Thank you, Smart & Final, for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nachos, pizza, pretzels — one of my favorite parts of watching a game at a baseball stadium is the snacks. While we may not be able to watch every game at the stadium (or any in this 2020 season), we can indulge on game day eats and sweets at home.

Smart & Final makes it easy to root for the home team…at home!

I headed to my local Smart & Final for all of the supplies needed to make game day one for the record books. I love that I can stock up on everything from food and drinks to paper goods and cleaning products all in one spot.

Looking for inspiration for at-home baseball snacks? Try these!

• Nacho Bar
• DIY Pizzas
• Hot Dogs with All Your Favorite Toppings
• Baked Potatoes & Chili
• Pasta

The best part about being at home is you can dig into dishes that would be harder to eat at the stadium. Plus, you can curate your menu to suit every fan’s preferences.

Now, I wouldn’t advise tossing your peanut shells on the ground in your living room, but I WOULD advise getting baseball classics while shopping at Smart & Final. The best news is that your trip down the snack aisle will result in pre-packaged goodies that are ready to go. Grab popcorn, cotton candy, and Cracker Jack’s individually packaged.

If you’re looking for a new treat to enjoy while cheering on your home team, try these super easy Baseball Donuts. They only require two ingredients, and are perfect for beginning bakers.

Easy Baseball Donuts

Ingredients

• First Street Powdered Donuts
• Wilton Writing Gel, Red

How to Make Easy Baseball Donuts

It’s so simple to decorate your First Street Powdered Donuts to look like little baseballs!

Using your Wilton Writing Gel, found in the baking aisle, make a letter “C” and a backwards “C.” Then make stitches on your baseball by making little horizontal lines.

The gel will set, but is still pretty forgiving if you need to nudge your lines a little.

For a fun way to serve your donuts, tie a ribbon halfway done lollipop stick. Then load three donuts on top! If you find your donuts are slipping, a cardstock circle with a hole punched in the middle makes for a great base.

Hack: If you’re opting to stack your baseball donuts, I’d consider leaving some plain.

Making game day at home special is simple with a one-stop shopping trip at your local Smart & Final. Want to feel like you’ve hit a grand slam?! Share a photo with how you root for the home team on social media with the hashtag #MySmartandFinal to be entered to win a $250 gift card.

Hungry for More?

Try an easy kid-friendly snacks with Ice Cream Cone Fruit Cups! They’re a better-for-you treat that’s easy to eat!

Rooting for the home team at home couldn’t be easier than with tailgating supplies from Smart & Final. What’s your favorite game day snack?

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

My family and I go through baking phases. Right now we are in a “cover everything in chocolate” phase…and we are not sorry. We made chocolate dipped pretzels and Oreos for my niece’s high school graduation party. They disappeared so quickly that we made them again for our family reunion the next week.

We’ll be celebrating the 4th of July in just a few days, and these Patriotic Marshmallow Pops are prefect for celebrating with children.

These simple 4th of July treats are super kid-friendly. Not only because the their adorable and festive, but because they are simple to make.

Marshmallow pops are a fun grab and go treat. To make them patriotic, these are covered in red, white, and blue chocolate and star sprinkles. Aren’t they so cute?!?

Ingredients

Regular or jumbo size marshmallows

Candy melt wafers in red and royal blue

Candy melts in white or vanilla-flavored almond bark

Patriotic sprinkles (like stars) in red, white, and blue

Instructions

1. Press four marshmallows onto a straw or treat stick with a twisting motion. Lay on waxed paper.
2. Melt the candy melts in the microwave according to package directions giving special care not to overheat the candy. If the candy is overheated, it will be too thick. You can add 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help thin the chocolate but do not add any other type of liquid as the candy will seize and harden.
3. Transfer melted candy to a piping bag or zip-top freezer bag. Snip the corner of the bag and drizzle melted candy over the marshmallows. Allow each color to set before adding a new color.
4. Repeat piping the candy melts over the marshmallows until all three colors are applied: red, blue, and white. Immediately after applying the last color (white is recommended) and before it sets, top with patriotic sprinkles.
5. Allow the marshmallows to rest on waxed paper until set before packaging or serving.

Looking for more patriotic recipes?

Star spangle your 4th of July breakfast with Patriotic Pancakes!

