One of them even involves a salad spinner!

When you want to get creative with your kids but don’t want the mess to take over, outside art is key. The messy stuff can stay outside (like all that baby-safe paint), and your kids (probably) won’t mind when you use the hose to spray them down when they’re done. From painting with water to using salad spinners to contain the mess, check out these outdoor art ideas that are big on creativity, but easy on cleanup.  

Paint with Water

adorable kids doing outdoor art
Jackie Currie via Happy Hooligans

Quite possibly the cleanest, easiest idea of the bunch, we love the simple brilliance of water painting. This is an especially great outdoor art project for toddlers because there’s no paint to be found! Happy Hooligans has more tips and tricks.

Use a Salad Spinner

use a salad spinner for outdoor art
Meri Cherry via Meri Cherry

The best way to prevent art from getting messy is to keep it contained. That's why we think this spin-art idea from Meri Cherry is pure genius. Your kids will get swirly designs, and all you’ll have to do is drop the spinner in the sink when everyone is done. See what you’ll need over at Meri Cherry.

Pull out the Squirt Guns

use a squirt gun for outdoor art
Melissa Lenning via Fireflies and Mud Pies

If you don’t want the family art easel to be covered in paint, you can easily recreate this outdoor art idea by attaching a few sheets of paper to a tree! We love the idea of containing the colors in a squirt gun, too. Get more details about this brilliant idea over at Fireflies and Mudpies.

Related: 27 Adorable Toddler Crafts You Can Pull Out Anytime

Make Foam Paint for the Sidewalk

use foam paint for outdoor art
Stephanie Pass via the Tip Toe Fairy

You’ll be able to ditch the dusty residue of sidewalk chalk with this easy foam paint recipe. Plus, keeping the paint contained in the condiment bottles helps to keep little hands free of stains. 

 

Related: Need 20+ Minutes of Quiet Time? Study Says These Crafts Are Your Best Bet

Skip the Paint Brushes

Aleacia Hitchcock

These incredible rainbow pour pots are pretty easy when it comes to cleanup, especially since there aren’t any brushes involved. Just be sure to totally cover the space before handing over the squeeze bottles. Make your way to Messy Little Monster for the tutorial.

 

Colored Salt

Chelsey Marashian via Buggy and Buddy

Colored salt projects are gorgeous, and they help to hone fine motor skills, too! After you've taken plenty of pictures, all you’ll need is a broom and dustpan to sweep it away. Find out how to color the salt—and how to get it to pour just right—over at Buggy and Buddy.

 

Paint Rocks

iStock

Kids only need a little bit of paint for this outdoor art project, so you don't have to worry (as much) about spills. We love the story behind the idea of painting rocks, too!

It’s the eternal dinnertime dilemma: how to get a healthy meal on the table while juggling a million other responsibilities. Our solution? Break out the baking trays, because sheet pan dinners are about to change your life. These easy dinner recipes are a cinch to make and even easier to clean up. You’ll serve up a hearty feast your family will devour, and then be off to your next commitment in no time. Looking for other dinner recipes that don’t take too much work? Take a look at our favorite slow cooker recipes

Sheet Pan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The ultimate comfort food might have just gotten easier. By using a sheet pan, your family can customize their grilled cheese and you can make more than one at once. Get more details at Food for a Year.

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

What is it about pork tenderloin that makes it a perfect dinner for a cozy night at home? This recipe from No. 2 Pencil includes all the sides and only takes 25 minutes in the oven.

Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If there’s one thing (almost) every kid likes, it’s teriyaki chicken. This easy sheet pan dinner from Six Sisters Stuff calls for veggies too, but you can steam them for picky eaters or just skip them together.

Sheet Pan Smashburgers

Sheet pan smashburgers
The View from Great Island

Smashburgers you can make without a grill? We like the sound of that! This version of a hamburger is flatter than others, which gives it a crispy edge and locks in flavor. With this recipe from The View from Great Island, you can make it all in your oven in no time. 

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs

Lemon rosemary sheet pan chicken thighs with veggies are ready to be served
Boulder Locavore

For a quick and easy dinner that looks like you've spent a lot of time in the kitchen (Shhhh! We won't tell!), try these flavorful lemon rosemary sheet pan chicken thighs with vegetables from Boulder Locavore. You won't even have to pre-marinate.  

Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

A Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is on a plate ready to be served
Weelicious

This recipe will get dinner on the table in 30 minutes! This salmon sheet pan dinner from Weelicious is delicious and so easy to clean up after a long day. 

