. Or you can have fun in battle modes where you can compete against friends or team up with them!

My boys tend to like being on the same team in battle mode the best because then no one has to lose to the other 😉

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Splatoon 2

We got really into Splatoon when it launched for the Wii U, and it is a really fun and unique battle game! You are a squid/human hybrid that inks bad guys and runs through various levels. It might take a little bit to get used to the controls and gameplay, but once you get the hang of it, it is super fun!

My boys like to do battle mode where you battle against other players online from across the world, and I like that there isn’t a chat feature attached to this gameplay so that they’re not exposed to anything inappropriate. If you are looking for a Fortnite alternative, this could be a really good option!

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Mega Man 11

My husband grew up on Mega Man games so he is a huge fan of the whole franchise, which also means that our boys now love it too! Each character has different abilities and strengths so they have fun figuring out what will work best in each scenario.

It is another one of those games that will take time and patience to master, which can be a good thing! Mega Man 11 is also a great value since it’s priced around $20!

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Mario Party Superstars

Admittedly, this Mario Party is one of my favorites because it’s the latest iteration of the game that I grew up playing as a kid. But it is also a great family game!

Mario Party is essentially a virtual board game with fun mini games built in. I do think that some of the more recent Mario Parties are trying to get to fancy and complicated, and I wish they’d just go back to basics a bit more. But… this game is still a staple in our collection.

This is a game we gravitate towards when we have friends over or just have a free evening as a family.

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Just Dance

This is another game that has been around for what seems like forever, and each year they come out with an updated version with new, popular songs. It is a great game that gets your kids (and yourself) moving while having a blast together!

There is a wide variety of songs, difficulty levels, and dance styles that is fun to explore and try together. And there are even workout modes as a fun way to sneak in some exercise!

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Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD

This classic game just came out for the Nintendo Switch, and I can’t wait to try it! There are over 100 colorful stages to race through, and a variety of party games are available to play as well!

Considering this game is being offered at a significantly lower price-point than other Switch games ($39.99 instead of the usual $59.99), I think it will be worth the money. It is a classic Sega style game, and who doesn’t need some of that in their life?

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Mario Tennis Aces

I was a little skeptical about this game initially, but it turned out to be really fun! You can play against each other like a virtual tennis match, or you can play in story mode where you come across some really unique challenges.

It is surprisingly addicting once you get into the rhythm of playing, and it’s of course filled with all of the usual favorite Mario characters!

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Yoshi’s Crafted World

Yoshi’s Crafted World is another game that my older son got really into and completed fairly quickly, but what I love about these types of games is that even once you beat the story mode, you can then go back in and do all sorts of bonus missions.

This game has such adorable graphics and is so creative! The entire world is made out of craft supplies and has unique mechanics (like pulling on a piece of yarn to unravel the entire wall to find a hidden item).

The game also allows you to choose between easy mode and challenge mode so that you can adjust the gameplay to your liking. You can even switch modes mid-level, which keeps kids from getting stuck at a certain part and losing interest.

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Sonic Mania

While my husband grew up on Mega Man, I grew up on Sonic. This game took me back in the best way possible! Sonic games took a weird turn a while ago, and they just weren’t the same. So when this launched with the old-school mechanics and gameplay, I was so excited!

Sonic Mania re-introduces this franchise to kids in the best way possible. Now my sons understand why I love Sonic so much! And for only $30, this game is worth having on your shelf.

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

I can’t say enough good things about this game! It was one of the first games that we owned for the Nintendo Switch, and we still consistently play it almost 3 years later!

This open world type game is beautiful but also so much fun to interact with. Younger kids will have fun running around and exploring while older kids (and adults) can dedicate hours upon hours to the game.

Some of the bad guys can get a little bit creepy at times so keep an eye out for that. But I would argue that this game is a must-have for anyone with a Nintendo Switch… especially if you’re a fan of the Zelda franchise!