We will be celebrating the 4th of July with festive red, white, and blue Patriotic Marshmallow Pops. How will you celebrate the holiday?

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

These Toy Story Oreos feature three favorite characters from the Toy Story franchise: Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the aliens. Yes, I’m counting the aliens at one. Plus, Bo Peep is back with a sassy look. We also meet a collection of new characters like Ducky and Bunny and a DIY art project turned toy named Forky.

When Bonnie takes the toys on her family’s road trip, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep, whose adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. Woody and Bo are worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, and they soon realize that’s the least of their worries.

Ingredients

For Woody:
1/3 (15.35 ounce) package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1/2 (12 ounce) package red candy melts wafers
1 (12 ounce) package yellow candy melts wafers

For Buzz Lightyear:
1/3 (15.35 ounce) package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1 (12 ounce) package white candy melts wafers
1/3 (12 ounce) package green candy melts wafers
1/3 (12 ounce) package purple candy melts wafers
2 tablespoons blue candy melts wafers

For Aliens:
1/3 (15.35 ounce) package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1 (12 ounce) package green candy melts wafers
Candy eyeballs

Instructions

For Woody:
1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. Melt yellow candy coating according to package directions. If the candy is too thick to pour, add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Stir well. Do not add water. You can add up to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per bag of candy wafers.
3. Dip each cookie into melted candy. Remove cookie, tapping gently against the side of the bowl, allowing excess candy to return to the bowl. If air bubbles form, pop them with a toothpick. Place the cookie onto the waxed paper. Allow to set completely before proceeding to the next step. To speed the process, cookies can be refrigerated or placed in the freezer in a single layer.
4. Melt red candy coating according to package directions. Transfer melted candy to a piping bag or zip top freezer bag with the corner snipped. Create solid lines across each cookie in a perpendicular pattern.
5. Allow cookie to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

For Buzz Lightyear:
1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. Melt white candy coating according to package directions. If the candy is too thick to pour, add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Stir well. Do not add water. You can add up to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per bag of candy wafers.
3. Dip each cookie into candy melts. Remove cookie, tapping gently against the side of the bowl, allowing excess candy to return to the bowl. If air bubbles form, pop them with a toothpick. Place the cookie onto the waxed paper. Allow to set completely before proceeding to the next step. To speed the process, cookies can be refrigerated or placed in the freezer in a single layer.
4. Melt green candy coating according to package directions. Dip each cookie into the melted candy about halfway. Return to wax paper and allow to set completely.
5. Melt purple candy coating according to package directions. Dip each cookie into the melted candy about halfway up the green area. Return to wax paper and allow to set completely.
6. Using a toothpick, apply a tiny amount of candy melts in three colors (green, blue, purple) to the cookie to represent Buzz’s buttons.
7. Allow cookie to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

For Aliens:
1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. Melt green candy coating according to package directions. If the candy is too thick to pour, add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Stir well. Do not add water. You can add up to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per bag of candy wafers.
3. Dip each cookie into candy melts. Remove cookie, tapping gently against the side of the bowl, allowing excess candy to return to the bowl. If air bubbles form, pop them with a toothpick. Place the cookie onto the waxed paper.
4. Immediately press three eyes into place.
5. Allow cookie to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

These Oreos are so much fun, aren’t they?!? They’d be perfect treats for a Toy Story birthday party or special treat to celebrate with your favorite Lost Toy.

Watch how to make Toy Story Oreos here:

Want to share your Oreos online? Check out this post with the Best Pixar Quotes for Instagram.

Toy Story 4 comes to theaters June 21, 2019. You can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Looking for an easy homemade Easter treat?  See how easy it is to decorate spring cupcakes, perfect for a garden celebration.

Easter is just around the corner, and the Easter Bunny isn’t the only one bringing sweets to the party.  These Carrot Patch Cupcakes are a darling way to make a statement with friends and family.  The cupcakes are topped with cookie OREO dirt and chocolate covered strawberries resembling carrots, for a double dose of delight.

I find a lot of joy in creating new recipes for my loved ones.  But let’s be honest, I don’t always have time to make everything from scratch.  Whenever I know my treats are going to require a little more decorating, I use recipe hacks or pre-made mixes to save me a little time.

