Shelly

Hearty Oatmeal with Maple Roasted Pears & Pomegranate

Hearty Oatmeal with Maple Roasted Pears & Pomegranate: this post contains affiliate links- Our favorite recipe this winter has been a hearty oatmeal with maple roasted pears & pomegranate. Even though this has been a very mild winter, I still can’t seem to shake the chill in my bones. We’ve been so lucky to have very little snow here in the midwest but I am ready for Spring!

In an attempt to keep my family warm, I’ve been cooking more comfort foods. Since Sophie is such a picky eater, we must make sure she eats a full breakfast to last her through the day. Oatmeal has always been a favorite of hers but I often put in the same old toppings (peanut butter, honey or blueberries). We often buy new fruits for her to try and she was enamored by the seeds of a pomegranate so I knew I had to figure out a way to incorporate poms in her oatmeal.

Quaker Oats Maple Roasted Pears and Pomegranate- Hearty Oatmeal

My newest ‘How to be an Awesome Mom’ tip is online ordering my groceries. Can I just say that we’ve not only been eating healthier but cut our grocery bill significantly by using Kroger’s online ordering service called ClickList. I’m a little obsessed with the routine I’ve figured out to eliminate the ‘what should we have for dinner’ headache.

Every Sunday I take 15-20 min to find one or two new recipes. I hop on Kroger’s site and order our groceries for the week. I write out the meal plan and stick it to the fridge so there’s never a question of what we’ll be eating for dinner. It’s helped us to not waste food because we only order exactly what we’ll need for our recipes as well as snacks and lunch for Sophie. TIP: add a reminder in your phone for crock-pot meals. This post is not sponsored by Kroger, I’m simply sharing because it rocks.


Maple Roasted Pear and Pomegranate Hearty Oatmeal
Roasted Maple Pear and Pomegranate Hearty Oatmeal
Back to the point of this post- the miracle breakfast that my picky toddler loves.

Hearty Oatmeal with Maple Roasted Pears & Pomegranate

  • 1/2 c Quaker oats
  • 1 c water or milk (I used unsweetened cashew milk)
  • pinch of sea salt
  • spoonful of raw pumpkin seeds
  • sprinkle of pomegranate seeds
  • sliced pears (see below for Roasted Maple Pear recipe for added awesomeness)

Bring the Quaker® Oats and milk to a light boil in a medium sauce pan. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 5 minutes. If you’d like to add some superfood like chia seeds or flax seeds, add now and cook for another 5 minutes or until the oats have reached a creamy consistency.

Divide the oats into bowls, then top with pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, splash of cashew milk, drizzle of maple syrup and the maple roasted pears.

Maple Roasted Pears (Hearty Oatmeal)

Maple Roasted Pears

  • 4-6 seckel pears halved (any pear will do)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 c maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 375 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a mixing bowl whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup + vanilla extra. Toss in the pears and evenly coat. Roast the pears on their backs 15-20 min flipping half way through.

Maple Roasted Pear and Pomegranate Hearty Oatmeal

There are at least a hundred different combinations you could use to enhance your hearty oatmeal breakfast. Breakfast is essential fuel for your day so make it count. What do you add to your oatmeal? I’d love some new ideas!

hearty maple roasted pear oatmeal

Three is a Magic Number

My sweet Sophia turns 3 today. The pride I have of being Sophie’s Mom is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. When people say ‘she’s so sweet’ or ‘she’s so smart’ I don’t take it as a compliment to my parenting, I give full props to her because she is so sweet and so smart by nature. She recently asked me if I will be her best friend forever. Every time she asks me this it breaks my heart a little because I wish more than anything that she will always feel this way about me. My answer to her is ‘ALWAYS’.

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She is my sidekick. We explore everywhere together. We are very much alike in that we’d always rather be around people than at home. Right now, I’m lucky enough to work at Sophie’s school. When we leave school, we have 3 hours to play and it is rare that we will spend that time at home. Our favorite place is Conner Prairie because we can see animals, play in the splash pad, play in the indoor or outdoor playgrounds, visit the tree house, go on a hike or talk to the Prairie folk. Our other favorite spots are the library, the Y, the park, the Zoo and the Children’s Museum.