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1-2-Switch

This is one of the games that the Nintendo Switch originally launched with, and it is still one of my younger son’s favorite games. It does a good job of using the controllers in a unique way through a variety of mini games. All of these games are interactive and have to be played with another person, which makes it a fun family game.

Whether you are wizards battling each other with your wands, trying to unlock a safe, or running a race against each other, this game provides simple fun in short chunks of time.

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Super Bomberman

This game is really different than other games out there, and my boys have really enjoyed it! They love playing against friends and family in battle modes, and if they’re playing on their own, there is adventure-style levels to work through too.

The nice thing about this game is that each round is fairly short. You try to bomb the other players without blowing up yourself too. There are power-ups to collect and a good amount of strategy involved. And since the rounds are so short, it is easier to accept that you win some and you lose some! For $25, it’s a safe bet that you’ll get your money’s worth out of this game.

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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Here’s another type of remake that takes me back to my own childhood. I remember playing these types of games on our old Sega, and I think this game is a fun way to get the kids into the spirit of the games! This game is especially unique considering the 2020 games were moved to 2021.

My boys tend to enjoy these types of games where they can play a variety of mini games in short bursts of time. Plus, it’s Mario… and he rarely lets us down!

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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

This Donkey Kong game is another fun, simple platformer game. You run sideways, you collect items, you throw barrels at bad guys. Kids are able to catch onto the gameplay quickly, and they have fun making their way through each of the levels!

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Octodad: Dadliest Catch

Octodad is a weird one, but my boys think it’s hilarious! You play as a dad that is an octopus, and you have to complete simple missions around the house, at the grocery store, and other normal locations. The trick though is that you have to control all of the octopus limbs independently. So walking is tricky, using your arms is tricky, and everything is very goofy.

For only $15, I think it’s totally worth the laughs!

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Luigi’s Mansion 3

This game has been extremely popular – especially since it was released on Halloween! My son loves the story and puzzle-solving aspects of these Luigi Mansion games.

It offers the familiar style of Mario type games with a fun twist!

 

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Kirby Star Allies

Kirby Star Allies is another cute and fun platformer game for a variety of ages (are you sensing a pattern here?). Throughout the game you can collect different types of power ups that allow Kirby to do different actions to make it through each level.

It is another one of those games that is fun and simple, yet challenging as you move through the levels.

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Lego Harry Potter Collection

At the time of posting this, you will get two LEGO Harry Potter video games remastered in one package for less than $25! I love all of the LEGO games because there just seems to be something satisfied about smashing and rebuilding digital LEGO structures. I also love how creative they get with their LEGO worlds.

If you have a Harry Potter fan in your house, I highly recommend this one. And if not, there are many other LEGO titles that are also fun to play like Incredibles, Marvel, and more…

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best video games for kids on the Nintendo Switch

Shari Medini

Co-Owner: Shari Medini

Shari Medini is the co-owner of the parenting website Adore Them. Her prior experience includes working as a marketing strategist and writer on multi-million dollar capital campaigns, website designs, advertising campaigns, and book launches. Shari’s parenting articles have been published in dozens of publications; and she enjoys doing various speaking engagements. When she’s not on her laptop, Shari can be found spending quality time with her husband and two sons exploring their hometown of Lancaster County, PA

Contact: Shari@AdoreThem.com


Filed Under: Staying Home

Quarantine Baking Recipes Your Kids Will Love

Quarantine Baking Recipes

Quarantine Baking Recipes Your Kids Will Love

Quarantine is hard. Even the most introverted home bodies amongst us can agree that this time in lockdown is becoming a little boring. It can be hard to come up with new and exciting ways to fill our days, especially when we have kids to keep busy. But there are family resources for staying home and entertained during the COVID-19 Quarantine.

So, if you are feeling a little slump in your mood during this lockdown period, there is something you can do right now to help pass the time: baking. Making some fun baking recipes will not only pass the time in lockdown, but it will also be a good way for you to get some much needed sugar!


