What to do Memorial Day Weekend when Staying Home

What to do Memorial Day Weekend when Staying Home

If you’re not sure what to do Memorial Day weekend and you’re staying in town this year, this list is for you! From relaxing to active, there’s something for everyone.

8 Memorial Day Weekend Activity Ideas on blue background with red, white and blue star confetti and patriotic ribbon

In the US, we often think of Memorial Day as a long weekend that ushers in summer. It’s a three-day weekend to either head out of town for a quick getaway or stick around and spend quality time with friends and family.

While Memorial Day is a special time of year for all the above, it’s also important to consider the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day is a day put aside to recognize and remember those in the military who sacrificed their lives serving our country.

Memorial Day - A Day to Honor those in the Military who Sacrificed their Lives Serving our Country with flag background

So let’s look at what to do Memorial Day weekend if you’re staying home. As you enjoy planning fun activities for the three-day weekend, take a moment to remember the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives so you can enjoy such blessings.

We’ll look at activities that encourage quality time with family and a few that celebrate the true meaning of the holiday. Check out the list below.

Best things to do Memorial Day Weekend when Staying in Town

meats, skewer and vegetables cooking on bbq, parade with military and flags, two children looking at chickens at farm

1. BBQ or Cookout

This one’s a longstanding tradition for many Americans, so gather family and friends and grill up some chicken or steak in a backyard barbeque. Consider making it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite side dish. Turn on some music, get out the cornhole boards, and go for a swim if you have a pool.

Continue the BBQ into the evening. Roast some marshmallows and tell stories around the fire pit. You’ll find a backyard cookout is a great way to spend quality time and create memories with your favorite people on Memorial Day.

2. Attend a Memorial Day Event in Your Area

Check for events in your local town or nearby city as many host Memorial Day ceremonies or parades. If you check ahead of time, you may be able to volunteer at the events.

Other fun local events to look out for include concerts, 5k runs, or even the occasional pancake breakfast. Take a peek at what’s going on in your area.

3. Head Out to the Farm

Some local farms have a lot to offer visitors. You can often view or even interact with farm animals, which is a hit amongst children. Some have little train rides or play areas for kids or kids at heart. Picking produce is a great way to enjoy farm fresh fruits and veggies and is a fun opportunity for children to learn where their food comes from.

Also, some farms have stores where you can pick up tasty sauces and sweet jams. They may even serve fresh baked goods or full meals. You might even find little shops with handmade crafts and décor to take home for that redecorating project we’ll talk about next.

parent and child working on home improvement project, couple on couch watching a movie

4. DIY Home Project

Is there a space inside your home that could use a facelift? If a small bathroom needs new flooring or you like to build a garden bed or new shelf, Youtube has some great instructional videos. Does your pantry need some reorganizing or couldyour guest room use a little redecorating? Consider jumping on Pinterest for endless fun ideas.

If possible, get the whole family involved. Turn on some peppy music and get out the snacks to keep everyone energized. Order some pizza or head out to dinner as a little reward when the project is complete.

5. Watch a Movie

Grab the popcorn and watch a movie this holiday weekend.

If you feel like heading out to the theater for a movie, consider upgrading to the large, reclining seats for extra comfort. Some locations even offer in-theater food and beverage service if you don’t feel like waiting in line for those tasty treats and sodas.

Another option is sprawling out on the comfort of your own cozy couch and streaming a movie of your choosing. You can even make it a movie marathon if you’re in need of a lazy day off.

Also, in thinking about the true meaning of the holiday, consider a movie that honors those that gave their lives for our freedom. There’s a lot to choose from!

playing cards, dice, snacks and notepad on table, people relaxing on grass near bike, grave site with flowers and American flag

6. Board or Card Games

When was the last time you played a card or board game? I don’t know about you, but we always end up in stiches, laughing it up with good friends and family when we engage in a little friendly competition. Sit around the table, enjoy a tasty beverage and pull out the snacks to add to the fun.  

7. Spend a Day at the Park

Head to the park for a fun and relaxing day. Bring the football or baseball for a leisurely game of catch. Try your hand at flying a kite or play a game of pig or horse with the basketball. Perhaps your local park has some trails to enjoy a bike ride or a nice walk for some light exercise. Consider packing up the picnic basket or cooler with everyone’s favorite sandwiches to enjoy a nice lunch with the family.

8. Decorate the Graves of Veterans for Memorial Day

The first Memorial Day was just after the Civil War. It was originally called Decoration Day and the tradition was to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. This is something many still do today.

So, consider celebrating Memorial Day this year by taking part in this special and important tradition, decorating a veteran’s grave with a flag and/or flowers. You can take flowers to the grave of a loved one or even honor soldier you do not know. Click here for more information on protocols for properly placing a flag and more.

Thank you for taking the time to check out our list about what to do when staying home Memorial Day weekend. Which one will you try? Let me know in the comments below!

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15 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

15 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Find the best gift for Mom amongst these awesome Mother’s Day gift ideas and you’ll be sure to make her feel extra special this year!

15 Mother's Day gift ideas - child holding gift and card behind her back standing in front of mother

It’s that time of year again to show an extraordinary mother in your life how much you love and appreciate her with a special gift. Let’s look at some ideas that’ll make her feel important. Whether you’re a spouse, kiddo or not even related to this exceptional mother, you’ll find the perfect Mother’s Day gift that shows her how much you care.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Spa Treatments

Who doesn’t love a relaxing spa treatment?! Depending on your budget, treat mom to either one special treatment or make it a whole day of pampering.

