Good Day Sacramento Easter Segment

My boys and I had so much fun on Good Day Sacramento this morning sharing some Easter fun!

Here is Part One of our Segment: https://cbsloc.al/2GheyVY
Part Two of our Segment: http://bit.ly/2IejStD

Due to a LIVE press conference, we had to tape our second snack segment which aired on Thursday.  You can also find these easy fun Easter ideas on the links below.  Great to do while the kids are home for Spring Break.

I used Nest Fresh Eggs, I love that they have a network of family farms across the United States.  Nest Fresh was the first egg to become Non-GMO Project Verified.  I found these eggs at my local Save Mart, but I have also ordered them on Amazon Fresh before. I love using their brown eggs, I think they are underused for Easter Egg decorating. They come out so pretty with their natural spots.  

We demonstrated the EggMazing!  It is such a fun twist on decorating eggs and my favorite part is that it is mess free!  As a mom of four boys, I need as much mess free as I can get.  You can find the EggMazing here:  https://amzn.to/2G9yM84

Here is a fun way to snack while you decorate eggs, my boys loved this especially my toddler.  

ENTER TO WIN AN EGGMAZING!!!!! https://bit.ly/2I7jk8T

DIY Easter Centerpiece: https://bit.ly/2GdwGnF

Peep Fruit Skewers and Edible Food Art: https://bit.ly/2IO73HR

For a ton of delicious egg, recipes check out www.NestFresh.com and on their Social Media.

You can find more info on the EggMazing at https://bit.ly/2pJuZUD

You can watch my family using the EggMazing on my social media channels.
Instagram @blogaboutitall  
Facebook @theblogaboutitall
Twitter @blogaboutitall 

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A fun Twist on Easter Egg Decorating Without the Mess

My boys love decorating Easter eggs!  We have used many methods from egg dyeing kits to Kool-Aid, the Cool-Whip method, last year I really loved the ombre eggs we made.  You can read my Tips for Making Easter eggs here: https://bit.ly/2nw4wpR

This year we tried out the EggMazing Egg Decorator that was seen on Shark Tank this past February.  The EggMazing is a fun and creative way to decorate Easter eggs with the simple touch of a colorful marker. Sacramento readers ENTER TO WIN an EGGMAZING BELOW!!!!!

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to decorate Easter eggs, there were no cups of liquid involved, no cool-whip or shaving cream to clean up, although those messy ways are fun too.  It was just really nice to not have a big mess to clean up.  It was super simple!

My boys loved the EggMazing!  We opened our box, which came with 8 colorful non-toxic markers all we needed to add was 4-AA batteries.  As a mom to four boys, I always have a stash of batteries.  We placed our hard boiled egg in the center and turned it on.  As the egg spins, you lightly touch the marker to the egg, you can make stripes by staying in one spot and leaving space between stripes or you can move across the egg and have the lines intertwine.  

We used both brown and white eggs. I love the way the brown eggs turned out.  My boys loved it so much, we decorated eggs, ate dinner and then they had me make more hard-boiled eggs after dinner so they could decorate some more.  

I love when my boys want to do arts and crafts. I was happy they had so much fun with this that they want to use the EggMazing over and over.  

Using the EggMazing is definitely a fun twist on Easter egg decorating while eliminating the mess.  I love it so much I want to GIVE ONE AWAY to my local readers!!!  Enter to win below, this will be a quick giveaway, so you can receive your prize in time to use this Easter.  Enter and tell your friends and family to enter, a winner will be picked this Tuesday evening March 27, 2018. 

You can learn more about the EggMazing Egg Decorator on their website https://www.eggmazing.com/eggmazing.html.

Here are some links for more Easter fun!

Easter Rice Krispie Treats: https://bit.ly/2nSlO4h

Easter Egg Carton Crafts: https://bit.ly/2oNDbjL

Resurrection Eggs: https://bit.ly/2G58Ztu

Easter Peeps Treats: https://bit.ly/2IO73HR

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com 

Giveaway ends Tuesday, March 27, 2018, 12:00 PM PST. Open to Residents of the Sacramento, CA area only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. The winner has 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. 

Contest winner 1-EggMazing Easter Egg Decorator will be provided via US Mail or in person meet-up. No exchanges or substitutions can be made once the winner’s name has been submitted.  I will make every effort to assist you in obtaining your prize. The product provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for my time and efforts in reporting my opinion within this blog, Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

ENTER TO WIN HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easter Table Décor on a Budget

Our family celebrates Easter with all the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents for an annual Easter Egg hunt.  We have done a variety of get-togethers that have included brunch; we have had picnics at the park, and dinner gatherings. 