For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and Recipes collections


Simple, Delicious Baking Recipes

Here are some great recipes you should try during this time that will wow the whole family. They are not complicated to make, but they will provide some much needed and appreciated comfort food that everyone will love!

 

Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

Using berries in cakes is a great thing, from a berry chantilly cake to a sweet strawberry Swiss roll. For this recipe we are taking a classic gateau and taking those flavors to a cheesecake!

Ingredients for Black Forest Cheesecake:

  • 1 pack chocolate digestives
  • 50g butter
  • 6 tbsp black cherry jam (sour cherry)
  • 300ml double cream
  • 400g cream cheese
  • 150g icing sugar
  • 60g sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 100g dark chocolate

Directions for Black Forest Cheesecake:

  1. Crush the digestive biscuits and mix with melted butter. Into a cake dish, add the mixture and press to create a solid base. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine 200ml of cream, cream cheese, icing sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Add 4 tbsp cherry jam and marble through the mixture. Pour into the cake tin, smooth, and chill for 20 minutes.
  3. Make ganache by heating 100ml cream and then adding chunks of chocolate and stirring to melt.
  4. Pour ganache over cake, chill for 10 minutes, then add remaining 2 tbsp jam in the middle.

Black Forest Cheesecake

Using berries in cakes is a great thing, from a berry chantilly cake, to a sweet strawberry Swiss roll. For this recipe we are taking a classic gateau and taking those flavors to a cheesecake!
Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pack chocolate digestives
  • 50 g butter
  • 6 tbsp black cherry jam (sour cherry)
  • 300 ml double cream
  • 400 g cream cheese
  • 150 g icing sugar
  • 60 g sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 100 g dark chocolate

Instructions
 

  • Crush the digestive biscuits and mix with melted butter. Into a cake dish, add the mixture and press to create a solid base. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • In a bowl, combine 200ml of cream, cream cheese, icing sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Add 4 tbsp cherry jam and marble through the mixture. Pour into the cake tin, smooth, and chill for 20 min.
  • Make ganache by heating 100ml cream and then adding chunks of chocolate and stirring to melt.
  • Pour ganache over cake, chill for 10 minutes, then add remaining 2 tbsp jam in the middle.
Keyword black forest cheesecake, cheesecake

 


Triple Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes are the most amazing sweet treat! Here you can vamp them up even more by making them triple chocolate! Enjoy 🙂

Ingredients for Triple Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 185g caster sugar
  • 120g self raising flour
  • 65g cocoa powder
  • 285g butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g white chocolate chips
  • 100g dark chocolate chips
  • 50g milk chocolate, melted
  • 200g icing sugar

Directions for Triple Chocolate Cupcakes:

  1. In a bowl, cream together 185g butter, sugar and egg until light and fluffy. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder.
  2. Add chocolate chips and mix well.
  3. Cook in the oven at 190C for 15-18 minutes. After 15 minutes check with a skewer and if clean, they are ready.
  4. Make buttercream with icing sugar, 100g butter, and melted chocolate. Spread or pipe onto cooled cakes.

Triple Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes are the most amazing sweet treat! Here you can vamp them up even more by making them triple chocolate, enjoy!
Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 185 g caster sugar
  • 120 g self raising flour
  • 65 g cocoa powder
  • 285 g butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100 g white chocolate chips
  • 100 g dark chocolate chips
  • 50 g milk chocolate, melted
  • 200 g icing sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, cream together 185g butter, sugar and egg until light and fluffy. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder.
  • Add chocolate chips and mix well.
  • Cook in the oven at 190C for 15-18 minutes. After 15 minutes check with a skewer and if clean, they are ready.
  • Make buttercream with icing sugar, 100g butter, and melted chocolate. Spread or pipe onto cooled cakes.
Keyword chocolate cupcakes, cupcakes, triple chocolate cupcakes

