Masshole Mommy

Disney’s 2017 International Food & Wine Festival Guide

Sep 192017

Here is everything you need to know before you go to Disney World's 2017 International Food & Wine Festival, which is a food lover's paradise.

For the 22nd year, the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is back at Epcot. The festival is being held from August 31 – November 13, 2017 and all you need to enjoy this popular fall event is Epcot admission. Set up around the World Showcase, individual kiosks will offer guests the chance to try recipes from locations around the world! It’s a foodie paradise complete with delicious foods, wines, and craft beers from over 35 individual marketplaces.

Here is everything you need to know before you go to Disney World's 2017 International Food & Wine Festival, which is a food lover's paradise.

Food & Wine

In addition to the eleven countries represented in the World Showcase, you can try foods from places like Scotland, New Zealand, Greece, Africa, Belgium, Hawaii, India, and Patagonia. This year there is a wonderful Farm Fresh stand which features dishes like Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread and Red Eye Gravy and Roasted Beet Salad with Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette, and Toasted Walnuts (vegetarian and gluten friendly). Continue reading »

How MyHeritage DNA Kits Work (and My Surprising Results)

Sep 182017

Like me, you’ve probably seen the tv commercials for DNA kits. They seem to be all the rage these days and I would be lying if I said that I didn’t want to try one. All four of my grandparents were the first generation born in the US. Based on what they told me over the years, I thought I had a good handle on what I was made up of, but you never know right? I recently did have a chance to take a DNA kit thanks to MyHeritage and not only was it super easy to get my results, I was a little surprised by the results I got back.

MyHeritage is the leading global destination for discovering, preserving and sharing family history. Their platform and DNA kits make it easy for anyone, anywhere to embark on a meaningful journey into their past and treasure their family stories for generations to come. Their powerful technology does the searching for you, so you can get new information about your family history very easily – any time you want it.

MyHeritage is the leading global destination for discovering, preserving and sharing family history. Their DNA kits are easy to use and informative.

MyHeritage has a huge international records database so all you have to do is search a name to learn more about your ancestors. Their exclusive content and accurate results will help you uncover more than you ever imagined about your roots. Continue reading »

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies

Sep 172017

These Candy Corn Sugar Cookies are a delicious fall treat! They are easy to make and with the candy corn, they are festive for the fall season.

I always like to have a snack ready for my boys when they get home from school. Both of them come off the bus hangry, so recently I whipped up these Candy Corn Sugar Cookies. With the candy corn they are festive and perfect for the fall. Plus they are easy to make and seriously, what kid doesn’t love a nice warm cookie when they get home from school?

These Candy Corn Sugar Cookies are a delicious fall treat! They are easy to make and with the candy corn, they are festive for the fall season.

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies

Netflix Introduces Birthdays on Demand! #StreamTeam

Sep 152017

Baking dozens of cupcakes for school, DIY disasters that don’t look anything like the Pinterest inspirations—sound familiar? When it comes to planning your kids’ birthday parties, the pressure can be overwhelming for parents. You’re not alone, nearly three-quarters (71%) of parents wish there was an easier way to make birthdays feel special for their kids. Wish granted—no candles required. Netflix is granting parents the ultimate birthday gift with the launch of 15 Birthdays On Demand featurettes. Starring the characters in your kids’ favorite shows—like Beat Bugs, Barbie and Pokemon—your kids will feel like they’re singing just for them. And with the world’s most common birthday on September 16th, Netflix is giving parents the ultimate birthday hack when they need it most.

What stresses you out the most about birthday party planning? You don’t have to go overboard on the confetti and streamers. Just search “Birthday,” “Birthday Songs,” or “Birthdays On-Demand” on Netflix to discover the 15 Birthdays On-Demand titles available for streaming (full list below). Continue reading »

What To Expect at King Richard’s Faire

Sep 122017

There is so much fun to be had at King Richard's Faire in southeastern Massachusetts!

Hear ye, hear ye! It’s September and around these parts that means that King Richard’s Faire is back. For two months every fall, you can travel back in time at King Richard’s Faire in Carver, MA. Spread out over 80 acres of woods, King Richard’s Fairs is the place to be if you want to fully immerse yourself in the 16th century. If you’ve never been to a renaissance festival, you are seriously missing out a very unique experience. The fair includes all sorts of entertainment, exciting rides, shows, games and so much more. Here’s what you should expect when you go.

And yes, you too can lock your husband up in a cage when you go……

You can also lock your husband in a cage at King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA

Lots of amazing entertainment!

There are eight stages of live entertainment all day, included in your admission price at King Richard’s Faire. In addition to jousting show, you can see fire eating, magic, comedy shows, acrobatic acts and much more. Continue reading »

New England Fall Fun: Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm Corn Maze #MannsMaze

Sep 112017

Getting lost in a corn maze is one of the most fun things you can do with your family in the fall. Mann Orchard's Riverside Farm Corn Maze is now open!

