Stacy Craft

DIY Snow Pants for Kids

February 14, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Make these easy DIY snow pants for kids before the snow hits! You will only need a few common household items and about 15 minutes of time!

It is snowing as I write this and I’m thrilled! We live right outside of Memphis, TN and snow isn’t exactly the norm. We usually get some kind of winter weather once or twice a year but it is rarely significant snow fall.

However, that is about to change! Later today and into tomorrow we are expecting up to 8 inches of snow! Ahh! I love it.

But when you live in the South and don’t get frequent snow, many people are not prepared with the proper clothing. All day yesterday, I watched the neighborhood Facebook pages flood with parents in search of snow bibs, snow pants, boots and sleds!

Some people got lucky and found a used option but many weren’t able to find the gear. Most retail stores around here don’t carry a large inventory (if any) of that type of winter clothing.

And since I have two kiddos that I know are going to spend days in the winter wonderland coming our way, I set out to find something.

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DIY Snow Pants for Kids

If I am being honest, I searched Amazon and every retail store around first and had no luck finding snow pants for my kids.

So this morning as it started snowing, I figured I needed to get serious about coming up with something. I saw a few people saying they were going to layer their kids up like our moms did to us in the 80’s and send them out.

I’m ok with that but then I started remembering how I would come in from the snow soaking wet as a kid. And since the Weather Channel says it currently feels like 1 Degree (yes one) outside, I wanted to at least attempt to keep my kids as dry as possible.

That is where the DIY Snow pants for kids come in and save the day! You can make these with common household supplies and just a few minutes.

They may not keep the kiddos bone dry but it will be much better than just cotton or fleece layers! And while they won’t win a fashion contest, your kids will be more comfortable with these pants on!

What You Need For DIY Snow Pants for Kids

Here are the supplies that you need to make water resistant snow pants:

Bags – You can use ClickList Bags from Kroger, Target Pick Up bags or a Garbage bag (outdoor bags would work best)
Scissors
Duct Tape
Sharpie
A Pair of Your Child’s Pants (I used Jeans)

How To Make Homemade Water Resistant Snow Pants for Children

Making the DIY snow pants for kids is quick, easy & cheap.

To make the pants, start by cutting your bag along the seams. You want the bag to lay flat. Do this for a total of 2 bags.

Best Bags by Size

Kroger ClickList Bags – Toddler Sizes (Probably up to size 4T)
Target Drive Up Bags – Child Size (Probably up to size 7 or 8)
Black Garbage Bags – Youth – Adult

A few more notes on bags. Don’t use regular grocery bags. They will be too thin. They ClickList or Target Driveup bags are thicker and will be more durable.

If you don’t have these or a black outdoor garbage bag, a kitchen garbage bag is probably your next best choice. A cheap disposable tablecloth could work as well.

Creating a Template

Place the two flat bags on top of each other. Next, place the child’s pants on top of one of the bags.

Using the Sharpie, trace around the pants leaving about 1 inch extra space between the pants and the line that you are drawing. This extra space is important to ensure the pants fit over the layers. They will also shrink up a bit when you perform the next step.

I didn’t add enough at the waist on the example below and had to redo them because they were too tight. Don’t make that mistake and give yourself some wiggle room. You can always make it more snug if you need to with tape.

*If you are using the black trash bags, you may need have someone hold the pants while you cut (skipping the Sharpie step). Otherwise, a white chalk marker would work if you want to trace the pant outline if you have one on hand.

Cutting the Disposable Snow Pants Out

Remove the child’s actual pair of pants that you traced, leaving just your bag with the drawn on template and the 2nd bag directly underneath.

Take care to ensure that your bags stay lined up and cut through both bags following along the lines of your template. These DIY snow pants for kids are pretty forgiving so if you don’t get it perfect, don’t worry.

No Sew Snow Pants for Kids

Now it is time to “sew” those pants up. Bring in the duct tape!

Start on one side and apply pieces of duct tape along the side. Place the tape about 1/2 inch from the edge and then wrap it around the other side.

As you make your way down, overlap each segment slightly to ensure a good seal.

In the crotch area, you may have to cut a few small pieces to make it work. I also added an extra piece of tape there to reinforce.

Leave Openings

Remember to leave the bottom open for the feet to go through. Around the waist, I put a piece of tape on each side to create a hem of sorts just to create a little extra durability but don’t seal it shut.

How Much Do Homemade Snow Pants Cost

Making them with the Kroger or Target bags costs virtually nothing. I had all of these items on hand at home. Since I was reusing the store bags, my only real cost was the few pieces of duct taper that I used.