Millionaire Shortbread

Millionaire shortbread is an amazing treat! This version is super simple to make, and will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients for Millionaire Shortbread:

  • 300g flour
  • 200g butter
  • 100g sugar
  • 200ml double cream
  • 200g dark chocolate
  • 150ml dulce de leche or caramel

Directions for Millionaire Shortbread:

  1. For the shortbread: cube softened butter and mix with your fingers into the flour and sugar. You should end up with a crumb like consistency. Keep mixing until a loose dough is formed.
  2. Spread the dough into a cake dish or baking dish and press lightly to flatten. Sprinkle some sugar onto the dough and bake at 180C for around 15 minutes until golden. Cool.
  3. Spread dulce de leche or caramel over your shortbread and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. In a microwaveable bowl, heat cream until almost boiling and then drop in the chocolate, stirring to melt.
  5. Pour the chocolate ganache over your millionaire shortbread and chill.
  6. Cut into slices or cubes!

Millionaire Shortbread

Millionaire shortbread is an amazing treat! This version is super simple to make, and will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g flour
  • 200 g butter
  • 100 g sugar
  • 200 ml double cream
  • 200 g dark chocolate
  • 150 ml dulce de leche or caramel

Instructions
 

  • For the shortbread: cube softened butter and mix with your fingers into the flour and sugar. You should end up with a crumb like consistency. Keep mixing until a loose dough is formed.
  • Spread the dough into a cake dish or baking dish and press lightly to flatten. Sprinkle some sugar onto the dough and bake at 180C for around 15 minutes until golden. Cool.
  • Spread dulce de leche or caramel over your shortbread and chill for 30 minutes.
  • In a microwaveable bowl, heat cream until almost boiling and then drop in the chocolate, stirring to melt.
  • Pour the chocolate ganache over your millionaire shortbread and chill.
  • Cut into slices or cubes.
Keyword shortbread

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home and Recipes collections

Quarantine Baking Recipes

Filed Under: Recipes, Staying Home

What Should I Bake at Home? Sweet Inspiration for Delicious Treats

May 12, 2020

bake at home

In times like this, we are looking for comfort, which often means finding new fun comfort foods to eat! Food is great to experiment with, and we hope that you’ve found a new passion in the kitchen. More and more people are interested in learning to bake at home, which can be a great hobby while stuck inside!

Baking is one of the best ways to get your hands on some sweet treats. Sure, you could go to the store and find a ton of pastries, cakes, sweets, or whatever else you might be craving. But baking is fun, and it’s good to get in the kitchen and see what you can make. Chances are, it’s always going to taste better when you’ve made it yourself! So keep on reading if you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration.


For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home collection


baking

Small Sweets to Bake at Home

They say that the best things come in small packages. And we definitely believe that to be true when it comes to sweet treats! Tiny sweet treats are fun to eat and perfect for tea parties with your kids or a quick dessert after dinner. Brownies, cupcakes, shortbread, and even donuts are great options for little desserts! Learn how to make an old fashioned donut – it’s much easier than you might think and might quickly become a family favorite.

And if you’re looking for other sweet breakfast options, learn how to make grain free pancakes!

 

bake chocolate cake at home

Crazy Cake Designs to Make at Home

Now is the perfect time to experiment with crazy cake designs! Try something new, and if it looks terrible, it will still taste delicious. You could go for a fruity strawberry cake design and have strawberry sauce dripping down a towering cake. Or make the biggest, silliest looking chocolate cake your kids can think up! Decorate it with oreos, kit kats, and other favorite chocolate candies. Messy, crazy cakes are fun and easy for the whole family to bake at home!

Go check out more party planning ideas!

 

strawberry cups

Simple Treats to Bake

Finally, why not just keep it simple. A really easy treat to bake at home is Eton Mess, which is a traditional English dessert. All you need is cream, meringue, fruit, and whatever sauce you want. It’s ready within minutes and a quick treat you can whip up pretty much any time of the day. They look adorable served in small glass cups, and they are both sweet and refreshing to eat!

