holiday Archives - Busy Moms Helper

New Year’s Eve Printable for Kids

December 26, 2017 by Keri Houchin

Get ready to ring in the new year with the family, including the kiddos. It’s time to look back on 2017 and plan for a wonderful 2018! Give the kids this New Year’s Eve printable to fill out their best memories and resolutions.

Do you make a New Year’s resolution every year? How about your kids? I think it’s really important to set goals, no matter how old you are. As parents, we can help our kids choose goals that are realistic and also fun to accomplish.

Whether you let them stay up until midnight or not quite that late, this New Year’s Eve printable can be a fun family activity. Sit down together and talk about your memories from the year and what things you want to do or are looking forward to next year.

This printable is fun and would make a great keepsake. The first section is a little “about me” to capture what your child loves now. The middle area includes three spaces for memories from the past year and at the end, there is space to make resolutions for next year.

I wanted to keep this simple and my kids really prefer to write with a prompt. I think making resolutions is hard for kids and adults when you don’t have guidelines. I mean, there’s so much you could do, right?

So I included little prompts on each line to get the kids started.

To print your New Year’s Eve page, click HERE.

Although I made this with elementary-aged kids in mind, I think older kids and adults will have fun with it too. I think it would be really fun to do these every year (so there’s no date on this printable!). I love being able to look back and ahead at the same time.

If you’re looking for something more goal-driven, this New Year’s goal printable is perfect for that. It has space to write in a single goal, plus everything you need to do to reach it. I think it goes really nicely with the New Year’s Eve printable for kids, if you want to use both.

How are you celebrating New Year’s Eve with your family?

Saint Patrick’s Day Neighbor Gift + Printable

February 16, 2017 by Keri Houchin

Share a little luck with your neighbors this spring with a fun and easy Saint Patrick’s Day neighbor gift. I also created a cute printable tag that reads, “Our neighborhood is lucky to have you!”

I love the idea of a little leprechaun sneaking around leaving pots of gold on porches on St. Patrick’s Day. This is such a cute and fun way to surprise your neighbors.

You need just a few craft supplies and this free Saint Patrick’s Day printable to make this Saint Patrick’s Day neighbor gift. I made three versions of the tag – neighborhood, school, and blank so you can write your own message.

Supplies

paper mache pot (I found mine at JoAnns for $1.49.)
black chalk paint
paintbrush
black pipe cleaner
hot glue gun & glue
2 green ribbons, each about 24 inches long
St. Patrick’s Day printable (click to download)
chocolate coins or other candy

Directions

I started by painting the pot with the chalk paint. I painted two coats about halfway down the inside and all of the outside. Follow the directions on your paint.

Mine needed to dry an hour between coats and I let it dry completely overnight. I used an empty toilet paper tube to hold it up off of the newspaper while it dried.

Next, I used the hot glue to attach the pipe cleaner on the inside for a handle. This only needed to dry for a minute.

I cut the thin green ribbon and tied it to one end of the handle. I looped it through the tag, then wrapped the rest of it around the handle and tied it at the other end.

I then tied the thick green ribbon in a bow opposite from the tag and filled the pot with candy.

Don’t forget to add some treasure to your Saint Patrick’s Day neighbor gift. I found these chocolate coins at JoAnn too. If you have trouble finding them, rainbow candy like Skittles would be fun or anything wrapped in gold foil, like Rolos or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

If you don’t want to fill the whole container with candy, ball up some black tissue paper to fit in the bottom of the pot.

Download Printable HERE

Here are a few more spring printables you’ll love:

Printable spring bucket list

Printable spring break journal

Spring print and color bookmarks

Mint Thins

December 20, 2016 by Nikki Cole

Mint Thins are a perfect treat to enjoy on a cold winter night and fun to serve at all those holiday parties. These Mint Thins are impressive and simple to make without making a million dishes and breaking the bank or taking hours to accomplish something that will be eaten in a matter of hours or even minutes. The only down fall? not being able to stop eating the cookies!

