Want your kids to expand their list of acceptable foods beyond buttered noodles and french fries? Fluffy bread, warm spices, chicken and lots of vegetarian options make Indian food a great option! Brightly colored and easy to adjust the spice factor, we’ve rounded up some of the best Indian food recipes that will have your kids asking for more naan in no time!

Homemade Naan

Gimme Some Oven

Once you make homemade Naan, you may never go back to store bought. This simple recipe from Gimme Some Oven uses basic ingredients, and only takes an hour to rise before dropping in the skillet and devouring.

Red Lentil Dahl

The Wanderlust Kitchen

Dahl makes the perfect addition to rice or to eat with naan. This easy red lentil version from The Wanderlust Kitchen takes just 30 minutes and is perfect for anyone who loves plant-based recipes.

Chana Masala

Cookie Kate

When it comes to quick vegetarian Indian recipes, this Chana Masala recipe from Cookie + Kate will be your go-to. Substitute canned tomatoes and dry spices to get the same authentic flavor of this chick pea dish that you would at your fave Indian restaurant.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Damn Delicious

Need the perfect Indian chicken recipe? Here it is! Our editors love this slow cooker recipe from Damn Delicious that takes the grunt work out of cooking. It cooks in just a few hours and pairs perfectly with basmati rice.

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Pinch of Yum

It takes just five ingredients to make your own Chicken Tikka Masala and it's way easier than you think. This flavorful dinner idea from Pinch of Yum works great as a go-to comfort food and tastes just as amazing heated up for lunch the next day.

Biryani

Food Fanatic

Make sneaking in the veggies a breeze with Food Fanatic's Vegetable Biryani! While this recipe does have quite the ingredient list, your kiddos will hardly notice their scarfing down carrots, green beans and peas.

Samosas

Gitanjali Roche

Perfect as an "entry level" snack to get your kids hooked on Indian food, these fried samosas from Gitanjali Roche are packed with flavor and veggies. Made with homemade dough and fried to perfection, they pair nicely with a side of chutney for even more flavor.

Chicken Curry

Cooking Classy

Packed with aromatic spices but still easy on the palate, Cooking Classy's Chicken Curry will quickly become a family favorite. It takes just 20 minutes to sauté and simmer, then you'll be slurping this down in no time!

Paneer Pokora

My Food Story

Did somebody say "fried cheese?" This crispy, battered dish is perfect for introducing littles to delicious Indian food. Make it plain or stuff with chutney––both take this cheese recipe from My Food Story to the next level.

Shrimp Tandoori

Rasa Malaysia

While you likely won't be making this dish in a traditional tandoori oven, you can still get an authentic flavor using traditional Indian spices. And because you're whipping up shrimp, dinner will be ready in no time. Rasa Malaysia's easy recipe uses Greek yogurt, garam masala and turmeric before tossing on the BBQ.

Aloo Paratha

My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

For little foodies ready to up their naan game, this recipe for stuffed flatbread from My Ginger Garlic Kitchen is perfect. A traditional breakfast dish, Aloo Paratha is made with a spiced potato filling and is simply cooked in a fry pan.

––Karly Wood

Feature image: Andy Hay via Unsplash

 

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So, for my little monster’s second birthday she got a MONSTER (shocking) pajama party.  Complete with monster paper dolls, sock monster favors, and, of course, a monster cake!  It couldn’t be a monster party without a monster cake.

What you will need to create your own monster cake:

  • a round cake pan
  • a cake mix or a homemade one frosting, dyed to your desired color
  • sixlets, in your chosen color/s
  • paper eyeballs
  • wooden skewers
  • hot glue gun & glue stick

For my eyeballs, I used Photoshop Elements to create what I was looking for.  I created one orange and one pink, those were our party colors.  I went with only two eyeballs for my monster; but you could definitely add or subtract from this, there are no rules when it comes to monsters!

Once I was done I printed them out, glued them to some grey cardstock to make them sturdier, and then hot glued them to two wooden skewers.  With them attached to the skewers, I can just poke them into the finished cake wherever and however I choose.

I used a 7 inch round cake pan, you can use whatever size or shape suits you and your monster needs.  As I said with the eyeballs, there are no rules when it comes to monsters!

