Angela Paris

Strawberry Breakfast Parfait

June 25, 2018 by Angela Paris

This delicious Strawberry Breakfast Parfait will get your day started off on the right foot! It’s loaded with healthy and delicious ingredients!

Mornings are a blur of activity for me with getting the kids fed, dressed, combed, etc – not to mention packing lunches and making sure homework gets into the right school bag and what not. So that’s why most days I don’t actually have breakfast until the kids are off at school. With the house quiet, it’s nice to sit down after all that chaos and just enjoy my breakfast while I get ready to work. This Strawberry Breakfast Parfait tastes like dessert, but is full of healthy ingredients.

I love making a big batch of homemade granola and keeping it on hand for lots of recipes, including this one. Get the recipe for my homemade granola here.

Of course, if you’re not a big fan of strawberries, you could substitute any other fruit, or combination or fruits you like. In the summer, in season berries are delicious. Kiwi and banana are a great combination, too!

Print Recipe

Strawberry Breakfast Parfait

Prep Time5 mins

Ingredients

1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup granola
1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
Optional additional ingredients: wheat germ honey

Instructions

In a pint sized mason jar, layer half of the ingredients, starting with the yogurt, followed by granola and top with strawberries. Repeat with the remaining half.
If desired, sprinkle the top with wheat germ and a drizzle of honey.
Serve immediately.

I just love this versatile recipe… if you can even call it that – it’s just so simple! If you’re looking to add a bit more nutrition, consider topping your parfait with a teaspoon of wheat germ, ground flax seeds, or chia seeds. A drizzle of honey is always a nice addition, too.

This actually makes a great dessert for the kids, as well. Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream to the top and you’ve got a dreamy treat! Get the recipe for homemade whipped cream here.

Whether you choose to have it for breakfast or dessert, you’re going to love this simple but delicious recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

January 9, 2016 by Angela Paris

Celebrate Fall with all the pumpkin goodness the season has to offer with this homemade Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. It’s loaded with lots of healthy ingredients, but so delicious the whole family will love it!

Since my birthday is in October, Fall has always been my most favorite season. I love the sunny days with the cool breezes and the beautiful colors of the trees in New England. Here in NH we’ve had unseasonably warm weather these last few weeks, and while I’m sad to see summer go, I’m sort of craving one of those crisp Fall days at the same time.

Now, there’s nothing more quintessentially Fall than Pumpkin Pie, am I right? I’m so excited to share this delicious recipe with you today. This smoothie has the most amazing blend of flavors. And it’s got pumpkin puree, bananas and yogurt in it, so it is a bit healthier than the Pumpkin Spice Latte all the coffee shops are serving these days.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ingredients:
frozen banana
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup skim or almond milk
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 Tablespoon honey
2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Process the mixture until smooth. For an icy smoothie, add 1 cup of ice to the blender. Top with whipped cream if desired.

This is a great treat for the kiddos, too. This serving size is more appropriate for adults and teens, but I find that splitting between my two children is the perfect amount. Mine love the whipped cream topping especially!

Love Smoothies?

If you’d like to find more great smoothie recipes, check out my Smoothie Pinterest Board:
Follow Juggling Act Mama – Ang Paris’s board Smoothies on Pinterest.

Delicious Blueberry Snack Cake

August 29, 2018 by Angela Paris

This blueberry snack cake is easy to whip up and makes a tasty afterschool treat! Blueberries have proven benefits for eye health and cognitive abilities, so your kiddos will be able to get their homework done in a flash.

Here in New England, we’re in the thick of blueberry season. I love pick blueberries because it’s just so darn easy! The kids love it, too, for the same reason. It’s a fun summer activity we can do as a family. The key to having a really great time, though, is going early in the morning before it gets too hot out. Since the picking is so easy, we usually end up with tons of blueberries. They freeze really well, so I have blueberries on hand for several months to come.

<blueberry picking image>

Side Note: To freeze fresh blueberries, gently wash and dry the berries. When the berries are completely dry, spread them out in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Freeze for about 3 hours, then transfer the berries into an airtight bag. You keep them in the freezer for 3-6 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before using.

Blueberries are a wholesome snack full of antioxidants. Plus they’re a good source of vitamins K, C and Fiber. So if you can’t get your kids to eat them plain, try them in this cake. The health benefits of the blueberry more than make up for the cake, in my opinion!