I love summer, I really do. I love the warm weather, the beach, the relaxed schedule – all of it. But do you know what I love more than summer? FALL. How can you beat pumpkin flavored everything, chunky sweaters, hayrides and corn mazes? And speaking of corn mazes, did you know that the very first corn maze is now open in Methuen?

Getting lost in a corn maze is one of the most fun things you can do with your family in the fall. Mann Orchard's Riverside Farm Corn Maze is now open!

Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm is home to an 7-acre corn maze, which is the main attraction of their Riverside Farm location. Once this South Shore girl figured out where Methuen was, we headed up there for a day of fun this past weekend. You see, there is much, much more than just a corn maze at Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm and you definitely need to plan to stay for a while once you’re there. Continue reading »

15 Not-Scary Halloween Movies

Sep 102017

Here are 15 of the best not-scary Halloween movies you can buy or stream this year! The best part is that they won't give you nightmares!

Halloween doesn’t have to be all about getting scared, it can be fun and playful! I have gathered some of the top not-scary Halloween movies you can buy or stream this year, that won’t give you nightmares! Whether you want something for just you or the family, you might find a movie or two below to fit that!

Make some tasty Halloween snacks and cuddle up under the blankets and watch these fun Halloween movies below to get you into the spirit of Halloween! Now depending on your child’s age will depend if they think these movies are scary. I do recommend watching alone at first to see if they are safe for your child to watch!

Halloween Movies That Aren’t Spooky

The Addams Family| The Addam’s family is a little kooky, but it is a very entertaining movie, to say the least.

Hocus Pocus| This is a very popular movie around Halloween, three witches come back from being locked up for centuries, and some kids have to save the day!

Beetlejuice| Two people who have passed on are in need of help and they call on Beetlejuice, the ghost of most to help save the day!

Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown| Nothing beats a good Charlie Brown movie and this doesn’t disappoint! Very similar to all the other Charlie Brown movies with a Fall theme to it! Continue reading »

“Lighter” Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Sep 062017

This delicious pumpkin pie smoothie is perfect for the pumpkin lover in your life!

My husband and I have a running joke about the fact that my youngest son is just like me. And in so many ways he is. From the fact that our feet are always cold to the fact that we both sleep with a fan and a sleep mask on every single night. Another thing we both share is our dislike for eating first thing in the morning. Frankly I could wait until lunch to eat, but obviously I can’t send my little guy off to school everyday without something in his tummy. That sort of forces me to get a little creative when it comes to a light breakfast. I generally make him a smoothie because it’s filling, but not overly heavy. One other thing that he and I have in common is our love of all things pumpkin! I decided to make him a “Lighter” Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recently and it was a huge hit. With both of us.

“Lighter” Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

If you are a pumpkin lover, try a delicious "Lighter" Pumpkin Pie Smoothie! It's filling, tasty and ready in just a few minutes.

Fall Bucket List For Families

Sep 052017

ere is a list of 35 Fall inspired activities for you and your family to enjoy!

Looking for fun activities for you and your family to do this Fall? Check out this Fall bucket list for families, to help you stay entertained this Fall and create lasting memories! With the crisp cool air, beautiful colorful leaves, beautiful mums, and pumpkins. And if you are a pumpkin lover you can find pumpkin everything to snack on and drink! Same goes for delicious warm apple cider, one of my Fall favorites!

Below is a list of 35 Fall inspired activities for you and your family to enjoy! Create those memories and have fun doing it with this list! I love the idea of letting your kids pick a few items they absolutely want to do, and then have fun checking them off the list!

35 Fall Inspired Activities For Families

ere is a list of 35 Fall inspired activities for you and your family to enjoy!

1. Apple Picking at an Orchard
2. Decorate Your Porch or Entryway with Fall Inspired Decorations Continue reading »

Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

Sep 042017

Make pumpkin lovers happy with these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks. This Recipe is perfect for breakfast (or anytime) this fall!

As soon as the air starts to chill in late August, there is one thing on my mind. Pumpkin. A sure sign that it’s pumpkin season is when Dunkin Donuts brings back their pumpkin flavored munchkins and lattes. Here in New England, that’s the unofficial start of fall, but let’s face it – I could eat pumpkin flavored things all year long. And sometimes I do. Recently I made some ah-mazingly delicious Pumpkin French Toast Sticks and they were a big hit with at least one of my children (I have one extreme pumpkin lover and one, well, not so much).

Anyhow, these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are wicked easy to make and they don’t take long to prepare. We all like to send our kids off to school with a hearty breakfast in their tummies and this is one that I feel good about. My picky eater asked for seconds, so that says a lot…..