Read how to incorporate simple treats into the perfect coffee date!

 

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home collection

bake at home

Filed Under: Staying Home

Family Resources for Staying Home During the COVID-19 Quarantine

April 9, 2020

Family Resources for Staying Home During COVID-19

I am a work from home mother with three young children, and I’m pregnant. So I get it. I too am overwhelmed with now trying to homeschool  – while juggling the house, my work load, and my health. I am fearful of what the news is reporting. And I am worried about our little family’s future. There is so much happening around us that we have zero control over. And yet, there are also wonderful free resources out there that can really help to ease our stress and frustrations as we try to navigate this crazy time. Below are free family resources for staying home during the COVID-19 quarantine as a way to help your family during this unprecedented time.

Family Resources During COVID-19

  • Saving Money
  • Simplify Your Family’s Routine
  • Homeschooling During the Quarantine
  • Keeping Your Kids Entertained at Home
  • How to Prepare Meals, and Stretch Your Pantry & Food Budget
  • How to Eventually Transition Back to Normal
  • And most importantly, How to Take Care of You!

This article is written by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home collection


Finding the Good

If we chose to focus on the bad, we will most definitely find that without needing to look to hard. However, if we look for the good, we can find that too. Neighbors are helping neighbors. Friends are supporting the community. And total strangers are going out of their way to help others in need. There is so much love going around, and it is absolutely amazing to watch!

[check out the Good News Network for a daily dose of positive, or watch this fun video made by a few favorite celebrities Some Good News]

 

COVID-19 Quarantine Resources for Families

Throughout this article, you’ll find links to helpful articles, free printables, and other resources that will surely help you and your family during this crazy time. Take a deep breath, dive into what seems relevant now, and save this link to come back to later on when you are ready to focus on another topic. No one is expected to make all of the right changes overnight. But if we focus on a few areas of our life at a time, we can make big changes over the next few weeks. And who knows, we might just find a new pleasure, or some new strategies, that we can continue to implement even when our lives do return to “normal”.

Use this time to make a new memory, find a new hobby, or make-over an aspect of your life. You can and will emerge from this even stronger if you try 🙂


Family Tips for Saving Money

Just by staying home your family is probably saving some money. No longer are we eating out, going to the movies, running between activities, attending sporting events, and so on. But, your life doesn’t have to stop. You can still order take-out (if available) from a local restaurant. Or create your own restaurant at home with your kids and these free pretend play printables. You can have your own movie and game night in the family room, in someone’s bedroom under a blanket fort, or outside on the patio. Get creative and plan your own Family Night In experiences. (Keep scrolling for more ideas below).

Chances are that even when the quarantines are lifted, it will take some time for your family to return to your old spending budgets. Maybe you have experienced layoffs, cut-backs, or loss of business. Just remember that you are not alone! And in time you will make it back. But be smart by using this time to develop a new plan and strategies for how to save some money and simplify your family’s life.

Saving Money Tips

Free Resources to Save Money

Here are additional free resources that offer tips for saving money at home. While some of these options might not be applicable until we are out and about in society again, they can still prepare you now for what will be to come – like tips for selling items at a consignment sale. You can use this time at home to go through closets and organize your piles. Then once a sale is scheduled again, you are ready. Also, take advantage of tips for saving money while grocery shopping, how to waste less food, saving money on kid’s activities, and more!

 


How to Simplify Your Family’s Routine

If you are like me, then you have traded your extra curricular activities for enormous amounts of laundry, snacks every 30 minutes, and dishes piling up in the sink. But hopefully you are also enjoying the benefits of having more down-time and play-time at home. While I love having my family at home with me all of the time, it has definitely created new types of work, and I have had to adjust my schedule to make sure that I am still being as productive as possible.