Sheet Pan Nachos

Cait’s Plate

This recipe from Cait’s Plate is bound to be an instant favorite with your crew. You can customize the toppings to fit your family’s tastes, while still getting in plenty of veggies and protein. 

Sausage and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner

Smoked sausage and potatoes made from an easy sheet pan recipe
The Rustic Foodie

This Oktoberfest-inspired kid friendly sheet pan dinner from The Rustic Foodie is a year-round favorite. The smoked sausage pairs beautifully with red potatoes, and a tangy mustard glaze brings everything together. 

Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and veggies sit on a plate ready to be eaten after being made quickly for dinner
Meal Prep on Fleek

This lightning-fast dish from Meal Prep on Fleek is the perfect pick for busy weeknights. The shrimp and veggies cook up in less than 10 minutes and pair perfectly with a fresh pico de gallo and warm tortillas. 

Related: 10 Ways to Get Dinner on the Table Faster

Chicken Shawarma

Inquiring Chef

You can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing shawarma recipe from Inquiring Chef. The well-seasoned marinade makes the chicken super delicious, and your little ones can jazz it up at the table with toppings like tzatziki sauce, veggies, and hummus.

Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Nicole’s Tasting Spoon

Pretend you’re in Italy for the evening with this delish idea from Nicole’s Tasting Spoon. Like a Caprese salad, melty fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil pair perfectly with chicken breast.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Sausage and Broccoli

Sweet potatoes, broccoli and sausage that was roasted in a sheet pan as a quick, easy dinner
Kalyn’s Kitchen

Keep things simple and healthy with this great recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen. Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and sausage go well together, especially when you add a balsamic glaze to the equation.

Related: 25 Easy Crock Pot Recipes to Try This Fall

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

A Hawaiian chicken recipe made in a sheet pan with pineapples, peppers and sweet potatoes
The Seasoned Mom

Sesame oil is the pantry item you'll need for this tray bake from The Seasoned Mom. It combines pineapples, peppers, and sweet potatoes for a fresh, sweet roast of Hawaiian flavors. When you're looking for an easy sheet pan dinner to lift the family's spirits, this is it. 

Chicken Enchilada Sweet Potato Fries

A sheet pan of chicken enchiladas, made as a quick and easy dinner
Erin Clarke at Well Plated

These Mexican chicken enchilada fries might sound like a side dish but topped with chicken, black beans, and corn, they're likely to become a filling family favorite. The good news is that the tray can be made a few hours ahead of time and reheated to crisp up when everyone's ready to eat. Get the recipe from Well Plated, and skip the jalapeño to make it an extra kid friendly sheet pan dinner. 

Bacon Potato Skins

Potato skins made with bacon and kale as an easy sheet pan dinner
Pinch of Yum

The humble baked potato goes a long way to filling empty tummies (check out this version in our archives). You can take it a step further with this irresistible combination of bacon and cheese in crunchy potato skins from Pinch of Yum. The kids won't even care that there's kale pesto involved! Don't be put off by the idea of scooping out and refilling potato skins—save the mash for later in the week—and treat the family to a baked potato meets pizza feast. Yum!

Baking Sheet Paella

A simple-to-make paella with fresh shrimp, chorizo, peas, and easy-cook rice
A Spicy Perspective

One of our favorite sheet pan dinners is this paella dish from A Spicy Perspective. Fresh shrimp, chorizo, peas, and easy-cook rice all layer up to make a meal the family will love. It's easy and delicious, plus it can be cooked and prepped in less than 30 minutes. Switch out the chorizo for a mild sausage alternative if the kids aren't into hotter flavors. 

Chinese Five Spice Pork Chops

A sheet pan dinner with pork chops, roasted broccoli and fresh pineapple chunks
Aggie's Kitchen

Marinated pork chops are the star attraction in this sheet pan dinner; they're complemented by roasted broccoli and fresh pineapple chunks. The only tricky bit is getting prepped with the marinade the night before, but other than that, this recipe from Aggie's Kitchen couldn't be easier—dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.

Chicken Fajitas

Quick and easy sheet pan chicken fajitas
Boulder Locavore

Kids will love these tasty sheet pan chicken fajitas from Boulder Locavore! Just 20 minutes of cooking time, and dinner can go straight from the oven to the table. Just wrap it in tortillas, and you're good to go. 

Pizza from Scratch

A pizza made from scratch as a quick, easy sheet pan dinner
The View From Great Island

Don't be put off by the idea of making pizza from scratch—this one shapes up in an hour and will be worth the extra effort. The View From Great Island will get you going on this recipe, and then you can add your family's favorite toppings.