    • Mani-Pedi

Treat Mom to pretty nails in her favorite color. Upgraded services include longer sessions with extra massage or added designs for her nails. Some provide parrafin wax treatments for extra moisturization or salt and sugar scrubs. Your spa may even offer Mom a glass of Champagne.

    • Facial

Set Mom up with a facial for a little pampering this Mother’s Day. She can choose a treatment to best fit her skin needs and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

    • Massage

How about a massage for the hardworking Mom in your life? Does she like a relaxing Swedish massage or is she in need of a tension reducing deep tissue massage to work out those knots? Hot stone massages are a soothing option and improve circulation. Whatever Mom’s cup of tea is, she’ll be delighted with this thoughtful gift.

2. Handmade Mother’s Day Gift from the Kids

Get the kiddos together and make a handmade gift for Mom. Not sure what to make? Click here for Good Housekeeping’s awesome list of ideas.

3. Jewelry

Does Mom like jewelry? Consider jewelry made with her favorite stone or metal. Maybe a locket with a picture of the kids or family inside is the perfect sweet and classic gift for the mom in your life. A bracelet with charms that mean something special to her is another thoughtful gift and something you can add to for her birthday or Christmas.

Mother's day gifts - spa treatment, handmade gift from child, jewelry, painting pottery, candles

4. Pottery Painting

Take Mom to paint pottery. Usually, you choose an already made piece and paint it as you desire. They’ll then throw it in the kiln for you and you pick it up a little later. This is a fun one for the whole family or something Mom can do with a friend when she needs a break.

5. Scented Candles

Get Mom some nice candles this Mother’s Day. A seasonal scent for spring or summer is a great option. Fresh floral scents are great for this time of year or tropical scents are always fun going into summer. Another idea is lemon, which is a classic scent that’ll freshen up any space.

6. Concert Tickets

Does Mom have a favorite band or musician, or does she like a certain style of music?  Does she love country or is rock and roll her thing? Maybe she prefers the symphony or jazz. Whatever her taste in music, treat her to concert tickets or a night at the jazz club.

7. Book by Her Favorite Author

If Mom is a reader? Does she have a favorite author whose books she can’t put down? If so, grab her a book and see if you can get it signed by the author.

8. Body Care Items

Consider treating Mom to some luxurious hand cream or silky foot lotion with spa socks. Perhaps she has a preferred scent and would like some nice body lotion. A pillow spray in an aroma therapy fragrance is also a nice option or even a favorite perfume or fragrant soap.

Mother's Day gift ideas - concert tickets, book by author, body care items, wine and paint night, adopt furry family member

9. Wine & Paint Night

How about treating Mom to a wine and paint night? These are fun and relaxing whether she’s an artist or not. Canvas and paint are usually provided, and the instructors often do a great job of breaking down the steps to painting your masterpiece. Many ask you to bring your own bottle of wine and some have it for sale. If you’re of an age where you can join her, do so for some good ole fashioned quality time. If not, make sure to send her off with a buddy to enjoy the night with.

10. Adopt a Furry Family Member

Do you have the time, love, patience and financial means to care for a pet? Has Mom been dreaming of a sweet little doggie or kitty friend joining the family? If so, head to a local shelter and rescue a furry critter that’s looking for a family. They’re a big responsibility, so make sure you do your research and are ready for the commitment!

11. Wine Club Membership

If Mom appreciates a nice glass of wine, sign her up for a wine club membership. Even if she’s not a wine connoisseur, a wine club membership is a great way to learn about and try new wines. They’ll often send monthly bottles and even have special member-only events and give discounts on the purchase of additional bottles.

Mother's Day gift ideas - wine club membership, do Mom's chores for a week, flowers, breakfast in bed, photo memories

12. Take Over Mom’s Chores for a Week

Give Mom the week off from chores! Set her up in front of her favorite movie or that new book you got her with her feet up and get stared. Divide tasks up amongst the whole family. Take out the trash, fold the laundry, make the dinner, mow the lawn and whatever else she normally does to keep the household afloat and do it with a cheerful attitude the whole week!

13. Flowers

Spoil Mom with her favorite flowers for Mother’s Day this year. The classic gift of flowers can be fresh cut bouquets or potted plants. This is a great gift for any mom, but with all the delivery services out there, it’s an especially great gift when you don’t live close by.

14. Breakfast in Bed on Mother’s Day Morning

Let Mom sleep in and get the family together in the kitchen and put together a nice breakfast for Mom. Try this tasty Strawberry French Toast Bake or her favorite pancakes. Bring it to her on a tray with a handmade card from the family telling her why she’s loved and appreciated.

15. Framed Photo or Photo Book

If Mom has a photo of the family that she just loves, have it printed and put it in a nice frame as a Mother’s Day gift. Consider what size to print, the color of the frame and what space she might like to hang or display it.

Another option is a photo book of the family. Choose photos from a recent trip or a collection of favorite photos over the years. Create a photo book online or add printed photos to an album you think she’d like.

Thank you for taking a peek at the best Mother’s Day gift ideas! Which one is your favorite?

Let me know in the comments below!

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Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Citrus Drizzle

Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Citrus Drizzle

symbol for gluten free and dairy free option

This French Toast Casserole will have your mouth watering with its sunny strawberries, citrus cream cheese drizzle, and cinnamon pecan crumble. It’s gluten free and delicious!