I used box cakes and store bought frosting because baking is not always my strong suit, and, honestly, it is just simpler.  I first dyed my frosting a light pink so that the bits that could be seen would match. Then I baked, I cooled, I frosted, I stacked, I frosted the rest and then the real fun began.

I got out my massive amount of orange and pink sixlets and started covering the cake.  I started in the middle of the top and worked my way out and then down the sides.  I picked the two colors at random, just reached in and pulled out.  You could easily make a pattern out of it if that’s what you want.

It was tedious; but, eventually, the cake was covered in the sixlets and looking like a scaly, bumpy, pink, and orange monster.  I situated it on the platter, poked the eyes into place, and voila!

There was singing, wish-making followed by cake slicing and eating!

I also made cupcakes, as the cake was not very big, and I always love to make too much.  I made smaller eyeballs and hot glued them to toothpicks for the cupcakes.  The cake ones would have been oddly huge on the cupcakes.

 

I'm a stay-at-home mother of three amazing kids.  My days are filled with bus stops, cleaning food off the walls, changing diapers and tackling the perpetual mountain of laundry.  And I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Summer boredom busted! National Geographic just launched the Planet Possible Family Challenge and made it a lot more fun to get outside together. And don’t tell the kids, but a little learning will be involved, too.

Over the next eight weeks, look for a new challenge every Thursday to complete with your family. The first one is live now: explore the ground with a (homemade) magnifier! Each challenge has three parts: a DIY component, using the handmade tool or craft to explore biodiversity and tips on protecting the natural world.

The new program is part of National Geographic’s Planet Possible initiative, dedicated to inspiring everyone to live more lightly on the planet. While you wait for the next challenge, look around on the site for other entertaining and informative activities. Learn how to become a wildlife detective, forest bathe, or grow an indoor garden! You’ll also find more craft ideas, including making a homemade telescope or “elephant toothpaste.”

Time to start exploring! There’s no better resource than National Geographic for a little education on our beautiful world. Spend a little time outside this weekend and start June on the right note!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Caitlin Holbrook (21st Century Fox) and Matthew Rakola

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Do you have mountains of kid-made art your littles bring home from daycare or school? If you answered “yes,” you aren’t alone.

According to a new survey from OnePoll conducted on behalf of Canvaspop, the average American mom gets 45 pieces of homemade art as gifts from their kiddos. The poll, which included 2,000 moms, revealed mothers reported getting an average of six drawings, four finger paintings and four watercolor paintings as holiday presents over the course of their mom-ing life.

photo courtesy of Canvaspop

If you’re into displaying your child’s mini masterpieces, you’re in good company. A whopping 76 percent of moms surveyed reported framing their kiddo’s artwork.

Even though moms are obviously into framing kid-created art, the survey’s stats also show parents want more than finger paintings and collages on their walls. Sixty-seven percent of the moms surveyed wish they have more photos of their fam to hang on the walls too.

Brittany Norris, Brand Marketing Manager for Canvaspop, said in a press release, “Moms are amazing about making sure that their family’s biggest moments are captured.” Norris added, “That’s why it’s important to take the time to go through your favorite photos and print the ones that say thank you for always being there.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

 

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Ree Drummond has done it again. The Pioneer Woman is launching her first even ice cream collection!

Available exclusively at Walmart and just in time for warm weather, the Ice Cream Maker Collection has everything you need to whip up sweet treats at home. You’ll be able to snag a four quart Ice Cream Maker ($34.94), a variety of ice cream mixes ($3.68), rock salt $13.30), ice cream scoop and bowls ($14.96).

While the ice cream maker make look pretty old-timey, its actually powered by an electric motor-driven paddle so you won’t have to wait long for homemade ice cream. It features a real wood exterior, heavy-duty freezing canister, churn paddle, see-through lid and interior plastic liner.

You may recognize some of the flavors when it comes to shopping. Birthday Cake, Salted Carmel, Toffee Caramel and Mint Chip are all fan favorites of Charlie’s Sweet Shop located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

You can find the entire lineup of new products at Walmart.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Pioneer Woman

 

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Nurture your tiny Picasso or budding Kahlo’s artistic side with easy-to-use art supplies. We’ve gathered up our favorite fun art supplies for toddlers, from the best crayons for chubby hands to mess-free markers, plus a few affordable DIY options perfect for a rainy day. Stock a closet with thick paper, paint, smocks or old t-shirts, and a few fun tools and, before you know it, you’ll have a fridge covered in masterpieces.

