The Motherhood

Holiday Wellness 101

November 30, 2011 by The Motherhood

Moms eager to keep themselves and their families feeling great during the holiday season and year-round gathered in The Motherhood on November 30, 2011, to talk about staying germ-free and high-energy.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 tips that emerged from the discussion about how to keep everyone feeling good during the holidays.

Tip #10: Be prepared

“In the event that someone gets sick, I keep on hand some staples. Jello, soda crackers, Ramen noodles, and ginger ale. Nothing worse than when your kids are sick and YOU are sick and somebody needs to get to the store,” said Deborah.

Tip #9: Keep sick kids home

“If my child is sick, I take them out of school right away and keep them out until they are totally well. I wish others would do the same,” said Suzanne, Mom Confessionals. “I know parents are busy, but then the germs are just passed back and forth.”

Tip #8: Stop germs at the front door

“Kids bring home germs from school often. Have them wash hands right away and even consider having them change clothes!” said Stefany, To Be Thode.

Suzanne at Mom Confessionals agreed, “I do that too and I work in a hospital. God knows what I bring home!”

Tip #7: Eat healthy

“Keep the foods as real as possible. My philosophy around food is all around quality and quantity,” said Betsy, B Moore Healthy. “Quality meat and dairy from a local farm if you can do it! Dairy, however, is not our friend when we have congestion, cold symptoms!”

“I drink a lot of smoothies. My pumpkin one last month was really popular. My kids like some of them. I use a green tea base instead of milk, and that’s great,” said Julie Pippert.

“We do green smoothies with kale and fruit. Great way to get greens into the little ones!” added Betsy.

Tip #6: Include superfoods

“Super foods, in my book, are all fruits and veggies. They all have their own amazing qualities,” said Betsy, B Moore Healthy. A few other examples:

– Kale

– Gogi berries

– Raw cacao

– Honey

– Pomegranates

Tip #5: Don’t forget about home remedies and supplements

“I’m big on eating healthy (lots of fruits and veggies) and taking Vitamin C or zinc when colds start coming on,” said Penelope, Penelope’s Oasis.

Caryn at Rockin’ Mama suggested “Probiotics! I find we don’t get sick as often when we take probiotics. They are also helpful for digestive issues.”

“Daily vitamins are just good in general,” said Suzanne, Mom Confessionals. “It’s a good foundation to start with. I also keep lots of lemon on hand, nature’s sanitizer… And mixed with honey it’s great when I feel something coming on.”

“Another good concoction is a cup of very hot water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (the natural type if available) and a tablespoon of honey mixed in. It tastes like hot cider, is soothing, and is good for the digestive tract to boot,” said Becki.

Tip #4: Simplify and stay organized over the holidays

“We cut way back last year by doing the 3 gifts thing. That has helped my buying stress. I use a calendar to keep up with other stuff,” said Stefany, To Be Thode.

“I simplify and listen to myself. If I feel stressed, I need my de-stress time, and if tired, I need rest. I avoid as best I can the temptation to go go go!” added Julie Pippert.

Tip #3: Consider getting a flu shot

“An ounce of prevention goes a long way,” said Suzanne, Mom Confessionals.

“We are religious about it,” agreed Becki. “My daughter gets pneumonia easily when she gets a bad upper respiratory infection.”

Tip #2: Wipe down surfaces

“If I were to pick one thing to keep germs at bay, I would say to not touch public things too much! It’s incredible how babies can get sick from sitting in markets shopping carts (those germy handles) and I keep wipes and antibacterial lotion on hand because you can’t always avoid it,” said Penelope, Penelope’s Oasis.

Added Stefany at To Be Thode, “During your daily cleanup, grab a can of Lysol and spray surfaces! Get doorknobs, phones, etc. Clean the kids toys often or spray those down too when they go to bed.”

Tip #1: Above all, clean your hands

“Wash hands a million times a day especially if you have little ones AND wash their hands too,” said Betsy, B Moore Healthy.

“Hand sanitizers are okay but as a nurse, I have to say I am pro-water and soap. The sanitizers are great for on the go though,” said Stefany, To Be Thode.