They’re seriously good and really easy to make.

Pumpkin French Toast Sticks

Make pumpkin lovers happy with these Pumpkin French Toast Sticks. This Recipe is perfect for breakfast (or anytime) this fall!

Auburn Mall Hosts 4th Annual Touch a Truck Event on 9/23!

Aug 302017

If you live in Central Massachusetts, mark your calendar for September 23rd because you and your kiddos are invited to Touch A Truck at the Auburn Mall! This is a fun community event that gives families the opportunity to have enjoy themselves while also giving back at the same time. The admission fee of $5 per person OR $20 maximum per family benefits the Auburn Fire Department and Susan G. Komen. Two great causes.

Truck enthusiasts of all ages are invited to Auburn Mall to get a unique and up-close look at a variety of vehicles, since toy trucks just can’t compare to the real thing. This includes:

Auburn Police Cruiser
Auburn Fire Truck
Cranes
Dump Truck
Landscape Chippers
Motorcycles
Coca-Cola Delivery Truck
And more

More features of this kid-friendly community event will include: a moon-bounce, Animal Adventures shows from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., a McCoy Karate demonstration, face painting by Noelle*, and more! The first 350 children will also receive a complimentary goody bag. Continue reading »

15 Pumpkin Desserts to Make This Fall

Aug 292017

If you're a fan of pumpkin desserts, you'll love this list of recipes to make this fall!

We are getting so close to all things pumpkin being found in your grocery stores, so I thought it was a perfect time to share a roundup of pumpkin desserts to make this season! Nothing beats a refreshing pumpkin latte, pumpkin spice muffins and other sweet treats! If you are a fan of pumpkin, you will love this list of delicious items to make this Fall!

When summer begins to come to a close, my mind instantly goes to pumpkin! I am a huge fan of making sweet treats at home for the family to enjoy! Plus they are great for taking to family gatherings and holidays. You can find thousands of Pumpkin recipes on Pinterest and the web, so I am sharing quite a few of the best pumpkin desserts!

Pumpkin Desserts to Make this Season

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting – Looking for a delicious cookie, try this, it has amazing cream cheese frosting! Continue reading »

Boston Bites: The Parish Cafe

Aug 282017

While I don’t live in Boston proper, I am in the city fairly often. My husband, Chris, works in Boston, so he’s in there all the time for work, but even on his days off – we always seem to find ourselves in the city for one thing or another. We go in to the city to eat quite a bit because the food just doesn’t compare out in the boonies where I live. I’ve walked past the Parish Cafe numerous times, but for some reason I never made it inside to eat. Until last week.

Each sandwich on Parish Cafe's menu is named for the chef and the restaurant they are from.

The Parish Cafe opened in November 1992 and usually has a line anytime you walk by. And now I know why! Owner Gordon Wilcox approached local Boston chefs and asked them each to create a sandwich for the Parish Cafe menu. Each sandwich on Parish Cafe’s menu is named for the chef and the restaurant they are from. I love this concept and was super excited when the Parish Cafe invited my husband and I to come in for dinner.

We grabbed a window seat (inside) so that we could do some people watching and started with some appetizers. Here’s what we got:

The Benny is stuffed with Vietnamese-style, spicy grilled chicken breast, assorted julienned vegetables, and mint-coriander mayonnaise. It’s served with spicy purple cabbage slaw tossed with diced tomatoes, fresh mint, Thai basil, and cracked peanuts on the side. Continue reading »

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles

Aug 272017

If you are a fan of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, try these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles for Breakfast - they're easy to make and delicious!

Recently I made some Froot Loops Waffles for brinner (breakfast for dinner). The kids loved them and pretty much devoured them. My youngest son loves his Cinnamon Toast Crunch and we always have a box in the house. I decided that since the Froot Loops Waffles went over so well that I would try my hand at some Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles. I was hoping they would be as big of a hit as the Froot Loops one. They were!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles

If you are a fan of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, try these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles for Breakfast - they're easy to make and delicious! Continue reading »

Thinking About Going Back to School?

Aug 232017

Continuing education is a tough decision! There is so much to consider.

I recently made a big decision for my career; I decided to go back to school for my Master’s degree. A little background: I graduated from nursing school 21 years ago with my Associates degree. I had always maintained that I never had any intention of going back, and for years I didn’t. Then I interviewed for a job I REALLY wanted and I didn’t get it. I realized then that having my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) would make me much more marketable and increase my chances of eventually getting the job I wanted. Within 3 months I was enrolled and I finished my BSN in June of 2016. On the last day of classes for me, I got offered the job I wanted (2 years after I applied the first time). Coincidence? Maybe, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And now that the learning bug has bitten me, I can’t get enough.

