Uncategorized – Page 20

Date Night at Vessel Restaurant San Diego

June 8, 2015 by Danielle

My husband and I have always been adament about enjoying date night regularly. It’s good for our relationship. Our marriage. And it’s always a fun event. Whether we’re enjoying a bite before the theater, grabbing something quick before a movie, or are invited out to a private tasting at a local restaurant like we were this past week at Vessel Restaurant at the Kona Kai resort. Something about being able to reconnect with out the kids in tow is good for us. And we enjoy the time we spend together.

We’ve visited Vessel before and love the food that Chef Roy Hendrickson prepares. He likes to create New American cuisine featuring seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and always seems to hit the nail on the head with his flavor combinations.

Vessel features a stunning outdoor patio set against the colorful backdrop of the picturesque marina, a 360-degree bar at its center and a video wall showcasing local landscapes.

Dinner with a view. Only the best here in San Diego.

Before enjoying our meal, we perused the cocktail menu. I decided to indulge in a blood & sand. It was refreshingly smooth with a citrus twist and definitely hit the right spot after a long day od working and taking care of the kids.

After cocktails we sat down to taste the dishes Chef had prepared. Starting with an amazingly decadent 48 Hour Pork Belly that literally melted in my mouth. And theMaui Coconut Porter he paired it with was equally enjoyable. The 48 hour pork belly was served with plantain powder, sweet potato spaetzle, anise, bitter chocolate.

Next up we enjoyed a simple roasted pear with borage flower, blue cheese, fine herb medley, caramelized black pepper vinaigrette paired with an Alesmith .394 Pale Ale. I could definitely taste summer through this sweet and savory dish.

Before we had to leave the tasting a little short (parenthood doesn’t always get put on hold during date night), we were able to savour a delicate corn dusted albacore with Serrano custard, bacon powder, and onion jam paired with a Refuge Blood Orange Belgian. Yes, you read that right. Bacon. Powder. Seriously amazing.

While we weren’t able to enjoy the last two dishes and the dessert course, we will still be back to try them out at another time. Date night at Vessel Restaurant was perfect. With fabulous dishes, the perfect ambiance, and tasty beer pairings, summer at Vessel is going to amazing.

When was your last date night?

Filed Under: Date Night, Date Night Ideas, Parenting, Restaurants, San Diego, Uncategorized Tagged With: Kona Kai, Restaurants, San DIego, San Diego Hotels, San Diego Restaurants, Vessel Restaurant

My Baby Prefers To Be In My Arms And That’s OK

June 7, 2015 by Danielle

As my little one approaches 4 months I’ve started to get the questions. When will she sleep in her co-sleeper? Why are you allowing her to nap in your arms instead of her own? Aren’t you spoiling her?

Nope.

She’s not being spoiled. She’s being loved. And she’s happy.

And?

She sleeps!

And?

I sleep!

I am not sure why but I’ve always felt as if co-sleeping was the best for my family. From the first night I brought my oldest home from the hospital, my babies have slept in my arms or right next to me. And my third is no different.

Sure I had grand plans of the kids sleeping in a crib. We set up a hand-me-down crib from my brother-in-law in the baby’s nursery with my first and my second. But this time around? I completely forgoed the crib. I didn’t want to waste the money (or the space) for a prop.

I did buy a co-sleeper though. Even though it’s mainly used as assurance that the baby won’t fall off the bed. Side note: She’s never fallen into the co-sleeper nor have my other two ever fallen off the bed as infants at night when I wasn’t using a co-sleeper. The older two have, however, fallen off the bed during the day at one point or another.

Why co sleep? What started out purely as a selfish way for me to get more sleep at night while breastfeeding has turned into a way of life for our family. My youngest stays in bed with us all night while the 4 and 6 year old make their way into our bed by the time we wake up most nights. And really the main reason why is that it works for our family.

My kids are happy, everyone in our small immediate family is OK with our situation, and we all sleep.

My Baby Prefers To Be In My Arms And That’s OK #cosleeping #sleep #parenting #Kids #parents http://t.co/MwpqEGks3g via @SimmworksFamily

— Danielle Simmons (@simmworksfamily) June 7, 2015

I’m also starting to read more articles pointing to the evolutionary reason behind co-sleeping and the benefits. Reading articles like these from people who have actually researched the subject make me feel a lot better about our choice. Knowing that I’m not alone in my belief that co-sleeping is natural gives me power in my response to those who try to scare me with stories of co-sleeping gone wrong.