Slice of French Toast Casserole with Strawberries and Cream Cheese Citrus Drizzle on white plate with fork

Why You’ll Love this French Toast Bake

  • It’s perfect for a Mother’s Day or springtime brunch.
  • The strawberries add a nice lightweight sweetness to the dish.
  • Cinnamon and brown sugar warm the recipe right up.
  • The pecan crumble topping adds the perfect texture and crunch to the casserole.
  • You’ll love the orange zest in the cream cheese drizzle and as a beautiful garnish to top of the dish.
slice of baked French toast on white plate with orange zest

What’s in this Sweet Breakfast Casserole?

  • Gluten Free White Bread – I like to use Schar white bread as it holds together well.
  • Milk – I use Fairlife milk as the lower fat versions are extra creamy and it’s lactose free so easier to digest.
    • Change it up: Use a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond for dairy free.
  • Eggs – This basic French toast ingredient helps hold everything together and adds richness to the recipe.
  • Butter – Melted butter goes in the French toast batter and with the pecan crumble.
    • Change it up: Use a non-dairy buttery spread for dairy free.
  • Vanilla – You’ll add this to the French toast batter.
  • Brown Sugar –  You’ll dissolve it in the freshly melted warm butter with a whisk before adding the rest of the batter ingredients. Brown sugar also goes in the crumble topping.
  • Cinnamon – This goes in both your batter and in the crumble.
  • Strawberries – For added freshness and sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese – This is part of the base for the drizzle and cuts the sweetness of the other ingredients nicely.
    • Change it up: Use a non-dairy cream cheese spread if you prefer dairy free.
  • Frozen Whipped Topping – Cool whip’s an option.
    • Change it up: Cocowhip, which is a non-dairy, coconut based whipped topping is fantastic!
  • Powdered Sugar – This adds a little sweetness to the drizzle.
  • Orange Juice – Gives the drizzle a nice tanginess and citrus flavor.
    • Change it up: Try lemon juice instead.
  • Orange Zest – Adds a little orange-y zip to the drizzle.
    • Change it up: Try lemon zest instead.
  • Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour – For the crumble.
  • Pecans – You’ll want to chop them for the crumble. This adds a nice crunch to the dish.
    • Change it up: Walnuts work well in place of pecans if that’s what you prefer.

How to make this French Toast Casserole

Dry out the Bread

  1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
  2. Cut bread into 1-inch squares and place on a baking sheet
  3. Place bread in the oven for 12 minutes (just enough to dry it out, but not toast it).
French toast casserole - loaf of bread cut into 1-inch squares, spread out on large baking sheet

Make the Crumble

  1. While the bread is drying out in the oven, add the crumble ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix by hand until well combined.
  2. Set aside.
Make the pecan crumble for the casserole - pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon mixed together

Make the French Toast Casserole

  1. After removing the dried bread from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  2. Grease a 9 X 13 baking dish with butter.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of freshly melted butter until smooth.
  4. Whisk in the eggs, milk, vanilla and 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon.
  5. Add the bread and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the mixture and stir until they are completely coated.
  6. Place the bread mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out to the edges.
  7. Distribute the remaining strawberries evenly on top of the mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the pecan crumble throughout the top of the casserole.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and continue baking for about 10 minutes (begin making drizzle during the last 10 min).
  11. Take out of the oven when it’s warmed through and has a slight crisp on top.
French toast casserole Instructions - batter mixed together in bowl, bread mixture in baking dish, crumble added on top

Make the Drizzle

  1. Add the cream cheese, frozen whipped topping and powdered sugar to a small saucepan.
  2. Warm over low heat, whisking ingredients together well as it heats and stirring constantly.
  3. Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the orange juice and orange zest and continue heating and stirring for a couple of minutes. You’ll want the mixture to be thin enough to drizzle.
French toast casserole completed citrus drizzle and added to baked casserole

Add the Garnish

  1. Lightly dust the French toast casserole with powdered sugar.
  2. Add the drizzle the top using a back-and-forth motion.
  3. Top with a little orange zest, serve and enjoy!
slice of baked French Toast Casserole on white plate with fork and garnished with orange zest

What to serve with the French Toast Casserole

Serve this hearty French Toast Bake with one of the items below.

Bacon – Savory bacon pairs well and is my number one choice to serve alongside this sweet dish.

or

Sausage – You can go with a link sausage or patty sausage of your choice. Opt for something savory, avoiding any sweet sausages like maple.

or

Eggs – Eggs with simple salt and pepper are another great choice for getting a little protein alongside this tasty dish.

Go for unsweetened beverage options:

Hot Tea – Opt for unsweetened black tea. Plain black tea is best, but a flavored tea with spice like cinnamon, vanilla or chai are nice options as well. Go ahead and add milk or unsweetened creamer to your tea if you prefer.

Coffee – Black coffee or coffee with a little unsweetened creamer is best with this sweet French toast casserole. Unsweetened flavored coffees like hazelnut also pair well.  

Orange Juice – Orange juice is another great beverage option with this casserole as it enhances the orange already in the dish.

Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Left Overs

Making French Toast Ahead of Time 

Most of the casserole can be made ahead of time, but I recommend making the pecan crumble fresh and adding it just before baking. You can make the casserole and drizzle the evening before and store them separately in the fridge.