These Carrot Patch Cupcakes are an example of a such a recipe.  If you wanted to save a little time, you can use a cake mix and store-bought frosting.  No one will mind!

Carrot Patch Cupcakes

Ingredients:

12 cupcakes from your favorite recipe or boxed mix

2 to 3 cups chocolate frosting from your favorite recipe or store bought

1 cup ground Oreo Cookies

12 strawberries, washed and dried

1 (12 ounce) package orange candy melts

Instructions:

 Melt the candy wafers according to package directions giving special care not to overheat the candy. If the candy coating is overheated, it will be too thick. You can add 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help thin the candy but do not add any other type of liquid as the candy will seize and harden.

Dip strawberries into the melted candy and then place on waxed paper. Once the candy has set, pour remaining melted candy into a zip-top freezer bag or piping bag with the tip snipped. Drizzle over the strawberries. Allow to set completely before decorating the cupcakes.

Using a 1A round piping tip, add a border of frosting around the cupcake. Place a small amount in the middle.

Flip each cupcake and dip the frosted top into ground Oreo cookies.

Top each cupcake with a dipped strawberry.

How to Serve Carrot Patch Cupcakes

To keep up with the garden cupcake theme, Carrot Patch Cupcakes can be served on a bed of green Easter grass.  I love the look of the crinkle in this Crinkle-Cut Paper Filling to mimic grass in the galvanized tin.

I love a chilled strawberry covered in yummy chocolate!  If you don’t plan on serving your cupcakes right away, you can always store your strawberries separately and then pop them on your cupcakes when it’s time to party.

Some bunny told me you’re going to love these Garden Patch Cupcakes!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There are certain recipes I need each year to make it feel like the holidays.  The most delicious fudge that takes hours of stirring; my aunt Betsy’s mint chocolate brownies with their layers of chocolate, mint, and perhaps heaven.  Each year I know that I need the traditional favorites, but I also love to add in new treats to the mix.

These Holiday Thumbprint Cookies are going to be your new favorite cookie!

You may have had the peanut butter blossom cookies before.  The yummy peanut butter cookie is rolled in sugar.  Once baked, a Hershey Kiss is added to the top.  The peanut butter/chocolate combo is to die for.  Let’s mix it up this holiday season by combining these traditional blossom cookies with some hints of red velvet goodness.

One of the things I love most about these cookies is that there’s something for everyone.  My peanut butter lovers are happy; my chocolate lovers are happy.  Plus, having a job for each of my three daughters is a huge win too.  You would be surprised that they are all actively looking for jobs, but when it comes to baking they all want to get their hands dirty (literally and figuratively).

Unwrapping the Hershey Kisses is  great job for my preschooler.  She also is very good at “poison testing” to make sure the kisses are suitable.  The peppermint bark flavor is like a chocolatey cane cane.  The red and white striping of the kisses is perfectly matched to the red cookies and white sprinkles.  If you can’t find them in your local store, feel free to swap in any flavor of kiss that you adore. 

Cookie Exchange Recipes

Looking for more recipes to bring to a cookie exchange this holiday season?  Remember that it doesn’t have to be a cookie.  Any sweet treats are popular for swapping with friends and family.

Cotton Candy Fudge

Looking for a way to treat your little ballet dancer?  Make Sugar Plum Fairy-inspired fudge that’s filled with cotton candy flavored sweetness.

Maple Butterbeer Cookies

Accio cookie!  These maple butterbeer flavored cookies are downright magical!

The holidays are here, and it’s time to start baking.  What treats will you be making this holiday season? 

This post may contain affiliate links.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

These Mary Poppins cupcakes are French Vanilla with homemade frosting and an umbrella fondant topper.  They are seriously the sweetest, and I promise you can make them with no magic required.

Mary Poppins Cupcakes

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve got limited time on my hands.  So I pick my battles, my scheduling battles as well as my baking battles.  If there’s going to be a super cute topper for a treat, I’m so okay with cutting out other steps.

So let’s just keep it between you and me that the cupcakes themselves started with a cake mix.  Or heck, let’s shout it from the rooftops so everyone knows it’s a-okay to make things a little easier on yourself now and then.

Either way, the cupcakes are adorable and delicious!  You’re going to fancy them up a bit rather than just following the simple box instructions, however.