Tips for Simplifying

I would encourage you to use this time to really take a long hard look at your your family’s lifestyle and priorities. We were given this opportunity to re-assess, to re-adjust, and we will (eventually) be able to move forward in a new way – if we’d like. Ask yourself what it is that you really miss? What are your relieved to not be doing? How has going back to basics impacted your life?

Checkout these amazing tips and free resources to help simply your family’s life now, and to help better prepare you for moving forward in a more balanced and satisfying way. Good luck!

 


How to Homeschool During COVID-19 Quarantine

I am sure majority of parents are thinking right now “I never wanted to homeschool!” Or, “I never wanted to be a teacher!” Well, I am right there with you. And I too am trying to now figure this out as I juggle working from home with now teaching my three kids at home, all while being pregnant and hormonal at home. While I would like to think I am doing an OK job, I have definitely had my fair share of struggles with it all.

Thankfully I have found some wonderful free resources that have helped me, and will hopefully help you during this time as well. But the important thing to remember is that no one expects your best. We are all just trying to survive. But eventually your child will return to school. Eventually they will learn to read, to do their algebra, to write an essay, and they will eventually graduate.

Keep in mind that you are not the only one in this situation – the entire country is in the same boat. I saw this quote floating around on Facebook that a few teachers were sharing, and I couldn’t agree more!

Tips for Learning at Home

Homeschool Quote from a Teacher

Don’t worry about them regressing in school. Every single kid is in this boat and they all will be ok. When we are back in the classroom, we will all course correct and meet them where they are. Teachers are experts at this! Don’t pick fights with your kids because they don’t want to do math. Don’t scream at your kids for not following the schedule. And don’t mandate 2 hours of learning time if they are resisting it.

If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kid’s mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those 4 or more weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every signal day.”

 


How to Keep The Kids Entertained at Home

Whether you are stuck at home for days on end because of a snow storm, hurricane season, or because of the COVID 19; it can be challenging to keep your kids entertained. However, I have found some amazing benefits can come out of trading our extra activities for more play time at home. Here are just a few:

  • It may take time for your kids to re-adjust to playing together again, but eventually they will. And you will love watching their sibling bond grow even stronger!
  • Your children are likely to dig into the old toy bins that they haven’t touched in months. They may need a little prompting to get started, but then sit back and watch their imaginations run wild.
  • You are saving money. By not going out, you are hopefully staying in and creating your own free memories at home.

CLICK HERE for an entire collection of free articles and ideas to inspire at home entertainment for your children no matter their ages, enjoy!

 


How to Prepare Meals During Quarantine

No matter what day it is, or the circumstances, there are always meals to prepare and mouths to feed. But what gets tricky is when you are trying to do so while your entire town is shutting down. Again, maybe it is weather related, or maybe it is because of illness. Either way, it is helpful to know what to stock up on, how to stretch your shopping budget, how to avoid food waste, and how to fill those precious little bellies with healthy lasting food.

cooking during Covid-19

Tips for Cooking During COVID-19

Thankfully we have worked with some amazing contributors who have helped us create helpful free guides for all of this. Take advantage of their helpful insight and learn some new tips that will help you and your family better prepare.

 


How to Eventually Transition Back To Normal

No matter what you have been dealing with, eventually your life will return to “normal”. Once the storm passes, once the sickness subsides, once the schools reopen and businesses begin to re-hire, it will get better. But in the rush to return to our daily life, it’s important to take a moment to pause and ask ourselves what is really worth returning back to? Are their things that you did not miss? Were you relieved to not have certain commitments in your calendar for a period of time? Pay attention to what this phase at home is trying to teach you.

Tips for Work Life Balance

Adore Them Parenting has put together a collection of wonderful resources to help you navigate a better work-life-balance. Every family and each situation is different. But hopefully these tips will inspire you to make some positive changes in your life that will benefit your family as a whole. Don’t think of it as a daunting task; but rather a fresh start to a new adventure! Best wishes as you continue to move forward in life and on your journey 🙂

 


How to Take Care of You!

