Toddler Moms - What's Your Escape Plan?

I have two toddlers, so when I have a free, unscheduled day I think of all the endless things we could do... the park, zoo, so-and-so's house, that newly renovated play-place. I get all excited until I think, "Wait, how will I get them to leave when it's time to go?"  I'm exhausted just thinking about it and my heart just skipped a beat.  

My three year old could win a medal for his tantrums and while I love him to pieces, and am extremely proud of his many amazing qualities; he is just one of those children that are "more" to handle. But that's another post for another time. (Shout out to parents of the strong-willed!) Those kid places are all fine in theory but what about when it's time to say good-bye and get them home? 

Meltdowns.  World War VIII people.

   What? A new splash pad in my city? Yesssss - I'm so there it's insane. Oh wait, no I'm not. Because I'm so daunted by the thought of attempting to take them home that all fun-appeal is lost. Images surface of my 3 year old running into traffic shouting "NO!  I don't wanna goooo!"  While I fight with an (oddly strong) arched-backed 1 1/2 year old into his car seat as he screams into my ear. 

  I wish I could just hire someone to come help get them in the car when it's time to leave just for 10 minutes. "The NEW ten-minute nanny!" That could be a thing. Actually it really should be.  So while I wait for that to take off I need a plan now. 

   We have actually never been to Chucky Cheese.  Simply because I shudder at the thought of tantrums combined with flickering lights/chaotic noise.  I also will not go to the mall or a grocery store alone with both boys, unless I have my husband or another adult for help. But that makes things kind of limiting for the boys and I.

How I would love to set off some kind of white smoke bomb while I scoop them and their stuff into the car so they're too bewildered to tantrum. Kidding! Obviously that's not going to happen, but I do welcome any safe ideas that are equally brilliant.  So what do you do to get that coveted smooth place-to-car transition?

 

Low Sugar Frosting with Flavor Variations

This is what I make when I bake cupcakes (or cake). I always want them slathered in frosting because I love frosting, SO MUCH.  But then I think about how it's basically pure sugar (so good) and I'm like "Oh yeah, that makes me feel like passing out an hour later and for the rest of the day. Shoot...".  And yet I till want it.

I have this weird blood sugar thing where if I eat some sugar in the morning, during the day I get reeeeeally weak and shaky.  It's not so bad if I eat sugar at night because I'm in bed like a kid sliding into base before I can feel any effects. I just know that sugar and I are like a fish and a bird that really want to be together, but its just not happening.

But this awesome recipe is one of the sneaky ways I've ensured that I'll be able to have my cake and eat it too and not feel sick later. Also no weird stevia aftertaste because of the succanat.

It's super versatile! Use it by itself as is, or as a base for other sauces and spreads.

1. Make the Powdered Sugar:  You will need a machine for fine grinding. (I use a coffee grinder).

• Powdered Stevia
• Succanat

In a one-to-one ratio, grind it to a fine powder until you can get about a cup. sometimes this can take awhile if using a small grinder.  Put it all into one container and shake/stir to blend the sugars together. Your powdered sugar will look brown because of the succanat. 

      2.  Make the Frosting/ Sauce:

• 1 Cup of the above powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp. xanthum gum.
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 Tbs. organic whipped butter
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbs. Almond milk as needed

Method ~
Combine the powdered sugar and xanthum gum and set aside. In a saucepan, melt the cottage cheese on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the bits of cheese are all melted, add the vanilla. turn off the heat and add the butter, stirring till melted in. Now sift in the sugar mixture. Only add the milk if you want it thinner. That's it! So simple.

Variations:
There are so many! You can make it a cinnamon frosting if making pumpkin cupcakes, or add in any other extracts you desire; lemon, coconut, maple, you get the idea.
For chocolate frosting, add 1 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar, and 1/4 Cup chocolate chips in place of the butter.