I think the majority of people who have an issue with co-sleeping don’t realize that there are ways to safely co-sleep. And things have changed a LOT since many of them have had infants in their home. I also believe in respecting other’s opinions however I won’t let it sway what I do with my children. I simply listen to them voice their concern, politely nod and smile, and if a response is needed, I’ll let them know that we’ve researched the subject and feel that this is the best for our family.

Now if there came a time where my husband said he didn’t want to co-sleep anymore then we’d have a serious discussion. At least about the older two kids. But for now, since they only come into our bed in the wee hours of the night, there have been no complaints.

Sometimes I think about what it’d be like if I didn’t have to cuddle with a baby all night. Or get pushed to a small 6 inch space of bed for my more-than-6-inch body. And sometimes I dream of the day that I get my bed back and don’t have to share it with 3 little people.

But then I realize how little time we really have with them at this age. They won’t be in our bed forever. And then I’m ok with it again.

Do you co-sleep?

Filed Under: Baby, Parenting, Uncategorized

Dear N: 4 Months Old

June 6, 2015 by Danielle

Another month behind us and my have you grown! And not just in size. I cannot believe how quickly you are picking up on things and trying them out on your own. From vocalizing just about everywhere (the folks at Costco loved hearing you chat today) to trying to master sitting, you are a woman on the go!

Curious about anything and everything, you want to be front and center when people are around. And you always love when your siblings come to play with you morning, noon, and night. While I think they’re a bit smothering, you don’t seem to mind one bit.

I’m still amazed at how easy going you are. Go with the flow, able to adapt, and all with a smile on your face. You truly are a blessing to our family.

I’m not the only one to think you’re a blessing. I see the way others react when you start chatting with them. Or share your smile with them. You light up the room and everyone knows you’re there. And even though you’ve been under the weather with a cold for a majority of this month, it’s not slowing you down!

I’m constantly getting comments about how alert you are. But you’ve been alert since day one. And? I’m fairly certain you’ll be moving any day now. From the way you can spin around in a circle when you’re on your tummy, to how you try and lift up your butt already when on the ground. We’re going to be in trouble soon.

You’re still a chart topper and your doctor was very pleased with where you are developmentally. While he gave the green light for food because of your development (he mentioned starting around 5-6 months but saying that you were ready now), we’ll be waiting a bit to really start. However we have been giving you small tastes here and there.

We’re so blessed to have such a healthy and happy baby and are so looking forward to this next month! Keep doing what you’re doing baby girl. We love you.

4 Month Stats:

17lbs 4oz – 98th percentile

26 1/2 inches – 97th percentile

44cm – 97th percentile

4 Month Comparison

Filed Under: Baby, Life, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby, baby #3, Dear Norah, Milestones

DIY Sidewalk Paint featured on FormulaMom

June 6, 2015 by Danielle

Quick and easy afternoon crafts are something we love to do. Especially when the weather is nice and the kids are eager to get outside. This craft is not only fun for the kids but it’s easy to put together and very inexpensive. There are only three components to this paint: water, corn starch, and food coloring. You can’t get any simpler than that.

An added bonus is the fact that both of my children could partake in this activity. My 15 month old doesn’t have to sit back and watch Brother make yet another craft without her. She jumped right in as soon as she saw the brushes and didn’t stop until it started getting cold out. I love how creative and imaginative both of them can be together with just paint and a sidewalk.

Check out how to make DIY Sidewalk Paint on Formula:Mom today!

This activity is not just for your preschooler. Infants and toddlers love it as well! My 15 month old daughter had a blast painting with her brother. She even wanted to share with mommy and tried to paint me and the camera a few times.

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, Uncategorized Tagged With: chalk, chalk paint, Guest Post, Kids DIY, paint, painting, sidewalk paint

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

June 5, 2015 by Danielle

When we told the kids that we were planning a trip to Legoland, after being invited to check out the grand opening of Heartlake City, my son proclaimed, “I don’t want to go! Heartlake City is for girls!”

Now we have always been one for gender equality and not pushing gender roles on our kids. My daughter plays with trucks, my son plays with our kitchen set, both enjoy imaginative play where they dress up and play pretend. They both also equally help my husband when he’s working on the cars, help me with dinner before my husband comes home from school, etc. But that’s another post.

