Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta with Shrimp

 This creamy garlic mushroom pasta with shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it comes together in just a few minutes.

This is such a good instant pot meal! It comes together so fast, and I know your family will love this dish without the red sauce. Add frozen shrimp for a good source of protein.

8 ounces of spaghetti

½ c yellow onion, diced

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

1 cup of half and half

4 ounces of cream cheese, cubed

2 cups of chicken stock

2 cups of large shrimp, tail removed

½ c of mushrooms

½ c grated parmesan cheese

2 tbsp butter

Turn the instant pot to saute.

Add olive oil and onion and saute for 3 minutes, or until the onions are tender, stirring as needed.

Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.

Turn off the instant pot.

Add chicken stock.

Break spaghetti noodles in half and submerge them into the stock.

All noodles should be covered by the stock. Stir them to adjust their placement if needed.

Add shrimp. As I used tail on, I chopped the tails off right before adding to the instant pot.

Add butter.

Place the lid of the instant pot and seal the instant pot.

Set the instant pot to manual and set the timer to 5 minutes.

When the timer dings, quick release the steam.

Remove the lid and add the half and half, parmesan cheese and cream cheese.

Stir.

Add mushrooms and stir.

Replace the lid on the instant pot and allow the cheeses to melt in the pasta for about 5 minutes.

Stir and serve immediately.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Why this is a great instant pot family meal:

• It's a delicious and healthy meal. Shrimp and mushrooms are both low in calories and fat, and they're a good source of protein and nutrients.
• It's a quick and easy meal to make. You can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
• It's a versatile meal that can be customized to your liking. You can add different vegetables, herbs, and spices to make this meal your own.
• It's a crowd-pleasing meal. Shrimp and mushrooms are both popular ingredients, so this meal is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy meal to make, pasta with shrimp and mushrooms is a great option.

Find more great recipes here:

Cracker Crumb Chicken Nuggets

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Sunflower Stamped Pumpkin Patch Art

 

This adorable pumpkin patch art is great for kids of all ages! Made with simple supplies like paint, paper and a sunflower head, this is a great way to create art using nature!

Harper and I love to paint together. We have been crafting side by side since she was just a tiny toddler, strapped into a high chair for safety. We have painted pineapples, apples, baskets of fruit and even Christmas trees. We usually use corks to create our process art, but we had a bouquet of sunflowers that had seen better days, and well, inspiration hit.

We decided our fridge just had to have a pumpkin patch scene. We are all about creating refrigerator masterpieces . 

Supplies:

Orange paint

Green paint

A sunflower head

White paper

A paper plate

Pour orange paint and a small amount of green paint onto a paper plate.

Invite your child to press the sunflower head into the orange paint.

Encourage your child to press the sunflower onto the paper.

Use a stem, petal, or other small item to form the stem of the pumpkin with the green paint.

Allow the paint to dry, then

These were so much fun to make! And I think they turned out really cute! Harper was very proud of her efforts. Preschoolers can handle this project, as well as elementary aged kids like Harper. Your kids might also like to draw little pumpkin faces on these after they have dried.

I hope you get a chance to try this project with your family, it is the perfect project for a fall afternoon!

Find more fall ideas here.

Why You Should Use Goat Cheese When Cooking

 Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a tangy, slightly salty flavor that pairs well with a variety of flavors. Goat cheese can be used in appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

Here are some reasons why you should use goat cheese when cooking:

• It's delicious. Goat cheese has a unique flavor that is both tangy and creamy. It pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it a versatile ingredient for cooking.
• It's versatile. Goat cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses to desserts. It can be crumbled over salads, added to pasta dishes, or used as a filling for pastries.
• It's healthy. Goat cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and it is lower in fat than other types of cheese.
• It's affordable. Goat cheese is a relatively affordable cheese, making it a great option for budget-minded cooks.

If you're looking for a delicious, versatile, and healthy cheese to use in your cooking, goat cheese is a great option. So next time you're in the kitchen, be sure to give goat cheese a try.

Here are ten super tasty recipes that use goat cheese:

1. Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese by The Family Food Kitchen

2. Goat Cheese Pasta by The Clean Eating Couple

3. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Mini Quiches by The Healthy Family Project

4. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Crackers by Living Sweet Moments

5. Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates by Little Home in the Making

6. Goat Cheese Stuffed Bison Burgers by Went Here 8 This

7. Fire Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Dip by Living Lou

8. Mushroom Leek and Goat Cheese Tart by Barth Bakery

9. Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls by Keto Focus

10. Spiced Goat Cheese Log by Masala Herb

Here are some additional tips for using goat cheese in cooking:

• Pair it with complementary flavors. Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of flavors, such as fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices.
• Don't overcook it. Goat cheese is best when it is slightly melted and creamy. Overcooking goat cheese will make it tough and dry.
• Be creative. Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Don't be afraid to experiment and find new ways to use it.

With these tips, you're sure to find new and delicious ways to use goat cheese in your cooking. So next time you're in the kitchen, be sure to give goat cheese a try.

More yummy recipes

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup

Button Sorting Sensory Bag

Toddlers need sorting skills for a variety of reasons. Sorting helps them learn about the world around them, develop their fine motor skills, and improve their problem-solving skills.

Learning about the world around them

When toddlers sort objects, they are learning about the different characteristics of those objects. They are learning about colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. They are also learning about the relationships between objects. For example, they may learn that all of the blue objects go together, or that all of the small objects fit in the small container.

Developing fine motor skills

Sorting requires toddlers to use their fine motor skills. They need to be able to pick up small objects, hold them in their hands, and move them around. This helps to strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination.