Who loves girl scout cookies? Well I love girl scout cookies especially Mint Thins, I can easily eat a whole box in one sitting and not necessarily a long sitting either. Have you started to notice how pricy they are getting for such a small box? These cookies are amazing and now there’s a recipe that is almost exact replica of Mint Thins and are amazing, especially exciting to have the nice mint flavor cookies for Christmas.

Mint Thins are a mixture of cool mint and delicious chocolate that literally melts in your mouth. With this recipe it not only is easy and requires simple ingredients but makes a perfect neighbor or friend gift without hours of baking or shopping to find inexpensive gifts.

Ingredients

¼ cup whipping cream
¾ cup chocolate chips
1 package chocolate almond bark, divided
¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 9-oz. packages of chocolate wafer cookies

Directions

In a small saucepan bring whipping cream to a simmer over medium heat. Place ¾ cup chocolate chips in pan, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in extract, let cool for a minute.
Spoon a small amount onto one side of a cookie, place another cookie on top. Let harden in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
In a microwave melt the package of almond bark in 30 second intervals until smooth.
Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
Dip cookies in melted almond bark and place on the cookie sheet.
Let harden and enjoy.

This Mint Thin recipe is also really good for interchanging flavors. Instead of peppermint extract you can change it out to orange, raspberry, or even pomegranate. Different flavors makes different cookies and different exciting treats, these extracts are sometimes found just at a normal grocery store but pomegranate and anything real fancy will be found at a specific baking store.

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

November 21, 2016 by Nikki Cole

It’s fall and you know what that means? Yes pumpkin everything! I love pumpkin but not till recently had I ever tried making bread and especially never thought to make pumpkin bread with cream cheese. I now have a new favorite pumpkin recipe of Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread that is a complete melt in your mouth fall favorite recipe that makes a perfect dessert or even a nice breakfast.

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread is incredible bread that will be perfect for any dinner, dessert, or even a quick grab and go breakfast, and it is pretty simple to make. With the recipe it only makes one loaf but I hate putting a partial can of pumpkin in the fridge, well I bought the big can that was 29 ounces, anyways so I ended up tripling the recipe, made three loafs but kept the bread mix in three separate bowls so it was easy to split into the bread pans. If you are good at measuring things out you can triple it in one bowl, make just a single loaf, whatever fits your needs.

Bread – Ingredients

1 egg
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda

Cream Cheese Filling – Ingredients

1 egg
4 ounces softened cream cheese
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a bread loaf pan with non-stick spray and then dust it with flour, the flour makes it a lot easier to get the bread out of the pan.
For the bread, mix the first 10 ingredients well in a large bowl.
Add in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, gently stir in just until combined; don’t overmix.
Pour about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan spreading it smooth and pushing it into the corners. Set aside.
For the cream cheese filling put all ingredients into a mixer and cream until nice and fluffy, usually about five minutes.
Evenly pour the cream cheese filling mixture over the bread, be careful not to push the filling into the pumpkin mixture but getting it to all the edges.
Top the cream cheese layer with the remaining pumpkin batter, smoothing the top without pushing it into the cream cheese layer and again still covering the cream cheese getting the pumpkin mix to all edges.
Bake for about 50 minutes or until the bread slightly starts to pull away from the edges.
Allow the bread to slightly cool in the pan, then gently run a spatula along the edges and turn over onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy!

Printable Holiday Gift Tags for Christmas

November 9, 2016 by Keri Houchin

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but I always know a present is going to be amazing if the wrapping is eye-catching. Put these printable holiday gift tags on all of your Christmas presents this year to wow the recipients.

These gift tags are adorable with presents and stockings and ornaments. The background is a very light blue. They’re so bright and cheerful – which is perfect for Christmastime, of course!