When you compare that to the snow pants that I was looking at online, I easily saved $30-$100 per child!

How to Wear the Snow Pants

Here is how I’m planning to use these DIY Snow Pants for kids.

We will put on a base layer of leggings or long underwear. Next, the homemade water resistant snow pants. After that, we will layer on a big pair of sweatpants.

Putting the 2nd pair of pants over the homemade snow pants should hold them up. But if you are having trouble keeping them up, you could always add a couple of loosely placed duct tape pieces to create a more snug fit.

Just make sure you layer up! These homemade pants will help to keep you dry, not warm.

Want More DIY for Kids? Check out this DIY Slip N Slide for Preschoolers.

Keto Toffee Glazed Pecans – THM S

February 13, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

If you love the smell of those roasted glazed nuts at the mall but hate the sugar, you have got to make these Keto toffee glazed pecans! All the taste and none of the guilt.

The key to sticking to my low carb plan is to stay prepared for those hangry moments that happen. For me it is usually between 5 & 6 pm when I’m blankly staring into my pantry and trying to make dinner magically appear.

Starvation kicks in and I need something to snack on while dinner cooks (or while I continue to stare wishing I knew what to cook)!

Just by prepping for a few minutes a week, I set myself up for success instead of failure. I can skip the Cheetos that my kiddos love and have a couple of these deliciously decadent Keto toffee glazed pecans while I search for supper. They are also great for a sweet dessert treat after a meal too.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Keto Toffee Glazed Pecans

These candied pecans taste like they can’t possibly be good for you! Seriously, they are that tasty.

But by creating a sugar free coating, these Keto toffee glazed pecans are completely on plan for your low carb or Trim Healthy Mama S meal.

How To Make Low Carb Candied Pecans

To make these nuts you will need the following items:

Pecan Halves
Swerve Brown Sugar
Butter
Salt

Kitchen Utensils that you will use:

Saucepan
Medium Mixing Bowl
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet

Glazing & Roasting the Nuts

You start these Keto toffee glazed pecans on the stove and finish them in the oven to create the perfect candied coating.

And the best part is that it isn’t difficult or time consuming to make. I’ve made those recipes before that roast low and slow for an hour or so. I don’t know about you but I don’t have time for that when it comes to low carb snacks.

So these nuts are ready in just about 15 minutes start to finish.

Begin by melting the butter, Swerve and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat until the mixture begins to boil.

Once it starts boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes and stir continuously. The mixture will thicken and become syrupy.

After 5 minutes, remove from heat and mix in the pecan halves. Stir gently to ensure that all of the nuts are covered in the toffee mixture.

Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper (this will make your life so much easier when it is time to clean up).

Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 5 minutes.

Remove the pecans and allow to cool on the counter for a few minutes. Once they have cooled slightly, move the pan to the fridge for at least an hour.

Break any large clumps of pecans apart and place in an airtight container to store.

Want More THM/Keto/Low Carb Recipes?

Keto Toffee Glazed Pecans - THM S

Servings

people

Ingredients

1 cup Butter
1 cup Swerve Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
10-12 oz Pecan Halves

Servings

people

Ingredients

1 cup Butter
1 cup Swerve Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
10-12 oz Pecan Halves

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees.
Melt the butter, Swerve and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it starts to boil, stirring occasionally.
Once it starts to boil, set a timer for 5 minutes and stir constantly.
The mixture will bubble and start to look frothy. Continue to stir for the full five minutes. The mixture will thicken some and look syrupy.
Remove from heat and pour in the pecan halves. Coat all of the pecans.
Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast the pecans.
Allow to cool on the counter top for a few minutes. Then transfer the pan to the fridge for about an hour to allow the pecans to set up.
You can then move the pecans to an airtight container or ziplock bag. They can stay on the counter for about a week.

What I Ate Wednesday – 2/10/21

February 11, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

“What I Ate Wednesday on THM” is a series of posts that are a daily meal plan meets food diary. You can see exactly the portions I ate for the day, the fuel type and meal ideas for your Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle.

Here are my Trim Healthy plates for 1/10/21.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

What I Ate Wednesday on THM – 2/10/21

In this post you will find meal ideas, see foods separated by fuel and find budget tips to keep your food budget low & your life in the kitchen simplified.

Here is what I ate Wednesday on THM – 2/10/21.

