Easy Halloween Monster Fruit Cups

 I love easy. 

Especially when it deals with food. 

I know some parents love making elaborate snacks for their kids. And while I admire those snacks, I know I'll probably never, ever make them. I just don't have the patience, nor do I get any pleasure from making a sandwich into a fish/fairy/dog. 

I do like to amuse my kids, so I knew they'd like these monster cups. 

Do they look Pinterest worthy? Probably not. I mean, the crafty moms can probably make them look fancier, and that's great, but again, I'm all about quick and easy. 

All you need are grapes, marshmallows, clear cups, and a sharpie. 

You put grapes on the bottom of the cup:

Then you add marshmallows in the middle and add more grapes on top:

Draw a face! Make whatever kind you want. 

Hand over to your kids! My daughter was like, "These are cute, but you didn't do that great with the face." 

No, I didn't, but oh well. You get the gist of what I as going for. A monster. Yay. 

So if you're looking for something simple, try these Halloween Fruit Cups. Perfect for parties. Kids can decorate their own cups and will most likely do a better job than I did.

EASY HALLOWEEN FRUIT CUPS

Ingredients/items needed:

--bag of green grapes

--marshmallows

--black sharpie

--clear cups 

Instructions

1. Put a few grapes at the bottom of a clear cup.

2. Add marshmallows.

3. Top with more grapes. 

4. Draw a face on the cup with a Sharpie. 

5. Enjoy!

Are you all about simple in the kitchen too?

How To Deal With Teenager Mood Swings

 

Oh my gosh guys, I am so talented that I even annoyed my daughter's SHADOW!

For the most part, I get along with my teenagers. I have two of them: a thirteen and an eighteen year old. The eighteen-year-old is a boy, so he's much calmer, unless his video game lags or he loses or is killed off in said video game.

The thirteen-year-old can have frightening mood swings. One minute I'm joking with her, the next she's thundering up the stairs in a huff. I find that you have to treat teenage girls like a skittish wild animal: don't do too much, because you could scare them off.

I have tips on how to deal with the crazy mood swings! 

1. Give them space. I know in Full House all the adults would go up to the child's room when they'd stomp off, but no, trust me, that isn't Real Life. You must give them time to calm down, otherwise you'll be met with either A) screaming or B) dead uncomfortable silence. Teens won't immediately spill their problems with sad music in the background. They just won't. And if you force them to, they'll make something up so you'll leave.

2. Be available to talk when they calm down. Sometimes when my daughter is stomping up the stairs I shout to her retreating back "I'm here if you need me." 

3. Send encouraging texts. I sent one that said "when you stop acting like a feral cat, I'll be here." 

4. Lure them out with food. Seriously, teens love to eat. This always worked for my son. My daughter enjoys McDonalds fries, so all I have to say is, "I have McDonalds!" and she suddenly is in an amazing mood. I know experts might be like, "Food should never be used an award" but quite frankly, they can kiss my pale ass, because yes it certainly can.

5. Let them know you love them even if they are acting like Linda Blair in The Exorcist and you're wondering if they're about to curse at you in Latin. Sometimes they just need to hear this. Being a teen isn't easy, especially these days. There's social media, there's cameras around ALL THE TIME, and there's Algebra. I promise, they'll come to you. Eventually.

Having teenagers keeps me young. And makes me eat lots of chocolate. But it's also an adventure. 

One I wouldn't give up for anything. 

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

Hey, It's Okay.... 

.....to be going to see Beetlejuice with my kids this weekend at Flix Brewhouse. I love that they show older movies for a cheaper cost. They'll be doing it for Christmas too! We hope they'll be showing Elf. 

....to be trying a new recipe in a few days. I found one for Salisbury Steak. It can go either way. I can be pretty awful in the kitchen.

....to currently be reading I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman. It's about a mother and daughter going on college tours--you all know how teen girls can be, so there are ups and downs!

....to be glad that Natalie is enjoying In Person school. She started 2 weeks ago and says things are "fine" because she's a teen and doesn't like to expand. But trust me, if she were annoyed, she'd let me know. 

....to be so proud of my son. As most of you know, he has autism and started college this fall. It's virtual for now, and he's been doing awesome. He has As and Bs, and he self advocated for himself and set up his own disability meeting. 

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