Thanks to our fantastic, health-oriented co-hosts:

Betsy, B Moore Healthy
Caryn, Rockin’ Mama
Penelope, Penelope’s Oasis
Stefany, To Be Thode
Suzanne, Mom Confessionals

See the original Talk here: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62302

Deck the Halls! Decorate Your Home for the Holidays

November 21, 2011 by The Motherhood

If you’re looking for an easy DIY project to create gorgeous holiday decorations, look no further! The Motherhood and a number of creative craft bloggers hosted a live chat on November 15, 2011, to compile ideas for getting festive through DIY household décor.

Read on for more – and get ALL of the ideas from the chat by clicking the blue “View Talk” button!

Thanksgiving Decorations

“If you are a knitter or crocheter (I am both) and you have a couple balls of brown yarn lying around, you won’t find a Thanksgiving decoration much quicker than this!” said Erin O. “Cut out some construction paper feathers and get the kids to write down what they are thankful for, and voila! A cute DIY centerpiece.”

“I like the special touch of writing down what you are thankful for,” said Grace, Grace Hester Designs.

Cooper, The Motherhood, found a centerpiece on Pinterest that reuses your leftover Halloween pumpkin.

MomEndeavors suggested a kid-friendly felt board turkey: http://www.momendeavors.com/2010/11/make-a-felt-board-and.html

And Jen at Tatertots and Jello offered up printable Thanksgiving placecards to add a touch of glitter to your table: http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/11/diy-rustic-branch-holiday-place-cards-and-faux-wood-printable-cards.html

DIY Wrapping Ideas

Grace at Grace Hester Designs suggested an easy method for making your own wrapping paper. “I cut up sponges into triangles and enlisted my daughter to help stamp them all over kraft paper. Then we used the eraser end of a pencil to stamp ‘ornaments.’” http://gracehester.typepad.com/weblog/2010/11/kid-friendly-handmade-holiday-gift-wrap.html

“If you’ve ever run out of gift boxes, never fear! Just rummage through your recycling box for an old cereal box and turn it wrong side out!” added Jess, Craftiness is Not Optional.

And for “super easy gift wrap,” Joy at Creative Mamma suggested, just use your kids’ drawings: http://creativemamma.com/easy-handmade-gift-wrap/

“I made up some printable gift tags to make wrapping presents this year easier! I made 5 different kinds to choose from!” added Ashley, Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night. http://mommybydaycrafterbynight.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-printable-christmas-gift-tags.html

Handling Holiday Cards

To wrangle all of the holiday cards that arrive in the mailbox this time of year, Jess at Craftiness is Not Optional created a “wreath” of green clothespins.

Jen at Tatertots and Jello had another idea. “This is a holiday ladder that I made for an advent calendar or to display holiday cards. I was looking for an antique one … and then decided to make my own.”

Winter Décor

Decorating the house is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

You can start with an easy project for the front door. “Here is a link to a DIY holiday wreath that only took 20 minutes to make! Super easy!!” said Ashley, Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night. http://mommybydaycrafterbynight.blogspot.com/2011/11/20-minute-diy-christmas-wreath.html

You can also paint your own candles for an “easy project that makes great decor or a great gift,” said MomEndeavors. http://www.momendeavors.com/2011/11/christmas-candle-martha.html

And don’t forget Christmas dinner. “Sprucing up the holiday table is so fun and easy. I made these utensil stockings last year and I can’t wait to use them again!” said Jess, Craftiness is Not Optional.

Activities for the Kids

Joy at Creative Mamma made a free printable activity kit for kids. You can find it here: http://creativemamma.com/free-printables-kawaii-christmas-activity-kit/

If your kids are writing to Santa, try using this letterform created by Ashley at Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night: http://mommybydaycrafterbynight.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-printable-dear-santa-letterform.html

Where to Find Inspiration?

So where do these talented ladies come up with their ideas for holiday décor and other projects?