Making Mary Poppins Cupcakes

• 1 box French Vanilla cake mix
• 3 large eggs, room temperatureFr
• 1/2 c unsalted sweet cream butter
• 1 c whole milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• red & white cupcake liners, like these

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line cupcake tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla together.  Mix until well combined.

Fill cupcakes 3/4 full.

Bake for 21 minutes.

Let cool.

Frosting

• 1 c unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• 2 1/2 c powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3-5 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 piping bag, fitted with a star tip

Combine all ingredients & mix in a stand mixer on medium speed.

Mix until stiff peaks form.

Once cupcakes have cooled, frost cupcakes.

Mary Poppins Cupcake Toppers

• White fondant 
• Small circle fondant cutter
• 1 c powdered sugar
• Fondant rolling pin
• 1 can blue edible spray
• 1 tube black cookie icing

Start by sprinkling a cutting board with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Place your white fondant on the cutting board and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness.

Use your fondant cutter to cut out 22 circles.

Spray circles with edible spray on outer rim (leaving white in the middle of circle).

Using black icing, draw an umbrella on your fondant circles.

Once dry, arrange on frosted cupcakes.

The umbrella design and red and white striped cupcakes scream Mary Poppins to me.  Add a penguin iced cookie and a spoonful of sugar to make a phenomenal tea party on Cherry Tree Lane.  Speaking of parties, I’ve got a whole Pinterest board dedicated to Mary Poppins party ideas.  I keep hinting that it’s what I want for my next birthday party theme.  You never stop needing Mary Poppins in your life!

That’s why I’m so excited for Mary Poppins Returns to be coming to theaters December 19th!

In Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS, an all-new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.

I’ve been counting down the seconds and saving my tuppence so I’m ready. The official trailer can be seen  here.  Plus, the recently released special look shows the music and magic of Mary Poppins Returns.  Oh Emily Blunt, you’re practically perfect in every way.

We’re getting everything ready to see Mary Poppins Returns in theaters December 19th.  From reading the books to baking our yummy treats, it’s a jolly holiday here in Clementine County.

Follow along with the fun: 

Like MARY POPPINS RETURNS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marypoppinsreturns/

Follow Walt Disney Studios on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios 

Follow MARY POPPINS RETURNS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marypoppinsreturns/

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

One of my favorite things is to bring the magic of the Disneyland parks home.  How can we add a little extra magic to our Halloween treats?  My making them resemble Mickey Mouse, of course.

With an easy sugar cookie recipe, these cut-out sugar cookies are decorated with the white, orange, and yellow of traditional candy corn.  Want to add a little extra something? Make half of your cookies Minnie Mouse inspired with a piped bow.

A little throwback photo for you!  Back when it first opened, Disney California Adventure prominently displayed letters spelling out “California” in front of the park.  The letters were then themed for holidays including Halloween and Christmas.

I have such happy memories within  both parks, especially during these holiday seasons.

To keep the fun of the Halloween season at the Disneyland Resort going, I’m so thrilled to share Candy Corn Mickey Cookies. A yummy cookie recipe is decorated with the colors of the traditional candy corn to make a magical treat for Halloween.

Mickey Candy Corn Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Cookie Dough Ingredients

1 c. unsalted sweet cream butter, softened

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

3 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tartar

Icing Ingredients

4 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

4 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Orange & yellow food coloring

3 piping bags

3 squeeze bottles

Edible marker

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare your cookie sheet by covering with parchment paper & set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat powdered sugar, vanilla, egg, and butter together until well combined and creamy.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.

Gradually add dry ingredients into your mix, mixing dough on low speed.  Finish mixing ingredients by hand.

Now you’re ready to roll out your dough.  On a lightly floured cutting board, knead dough a few times.  Roll out dough to approximately 1/2 inch thickness. Using a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter, cut out 12 Mickeys.

Bake for 8 minutes, or until edges are golden brown on prepared cookie sheet.

Set aside on rack until completely cool.

When it comes to baking, it’s the decorating that’s my favorite part.  These Mickey cookies will be divided into three sections and filled with royal icing.  

Using your stand mixer, combine egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, and powdered sugar.  Mix until well  combined and when stiff peaks form.

Separate icing into three bowls.  Leave the first white.  Add a few drops of yellow to the next bowl, and a few drops of orange food coloring to the last.  Mix icing until colors are well blended.