Add a few minutes to the baking time of the casserole. Make sure it’s warmed through before removing it from the oven.

Rewarm the drizzle on the stove on low, stirring constantly and adding it to the casserole when removing it from the oven as stated in the original instructions.  

Storing Leftover French Toast Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three days (two days if you make it the day before). Store baked French toast in freezer for up to three months.

It’s always best fresh, but still quite tasty leftover!

Reheating the Leftover French Toast Bake

You can reheat the casserole either in the microwave or oven if stored in the fridge. I recommend reheating in the oven after storing it in the freezer. It’ll come out of the microwave softer and gooier, and out of the oven with a little crisp to the outside and moist on the inside.

 

I hope you enjoyed this pretty little French Toast Casserole! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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slice of french toast casserole on white plate with orange zest, surrounded by strawberries and an orange half

Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Citrus Drizzle

This French Toast Casserole will have your mouthwatering with its sunny strawberries, citrus cream cheese drizzle, and cinnamon pecan crumble. It’s gluten free and delicious!
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 435 kcal

Ingredients
  

French Toast

  • 1 Loaf Gluten Free White Bread 14-16oz
  • 1 ½ Cups Milk
  • 6 Eggs
  • ¼ Cup Butter, Melted + More for Greasing Baking Dish
  • 1 ½ tsp Vanilla
  • ¼ Cup Brown Sugar, Packed
  • 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 ½ Cup Strawberries, Sliced

Crumble

  • 2 Tbsp Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
  • ½ Cup Pecans, Chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar, Packed
  • 2 Tbsp Butter, Melted
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon

Drizzle

  • 2 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
  • 2 Tbsp Frozen Whipped Topping
  • 3 Tbsp Powdered Sugar + More for Garnish
  • 2 tsp Orange Juice
  • ½ tsp Orange Zest + More for Garnish

Instructions
 

Dry Out the Bread

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees
  • Cut bread into 1-inch squares and place on a baking sheet.
  • Place bread in the oven for 12 minutes (just enough to dry it out, but not toast it).

Make the Crumble

  •  While the bread is drying out in the oven, add the crumble ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix by hand until well combined.
  •  Set aside.

Make the French Toast Casserole

  • After removing the dried bread from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  • Grease a 9 X 13 baking dish with butter.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of freshly melted butter until smooth.
  • Whisk in the eggs, milk, vanilla and 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon.
  • Add the bread and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the mixture and stir until they are completely coated.
  • Place the bread mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out to the edges.
  • Distribute the remaining strawberries evenly on top of the mixture.
  • Sprinkle the pecan crumble throughout the top of the casserole.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  • Remove foil and continue baking for about 10 minutes (begin making drizzle during the last 10 min).
  • Remove from the oven when it’s warmed through and has a slight crisp on top.

Make the Drizzle

  • Add the cream cheese, frozen whipped topping and powdered sugar to a small saucepan.
  • Warm over low heat, whisking ingredients together well as it heats and stirring constantly.
  • Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the orange juice and orange zest and continue heating and stirring for a couple of minutes. You’ll want the mixture to be thin enough to drizzle.

Add the Garnish

  • Lightly dust the French toast casserole with powdered sugar.
  •  Add the drizzle the top using a back-and-forth motion.
  • Top with a little orange zest, serve and enjoy!
Keyword French Toast Bake, French Toast Casserole, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Recipe, Spring

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23 Best Things to do on Mother’s Day

23 Best Things to do on Mother’s Day

Not sure what to do on Mother’s Day? Check out these 23 fun ideas and find the perfect way to spend quality time with Mom on her special day.

23 Best Things to do on Mother's Day with pink background, gold frame and flowers

Best Things to do on Mother’s Day

1. Mother’s Day Brunch

If Mom loves gourmet pancakes, nice coffee, or mimosas, think about taking her to a nice brunch. Restaurants often have special menus for the occasion and some hotels even do big buffets.

2. Go for a Bike Ride

Grab the whole family and head out for a bike ride. Find some nearby biking trails where she’ll enjoy the scenery. She’ll appreciate a little exercise and quality time with loved ones.

3. Take Mom Shopping

Head out for a shopping trip and treat her to something fun this Mother’s Day. Does she want a new handbag, dress, or shoes? What about a tennis racket or tool for her favorite crafting project?

4. Go Wine Tasting

If the celebrating crew is 21+, take Mom to a winery and tasting room. Dress up and go in style in a limo and get some good pictures along the way.

5. Head out for a Nature Walk

Do you live near some nice walking paths or parks? Grab Mom and head outside to take in the fresh air. Enjoy the blooming flowers and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

to do on Mother's Day - brunch items, pink bike with flowers in basket, shopping bags, wine, family of three walking

6. See a Movie on Mother’s Day

Grab the family and take Mom to see a movie. Make sure she picks the movie and treat her to her favorite theater snacks and beverages. Consider splurging for the reclining seats or the cinema with in-theater dining.

7. Visit a Museum

Is your mother fascinated by science or does she love history? Does she love art or learning about different cultures? Then take Mom to a museum for Mother’s Day.

8. Go to a Plant Nursery

Take mom to a nursery to pick out some plants or flowers for the yard. Take pictures of your garden space or patio ahead of time to visualize where to put the plants. Set Mom up at home with a nice beverage so she can put her feet up while you and the family plant what she picked out.