“Blogs, Pinterest, Master Martha Stewart . . . . I also challenge myself to reuse techniques I see for something else and just change things up by rearranging the shapes, or medium, or colors,” said Grace at Grace Hester Designs.

Jen at Tatertots and Jello added, “I love looking at things and then seeing what I can make from them…”

Thank you!!

Thanks so much to our amazing blogger co-hosts for bring their creativity and talent to the live chat!

Ashley, Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night

Grace, Grace Hester Designs

Jen, Tatertots and Jello

Jess, Craftiness is Not Optional

Joy, Creative Mamma

See the original Talk here: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62301

MOTRIN #MyUnstoppableMom Twitter Party Rules

October 29, 2011 by The Motherhood

Sweepstakes Rules:

No Purchase Necessary TO ENTER OR WIN.

The Children’s MOTRIN^®My Unstoppable Mom #MyUnstoppableMom Twitter Party starts November 12, 2015 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on November 12, 2015 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time (“Twitter Party”).

ELIGIBILITY: SWEEPSTAKES ARE Open Only to Legal Residents OF THE fifty (50) UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, who are at least 18 years of age. Void Where Prohibited. Employees (and their immediate families (parent, child, spouse or sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and those living in their same households, whether or not related) of Sponsor, The Motherhood, the participating bloggers, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible to enter or win. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, participating blog and/or judges, which are binding and final on matters relating to this Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.

To enter: To enter, follow the directions provided in the Sweepstakes Posting on the participating blog to RSVP and enter (vite.io/TheMotherhoodChats) prior to the Twitter Party. All entries must be received by the date and time stated in the Sweepstakes Posting to be eligible. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address. Entries received from any person or e-mail address in excess of the stated limitation will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means or by any means which subvert the entry process are void. All entries become the property of the Participating Blog and will not be acknowledged or returned.

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Navigating Food Allergies: Safe Halloween Treats and a Live Talk with Author Sandra Beasley

October 25, 2011 by The Motherhood

Just in time to get into the spirit of Halloween, moms concerned with food allergies met in TheMotherhood on October 25, 2011, to discuss safe and fun ways to handle this food-centric holiday with their children.

Sandra Beasley, author of “Don’t Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life,” and Lori Sandler, founder of Divvies Bakery and author of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook, hosted the class and led the conversation with their insights and ideas. Contributing to the discussion were co-hosts Barbara Rosenstein from the Food Allergy Initiative, www.faiusa.org (the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research), and Susan Weissman, advocate, writer for the Huffington Post, and past co-host of the Navigating Food Allergies series on TheMotherhood.

Read on for the top seven “spook-tacular” tips discussed during the live chat!

#7: Take the Focus Off of Food

Halloween generally revolves around “treats” – particularly candy, which often is not safe for kids with food allergies. Some parents substitute non-food items like money or toys for candy.

“I’ve been hearing about some inventive ways to approach candy that’s not safe,” said Sandra Beasley. “One parent suggests bringing in the tooth fairy to save the day!” Here is the story: http://alwayssick.com/2011/09/22/trick-or-treating-with-food-allergies/

Julie Pippert said, “This year, for a variety of reasons — food allergies, health, etc. — I got little Halloween themed toys to hand out: erasers, pencils, sticky lizards and spiders, silly little things.”

“Putting emphasis on the costume really helps too,” added Sandra Beasley. “But I love seeing goody baskets that include little notepads, plastic spider rings, etc. Those are cheap & easy to mix in — just go to the party supply section of any dollar store.”

“We do have a tradition in my neighborhood where we take basket of treats to two neighbors in the days before Halloween, ring-and-run, and leave the baskets on the doorstep with a poem asking that they do the same,” said Becki. “We stuff our baskets with fun things like cookie cutters, glow sticks, etc., as well as a few nut-safe candies. That’s a fun tradition that my kids love, and the emphasis is less on the food.”

Pumpkin carving and Halloween crafting and decorating could be another good way to celebrate the season while avoiding food.

“Traditions , such as pumpkin carving, are a wonderful way to make holidays more special,” said Lori Sandler.