Add approximately 1/4 c. of each color of icing into individual piping bags.

The remaining icing will allow you to fill in your color.  Add 2-4 tsp of water into each of the three bowls.  Then you can transfer the icing into your squeeze bottles.

A food-safe marker will help you divide your cookies into three equal sections.

The cookies pictured feature both Mickey Mouse and his gal pal Minnie, so they needed a bow.  Since the bow is low on the cookie, there isn’t any need to use a separate cookie cutter.  If you want to add Minnie to the mix, you can also you the edible marker to sketch bows for Minnie.

Using your piping bags to outline the three sections on your cookies and bows for any Minnie cookies.

Using the squeeze bottles, fill in the newly sectioned cookies with thinned icing.

Let cookies dry overnight before packing up for your Disney day!

Looking for more Mickey Mouse baking ideas? 

Bringing the magic of the Disney parks home with fun holiday baking projects is a favorite here in Clementine County.   What are you baking this Halloween?  

All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

I adore all things Halloween, and have been sharing some fun recipes all month long.  My daughters love to help eat the themed treats, but they love making them also!  With a preschooler as one of my assistants, I love recipes that aren’t too complicated and allow for a whole lot of creativity.

When Woman’s World asked if I’d like to preview a copy of Celebrate Fall! so I could share a recipe with you, I was thrilled.  Filled with 93 recipes perfect for fall, you’ll find Halloween treats, scrumptious apple recipes, and things to make your Thanksgiving even more delicious.

I appreciated a variety of seasonal options, plus choices for each skill level.

Easy Monster Cookie Pops Recipe

Makes 14 cookie pops

 Ingredients:

• 1 roll Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough
• Craft sticks (flat with rounded ends)
• 1 12 oz. vanilla frosting
• Food coloring
• 1 tube black decorating icing
• Assorted candy

Baking:

The original recipe called for 1 roll of Pillsbury refrigerated peanut butter cookies.  I swapped in sugar cookie dough instead because one of my girls isn’t a big fan of peanut butter.  Either would work deliciously though!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Cut cookie dough roll into 14 slices.  Roll slices into balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Arrange 7 of the cookie dough balls in a circle 3 inches apart, making sure to leave at least 2 inches to the edge of the cookie sheet.  Carefully and securely insert a craft stick into each ball with the sticks pointing to the middle.   Repeat on second cookie sheet.

Bake cookies for 12-18 minutes, until golden.  Cool for 2 minutes, and then transfer to wire racks to continue cooling.

Decorating:

Divide frosting into 4 bowls.  Add food coloring to each bowl and mix thoroughly.  We opted for purple, green, blue, and orange.

Add assorted candies to make your faces as creepy or cute as desired!  Black licorice, mellowcreme pumpkins, candy eyes, and sprinkles are great options!  We loved monsters with mismatched eyes, so we paired a sliced marshmallows with black icing pupils with a candy eye.

Each of my kiddos showed their own creativity when designing their monsters.  I’m not sure what to name this original creation by Poppy.  Maybe Sprinkle Snot?

I can’t wait to make even more of the yummy recipes like the Jack-O’-Lantern Brie, Spider Web Pot Pies, and the most amazing Haunted House Cake.  If you’re looking for appetizers, cocktails, desserts, and more, look for the glossy on newstands NOW!

Celebrate Fall! Giveaway

To ensure your holidays are  sweet with just the right amount of spooky, I’m thrilled to be able to offer two (2) readers a copy of Celebrate Fall! with Women’s World seasonal magazine.

To enter:  Leave a comment below sharing your favorite thing about fall!

That’s it!  On Sunday, September 23rd, two readers will be randomly selected by Random.Org to receive a complimentary issue of the magazine, with a retail value of $9.99.

Don’t forget to share your favorite thing about fall to be eligible!

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Baked doughnuts (or donuts as we are going to pretend they’re spelled) are as simple to make as cakes or cookies.  Not a fan of frying at home, I opt for a simpler recipe that my family adores.  The orange icing and dark chocolate strips hint at Tigger’s tail.  They’d also be perfect for Halloween.  Bonus points if your family plans on dressing up as Winnie the Pooh characters for Halloween this year.

