Julie's Chocolate Euphoria Recipe

I made this for Eva’s first birthday party along with a strawberry cake. We also had three ice cream choices (all Edy’s): Espresso Chip (my favorite!), Vanilla and Double Fudge Brownie.

This recipe can also be found in my book The Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook on Amazon!

Julie's Chocolate Euphoria

You will need:

1 box Devil's food cake mix (including the ingredients needed: eggs, oil, water)
12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter

Bake cake according to directions. Let cool completely.

Ganache:
Place chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl.
In saucepan, heat cream and butter until mixture boils.
Pour mixture over chocolate chips and let stand for 30 seconds.
Whisk until smooth.
Let cool for 15-20 minutes

Cake:
Crumble cooled cake into small pieces and put into a large bowl.
Add half the ganache mixture and mix well (it should resemble fudge).
Place in prepared cake pan, press down, and smooth the top.
Freeze for one hour.

Remove cake from freezer, cover top with remaining ganache.

You can put berries on it to make it look pretty or just dig in! 

Make provisions for your small children if you have some still living at home because you will go into a chocolate coma and might be unavailable for a few hours!

A birthday FYI: I did a PowerPoint slideshow for Eva’s birthday with EMF’s song “UnbeliEVAble” (available on request). I also do a birthday letter for each kid for their birthday every single year. I put a copy in a binder, a copy in our fireproof box for the kids to have someday and a copy in my scrapbook.

2026 update: Yeah, I don't do any of that birthday stuff anymore because it got very overwhelming. Be careful what traditions you choose to start when your kids are little because they will come to expect them. And if you have a large family, and if you started having kids when you were older like I did, your brain will start to glitch and you will forget some of the traditions, you'll go into a guilt-spiral, etc. and we don't need that happening!

Originally published 12/8/2008

4/25/26 423

Cookbook Recipe: Fully Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

It's the age-old question: what's for dinner? 

In my house, this question is often followed by: what's for dessert? If I haven't done my meal planning and shopping for the week, instead of a real answer, you will get a blank stare from me.

Problem solved!

The Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook can be purchased in print for just $7.99 (free shipping with Amazon Prime!)* so you can hold it in your hot little hands and keep it on your bookshelf for easy reference. I have even included a chapter on Meal Planning, so you can figure out which night of the week will be the very best one to serve one of my 35 tater tot casserole options (and 13 desserts!).

This cookbook is a unique holiday gift or birthday gift, so you not only get a fun resource for your own kitchen, but you can at the same time make someone else very happy with a fun present!

Book Review: No One Cares What You Had for Lunch (100 Ideas for Your Blog)

In the book No One Cares What You Had for Lunch (100 Ideas for Your Blog), Margaret Mason knows her blogging stuff. She ought to: her personal blog, Mighty Girl (www.mightygirl.com) and her shopping blog, Mighty Goods (www.mightygoods.com) draw 50,000 visitors per week combined. This book is broken down into 5 parts:

Fifteen Minutes to Fame — These are ideas for a blog post that should only take about 15 minutes to crank out. One idea is #6: Count your blessings. The author suggests blogging about things that have gone right for you recently, things you are lucky or blessed to have or do or be.

Thirty Minutes Away from the TV — Idea #28 wants you to “imagine you’ve just come into ten million dollars. How do you spend it?”

An Hour at the Screen — Idea #48 wants you to “outline your gravest humiliation.” Blogging about and posting pictures of items you are giving away but need to tell a story about is idea #50, titled “Clean house.”

Tame Your Time — Chronicling a day in your life is Idea #67. What you do all day may actually be interesting to someone else, or at least make them feel better about themselves!

Think Like a Writer — I’m considering trying #81 “Exit the comfort zone.” The author wants bloggers to start saying yes to all kinds of invitations they’d never usually accept. I have found it to be true that the best writing experiences come from things you didn’t want to do (like working a crappy job or attending the party of someone you don’t really like). With 4 kids up my sleeve, experiences get even MORE interesting!

Bottom line: I give it 8 Dove chocolate hearts out of 10

Originally published 10/9/2008

6

Book Review: Who Pooped in the Park?

Back in 2005 my mom and stepdad got the book Who Pooped in the Park? by Gary D. Robson for my kids.

It’s the story of a family on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The son is afraid he’ll be eaten by a grizzly bear, but his parents explain how there aren’t any grizzly bears left in Colorado. Then the parents take the kids on a hike to teach them how to find out which animals have been there by identifying all kinds of marks, especially scat (POOP!!!).

This is a great book for kids who are interested in nature, hiking or animals. It’s great for boys since it talks about lots of poop!

Bottom line: I give it 9 carrot sticks with some Newman's Own Light Balsamic Vinaigrette since I'm trying to get healthy and am growing a person and all that.

Originally published 2/15/2009

9

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Guide to Low-Barrier Food Resources in KC

We all hit seasons where life gets a little too heavy. Whether it’s an unexpected bill, a gap between paychecks, or just a really tough month, knowing where to find a little extra support shouldn’t be a source of stress.

In Kansas City, we are lucky to have a community that believes in looking out for one another. But I know that sometimes the biggest hurdle to getting help is the paperwork. The idea of standing in a long line or having to prove your need can feel daunting when you're already exhausted.

