Sweet Snow Day Treats
Hot Chocolate
Usually after the kids come back in from playing in the snow they want something hot to drink. Hot chocolate and apple cider are typically the most popular favorites in our house. The other day we had hot chocolate with heart marshmallows which was a hit with the kids. Snow days through us a little off schedule, but the extra time with the kids is so worth it. Sitting around the table sipping hot chocolate, talking, and laughing is one of the best parts of having a snow day.
Hot, delicious, and sweet! Perfect on a cold snowy day!
Chocolate Snow Cream. The girls have made snow cream with me so many times over the past years that they do it all on their own now. This is a batch they whip up during the last snow storm.
Here are a couple of snow cream recipes we like to use:
Travel & Vacation: Rocky Mountains, Glen Haven General Store, & Baldpate Inn
Hanging out in Colorado for a few days!
The girls and I had the opportunity to travel out to Colorado recently to visit family. My parents drove out with us and my cousin graciously let the three of us crash at her house and my parents stayed with my Aunt and Uncle. Thankful for some time to catch up with family and explore the area! We had a blast in Colorado.
We drove up by Estes Park, it was completely changed since our trip in July 2012 due to the massive flooding they had back in September 2013. The river, rocks, and roads were totally different. It was quite sad to see some of the damage as well as many homes and businesses that were destroyed. We stopped at one point to get out and stretch our legs. The girls took an opportunity to check out some cool Colorado rocks near the river. They were still cleaning up the area, repairing the roads, homes, businesses, and bridges.
Showing Aunt Renelle some cool stones they found.
Looking at some stones they discovered with Grandma and Grandpa.
When we stopped at Glen Haven two years ago and there was a strip of stores next to the Glen Haven General Store (now it is the only one left on that side of the road). We ate their delicious and huge homemade cinnamon rolls! Thanks Renelle for sharing!
Renelle showing the Brina a cool goodie she got up for them!
Anyone want to eat a bag of rocks?! How about chocolate rocks? Funky, but yummy!
We made a stop at The Baldpate Inn for some coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. The girls relaxing on the Baldpate Inn’s cool porch swing!
Karlie checking out all the keys! Inside the Baldpate Inn they had a room full of keys hanging on the walls and ceiling from all over the world. They even had a key from Hilter’s house, one from a bank Jesse and Frank James robbed, and many other really neat ones!
We finally found the stash of South Carolina keys. They had so many keys you could look them up by name, location, or a number of other details.
Another favorite spot Karlie found…..they had a library, music, and game room at Baldpate Inn. She was content to sit and read!
Relaxing on the porch at the Baldpate Inn!
Enjoying the beautiful view as we sip our hot coffee and chocolate!
Brina mesmerized by the hummingbirds!
The girls and I shared a cup of hot chocolate at Baldpate Inn, delicious!
If you are near Estes Park the Baldpate Inn is a fun place to stop by for a treat, meal, or you can stay overnight too!
Back at Uncle Rick and Aunt Mary Ann’s sharing stories and laughs!
Extra “SnowCATION” with the Kids!
Really concentrating on her throw!
In South Carolina we really don’t get a lot of snow. If we get a sprinkle here or there everyone gets excited and we might have a day or two off from school. Also, it is likely that many people will lose power. Somehow the last few years we have been lucky and haven’t lost our power! We haven’t have a big snow storm in South Carolina for several years. The girls have been waiting, hoping, and wishing for snow all winter. Their wishes came true this week.
We have several inches of snow and they have been out of school since Tuesday. They think its AWESOME they got an unexpected 6 day weekend or Snowcation (snow-vacation) in the middle of the school year. They have been having a BLAST playing outside several hours every day. It has been a lot of fun having them home and spending extra time with them this week too. Jake was home for most of those days too, but he still had to work. One of the “benefits” of having a job that he can work from home at times, but he got to join in on the fun here and there (we didn’t leave him out)!
One of the snowy morning the girls and Jake were up at the break of dawn to work and play. Their three smiling faces were first thing I saw this morning as they were bringing me breakfast in bed! Snow days are rated pretty high in my book already, but this makes them even better!!! I had a great breakfast of fresh strawberries, yogurt, cashews, homemade Egg McMuffin, and a huge glass of ice water. Feeling very blessed! Love my family!
Karlie all smiles! She got her wish of a big winter snow storm so she could play for several days in the snow!
Brina very excited to have a snow day. Snow is always fun and it gives them a little break from school. She loves playing outside with her animals (as you can see Skipper is loving the attention too)!
Karlie was definitely more into snowball fights this year. You had to watch out because every time you turned around another snowball would be zooming right at you followed by lots of giggles!
Here it comes! DUCK!
Here she comes again! LOOK OUT!
Skipper was excited to be out and playing in the snow with the kids all week too!