Tigger Donuts

Ingredients :

Cake Ingredients

• 1 C flour
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1/4 C cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 6 tbsp sour cream
• 1/4 C whole milk
• 1/4 C canola oil

Don’t forget to pin this recipe!

Will your characters enjoy these Tigger inspired donuts? They’re so simple to make that you’ll be bouncing in and out of the kitchen in no time!  

Thank you to Krusteaz for sponsoring this post.  This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

My oldest daughter has the Christmas spirit, but it’s different than her little sisters.  It’s all part of growing up, I guess.  But she wants to celebrate the season in her own way.

A post shared by Melanie Walsh (@clementinecounty) on Dec 10, 2017 at 5:50pm PST

She tolerated meeting Santa Claus, pretty much because she knew there was a booth with holiday sweets on the other side of the gigantic tree.  But let’s be honest, this holiday tradition was more for me than her. My husband and I giggled at the distance between our oldest and Santa.  The chair’s arm was pretty wide, but Georgia wasn’t making any attempts at jumping in ol’ St. Nick’s lap.

As we enter this new world of the tween years, we’re trying to be understanding of her need for a little more independence and evolving ways to celebrate.  These tween-friendly traditions are great ways to make the holidays merry and bright.

Holiday Traditions for Tweens

Light Duty

She’s almost taller than me this year.  That’s not really a huge accomplishment as I’m fairly certain my lineage would come back at least partial hobbit if I did one of those ancestry tests.

But that meant she got to help out her dad hanging Christmas lights on the house.  She loved the increased responsibility and knowing we trusted her up on the ladder.  Mostly.  Kind of.  I may have still stood underneath her, ready to break her fall.

Christmas Movies

Snuggling on the couch with Netflix and a comfy blanket are absolutely her speed.  While we adore the classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and a modern classic Elf, one element she’s adopted is watching the cheesy holiday movies.  In case you’re not familiar with the sweet Christmas movies, the plot is always the same.  A small country girl gets a job in a big city office.  The big city guy has a change of heart about work/money/his fantasy football team, and falls for the small country girl.  They get engaged on Christmas and live happily ever after.

DIY Gifts

My crafty tween loves making her own gifts for her friends.  I bought her tons of felt and this Fa la la la Felt book with tons of fun ideas.  She sews better than I do, and the sewing machine has been burning the midnight oil.  Making ornaments has been really easy.

Baking Treats

Now that she’s a little older, I’m letting Georgia have a little more freedom.  That includes in the kitchen where she’s totally capable of following recipes & even putting her own spin on them.

We started our baking day at the Krusteaz Holiday Cookie Helper.  The Cookie Holiday Helper starts with an interactive quiz, letting you pick the flavors and types of baked goods that match your personality.  Perfect fun for a tween!

We both broke down our cookie personality.  I got “The Classic Confectioner,” which is perfect because when it comes to the holiday I want the flavors of my childhood.  My recommended recipe was Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream.  Georgia was “The Gourmand,” probably because she’s as interested in sharing her creations on social media as she is sharing them with friends and family.  The Deep Dish Peppermint Cookie sounds too good to be true.

What’s not to good to be true is how easy all of the Krusteaz recipes were to whip up!  Using baking mixes and just a few ingredients, my tween was able to become a holiday hero!  Each recipe starts with one of Krusteaz’s mixes.  Between inspiration for new holiday treats and simple recipes, my tween loved her time as dessert master.

Wrapped in baker’s twine or in larger containers, these treats are making us merry.

Find Ways to Give

As we celebrate the season and fill our month with festivities, we seek out ways to give to others.  With such yummy Krusteaz recipes, Georgia was baking up a storm.  And once she was done, she had plenty of extras to share.

She packed up Caramel Cashew Cookie Bars, Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies, and other assorted goodies to deliver to neighbors.  It does my heart good to see her willingness to give of her time for others.  And since she inherited my sweet tooth, I know how hard it is to resist the desire to hoard them all for yourself!

With the Krusteaz Holiday Cookie Helper, the goodness doesn’t stop at the yummy recipes.  Take the personality quiz and receive a coupon for a Krusteaz cookie mix and a chance to be one of 10 cookie fans to win a $100 grocery gift cards.

Georgia is in the holiday spirit on her own tween terms.  How does your tween celebrate the holiday season?