9. Head out for a Picnic

Have the family pack up a picnic for mom, making sure to include her favorite snacks and drinks. Go to a nearby park with picnic tables or bring a nice blanket and enjoy sitting on the soft green grass.

to do on Mother's Day - movie tickets and popcorn, bright artwork, plant nursery, picnic blanket and items on grass

10. Go on a Hike

Grab your hiking shoes and take Mom out for a trek along some beautiful local trails. Consider a view that Mom would enjoy along a river, up on a mountain, or even an elevated city view if that’s her style.

11. Volunteer to Help Those in Need

Does Mom have a cause close to her heart? Does she love to serve and have a gift of helping others? Grab the family and volunteer to help others this Mother’s Day.

12. Head to the Lake, River, or Ocean

Who doesn’t love the water? Take Mom out to the lake, river or ocean and enjoy the scenery. Wade in the water and bring along that picnic we talked about with her favorite snacks.

13. Rent a Boat or Enjoy a Commercial Boat Ride/Cruise

Speaking of water, take mom on a dinner, cocktail, or sunset cruise. An option for those adventurous moms out there is renting a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat.

14. Go out for a Nice Mother’s Day Dinner

Does Mom have a favorite restaurant or one she’s always wanted to try? Take a look at the Mother’s Day menus at restaurants in the area and book a reservation. Don’t wait until the last minute as a lot of people eat out on Mother’s Day! Plan ahead to make sure you get the time and place you prefer.

to do on Mother's Day - family of three walking, person volunteering, dock on lake, boat on water, dinner plates with food

15. Do a Community Fun Run, Walk or Charity 5k

Does Mom like to run or be active? Sign her up for a run on Mother’s Day weekend. If it’s family friendly, have the whole family participate. If not, cheer her on, make signs, and congratulate her at the finish line.

16. Head to the Zoo or Aquarium

If Mom loves furry critters and sea creatures, take her to a zoo or aquarium. Check for special shows or animal encounters to make the day extra memorable.

17. Take Her on a Quick Getaway

Whisk her away on an adventure. Perhaps a little cabin in the woods is up her alley or maybe she’d love to stay in the city and go to a jazz club for dinner. A night or two away can be a relaxing way to spend Mother’s Day.

18. Go Miniature Golfing

Mini golf is always fun and a great way to spend quality time with the family. It’s perfect for families with young children or adults that like a little friendly competition.

to do on Mother's Day - legs running with bright shoes, fish swimming, cabin on lake, putter and golf balls

19. Treat her to Dessert

Does Mom love chocolate cake, have an affinity for key lime pie or drool over a warm apple crisp ala mode? Take her out to enjoy her favorite indulgence this Mother’s Day.

20. Take Her to a Sporting Event

This one’s not just for Dad as I know a lot of sports-loving Moms! Treat her to a game or match to cheer on her favorite team.

21. Head Over to the Botanical Garden

Do you have any botanical gardens in your area? While they offer something special in every season, spring is the best time to see a lot of beautiful blooms.

22. Go See a Play or Other Show on Stage

If she loves a musical or theatrical performance, this is the way to go. Grab dinner and a glass of wine at her favorite restaurant ahead of time.

23. Set Up a Virtual Adventure with Mom

Perhaps you don’t live in the same state as Mom or maybe she’s in a nursing home and it’s hard for her to get out much. Facetime Mom from a fun place and show her around. Have her favorite meal delivered and eat virtually with her.

to do on Mother's Day - dessert items, person with tennis ball and racket, theater, person at computer meeting virtually

What to do on Mother’s Day to Make Mom Feel Extra Special

Quality time with loved ones is important, and for many it’s a necessity for feeling loved and cared about. Here’s a couple things you can do to show mom you care this Mother’s Day:

Put Your Phone Away

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who is staring at their phone? They’re only half engaged and not really listening. Make an effort to keep your phone on silent and in your pocket to show mom you care.

Take an Interest in the Mother’s Day Activity or Outing

If mom chose a movie you’re not into or you don’t like shopping, take an interest in it anyway. Ask her if she liked the movie and what her favorite part was or patiently wait while she tries on dresses or shoes. It’ll mean a lot to her.

Participate in Active Listening

Engage in conversation with your mom. Really listen to her when she’s speaking and show her you’re listening by facing her, nodding and looking at her when she speaks. Positive body language goes a long way in showing you care.

 

 

I hope you found this helpful! Which is your favorite and what will you do with your Mom this Mother’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!

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Gluten Free Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

These delicious Carrot Cake Crepes are full of flavor with their warm spices and sweet lemony cream cheese filling. They’re gluten free, but so good, you’ll never know it!  

three Easter Brunch Carrot Cake Crepes with orange drizzle and carrot greens sitting on white plate

Holidays are a special time to come together with family and friends and break bread together and Easter is no exception. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas, my Easter memories always include a feast as the vehicle for quality time with loved ones. Although our family feels small, I don’t take these special times for granted and feel grateful for such blessings.

As I look ahead to Easter, I’m excited to serve these crepes to the whole family for the first time. Like Santa wants his cookies at Christmas, the Easter Bunny wants his carrots and these “carrots” are so much better than the real thing! So, let’s elevate the carrot and make it into some delicious crepes that the whole family will enjoy. Come with me and I’ll show you how it’s done.  

Why You’ll Love these Festive Crepes

  • They’re a scrumptious springtime twist on the traditional crepe.
  • The fun carrot shape is perfect for Easter breakfast or brunch.
  • The lemony cream cheese filling is delectable!
  • You’ll love the spiced cake flavor paired with the creamy citrus filling and warm drizzle.