#6: Practice Allergy-Friendly Treating

However, you don’t need to leave food completely out of the equation. In addition to treats, Halloween is a big social event – particularly for older kids. Try using the social aspect of the holiday to ensure your child feels included in the activities.

Lori Sandler “always organized a pre-Trick-or-Treating dinner for our sons’ friends and parents. Made all of their favorite foods and desserts … totally allergen-safe for Benjamin and his other friends who have food allergies. This way, everyone felt that they had lots of treats before we even began Trick-or-Treating!”

At the bottom of this page, you can find tips for hosting your own allergy-safe Halloween Boo-fet (Buffet)!

#5: Empower Your Kids

Look at Halloween as an awareness and education opportunity, both for your children and others who might not have food allergies or understand the challenges. We can educate others about food allergy safety and inclusion by example.

Susan Weissman pointed out, “We don’t use Halloween as a time to raise food allergy awareness. We just navigate the challenges of that particular year.”

“That’s why it is so good when you let the kids who come to your door pick their OWN treats, instead of picking out the candy for them,” replied Sandra Beasley. “Give kids the power.”

Julie Pippert suggested a slightly different method. “I tend to hand it out myself, though I’ll let them verbally pick,” she said. “It’s portion control. We get a TON of trick or treaters. I easily buy $40 worth and 10 lbs and run out every year!”

#4: Think of New Uses for Candy

If your child goes trick-or-treating and comes home with a full bag of candy he can’t eat because of food allergies, find another way he can use it.

“Here’s one idea I had based on my own childhood: make a BINGO card for your child’s Halloween experience that includes different brands, types of candy, ‘red wrapper,’ etc.,” suggested Sandra Beasley. “For every row they complete they win a non-food or allergy-friendly prize. This means that even when they go to a house with nothing they can eat, they might be able to get excited about X-ing out a square.”

You can also have your kids use candy as a form of “currency,” or something to trade for allergy-safe items.

At the end of the night on Halloween, Gabrielle’s kids “turn their candy in to us and we take them to the toy store and let them pick out whatever (within reason) toy they would like in place of the candy. Of course, we always keep safe treats in the house for them to enjoy too!”

#3: Safety First

Even with wrapped candy, cross-contamination can occur.

“We have a rule that candy cannot be eaten until we eliminate the unsafe candy, check the quality of the wrappers, and wash hands,” said Julie Trone. “Any wrappers that have been loosened get tossed.”

Added knmtwins, “I deliver safe treats to everyone we know double bagged in Ziplocs. May be obsessive, but haven’t had cross contamination issues since.”

“My strategy is to buy all nut-allergy safe candy and then, at the end of the night, let my daughter trade the unsafe treats she’s picked up from the goodies left over in our candy bowl (all of which I’ve chosen to appeal to her),” said Becki.

And be careful about less obvious risks, like Halloween masks and haunted houses.

Lori Sandler’s son Benjamin broke out in hives once after trying on another child’s latex mask after he had eaten something Benjamin was allergic to.

And Sandra Beasley pointed out, “I can remember being sent through houses that recreated freaky textures using foods (i.e. peeled grapes for eyeballs); they didn’t realize that for me, the REAL terror was getting an unfamiliar food on my hands.”

#2: Be Available at Your Children’s Halloween Parties

To help your children avoid uncomfortable party situations, make yourself available whenever possible to check out the food ahead of time.

Lori Sandler proposed that parents/guardians “plan on attending classroom and out-of-school parties in order to check ingredients of all food being served, and to resolve safety concerns. If you can’t stay for the entire party, be sure to stay long enough to check all of the food ingredients.”

Sandra Beasley shared more tips from her experiences as a child. “If you’re ever dropping a child off into a party environment and you’ve made special arrangements, make sure your kid sees you talking to the person who will be in charge,” she said. “Sometimes a well-meaning parent would tell me ‘oh, you’re fine,’ but I wasn’t comfortable unless I knew my mother had actually talked to the adult. At the same time, I didn’t want to be rude by refusing the parent’s offer. There were some awkward moments. Color-coded plates or bowls that the child knows are ‘safe’ — maybe serving ware they can recognize, with a distinct pattern from home — are also really helpful.”

