Tasting Thursday (coconut chips)

Back with another tasting today.  My daughter has grown to like this activity.  She asks what the treat is for the week and reminds me when Thursday is coming up.

I picked up another treat from Dollar Tree.  It's not that I frequent the store that often; it's just luck of the draw when I remember to grab something.

I brought up the idea of sampling all the food in the produce section but, she didn't like that idea.

Today we sampled Coconut!  I have used coconut in baking so it's a taste the kids have had.  It's hit or miss depending on how it's used.

These coconut chips were purchased for $1.00.  These coconut chips are by the brand Real Coco.  I bought the original flavor but am interested in what else is available. The bag was 1.43 oz and it was filled!  Might I add it was filled with a lot of air so definitely packed for safety. Plus if you like coconut the smell is amazing.

These little chips are crunchy to be expected but, the flavor is 100% coconut.  The chips sizes vary.  These are not the same size as a potato chips. They are more like shavings but each piece is delicious.

Check out the stats!

Did you know coconut is a good source of fiber?

My kids actually liked this snack. YEAH for their approval! They ate this straight from the bag but, think of the endless possibilities of snacking.  You could sprinkle these on anything or blend them into things. This is  definitely something we will buy again!

What have you snacked on this week? Have you tried anything new?

Tasting Thursday (Quaker Squares)

  We are back today sampling another Dollar Tree find.  I picked up this Quaker Breakfast Square.  There were two flavors available but I selected the peanut butter flavor.

  This chewy oatmeal bar has a definite peanut flavor in every bite.

  This would make a great and filling snack for afterschool or in the lunch box.  One square was enough for my kids.  We like oatmeal in this house so this is a win on that as well for peanut butter fans also residing in this house.

                                The stats!

  Both kids liked this so this will be picked up for random treats, snacks, roadtrip goodies and just because moments.  I like the nice portion size.  This bar was 2.11 ounces.  Of course a dollar is a nice price to sample something new and incentive to buy in the future too.

Thank you Quaker you are a brand we enjoy.  Maybe I'll go back and grab that other flavor sooner rather then later.

Do you have a Dollar store near you?  What's your favorite item to get from it?

Taster Thursday with Apple Slices

  I have decided to start a taste test post with the help of my picky eaters.  I may buy or just make a new recipe and serve it up to the kids!

  I have spoke before of their pickiness and lack of healthy choices.  I have tried several ways to get a veggie in them and the only way to do it is to blend it and hide it and then that doesn't always work either. 

  I have had them help me in the kitchen and that doesn't help either.  Smoothies work sometimes and bean brownies work a little too but, I would love to get them to eat healthier more regularly.

 This week I tried a snack.  A healthy snack.  I picked this bag up at The Dollar Tree so I'm only out a buck it is not a good option.

These apple slices by the brand So Natural are freeze dried.  They are all natural, contain no preservatives and are gluten free.  

Check out the stats on the back if your one of those people!

1 bag is 0.71 oz.  I did split it between both kids to gauge how they liked it and to not disrupt dinner appetites. 

Both kids liked it and I think could have eaten their own bag.  Yeah!   

The apple slices have a crunch like an apple but, just lack the juice.  They taste like an apple which both kids like so that was also helpful.  I know my daughter liked it and I think my son liked it but maybe only because it was his only snack alternative.

I think this is a great snack alternative.  It's healthy. It's apples which are healthy and nutritious. A dollar is great plus too.  I would have liked a zip lock bag but that's the only thing I would say is lacking.

I will consider picking these up now on a road trip or snacks for the beach!

Do you have a favorite healthy snack that your kids really like?  I would love to hear about it!

A Spider for Your Party

I promise this creepy crawler won't crawl off the table.

I picked up my supplies at Dollar Tree and  had items on hand.

He's really easy to assemble and although I didn't eat him my taste testers said he was good.

 1 package of Sno Balls will allow you 2 spiders.

I actually had Tootsie Rolls on hand and used 1 large one cut and rolled into 8 pieces.  (Tootsie rolls are available at Dollar Tree)

2 mini chocolate chips for eyes. I also had these on hand but regular chips would be fine!

I placed 4 legs on each side and inserted them into the body.  For the eyes after persistent pushing were also inserted into a slot.

Do you make little critters for Halloween? This was my first but he was fun and the kids enjoyed it.

Autumn Lights (DIY)

  Let's bring some autumn hue inside.  It's easier than you think with a few items from your local dollar store you can whip these up and place several throughout the house by the end of the week.

  For this project you need:

   - a glass jar I picked one with a hinge
   - a bottle of Modge Podge
   - a package of leaves
   - a package of battery powered lights.

  For about $4 you get all this but, actually 2 lights and that whole package of leaves is a bonus to complete other projects or use as scatter decorations!

    Take your jar and paint the Modge Podge glue onto the leaves in whatever pattern you desire.  All for a day or two to dry and add another layer of glue and/or leaves.

  I used the variety of colors in my leaf bag to include red, orange and green.

Place your light inside.  Turn it on!

  I like these types of lights as they are best for small children and there will not be any fires.  An easy little switch on the bottom to shut it on and off.

I present you an autumn hue!  I glued a few leaves on the lid too but, you could skip that part if you like.

Go ahead and grab a couple bucks and make yourself a light.  

#Nablopomo

 

Wipe Your Feet Here (DIY doormat)

Today I was feeling extra motivated and completed a few crafts and this DIY mat.  I love looking at DIY projects but they are not all created equal. I promise you this one is pretty easy and cheap!

I picked up everything from dollartree. This doormat cost me $4.  I do not sew hek maybe I can't sew so this mat is glued together.  So technically if you did sew it would be even less.

Gather your supplies.

     

Choose your mat.  I picked one without ridges so the leaf would adhere to it easier.

        

  In my store there were only two patterns to choose from.  Leaf it is which is fine for the whole fall season.

                    

  Next like I said I do not sew so I needed some strong adhesive.  I already knew how I was going to use the mat so consider that when you decided what you need.  I used glue dots and a sticky all purpose sticky glue.  The glue is sold in a 3 pack along with the glue dots in the craft section.

  I applied glue dots sporadically along the perimeter of the leaf.

  I then used the glue along the whole outline of the leaf.

I thought of placement prior to the glue application.  Did in want it off center, diagonal or in the center.  Since I was not adding anything else to it including words I just placed it in the middle.

  This is a very thin door mat.  It could be used outside or inside but this is not weather resistant.  I'm not sure it would even be vacuum resistant.   It would be great in the kitchen as long as you don't need the extra support.  Place it in front of a fireplace or bookshelf. I have actually put mine in front of my child's door.

  I am very pleased with the appearance.  That I didn't have to sew it and it looks nice.  At this point I am wondering how many rugs do I need.  These will be easy to put in storage on the off seasons so why not a few more.