Breakfast: 2 Poached Eggs, Bacon and 1 Piece of Sprouted bread with a little butter. (S Helper)

Lunch: Leftovers – Taco Bell Copycat Meximelt. (S)

OMG this was amazing. If you liked Meximelts, you have to try this. Make this taco meat in your Instant Pot & add a package of chorizo to the ground beef.

In your low carb tortilla, add meat, pico and Taco Bell shredded cheese. Roll up and wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 15 seconds to get it all melty.

Snack: Quest Bar (NOP but many use as a Personal Choice)

Dinner: Egg Roll In a Bowl Made with Ground Beef & Ground Pork (S)

Dessert: Halo Top with Raspberries (FP)

Want More THM Meal Plan Ideas?

Last week’s What I ate Wednesday

THM Weekly Meal Plan 2/7-2/13

Follow my THM Food Diary on Instagram for more ideas!

Low Carb Baked Feta Pasta from Tik Tok

February 9, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

A viral video has tons of people baking cheese and tomatoes and tossing them with pasta for an amazingly easy supper. We altered the original recipe to make this low carb baked feta pasta from Tik Tok & we aren’t sad about it!

Easy weeknight meals are kinda my love language. Keeping low carb/Trim Healthy Mama/Keto easy is how I stay consistent on the plan. Because let’s face it, no one wants to drag out a cookbook every night.

And this recipe is so simple. It also tastes a little bit fancy which is so nice for a meal that was so easy. If you haven’t made this yet, do it. Like tonight. Seriously.

I made it Saturday night and on Monday I picked up more ingredients from the grocery to make it again!

Follow my THM / Low Carb Food Diary on Insta here!

Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.

Low Carb Baked Feta Pasta from Tik Tok

Dump, bake & mix. Low carb baked feta pasta is that easy. Serve it up with a big salad and a rotisserie chicken breast and you have a full meal with very little effort!

It looks like this trend started with the FeelGoodFoodie and spiraled from there. And we are pretty happy that she posted it because it is a dinner time game changer.

What You Need:

Feta
Cherry Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Fresh Basil
Minced Garlic
Low Carb Pasta Substitute
Rotisserie Chicken (Optional)

What Can I Use For A Low Carb Pasta Substitute?

There are several options for you if you are trying to avoid the extra carbs in traditional pasta.

Zucchini Zoodles
Spaghetti Squash
Palmini Noodles
Miracle Noodles
Dreamfields Pasta

Baking the Feta & Tomatoes

In a 9×13 pan, slice a big block of feta lengthwise. Place the cheese in middle of the pan and place cherry tomatoes around the pan.

Drizzle generously with olive oil and freshly ground pepper.

Bake at 400 Degrees for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic while it is piping hot.

Add in a box of cooked Dreamfields. Mix everything well.

**Note** I would add some pasta and stir. Then add a little more and stir. Just so you don’t have dry pasta.

Sprinkle with fresh Basil and serve!

If you want to use a rotisserie chicken (and I recommend it!), just slice up some of the warm chicken and serve it on top of the low carb baked feta pasta.

Don’t Like Feta?

Whether you don’t like feta or just can’t find it (because EVERYONE is making this low carb baked feta pasta), you can still make a similar dish.

To make the baked feta pasta without feta, you just need a cheese substitute. Here I made this with Boursin cheese and zoodles.

Follow the same directions but just sub in your favorite cheese. I think it would be tasty with goat cheese as well.

Check Out More Low Carb/THM S Recipes
Viral Salsa Verde Chicken with Queso Cauli

Keto Chicken Enchiladas – 15 Mins

Low Carb PB&J Tik Tok Wrap Hack

Low Carb Baked Feta Pasta

Jumping on the Tik Tok train, here is the newest recipe floating around but adapted for your low carb lifestyle.

Servings

people

Ingredients

1 block feta cheese
2 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes (I used one red & one mixed medley)
3-4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Box Dreamfields Pasta (Can Sub Zoodles, Spaghetti Squash)
Fresh Basil (for garnish)
Fresh Cracked Pepper (to taste)

Servings

people

Ingredients

1 block feta cheese
2 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes (I used one red & one mixed medley)
3-4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Box Dreamfields Pasta (Can Sub Zoodles, Spaghetti Squash)
Fresh Basil (for garnish)
Fresh Cracked Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place the block of feta in the middle of a 9x13 casserole dish. (I cut the feta lengthwise to make two blocks but you don't have to do this).
Dump in the cherry tomatoes around the cheese and drizzle it all with olive oil and fresh cracked pepper.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
While your feta is baking, prepare your low carb noodles or vegetable zoodles according to directions.
Once the baked feta is done, broil for 2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
Remove the casserole dish from the oven and immediately add the minced garlic to the pan. Using a spoon gently mix everything together.
Add in your low carb pasta or veggie zoodles to the pan and mix gently.
Sprinkle with fresh basil (dried basil from your spice rack will work in a pinch) & serve immediately.