“It helps to develop a relationship with the other parents in the class beyond friends parents and especially with any room parent,” noted Julie Trone. “I happen to be a bit nervous with other people bringing in food for my sons so I tend to discuss the idea beforehand, then ask if I can add to the classroom treats with safe treats for everyone. This way my children feel included.”

Gabrielle shared, “Yesterday I noticed some snacks on the table that I knew had a nut warning. Luckily I was there and mentioned it, even though my son brings his own personal snack every day just to be safe … I felt bad speaking up, but they were actually glad that I did!”

#1: Take Care of Kids’ Emotional Needs

All of these risks can add up to children feeling sensitive about perceived differences.

Lori Sandler emphasized that above all, when we take care of our children’s hearts first, it helps keep moments like trick-or-treating special and less stressful: “Remember your child’s emotional needs, and be careful about drawing unnecessary attention to his food allergies!”

Susan Weissman supported this point with a personal experience. “I find that younger children need our ‘language suggestions’ for tricky situations. (My) son went on a spooky Halloween walk in a local botanical garden with friends and he needed me to tell him how to say ‘no thank you’ to the spooks handing out candy if he didn’t feel like touching it.”

Sometimes Halloween becomes emotionally easier as children grow up. Lori Sandler of Divvies and Elizabeth from Onespot Allergy have sons who have experienced similar situations. Lori said her son Benjamin, now 13, enjoys Halloween a lot more now since it is more about being with friends rather than collecting tons of candy.

Elizabeth added, “I feel fortunate that my peanut/tree nut allergic son lost interest in trick or treating years ago. His brother is older and doesn’t go out either, so he doesn’t feel he’s missing anything. We also always have candy in the house, so there’s no motivation for him to hoard it at Halloween.”

BONUS! How to Host a Pre-Trick-or-Treating Boo-fet! (Buffet)

Here are some ideas for themes and allergy-friendly treats to feature at a Halloween Boo-fet:

Susan Weissman noted that “kids like the color theme – things that are black and orange even if they aren’t traditional Halloween fare. Could be tangerines and chopped up black licorice in bowls (we find Panda brand is safe).”

Erin suggested looking through The Divvies Bakery Cookbook by Lori Sandler, www.divvies.com, purchase safe candies and small toys, and create Halloween Baskets similar to Easter Baskets.

Lori Sandler asks her son Benjamin to help plan the menu. She noted that “it gave him a great sense of control and distracted him from thinking about what he may not be able to eat later in the evening.”

Julie Pippert shared a recipe for Jack O’Lantern Fruit Cups: http://parentingteens.about.com/od/recipesforkids/r/halloween221.htm

Sandra Beasley loves “the idea of playing with color versus sugar. Roast a mix of purple potatoes and butternut squash! Just preheat the oven to 400 degrees, coat it all in olive oil and salt, and roast away.”

Julie Trone makes a delicious gluten-free pumpkin bread that has been a hit in her home. “It is also dairy, peanut, tree nut, seed, and soy free,” she said.

Resources

Fact sheet for avoiding anaphylaxis on Halloween: http://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/MediaLibrary/PDF Documents/Libraries/EL-food-allergies-halloween-patient.pdf

Tips for handling Halloween parties at school and at home: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=42

From Barbara Rosenstein, a link to companies (including Divvies) that offer allergy-friendly treats for Halloween and other holidays:
https://www.faiusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=661

Making paper pumpkin ornaments: http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/09/diy-project-paper-pumpkin-craft/

Thank you to our wonderful hosts and co-hosts for their insights and suggestions on this important, timely topic!

Sandra Beasley, Don’t Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life

Lori Sandler, Divvies

Barbara Rosenstein, Food Allergy Initiative

Susan Weissman, Peanuts in Eden

See the original Talk here: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62286

Pillsbury Twitter Party Official Rules

October 20, 2011 by The Motherhood

Sweepstakes Rules:

Sponsor: The Motherhood Inc., 1601 Mary’s Ave, Ste 1L1, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, is solely responsible for all aspects of this sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”). Decisions of Sponsor are final and binding with respect to the Sweepstakes.