We’ve never pushed one toy or another onto them however they’ve both naturally gravitated to gender stereotype toys when they play on their own. And that’s ok. Both love LEGOs. Blue, green, pink, purple, or yellow.

The morning of the event I asked him again if he wanted to check out Heartlake City. Because a trip to go visit Heartlake City meant a trip to Legoland. He thought about it for all of a second and then exclaimed, “I want to go to Heartlake City! It’s not for girls!”

While he was at school, my daughters and I enjoyed Heartlake City on our own. We built horses and other LEGO creations in the Heartlake Stables, rode the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp, and enjoyed a crepe at the City Park Creperie (side note: I highly suggest the nutella crepe!).

Once he got out of school, my husband picked him up and drove up to meet us at the park. My daughter was stoked to bring them both to Heartlake City to show them around and share what she had gotten to do all morning.

From watching my daughter’s favorite LEGO Friends of Heartlake City dance and sing on stage to splashing around at the splash pad, both my son and my daughter had a blast exploring LEGOLAND Heartlake City.

I’m fairly certain my son won’t complain about Heartlake City at Legoland California being “just for girls” again.

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

LEGOs – Just like everywhere else in the park, the kids can get hands on and build in the Heartlake Stables. Sure, there are pink and purple LEGOs. But they’re amongst a sea of blues, greens, reds, and yellows.
Rides – The kids both loved riding the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp. Horses are for boys and girls last I checked.
Splash Pad – Running through the splash pad is awesome. And it cools the kids down on a hot summers day.
Crepes – Amongst other treats found in Heartlake City (you can also try Wok n’ Bowl for some delicious ramen), the nutelle crepe can speak for itself. Enough said.
Family Friendly Fun – Just like everywhere else in the park, Heartlake City is filled with family friendly fun that everyone can enjoy. Sure there’s lots of pink and purple. I don’t see why pink and purple can’t be in other areas of the park too.

My daughter can’t stop talking about the fun she had with me on our adventure together. And my son wants to go back again and is already planning a return trip when he gets out of school. Because they’re kids. And LEGOLAND is fun for kids. Ok, it’s fun for adults too…

And next time? We’re tackling the LEGO CHIMA Water Park.

What are you looking forward to checking out at LEGOLAND California this summer?

Planning a trip to Legoland CA soon? Check out our highlights:

For more Legoland CA fun, check out these great posts:
The LEGO Movie 4D at Legoland CA
LEGOLAND California Holiday Snow Days
5 Reasons Why Star Wars Lovers Should Visit Legoland California
Top 5 Things to Do at Legoland California When You’re 5

Filed Under: Lego, San Diego, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: attractions, Carlsbad, Heartlake City, Lego, LEGO Friends, Legoland, Legoland California, Legoland Heartlake City, San DIego, theme parks

15 Summer Drinks to Help Cool You Down

June 4, 2015 by Danielle

It’s unofficially summer (just 1.5 weeks until my son is out of school!) and the weather is starting to heat up across the US. Here in So Cal we’ve been heating up all spring. And the best way to cool down on a hot summer day is a delicious beverage.

Whether it’s alcoholic (look for the * next to the name for boozy drinks) or non-alcoholic, these drinks will be sure to hit the spot and cool you down this summer.

15 Summer Drinks

1. Boozy Smoothies* | Source: Simmworks Family Blog

2. Easy Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade | Source: The Classy Chapter

3. Creamsicle Slushie | Source: Wife Mom Geek

4. Frozen Caribbean Breeze Cocktail* | Source: Simplistically Living

5. Orange Mojitos* | Source: Honey and Birch

6. Easy Sangrias* | Source: Staying Close to Home

7. Homemade Black Cherry Soda | Source: Flour on My Face

8. Raspberry Margarita* | Source: Love Bakes Good Cakes

9. Peach Lemonade Slush | Source: That’s What Che Said

10. Mango Coconut Daiquiri* | Source: Self Proclaimed Foodie

11. Watermelon Juice | Source: Sandhya’s Kitchen

12. Blueberry Lemonade | Source: Carmel Moments

13. Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float | Source: Coupon Clipping Cook

14. Blue Hawaiian | Source: Baking Beauty

15. Homemade Cherry Slushie | Source: Back Roads and Blue Jeans

What’s your favorite summertime drink recipe?