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She’s also my shadow. She always has a song in her heart and a dance to her step. She loves family hugs, waiting for Daddy in the driveway, having tickle fights and giving raspberries and snuggle snuggles. She’s not a fan of eating unless it’s strawberries, strawberry yogurt, oatmeal or chocolate milk but somehow is still a head taller than the other kids her age. She’s digging My Little Ponies, Barbies, Lego Juniors and anything Disney related. Her favorite color is pink&purple and she must be the one to let Lexi out of her room in the mornings. One of my favorite things is seeing Lexi lay her head on Sophie. She always responds by hugging Lexi and saying ‘Awe. I love you too, Lexi.’

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Basically, I’m head over heels for Sophie. The thing that keeps me up at night is worrying about her. Her present and her future- from something as simple as the fall she had earlier to what school she should go to. Honestly, before Sophie was born, I was worried I would not have a connection with her. I was so worried that I would love our dog Lexi more than our baby because Lexi was our first ‘furbaby’. I now can laugh at the ignorance ‘pre-Sophie Shelly’ had. Before bed every single night Jeffrey and I talk about the funny things she did and said that day and I go to sleep with a smile on my face and a knot in my throat with how lucky we are to have her. Happy Birthday my love.

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Corn Maze Guide for Central Indiana

Corn Maze Guide for Central Indiana
What to Bring:

For liability reasons, most locations do not allow pets but call ahead if you’re wanting to bring your furry friend. Wear comfortable shoes – corn mazes can be up to 8 miles long and are on uneven terrain. Bring a stroller for children – larger wheel strollers are best for maneuvering through the mazes. Wagons are available at several locations free of charge. Bring your lunch or choose to stop at the concessions for a fall treat. Bug spray – with all the rain this year there are more mosquitoes than ever. Sunscreen for your non-corn-maze activities like pumpkin hunting or apple picking. Flashlights for those of you daring enough to try the mazes at night! Check the hours to make sure your location is open for night time hours. Some locations will have a haunted maze in the evening hours so be sure to check before taking small children (or moms like me who scare easily!) Also check out the websites for additional events such as Paintings and Potions, Civil War Reenactments and live bands!

Here’s a full list of Corn Mazes in Indiana

North

Exploration Acres

6042 Newcastle Rd, Lafayette, IN 47905

At Exploration Acres, there is so much to do. Once you arrive you can warm-up with a quick run through our straw bale maze, then visit our 18-acre corn maze with over 8 miles of twists and turns (the largest corn maze in northwest Indiana!). You can test your skill at a pedal car race, fire a three-ear corn cannon salute or dive into a mound of hay.  Check the website for Thursday discounts as well as discounts for military, seniors and children. Phone: (765) 296-2863 Hours: Th-10AM-6PM Fr-6PM-11PM Sa-10AM-11PM Su-12PM-7PM.

Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch

12290 E 191st St, Noblesville, IN 46060

There are two corn mazes this year, depending on the amount of time you are wanting to spend at the farm and/or level of difficulty. A smaller 5 acre maze with a scavenger hunt theme is available for anyone wanting to find their way around while searching for designated farm items throughout the maze. A larger 10 acre, scavenger hunt maze is available for those with more time and eager for a real challenge. Phone: (317) 773-9078 Hours: September 24th and 25th, 10:00AM – 6:00PM and Every Saturday and Sunday in the month of October, 10AM-6PM.

South

Greendell Landscape Solutions

749 West SR 42, Mooresville, IN 46158

The Fall Festival is back again for 2016! Attractions: the Marauder’s Corn Maze, Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, 4-acre pumpkin patch, Straw maze and climb, Tire climb, Corn hole, Life-size Jenga, Tic-tac-toe, Checkers, Football toss, and Sack races. Phone: (317) 996-2826 Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 8AM – 5PM Thursday & Friday 8AM – 6PM Saturday 8AM – 5PM Sunday 10AM – 5PM

Kelsay Farms

6848 N 250 E, Whiteland, IN 46184

Kelsay Farms is a dairy farm that opens to the public the month of October. Attractions: 7-acre Corn Maze, Baby Barnyard, Bale Mountain, Human Moosball Foosball, Rope Maze, Corn Crib Play Area, Hayrides, Cornhole Games, Straw Play Area, Pumpkins and Moo Choo Express. Phone: (317) 535-9150 Hours: Friday 6 PM- 10 PM Saturday Noon – 10PM Sunday Noon – 6PM