Chunky Crayons

Scribble it up with these jumbo beeswax crayons, one of our favorite first art supplies. We love that Honey Sticks are nontoxic and have a sweet scent. Skinny, regular-size crayons snap in half in toddlers' hands, so choose easy-to-hold crayons like these thick and sturdy scribblers or toddler fave crayon rocks.

Available at amazon.com, $19.95.

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Jonathan Sanchez via Unsplash

Mix up cornstarch, water,and a splash of food coloring and you’ll have your own homemade sidewalk chalk paint. Though it creates a bright, bold color, it’s easy to wash off of kids and sidewalks alike. It's a fun way to create large scale art outside. Simply pair with paintbrushes with sturdy handles, like these from Melissa and Doug. Find all the DIY instructions to make your own sidewalk chalk paint from the Happiness Is Homemade blog.

Washable Finger Paint Set

Toddlers love to explore textures, and finger paints give them a great way to do just that. We like this paint set from Crayola because it’s washable, nontoxic, and comes equipped with big sheets of paper. When you've used up the paper, you can pair finger paints with cardboard or even foil to give your kiddo a different art experience. For a fun, extra-affordable painting adventure, whip up edible finger paints using this recipe. To keep the mess manageable, make sure to add a smock, or strip your kiddo down to a diaper. Plop them in the bath after they're done creating.

Available at shop.crayola.com, $21.99.

Color Wonder Markers

Since toddlers can't be trusted to keep real markers on paper only, Crayola Color Wonder Markers offer a mess-free way for little ones to scribble. Plus, they make for perfect on-the-go art supplies for long road trips. These markers won’t mark up anything except for the special paper. Our favorite big set comes equipped with 60 sheets of paper and 20 markers.

Available at shop.crayola.com, $20.66

Big Sidewalk Chalk

Twee's sidewalk chalk sets make a perfect birthday gift, and Carrie's Castle Sidewalk Chalk does double-duty as both building blocks and art supplies. Thick, sturdy pieces of sidewalk chalk are right-sized for two-year-old hands. You can draw circles and lines with the chalk while introducing your little one to shapes, and add some outdoor fun by creating a sidewalk obstacle course with lines to walk on and circles to hop over!

Available at tweemade.com, $34.

Wikki Stix

Another fantastic on-the-go art supply is Wikki Stix. Kids can twist, twirl and bend them to make sculptures all their own. We love this animal-themed pack that's ready to pull out on a rainy day.

Available at wikkistix.com, $9.95.

Paint-with-Water Water Wow Coloring Book

More of an activity than an open-ended art supply, Water Wow offers no mess, no-prep fun for toddlers. You can find a Water Wow book that matches your little one’s interests, whether they go gaga for trucks or adore farm animals. Simply fill the pen with H2O and watch as your kiddo brushes away, revealing hidden pictures. When the page dries, the picture fades away so your child can re-paint it another time. Great for travel or as a quiet activity while you're busy on a Zoom call, these affordable books start at $5.99.

Available at melissaanddoug.com, $5.99.

Homemade Play Dough

Julietta Watson via Unsplash

Homemade play dough is a great tool to use to get those little fingers workingand it’s fun! As toddlers squish and roll the play dough, they're strengthening their hand muscles and hand-eye coordination to get ready for writing. Plus, you can let dough creations air-dry for unique 3D art. Find our favorite recipe here. Add an extra-special touch with a few drops of scent, like vanilla, or with a sprinkle of sequins or glitter. Pair with cookie cutters and a toddler-size rolling pin for hours of entertainment.

Spill-Proof Paint Cups

Spill-proof paint cups, like these from Melissa & Doug, are a toddler art must-have. Because of the tightly fitting lids that come with these dishwasher-safe cups, you can save paint from one day to the next. Add washable tempera paints and thick paper, and you'll have all you need for your little artist. Be sure to throw newspaper or a mat down beneath their paintings, since toddlers are known to load paper up with extra paint.

Available at amazon.com, $9.99.