If you are hosting an Easter get-together there are ways to stretch your dollar and still add festive touches without spending a lot of money. Here are some fun ideas for simple DIY Table Décor that is easy on the budget. 

Egg Place Setting Name Cards

Use an egg as a table name card.  I decorated my hardboiled egg using edible markers, simply with the name, one with a flower, one with a butterfly.  You could use dyed eggs if you prefer.  I placed a paper doily on the plate and then placed the hard-boiled egg in a cupcake wrapper with some Easter paper grass.  I think this is such a cute idea for brunch or a dinner get together.  I used a real hard-boiled egg, I used Nest Fresh eggs, they were on sale this week at my local Save Mart and I really loved the way the brown egg looks. You could also use craft eggs for the kids' table or if you will be at a picnic and the eggs will be outside for a long period of time.  If you are using hardboiled eggs be sure to eat your eggs as an appetizer or refrigerate for later.    

I love using Nest Fresh eggs I’ve had them delivered right to my house using Amazon Fresh! I love supporting companies that support regional farms.  NestFresh employs a national network of regional farms to produce and supply farm fresh eggs in a local and sustainable system. Nest Fresh was the first egg to become Non-GMO Project Verified.  You can enjoy your eggs knowing that your ingredients are of the best quality.  NestFresh believes healthy chickens lead to healthy eggs. 

Carrot Napkin Utensils

This is such a simple and budget-friendly way to add an adorable Easter touch to your table. 

What you need:

Orange Napkins

Green Plastic Utensils

Ribbon or Twine

Lay the orange napkin so it looks like a diamond, place your green utensils in the middle and wrap.  Tie with some ribbon or twine. 

Using plastic utensils makes it great for everyone you could use at a brunch or picnic.  I love using plastic cutlery when I can I’m all for less dishwashing.

Easter Branch Vase

I love decorating on a budget, using what I have and incorporating nature which costs me nothing. 

What you need:

Vase

Branch or branches

Scrapbook paper (to make eggs, crosses, bunnies or any other Easter themed decorations to hang on your branches).
Easter Egg Template - FREE DOWNLOAD HERE: https://bit.ly/2DNqOLH

Place the branch in your vase, I added Easter grass in the vase.  Cut out your Easter themed shapes using this free Easter Egg Template, you can use flat paper eggs and use a punch hole and ribbon to hang them on your branches.  You can also fold each egg cutout in half and use double-sided tape to make the 3-D Eggs. I used 5 egg cut-outs to make my 3-D Eggs. This beautiful Easter decoration cost me nothing, I already had everything to make it. This vase looks great on the dining room table as a centerpiece, on a fireplace mantle, or any shelf.

I hope these inexpensive ideas help you add Easter touches to your home.  Enjoy the Easter season celebrating with your friends and family relishing in the season and time together.

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www.BlogAboutItAll.com 

Easter Peeps Treats

Easter is upon us!  Any of these Peeps Treats would be great creations to make with your kids while they are on Spring Break or for any Easter get-togethers.  I have a child with an April birthday so these are even fun for birthday Easter-themed treats. 

Last year I made Peep Fruit Kabobs and they were requested again by my middle son to take in for his 3rd-grade class Easter party.  I’m sure you have seen on Pinterest those Brownie Carrot Patch desserts, with chocolate covered strawberries made to look like carrots.  I decided to add those to my Peep Fruit Kabobs this year and I love the way they turned out.  They were definitely a huge hit with my boys.  

For my 1st-grader I made Peep Pudding cups, you can make many variations of these depending on what you have on hand. 

We love Peeps so for some after school fun, we made Peep Graham Cracker treats.  My boys loved making their own creations.  We attempted birdhouses out of graham crackers but I would call that one a Pinterest fail, it was not as easy to keep our houses together with store-bought frosting, maybe that’s where I went wrong.  The boys had fun spreading lots of frosting as glue but they did not hold up too well.  We still had fun and were quickly in the Easter mood.  I hope you'll try any of these recipes and enjoy these Easter Peeps Treats this Easter.

