It Snowed!

Yes, it snowed in April. The Little Man has been off school (and I've been off work) since Monday. While its been a fun, unintentional vacation, I'm ready to get back to normal. The Big Man and I have been together for over 20 years now, and after all that time, things can be taken for granted. With cabin fever, homemaking and home ownership duties, parenting and more, the last thing on either of our minds is date night.

That's what makes it so important.

I found a great idea on Pinterest (I spend way too much time there, but my family does benefit!)for a snow date. I pinned it to use next winter, since I didn't plan on the icepocalypse happening this week. It's pretty simple-play in the snow and have some hot cocoa! It's a great chance to reconnect, be silly and just have fun.

I love the hot cocoa recipe from Hershey's. it's super simple and super delish!

Ingredients


1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa Dash salt 1/3 cup hot water 4 cups (1 qt.) milk 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Miniature marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream (optional)
Directions

1 Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do Not Boil.

2 Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Five 8-oz. servings.

Snow Ice Cream

1 c half & half
1 tsp vanilla
½ c sugar
5-6 c of CLEAN snow (best way to ensure this is to put out a big bowl to collect it as it snows)

Mix together and enjoy! This is such a fun tradition to do with the first snow fall.

Solesbury Hill

Yesterday the Little Man and I went sledding. It was the first time he ever went. There was a chill in the air, and for someone standing hillside, it was COLD.
But for a nine year old having the time of their lives, it was quite balmy.

When we got there, little man didn't quite know what to make of the concept at first. He looked at the sled in his hand, then to the hill and then to me.
It's a natural kid idea. You sit on the sled and go really fast down a hill. That's it.
I then realized how little fear my son has.
The park we went to is a giant bowl, with some sides being less of an incline than others. We started on the short side (the bunny hill) and quickly progressed to the steepest section.
The laughter and smiles were worth braving the frigid air.
He loved going super fast and then running up the hill to do it all over again.
It was a perfect way to spend a snowy sunday!
And the perfect drink to go with it is hot chocolate!

4 c milk (regular or soy)
4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pureed banana
2 tsp agave nectar

Put banana and milk together in a blender, purée. Add to a saucepan, heat to boiling, add agave and cocoa powder. Mix well. Serve hot!

Love my way

It's Tuesday, and the first of February. Another snowmeggedon is going on in the Dakotas, and this time we are willing to share the love. Little man has a delayed opening so I get a chance to get the house cleaned up before I get on with the other part of my life. 

I'm debating what to make for dinner tonight. It's super cold out, so I'm thinking hearty & rib sticking filling. I'm thinking chicken pot pie, but with a healthy twist.

2 c cooked chicken, diced

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 c milk

1 c mixed veggies drained

1 c baking mix

1 egg

1/2 c milk

Preheat oven to 375. Mix soup & milk together, add chicken & veggies; pour into a baking dish. Mix baking mix together with milk & egg. Pour over chicken mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot with a salad. Yummy!!