Parchment Paper Fish

Fish in parchment paper is cooked as a sheet pan dinner
Weelicious

This recipe from Weelicious calls for the ingredients to be cooked in a parchment paper envelope, so the pan doesn't even need washing! It can also be adapted for different tastes, as you can swap out the Asian flavors of ginger and sesame for basil and tomatoes or add different veggies or cooked grains—whatever the kids will eat. The contents of the bag will be gently steamed for an easy dinner. 

Related: 10 Easy Dinners You Can Make for Less than $15

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

NeighborFood

Chicken sheet pan dinners come in so many forms, and this one from  NeighborFood can be in your oven in less than 15 minutes. Then, 45 minutes later, the dishes are done and dinner's ready. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and pesto are the secrets here. 

One Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetable Dinner

Shrimp and veggies made in a sheet pan for a quick, easy and cheap dinner
Weelicious

This shrimp and veggie sheet pan dinner from Weelicious is delicious and easy! Everyone will love it and kids will love to help make it. This recipe is great for getting everyone together in the kitchen. 

Sheet Pan Sausage with Cabbage and Apples

Sheet Pan Sausage with Cabbage and Apples on a cooking sheet ready to be served
Weelicious

This tasty sausage with cabbage and apples recipe from Weelicious is simple to make and easy to clean up. Your family will love to eat this and your kids can help make it!

Jennifer Tyler Lee, Bay Area mom and author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, shared with us one of her favorite healthy lunch ideas: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. She tells us, “My kids love a hot lunch, and this recipe is an easy way for me to send a cozy meal that I know they’ll enjoy.” Her pro tip? When packing soup, only fill the thermos part way to the top with liquid to avoid spills.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup:

1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini work best)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the mixture until well coated. Spread out on the lined baking sheet as flat as possible and roast 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Reserve any cooking juices.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip to Step 3. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the onions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add the broth, 1 cup water, and the bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked.

5. Add the chicken to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes more.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

Featured image: iStock 

Fall weather and great deals? These Labor Day sales are so good

Don’t limit yourself to shopping for the traditional mattress this Labor Day weekend (though there’s some great deals on those, too!). We gathered up a ton of our favorite deals from big savings on smart desks to deals from your favorite Hydro Flasks. You’re going to find a great deal on clothes for the kids and a Rugs USA sale unlike any other. It’s a weekend full of savings! Make sure to bookmark; we’re updating this one all week long!


Aerie
Up to 40% off

Allbirds Shoes for Men, Women, & Kids
Up to 50% off xdldct best-selling styles

American Eagle
Up to 70% off clearance

AnaOno Inclusive Lingerie & Loungewear
20% off sitewide with code LBR20

Anthropologie
Up to 50% off

APOTHEKARY Herbal Products
15% off Fall Refresh Products with code REFRESH
*Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen 

 

Apothekary Fall Refresh Formulas

Athleta
Up to 60% off sale items

Atlantic Colorful & Sustainable Family Luggage
15% off sitewide with code LABOR15

Autonomous Smart Desks
Up to 50% off office essentials + Flash Deals starting at $9

Aussie Bubs Formula
BOGO with email sign up

Bubs Goat Milk Formula

AZAZIE Special Occasion Dresses & Accessories
Up to 70% off selected styles

ban.do Unique Home & Gifts
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BBQGUYS
Up to 60% off on clearance + special sales + special offers

Bean Box Coffee
20% off all coffee

BFFS & BABES Customized Gifts
Up to 40% off

Big Blanket Co.—The Biggest Blankets in the World
Up to 30% off everything

BlackWolf Nation Skincare for Men
25% off sitewide with code LD25

Boutique Rugs
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Diem Rug—Boutique Rugs

Caraway Cookware
20% off Caraway’s Home Deluxe Cookware Set

Carve Designs Women’s Apparel
Up to 75% off

Colleen Rothschild Beauty
$25 off $100+ with code LABOR25
$50 off $250+ with code LABOR50
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Cost Plus World Market
Member Exclusive 20% off with free in-store pickup, Non-Members get 10% off with free in-store pickup

Copper Pearl Baby
35% off sitewide with code LABORDAY (excluding new arrivals)

Crate&Barrel/Crate&kids
Up to 30% off select top-selling furniture
Up to 25% off top kitchen brands
Up to 50% off select outdoor furniture & more
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Up to 75% off

Dickies
Up to 40% off

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Elina Organics Holistic Organic Skincare
15% off with email sign up