No Purchase Necessary TO ENTER OR WIN.

The #CinnamonRollSunday Twitter Party sweepstakes starts October 27, 2015 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on October 27, 2015 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (the “Sweepstakes”).

ELIGIBILITY: THE SWEEPSTAKES IS Open Only to Legal Residents OF THE fifty (50) UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, who are at least 18 years of age. Void Where Prohibited. Employees (and their immediate families (parent, child, spouse or sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and those living in their same households, whether or not related) of Sponsor (The Motherhood Inc.), General Mills, the participating bloggers, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible to enter or win. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, participating blog and/or judges, which are binding and final on matters relating to this Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.

To enter: To enter, participants must have a Twitter account (free at www.Twitter.com) and must RSVP to the online invitation (http://vite.io/themotherhoodchats) by 2:00 PM Eastern Time on October 27, 2015.

To be eligible for the chance to win a prize in the sweepstakes, participants must tweet an answer to a giveaway question asked by @TMChatHost, and must use the #PillsburySweepstakes hashtag in his or her tweet. Each response tweeted in response to the giveaway question following these criteria is counted as one entry to the sweepstakes, allowing one response per Twitter handle.

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and D.C. 18 and older. Void where prohibited. All entries must be received by the date and time stated in the Sweepstakes Posting (October 27, 2015 by 3:00 PM Eastern Time) to be eligible. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address/Twitter handle, per giveaway question (five (5) questions total). Entries received from any person, e-mail address or Twitter handle in excess of the stated limitation will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means or by any means which subvert the entry process are void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned.

Prize(s): The prize(s) – five (5) $25 Visa gift cards – and their approximate retail value(s) ($25 each) will be set forth during the Twitter Party. Gift card(s) are subject to terms and conditions specified by issuer. Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. Prizes may not substituted, assigned or transferred or redeemed for cash, however Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute a prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value. Winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided. All prize details are at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Limit one (1) prize per household. If gift cards are awarded as prizes, terms and conditions of issuer applies. Prizes will be shipped within two weeks of the end of the Twitter Party.

Winners’ LIST: The names of the winners will be announced by @TMChatHost during the Twitter Party immediately following the drawing(s).

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Crafting with Kids for Happy Halloween Memories

October 14, 2011 by The Motherhood

It was quite a festive Halloween chat on TheMotherhood when college student and baking whiz Kaitlin Flannery of Whisk Kid blog demonstrated cute and tasty Halloween crafts using Rice Krispies Treats! Her Treats, along with a number of recipes on RiceKrispies.com, would be a perfect edible craft activity for a children’s costume party.

http://youtu.be/dqy5PvBBfwg

Kaitlin was joined by 16 blogger co-hosts, who make up our amazing Rice Krispies Making Memories Challenge teams. They have already created Easter Treats and summer snacks, and for the latest spook-tacular challenge, each of the teams created their own Rice Krispies recipes and spell-binding Halloween displays. See photos and details below!

“This was such a fun challenge. Can’t wait to talk Halloween Treats with y’all today!” said Robyn at Add a Pinch.

One great way to spend quality time with your kids is to bake and craft with them, and for Kaitlin and her own mom, Halloween was the perfect holiday to do both. Using some of these edible craft ideas, you and your kids can create special memories together, too!

Rice Krispies Treats Pumpkin Heads

Kaitlin kicked off the class by demonstrating how to create a variation on Rice Krispies Treats Pumpkin Heads, which are featured on the Rice Krispies website.

See recipe: http://www.ricekrispies.com/#/recipes/pumpkin-head-treats

Instead of wrapping the balls of Rice Krispies in fruit rollups, she dipped them in orange-colored candy melts, cut peppermint patties into faces (two triangles for eyes with a semi-circle mouth) and put a green gumdrop on top for a stem.