Print Recipe

Blueberry Snack Cake

Servings: 12 pieces

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pint blueberries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Lightly cover an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt together.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and zest on medium high until light, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl as you go.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk and vanilla. Beat a third of flour mixture into butter mixture until nearly combined, then beat in half of buttermilk mixture. Repeat, ending with last third of flour mixture; beat until just combined. Stir in lemon juice.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and sprinkle blueberries on top, pressing down lightly. The blueberries will sink slightly as the cake cooks.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

You can serve this cake just as it is, or for a real treat, with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream. That’s Mr. Juggling Act’s favorite way to eat it. My mother-in-law loves a piece of this blueberry snack cake with a cup of tea. However you enjoy it, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Get the recipe for my whipped cream by clicking the image below:

Printable Chalkboard Art: Bright Sunshin’ Day

August 8, 2015 by Angela Paris

Printable Chalkboard Art makes a great addition to any room! This “It’s Gonna Be A Bright Sunshin’ Day” really makes a wonderful DIY gift for any occasion, too.

Printable Chalkboard Art

I love creating my own wall art, especially chalkboard themed. I am super excited to share this printable chalkboard art with you today. It’s such a simple but fun design, and you can’t beat the sentiment! Don’t you think this would be lovely in a nursery, living room, or even classroom or a cubicle? Anywhere you need a little mental pick-me-up. When I’m having a rough day, sometimes stopping for a moment to concentrate on a positive thought can help me turn it around.

This printable makes a great gift for birthdays, teacher appreciation, housewarming, or just because. It would also be a sweet gift for someone struggling with a chronic illness or disease. It’s a thoughtful little something that is sure to make the recipient smile.

For the best quality, take it to your local copy center to be printed. It’s pretty affordable depending on the quality of paper you select. And this way you don’t use up all your black ink. Then just pick up a pretty but inexpensive frame for the finishing touch. For chalkboard printables, I love a simple white frame, but a buttery yellow would be lovely with this, too.

Sometimes we all need to remember the importance of sunshine and a positive attitude! Download this fun free Bright Sunshin’ Day chalkboard printable art today.

D O W N L O A D > > >

Note: These graphics are property of Juggling Act Mama. These graphic file is for personal use only and cannot be sold or republished. Please see our Copy Right Notice for more information.

Grilled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs

June 25, 2018 by Angela Paris

Make Grilled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs with peppers and onions for a deliciously flavorful meal the whole family will love – you can even divide and freeze part!

Grilled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs

There’s nothing better than grilling

in the summertime! No stoves on to make the kitchen unbearable, and less dishes, too. Plus somehow everything just tastes better when you eat it outdoors. These Grilled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs are an impressive dish to serve for company, but work just as well for a low-key meal for the family, or intimate dinner for two.

Print Recipe

Teriyaki Beef Kabobs

Ingredients

4 pounds boneless round steak cut into cubes
2 large green peppers
1 large vidalia onion
bamboo skewers soaked in water
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil for the grill
MARINADE:
1-1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger chopped
3 large garlic cloves chopped

Instructions

Whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, ginger and garlic in a large bowl.
In a resealable container, add the vegetables and 1/2 cup of the marinade mixture. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the kabobs.
Add the beef cubes to the remaining marinade and toss to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Marinate beef in refrigerator for 4-24 hours. (The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be).
Remove beef from the marinade, shaking to remove any excess liquid. Discard marinade. Repeat with the vegetables.
Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers. Lightly salt and pepper if desired.
Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
Cook the kabobs on preheated grill until the beef is cooked through, about 3 minutes per side to cook evenly. Remove from the heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

A little tip – whatever you do, don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers. This keeps them from burning while the food is cooking on the grill!

I love making this easy dish for my family. That teriyaki marinade comes together in just minutes. Now while I don’t care for the vegetables themselves, I love the flavor they add to the meat. My husband, aka Mr. Juggling Act, loves the veggies. He ends up with tons of them on his plate and is as happy as can be. Leftovers, if there are any, never go to waste. This is great with a simple pasta salad, or in a roll for quick sandwich.

If this recipe is just for two, you can also divide this recipe in half and freeze a portion for another day. Bag the vegetables and marinade, and the beef and marinade in separate freezer bags. Place the two bags inside another freezer bag, label and seal. This will keep well for 2-3 months. Allow the bags to thaw in the refrigerate overnight, which doubles as marinading time as well.

Teriyaki Beef Kabobs with peppers and onions

You can serve these Grilled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs on the stick, or take the meat and veggies off to serve it family style. Either way, it’s sure to be a big hit!

Love grilling? Me too! Check out these great grilled recipe collections:

This collection has recipes for appetizers to desserts, and everything in between!

This collection of grilled main meals will not disappoint!

Please Excuse the Mess, The Children are Making Memories Printable

July 27, 2015 by Angela Paris

Download this free Please Excuse the Mess, The Children are Making Memories chalkboard printable for your home!