You do everything for your family and those around you. But don’t forget to take care of yourself! By taking a few moments to meet your needs, you will have more energy to conquer that impressive to-do list each day. Check out our full Self-Care collection for inspiration on how to start pampering yourself throughout the day at little or no added cost – You deserve it!

Self Care Tips & Ideas


For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home collection


Co-Owner: Karissa Tunis

Karissa Tunis is the co-owner of both the parenting website Adore Them and the family event company Milestone Family Expos. Through these ventures she is able to share inspiring, heartfelt insight with large audiences within local communities and across the country! Her knack for all-things-organization allows her to balance content creation, brand partnerships, and event planning without losing sight of what she wants for her own family. Despite her busy schedule, Karissa also makes it a priority to spend quality time with her husband and three children. You will often find her volunteering at her children’s schools, cheering them on from the soccer sidelines, or enjoying the great sites of Charleston, SC with her family.

Contact: Karissa@AdoreThem.com

 

Family Resources for Staying Home During COVID-19


Filed Under: Staying Home

Cooking During COVID-19 – Family Tips During Coronavirus Isolation

cooking during Covid-19

We are living in an unprecedented time as our entire world is battling the Coronavirus. Many of us are isolated from our friends, family, and co-workers. We are home much more than we are used to, and that can present some challenges for sure! Cooking during COVID-19 can be a challenge, which is why we’re sharing tips for feeding your family during coronavirus isolation

Having worked from home for the past 5 years, I understand the challenges our current situation has placed on parents. Whether it is the change of working remotely, grocery shopping on-a-dime, or even homeschooling children; I have faced these obstacles before. But something new I have had to navigate, as I’m sure you have as well, is the longer stretches between grocery shopping trips and making the food you have in your pantry stretch as far as possible. In an effort to help each other – I have put together this article to provide tips, tricks, and recipes to help keep you safe and healthy as we move forward.

Tips for Cooking During COVID-19

  • What food to stock in your pantry
  • How to stretch a meal
  • How to preserve and stretch your food longer
  • Recipes using what you have
  • Tips for grocery shopping

This article is written by Katie Strohecker
For more on this topic, check out the full Surviving at Home collection


 

During Isolation, Buy Foods That Stretch a Long Way

Try to stock-up on foods that can stretch and feed a lot of people (for larger families), or can provide you with leftovers (for smaller families). We have to make what we have last us for longer stretches than we are used to.

Ideas of these foods include:

  • Pasta
  • Eggs & veggies
  • Rice and Beans
  • Lentils
  • Childhood Favorites (PBJ, grilled cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets)
  • Breakfast for dinner (pancakes, eggs, waffles, quiche, casseroles, etc.)
  • Whole Chicken (roasting your own or purchase from Costco/Local grocery chain)
  • Soup (either canned or homemade)
  • Baked Potatoes (can be topped with canned chili, loaded with toppings or frozen veggies)

Check out our Recipes page for simple, nutritious, and delicious options that your family is sure to love!

And check out more inspiration and ideas at TheKitchn.com

 

Make Meals Last Longer During Coronavirus Quarantine

Another way to make your groceries last longer, and to save money, is by stretching your meals. What does this mean? It’s about filling everyone’s belly up, but not using as much to do it. It means conserving your proteins and being strategic about what and how you serve your meal.

Meal Stretching Tips:

  • Add water/stock/broth to stretch a soup or stew
  • Use meat as a condiment rather than a main course (salad topping, soup add-in, pasta topper, mix-in for casseroles or eggs, etc.)
  • Cook more pasta, rice, and potatoes
  • Serve appropriate portion sizes
  • Add bread, rolls, or bagels to a meal
  • Serve more vegetable and bean side dishes (fresh, frozen or canned)

Check out our Saving Money collection and FunCheapFree.com for more free tips and strategies.