Elina Organics Baikal Crystal Collection

Enlighten Candles
20% off select summer scents with code GOODBYESUMMER

etica Denim 
20% off sitewide

FabKids
New VIP offer—All shoes $5

FabKids Glitter Slip On Light Up Sneakers

First Aid Beauty
Gift With Purchase—Bag of minis on orders $65+ with code GRWM

Fleur Marche Wellness Patches & Supplements
20% off 4+ patches with code LABORDAY20
*Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning this or any supplement regimen

Forever21
Up to 70% off

FOTILE Kitchen Appliances
Up to $300 off

French Toast School Uniforms
20% off back-to-school staples + 20% off fall essentials + free shipping over $99

Gravity Weighted Blankets & More
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Harper Wilde Intimates
20% off sitewide + additional 20% off sale items

Hatch
10% off Hatch Rest 2nd Generation

Hatch Rest 2nd Generation

Gardyn AI-Powered Smart Indoor Garden
Save $100 + Try free for 60 days with code TRYIT

Hanna Andersson
40% off everything

Hey Dewy Portable Personal Cool-Air Humidifier
20% off with code LaborDay

Hiya Health Kids Vitamins
50% off your first order
*Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning this or any supplement regimen 

Hiya Health Kids Multivitamin

Hubble Contacts
30% off all sunglasses with code LABORDAY30

Hydros Water Filtration & Hydration Products
Amazon Exclusive Deal—15% off 40oz pitchers, 40oz pitcher bundles, and infusers

Hydrow At-Home Rowing Machine
Save up to $550 on rower and Membership bundles

Hydro Flask
Up to 25% off

inala Rice Water-Based Haircare
15% off sitewide with code LDW15

Ivy City Co. Fashion for Moms, Kids, & Family
Shop up to 60% off + take an additional 25% off + free shipping on orders on orders $250+ with code LABORDAY23

 

Ivy City. Co.

J.Crew
40% off + extra 50% off sale styles with code SHOPNOW

Janie and Jack
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JABRA GM Audio for Home & Business
Save 20% on Elite Line with code JABRA2023

Jones New York Women’s Apparel
Up to 45% off

Kate Spade
Extra 40% off

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty
20% off sitewide* + free primer with purchase (*Restrictions apply)

KORRES Skincare
20% off $80

Lee Jeans
Extra 30% off all sale styles with code LABORDAY

LENOX Dishware
20% off $75, 25% off $100, and 30% off $150

Deco Dot 12-Piece Dinnerware Set—LENOX

LEONISA Shapewear
15% off $79.99+ with code GET15, 20% off $99.99+ with code GET20, 25% off $129.99+ with coupon GET25

Lights.com
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Loulou Lollipop Eco-Friendly Babywear & Nontoxic Accessories
15% off sitewide including sale items (excluding new arrivals)

LUXEIRE Classic Women’s Fashion
25% off sitewide

MASAI Copenhagen Women’s Apparel
Spend $150 get 25% off, $200 get 30% off, $250+ get 35% off code LABORDAY

MDAiRE Luxury Skincare
Spend $400 and get a free Regenerative ECM Eye Complex 

Ming Wang Women’s Apparel
Extra 25% Off all sale styles/markdowns code Extra25

MISSHA Skincare
Up to 60% off bestsellers + additional 20% off

Modular Closets Custom Closets & Garages
20% off all closets with code LABOR20

Mon Coeur Baby & Kids
25% off FW23 Collection

Motorola
$1oo off Razr+ Phone

Musely Personalized Prescription Skincare
25% off prescription skin and hair treatments

Musely Patients—Before & Afters

New Age Products Garage, Outdoor, & Home Solutions
10% off your entire purhase

Oh Beauty Cosmetics Brands
20% off sitewide

ONEIDA Dishware, Flatware, Drinkware, & Cutlery
30% off sitewide

PatPat Fashion for Moms & Kids
Up to 80% off

pitusa Ethical, Sustainable, & Colorful Women’s Fashion
Get 30-70% off sitewide, including existing markdowns. Items discounted over 30% off are final sale. Some exclusions apply.