Filed Under: Drinks & Refreshments, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: alcohol, alcoholic drinks, boozie smoothies, boozy drinks, drink recipe, Drinks, summertime drinks

Seeing Myself Through My Daughter’s Eyes

June 3, 2015 by Danielle

This past weekend I headed up to Temecula, a short 45 minutes north of San Diego, to attend Bloggy Boot Camp with the SITS Girls. While I learned a lot about the business side of blogging, networking, etc., I also learned far more beyond blogging.

In addition to the great tidbits about the latest social media platforms (::cough, cough:: SnapChat?? No, maybe it’s Periscope…), Tiffany Romero of the SITS Girls shared ways to simply be a better person.

Now I’m totally going to paraphrase this because I’m no good at exact quotes but when Tiffany suggested that we stop and think of our daughters in our shoes. Then look at what our daughters are doing and tell them what they need to do – more sleep, less work, exercise and eat right, never give up – basically giving myself the advice I would give my daugther should she be in my shoes. And this opened my eyes a bit more to how I’m living my life.

After Women Get Social last year, also put on by the SITS Girls, I had taken away quite a bit that I actually put into action. I made office hours, I hired a Virtual Assistant. Heck… I even hired my house keeper back after a long break without her (and my friends thank me every time they come over and have to use our guest bathroom that is also my son’s bathroom). But there were a few things I hadn’t been doing and now I need to start working on weaving those into my life.

I also want to start considering what my daughters see when they watch me. I want to be more cognizant and aware of how I’m living my life and make sure that I’m living the life I want to live and being the person I want to be. But I also want to portray that to my daughters So that instead of just a frazzled, crazy woman who’s over-extended herself in an effort to do everything, they’re seeing a dedicated, hard working woman who loves to support those around her.

I have stopped saying negative things about my appearance and myself in front of her. When I weigh myself in the morning I smile even when I want to cry. And when I’m trying on clothes I make sure to critique the fit of the clothes, not the look of my body in the clothes. Because she’s watching… she’s watching everything.

And it’s only a matter of time until she starts to look at herself in that mirror. It’s only a matter of time until she’s over-extending and wondering why she feels like she’s the only one drowning. Until she realizes that she’s not alone. And it’s ok to feel that way.

Oh, and the photo above? I had my daughter take it. I’m going to have her take a lot more photos of me too…

Filed Under: Life, Parenting, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bloggy Boot Camp, daughter, Life, parenting, SITS Girls

What’s New This Summer at Knotts Berry Farm

June 2, 2015 by Danielle

I have such amazing memories of the times my parents took me to amusement parks during the summer. The thrill of the rides, the indulgent good food, and the freedom to choose where we went and what we were doing next. My siblings and I were always up for an adventure and we knew that this was exactly what we would get as soon as we passed through the turnstiles at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Now with my own kids, I’m looking for that exact same experience this summer and I’ll definitely still find it at Knott’s. From the thrilling new rides, like Voyage to the Iron Reef, to fun shows for the whole family, like Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre, there is something for everyone this summer.

In just a few short weeks I’ll be taking the kids up for their first adventure of the summer. We’ll be kicking things off right with a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm to check out what’s new this summer and how we can make the most of our summer with the help of a few of our friends (hint: one of them is a beagle with a black nose and a cool red house).

Here are 13 reasons why you should visit Knott’s this summer:

The NEW Voyage to the Iron Reef – The new interactive 4-D attraction called Voyage to the Iron Reef, will take you on an adventure aboard submarine-inspired vehicles through enchanting underwater forests, disorienting ocean current tunnels, mysterious mechanical wreckage, and high definition 3D animation.

Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice (Charles M. Schulz Theatre) – Snoopy and his Peanuts buddies “go Hollywood” bringing Walk of Fame glamour, dazzling movie lot escapades and California excitement to a brand new ice show adventure. June 13 – August 23 No shows on Wednesdays

Vertical Impact & Vertical Impact Geared Up Show – Vertical Impact presents the ultimate blend of extreme stunts with high flying acrobats performing a one of a kind performance perfect for the entire family! June 13 – August 23 No shows on Mondays & Tuesdays

Charlie Brown’s Happy Campers (Camp Snoopy Theatre) – Join Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy in a show that’s sure to make an outdoorsman out of anybody! Daily, June 14 through September 1

Big Band Swingin’ Sundays – Jump, Jive & Swing to the sounds of Orange County’s best local Big Bands. Sunday evenings, June14 – August 30