There’s just something about time spent playing in the snow followed by a good hot cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. Of course, the marshmallow and candy cane stir stick was an added bonus!
Gingerbread men and sugar cookies hit the spot too!
Snack time!A Bagel, Hot Chocolate, & Sweet Friend
I am truly blessed with amazing people in my life! Yesterday was a marathon day of running errands. One of the stops was to meet a friend briefly to drop off some goodies for a local Christmas Party for foster kids. Praying that those cute kids have an awesome party!
My sweet friend came bearing gifts, including hot chocolate and a bagel from Panera Bread! Yum! It was a cool rainy day and the hot chocolate was absolutely delicious. I ended up running errands until it was time to pick up the girls so the bagel was a perfect lunch treat on the run.
We all have had those crazy days with full schedules and numerous projects to tackle when someone does thoughtful act that makes your day 110 times better. Even though I know my friend, Ash, was extremely busy with everything she was tackling that day she was a huge beam of sunshine on a rainy day in mine. Ashley’s thoughtfulness reminded me of the multiple blessings in my life and how important it is to take time to make those around me feel appreciated. Thanks for the reminder sweet friend (and for the goodies)!
Thankful for My Family and so Much More!
Thankful for sweet girls who made me a “special” breakfast.
There is magic at our house! Every night I lay out all the non-perishable items (cups, plates, bread, english muffins, or bagels, etc…) that I need to make breakfast the next morning, however, this week by the time I get to the kitchen breakfast has been made for the whole family and the kids are already eating! It’s like breakfast has magically appeared every morning (and there’s no mess either)! This morning I must have been extra good because I got more than the normal Tuesday Toast! Thankful for my sweet girls! I saved the sweets that they gave me for breakfast for later so I could share them!
Thankful for kids who love making crafts and expressing their appreciation
Karlie’s turkey from school. She had the most turkey feathers out of all the students in her class, her reason “I have so much to be THANKFUL for in my life!” Not sure if you can read the feathers they say – friends, social studies, love, food, life to live, teacher, pets & animals, family
Thankful for hot chocolate
Made hot chocolate and apple cider for my two chickies since it was a cold and rainy afternoon. They enjoyed their hot treat after school.
Thankful for a husband who plays games with the family
We figured out that Jake has the steadiest hand in our family. Karlie is watching him carefully so she’ll be ready for her next turn.
Thankful for kids who enjoy playing games
We played Kerplunk and Jenga tonight. After a few close calls we did manage to get quite a tall Jenga tower before it came crashing down. Here’s a picture of Brina focusing on her turn. Thankful for some fun with the family tonight!
There is so much to be thankful for today and really every day of my life!
Easy Snowflake Marshmallows
The girls loved having these marshmallows in their hot chocolate!
Yes, I know you can make fabulous homemade marshmallows, but if you are limited on time and resources this is a quick, easy, and fun food craft you can do with your kids. You only need 2 items to do these cute snowflake marshmallows (and you probably have these items in your kitchen already). The kids will LOVE these marshmallows in their next cup of hot chocolate!
Easy Snowflake Marshmallows
- 1 bag Large White Marshmallows
- 1 pair clean Kitchen Scissors
- Optional – Small Cookie Cutters
Take one large marshmallow and flatten it with a rolling pin (it doesn’t need to be completely flat just enough so you can cut it easily). Use your scissors to cut snowflake or other shape for your marshmallow. If you have small cookie cutters you can use those to cut out the shapes. You can do as many or few marshmallows as you like. Place the marshmallows on a serving platter and enjoy with your next cup of hot chocolate.
I did a mix of scissor and cookie cutter snowflakes. You can do snowflakes, stars, trees, or whatever shapes you want. The girls wanted to help, they did more of the cookie cutter ones but enjoyed experimenting with cutting the snowflakes with scissors. These are cute for a fun evening with the family or a get together with a larger group.
One of the super easy cookie cutter marshmallow treats the girls made! They ended up eating some of the snowflake outlines and the rest they used in their hot chocolates.
Snowflake melting in a mug of hot chocolate
Another cool “experiment” the kids can do with their snowflakes…..have them check out how much the snowflakes grow (expand) while in the hot chocolate! Take a tooth pick and carefully pull the marshmallow out of the hot chocolate after it has been in only 30 seconds or so (depending on temperature of your hot chocolate) and see how plump your snowflake looks now. The kids will LOVE it! 🙂
Torani Pumpkin Pie & Hazelnut Flavored Syrups
Hot Chocolate with Torani Hazelnut Syrup, Cool Whip, and Sprinkles
What is the secret ingredient behind those amazing coffee shop drinks that you and I enjoy so much? It is the delicious syrups they use to flavor them. Torani flavored syrups are made in the USA and are used at restaurants and coffeehouses in more than 40 countries around the world. The best part is you can get these amazing flavored syrups and make your favorite drinks at home!