Peep Fruit Kabobs

What you need:

Skewers

Peeps

Fresh Fruit of your choice (I used grapes, pineapple, strawberries, and cantaloupe)

Carrot Strawberries (strawberries dipped in Orange Wilton Candy Melts)

Directions:

Chop your fruit and prepare to assemble on the skewer, place the chocolate covered strawberry and Peep last.  If you are not using the chocolate covered strawberries I found using a grape next to the peep was best, so you don’t have “wet” fruit next to the marshmallow peep. 

Carrot Strawberries:

Wash and dry your strawberries.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.

Place 2 cups of orange Wilton Candy Melts in a microwave safe bowl.

Add 2 teaspoons of canola oil to the candy melts, stir.

Microwave on your defrost setting for one minute, stir and then continue microwaving in 30-second increments stirring each time until all the candy melts are melted. I did approximately a total of 3 minutes, each microwave will vary.

Hold the strawberries by the green part and dip in the candy melt and shake off excess.

Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and repeat.

Once finished dipping all my strawberries, my chocolate made 20 dipped strawberries I then used a strawberry, dipped in the melted chocolate to go back over all the strawberries to add a drizzle, this definitely makes them look more carrot-like.

Place in the refrigerator to set. 

  

Peep Pudding Cups

What you need:

Chocolate Pudding cups

Crushed Oreos (for the dirt)

Peeps

Candy of your choice to decorate. (Easter M&M’s, Easter Jelly Beans, Carrot Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Spring Sprinkles)

Directions:

Smash Oreo’s that will be your soil.

Top with a Peep and your choice of candy decoration.

  

Peep Graham Cracker Treats

What you need:

Graham Crackers

Peeps

Blue frosting for the sky (I used store bought frosting and added food coloring)

Green frosting for the grass

Mini marshmallows for clouds

Spring sprinkles and candy to decorate. (Easter M&M’s, Easter Jelly Beans, Whopper Mini Eggs)

Directions:

Frost the top half of your graham cracker with blue for the sky.

Frost the bottom part green for the grass.

Center your Peep

Decorate as desired, we used mini marshmallows as clouds and a variety of candy and Spring sprinkles. 

Here are some links for more Easter fun!

Easter Rice Krispie Treats: https://bit.ly/2nSlO4h

Easter Egg Carton Crafts: https://bit.ly/2oNDbjL

Making Easter Eggs: https://bit.ly/2nw4wpR

Resurrection Eggs: https://bit.ly/2G58Ztu

Last year’s post on Peep Kabobs: https://bit.ly/2mPL8Zm

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends. 

www.BlogAboutItAll.com 

10 Spring Break Sacramento Staycation Ideas to Enjoy with Kids

I am so happy to be collaborating this post with fellow Sacramento Mom Blogger Ashley Newell.  I met Ashley through blogging, Instagram, and Facebook.  Ashley knows great local spots to visit and eat.  She is a mom to three little’s, takes beautiful pictures and writes for the Elk Grove Tribune.  You can follow Ashley on Instagram @ashleynewell.me there you’ll find some great local eats for the family and great ideas for date night.  Check out her Spring Break ideas on her blog at http://www.ashleynewell.me/  between the two of our lists you will have plenty of ideas to explore near the Sacramento area and enjoy time with your family this Spring.

Ashley and I wanted to get together and share with you ideas that won't break the bank or require traveling too far.  I love traveling and going on vacation, but a staycation can be just as fun.  Depending on your budget, you could pack a picnic lunch and enjoy many of the activities below, or splurge a little and enjoy a few of my favorite family-friendly restaurants. 

1. The World Peace Rose Garden

The World Peace Rose Garden is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, or indulge in local Food Truck goodies.  Spring Break is the perfect time of year to enjoy the beautiful flowers and Sacramento sunshine.  It is next to the Sacramento Capitol Building and very close to the Downtown Sacramento Central Library, which you could also make part of your day.  Check out some books, take them to the World Peace Rose Garden and enjoy a picnic lunch and some afternoon reading.  Here is a link to a blog post I wrote about the Sacramento Central Library http://bit.ly/2FOpjlE.