I think the snowman is my favorite. {You can see him in the picture of the pages below.}

I made these printable holiday gift tags in a lot of different sizes so that they will be perfect for everyone on your gifting list.

6 – 1”x2” tags
4 – 2”x2” tags
2 – 2”x3” tags
6 – 3” round tags

The round ones fit inside the lid of a wide-mouth canning jar. You could trim them to fit the standard size too. Candy and homemade treats are always one of my favorite gifts to give and receive.

The smallest tags have “To” and “From” and the round ones have plenty of space for writing in the middle.

Oh, and there’s one tag that says “Happy New Year!” for anyone {like me, ahem} that might need to give someone a gift after the big day has passed.

Click to download both pages: Printable holiday gift tags

These print on regular 8-1/2”x11” paper. Cardstock is great for durability and these might be fun on specialty papers like textured or glitter.

Print at home or your favorite copy shop and then cut them out. You can punch holes to tie them to packages or print onto label paper for self-sticking tags.

Here are a few more printables to get you in the Christmas spirit:

Free printable holiday gift planner

Free printable coloring gift tags

Printable Christmas coloring & activity book

Printable Easter Art Coloring Page

March 24, 2016 by Keri Houchin

Easter is a one day holiday, but it’s one that can be super busy! With all the excitement, not to mention a little candy, it can be hard to get the kids to sit still and be quiet. This printable Easter art coloring page is the perfect activity for a quiet time and relaxing or just for fun.

Many years ago my family’s Easter traditions included going to church in the morning, a big lunch, an egg hunt, and then family photos in the afternoon. Sometimes we also did a big supper with ham. It was too busy for preschoolers, especially ones who didn’t like crowds or a change in routine.

When you add in a few chocolate eggs and marshmallow chicks, it’s easy to see how our holiday usually ended with cranky crying kids.

Since then we have simplified our traditions to focus on only the most important things. While that’s different for many families, there is one thing we all enjoy: spending time with loved ones.

Coloring is a fun and calming activity, whether you’re a preschooler or an adult. This printable Easter page has lots of little details that can be any color you want.

I made two different printables this time. One is a coloring page and the other is already colored in, in case you just want a pretty printable to decorate.

Click to download: Printable Easter Art {colored} or Printable Easter Coloring Page {blank}

If you’re looking for candy alternatives, coloring pages and accessories are a fun and simple choice. We like:

scented markers
colored pencils (beyond the basic primary colors)
pencil sharpener
small stencils
stickers
ink stamps

Whether you add this Easter art printable to your child’s basket or just use it for festive décor, I hope you enjoy it and have a happy Easter.

Looking for more Easter printables?

Easter Activity Book Printable

Easter Bingo Printable

Fun Easter Treat Tubes with Printable Stencils

Polar Express Treats

December 20, 2015 by Nikki Cole

Polar Express Hot Chocolate!

Ever watch Polar express and see the hot chocolate scene and think how amazing that hot chocolate has to be? Every time I watch Polar Express I have to have hot chocolate and now have a recipe for Polar Express Hot Chocolate that is amazing!

This recipe is pretty simple but it does take longer than sticking a cup of water in the microwave and pouring in a packet. This recipe is also very versatile where you can take out things or adjust it to your liking, like when I am in a hurry I will usually just mix a little heavy whipping cream, milk, and hot cocoa mix together. With this recipe you can also have a fun hot chocolate party with your kids or in my case my sister and friends. So try it out, change it up, but grab a cup and the movie Polar Express and enjoy!

Ingredients:

¾ cup heavy whipping cream
½ can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
¾ cup milk chocolate chips (make sure they are milk because semi and dark make it not so sweet)
3 cups milk
½ teaspoon vanilla
Toppings! Marshmallows, chocolate chips, cool whip, candy canes, or whatever you like on your hot chocolate!

