The Caitlin Moss Blog

Stocking stuffers for kids (especially under the age of 10) are super easy. I mean they've got all the best treats and trinkets lined up in the aisle at Target. Stocking stuffers for husbands on the other hand can get tricky. Here what's in my husband's stocking this year. 1. Metal insulated tumbler with a straw (we love these) 2. Gum 3. Car air freshener 4. Candy candy cane (everyone needs this no matter your age) 5. Cologne/body spray 6. Scalp massager (mostly because I want it) I'll probably throw in some more candies and the traditional orange at the bottom but this is honestly all that will fit. Here are some other ideas I've done in the past: 7. Single shot bottles of Fireball (or any of his favorite liquor) 8. Gourmet coffee 9. Favorite MIO or flavored water 10. Water bottle 11. Gift cards 12. Magazine (my hubs likes the Family Handy Man ) 13. After-shave cream 14. New razor 15. Electric Toothbrush 16. Hand warmers 17. Socks 18. Beef

A year ago I did not want to get an elf. Mr. Claus took it upon himself to send an elf to our front door last Christmas, if you get what I'm saying. I thought I would hate it. I don't. I think it is a lot of fun and much less "work" than I thought it'd be. The kids are obsessed with our elf, Snowy. One child even cried when she left last year (and then again in June when she missed her). Anyway, I thought it'd be such a hassle but then again, our kids are growing so fast. This kind of magic and whimsy doesn't last forever so Snowy is now a welcome member of our household. Here are a few things our elf has been up to... Campfire and s'mores. This was one of the kids favorites. A message in sprinkles. (Dust buster and then a clorox wipe to clean up. Not too bad.) Spidey Snowy. Gone gold fishin'. Message on a mirror.  Zip-lining with a candy cane. A good-bye letter on Christmas Eve. Sometimes sh

There's always at least one dish at family gatherings that is not the "norm." My pumpkin bread stuffing is that dish. I got the idea from Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals over a decade ago, made it my own and now it's something that just has to be at the Thanksgiving table. Ingredients | 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup dried apricots (or mango), diced 1 pumpkin bread loaf 1/2 cup to 1 cup apple juice Preheat the oven to 350. In a sauce pan, saute the dried fruit with a little juice and a bit of butter over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer. Cut the pumpkin bread loaf in bite-sized squares. Add the fruit mixture to the pumpkin bread and add to a buttered baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Easy as that. A nice, sweet side to add to your thanksgiving feast.

I have a weak stomach in the morning. I don't know why but I've always struggled to make a hardy breakfast in the morning, even though I really need it. If I skip breakfast I am hangry by 9:20 and making myself my first lunch. Enter freezer breakfast burritos. My hero and saving grace. Here's what you need: Eggs Milk 1 lb. breakfast sausage Tortillas Shredded cheese The above will cost you no more than $15 and will make about 15 burritos. Step 1: Cook and drain 1 lb. breakfast sausage Step 2: Whisk 8-10 eggs and 1/2 cup milk Season with pepper Scramble with the sausage. Step 3: Add cheese. Step 4: Add a spoonful or 2 of egg mixture to your tortilla, wrap and place in Hefty gallon bag. Freeze. Step 5: Wrap in paper towel and heat in microwave for 1 minute 45 seconds. Eat it. Days are better with protein-filled mornings. Then take on your day, child. You got this.

Finally getting around to writing down my latest round of meals and this one is full of some real winners. And alas, I'm back at my magic number: 24. As easy as doing 10 was, 24 just works best for me and my family. Here's what's on the menu | Zuppa Toscana Baked Ravioli Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Southwest Chicken Black Beans & Rice w/ Sausage Spaghetti Tater Tot Casserole Winger's and Waffles Pepperoncini Pork Sandwiches Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ranch Chicken French Onion Chicken and Mashed Potatoes Grocery List | Meat: 4 lbs. ground Italian sausage 2 bags of popcorn chicken 2 cooked rotisserie chickens 3 bags of frozen chicken breasts 2 smoked sausages 6 lbs. ground beef 2 pork loins Canned/Dry Goods: 4 cartons of broth 6 jars of marinara sauce 3 jars alfredo sauce 2 lbs. brown rice 1 jar salsa 4 cans of black beans 2 cans corn 2 packages of spaghetti noodles 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 bottle Frank's hot sauce

I used to feel like I was up to my eye balls in toddlers. That's what happens when you have your first 2 kids just 19 months apart. But it's true what they say, they grow up. And some of my favorite "things" got tucked away in the craft closet and I nearly forgot about them. Until recently. I was itching to step my momming game up with my 2 year old. We have a lot of time together with the bigs in school and I know first hand that the toddler years are so important. Not only are they developing their personalities but they are observing everything around them and learning so much.  Sometimes I whip out the shaving cream or craft paint. Sometimes I create elaborate projects that only hold the attention of my 2 year old for 15 minutes. But sometimes I really don't want to hassle with the mess or the prep of projects. I just want enriching activities that will hold her attention for an hour (sometimes more). Here are 8 of my favorite activities that require