The World Peace Rose Garden is located at 1317 15th Street | Sacramento, CA 95814 | Located near L Street

 

2. William Land Park (Sac Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland)

William Land Park is the perfect place for a picnic and they have many options for the entire family to enjoy.  The Sacramento Zoo is there!  You can check out my blog post about the Zoo here: http://bit.ly/2FAZu9z.  You will also find Fairytale Town and Funderland, fun places the little ones will enjoy.  Keep your eyes peeled for Groupon Deals, they usually come out before Spring Break and I’ve seen coupons for the Zoo and Funderland in The Parent Source Book, you can usually find at libraries and Dr. Offices. Here is their website: http://www.sacramentoparent.com/

3. Funfinity in Auburn

Funfinity is located in Auburn, CA, which from our house is about a 30-40 minute drive.  They frequently have deals on Groupon which comes in handy to stay within any budget.  Funfinity is an indoor playground; they also have some arcade games and a café with reasonably priced food.  We recently visited using a Groupon of $17 for unlimited play for four kids, what a steal.  We purchased a pizza and while my boys played, I took my laptop and worked on my blog.  It was a win, win for everybody.

Funfinity is located at 11905 Dry Creek Rd. | Auburn, CA 95602 | Phone: (530) 888-7822

For more information visit their website at http://funfinityindoorplayground.com/

4. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

I forget how close Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is to Sacramento, it’s only about an hour drive away.  This year our family purchased season passes, which includes parking.  The season pass is the way to go, if you live in Sacramento, you can go when the kids are on Spring Break and Summer Break, works out to be great savings.  We also purchased the basic dining plan, you get a lunch and snack item with every visit.  We try to go at least once a month; we will visit much more during Summer Break. 

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located at 1001 Fairgrounds Drive | Vallejo, CA 94589

For season passes and online savings visit: https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom

5. Groupon Bowling Deals

Groupon is a great tool to use, especially when trying to save money.  You can often find bowling packages, at a great price, our local Country Club Lanes has an arcade, so their package usually comes with arcade credits.  We have also purchased Strikes in Rocklin’s package which comes with pizza, soda and bowling shoes included.  Bowling is a fun indoor activity our entire family enjoys, it works out great if it’s raining outside, or if it’s too hot. 

You can find deals near you at www.Groupon.com

6. Vallejo Ferry to San Francisco Pier 39

A couple of years ago during Spring Break our family drove to Vallejo and then took a Ferry to San Francisco, it docked right at Pier 39.  It was so much fun.  My boys enjoyed riding on the Ferry; there is indoor seating as well as outdoor seating to take in all the sights.  We used a Groupon for our Ferry tickets which saved us some money, and then we walked around Pier 39, had lunch there, watched the sea lions and enjoyed a beautiful Spring day.  We have driven to San Francisco before but this was a nice change up and great family experience.

We took the San Francisco Bay Ferry for tickets and more details visit: https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/fares-and-tickets

7. Bike or Hike Folsom

My husband works in Folsom, and he often goes on walks on his lunch breaks and sends me these gorgeous pictures; it makes me jealous how he can step out of his office and into the beautiful scenic outdoors.  Folsom is a great place to hike, bike, shop; they have beautiful trails and great spots for a picnic.  You could also browse the Folsom Outlets or scenic Sutter Street. Check out the Humbug-Willow Creek Trail, Folsom Lake Trail or the Johnny Cash Trail beautiful spots to walk, hike, bike, and picnic.

8. Sweet Dozen Cones Sutter St Folsom 

Sweet Dozen Cones is a great place with a unique take on ice cream, makes for some great Instagram pictures.  For about $7 you get a yummy creation with soft serve ice cream and unique toppings served in a donut-like cone, you can even watch them make the cones.

Sweet Dozen Cones is located at 807 Sutter Street | Folsom, CA | Phone: Phone: (916) 358-9832

9. Pizza Rock Downtown | Sacramento

My husband and I first visited Pizza Rock for a date night, but after visiting it is a great place to take the family.  They have the front of a semi-truck sticking out of the wall; it’s loud enough that my noisy kids aren’t noticed, but not too loud.  It’s fun to watch pizza’s going into the brick oven, their pizzas are delicious and their pancetta honey fries are heavenly.  Pizza Rock frequently hosts cooking classes for kids; you can keep your eye out for those on their website and social media channels. 

Pizza Rock is located at 1020 K Street | Sacramento, CA 95814 | Delivery & Info: (916) 737-5777

10. Venita Rheas | Rocklin

I first visited Venita Rheas just a few weeks ago with my in-laws and all the ladies in our family for a brunch.  Our large group was quickly seated and service was fabulous.  With our large group, we ordered quite a variety of food, I only wish I took pictures of everyone’s meals because they were amazing, large portions and delicious.  I ordered their Berry Stuffed French Toast, it was so good, it was like eating dessert for breakfast, yum!  In our group, someone ordered a burger with their Urban Fries, which I was not too sure about from reading the menu and seeing it had blue cheese in them, but OMG, after trying them, I now want to go back there just for the Urban Fries.  Our table also ordered Fish and Chips, Salmon Salad, Eggs Benedict, Fish Tacos.  Hot Chocolate was served with a mound of whipped cream and my coffee cup was never empty.  They have daily specials and I even saw some Gluten Free options on their menu.  They are only open for breakfast and lunch; I highly recommend this cute establishment.