THM Weekly Meal Plan 2/7-2/13/21

February 8, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Here is the THM Weekly Meal Plan 2/7-2/13/21. Check it out for meal ideas all week long.

Hi! If you are looking for a weekly Trim Healthy Mama meal plan, you have come to the right place! First let’s talk about my meal planning style.

I create a plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks by day for the week. But then when Monday rolls around, I don’t necessarily eat for breakfast what I had planned for Monday. In fact, I might eat Saturday’s breakfast on Monday if it sounds good. I use the plan as a general guide for what I will eat in a given week but don’t force myself into it.

I freely mix and match throughout the week according to what my body is craving. By planning, it helps me to ensure I have 7 dinners planned out to make the evening rush easier. It also helps me to make sure I don’t skip out on my E meals!

Meal Plans are one week behind. Just to clarify, I release my meal plans the week after I eat them. This is done so that I can include more photos of the meals that I eat because I know some of you love pictures! They should still be seasonally appropriate.

New to THM? Here is a brief summary of the plan and a guide to fuel rotations (like what the heck is an S, E or XO and when do I eat those letters?!).

Grab a free THM Meal planner here.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

THM Weekly Meal Plan 2/7-2/13/21

Here is the meal plan for the week.

Sunday

Breakfast: Chaffles with Choc Zero Syrup, Fried Egg and Bacon (S)
Lunch: Low Carb Wrap with Deli Meat, Pepperoni, Olive Spread and Goat Cheese, Side of Quest Chips (NOP)
*Here is a list of on plan Chips & Crackers.
Snack: Cashews (S)
Dinner: Wings, Ranch and Side Salad

Monday

Breakfast: Celery with Peanut Butter (S)

Lunch: Chicken, Bacon & Pickle Wrap, Side Salad with Ranch (S)

Snack: Popcorn and Lean turkey lunch meat (E)
Dinner: Grilled Chicken Tenders, Black Eyed Peas, Butterbeans (Limas), and Brown Basmati (E)

*I did not eat all of this rice (because I just can’t make myself like it). You normally would want to keep your portions to 1/2 portions if having more than one carb source. Since I ate only a small portion of the rice, this was fine.

Tuesday

Breakfast: Bacon and Egg Breakfast Taco on Low Carb tortilla (S)

Lunch: Greek Salad with olives, feta and Lamb (S)

Snack: Pepperoni, Cheese, Cucumbers and Brami Lupini Beans (S)

Dinner: Chicken Alfredo with Leftover chicken from Monday, Broccoli (S)

Wednesday

Breakfast: Chaffle with Cream Cheese and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (S)

Lunch: Sprouted Turkey Sandwich, Celery with a Light Laughing Cow and Grapes (E)

Snack: Cashews and Cheese (S)
Dinner: Chicken Stir Fry over Brown Rice (E)

Thursday

Breakfast: Chocolate Chaffle with Peanut Butter (S)

Lunch: Chicken Salad from Chicken Salad Chick (I put this in a Joesph’s pita) (S)

Snack: Sour Raisins, a few baby carrots and Turkey Lunch meat (E)
Dinner: Breakfast for Dinner (Omelette with berries) (S)

Friday

Breakfast: Smoked Sausage and Egg Burrito (S)

Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger on Joseph’s Pita Mini (S)

Snack: Lean turkey deli meat, low fat string cheese, popcorn (E)
Dinner: Smoked Tuna, Artichoke with butter (S)

Saturday

Breakfast: PB&J on a Low Carb Tortilla (S)

Lunch: Smoked Lemon Pepper Salmon with Coleslaw (S)

Snack: Cashews and Bake Believe Chocolate Chips (S)
Dinner: Tik Tok Baked Feta Pasta with Dreamfields (S)

Click Trim Healthy Mama in the menu bar to check the “What I ate Wednesday” series which is a fun daily meal plan to give you meal ideas.

Want More Meal Plans?

Weekly Meal Plan 1

Weekly Meal Plan 2

1 Rotisserie Chicken, 5 THM Lunches

Lunch On THM – Tons of Easy Ideas

Join me on Instagram for daily food inspiration! And join our closed group on Facebook that is all about saving money on THM & daily deals! I’d love to have you!

-Stacy