Amazing, and simple, Eggnog Cream Pie

Okay, seriously, this is everything Christmas in my mouth, all at once.  It's fantastic in a way I can't even tell you.  I stumbled across this blog post earlier today, courtesy of pinterest.  I pondered for about 30 seconds on whether to make it or not.  And, because I am a lover of all things eggnog, I made out the grocery list and was ready to go the minute L woke up from her nap.

Toddler Proof Christmas Tree Make Over

So it's that time of year again.  Most of us dig into our storage, pull out the totes upon totes of delicate Christmas heirlooms and treasures and proudly display them around our home for the holiday season.  We put up tinsel or sparkly garland, and string our teetering tree with lights and "shatterproof" ornaments.  Family photo's and books are traded in for a nutcracker and a Christmas village.  Except for those of us with toddlers... especially 1 year old toddlers who are still learning.

That elite group of us who still consider braving the over decorated stores with our tots in tow cringe.  Cringe at the things to break.  Look out for the tinsel, lights, and garland decorated windows and trees which attract tiny hands like a month to the flame...inevitably bringing it to its demise.  And the thought of bringing such items into our home?  Are you kidding?  I cherish the fact I can now turn my back on my child while she plays from her toy bin and I manage to unload and load the dishwasher without her "help."  If I brought a tree in and trimmed it with such bait, I'd never be able to leave my daughters side for fear she'd pull the entire thing crashing down on herself in an attempt to further explore the newness and attractiveness of it all.

Realistic toddler food

I suppose my time has come.  It seems that every mom with a blog has a "toddler approved" list of foods.  I can't really knock them, because those mom's saved my sanity when my creative spark was just lost to think outside the box for a new meal for her.  I know she can eat whatever we eat...so says the pediatrician...but have you ever tried to feed a toddler soup?  How bout something with jalapenos?  Sandwich that's not just a PB&J?  Also, have you ever tried to convince a picky eater (or a teething toddler) to eat something other than soft pasta?  And really, how many times can you feed them mac and cheese, or grilled cheese, before you start to feel a little guilty that they're not getting a variety of foods?  So, I've come up with the list of foods that have worked in our house, hopefully some of them will work for you, or at least spark some ideas to help you think of more!