It's almost surreal to think that the end of the school year is almost upon us. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were all getting ready for Back to School? The good news is that this means that warmer weather is coming along with all of the other wonderful activities that signal the beginning of summer. This past Friday, I was driving to school when I received a phone call from a former teaching colleague and dear friend of mine. She was contacting me to let me know that she had run into the parent of one of my former students. This particular parent also worked as the pupil services secretary at my former school so I had the pleasure of having two of her children as my students. Her older son is currently attending college in Westchester County and she wanted to let me know that he will be graduating in June with a degree in English. He told her to let me know that I inspired him to become an English teacher when he was in my English Language Arts class in middle school. … [Read more...]
Jolly Rancher Lollipops
This past Saturday, I was so excited to be able to enjoy some warm weather with my family here in New York City. Just to to feel the sun on my face and spend some time outdoors did wonders for my mood and put a big smile on my face. Since my sons and nephews were together all weekend, I decided to make some special treats for them to enjoy. I don't always indulge their sweet teeth but I wanted to to celebrate the possibility of spring finally starting. Some of my all-time favorite candies are Jolly Rancher Candies. I can still remember going to the corner store with my grandmother in the Soundview section of the Bronx and buying a handful of the sweet and colorful delights. Eating them always made me happy and I wanted to see what other delectable and yummy treats I could make with them. It turns out that they are just as delicious when melted and made into lollipops and the kids love them because they can enjoy them while they ride up and down the block on … [Read more...]
Bunny Cookies
Next weekend is Easter and we will be spending that time with my Sister In Law and meeting our new niece Jazlyn who was born this week. Not only is it special because we will be creating precious memories with family but also because of the religious significance of the day for all of us. Since we will be taking a road trip to visit my SIL, I wanted to make some special treats for my sons and nephews to enjoy on the trip over there. There is no better treat for eating on the road than cookies. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also easy to transport. I'm pretty sure the whole family will love these delicious Bunny Cookies. Everyone, that is, except our niece. She will have to wait until next year when her teeth grow in to sample them! Bunny Cookies Ingredients- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract 1 egg 3 1/2 cups flour 1 Tablespoon milk Decorating- 2 cups white candy melts … [Read more...]
Easter Basket Cookies
I can't believe that Easter is right around the corner! It seems like we were just getting ready for Christmas a little while ago. Even though my boys are older, I still enjoy preparing baskets for them to enjoy on Easter morning. This year, I will probably be adding some gift cards and some wrapped Easter Basket cookies. These treats were so easy to make and they look adorable. I hope you make them for your family and enjoy them this Easter as well! Easter Basket Cookies Ingredients: 1 box of cake mix, any brand 1/2 C. vegetable oil 2 tbsp. flour 2 eggs 1 C. coconut flakes Green food coloring non-stick cooking spray Sour Punch Green Apple, Strawberry and Blueberry Candy Straws (I found mine at my local gas station in the candy section) White frosting Toothpicks Cadbury mini malted eggs Round frosting tip Disposable piping bag Kitchen scissors Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 12 count muffin … [Read more...]
DIY Purple Craft Stick Unicorn
Lately I have been fascinated by anything having to do with unicorns. Did you know that they even have hair dyes to simulate unicorn colors? Since my niece loves unicorns and my Sister In Law is planning a unicorn-themed party for her this year, I have been trying to experiment with inexpensive ideas for party favors and party decorations. We all fell in in love with this idea for making unicorns using craft sticks so I wanted to share this DIY Purple Craft Stick Unicorn concept here on Tough Cookie Mommy! Purple Craft Stick Unicorn Supplies needed: 6 large wood craft sticks Paint in choice of color Paint brush Black marker White craft felt, assorted colors of craft felt Scissors Hot glue, glue gun Directions: 1. Begin by applying two coats of paint to one side of your craft sticks. You only need to paint 5 and can leave one plain. 2. Line your craft sticks up so you have 5 of them side to side. 3. Add a line of glue, and … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
We are two weeks away from the year's most romantic holiday and I am already starting to feel all the love in the air. Not only do I like to celebrate the day with my sweetheart, AKA-Hubby, but I also enjoy making special treats for my boys so they will be reminded of how much they are loved. When they were little, I used to make little gift baskets for them with little trinkets and sweets. Now that they are older, the way to their hearts is through their stomachs so I make sure that I bake their favorite desserts for them to enjoy. This year, by special request, I am making cupcakes for Valentine's Day. Ever since we had our kitchen remodeled last summer, they expect me to use our new oven and stove whenever they have a craving for a special meal or they have a sweet tooth. I'm starting to wonder if getting new appliances was a good idea after all! Of course, I'm just kidding, I love baking and cooking for all my guys! The best part is that these Valentine's Day … [Read more...]