East

Lark Ranch

1611 N. Meridian Rd. Greenfield, IN 46140

There is tons to do at Lark Ranch! Aside from pumpkin picking and the corn maze there is: Tree House Village, Jumping Pillow, Pony Rides, Gem Mine, Corn Box, Straw Maze, Rock Wall, Air Extreme and Bungee Trampoline. Phone: (812) 295-9000 Hours: Saturday 12AM-7PM Sunday 12AM-6PM

Piney Acres

1115 E 1000 N, Fortville, IN 46040

A fall visit to Piney Acres Farm in rural Hancock County is full of interactive hands-ons fun for the entire family! Our 73 acre farm is full of wide open space where families can connect and enjoy relaxed farm fun activities, both educational and entertaining, such as picking a pumpkin from our patch, hayrides, corn mazes, visiting with barnyard friends and autumn treats in our farm store. Phone: 317-326-1700 Hours: Sunday – Thursday Noon – 6PM Friday Noon – 10PM Saturday 10AM – 10PM

Tuttle Orchards

5717 N 300 W, Greenfield, IN 46140

Tuttle Orchards is a favorite central Indiana apple orchard and pumpkin patch in Indiana. Apple picking, pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm store, local food.  Our corn maze includes an opportunity to complete activities as a family while finding your way through the maze. $5/person Phone: 317-326-2278 Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM. CLOSED SUNDAY.

West

Beasley’s Orchard & Gardens

2304 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122

Beasley’s offers a variety of family-friendly agri-entertainment activities throughout their season. Along with the ever-popular Corn Maze, every weekend in October, Beasley’s offers hayrides to their 15-acre U-Pick pumpkin patch, a giant Hay Mountain for young guests to climb, and our new Barnyard Bonanza which features: a giant jumping pillow, a spider web rope climber, and ball zone for testing your accuracy in throwing footballs, basketballs and baseballs! Phone: (317) Hours: Corn Maze- Fridays & Saturdays: 10AM-5PM Sundays: 12PM-5PM. Orchard: Monday-Saturday 9AM-6PM Sunday 12AM-6PM.

Hogan Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

8900 E County Rd 1000 N, Brownsburg, IN 46112

NEW for 2016!  Come and walk through the corn maze and see how long it takes you to find your way out. This year’s maze is Presidential Election Themed! There will also be a petting zoo every weekend in October. Phone: (317) 450-5245 Hours: Tuesdays thru Thursdays 2PM-6PM Fridays thru Sundays 10AM-6PM. CLOSED MONDAYS.

 

If there are any Indiana locations you know of that we missed, please let us know! There are several locations that have done corn mazes in the past but will not be participating this year so be sure to check online or call before heading out.

Top 14 Teacher Discount Locations

Teachers get a large break over summer for a reason. Their jobs are hard! They have to be engaging, patient, resilient, empathetic, relentless and energetic with other people’s children all day long! Because of their hard work, they deserve a break AND a discount. There are numerous companies that offer discounts to educators ranging from insurance to theme parks but today I’ve highlighted some of the top businesses that offer great discounts to teachers. The next time you need a teacher appreciation gift, give them a gift card to one of the companies below so your teacher can combine the current store sale with their teacher discount and your gift card!

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Teacher Discounts

Adobe
Shop direct from the Adobe Education Store and receive discounts on select software, including bundles and suites. Adobe requires proof of employment as an educator before applying the discount.

Ann Taylor Loft
Ann Taylor Loft Loves Teachers offers teachers 15 percent off full-price purchases every day. They also host teacher-appreciation nights for educators and offer Loft Best in Class Grants. There are other major perks to the Loft Loves Teachers Program. Check it out.

Anthropologie
Anthropologie is offering teachers 15 percent off full-price purchases July 15- September 12th in stores and online with a valid school or teacher ID. They run a few of these sales throughout the year so check with them if you’ve missed this current sale.

The Apple Store
The Apple Store offers special pricing on Apple products including computers, software and select third-party products. This special pricing is available to college students, parents buying for a college student, or teachers, homeschool teachers, administrators and staff of all grade levels.

Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble has a Barnes & Noble Educator Program that offers teachers 20 percent off the list price on all purchases for classroom use. Plus you will receive up to 25 percent off during Educator Appreciation Days.

The Container Store
The Container Store offers educators special discounts throughout the year to help organize your classroom The Organized Teacher Discount Program offers 10 percent off every day.