Boardwalk Dance Party (Boardwalk Circle Stage) – Dance ‘til you drop and wave your hands in the air until you just don’t care with DJ Howly, one of Orange County’s most requested “mixers & spinners”. Monday & Tuesday evenings, June 15 – August 25, plus September 7

Ghost Town Streetmosphere – Ghost Town is alive with townsfolk who will put you smack dab in the middle of the Wild West. As you mosey on through Ghost Town, say “Howdy” to returning favorites, Dusty Trail, who’s never without her six-shooter, Miss Ruby, the purtiest Saloon Gal in town, Miss Apple the School Teacher, and the rest of the Calico townsfolk. Daily June 13 – September 7

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies (Birdcage Theatre) – Things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies perform their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more! Fridays through Mondays, June 13 – August 23 except 6/19 and 8/6 & 29.

Salsa Bands (Fiesta Plaza Stage) – Nothing says a party at the Fiesta Plaza stage better than the energy created by some of Orange County’s most popular salsa bands. Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings, June 13 through August 23, Plus August 29, 30 and September 5, 6, & 7

The Ghost Town Miners (Spurs Stage) – For a “Yeehaw” of a good time you won’t want to miss the Ghost Town Miners sing and play some of the best bluegrass this side of the Rio Grande! Tuesday through Thursday, June 16 – August 20

The Marshal Purdy Show (Birdcage Theatre) – Come on in for some old fashioned, homespun fun that’s sure to tickle your fancy and bust your gut. Tuesday & Wednesday, June 17 – August 21

The Big Fat Steve Band (Boardwalk Circle Stage) – Back by popular demand, The Big Fat Steve Band-The Kings of Kool is a fun, exciting dance band with a swingin’ beat. Wednesday through Saturday, June 13 – August 29, plus September 5 & 6.

Calico Saloon Cancan Show (Calico Saloon) – What’s a Saloon without a show? Don’t miss the Calico Saloon Show for some good old’ fashioned bar room fun. We heard that the dancin’ girls even perform that new fandangled dance from Paree, France, the Cancan! You might even want to cool off with a tall cool bottle of the hard stuff…Sarsaparilla! Daily, June 13 – September 30, Plus September 5 – 7

What are you looking forward to at Knott’s?

Filed Under: Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: amusement parks, Knott's Berry Farm, Summer, theme parks, Voyage to the Iron Reef

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

May 31, 2015 by Danielle

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats. All opinions are 100% mine.

Over the past 5 years I’ve been the organizer of a large local playgroup. With over 250 members, we meet weekly at various locations and events around town.

As the organizer I’ve found it easier for new members to meet at someone’s home instead of meeting at a public space for their first event so I host a playdate at my house once a month. Needless to say we’ve gotten really good at hosting playdates.

I’ve put together a few tips on hosting playdates so that the next time you decide to invite a new friend over you’ll be prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy some adult time while the kids play and entertain each other.

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

1. Keep it simple

Playdates do not need to be complicated. Simplicity is key. As is prepping ahead of time so you don’t have to run around the whole time. Don’t overdo the toys and games. Keep a handful of things out but close the bedrooms and keep certain areas off limit.

Or keep everyone outside in the backyard so the adults can keep an eye on everyone easier. My friends and I like to grab some chairs, sit back with our smoothies, and chat while the kids run around and burn off some energy.

2. Have snacks on hand

If you want to make something for the kids to enjoy, do it ahead of time so you can serve when everyone gets there. I like to have one homemade goody on hand, like smoothies, oatmeal squares, or this delicious apple crisp.

Then we add some Quaker® Chewy® Granola Bars and some fruit and veggies that we have stored on hand for snacktime in between playtime. Quaker Chewy Granola Bars contain 8 grams of whole grains in every bar and come in delectably fun flavors like Chocolate Chip, S’mores and Oatmeal Raisin.

3. Bust out the bubbles

One thing that seems to bring all of the kids together for a fun time are bubbles. Something about the joy of spinning, jumping, and twirling around to catch them just brings out the best in kids. So stock up on the sales and keep some on hand for playdates.

I prefer to have a bubble machine going instead of blowing them myself because they machines blow bubbles a lot faster AND we don’t have little ones trying to blow bubbles themself and getting bubble liquid all over the place.