“Just make sure you use an oil-based dye to color candy melts. Water-based colors will ruin your chocolate!” advised Ashley, Cute as a Fox creations.

For an alternative to candy melts, Jenn at SuperJenn suggested melted frosting. She also added, “We found that if you set your marshmallows out overnight before you make the Treats …. they make up great …but are ‘crunchier’ when they cool … they hold shape very well that way!”

Kaitlin also shared several tips for working with Rice Krispies Treats:

To save time, you can make the Rice Krispies Treats ahead of time and soften them in the microwave before molding them into shapes.
So the Rice Krispies Treats don’t cool off and harden, becoming difficult to mold, you can keep them over hot water.
To avoid messy hands and create pumpkin heads of the same size, use an ice cream scoop.
You can also keep the Treats from sticking to you by putting a little oil or warm water on your hands.

For a variation on the Pumpkin Head Treats, Kaitlin suggested molding the Rice Krispies into a ghost shape, using sprinkles for eyes and dipping the bottom in white chocolate and coconut flakes.

“Love these little pumpkins & ghosts. So cute and easy to make!” said Zareen at Cooking with Z.

Surprise Pumpkin Treats

Another Rice Krispies Halloween favorite hides gooey chocolate pieces of candy inside balls of Rice Krispies Treats for a delicious surprise in the center of the snack. Kaitlin took the class through preparations for this creation.

See the recipe on the Rice Krispies website: http://www.ricekrispies.com/#/recipes/surprise-pumpkin-treats

“The hidden surprise is a really fun concept!” said Sommer at A Spicy Perspective.

Halloween Rice Krispies Making Memories Challenge

The four teams participating in the year-long Rice Krispies Making Memories Challenge also created their own unique edible Halloween crafts, perfect for quality time with the kids or a fun activity during a kids’ Halloween party.

“My kids love to create in the kitchen!” said Ashley at Cute as a Fox Creations.

Here are the recipes:
Team Asheville

Make Your Own Monsters Rice Krispies Treats

3 Tb. butter
4 cups (10 oz.) mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
decorator frosting, various colors
assorted candies

Spray a 9 X 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and marshmallows over medium heat. Once melted add apple pie spice and stir until dissolved.
Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies. Stir until coated.
Spoon the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly with wax paper.
Once cooled, use cookie cutters to cut the Rice Krispies Treats into desired shapes.
Decorate Rice Krispies Treats with decorator frosting and assorted candies to make your own monster.

“What great decorating on these! Love that Bride of Frankenstein especially!” said Robyn.

Said Jacquilyn at Aly & Ash, “The artist on these is fabulous! Mine would never look like this!”

Team Philly

Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats – Haunted Pumpkin Patch

1 stick (8 TBS) butter or margarine
1 ¼ tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 package (about 40) 10 regular marshmallows
2 TBS Pumpkin Puree
7 cups Rice Krispies

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Stirring frequently. Butter will foam and then the foam will subside. Brown bits will begin to form at the bottom. Keep stirring. You will smell a nutty aroma and the butter will be lightly brown. Turn off the heat.
Stir in pumpkin pie spice until incorporated. Add marshmallows and stir. Put the heat back on low and stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Remove from heat.
Stir in pumpkin puree and two drops of red food coloring and 3-4 drops of yellow food coloring (to make desired orange color).
Mix in Rice Krispies until they are fully coated with marshmallow mixture. Turn out onto a wax paper lined baking sheet.

To Make Pumpkins:

Ingredients:

One batch Brown Butter Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
Small Pretzel Sticks
Green Icing tube with Leaf tip

Directions:

Allow Rice Krispies Treats to cool for a bit.
Shape into round balls. Insert a 1/3 of a pretzel stick into the tops to act as a pumpkin stem.
Use green icing and a leaf tip to create a small green leaf on the side of the “stem.”

“I just don’t think you can go wrong with brown butter pumpkin,” said Jenn at SuperJenn.
“So spooooky!” added Amy at She Wears Many Hats.