Dot Markers

The handy-dandy sponge tip on each Do A Dot Art Marker rarely dries out, and it delivers a perfect dose of color with each dab. Toddlers love splotching these against paper again and again, combining bright colors to make unique creations. The ink is washable, too! Choose from rainbow, metallic or sparkle dot markers.

Available at dotart.com, $16.99.

Kwik Stix Paint Sticks

Although most one and two-year-olds aren't quite ready for watercolors, paint sticks are an open-ended art supply that they will love to explore. With no paint cups or brushes to wash, quick-dry Kwik Stix require almost no clean-up. Pair with construction paper or an extra-large cardboard box and see what your artist creates!

Available at amazon.com, $7.99.

Textured Rollers

Ready 2 Learn's plastic rollers pair with paint or play dough to create wavy lines or rows of dots. They're sized just right for toddlers' hands. Kids can make tracks in their play dough, send roads zooming across paper, and more.

Available at amazon.com, $9.99.

Foam Sensory Paint & Puffy Paint

Pick up a pack of foam sensory paint to add texture exploration to your toddlers' art creations. Lakeshore Learning's paint comes in five colors, and it's washable. Or, you can make your own ooey gooey puffy paint. Simply mix one cup shaving cream, one cup glue, and a few drops of food coloring, and watch your little one explore and experiment! This puffy paint dries in 3D and works well for finger painting. For older toddlers, use Q-tips in place of paintbrushes.

Available at lakeshorelearning.com, $19.99.

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While most of us appreciate a homemade project, not everyone has the time or skillset to whip up craft like a toddler busy board at home. Perfect for busy little hands, these activities are great for parents who want to keep littles entertained and learning at the same time. If you’re looking for a quality sensory board, you can find just what you need on Etsy. We’ve scoured the online marketplace and found some of the most creative and cute busy boards that any kiddo will love.

Caution! Busy!

RomansRdDecor via Etsy

Is your little obsessed with trucks and construction? Let them take the wheel on this totally customizable and personalized busy board. Add your own colors, name and let imaginations run wild with a play telephone, lots of locks and other fidgeters.

Find it on Etsy, $204.99

Black, White and Fun All Over

BusyboardHappyHome via Etsy

Classy and stylish, this simple activity board is perfect for the senses. Complete with chains, keys and locks, this perfectly sized board can be customized with both name and colors.

Buy it on Etsy, $130

Busy on the Go

EasyTigerBusyBoards via Etsy

Looking for a travel-friendly sensory board? This wooden 8"x12" toy is perfect for pint-sized adventurers. Take in the car or stroller, and let the littles enjoy the modern design that comes with plenty of finger fun.

Buy it on Etsy, $62

Zip It Good

MiniMoms via Etsy

There's something about the magical feel and sound of zippers, especially for kiddos! This simple zipper board comes with rainbow-colored zippers and is one page of others you can order to create a quiet book. Zippers can help with fine motor and dressing skills, and are just plain fun.

Find it on Etsy, $20

Busy Blanket

FaufulisFashion via Etsy

Ribbons, tags and buttons, oh my! This sweet busy blanket is great for sensory learners and is easy to take on-the-go. Made with a variety of fabrics and tags, babies and toddlers will love the unique sensory experiences this blanket brings.

Find it on Etsy, $40.72

Gearhead Fun

FoxFamilyBoutique via Etsy

This adorable wooden, concrete mixer-shaped activity comes with tons of fun. From jingly bells and locks, to knobs and a fidget spinner, your toddler's going to be keeping quite busy with this board.

Find it on Etsy, $58.50

Light It Up

MaxiBabyToys via Etsy

We all know how tempting those light switches can be for young ones, but now they can redirect their energy! Made with LED lights and switches, this unique activity board is easily powered by AA batteries that can be swapped without fuss.

Find it on Etsy, $95

Over the Rainbow

SmartWoodenToys via Etsy

Combining absolutely beauty and craftsmanship, this busy board transports kids to another place. Littles can visit Rome, Paris and London while working latches, spinners and gears. Pretty enough for your family room, this board is one you won't mind keeping out day after day.

Get it on Etsy, $205

––Karly Wood

Editor’s note: At the time of publication, all products were in stock.