FedEx Office
Thanks to the FedEx Office Academic Edge program you’ll receive 15-percent off nearly all products, including brochures, posters and photos. This discount is available both online and in-store.

J.Crew
J.Crew also offers teachers a 15 percent discount every day. This discount may be used on sale and clearance items as well as at J.Crew factory stores. You must present a school ID at the time of purchase to redeem the discount.

Lakeshore Learning
Lakeshore Learning features a Teacher’s Club with 15 percent off hundreds of classroom items. Plus, there are monthly specials just for educators!

Marriott Hotels
Marriott grants teachers a discount at a slew of hotels across the nation. When booking online or in-person, show your school ID at check-in to receive the special rate. Rules on this discount are a bit vague — they mention government employees, which would imply only public school employees — but most hotel employees don’t bite. Feel free to ask.

Michaels
Michaels Craft Stores gives teachers 15 percent off all regular priced merchandise everyday. Before you go, be sure to check their website for additional coupons. They often have a 40 percent off one item coupon. Use the 15% off all remaining items.

Teacher’s Treasures
Only full-time, certified, pre-k-12 teachers (including art, gym, music), principals/directors, vice principals, media specialists, social workers, nurses, Parent Involvement Educators, and guidance counselors from eligible schools may shop. For more detailed information about eligibility guidelines, please visit the Teacher Handbook.

United Art & Education
Serving Artists, Teachers and Parents Since 1960. United Art & Education has several Indiana locations and gives free shipping for orders over $99.

West Elm
Take 10% off your online order or in-store purchase from West Elm, and enjoy modern, sophisticated furniture and home decor for less. Sign up for the “study circle” here, using your .edu address.

Wee Wednesdays at the IMA

If you’re looking for a way to introduce art into your child’s life, greater Indianapolis has got you covered with Wee Wednesdays at the IMA! My favorite spot to learn about art is the Indianapolis Museum of Art but it’s not easy to be immersed in a painting or sculpture while shushing my two year old as she’s trying to climb the dragon vase. Thankfully the IMA shares my passion for children exploring the arts and has many options for families to explore the museum and grounds. We’ve been to the museum on Family Day, seen Saturday morning movies and just had the opportunity to check out Wee Wednesdays. Their programs range for children of all ages but Wee Wednesdays is perfect for my almost 3 year old.

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What is ‘Wee Wednesdays’?

Wee Wednesdays is geared for children 2-5 but don’t let that stop you from bringing your younger children. There were several families that had their babies in a carrier or stroller while their toddler was able to be a part of the activities. You’ll meet Ashli in the lobby who will give your child an art smock as well as a name tag. If your child is like mine, and new to the program, they will refuse the smock and put their name tag on you. You’ll then head upstairs to the Star Studio Classroom  where the guide will explain to the children what they’ll be looking for in the gallery by way of song. Our song was telling us we’d be looking for pets throughout the art work. 

Off we went to the galleries with a photo in hand where the guide would have the children look at the photo and find that art piece within the gallery. Once all of the children had found the piece she would give a background on the piece in a way they found interesting.

The children loved circling up for story time right in the middle of the gallery to listen to a story called The Moose Belongs to Me. One piece of pottery we were looking for had a painting depicting a goat standing under an arch to symbolize it’s home. This piece of art lead us right back to the Star Studio where we made habitats for the finger puppet pets we were given.

We all talked about habitats and what that animal might need to survive in their home. I was very pleased with the integration of art education and nature at a level the toddlers could understand. It’s no surprise this event sells out within hours of it’s announcement.

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It was coming close to nap time but we couldn’t leave without a short round of mini golf (free with admission). Although she was no Tiger Woods, she giggled with excitement at each new hole we came upon. You can also find a snack bar outside at the mini golf area but we opted to have lunch at the IMA Cafe. The food at the IMA Cafe is delicious but next time I’d like to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the gardens or 100 Acres.

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More Information

Wee Wednesdays runs every Wednesday from 11a-noon at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Museum is located at 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Meet in the lobby with activities taking place in the Star Studio.  $8 Members | $12 non-members | Free for grown-ups and children under 2 (ticket required). Registration for this even it required and it sells out within hours of the announcement. Unfortunately the remaining dates through December of 2016 are sold out but you can sign up for the newsletter to be first informed for the next session. To be placed on the waitlist email weewednesdays@imamuseum.org. For more information, visit imamuseum.org or call (317)- 923-1331

 
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