Team Kansas City

Cinnamonster Rice Krispies Treat Snack Mix

3 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
4oz. cinnamon flavored marshmallows (1/2 bag)
2 1/2c. Traditional Rice Krispies®
Cinnamon Sugar (Mix to your personal cinnamon/sugar preference)

Melt 3Tbsp. Butter in a heavy saucepan over med-high heat.
Add marshmallows, stirring constantly until melted and mixture is smooth.
Add Rice Krispies® to hot mixture in saucepan (this keeps them warm, and thus easier to manipulate, longer)
Mix thoroughly.
Spray cooking spray on a cookie sheet and pull out small chunks of Rice Krispies mixture one at a time to work with. Pull apart enough to make small balls of treats, slightly smaller than “bite sized”.
You will need to work quickly. The cooler the mixture gets, the more difficult it is to shape.
Roll each ball in the cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat. Set aside on waxed paper.
If not using immediately, cover tightly to store.
Mix Cinnamon balls with 1 1/2c. popped popcorn, 1/2c. salted cashews and 1/2c. chocolate candy pieces.

***Tip: If you want a more crunchy texture to your cinnamon balls, set your marshmallows out the night before so that they dry out. They will melt as normal but when the final mixture cools it will be more crunchy and less chewy.***

Just in case cinnamon isn’t your thing (or because we couldn’t stop ourselves) here is a chocolate variation: Swap out cinnamon marshmallows for chocolate ones and Cocoa Krispies® for the traditional ones. In the mix, use candy corn in place of chocolate candy pieces.

“Love the monster bags!” said Kristyn at Li’l Luna.

Added Stephanie, “I need to save this…both of my sons would go crazy over it!”

Team Phoenix

Rice Krispies Caramel Apple Treats

4 Tbsp butter or margarine
1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows
1 ½ cups dehydrated apples
2 individual serving size packets of Apple Cider drink mix
1 1/2 cup caramel bits or caramel squares cut into small chunks
6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies®
Popsicle, lollipop, or other sticks
Caramels for dipping the apples
Assorted cookies, candies, and sprinkles for decorating

Directions – Preparing the Treats

Heat 4 Tbsp butter or margarine in a sauce pan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Stir in 2 packets of Apple Cider drink mix.
Remove from heat and stir in 6 cups of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies®.
While the mixture is still hot, add the dehydrated apples and caramel chunks.
Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, tightly pack balls of Caramel Apple Treats around your stick. Make sure your hands are clean and greased well to avoid sticking.
Rest your treats, stick side up on a sheet of wax paper or greased cookie sheet. Refrigerate the treats until it is party time.

Directions – Dipping and Decorating

Heat up a bag of caramels on the stove top according to the package instructions.
Depending on age and kitchen experience, you can let your child dip the Caramel Apple Treats in the caramel or you can give some assistance.
Before the caramel sets up, have your child roll their Caramel Apple Treat in various candies, sprinkles, or crushed up cookies. You can go crazy and incorporate your family’s favorite sugary goodies into this recipe.

“I love the spider plate! That’s so much fun. And I bet that’s even BETTER than a caramel apple,” said Kayla S.

And Julie at Mommie Cooks said, “Yum yum! I love caramel, these are right up my alley!”

You can see more photos of the teams’ creations on the Rice Krispies Facebook page.

Thanks to Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® for sponsoring the Talk and the Making Memories Challenge! And a BIG thanks as well to Kaitlin Flannery at Whisk Kid for hosting the chat!

You can visit the Rice Krispies Circle on TheMotherhood on October 21 to find out which team took home the prize for the Halloween Challenge. In the meantime, visit the team members on their blogs and enter for the chance to win a $100 bank gift card from Rice Krispies:

Sarah, Genesis Moments

Zareen, Cooking with Z

Tara, Baby Momma Blog

Joey, Real Mom in the Media

Kristen, Dine and Dish

Kelly, Kansas City Mamas

Jenn, Super Jenn

Julie, My Kansas City Mommy

Ashley, Cute as a Fox Creations

Kristyn, Lil Luna

Wendy, Around My Family Table

Jacquilyn, Aly & Ash