Venita Rheas is located at 4415 Granite Drive, Suite 1500, Rocklin, CA | Phone: (916) 624-2697

I hope you will venture out in the Sacramento area, and enjoy some these great local activities.  If you like to drive the Snow or Beach is only a short road trip away which is really nice that we have many options here in Sacramento.  Pack some snacks, your playlist and enjoy the treasures of California.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends and be sure to check out fellow Sacramento mom blogger Ashley's Spring Break ideas at http://www.ashleynewell.me/.    

Pi Day Celebrate with PIE!

Every year on March 14th Pi Day is celebrated.  I love any excuse to make math and learning fun, so in honor of Pi Day this year we are eating PIE all day!  I thought I would share these easy food recipes our family will be eating so you join in the fun in celebrating Pi Day. 

First a little refresher on Pi.  Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s a constant number, so no matter how small or large your circle is, Pi will always be the same! Pi is a never-ending number, and it continues without repetition or pattern. It’s approximately 3.14159265359. Pi Day is celebrated on March 14^th in classrooms across the country.

Now onto the food, I don’t know about your kids but if I say we are having a quiche for breakfast they will say gross, but if I say I am making a breakfast pie they will eat it, (don’t tell them they are the same thing). 

For lunch, we will be making our own pizza’s using Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pizza Dough.  For dinner chicken pot pies and to top it all off Apple Pie using Wholly Wholesome ready-to-bake Pie Crust. 

As a busy mom to four boys, I appreciate shortcuts that assist me in my cooking adventures.  Wholly Wholesome has the finest all-natural ready-to-eat, ready-to-bake and thaw-and-serve baked goods producer on the market.  It is especially nice that they can be found at my local Bel-Air Grocery Store. 

Pi Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pizza Dough
• Pizza Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Mini Pepperonis

Directions:

1.    Thaw out Pizza Dough in the refrigerator overnight or for approximate 3 hours on the counter.

2.    Roll out Pizza Dough per directions on package.

3.    Top with pizza Sauce.

4.    Add mozzarella cheese

5.    Make Pi Symbol with mini pepperonis

6.    Bake at 400ºF for 12-15 minutes.

Easy Pi Apple Pie

Ingredients:

• Wholly Wholesome 9” Pie Crust
• ½ cup packaged brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tsp. Cinnamon
• 6 Granny Smith apples
• ½ cup unsalted butter to top before baking

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425ºF.

2.  Peel and Slice 6 Granny Smith Apples.

3.  Remove the additional pie crust and set aside to thaw (this will be used as the topping of the pie)

4.  Fill the main pie crust with apples and mound slightly.

5.  Cut the butter in tablespoons and place around the apples before placing the crust on top.

6.  Use both parchment sheets included with the pie crust roll out the additional pie crust in between sheets.  Cut out a Pi symbol and place on top of apple pie.

7.  Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

8.  Reduce the temperature to 350ºF. Continue baking for 35-45 minutes until apples are soft. 

Here is additional information on Wholly Wholesome.  I was really impressed with the quality of these products, the pie crust was so tender and flaky, amazing!

All Wholly Wholesome products are made with all-natural and organic ingredients. Offering an array of ready-to-eat, ready-to-bake and thaw-and-serve products such as Pie Crusts, Gluten Free Pizza Dough Balls, Organic and Gluten Free Pie Shells…Wholly Wholesome products are the perfect way to celebrate National Pi Day!   

Planning a Pi Day party? Check out Wholly Wholesome’s blog, The Wholicious Dish, they have some fun ideas on how to celebrate both in and outside of the classroom!

You can find Wholly Wholesome products near you at Bel-Air, Raley’s and Whole Foods. Learn more about Wholly Wholesome at www.whollywholesome.com.

Stay up to date with Wholly Wholesome, by following them on social media! 

Facebook: @WhollyWholesome

Twitter: @WhollyWholesome

Instagram: @WhollyWholesome

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/whollywholesome/

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com