One of the things I struggle with most as a mom is finding ways to keep my house somewhat neat, while still allowing my kids to be kids. There are just about always toys on the floor, the counter, or the table (or all three!) I’m forever doing laundry and there are piles of clothes to be folded on the end of the couch 6 days out of 7. There are always dishes in the sink to be washed or the drying rack to be put away. While there are days that this state of disarray definitely bothers me, I try to remember the ‘big picture.’

Let’s face it, we only have today with our kids, and will they remember a clean home, or a fun home? Frankly, I don’t even mind if they do remember the laundry on the couch, because hopefully it’s because of the fort they built with the sheets that hadn’t yet been folded.

Life is short, right? And we all know childhood is fleeting, so I give you permission to skip the housework! This printable is a nice reminder to let some of the “I shoulds” go, and just enjoy the time you have with your kiddos.

And if you don’t mind, please excuse the mess in our home…

Download the free printable file here > > >

Please Note: These graphics are property of Juggling Act Mama. These graphic files are for personal use only and cannot be sold or republished. Please see our Copy Right Notice for more information.

For best results, have this file printed at a copy center such as Staples or Kinkos.

Check out more free printables at Juggling Act Mama.

Here are a few of my favorite printable wall art prints that are free for you to download! (Click the images to see more and download):

15 Homemade Playdough Recipes

September 12, 2021 by Angela Paris

Playdough is super fun for kids anytime of year, and it’s easy to make your own homemade playdough with the kids!

My kids never met a playdough they didn’t love to play with, and since we’re always looking for new fun ways to play, I’m sharing 15 homemade playdough recipes today. From scented to glow-in-the-dark, there’s something here for everyone!

15 Homemade Playdough Recipes

It’s the perfect sensory activity for summer: watermelon and creamsicle ice cream playdough! It looks good enough to eat.
For another taste-safe option, try this pretty marshmallow playdough in your favorite colors. You could even add sprinkles for more color and fun.

Help your kids feel calmer by adding some essential oils to your favorite playdough recipe.

Worried about little ones taking a bite? Let them with this totally edible peanut butter playdough.

Your kids will love playing with this apple pie scented play dough in the fall and winter. It smells so good!
How fun is this glow-in-the-dark playdough recipe? Great activity for studying luminescence.
Crush up some of your favorite cookies to make this Oreo cookie playdough. Your kids will love playing “baker” with it!

Learn about color theory by combining different colors of playdough.

This soothing lavender playdough uses essential oils, too. Lavender works especially well for calming kiddos at bedtime.

Out of food coloring? Make Kool-Aid playdough instead. It smells great and looks really pretty.
Nearly everyone has some Jello in the cupboard. If you do, whip up some Jello playdough with the kids. It’s so easy!
Are your kids in a hurry to get the playdough in their hands? Almost instant playdough is just what you need!

This night sky playdough is gorgeous. It really does look like the night sky, and you can add some glow-in-the-dark stars to it, too!

Add pumpkin pie playdough to your list of things to do in the fall. Or make it now. Is there ever a bad time to smell the pumpkin pie scent?

Do you have Frozen fans in your house? Sparkly Frozen-inspired playdough is a must-have.

Mango Orange Ice Pops

June 25, 2018 by Angela Paris

These super healthy Mango Orange Ice Pops made with fresh mango puree, orange juice, and vanilla yogurt are a great kid-friendly summer snack any time of day!

Summer is here and I’m so ready to just relax and kick back with the kiddos. It is the perfect time to send the kids to play and not worry about getting dirty – that’s part of the fun of summer! And let’s face it, there’s nothing more quintessentially summer than ice pops! These are so easy to make, and super fun to make with the kids. The creaminess of the yogurt with the sweet mango and orange is just divine!

These Mango Orange Ice Pops are a play on the Orange Mango Smoothie recipe I made recently. With Ethan’s food sensory issues, getting him to drink a smoothie is painful. But an ice pop goes down no problem! You’re going to love how delicious and simple these are!

But the best part, honestly, is how healthy they are. Like the smoothies, they’re packed with fresh fruit, juice and yogurt. It’s a nice healthy treat for my kids, and they think they’re being spoiled! Full of vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants, I’ve even let my kids eat these at breakfast time in the summer (Shhhh! Don’t tell my mom!)

Print Recipe

Mango Orange Ice Pops

Ingredients

2 bananas sliced
2 oranges peeled and divided into segments
2 whole mangos cut into pieces
1 cup vanilla yogurt optional

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and process until smooth.
To make pops, pour the mixture into a mold and freeze until solid.

Don’t these just look divine? Of course you could play around with the flavors if you like. Mango and pineapple would be delicious also, or add some strawberries to the mixture – whatever your family enjoys. What’s your favorite fruit combinations?