Improving problem-solving skills

Sorting also helps toddlers to develop their problem-solving skills. When they are faced with a problem, such as how to sort a group of objects, they need to use their logic and reasoning skills to come up with a solution. This helps them to learn how to think critically and solve problems on their own.

If you would like to make a DIY sorting activity for your little learners, you might love this easy buttons sorting bag. You might have everything you need at home to make this easy and engaging activity.

Supplies:

A zipper seal baggie

Clear hair gel

Buttons

Markers

First, figure out what colors of buttons you have to work with. You will want to use coordinating markers to make this work.

Start by drawing a large circle with one color of marker.

Then repeat using all of your marker colors.

When you have used all of the colors of markers, add about 2 tablespoons of hair gel into the baggie. You don't need a lot; just a little to make the activity extra fun! Little hands will love the way the buttons glide thru the hair gel. Spread the gel out with your hands.

Add the buttons to the bag.

Seal the bag. You can secure the seal with duct tape if you like.

Encourage your toddler to sort the buttons by color, and maneuver the buttons into the circle.

This activity is so simple but so awesome for hands on learning because it combines sorting skills with fine motor work.

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers. They are important for a variety of tasks, such as eating, writing, and playing musical instruments. Fine motor skills also play a role in cognitive development, as they require children to use their brains to coordinate their movements.

Here are some of the reasons why kids need fine motor skills:

• To perform everyday tasks: Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing, and using the bathroom. Children who have difficulty with fine motor skills may struggle with these tasks, which can lead to frustration and delays in development.
• To learn: Fine motor skills are also important for learning. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to hold a pencil, write neatly, and turn pages in a book. This can help them to learn more effectively in school.
• To participate in activities: Fine motor skills are also important for participating in activities, such as playing sports, playing musical instruments, and doing arts and crafts. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to participate in these activities, which can help them to develop their social skills and have fun.

There are many things that parents can do to help their children develop fine motor skills. Here are a few tips:

• Provide opportunities for practice: One of the best ways to help children develop fine motor skills is to provide them with opportunities to practice. This could include giving them toys that require them to use their hands, such as blocks, puzzles, or play-dough.
• Encourage exploration: Children learn best by exploring. Encourage your child to explore their environment and use their hands to interact with objects. This could include letting them help you cook, garden, or clean.
• Be patient: It takes time for children to develop fine motor skills. Don't get discouraged if your child doesn't master a skill right away. Just keep providing them with opportunities to practice and they will eventually get there.

Fine motor skills are an important part of child development. By providing children with opportunities to practice and develop these skills, you can help them to succeed in school and in life.

Find more fine motor ideas here

Dino Rescue

Sensory Ball Fine Motor Activity

Button Stacking

A Parent's Guide to Navigating Everyday Hazards with Your Child

 As parents, your greatest priority is to keep your children safe in every aspect of life. From the moment they come into your lives, you hold their tiny hands, guide their steps, and do everything you can to shield them from harm. 

But let's face it; your world can sometimes feel like a never-ending maze of risks and challenges. Navigating these challenges may leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t worry! We're here to provide you with the knowledge and guidance to keep your little ones safe and sound.

Let's get started!

Tripping and Slipping Risks

Whether at home or out in public, be aware of the issues, such as slippery surfaces or clutter, that lead to slips and falls. 

To prevent such mishaps at home, keep walkways clear, use non-slip mats in high-risk areas like the bathroom, and promptly address any spills or wet surfaces. 

And when you're out, watch for uneven pavements, slippery surfaces, or objects in your path. Unfortunately, accidents can still occur despite your best efforts. 

Imagine you're in a mall in Atlanta with your child, enjoying a day of shopping and fun. Suddenly, your child slips on a wet floor, and you notice no caution board is placed. According to the Atlanta slip and fall attorney, you may be eligible for compensation in such distressing situations caused by the negligence of mall managers. Of course, to determine your eligibility, you’ll need to consult a law firm. 

Playground Safety Considerations

Kids love to have fun, develop physical skills, and socialize in playgrounds. However, uneven surfaces or poorly maintained equipment can pose dangers, such as tripping or falls from slides and swings. 

Therefore, to ensure safety, select playgrounds that meet safety standards and suit your child's age group. Moreover, active supervision plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and injuries. Parents should closely monitor their children while they play.

And for added protection, you can provide them with knee pads and helmets, especially if they are involved in activities like biking or rollerblading. 

Road and Pedestrian Safety Awareness

Road and pedestrian safety awareness is crucial in keeping your little ones safe. As parents, one of the fundamental lessons you can teach your children is the importance of looking both ways before crossing the road. 

Encourage them to stop, look left, then right, and look left again to ensure no vehicles are approaching. It's a simple but powerful habit that can save lives. 

Also, you can emphasize using crosswalks whenever possible and the importance of walking on sidewalks to avoid traffic. 

Other Dangers at Home

Little ones, with their curious nature, can unknowingly put themselves at risk. They get attracted to electrical outlets, cords, appliances, and substances like cleaning products and medicine. All these need your attention. 

To safeguard against electrical risks, childproof outlets with safety covers or outlet caps. Also, ensure cords are out of reach and securely fastened to avoid tripping or tugging. Moreover, store cleaning products or medicines in locked cabinets or high shelves, far from the curious hands of your little explorers. 

You create a home environment for your kids by implementing these safety measures. 

Last Words

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can navigate through potential dangers and create a safer environment for your little ones to grow and explore.  Remember, your guidance and continuous efforts to educate them about the hazards are crucial for their well-being.