As the weather gets cooler you may enjoy a hot cup of coffee to help jump start you on a crisp morning even more or a cup of hot chocolate by the fire with the family as you relax together on a cold evening. Of course you may be in an area that is warm and would rather grab a smoothie or an iced coffee.
Torani Pumpkin Pie and Hazelnut Syrups
I was thrilled to hear that SheSpeaks teamed up with Torani and they were sending me some Torani Flavored Syrups to try! I received the Salted Caramel and Peppermint flavored syrups. They are delicious! I have been having fun trying out a variety of fun recipes both Torani’s Recipes and ones that I have come up with myself.
Torani offers over 120 Regular and Sugar Free Flavored Syrups which are the perfect compliment to your favorite Coffee, Espresso, Hot Chocolate, Lattes, Smoothies, Teas, and many other drinks you enjoy. I have even used Torani Flavored Syrups in a few recipes while I was baking and they turned out great! Our favorite baked goods were Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup in our Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins and Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup in our Pumpkin Dip! My favorite way to eat / drink Torani Hazelnut Syrup is with a cup of coffee (hot or iced) and in hot chocolate. Torani Flavored Syrups will add an extra special touch to your next party celebration!
Coffee and cream with a touch of Torani Hazelnut Syrup
Use them in
- Flavored Coffees / Espresso Drinks
- Italian Sodas
- Flavored Tea, both hot and cold
- Flavored Lemonade
- Flavored Sodas (or Pop as we say in the Midwest!)
- Cocktails
- Mocktails
- Flavored Energy Drinks
Our family tried a variety of delicious recipes with our Torani Flavored Syrups! The ones from Torani’s recipes are awesome so if your interested in getting started that’s a great resource.
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are super easy to make and taste awesome. The last time I made these for a group of friends only 2 came home with us and the girls begged to take them in their school lunches. You will not have to add any water, eggs or oil to this recipe and the muffin will still turn out with a moist.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line 24 muffin tins. Mix together yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, and Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup until blended (the batter will be thicker than your typically cake mix). Scoop evenly into muffin tins (I use an ice cream scoop) and set aside. In another bowl blend softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Drop a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar over the top of each muffin prior to serving.
Family Activities: Yard Clean Up Day
Karlie Kool Kat bringing down the compost and helping in the yard. Both girls are wonderful helpers (for the most part) when it comes to doing chores around the house and yard. Karlie picked out her “outdoor” outfit complete with her fancy hat. She cracks me up….peeking out from underneath her hat!
Brina Bee bringing down some drink refills! It is amazing how thirsty you can get when working out in the yard hauling branches.
The fire was too big and hot to cook over so Jake cooked up some yummy hot dogs for everyone to enjoy.
We have had some funky weather over the last several months in South Carolina. One afternoon we had a tree and several branches come down in the yard and our neighbor had one of his trees fall on the edge of his workshop. We gave away all the good fire burning wood to a local family for the winter since they had a wood burning stove. When all that wood was picked up we still had all the limbs down so it was decided to have a family yard clean up day. The girls helped pick up all the branches so we could burn them in the fire. As it got dark and cooled off we rounded out the night with marshmallows and hot chocolate around the fire. I love being able to work and rest together with my family. We got a lot done working in the yard that day!
CONGRATULATIONS to Our Winners of the Torani Flavored Syrups!
I decided to have the girls each draw a name for this giveaway so there are TWO Winners of the Torani Flavored Syrup Giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to Lynette
and
CONGRATULATIONS to Renelle
for winning a
FREE Bottle of Torani Flavored Syrup!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway
Enjoy Your Next Cup of Coffee!
An email will been sent to the winners with more information on how to claim your prize.* A special thanks to SheSpeaks and Torani for teaming up with Blessings Multiplied to do this giveaway! Don’t forget to enter our CVS Gift Card Giveaway this month as well!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.
Finding a Warm Spot!
Our little feather friend found a warm spot between our storm door and back door! She was surprised to see us heading out to play in the snow! Recently we had a good 6 plus inches of snow in South Carolina which is pretty rare. The whole family was out for a little bits throughout the day. Brina and I lasted the longest the first round of snow playing. I ended up carrying her up the hill to the house after sledding. We got inside had hot chocolate, read books, ate lunch, had Snow Ball Ice Cream, did some laundry and relaxed before heading back out.
The next time when the girls were all bundled up ready to head outside Jake opened the back door to let them out and we were startled to find a “friend” that must have tried to follow Brina and I inside to find some warmth! We weren’t too excited about having a small bird flying around our house so we sent the girls out the garage then Brina came around to the back of the house to free the bird who was caught between the storm door and the back door of our house. I think the bird was happy to find such a warm spot until she encountered us. I am sure she was very glad find another warm spot away from the house! Even the birds are looking for warmth on the snowy days. I am thankful for a warm home especially during these cold days.