POPFLEX Active Fashion Made to Function by Blogilates
15% off with email signup and free shipping on orders $100+

Priceline
Save up to $150 on Hotel Deals with code LASTCHANCE (first 100 bookings) (valid 8/21-8/27)
Save $20 on Hotel and Rental Car Express Deals ($150 minimum spend) with code SUM20 (in App only)
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Save up to 20% on select rental cars
Save at least 20% on select hotels with End of Summer Deals

Pretty Rugged Outdoor Blankets, Outerwear, & Accessories
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Get a free Pura 3 set when you subscribe to a Pura 4 set

QALO Silicone Rings & Jewelry for Active Lifestyles
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Rainbow Fashion & Home
Up to 70% off sale section

Recess Mood-Boosting Mocktails
15% off sitewide

Rinna Beauty by Lisa Rinna
40% off Lip & Eye Kits + Free Rinna Beauty pool float with any purchase of $20+

Ruby Ribbon Intimates, Fashion, & Swimwear
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Rugs USA
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Sephora
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Seraphine Maternity & Motherhood Apparel
20% off everything with code ALL20

Shutterfly Personalized Decor & Gifts
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Shoe Carnival
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Shoe Carnival

Society6 Home
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STATE Bags, Backpacks, Totes, & More
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Sterling Forever Jewelry
25% off with code SUMMER23

Taos Footwear
Up to $45 select styles

Tea Collection
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The Children’s Place
Everything up to 80% off + extra 20% off with code GIMME20

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Third Love Bras
Up to 50% off sitewide + extra 20% off $150

This is J Sleep & Loungewear
20% off Sunset Slumber Collection

Tiare Hawaii Beachwear
30% off site-wide excluding new arrivals (Alchemy, Sydney Collaboration and Globe Wanderers Collaboration) + additional 30% off sale items

Trina Turk
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ULTA
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Velvet Caviar Wireless Cases & Accessories 
30% off sitewide

Watch Gang
50% off your first watch with code LABOR50

Wellbots Smart Products
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Forno Bovino French Door Refrigerator from Wellbots

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

This savory snack is perfect for the holiday season or anytime, really

If you’re looking for an appetizer or a snack-worthy finger food, try this recipe for ham and cheese puff pastry. Courtesy of The Clever Carrot, whipping this dish up is like making a sandwich, but filled with melted cheese and ham. The pre-made puff pastry dough makes the process quick and simple.

Makes 12-16 squares

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry:

1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted*
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ pound black forest ham, thinly sliced
½ pound Gruyère cheese, grated
1 egg
flour for dusting

*Defrost overnight in the fridge before you begin.
**Puff pastry sheets are available in the frozen section of most grocery stores. If you cannot find them, you can use a whole block of dough instead. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough and cut it into two sheets measuring approximately 10 x 12 inches (use a ruler if necessary). Transfer to a piece of parchment paper and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 F.

2. To make the egg wash, lightly beat an egg with 1 tbsp. of water. Set aside.

3. Place a piece of parchment paper onto your work surface and dust lightly with flour. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on top of the paper. Using the back of a teaspoon, brush the dough with mustard leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Use a ruler if necessary.

4. Staying within the border, add the sliced ham in overlapping layers. Add the cheese. Brush the border with some of the egg wash to create a seal.

5. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filled pastry lining up the edges.
Using a sharp knife, trim the dough so that the edges line up and the square is even. It’s just like cutting the crust off of a sandwich. Make sure to cut the dough in a swift downward motion (think paper slicer). If you drag your knife, it will not rise properly. Press down lightly.

6. Brush the top with more egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet by lifting up the parchment paper.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and cut into squares (about 12-16 depending how large you want them). Serve hot.

 

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Clever Carrot. For more great family recipe ideas, head on over to the blog by clicking here.

Your little one’s style doesn’t have to stop at baby crib sheets.

Dress up your nursery with baby crib sheets that offer a soft place to sleep and a fabulous spot for Instagram photos. There are so many options that don’t have anything to do with ducks or teddy bears. These are crib sheets for trendy babes who already serve up serious style. Read on for organic options, silk sheets that are gentle on hair, and the cutest prints you’ve ever seen.

Primary Crib Sheets

Primary

Beloved kids clothing brand Primary has now come out with bedding in its signature prints and colors. The crib sheet comes in white with rainbow stars, stripes or hearts, plain white, and white with a navy stripe. There's also a coordinating baby quilt ($78) in white with a navy star, rainbow stripe or rainbow heart. White & Rainbow Stars ($23.50)—Buy Here!

Coco Beans Silk Crib Sheets

Say goodbye to tangled hair! These 100% silk sheets from Coco Beans are more gentle on textured and curly hair, preventing the dry, frizzy locks and bald spots that can develop on cotton sheets. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin; plus, it's breathable, moisture-wicking and helps regulate temperature. Coco Beans Silk Crib Sheets ($108.00)—Buy Here!

Partner

Solly Baby Crib Sheets

Solly Baby

You love the brand's lightweight and soft, silky baby wraps, and the Solly Baby crib sheets are just as cozy and comfortable. Sized to fit a standard crib mattress, these luxurious sheets are fitted and come in florals, stripes, dots and solid colors. Solly Baby Crib Sheets ($38.00)—Buy Here!