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a medium pot (except for toppings) and stir until chocolate chips are melted. Can also put in a slow cooker.
Once melted take off burner and let cool for 20 – 30 minutes or faster if you put it in the fridge. Usually getting it all melted boils the liquid and no one wants to burn their tongue so just make sure it’s not boiling when you try or your kids try to drink it.
Pour hot chocolate into a cup and top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Polar Express Cupcakes

Now we have our drink for the movie and you can’t watch a movie without some kind of treat. These Polar Express Cupcakes are perfect for those with a sweet tooth. These cupcakes also carry a little surprise in the middle of them.

I use a basic betty crocker cupcake recipe and a vanilla cream cheese frosting, but really you can use whatever recipe you like.

Ingredients:

Cupcakes

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup hot water
2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
¾ cup shortening
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bag large marshmallows

Toppings:

Candy canes
Mini chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows
Mini candy canes
Christmas sprinkles

Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
1 – 4 tablespoons milk (I usually end up using just over 2 tablespoons)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350⁰ F. Place cupcake liners into cooking sheet.
In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder together and set aside. Mix hot water and cocoa together until dissolved; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl beat shortening until creamy, then slowly add sugar about ¼ cup at a time beating well and scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Alternating between flour mixture and cocoa mixture slowly add to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
Divide batter evenly between cupcake liners filling them about 2/3 full. (about 24 cupcakes)
Cut 12 marshmallows in half and place in the middle of each cupcake, you don’t have to press them all the way down.
Bake 20 – 25 minutes. Marshmallows will have mostly dissolved and look messy but that’s ok because they’ll be covered.
Once you pull the cupcakes out place 1 marshmallow into the crater or you could just place a half marshmallow.
Place cupcakes back into oven for about 3 – 5 minutes just until marshmallows get softened.
Pull out and let cool completely, very important they are cool before you start frosting.

Frosting directions

Place butter in a mixing bowl and cream. Add cream cheese and mix until full combined and smooth.
Add vanilla and powdered sugar and blend on low until fluffy.
Slowly add milk a little at a time until the right consistency.
Beat until fluffy, about 1 – 2 minutes

Decorate! Frost the cupcakes, then add any toppings you would like. To finish it off place a mini candy cane on the side for a “Handle” for a nice Hot Chocolate Cupcake! Try adding ¼ teaspoon mint extract to the cupcakes or frosting for a nice mint flavor!

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

December 8, 2015 by Angela Paris

Making homemade gifts doesn’t have to be time consuming and hard. This luxurious Peppermint Sugar Scrub is ready in just a few minutes. It’s perfect everyone on your list that could use some pampering! #EasyHomemadeGifts

Every year, I made lots of different homemade bath and beauty gifts for my family and friends. I love coming up with new texture and scent combinations. This peppermint sugar scrub is a classic. It’s a must-have for the holidays!

The recipe below makes approximately 1 cup. This is a good size for a stocking stuffer type gift. You can make a bigger batch if you’re making it for multiple people. It is easiest, however, if you don’t multiply it more than 4 times. (It is difficult to dye the sugar and mix the essential oil throughout in huge batches).

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Ingredients

½ cup coconut oil (room temp)

1 cup Sugar, granulated

5 drops Peppermint essential oil

1 drop Red food coloring

Directions

In a bowl, combine the coconut oil and sugar. Mix until well combined. You’re looking for a texture of wet sand.

Add the peppermint oil and mix well. If the mixture is not scented strong enough for you, add in small increments until you reach the strength you desire.

In a small container, place about 1/3 of the sugar scrub and combine with the food coloring. Mix well.

In a jar, start by layering the uncolored sugar scrub on the bottom of the jar, add the colored sugar scrub, and then top with the last bit of scrub.

Keep at room temperature in a covered container.

You can also mix this up in your stand mixer, or using a hand mixer. I like this method also, as the sugar scrub gets really well combined that way.

To use, simply massage into wet skin. The coconut oil helps to moisturize your skin. The sugar granules buff and polish. Skin will feel soft and smooth! (This is especially nice as a foot scrub.)

