Using basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these playful candied apples in under 30 minutes. Showcase these Halloween candied apples on a snacks table as part of your party decor or enjoy them while watching the beloved Hocus Pocus movie. 

Hocus Pocus Candied Apples

1. Melt the green candy melts in a bowl as directed on the package.
2. Place the stick into the apple. It’s best to go a little sideways as the core of the apple is tough.
3. Dip the apples in a bowl and set them on freezer, wax, or parchment paper to dry.
4. Before they dry add on the candy eyeballs and sprinkles. If it does dry too fast you can dip the sprinkles and candy eyeballs in the candy melts with clean tweezers and place on the apple.
5. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Print

Hocus Pocus Candied Apples

These Hocus Pocus Candied Apples are cute and tasty to celebrate the release of the new Hocus Pocus 2 movie! 

Course Appetizer, Dessert

Cuisine Halloween

Keyword Fun Food

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Cooling Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 324kcal

Ingredients

• 12 oz bag green candy melts sweet tooth fairy/michaels
• 2 tbsp purple pearl sprinkles
• 2 tbsp small green pearl sprinkles
• 2 tbsp small candy eyeballs
• 4 large pop sticks
• 4 apples

Instructions

• Melt the green candy melts in a bowl as directed on the package.
• Place the stick into the apple. It’s best to go a little sideways as the core of the apple is tough.
• Dip the apples in a bowl and set them on freezer, wax, or parchment paper to dry.
• Before they dry add on the candy eyeballs and sprinkles. If it does dry too fast you can dip the sprinkles and candy eyeballs in the candy melts with clean tweezers and place on the apple.
• Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post Hocus Pocus Candied Apples appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Fun Ways to Celebrate May the Fourth

Baby Yoda Guacamole Appetizer – The Rockstar Mommy

Printable Star Wars Bingo – The Quiet Grove

Star Wars Trivia Game – Marcie and the Mouse

Star Wars Origami Fortune Teller – Mom Junky

Printable Star Wars Build-a-Droid – Picklebums

Build a Baby Yoda Printable – The Purple Pumpkin Blog

Lightsaber Sensory Writing Tray – Parenting Chaos

Lego Star Wars Science Ice Melt Activity – Little Bins for Little Hands

Star Wars Death Star Pinata – Red Ted Art

DIY Darth Vader Crayons – Nerdy Momma

Mandalorian Snack Bags – Grace, Giggles, and Naptime

Star Wars BB-8 Bath Bombs – Powered by Mom

DIY Star Wars Day Wreath – The Gingerbread House

Yoda’s Star Wars Breakfast – She Saved

Star Wars Bento Box – Powered by Mom

Storm Trooper Cupcakes – Spaceships and Laser Beams

Star Wars Galaxy Far Far Away Cocktail – Nerdy Mamma

Star Wars Death Star Pizzas and Storm Trooper String Cheese – Arts n Crackers

Star Wars Lightsaber Pretzel Rods – Centsable Momma

Lando Calrissian Smoothie – Raising Whasians

BB-8 Quesadillas – She Saved

Fun Ways to Celebrate May the Fourth

The post Fun Ways to Celebrate May the Fourth appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Using store-bought chocolate cupcakes, ready-made frosting, and candy, these turkey cupcakes are really more of a cute food craft to be assembled than an actual recipe. 

Follow my simple step-by-step directions for making your holiday turkey cupcakes with the kids in just 15 minutes! They’re perfect as a Thanksgiving sweet snack or dessert and look incredible as part of the holiday decoration!

Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes

1. Add a flat layer of chocolate frosting to each pre-made cupcake.
2. Melt the white melting chocolate according to package directions. Add a drop or two of orange food coloring and stir. If the chocolate seizes up, add a couple drops of a neutral flavored oil and stir until you get a smooth consistency. Dip the point of each Hershey kiss into the orange chocolate and set aside.
3. Add three rows of Reese’s pieces to create the turkey feathers. Start by choosing 8 pieces of one color to line the outside of the cupcake. Push each piece of candy into the frosting, but tilt them slightly upward and create an arch along the outside of the cupcake. Add 7 pieces just below that row to create a second row of feathers.
4. Next, add 5 pieces beneath that row for the center row that will frame the “head” of the turkey. 
5. Place a prepared Hershey kiss with beak added in the center of each cupcake. 
6. Spread a dab of chocolate frosting on the back of the candy eyes and place two of them on each Hershey kiss to complete the cupcake.