 

Luvsy Printed Crib Sheets

Luvsy

Fancy up your crib photos with Luvsy's festive crib sheets. Each "scene" transfers baby to a new place—the beach, park, outer space and even surfing big waves. Start your fun photography journey from day one. Luvsy Printed Crib Sheets ($29.99)—Buy Here!

 

Copper Pearl Premium Knit Fitted Sheet

Copper Pearl

Your baby will feel, and look, downright dreamy on Copper Pearl premium fitted crib sheets. The sheets are made from a lightweight and breathable knit fabric and are designed to snugly and safely fit all standard baby mattresses, with high-quality elastic to keep it in place. Patterns include this sweet peach print, as well as flowers, stripes, checks, hearts, and animals. Copper Pearl Premium Knit Fitted Sheet ($39.95)—Buy Here!

Target's Cloud Island

Affordable and adorable, the Pink Floral fitted crib sheet from Cloud Island is as pretty as a painting for your little one’s nursery. It plays nicely with any pastel- or sherbet-hued decor and can lean traditional or modern all depending upon your style. Made with smooth 100% cotton, this fitted sheet is free from harmful levels of chemical substances. Target's Cloud Island Crib Sheets ($9.99)—Buy Here!

Iviebaby Crib Sheets

Going for a gender-neutral nursery? Check out Iviebaby on Etsy for tons of options to choose from. Another great gift idea for a mama-to-be with a distinct sense of style. Iviebaby Crib Sheets ($95.00)—Buy Here!

Lewis Organic Crib Sheets

Lewis

Not every nursery has to shout “baby!” For a more sophisticated look, turn to Lewis, where you’ll find 100% organic cotton goods with patterns that are more Brooklyn-hip than cutesy. Lewis Organic Crib Sheets ($38.00)—Buy Here!

The Peanutshell Fitted Crib Sheet Set

The Peanutshell/Amazon

Another gender-neutral win, these southwest crib sheets come in a set of 4 (who knew we'd be washing crib sheets this often?). The Peanutshell Fitted Crib Sheet Set ($29.99)—Buy Here!

The Honest Company Organic Cotton Sheets

The Honest Company

Stay-proof corners, adorable prints, and 100% cotton makes these crib sheets a fast favorite for babes of all ages. The Honest Company Organic Cotton Sheets ($12.49)—Buy Here!

Sorrel + Fern Safari Adventure

Sorrel Fern

This warm burnt orange is having a moment right now, and what nursery doesn't need safari animals? These stain- and fade-resistant super-soft sheets come in a two pack (and some other designs, too). Sorrel + Fern Safari Adventure ($29.99)—Buy Here!

UOMNY Fitted Crib Sheets

UOMNY

We're loving the super saturated hues of these crib sheets, and apparently, so is Amazon. They've amassed almost 6K Amazon Reviews. UOMNY Fitted Crib Sheets ($13.89)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

There’s a color-by-number here!

Math can be fun, and these free printables prove it! We’ve rounded up math worksheets for kids, from kindergarten math worksheets and math worksheets for 1st grade to early elementary level math problems. Whether you’re homeschooling or just want some extra math practice for the kids, check out these free printables.

Color by Number

math worksheets for kids
K5Learning.com

This fun color-by-number worksheet is perfect for Pre-K kids. Download it here

Number Line Printable

math worksheets for kids
Math-Drills.com

Help your budding scholars practice their counting skills with this number line printable from Math-Drills.com. Get your copy here

Simple Addition

math worksheets for kids
Dadsworksheets.com

DadsWorksheets.com has space-themed addition sheets waiting for your astronaut to solve! You can score your free printable here.  

Telling Time

2ndgradeworksheets.net

Work on telling time with this clock printable. You'll have to cut out the hands and attach them to the face for nonstop time-telling practice! Get your copy from 2ndGradeworksheets.net here

Place Value Worksheet

math worksheets for kids
2ndgradeworksheets.net

Have your tiny mathematicians practice finding the place values of the underlined numbers in this printable from 2ndgradeworksheets.net. You can grab your copy of it here.

Related: 15 Cool Coloring Pages & Worksheets for Kids

Matching Numbers

Math-Salamanders.com

Your kindergartener will love matching the numbers to these fun pictures. And Math-Salamander.com has tons more to choose from. Find this printable here.