I hope you have enjoyed this easy homemade gift tutorial. Leave me a comment and let me know if you’d like to receive a Peppermint Sugar Scrub this holiday season!

Find More DIY Beauty Gift Ideas on Pinterest

Follow Juggling Act Mama – Ang Paris’s board DIY Health & Beauty on Pinterest.

Holiday Window Décor

November 27, 2015 by Nikki Cole

Christmas season is here! I don’t know about any of you but the holidays are my favorite time of year, the decorations, food, giving, receiving, and just the whole feeling of Christmas is amazing. So my house is not very big and does not have a lot of places for decorations but I love tons of decorations so I found this exciting way to dress up my windows for fairly cheap and quick way to add the spirit of Christmas to my house. Holiday Window Décor is easy and it doesn’t take up any needed space.

Christmas Bulbs

This one takes a little bit of thought because you don’t want to overcrowd one area or have them all one height. I also used three different sizes of bulbs, 15 big bulbs and then I bought a box of 20 that had a really small one and a kind of medium size bulb.

Supplies

Christmas bulbs 15 large 6 medium 6 small
Icicles 8-10
Fishing line
Tension rod
Scissors

Directions

If you already have a tension rod or a curtain like I did then skip to step two, if not go ahead and put in your tension rod and to make it look more festive you can wrap garland around it.
Start with the big bulbs and hang them different heights and space them out a little bit. Tie a knot to the bulb hook, measure if you like or just guess, then tie it to the tension rod.
After the large bulbs are hung move on to the medium and small ones putting them between spaces of the large bulbs tying them the same way.
Last add in the icicles in any empty spaces.

This window décor is mainly done by sight the key is to making them look good even spaces and filled in enough without overcrowding your window.

Candy Canes!

Supplies

Candy Canes
Ribbon
Garland
Tension rod
Hot glue gun

Directions

If you already have a tension rod skip this step, if not then put the tension rod in. I bought a twist one from Walmart. Now it took me a minutes to figure it out but it just twists out and you twist it till slightly bigger than the space then you can push it in slightly to slide it into place.
Wrap garland around the tension rod. You can use thick garland, thin, decorated garland or whatever fits your style.
Measure and cut the ribbon into strips of about 10 inches long or longer/shorter.
Fold one end of the ribbon over your finger then hot glue it together to make a loop for the candy cane.
Tie the other end of the ribbon to the tension rod.
Place candy canes through the loops.
I used 12 candy canes per window and I think it was great if anything I would take out two of them.

Customize your windows with different candy canes, ribbon, alternating short then long pieces or however you like, it’s your house make it look amazing to you!

10 tips for holiday travel with kids

October 23, 2015 by Keri Houchin

The holiday season is coming up fast. Chances are that your family will be traveling to visit extended family sometime in November of December. Traveling with kids can be stressful, but planning can make all the difference. These 10 tips for holiday travel with kids are practical and simple.

Hello Busy Mom’s Helper readers! It’s Keri from One Mama’s Daily Drama and today I want to share some really simple travel tips. My in-laws live about 300 miles from my home and it usually takes us about 5 or 6 hours along winding rural roads to get to their house.

Although we don’t travel as much now that my kids are older (ironically), when they were babies and toddlers, we made that drive almost every month. How did I keep from going crazy?

I made a few small plans that had a big effect. I want to share them with you so that when you are traveling with the kids for Thanksgiving or Christmas (or any time, really), it can be pleasant for everyone involved no matter how far you are going.

Plan for stops on the road.

Kids have tiny bladders and the rocking of the car doesn’t help. Expect to stop every hour or two (depending on how old your kids are) for a bathroom break. If you check the route ahead of time, you can plan to stop at the cleanest rest stops instead of funky gas stations.

Consider your child’s nap schedule.

