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Confetti Cake

5/26/2021

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For my son's 17th birthday, I decided to make him a confetti cake. Honestly, it's a lot easier than it looks y'all. 
  • Bake cakes per recipe & let cool in fridge overnight
  • Using a biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out the center of one cake layer. Reserve the center cut outs.
  • ​Place the cut layer on top of an uncut cake layer, and use it as a guide to cut out the second circle. This ensures that each cut out is in the same position for each layer. Repeat for each layer.
  • Spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting in between each cake layer, being careful not to overflow into the center.
  • Fill the center of the cake with different size sprinkles and candies, layering as you go. Leave about a 1/2 inch of space from the top of the cake. For this cake I used:
    • Nonpareils (small sprinkles that will roll into every nook & cranny of your kitchen)
    • Jimmies (large sprinkles)
    • Jelly Beans
  • ​Take one of the center cut outs and cut it in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of frosting on the bottom of the cut out. Then place it, frosting side down, on top of the cake filling the hole.
  • Frost the cake & refrigerate overnight.
  • Cut the cake... wait for the ooooo's and ahhhhhh's.
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Grinch Fruit Skewers

12/7/2020

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I made these adorable Grinch Fruit Skewers for my stepson’s elementary school Christmas celebration years ago. They were a hit with the kids and the parents loved them because it wasn’t packed with a ton of refined sugar.
 
WHAT YOU NEED
  • Small Skewers or Large Toothpicks (I used large green plastic toothpicks. You can also you lollipop sticks here if you want something a little less pokey.)
  • Green Seedless Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Large Marshmallows
  • Mini Marshmallows
 
HOW TO DO IT
  • Pick and wash the grapes. Set aside to dry.
  • Wash the strawberries, and slice off the top of each one. Then, place them cut side down on a paper towel.
  • Cut the large marshmallows in half.

TIP:  Make sure the fruit is dry before stacking it with the marshmallows.
 
To assemble a Grinch, place the items on the skewer in this order:
​
Grape
Large Marshmallow Half
Strawberry (Upside Down)
Mini Marshmallow
 
Viola! You just made yourself a Grinch. I paired these cuties with a simple baggie of rainbow colored fruit, and packaged them all in Christmas themed containers.

PRINT RECIPE
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Elf on the Shelf

12/3/2020

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Our family had so much fun with the Elf on the Shelf. We started it when he was about 9 years old, and continued it until he was about 13. My son would request the return of SJ, his elf, because “it just wouldn’t be Christmas without him.” Melt. My. Heart. Sweet boy, I would move mountains for you, so if you want an Elf on the Shelf, you’re going to get the best Elf on the Shelf ever. And so we did.
 
If the thought of creating something completely over the top every single night stresses you out, Here are some tips:
​
  • Keep it simple. The elf can simply move from room to room, hide in the refrigerator, or climb the Christmas tree. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
  • Use their toys. Have fun with it!
  • Use what you have around the house. One night a shelf collapsed in our laundry room. Disaster, right? Wrong. Put the elf on top of the mess and viola. Elf on the Shelf mischief… and it was hilarious!
  • The best tip I can give you is to PLAN AHEAD. Plan the whole month in advance if you can. Once you have your plan for each day, set a reminder in your calendar so you don't forget.
 
My son would cackle with laughter each morning when he saw the mischief that SJ created. THAT is what it was all about for me. Seeing his face light up was everything. From shredding a snowman, to “making” cookies SJ created some pretty fun memories for our family.

The introduction of our Elf on the Shelf, SJ.
Snow Angels in Sprinkles
SJ Loves Minecraft

Some of my favorites...
Just A Little Shopping
Shredded Snowman
Ooops
Trapped in a Gumball Machine
Worst Cookies Ever!
Yoga Time
Sup Dude
Jeep Ride
The Reason for the Season
Cocoa with Snowman
Let's Make Treats
Need. More. Sugar.
Sugar!
Making Cookies
Probably my favorite SJ moment ever.
SJ get into Amber's wine...
Sponge Bob Square Pants
Let's play a game!
Family Game Night
Help!
A Zipline in the Living Room
Bows!
Let's Make A Mess!
Elf Treats
Fallen Laundry Shelf
Star Wars
Taking Over Amber's Voiceover Microphone

When your child visits the other parent...

We have our son the majority of the time, but when he would visit his biological mother, I would come up with cute ways for SJ to let my son know that he'd be right there waiting for him when he came back home. 
SJ pouting in my son's bed until he came back home.
SJ taking care of my son's electronics while he was away from home.
This house is under elf surveillance

Free Downloads for You

Elf on the Shelf Stationary
Naughty Notice
Merry Christmas y'all!

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Stepmom Thanksgiving

11/24/2020

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On the years where my stepson isn’t with us for Thanksgiving, I prepare Thanksgiving twice. Once for him so he can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner with family, and then I prepare a second feast on Thanksgiving day.

​​It’s a lot of work, and it’s not easy, but I’d do anything for this child.
 
Because of him… I’m a mom.
 
I didn’t give birth to him, but he is my child.
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​I take him to doctor appointments, go to parent teacher meetings, and make his meals. I teach him right from wrong, table manners, how to say yes ma’am, no sir and y’all. I take care of him when he’s sick, encourage him when he’s down, and I love him unconditionally.
To all of my fellow step parents out there… I see you. I know how much you carry on your shoulders and the heaviness in your heart. Don’t stop. Keep charging forward. Keep loving that child unconditionally. You’re making a difference.
 
Love. Never. Fails.

Stepmom Support
If you’re a stepmom and looking for support, I am a huge fan of Stepmom Magazine. It’s an incredible resource that talks about tough topics, helpful tools, support and encouragement. “Because even when it’s good… it’s complicated.”
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School Lunches

8/19/2020

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I’ve always loved making lunches for my stepson to take to school. Even now, as he’s starting his junior year of high school, he still asks me to make his breakfast with a boujee coffee to go in the morning, and I make him a lunch to eat at school.
 
Now, I realize that this is one of 100 things I have to do in the morning, and I know he’s old enough to do this for himself. BUT, I want my son to grow up knowing his step mamma loves him, cares for him, and always tries to give him the best in every way. So I will gladly spend a few extra minutes for my boy.
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These lunches don’t have to be fancy y’all. They just have to taste good and look appetizing to your kid.

For my son’s lunches, I like using these reusable 
bento boxes. The compartments keep everything separated and sealed, there’s no waste, and it goes straight in the dishwasher when he gets home.

Easy peasy.

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For his breakfast I use these plant-based disposable clamshell boxes. Order them on Amazon, and they arrive the next day. Done.

It keeps his breakfast warm until he gets to school and eats it, it’s safe for the environment, and it’s one less dish we have to wash.

​Win. Win.

​Here are a few simple lunch ideas...
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    Amber
    the Penney Farms Princess

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  • Home
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  • Recipes & More
    • Restaurant Reviews
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    • Sweet Stuff
    • Events & Grazing
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Jen, The Eat at Home Realtor
    • Stepmom Life
  • Subscribe
  • The Gram