Picture Addition

Dadsworksheets.com

This intro to word problems from Dadsworksheets.com is perfect for elementary schoolers. Having a visual to help with addition helps kids find the solutions. Get your copy here

Coloring and Counting

Math-salamanders.com

Preschoolers will love the fact they can color and count these fun pictures. Math-Salamanders.com has a bunch of printables to choose from. Get this one here.

Kindergarten Shape Practice

Little Dots

Little Dots makes it super easy for kids to break down different shapes, like with this circle practice sheet. Find other shapes on their site to round out the lesson. 

Preschool Number Sequence Sheet

math worksheets for kids
Math-Salamanders.com

Math-Salamanders.com helps the littlest students practice number sequences with these fun sheets. Count to five and download your copy of this sheet here.

Pre-K Matching Worksheet

LittleDots.com

Help your preschooler match the patterns on the socks with this worksheet from Little Dots. Then have fun coloring in the patterns!

Money Worksheets for 1st Grade

Math-Salamanders.com

First graders can use this sheet from Math-Salamanders.com to work on recognizing coins and their value. Get your copy of the sheet here

Find the Differences

math worksheets for kids
LittleDots.com

Which of these is not like the other? Kids will work on finding the shapes that aren't quite the same in this worksheet from LittleDots.com.

Bug Bar Charts

K5 Learning

Kindergartners can group, sort, and count with this fun bug graph! Download it from K5 Learning

 

Ordinal Numbers

Discussing the order of numbers becomes easier with this chart! Download it from mathworksheets4kids.com.

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These brilliant ideas will help you survive—and even enjoy—your next family adventure

When it comes to a road trip, it’s often about how you get there, not where you’re going. Make sure that journey is memorable for the right reasons with a few tips and road trip hacks we’ve road-tested ourselves. They might not prevent the inevitable “Are we there yet?” but we know they will ease some of the other trials of taking a long car ride with kids. And to mix it up, try our list of car games when they need a break from the screens!

1. Give the kids the map. Hand over your GPS during times of the trip when you actually know where you are going. Let the kids “navigate” and tell you which way to turn. Or hand them a road map and have them help figure out the route. Get tips on teaching kids how to read a REAL map here.

2. Bring enough headphones for each kid. It will ward off any complaining or whining. If your crew likes to listen to or watch the same thing, try BuddyPhones, kid headphones that come with an audio splitter for sharing.

3. Surprise observations. During the trip, have each person write down an observation or memory from the day. If you’re traveling more than one day, do it each day of the journey, there and back. Don’t share what you’ve written until you are home. Then have each family member read out loud their main “thought” for the day. It’s okay if it’s, “I wish we were there” or “I saw a giant clown on the side of the road.” You’ll get some laughs and relive the trip in a new way.

4. Use a shower caddy for mess-free eating. Tired of balancing lunch on your lap? Give each kid—and yourself—a caddy so that meals are contained in one neat place.

5. Stash plastic cutlery and napkins in the glove box. It’ll make eating in the car that much easier.

6. Make a killer playlist. It can make or break a road trip. Trust us. Find family friendly tunes, starting here.

7. Beat the sniffles. Use a rubber band to lash a full tissue box to an empty one. Use the empty one to dispose of used tissues right after using, so they don’t end up all over the car/on the floor/in your snacks.

8. Make up some car bingo. Purchase a stack of ready-made car bingo games, or go the simple route by making a “checklist” of cool things you see on the road. The first person to fill up a checklist gets to pick where you make a pit stop for dinner.

9. Hang a shoe organizer on the back of each front seat. Big kids will be able to reach for books, snacks, and games on their own (and ideally they’ll be able to put everything back, too).

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the American Road Trip

campers in an RV using road trip hacks
Adam Clark

 

10. Kick off your shoes. For long rides, many kids like to take their shoes off. Let them, but have a bag handy to stash the shoes or keep them by the door of your RV, so they’re easy to find for pit stops.

11. Download Sit or Squat. You’ll be able to scout clean bathrooms on your route. This is a road trip hack you can’t live without.

12. Chuck garbage into a plastic cereal container or old wipes box. They usually have lids so your vehicle won’t smell like Eau de trash. Put them throughout your RV or car!

13. Pack clothes in stackable laundry baskets (instead of suitcases). The idea is that each traveler has their own basket filled with clothes and other belongings (diapers, lovey, etc.). It’s much easier to see if you’re forgetting anything and it’s a cinch to load and unload.

14. For impatient travelers, use “Sticky Note Time Tabs.” How it works: Write increments of time (i.e. 1:15, 2:15, 3:15) on sticky notes and adhere them to the center console below the clock. Kids pay attention to when the clock time matches the sticky note time. When they notice it, you remove the sticky note (and give them a surprise, if you’re feeling generous).