 

How to Stretch Your Groceries During COVID-19

If you do not already plan your meals, now is the time to start! Plan out what you are going to make for the next 2 or 3 weeks and stick to it. This will be useful for when you make your shopping list. {Look for more tips on grocery shopping a little later in this article.} You may have to get creative with your meals – think outside the box. In the next section, I’ll share some apps and online sources for recipes.

A few other tips for stretching what you have:

  • Water down beverages to stretch them (Iced teas, juices, etc.)
  • Freeze cheeses before they go bad
  • Freeze or use produce before it spoils (bake with it, make a jam/chutney, make sauce, etc.)
  • Choose fruits/vegetables that store longer (apples, oranges, kiwi, blueberries, cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, pomegranates, squash)
  • Put bread/rolls/bagels in the refrigerator to lengthen their shelf life

 

Search Recipes by Ingredients

The internet is an endless resource for recipes. Try searching for recipes with few ingredients or ones that use canned products. There are even sources (some with convenient apps) that you can type the ingredients you have on hand in your fridge or pantry, and they will provide you a list of recipes using only those ingredients.

Popular Apps (for searching recipes with food in your fridge or pantry):

  • MyFridgeFood
  • Supercook
  • Allrecipe’s Dinner Spinner

I also recommend checking out some of my favorite sources for recipes with few ingredients. One of my favorite recipes for flatbread includes only two ingredients: Self-rising flour and plain yogurt and tastes amazing [source: Jamie Oliver]!

Recipes with Only a Few Ingredients:

  • BBC Good Food Family Meals
  • Jamie Oliver’s Quick & Easy Food
  • Rachael Ray 5 Ingredient Dinners
  • 10 Easy Dinners From Canned Goods

 

Make Food from Scratch During COVID-19 Lockdown

Since you are isolated at home, and possibly need something to do with your children…try your hand at making your own bread, bagels, rolls/biscuits, tortillas, sauces, soups, spice mixes, jellies/jams, etc. (If you can find the ingredients you need!) It will be a memory your children will never forget!

Enjoy these inspirations to help you get started:

  • Cooking with toddlers 10 Healthy Snacks Toddlers Can Make,
  • Cooking with your older children How to Make Your Life Easier (With Tweens/Teens
  • And if you do in fact make something from scratch, use this free printable recipe card to record your creation

 

Make Quick Safe Grocery Store Trips During Coronavirus

I wanted to end this article with a few tips on how to make your grocery store trips safe and quick. In our area, delivery and pick-up has been unavailable due to demand, so here are a few suggestions to make your grocery trip fast and efficient. Don’t forget to use hand sanitizer and a mask if possible.

  • Know what you need (make a list and refer to your meal plan)
  • Know how much you need (2 or 3 weeks worth)
  • Organize your list by aisle or sections of the store for efficiency
  • Be ready to substitute items due to availability
  • Only touch packages or cans when you have made a decision
  • Gather all produce and then weigh it (leave your cart in one spot)
  • If allowed, bag your own items at checkout

 

I hope this article has provided you with some ideas of how to make meals less of a stressor at this unprecedented time. As much as we are apart, we are in this together. Stay safe and stay healthy!

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Home collection


Featured Contributor: Katie Strohecker

Katie Strohecker lives in Lancaster, PA with her husband and two children. She is a former teacher, turned work-from-home mom with a background in event planning. She is also the co-owner of Milestone Family Expos, which strives to showcase the newest and best parenting, baby, and child-related products/services through two of the largest annual expo shows in the Central PA area.
        • Website: milestonefamilyexpos.com
        • Facebook: @pafamilyexpo @lancasterbabyshower
        • Instagram: @milestone_family_expos/

 


cooking during Covid-19

Filed Under: Recipes, Staying Home

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