cooking

8 quick dinners we make at home

5 Thanksgiving Recipes :: Friendsgiving

5 Thanksgiving Recipes :: Drink Edition

5 Thanksgiving Recipes :: Dessert Edition

5 Thanksgiving Recipes :: Side Dish Edition

5 Thanksgiving Recipes :: Stuffing Edition

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco Tuesday

Funfetti Cake Pops (Halloween Edition)

bruschetta

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heatherbahorich

Holidays can be hard for kids with neurodivergence

Holidays can be hard for kids with neurodivergences. The routines they rely on shift, and one-time-a-year events can bring unfamiliarity—unexpected sounds, new smells, loads of sugar, and sometimes late nights. It can be overwhelming, even for the most excited little hearts. ❤️

This year, we’re preparing ahead. Before the hustle and bustle fully sets in, I’ve pulled out FosPower’s kid-friendly headphones to help my daughter find a safe space when she needs it. Whether it’s canceling out sounds, retreating to a quiet room with her favorite tunes, or focusing on a calming holiday story, these headphones are a game-changer!

The benefits go far beyond just managing sound:

1️⃣ Sensory Regulation: They help her manage overstimulation in noisy, crowded environments.

2️⃣ Increased Confidence: She feels more empowered knowing she has a tool to create her own “safe zone.”

3️⃣ Improved Focus: By minimizing distractions, she can tune into one thing at a time—whether it’s music, a story, or a calming activity.

4️⃣ Predictability in Chaos: These headphones give her something familiar and consistent, bringing comfort amidst the unexpected moments of the holidays.

5️⃣ Encourages Self-Regulation: She’s learning to recognize and meet her own needs, an essential skill for her growth.

6️⃣ A Calming Outlet: Pairing the headphones with soothing audio helps her relax during heightened moments.

With padded cushions, an adjustable fit, and a max volume of 94dB, they’re safe, comfortable, and practical. Bonus: the fun LED cat ears make them a hit with kids! 🎧✨

Navigating the holidays might not always be smooth, but tools like this make it easier for her to feel in control and supported—one sound at a time. 💕

#HolidaysWithHeart #NeurodivergentSupport @fospowerusa @stackinfluence #fospower #fospowerpartner #parentingtips #traveltips #techgifts #backtoschool

Have you explored MADE for Kids yet? 🎨🔬👷‍♀️🖥

Geared towards kids ages 4-14, this 7,000 sq. ft. maker space in St. Louis City is a DREAM for families to create, explore, innovate, and design together. From screen-printing and laser cutting to stop-motion animation, pottery, and 3D printing, the possibilities are endless.

When we realized this was already included in our Magic House Family Plus Membership, we couldn’t believe it took us so long to visit—and now we can’t stay away!

✨ Cyber Monday Alert! ✨
🚨 MEMBERSHIP SALE 🚨

For today only, grab a Family Plus Membership for 50% off—just $125 (a $250 value)! 🙌

This membership runs from Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025, and includes:
- Unlimited FREE admission to The Magic House and MADE for Kids
- 50% off guest admissions
- Discounts on summer camps, special events, and programs
- Invitations to members-only events
- Discounts in the Museum Shop and Picnic Basket Cafe

But don’t wait—this deal ends TONIGHT at 11:59 pm CST! 🏃‍♂️

Visit @magichousemadeforkids or their website to snag this deal and plan your next visit. Don’t miss out on the magic for the whole family! ✨

#CyberMonday #FamilyMembership #MADEforKids #themagichouse #stlmade @themagichouse

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be complicated! Some

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be complicated! Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received were thoughtful, practical, and consumable—simple treasures that bring joy and get used (and enjoyed!) right away. 🎁✨

While I love shopping local, sometimes my busy workweek doesn’t leave time to hunt for that perfect hostess gift or something special for the therapist, postal worker, or neighbor still on my list. That’s why I’m so thankful for @dierbergs—they make it easy to shop local while checking off my list, all during my weekly grocery run!

From BBQ sauce baskets for Grandpa to sweet treats for your daughter’s therapist, or a hand-crafted basket of St. Louis favorites for a new neighbor, they’ve got you covered. 🛍️ It’s such a joy to give gifts that are not only thoughtful but also showcase the amazing local flavors and makers I love.

This year, I’m giving gifts that are loved and keeping it simple.

Brands I found this weekend includes @pappyssmokehouse @bogartssmokehouse @ziasonthehill @valentismarket @amyscakepopshopandboozybites @jillyscupcake @bissingers @tuckersplacestl @thepastahouseco @rigazzis @dadscookieco @sugarfiresmokehouse @imospizza @kaldis_coffee

#stlhummingbirds
#localgroceryfinds
#partnership
@hummingbirdshq
@stlhummingbirds

Here’s to the holidays—not the rushed, jam-pac

Here’s to the holidays—not the rushed, jam-packed, “do it all” version, but the slow, meaningful ones. The afternoons spent wrapping presents together as a family. The evenings filled with movies, hot cocoa, and blankets. The days that leave room for board games with friends and crafts that fill the house with laughter, love, and joy. The slowness that lets orange peels and cinnamon simmer on the stove and fresh cookies bake in the oven.

It’s so easy to feel like you have to do everything: take your kids to every holiday event, hit the newest pop-up bar with friends, attend every festivity, parade, or Santa meet-and-greet.

Just stop. Not because those things are bad—they aren’t—but because it’s too easy to get caught up in the belief that you’re not a good mom, friend, or spouse unless you do it all. That your holidays need to be scheduled to the brim for them to be magical.

They don’t. You’re not missing anything by slowing down. Your kids aren’t missing anything either.

So make room. It takes just as much intention to create slower, quieter moments as it does to plan out all the activities. At first, it might feel hard or awkward. But soon, it will feel magical.

Slow down and savor the season. That’s where the real magic is.

This Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude f

This Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for all of you. 💛

To those who have been here from the start and those who are new, thank you for being part of this journey.

To those who share my love for Disney magic and those who have their own passions, I’m grateful for the connection we share.

To those who call St. Louis home and those who don’t, you all hold a special place in my heart.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, joy, and a little extra magic. 🍂✨

Stumped on what to get for the holidays? Let’s s

Stumped on what to get for the holidays? Let’s skip the big-box stores and show some love to our amazing local spots here in the Metro East. Whether you’re shopping for a foodie, a bookworm, or someone who deserves a little pampering, we’ve got you covered!

📚 Belleville Books: Cozy reads, unique finds, and perfect picks for your favorite book lover.

🎬🍿 The Edge: Not sure what to gift? Give them a fun day out! Movies, laser tag, and all the good vibes.

🧼 Magnolia Soap Co.: Luxurious handmade soaps and bath goodies that smell amazing. Self-care = the best gift.

☕ LongStory Coffee: A cup of joy in every bag. Pair it with a mug for a simple, thoughtful gift!

🎨 Parent Teacher Tools & Toys: Fun, educational toys for kiddos, teachers, and parents who want to make learning exciting.

🍎 Eckert’s: Farm-fresh jams, gift baskets, and pies. Foodie heaven!

🛍️ Local Lucy’s: A little bit of everything! Home decor, accessories, and locally made treasures.

🕊️ Peace By Piece Co.: Thoughtful, handmade items that spread love and positivity. Perfect for meaningful gifting.

💡 Here’s the deal: Shopping local means giving unique, heartfelt gifts AND supporting the incredible businesses in our community. Win-win, right?

What’s your go-to spot for holiday shopping in the Metro East? Drop your faves in the comments—let’s build the ultimate local gift guide together!

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