What’s in these Carrot Cake Crepes?

Crepe Batter

Carrots – You’ll want these finely shredded to best incorporate into the batter.

 

Eggs – Make sure to add these to the batter last so they don’t begin to cook due to the warm carrots!

 

Milk – I like to use Fairlife lactose free milk whose fat free version is surprisingly creamy!

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, try the recipe with coconut milk.

 

Butter – To sauté the carrots and for added richness. You’ll need a little extra to butter you pan or skillet if you are not using a non-stick surface.

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, use a non-dairy buttery spread.

 

Vanilla – For flavor enhancement.

 

Flour – Use a gluten free 1 to 1 flour. I recommend Bob’s Redmill brand.

 

Sugar – You’ll need both brown and granulated white sugar for a touch of sweetness.

 

Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves warm these crepes right up.

 

Salt – Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness.

Filling and Drizzle

Cream Cheese – This is the base for the rich and creamy filling and drizzle. You’ll want it softened.

 

    • Change it up: Use a non-dairy cream cheese spread if you prefer dairy free.

 

Frozen Whipped Topping – This lightens up the filling a bit.

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, I prefer So Delicious brand’s Cocowhip. It’s fantastic!

 

Powdered Sugar – This adds the right amount of sweetness.

 

Vanilla – For subtle added flavor.

 

Lemon Juice – The lemon pairs so well with the spice cake flavor of the crepes.

 

    • Change it up: If you feel like mixing it up, try an orange filling instead and use a little orange juice.

 

Lemon Zest – For even more lemon flavor and for a garnish.

 

    • Change it up: If you decide to try the orange filling, use orange zest instead.

 

Walnuts – This is optional, but pairs well with the lemony filling and adds nice texture. Chop finely.

 

    • Change it up: Pecans are another great option if that’s what you have on hand.

 

Food Coloring – Red and yellow food coloring will turn the drizzle a carrot orange color.

 

Milk – You’ll thin out the remaining filling to make it into a drizzle to top the crepes with before serving.

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, try the recipe with coconut milk.

Garnish

Carrot Greens – This will be your carrot topper. You’ll want to cut each stem so you have about a ½ inch of stem to tuck into the top of the carrot-shaped crepes.

 

    • Change it up: If you’re unable to find carrots with greens still attached, mint is another option.

How to make the Carrot Cake Crepes

Make the Batter

  • Saute carrots in ¼ cup melted butter on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften.

 

  • Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.

 

  • In a medium bowl, add gf 1 to 1 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and whisk together until well combined.

 

  • In a large bowl whisk together milk, vanilla, and the buttery carrots.

 

  • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

 

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then stir into the batter. *** Make sure you add eggs last to the batter. Mixing the rest of the ingredients together first cools down the carrots and prevents the eggs from cooking.

 

  • Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.

 

  • When you are ready to make the crepes, pull the batter from the fridge and set aside.

Make the Filling

  • Mix softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest on low to medium-low, using a stand or handheld mixer.

 

  • Remove ½ Cup of filling and set aside. This will be for the drizzle.

Make the Carrot Cake Crepes

  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large cookie sheet on the middle rack.

 

  • Warm a crepe pan, stove top griddle or large skillet on medium heat.

 

  • Remove pan from heat, butter the pan and add 1/3 cup of batter, immediately and quickly spreading the batter around using the back of a crepe spreader or the back of a spoon so the crepe is as thin as possible. *** These crepes may be slightly thicker than traditional crepes due to the thickness of the carrots.

 

  • Place pan back on heat and warm crepe for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to lightly brown.

 

  • Flip crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.

 

  • Place crepe in oven to keep warm and repeat steps 4-7 until all batter is used.

 

  • Pull a crepe from the oven, cut in half and spread 1 Tbsp of filling in middle of crepe half, leaving 1 inch around the edges.

 

  • Sprinkle 1 tsp of finely chopped walnuts on the filling if desired.

 

  • Fold the top of the rounded edges in, holding them in place with the filling.

 

  • Roll the crepe up as pictured to create your carrot shaped crepe.

 

  • Repeat steps 1-4 with each crepe half, placing them back in the oven to keep them warm.

*** Only assemble crepes you will eat immediately. Storing leftover crepes separately from filling, allows for optimal texture when rewarming.

Make the Drizzle

  • Heat remaining half cup of filling on low, stirring regularly.

 

  • Stir in 3 drops of red and 6 drops of yellow food coloring to turn the drizzle orange.

 

  • Stir in 2 tsp of milk to thin it out.

 

  • While it’s still warm and thinned out, drizzle the carrots with the remaining filling using a quick back and forth motion.

Add the Garnish

  • Rince the carrot greens or mint leaves and cut about 12 stems (enough for each “carrot”), each containing a few leaves and leaving at least a half inch of stem.

 

  • Add the carrot greens or mint to the top of each carrot crepe by tucking in the stem and allowing the leaves to stick out of the top.

 

  • Garnish a little lemon zest.

What to Serve with your Carrot Cake Crepes

I recommend serving some classic breakfast basics with your Carrot Cake Crepes. They pair well and allow the crepes to be the star of the show.