The Queen Rules At Medieval Times! #LongMaySheReign @MedievalTimesNJ #Ad
After years and years of casting the king as the lead at Medieval Times, there is now a queen leading the entire kingdom. She inherited the throne after her father passed away and prides herself for being a firm and kind ruler who elicits the respect and admiration of all her loyal subjects. Since we have been huge fans of Medieval Times for years, we were beyond thrilled to go meet the queen last week. If you have never been to Medieval times, you have no idea what you are missing. Families enjoy dinner and a show as they are catapulted to medieval Spain within the stone walls of their 11th century-style castle. You are welcome to dine with Queen Maria Isabella and her royal court. As her noble guests, everyone feasts on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, the pastry of the castle, coffee and two rounds of select beverages. We loved watching the battles between the knights right in front of us as they … [Read more...]
Remove Snow Safely This Winter
How will you remove snow safely this winter? Once again, New York City is scheduled to get some snowstorms this weekend for the New Year. It's something us New Yorkers are used to with the kinds of winters we get around these parts but they still require some preparation on our part. Many people are unaware that removing snow can become a dangerous task and should be done with some caution. Unfortunately, we learned this lesson the hard way when the father of an old friend of ours suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow in front of their home. He subsequently died as a result and it was sobering to think that something like snow removal could prove to be such a perilous activity. Studies show that shoveling snow can increase a person's risk of having a heart attack. Additionally, there are other injuries that can arise from clearing snow including pulled muscles, broken bones, and hypothermia. There are some precautions that one can take to decrease these … [Read more...]
Holiday Rice Pudding Recipe @NestleLaLechera #unidosconlalechera #Ad
The holiday season is finally upon us and I am so excited that I am practically bursting at the seams! I absolutely love every single thing about this magical time of the year. One of my favorite things to do is to spend time with my loved ones enjoying delicious meals and desserts. It's the perfect opportunity to create beautiful memories together that we can reflect upon fondly for years to come. For Hispanic moms like me, Nestlé® La Lechera® has been a key ingredient in creating these special moments. Since 1910, La Lechera has been committed to helping moms in the kitchen with quality, consistency and creativity that they can use to bring their families together. It is the perfect ingredient to help you pamper your loved ones with delicious desserts that fit your busy lifestyle. It’s tradition and quality that bring our traditional dishes to life. Anything you make with La Lechera, is guaranteed to create unforgettable family memories to last a lifetime. Ever since … [Read more...]
Turkey Treat Bags
I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is this week already! Since we are going to my sister's house on Thanksgiving Day, I am excited that I got out of cooking this year. I do, however, want to bring some treats for all the kids so I made these Turkey Treat Bags for all of them. They were really easy and inexpensive to make and I hope you enjoy making them for your family as much as I enjoyed making them for mine! Turkey Treat Bags Materials: Tulle (Use rectangle tulle from a roll or tulle pre-cut circles) Pipe cleaners (red, tan, orange and yellow) Peanut butter candy with a crunchy shell (or your favorite mix of candies in fall colors!) Googly eyes Glue (hot glue or another strong glue) Scissors Small clear hair elastics Optional: clear treat bags or sandwich bags Directions: Place candies in the middle of your tulle. {Tulle from a roll may be used (cut to 16”) or precut tulle circles.} Secure the tulle closed with a … [Read more...]