WHAT MELTING CHOCOLATE WORKS BEST FOR THIS RECIPE?

• White candy melts, almond bark or even Ghirardelli white chocolate wafers would be great options to use. I’d use white chocolate chips as a last resort since most brands contain stabilizer ingredients, making them harder to melt into a smooth consistency without the aid of oil (such as vegetable oil or canola) to get any lumps or bumps out.  

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER THANKSGIVING TURKEY CUPCAKES

• These frosted Thanksgiving turkey cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days, if your environment is cool and dry. After day 3 or 4, you may notice that the cupcake base has started to dry out a bit so it’s best to enjoy them around that 3-4 day mark. 

• You could also store these cupcakes in the refrigerator but there may be some condensation that forms on the Reese’s pieces candy and Hershey’s chocolate. If you refrigerate leftover turkey cupcakes, make sure that they first come to room temperature before serving – most cupcakes taste the best at room temperature!

Fun Fall-Inspired Food Crafts

• Mini Mummy Pizzas
• Halloween Mummy Oreo Cookies
• Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Treats
• Thanksgiving Appetizer Platter

Print

Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes

If you’re searching for a simple food craft for Thanksgiving that you can do with the kids, these Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes are perfect!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Thanksgiving

Keyword cupcakes, kid approved

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• Your Favorite Pre-made or homemade cupcakes
• Chocolate frosting
• Hershey kisses
• Reese’s pieces
• Candy eyes
• White melting chocolate
• Orange food coloring

Instructions

• Add a flat layer of chocolate frosting to each pre-made cupcake.
• Melt the white melting chocolate according to package directions. Add a drop or two of orange food coloring and stir. If the chocolate seizes up, add a couple drops of avocado (or neutral flavored) oil and stir until you get a smooth consistency.
• Dip the point of each Hershey kiss into the orange chocolate and set aside.
• Add three rows of Reese’s pieces to create the turkey feathers. Start by choosing 8 pieces of one color to line the outside of the cupcake. Push each piece of candy into the frosting, but tilt them slightly upward and create an arch along the outside of the cupcake.
• Add 7 pieces just below that row to create a second row of feathers. Next, add 5 pieces beneath that row for the center row that will frame the “head” of the turkey.
• Place a prepared Hershey kiss with beak added in the center of each cupcake.
• Spread a dab of chocolate frosting on the back of the candy eyes and place two of them on each Hershey kiss to complete the cupcake.

The post Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

It’s a  wonderful back-to-school idea to start the new academic year off on a positive note while also reminding kids to be kind, generous, and thoughtful, especially towards those who invest time and energy into their wellbeing and futures! 

Grab your choice of cleaning supplies, print out and attach this gift tag I have for you below and there you have it! Feel free to print as many tags as you like depending on how many teachers are lucky enough to get a cleaning supply gift! 

More Back To School Inspiration

• 20 Pretty Back To School Supplies
• My Favorite Back to School Lunch Supplies
• 30 Non Sandwich Lunchbox Ideas

Back to School Cleaning Supply Teacher Gift with Free Printable

1. Print out the gift tag on cardstock. You can download the free printable with this link.
2. Cut out the tag around the outer border.
3. Punch a hole in the corner of the tag.
4. Attach the tag to the top of the cleaning supplies with the ribbon.

TIPS FOR MAKING CLEANING SUPPLY TEACHER GIFT

• Decorative ribbon, string or even an elastic band can be used to secure the gift tag on your cleaning supplies.
• If you don’t have ribbon or string on hand, you could also make use of double-sided tape to secure the tag on the cleaning supplies.
• While store-bought cleaning supplies are a convenient option, if you already make your own cleaning solutions at home or have a recipe you want to try, go right ahead and gift your homemade cleaning solution instead! It’ll add a personal touch while also appealing to those who are environmentally minded. 

Print

Back to School Cleaning Supply Teacher Gift with Free Printable

Grab your choice of cleaning supplies, print out and attach this gift tag I have for you below and there you have it! A great teacher gift!

Ingredients

• Printable gift tag
• Ribbon or twine
• Cleaning supplies

Instructions

• Print out the gift tag on cardstock.
• Cut out the tag around the outer border.
• Punch a hole in the corner of the tag.
• Attach the tag to the top of the cleaning supplies with the ribbon.