  • Bacon – Crispy, salty bacon on the side of these crepes makes for the perfect breakfast.
  • Sausage – Link or patty sausage is another option, just avoid maple or other sweet sausages as savory works best with the sweetness of the crepes.
  • Eggs – I recommend simple scrambled eggs made with olive oil and garnished with salt and pepper.
  • Coffee – Unsweetened coffee or English breakfast goes well with these sweet crepes.
  • Orange Juice – This goes well as long as you’re serving savory bacon and/or eggs with the crepes.

Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Left Over Crepes

Making Ahead

The best way to enjoy these crepes is to make the batter ahead of time. You’ll want to refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but I prefer to make it the night before and chill it overnight. Although you can make the crepes ahead of time, they are best served fresh.

Storing Leftover Carrot Cake Crepes

  • Fridge – Store the crepes and filling separately. Both can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Stack the crepes and store in a large plastic bag sealed tightly to keep them from drying out. The filling is best stored in a plastic bag or glass container.

 

  • Freezer – Crepes and filling should also be stored separately. The best way to store leftover crepes in the freezer is to first portion them out so when fetching them from the freezer, you only need to thaw what you will eat at the time. Wrap each stacked portion of crepes in plastic wrap. Then place them in a large plastic storage bag and freeze. Double wrapping them will prevent freezer burn. Filling may be stored in a sealed plastic bag. Store both items in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftover Crepes

While these are best fresh, they are still tasty leftover. Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Slightly warm filling in the microwave. Crepes are best rewarmed on the stove in your crepe pan, griddle or skillet for about a minute per side, but they’re still tasty rewarmed in the microwave.

I hope you enjoyed making these Easter Carrot Cake Crepes!

Angela Post Signature

 

 

carrot cake crepes garnished with drizzle, carrot greens and lemon zest

Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

These delicious Carrot Cake Crepes are full of flavor with their warm spices and sweet lemony cream cheese filling. They’re gluten free, but so good, you’ll never know it!  
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crepes

  • 1 Cup Finely Shredded Carrots
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 ¼ Cup Milk
  • ¼ Cup Butter (plus more for buttering crepe pan)
  • ½ tsp Vanilla
  • 1 Cup Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour
  • 2 Tbsp Packed Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • ¾ tsp Cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Ginger
  • ¼ tsp Nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp Cloves
  • Pinch Salt

Filling and Drizzle

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • ½ Cup Frozen Whipped Topping
  • ¾ Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Lemon Zest
  • ¼ Cup Finely Chopped Walnuts
  • 2 tsp Milk
  • 6 Drops Yellow Food Coloring
  • 2 Drops Red Food Coloring

Garnish

  • 12 Stems Carrot Greens or Mint 2 Inch Stems
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest

Instructions
 

Make the Batter

  • Sauté carrots in ¼ cup melted butter on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.
  •  In a medium bowl, add gf 1 to 1 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and whisk together until well combined.
  •  In a large bowl whisk together milk, vanilla, and the buttery carrots.
  • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then stir into the batter.
  • Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.
  • When you are ready to make the crepes, pull the batter from the fridge and set aside.

Make the Filling

  • Mix softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest on low to medium-low, using a stand or handheld mixer.
  •  Remove ½ Cup of filling and set aside. This will be for the drizzle.

Make the Crepes

  •  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large cookie sheet on the middle rack.
  • Warm a crepe pan, stove top griddle or large skillet on medium heat.
  • Remove pan from heat, butter the pan and add 1/3 cup of batter, immediately and quickly spreading the batter around using a crepe spreader or the back of a spoon so the crepe is as thin as possible.
  • Place pan back on heat and warm crepe for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to lightly brown.
  • Flip crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  •  Place crepe in oven to keep warm and repeat steps 4-7 until all batter is used.
  • Pull a crepe from the oven, cut in half and spread 1 Tbsp of filling in middle of crepe half, leaving 1 inch around the edges.
  • Sprinkle 1 tsp of finely chopped walnuts on the filling if desired.
  • Fold the top of the rounded edges in, holding them in place with the filling.
  • Starting at one end, roll the crepe to create your carrot shape.
  • Repeat steps 1-4 with each crepe half, placing them back in the oven to keep them warm.

Make the Drizzle

  • Heat remaining half cup of filling on low, stirring regularly.
  • Stirring 2 drops of red and 6 drops of yellow food coloring to turn the drizzle orange.
  • Stir in 2 tsp of milk to thin it out.
  • While it's still warm and thinned out, drizzle the carrots with the remaining filling using a quick back and forth motion.

Garnish the Crepes

  • Rince the carrot greens or mint leaves and cut about 12 stems (enough for each “carrot”), each containing a few leaves and leaving at least a half inch of stem.
  • Add the carrot greens or mint to the top of each carrot crepe by tucking in the stem and allowing the leaves to stick out of the top.
  • Sprinkle Crepes with lemon zest

Serve and Enjoy!

    Notes

    *** Make sure you add eggs last to the batter. Mixing the rest of the ingredients together first cools down the carrots and prevents the eggs from cooking.
    *** These crepes may be slightly thicker than traditional crepes due to the thickness of the carrots.
    *** For optimal texture when rewarming leftovers, store crepes separately from filling.
    Keyword Breakfast, Brunch, Carrot Cake, Crepes, Easter, Gluten Free, Recipe, Spring

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    How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

    How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

    This Easter Centerpiece is the perfect way to add spring holiday charm to your dining table. It’s fun, pretty, easy to do and sure to welcome whoever sits at your table. 