15. Organize a glow stick dance party while driving at night. There’s nothing fun to see out the windows, so might as well bring the fun inside your vehicle. Hip hop hooray to kiddos’ fave tunes and score major brownie points for your efforts.

16. Cover seats with a fitted sheet. Be prepared for a mess by stretching a sheet over the seats. When you get to where you’re going all you have to do is shake the sheet out and BAM!… your ride is spotless once more. One of our more genius road trip hacks if we don’t say so ourselves.

17. Make edible necklaces for the journey. String flavorless floss with things like cereal, grapes, and pretzels. It will fill their bellies and keep them busy at the same time.

18. Get snap happy. Give the kids disposable cameras (or old smartphones) so that they can take pictures of what you’re driving by for a travel log.

19. Let the creative juices flow. Since playdough can get stuck in floorboards (and hair … and under fingernails), bring along a roll of aluminum foil and/or a box of pipe cleaners—both can be molded into shapes, animals, and skyscrapers.

20. Nip car sickness in the bud. If you or your kiddo gets nausea from reading on the road, simply tilt your head from side to side for it to go away. Just try it!

21. When you see a fun road stop… stop! This is how road trip memories are made. If you’re the planning type, visit roadtrippers.com to map out a few awesome layovers, and be sure to check out our favorite roadside attractions, too.

22. Pack a potty. This is an important road trip hack if you’ve got potty-trained littles: Open and lay a disposable diaper into the bottom of a toddler potty. If you’ve got miles to go before the next rest stop, pull over and let them use this—the diaper will soak up a #1 and contain a #2 until you find a proper spot for disposal.

23. Have plenty of other screen-free activities on hand. When your kids are bored of playing car bingo (it’s inevitable), have something else from our list ready to go.

Related: 16 Roadside Attractions You’ve Got to See to Believe

 

Chicken nuggets take on a whole new fun form in this recipe from Brooke McLay of Cheeky Kitchen. Use cookie cutters to transform these homemade nuggets that are baked and not fried. Fill us in below to tell us how your chicken and veggie nuggets turned out.

Ingredients for Chicken and Veggie Nuggets:

1/2 lb ground chicken
1 package thawed veggie
1 egg
2 c panko bread crumbs
1 tsp of onion salt
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine veggies and egg in a blender, and blend until pureed.

3. Combine puree, chicken, and onion salt into a large bowl and mix together with a fork.

4. Spread a thin layer of panko crumbs on a large cutting board.

5. Flatten the chicken mixture over the crumbs until it is 1/2 inch thick.

6. Sprinkle more crumbs, salt and pepper on top.

7. Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.

8. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

9. Place nuggets on a cookie sheet and bake for 14 to 16 minutes.

 

Photo and recipe courtesy of Brooke McLay of Cheeky Kitchen

It’s the cutest boo bark around

Looking for a festive treat to welcome the spooky season? This Halloween bark recipe uses just five store-bought ingredients, requires no oven and whips up faster than you can say “boo!” Nut-free and perfectly customizable, it also makes for a great teacher gift. It’s also a great afternoon activity that you can do with the kids that results in one tasty dessert.

Related: 31 Ghoulishly Good Halloween Dinners That Kids Will Love

Ingredients

-One pound of chocolate (Look for bars, not chocolate chips)

-Pretzels

-White chocolate chips

-OREO cookies with festive-colored creme

–M&M's in a fun color

 

Other supplies:

-Cookie sheet

-Parchment paper

-Microwave Safe Bowl

-Spatula

Step One

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then start snapping pretzels into small pieces. Try not to pulverize them! Then take 8-10 OREO cookies and cut into quarters. Don't worry if they don't cut cleanly, it's ok if they crumble! Just be sure to evenly scatter both the pretzels and the cookies on the baking sheet.

 

Step Two

Break chocolate into smallish pieces and place in microwave-safe bowl.

Step Three

Microwave for 45 seconds, then remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, and stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth.

Related: Scary Sweet: Totally Boos-Free Halloween Crafts

Step Four

Pour chocolate over pretzel and OREO pieces, coating in an even layer so everything is smothered in delicious chocolate.

Step Five

This is the fun part! Grab the kids and start sprinkling the chocolate with M&M's and white chocolate chips.

Related: Trader Joe’s Haunted House Cookie Kit Is Back for the Season

Step Six

Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until the chocolate has cooled and hardened. 

Step Seven

Once your bark is completely solidified, carefully cut into smaller pieces with a sharp knife. Keep portioned bark in the fridge until you're read to enjoy!