 

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There’s nothing like a warm meal delivered to your doorstep, especially in times of need. Lasagna Love is a national grassroots movement of kindness and support that connects neighbors through homemade meal delivery.

The idea came about in the spring when Rhiannon Menn began delivering homemade lasagnas to families in her community who were struggling when the pandemic hit. 

Lasagna Love

In just under eight months, Lasagna Love has spread across 47 states in America (including major metros: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, New York, San Diego and San Francisco), delivered over 8,000 meals and is supported by 4,000+ “Lasagna Mamas” and “Lasagna Papas.”

“To accomplish these milestones in such a short window of time is a huge testament to the impact of Lasagna Love,” said Menn. “We are reaching more families at a time when food insecurity is skyrocketing and with non-profit status, now have the ability to gain additional funding through employer matching, Amazon Smile, and countless other avenues. All of this has been achieved organically along with personal passion from our volunteers who share a profound desire to give with purpose. Lasagna Love is highlighting a level of overlooked humanity that crosses every boundary.” 

Lasagna Love

Lasagna Love came about from a desire to help others without expectation of gratitude or reciprocation. Menn said, “Kindness has a network effect, which in turn, strengthens our communities. If we’re able to shift our perspective, to give grace and see possibility instead of focusing on what we’ve lost or what we wish we had…the entire fabric of our being is changed. Lasagna Love volunteers are setting a renewed tone around giving without judgement or divisiveness. Their generosity of spirit is seeding a behavior shift with neighbors focusing on the needs of community members without qualification, and empowering others to ask for help without fear of being deemed undeserving.” 

It’s easy to become a Lasagna “Mama” or “Papa” and there is no commitment or expectation for giving. Signups and donations can be managed directly from Lasagna Love’s website. 

Lasagna Love

Lasagna Love isn’t exclusively focused on delivering home-cooked meals. It aims to normalize asking for help which is something that doesn’t always come easily. “The more frequently we message that it’s OK to ask for help, the more likely we are to shift the narrative around asking when we need it,” said Menn. 

To establish additional funding to support meal deliveries to families in need, the Lasagna Love online store features Lasagna Love-branded merchandise including aprons, hats, face masks, onesies, stickers and car signs.

“Our volunteers are embracing a reality of zero judgement, open heart, and giving without any expectation of appreciation,” said Menn. “When our volunteers deliver a meal, it doesn’t just have an impact in that moment. What we’ve learned over time is that recipient families are often inspired to pay it forward and help those around them when they can. Some are even inspired to become Lasagna Mamas and Papas themselves.” 

To join the Lasagna Love movement, donate, or to purchase Lasagna Love-branded merchandise, visit www.lasagnalove.org

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Lasagna Love

 

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Homemade Rice Krispies Treats evokes memories of childhood and hugs from loved ones. Since we can’t always be with friends and family, Snap, Crackle and Pop whipped up a hug you can eat. New Rice Krispies Treat Homestyle are an ooey gooey taste of home. 

Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle

Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle features extra marshmallows folded into every bite. They’re even 50 percent bigger than the original treats. Available in original and chocolate flavors, these new treats are individually wrapped with a writable wrapper allowing you to leave a little extra love with a handwritten note.

“We all have memories of our families and friends in the kitchen preparing for celebrations and gatherings, and Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle look and taste like those memorable, homemade treats we make together,” said Sarah Reinecke, Director of Brand Marketing for Kellogg’s Portable Wholesome Snacks. “For anyone gathering virtually, we wanted to give our fans a treat to enjoy the recognizable homemade taste that hearkens the emotions time together creates.”

Now through Dec. 31, everyone has a chance to embrace a first taste of new Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle by reaching out to their most-missed huggers. Follow these simple steps to enter:

  1. Check out the Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle announcement on Twitter.
  2. Share the Tweet and @mention the person you want to hug the most
  3. Tag your post with #RKTHomestyleEntry.

Rice Krispies Treats will randomly select entries and send participants, and the person they’ve nominated, samples of new Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle in both chocolate and original flavors.    

Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle will be available in grocery stores nationwide in January retailing for $3.19 for a six-bar box, or $4.98 for a 12-bar box. For more information on Rice Krispies Treats Homestyle, follow Rice Krispies Treats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find more inspiration.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Rice Krispies

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