    How to Make and Easter Centerpiece with wooden tray, candles, greenery and Easter eggs

    I have fond childhood memories of joyous anticipation of the Easter holiday as it came our way each spring. My brother and I would decorate eggs and look forward to the friendly Easter Bunny stopping by.

    We’d wake up on what was normally a rainy spring morning excited to see what goodies the friendly bunny brought our way. Several sweet treats adorned our baskets, including chocolate bunnies, yellow sugared marshmallow chicks, crème filled chocolate eggs and jellybeans, all sitting atop shiny green Easter grass.  We were always delighted.

    We’d also dress in our Sunday best and head to church to celebrate our faith and the peace found in God’s grace, a gift that we are so humbly grateful for.

    Over the years we’d also sit around the Easter table alongside family and friends and enjoy a meal together. I remember looking forward to buying a home and having a space to decorate and entertain for such holidays and that dream eventually came true.

    One of the first things I did to decorate our new space was add a centerpiece to our dining table. I wanted to put something together that was nice, but wouldn’t break the bank, something I could easily modify when the season changed, or a new holiday was on the way.

    Here you’ll find the Easter version of that centerpiece. So come with me and I’ll show you what you’ll need and how to put together this sweet little table decoration.

    Why you’ll love this Easter Centerpiece

    • It’s simple and enjoyable to put together.
    • The base pieces can be used all year long, making it easy to change just a few items for any season or holiday.
    • You can add your own creative touches to personalize it to your taste.
    • It adds pretty, fun and festive flair to your dining table.
    • You can choose a size and shape to match any table.

    What You Need for Your Centerpiece

    • Tray, Board or Shallow Bowl (a base for the centerpiece)

    How to choose the right base piece for my table

    There are many shapes you can use on your table. For my centerpiece, I’m using an oblong, rectangle tray to match my rectangle table, but it’s not the only option. Depending on the size and shape of your table, choosing a square, circle, oval or unique shaped base can work too.

    Take a peek at the graphic below. Find the shape of your table, represented in white, and look at some centerpiece shape options, represented in gray.

    Also consider the size as it relates to your table. A small centerpiece on a large table can get lost, while a large centerpiece on a small table can be too overwhelming. You want to make sure there is room to set the table and eat around it!

    • Candles

    How many candles should I use?

    When doing your centerpiece, choose an odd number of candles, but consider how big your table and base piece are to make sure they will fit properly.

          • Table Seats 2 People: 1 Candle
          • Table Seats 4 – 8 People: 3 Candles
          • Table Seats 10 – 12 People: 5 Candles

    What candles should I choose for my centerpiece?

    In my example I’ve chosen candles in a soft cream color, which contrasts nicely with the other pieces in the centerpiece. White candles are a great choice too. I recommend the neutral options because you can use them in every season, which we’ll discuss a little later.

     I’m using real candles in this case, but battery-operated candles are a great choice and a lot safer, so I’ll always recommend them over the real thing. I never leave my real candles unattended and only light them when we are sitting down eating a holiday meal. I also don’t burn them down very far because of the flammable greenery!

    Another thing to consider is if you’re using an oblong centerpiece on an oblong table, you can either choose candles that are all the same height, or taper in size, with the middle being the tallest. With round or square centerpieces, try using three different sizes of candles and grouping them together similar to the graphic below.

    • Greenery Stems

    What type of greenery should I use?

    I chose several stems with soft green leaves, some with white flowers and buds. Craft stores or online retailers with home goods and décor are great places to find greenery. Look for either soft or bright green to give it a spring touch. Palm leaves are another great option for Easter.

    Wherever you shop for your greenery, you’ll often have the option of small or large stems. Oftentimes you can save money by using a few larger stems as opposed to several smaller stems. Many times you can pull the leaves off of the stems for your centerpiece or at least cut it into smaller pieces using wire cutters and/or scissors.

    • Easter Eggs

    What eggs should I use?

    Faux pastel eggs look nice with the soft greenery and are the perfect way to add an Easter touch. Like the greenery, you’ll often find Easter eggs at craft stores and online retailers. Some are solid in color and others have patterns or graphics on them. You can even find some you can decorate yourself or with the kiddos.

    How to Put Together the Centerpiece

    So you have everything you need, now let’s take a look at how to put it together. It’s quite simple!

    Step 1: Add the candles to your base piece (tray, board or bowl).

    Step 2: Arrange the greenery on the base piece, around the candles, spreading it out evenly so you cannot see the bottom of the tray, board or bowl. Allow leaves to drape out over the edges here and there.

    Step 3: Place the eggs in the centerpiece so they are meandering throughout the greenery. If you opted for multiple different colors of eggs, make sure to spread them out.

    Step 4: Place it on your table and enjoy!

    Easily Change the Centerpiece to Match the Season!

    Spring: You can use this centerpiece all spring long by simply taking out the Easter eggs.

    Summer: Simply replacing the Easter eggs with faux lemons gives it a summery touch. If you chose palms for your Easter centerpiece, just removing the eggs gives it a summery look.

    Fall: Remove the greenery and replace with orange, red and/or golden fall leaves for a cozy autumn centerpiece.

    Winter: Snowy branches are a great choice in place of the greenery. You can even add little Christmas ornaments around the holidays.

     

    I hope you enjoyed making this festive centerpiece with me!

    Angela Post Signature

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    Button to Easter Brunch Carrot Cake Crepes Blog Post