Maybe you’ve thought about going back to school and are unsure. I’ve talked to many people about this over the last several years. Some tell me they are too old, others tell me they don’t have the time, and some tell me that just the thought itself overwhelms them. It IS a huge decision. Continue reading »

15 Back to School DIY Gifts for Teachers

Aug 222017

teacher appreciation gifts

It seems like each year my children get a bit older, the days past by that much faster. They always say, “Don’t blink! Kids grow up so fast!” That can’t be more true! In no time another school year will begin, and I thought it would be fun to share some great back to school gifts for teachers!

Teachers are make such a huge impact on your child, and they help them grow and learn with each day! I think it is a great way to give a gift as a thank you for all their hard work and time they will put into helping your child for the school year!

These are affordable and creative gifts to give to a teacher, that will be sure to put a big smile on their face!

Easy DIY Gifts to Make For Your Teacher

Grape Year: Bombshell Bling – A fun and free printable that says, This will be a grape year! Get it.. grape..great! Continue reading »

DIY Painted Pencils

Aug 212017

Yellow pencils are boring aren't they? Check out these cute DIY Painted Pencils. It's super easy to glam them up and send them to school with the kids!

The first day of school will be here before I know it. Here in New England, we don’t go back to school until after Labor Day, so like I said – it’s coming up quick. This year I wanted to do something special for back to school and I even broke my “No glitter in my house” policy to make this one happen. I made some super cute DIY Painted Pencils. Yellow pencils are boring aren’t they? It’s super easy to glam them up and send the kids to school with something that makes them stand out!

Yellow pencils are boring aren't they? Check out these cute DIY Painted Pencils. It's super easy to glam them up and send them to school with the kids!

I think these DIY Painted Pencils are especially fun because you can paint them in any color you want, so they are completely customizable. I did a variety of colors because I made some for my nieces at the same time I made a few for my almost 4th grader. My nieces haven’t seen theirs yet, but my son absolutely loved his pencils.

DIY Painted Pencils

Yellow pencils are boring aren't they? Check out these cute DIY Painted Pencils. It's super easy to glam them up and send them to school with the kids!

Oreo Minions #StreamTeam

Aug 202017

You’ve seen my Minion Strawberries before and today, I am sharing my Oreo Minions. Oreo’s are a BIG favorite in my house and when my kids saw that I had made Minions out of them, they were so excited.

Oreo Minions

Here’s what you need:

Oreo’s
Black, Yellow and Blue Candy Melts (you can also used white chocolate that you color with food dye)
Candy Eyeballs
Candy Melts E-Z Thin (you can also use Crisco)
Candy Melts Decorating Tips
Decorating Bags or Ziploc Bags

Introducing the School of Swagger from Old Spice #ItSmellsItself #Smellcometomanhood #ad

Aug 172017

You all know this guy:

He’s the boy that made me a mom and is one of my two main reasons for living. I almost can’t believe that he’s THIRTEEN now. Omg you guys – I am the mother of a teenager. How did that happen?

I don’t want to embarrass him too much, but I’m going to share a story with you. About a year ago or so, he came off the bus from school and I was waiting at the door to greet him (like always). I wait for him inside the door of course because god forbid his friends on the bus see me outside anxiously waiting for him to come home. Anyhow, like I always do, I went to give him a big hug and kiss the second he walked in the door. Except this day was different. My sweet, sweet little boy almost killed me with the stench that immediately filled the room when he lifted his arms. My god, I almost passed out. I actually I did fall to the floor and pretend to faint because I figured that it would be less humiliating for him if I made light of it at first.

Once I ~~regained consciousness~~ got up off of the floor, I explained to him that it was time to start wearing deodorant. Every. Day. The weird thing is, that smell came out of no where – one day he didn’t smell and the next day he did. He’s an active kid and now that his body is changing, he’s sweating a lot more. Continue reading »

15+ Amazing and Delicious Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Aug 152017

One of my favorite sweet treats is ice cream. I don’t care if it’s 20 degrees outside or 120 degrees – there is never a bad time for ice cream. When I was growing up, I had a bowl of ice cream for my bedtime snack every single night. While I don’t have ice cream quite that often anymore, I certainly enjoy a couple of bowls of ice cream every week. Lately I have discovered homemade ice cream and am so excited that I am not limited to what they sell in the grocery store. Not that I have ever bought an ice cream flavor that I didn’t like, but I do like freedom of creativity that I have when I make my own. I have been on the hunt for some great homemade ice cream recipes lately and today I’ve rounded them all up into once place for easy reference.

Check out these amazing homemade ice cream recipes:

Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
http://amandascookin.com/homemade-mint-chocolate-chip-ice-cream/

Banana Ice Cream
http://happyhooligans.ca/one-ingredient-banana-ice-cream/ Continue reading »

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