The post Cleaning Supply Teacher Gift Free Printable appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Conversation Heart Valentines Day DIY Crafts

1. Conversation Heart Wreath – Crafts by Amanda
2. Conversation Hearts Headband – Craftaholics Anonymous
3. Anti-Conversation Heart Sneakers – Dream a Little Bigger
4. Conversation Heart Pet Toys – A Beautiful Mess
5. DIY Conversation Hearts Pillow – Crafts Unleased
6. DIY Conversation Heart Pencils – Damask Love
7. DIY Conversation Heart Bag – Damask Love
8. Clay Conversation Heart Hair Bows – DIY Candy
9. Conversation Hearts Magnets – DIY Candy
10. DIY Conversation Heart Sugar Scrub – Sarah Hearts
11. DIY Resin Conversation Heart Paperweights – Lovely Indeed
12. DIY Anti-Conversation Heart Sweater – Lovely Indeed
13. Conversation Heart Jewelry – Darice
14. DIY Framed Conversation Hearts – Vicky Barone
15. Conversation Heart Bath Bombs – Mad in Crafts
16. DIY Conversation Heart Rings – Studio DIY
17. DIY Conversation Heart Leggings – Studio DIY
18. Gold Conversation Heart Earrings – Homemade Ginger
19. Painted Conversation Heart Boxes – Giggles Galore
20. DIY Conversation Heart Drink Stirrers – Squirrelly Minds

Here are some other crafts you might enjoy!

• Unicorn Crafts
• Fun Social Distancing Activities 
• Favorite Slime Recipes
• Valentine’s Day Quotes to make you smile

The post Conversation Heart Valentines Day DIY Crafts appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

This is an adorable snack whether you enjoy it with the family while watching newly released episodes or looking for an easy and cute appetizer to serve to guests while celebrating Star Wars Day on May the fourth!

Although you can buy premade guacamole, I always find making it from scratch is best for flavor and honestly, this guacamole recipe is so easy! Simply make your guac, shape it into an adorable baby Yoda with some decorative garnishes and enjoy!

Make it and eat it, you must!

If making guacamole from scratch:

• 3 medium ripe avocados, seeds removed and scooped from peel
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• ¼ cup onion, finely diced
• Juice from ½ lime
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
• ½ jalapeno, seeds and membrane removed, finely diced (optional)

To make the Baby Yoda Guacamole Appetizer platter, you will also need:

• 3 to 4 cups guacamole
• Tortilla chips (for serving)
• 1 black olive, cut in half through the middle (for the eyes)
• 1 slice avocado (for the nose)
• 1 slice red bell pepper (for the mouth)

1. Place all ingredients into a large bowl.
2. Smash avocado with a fork or pastry blender. Stir together until blended.
3. Best if served immediately. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator if needed. Guacamole will start to discolor within 1 day.
4. In the middle of a large platter, spoon about 2 cups of guacamole into a circle and smooth the top into a flat surface. Create ridges across the top to be forehead wrinkles.
5. Add about ½ to 1 cup of guacamole as ears on each side and shape as ears.
6. Place slices of black olives as eyes, a slice of red bell pepper as the mouth, and a piece of avocado as the nose.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve, staying aware that the guacamole will discolor over time.
8. Before serving, arrange tortilla chips around the yoda face.

HOW DO I SELECT RIPE AVOCADOS FOR MAKING GUACAMOLE FROM SCRATCH?

• If you are selecting some avocados from the store for your guacamole, make sure they are ripe by following these helpful hacks:
  • Ripe avocados will usually have darker skin like a deep green color so be sure to purchase a darker skin over a lighter one.
  • Ripe avocados will give slightly to pressure being applied but it shouldn’t be mushy when you lightly squeeze it.
  • Lastly, check under the stem of the avocado that you think is ripe. If the color of the flesh under the stem is green then it’s most likely ripe but if it’s brown then you have an overripe avocado.

CAN I MAKE THE GUACAMOLE AHEAD OF TIME?

• Yes, you can! Make your guacamole 1-2 hours prior to making your baby Yoda appetizer without it browning by keeping an avocado pit on the top of the prepared guacamole mixture and then cover it with plastic wrap, making sure that no air gets in. Then simply store it in the refrigerator until assembling the appetizer.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH LEFTOVERS?

• Leftover guacamole will typically keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days but it will still brown at the top. To minimize browning, smooth the top of the guacamole well and cover it with plastic wrap, making sure that the plastic wrap touches the entire surface of the guacamole.
• If you have any leftover nacho chips, simply place them in a resealable bag and store them in a cool dry place but if they have touched the guacamole then it’s best to eat them immediately or discard them as they will go soggy.