The rocking of the vehicle can lull a cranky baby to sleep. If possible, plan to drive during nap time. This way, when you arrive at grandma’s house, baby will be ready to wake up and play and hopefully her sleep schedule won’t be off too much.

Make lists and delegate responsibilities.

If you are not an uber-organized person, keeping track of everything you need for the trip can be a chore. Make a list for each person’s suitcase and let the kids pack themselves if they are old enough. You’ll also want a list of gifts, car essentials, and a few emergency items.

Bring plenty of snacks.

When kids (and adults) get bored, they also get hungry. Pack easy travel friendly snacks that don’t need refrigeration, like granola bars, pretzels, and dried fruit.

Pack some new entertainment.

Fun car activities don’t have to be expensive – or even cost. Before each trip, I print off several free coloring pages and puzzles. What makes them interesting is that they are new.

Borrow an audio book from the library.

Christmas carols on a CD will get old pretty quick. Instead, pick up an audio book from your local library for free. Find something that will be interesting to kids and adults. We like classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Bunnicula series.

Spread out the fun.

If you give the kids all of the snacks and entertainment at the beginning of the trip, they will be bored in 20 minutes. Instead, make sticky notes with times on them and stick them near the clock. When each special moment arrives, hand out a new coloring page or snack.

Give your child a map.

In an age where technology is everything, the simplicity of a paper map is magical. Trace the route you will be following and highlight a few landmarks that your child can look for. It will help with the inevitable “are we there yet?”

Plan for emergencies.

Nobody wants to think about the dangers of traveling, but it’s important to be prepared. If it will be cold, make sure you have the essential emergency supplies. Check the air in the tires and pack a spare. Let others know when to expect you so that if you are very late, they can take appropriate action.

Don’t stress too much.

Sometimes this is easier said than done. It’s important to remember the reason for your trip: to visit loved ones. The holidays are a joyful time when we get to visit the people we love and don’t see as often. If you need to make a few extra stops, they will understand if you arrive a little late. If you forget to pack something, you can almost always find an alternative.

Which one of these tips for holiday travel with kids do you think would help your family?

Sugar Cookies!

October 10, 2015 by Nikki Cole

Nikki here to tell you a little bit about me. I love sugar, along with like everyone else, but the one thing I have never really liked is sugar cookies. Well four years ago I got married and can you guess what his favorite cookie is? Right, sugar cookies. I never wanted to make them for him because they were awful and even store bought ones I thought were bad and being the wonderful husband that he is we would always get the kind that I liked. I had tried different store bought ones, recipes with milk, or cream cheese, or whatever else and nothing was good. Now I am glad to tell you that that has all changed! I found a different recipe and it is amazing! I love these sugar cookies so much that I will gladly make them for my husband anytime he wants because I love them too!

These sugar cookies are amazing and simple to make, perfect for all the upcoming holidays. This recipe is simple to double if you need and these cookies keep fresh very well.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all purpose flour, plus another 1-2 cups extra for rolling dough out.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a stand mixer cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
Beat in the extracts and egg till combined.
Add in the baking powder.
One cup at a time add in the flour making sure its mixed in well before adding in another.
Sprinkle flour on a work surface. Make sure there is plenty of flour so the dough doesn’t stick.
Dump dough out onto the flour, sprinkle top with more flour and roll to about ¼ inch thick and use whatever cookie cutter shape you prefer.
Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. These don’t turn brown till they’re almost too done, mine are usually in the oven for about 8:45.
let completely cool before frosting.
Makes approx. 3 dozen cookies depending on the size, thickness, and how much cookie dough you eat.

Frosting!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened to room temperature, NOT melted.
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2-3 tablespoons milk (can add more for desired consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Directions:

In a stand mixer cream together the butter and sugar.
Add in extracts.
Very slowly add in the milk until desired consistency is reached.
Add in desired food coloring till color is reached.
Spread onto cooled cookies and decorate!