Blueberry Oat Muffins

June 25, 2018 by Angela Paris

These Blueberry Oat Muffins by Juggling Act Mama for Busy Mom’s Helper are loaded with fresh sweet blueberries, hearty oats and a few chopped walnuts.

I don’t know about your house, but at mine mornings are a whir of activity. The kids seem to have turned into turtles overnight, moving as slowly as possible. Despite my constant coaxing, we’re nearly always running out the door with me saying ‘ComeOnWeAreGoingToBeLate’ with a muffin or granola bar half in my mouth! Having something quick and easy, but healthy and filling that we can grab as we hustle around in the morning is our saving grace sometimes.

These blueberry oat muffins fit the bill perfectly. Last summer, we picked so many blueberries, that I froze them in gallon-size bags. Now I just thaw the berries and in no time I can whip up a batch of these on the weekend. They make great in-between meal snacks, too. These will keep in the fridge for about a week, if they last that long!

Blueberry Oat Muffin by Juggling Act Mama for Busy Mom's Helper Feature

Print Recipe

Blueberry Oat Muffins

These Blueberry Oat Muffins are loaded with fresh sweet blueberries, hearty oats and sprinkled with toasted chopped walnuts for a delicious healthy breakfast on-the-go!

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time18 mins

Total Time38 mins

Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups quick cooking oats uncooked, divided
2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon wheat germ optional
1 tablespoon milled flax seed optional
1/4 teaspoon salt optional
1 cup milk
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 teaspoon applesauce
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350-degrees. Spread the oats and nuts on a baking sheets and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes to bring out the flavors.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites. Add the applesauce, canola oil, lemon zest, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
Once you are done toasting the oats and nuts, set the walnuts and 1/4 cup of the oats aside for the topping.
Preheat the oven to 400-degrees and prepare a muffin pan with paper liners or coat with cooking spray.
To the mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, milled flax seed, wheat germ, salt and the rest of the oats. Stir to combine.
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, taking care not to fill more than 3/4 of the cup. Top with the remaining oat and walnut mixed.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until a light golden brown. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow to cool in the pan on wire rack 5 minutes. Turn the muffins out onto the rack and serve warm.

Notes

Recipe adapted from http://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipe/lemon-blueberry-oatmeal-muffins.aspx

You can also double the recipe and make a big batch to freeze. After they cool completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then slide them into a gallon-size freezer bag. They’ll keep for a couple weeks in there and are great to have on hand. To thaw, just remove them from the freezer bag and set the individual muffins in the refrigerator overnight.

Love Homemade Muffins?

Try one of these other delicious recipes from Juggling Act Mama:

Tomato Basil Compound Butter

June 25, 2018 by Angela Paris

This amazingly flavorful Tomato Basil Compound Butter seems like something you could only get at a fancy restaurant, but it’s really so simple to make at home in just a few minutes!

Well hello there! I’m Ang – the Juggling Act Mama – and I’m thrilled to be a part of Danielle’s creative team here at Busy Mom’s Helper. I blog about food, crafts, DIY and all kinds of other stuff, so I hope you’ll come visit me soon!

Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my most favorite kinds of recipes – 5 minute recipes! This Tomato Basil Compound Butter comes together in just 5 minutes – for real. It’s packed with flavor, looks beautiful, and is perfect for company, parties, or any old time you want.

I love making my own compound butters. They seem so fancy and fussy, but they’re really so simple. And so very, very delicious! This one pairs two of my favorite flavors – tomato and basil. My husband, affectionately dubbed Mr. Juggling Act Mama, is Italian and I’ve come to love the flavors he grew up eating. This Tomato Basil Compound Butter really couldn’t be simpler – the key is starting with room temperature butter. Be sure you don’t get impatient and pop it into the microwave because that will ruin the texture.

Print Recipe

Tomato Basil Compound Butter

This amazingly flavorful Tomato Basil Compound Butter seems like something you could only get at a fancy restaurant, but it's really so simple to make at home in just a few minutes!

Ingredients

1 stick of salted butter room temperature
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
Ground black pepper to taste optional

Instructions

In the bowl of your mixer, combine the room temperature butter, tomato paste and basil.
Whip together on medium until well combined.
Using a rubber spatula, transfer the mixture to a ramekin and refrigerate until firm.

Notes

Delicious over hot pasta, or spread on Italian bread and top with granulated garlic salt for the most incredible garlic bread you've ever eaten!

You can serve this Tomato Basil Compound Butter so many different ways. My favorite is to spread it on Italian bread with a sprinkle of granulated garlic salt – it makes the most incredible garlic bread. It’s also delicious on pasta, and even chicken or steak.

I have lots of compound butters on Juggling Act Mama, here are some reader favorites:

I hope you’ll stop by and visit me soon! Until next time…