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS BABY YODA GUACAMOLE APPETIZER

• Keep your guacamole simple. I know I offer suggestions of additional ingredients in my other avocado-based recipes but adding more ingredients to this appetizer may affect the look of your Baby Yoda. Simpler is better for this cute appetizer!
• If you struggle to find ripe avocados at your local store, buy a few ahead of time (i.e. a few days before making the appetizer) and then allow them to ripen at room temperature.

Other Delicious Snacks To Enjoy

• Enchilada Sliders
• Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip
• Candied Bacon Cracker Appetizer

The post Baby Yoda Guacamole Appetizer appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

What does it take to make these glowing eyes? Just a few paper towel rolls that you may already have lying around the house, some basic drawing and cutting, a couple of different colored glow sticks and duct tape! Oh, and of course, as much creativity as you’d like to add to this seriously fun craft activity.

Most of the crafting can be done ahead of time, leaving you to simply activate the glow sticks just before trick or treaters pass by. These glowing Halloween eyes are great to get the kids involved in making too!

More Fun Halloween Crafts and Recipes You’ll Love

• Creepy Halloween Goodie Bags
• Mummy Halloween Oreos
• Spooky Halloween Spider Sucker Craft

EASY GLOWING EYE HALLOWEEN DECORATION

Time to Make: 10 mins (more time if you make a whole batch)
Skill Level: Easy – with supervision due to the use of a utility knife.

• Materials
• Empty Paper Towel Rolls
• Package of Glow Sticks
• Marker
• Duct Tape
• Scissors
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Using your marker, draw your desired eye shapes onto your paper rolls. (Be creative, they don’t all have to match)
2. Carefully cut out the eyes using your utility knife and scissors.
3. Cut a piece of duct tape and seal one end of the paper roll.
4. Place your paper rolls in bushes, trees or shrubs around your home.
5. Light up the glow sticks & insert them into the tubes. Watch as the eyes glow around you.

CAN I USE NORMAL TOILET ROLLS INSTEAD OF PAPER TOWELS?

• Yes, you definitely can use toilet paper rolls instead. Most of us have more toilet paper rolls spare than kitchen paper towel rolls so make use of whatever you have on hand!

WHAT IF I’M TERRIBLE AT DRAWING SCARY EYES?

• While this isn’t a drawing contest, I get that some of us may not feel confident in drawing scary eyes. If that’s the case, you can easily print some eyes from some royalty-free images online, cut them out and trace around them with a pen on your paper rolls. Problem solved!

TIPS FOR MAKING GLOWING HALLOWEEN EYES

• If you don’t have paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls around the house, ask any of your friends or neighbors that would be recycling these items to give them to you instead! I always save my toilet rolls throughout the year for crafts and in preparation for these great spooky glowing eyes.
• If you’re planning to have these glowing eyes in your bushes or home for Halloween, you can easily prep the tubes in advance and activate the glow sticks just before the trick or treaters start passing. I wouldn’t advise hanging them outdoors too many days in advance in case the cardboard deteriorates due to weather conditions.
• If you’re having trouble positioning the paper rolls, you may want to try a few strands of duct tape.

The post Easy Glowing Eye Halloween Decoration appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

HOW TO ENJOY A SOCIAL DISTANCING HALLOWEEN

Instead of doing away with traditions, I’ve got an exciting list of social distancing ideas you can adopt this Halloween which are guaranteed to keep the kids happy and entertained. I know I love a good Halloween too and we could all benefit from looking forward to special occasions. Keep the spirit of Halloween alive this year with these super fun and creative social distancing
ideas!

FUN SOCIAL DISTANCING IDEAS FOR HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN ZOOM PARTIES

Zoom is not just for online work meetings, it’s also a great platform to host virtual parties for your kids with their besties during Halloween. Here’s some fun zoom parties to get you inspired:

• HALLOWEEN COSTUME ZOOM PARTY
  This Halloween costume zoom party is a safe alternative to hosting a traditional costume party. Purchase a creepy virtual zoom background online to add to the spirit of Halloween costume zoom party! Each person on the Zoom call gets a chance to show off his or her costume. Add gifts like gift cards to motivate people to dress up. What’s great about this zoom party is that it can easily be modified for a kids party or an adults party.
• PUMPKIN CARVING ZOOM PARTY
  Host a pumpkin carving zoom party where everyone connects online while in their kitchens or outside to carve pumpkins together! These 200+ Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils should easily get you started. Prepare a spooky playlist for background noise where everyone gets busy with their carving.
• HALLOWEEN ZOOM CRAFT PARTY
  Halloween zoom craft parties are a good excuse to get creative. Send a list of supplies to attendees beforehand or people can show up with their own craft. Here are some fun crafts to get you inspired:
  • Scarecrow Halloween Goodie Bags
  • Creepy Halloween Goodie Bags
  • Spooky Halloween Spider Sucker Craft
• HALLOWEEN ZOOM BAKING PARTY
  If baking is more of your passion then what better way to show off your skills than by baking some spooky Halloween cookies or treats with friends over zoom? Get everyone to plan their recipes ahead of time with ingredients. You can bake the same treat or everyone makes their own. Afterwards, wrap up your baked goods and give them to your loved ones.

HALLOWEEN TREASURE HUNT AROUND YOUR HOUSE

• Planning on spending this year’s Halloween at home? Then treat your family to a Halloween treasure or scavenger hunt around the house and garden.
• You can divide your family into teams with a list of clues or riddles and hide candy in hard to find places in the house and garden! Hand out a Halloween treat bag to each person to fill up.

GO BIG ON OUTDOOR HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

• Since it’s not a good idea to have indoor parties this year, why not go big on your outdoor Halloween decorations this year and get the family involved.
• It’ll provide a fun family activity while also spreading holiday cheer to your neighbors.

HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT

• Halloween is definitely not the same without a few classic Halloween movies! Easily watch a scary movie with friends virtually using NetflixParty or Amazon Watch Party. Outdoor movie nights are also a great idea! Here is a fun idea from Family Fresh Meals 
• Here are some kid-friendly Halloween movie ideas:
  • Casper
  • It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
  • Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
  • Double, Double, Toil & Trouble
  • Harry Potter
  • Ghostbusters
  • Monsters Inc.
  • The Adams Family

ROCK HALLOWEEN SOCIAL-DISTANCING STYLE!

• Knowing that there are many fun social distancing ideas for Halloween lifts my Halloween enthusiasm quite a bit this year. Try out one of the ideas or all of them and let me know how it goes!
• Let me know of any other fun ideas you have!

The post Social Distancing Halloween Ideas appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Have your kids jumped on the slime wagon as much as mine have? We’ve had fluffy slime, purple slime, glitter slime and something called cloud slime. On my quest to fine even more fun types of slime crafts, I have stumbled upon a bunch of that look super cool!

15 Favorite Slime Recipes

Unicorn Snot Slime by Kids Activities Blog
Reindeer Poop Slime by That Kids Crafts Site
Scented Glow in the Dark Slime by Really Are You Serious
Pumpkin Slime by The Country Chic Cottage
Pom Pom Clear Slime by Meraki Mother
School Supply Slime by Crafts 4 Toddlers
Fluffy Unicorn Slime by Crayons and Cravings
Watermelon Slime by Simple Everyday Mom
Clear Confetti Slime by Bitz n Giggles
Fluffy Snowball Slime by Mama Cheaps
Fluffy Birthday Cake Slime by Kimspired DIY
3 Ingredient Fluffy Slime by I Heart Nap Time
Princess Slime by The Farm Girl Gabs
Poppy Slime  by Lehman Creative
Glitter Glue Slime by Burlap and Blue

The post Favorite Slime Recipes appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Messy play can be a great way for your kids to be able to do creative play without worrying about the restraints of staying within the lines. Messy Play can be a great way to do sensory activities with your kids and let them let loose!

If you’d like to find a fun way for kids to do messy play, without literally wrecking your home, then these ideas are perfect! These messy play ideas are so easy to clean up, and they’re still fun! These are still messy play, so your kids will make a mess, but it’s not too bad!

15 Messy Play Ideas That Are Easy to Clean Up

1. Wiggly Worm Sensory Play
2. Rice and Ice Sensory Activity
3. Nature Sensory Bin Preschool Outdoor Activity
4. Messy Play Fun with Shaving Cream
5. Play Brain Surgeon with a Brain Jello Mold
6. Spaghetti Messy Play
7. Monster Trucks: Math and Art
8. Easy DIY Rainbow Salt Sensory Play
9. Dinosaurs and Rainbow Jelly Messy Play
10. How to make Cloud Dough
11. Marble Painting
12. Colorful Squirt Gun Painting
13. Pasta Play
14. Outdoor Tactile Sensory Finger Painting
15. Apple Picking Sticky Wall

The post 15 Messy Play Ideas That Are Easy to Clean Up appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.