4. Fun for all ages

Have a few toys or activities on hand for all ages. I like to keep a small box of soft toys on hand in case any of the moms bring their babies along with the older kids. It makes everyone feel welcome and encourages the moms to relax a bit knowing there are toys for the little ones to play with.

And on the other side of the spectrum, grab a few Nerf balls and let the older kids play and have fun without worrying about hurting the younger ones. Or bust out the sidewalk chalk and let the kids use their imagination and creativity to make a beautiful picture or create another play area. A few simple things will go a long way!

What are your tips for hosting a playdate?

Filed Under: Parenting, Uncategorized Tagged With: playdate, Playdate ideas, Playdates, Quaker, Quaker Chewy Bars, Snacks

Peanut Butter Fudge S’mores Mug Cake Recipe

May 29, 2015 by Danielle

This shop featuring a Peanut Butter Fudge S’mores Mug Cake recipe has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LetsMakeSmores #CollectiveBias #sponsored

With the unofficial start of summer here, there’s no better time to enjoy the tastes that remind us of summer. Barbecue, simple sweets, and having fun making it! For us that means making some tasty s’mores treats. But you don’t need a campfire, or even a stove, to make these delicious s’mores inspired mug cakes. All you need is a microwave.

This variation of our chocolate mug cake is one that came about after my daughter asked if we could roast marshmallows one night in our fire pit and we realized we had no idea where our roasting sticks were. Since moving to our new home last year we had somehow misplaced them. So I figured the microwave was as good as any place to make smores!

One thing I love to have on hand is a good dessert to go-to in case a need for sweets hits. We don’t like to keep cake or other sweets in the house because we know that they won’t be consumed in moderation. So I enjoy a few recipes that require little prep but still take care of the sweet tooth.

This s’mores mug cake takes less than 10 minutes, from start to finish, to prep and “bake” in the microwave. How’s that for instant gratification?

And the addition of peanut butter to the classic flavors of a s’more just takes it to another level. But I must warn you. Make sure you have a cup of milk next to you because this is one rich dessert.

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake

3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 Hershey's chocolate bar
2 Honey Maid Graham Cracker Squares (exclusively at Walmart, crumbled)
1/2 teaspoon butter (melted)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
Kraft's Jet Puffed Marshmallows

Combine 3 tablespoons peanut butter and 1 Hershey’s chocolate bar in a small bowl, then melt in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Stir until smooth and set aside.
In another bowl, combine melted butter with graham cracker crumbs and stir until moistened. Grab your mug and press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom to create a crust.
In a bowl. whisk egg, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add in flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa, stir until a thick batter forms. Stream in melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture, mixing to combine. This will be very thick.
Add half of the mixture on top of the graham cracker mixture, then add a marshmallow or two. Add remaining batter on top. Cook in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes at 80% power.
Remove and top with 1-2 additional marshmallows and a few pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bar if desired. Microwave for 5-10 seconds to make them melty and slightly puffy, or put them directly under the broiler for about 10 seconds to toast if desired (I always burn stuff I broil so I went with the microwave).
If you used the microwave to melt the marshmallows, you can use an aim n’ flame or kitchen torch to char. Sprinkle with graham crumbs and grab a fork!

You can find all of the ingredients you need for the perfect s’mores dessert at your local Walmart. Look for the special s’mores display or head to the candy and cracker aisle to find everything.

How do you change up a classic s’mores dessert?

Have more time? Try my s’mores brownies! Or my healthy peanut butter s’mores. Both made in the oven!

Filed Under: Baking, Desserts, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cake, chocolate cake, mug cakes, smores

Date Night at Vessel Restaurant San Diego

When was your last date night?

My Baby Prefers To Be In My Arms And That’s OK

Do you co-sleep?

Dear N: 4 Months Old

DIY Sidewalk Paint featured on FormulaMom

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

What are you looking forward to checking out at LEGOLAND California this summer?

15 Summer Drinks to Help Cool You Down

15 Summer Drinks

What’s your favorite summertime drink recipe?

Seeing Myself Through My Daughter’s Eyes

What’s New This Summer at Knotts Berry Farm

What are you looking forward to at Knott’s?

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

Tips for Hosting A Playdate

What are your tips for hosting a playdate?

Peanut Butter Fudge S’mores Mug Cake Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge S'mores Mug Cake

How do you change up a classic s’mores dessert?

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