That’s why I’ve gathered this list of low-barrier food resources around the metro. These are places where you can "pick up and go" with:

• No personal ID required

• No lengthy applications

• No appointments needed

From 24/7 "little free pantries" tucked into neighborhood sidewalks to efficient drive-thru distributions, these spots prioritize your privacy and your time. If you or someone you know could use a hand this week, please know these resources are here for you—no explanations necessary.

Pop-Up & Drive-Thru Distribution

These events are designed for high volume and low friction. Most only ask for the number of people in your household for their own statistics, not for your personal identity.

Mission Community Food Pantry: They explicitly state that no ID is required and there are no qualifications. They operate on trust and only ask for a last name and household count for tracking purposes. 

Salem Lutheran Church: Their pantry requires no ID and is open on Thursday mornings and evenings to accommodate different work schedules.

Santa Fe Waystation Food Pantry: This is a drive-thru pantry that requires no documentation. It’s a great "pick up and go" option on Mondays during their morning or evening sessions. 6422 Santa Fe Drive, Mission, KS at St. Mark's United Methodist Church.

Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church in Grandview, MO has a food pantry, but even though my family attends services there, I'm ashamed to say I don't know how it works. I'm not sure if those attending need to drive around back or need to come inside.

No-Appointment Walk-Ins

If you need fresh items like bread or dairy, these locations allow walk-ins without the typical multi-step registration process.

Harvesters — The Community Food Network: While Harvesters is a large hub, they maintain a searchable map on their website that specifically allows you to filter for "Mobile Pantries," which are almost always paperwork-free.

Shawnee Community Services: They offer fresh bread and bakery items Monday through Saturday on a walk-in basis with no appointment, no application, and no ID required.

The "Little Free Pantry" Movement

These are essentially oversized birdhouses for food. They are open 24/7, scattered throughout neighborhoods, and operate on a "take what you need, leave what you can" basis with zero interaction required.

Little Free Pantry: (NW Waukomis Dr): This location is open 24 hours a day for non-perishable food items and basic necessities.

The Little Pantry at New City Church at 8711 Wornall Road in Kansas City, MO. Located in an urban suburb, this neighborhood pantry is easily accessible from the sidewalk.

Tiny Pantry Times: (Overland Park): Unlike some church-based pantries, this one is located outside the building and is accessible daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM without an appointment.

School Summer Lunch Programs

Please come back to find out more about these free resources.

A Final Thought on Community

If you found this list helpful, please consider bookmarking it or sharing it with a friend. You never know who might be quietly struggling or looking for a way to bridge the gap this month.

For those who are currently in a position to give back, many of these little free pantries rely entirely on neighbors helping neighbors. Dropping off a few non-perishable items—like canned proteins, pasta, or even basic toiletries—is a simple, jargon-free way to keep this vital infrastructure running.

We’re all in this together, Kansas City. Let’s keep looking out for one another.

Help Me Grow This Resource

If you represent a church, a neighborhood group, or a community center in the Kansas City area that hosts a low-barrier food pantry or a little free pantry, I would love to include you on this list. My goal is to keep this resource as up-to-date and comprehensive as possible for our neighbors in need.

Please reach out to me at thekerrieshow@gmail.com with your location, hours, and any specific details about your distribution process. Together, we can make sure no one in our community has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

Prairie Village Turns 75 in 2026 and Celebrates Big!

 

Flat Stanley's Adventures in Kansas City

Flat Stanley came to me in Peculiar, Missouri, in the mail from Maineville, Ohio. 

I took him about half an hour away (everything fun is at least half an hour away from Peculiar) to Crown Center, where the headquarters for Hallmark Cards is located (you know, like the Hallmark Channel!). He wanted a couple of photos in the main entryway, and also a couple at the restaurant where I went to work while my son was ice skating. 

The restaurant is called Fritz's Railroad Restaurant, and you order your food by using a telephone at your table. Then the food is delivered by a train that goes around the entire restaurant!

It was too late to go to SeaLife Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, though.

How to Successfully Go Back to School As An Adult

 

Source

One of the beautiful things about life is that we get to do things in our own way. As much as it may feel like we have to fit in with society and do what’s expected of us, the pressure to keep up with what everyone else is doing is slowly dying out. Thankfully, we live in a society where we get to do and be anything we want. Our own individual tastes, wants, and needs are now celebrated. So, if you ever find that you’re on the wrong path or you’re not happy with where you are in life, and you want to be able to change it, you can.

Maybe at some point, you thought you were building the right career and life for what you want. But something changed along the line. And that’s okay! This might be why you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re thinking of going back to school to study as an adult. Regardless of what age you are, if this is something you can’t stop thinking about, it might be time for you to take it seriously and follow the steps to make it happen. So, in this blog post, we’re going to take a look at how you can go back to school as an adult and make it work for you.

Kerrie's Favorite Affordable Beauty Products

These are products I swear by, and I hope you give some of them a try and fall in love with them too! 

Also, I'd love it if you'd follow me on my Facebook fan page for more updates! I'm also on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram! And if you're a writer, blogger, proofreader, or just love words, follow me over at The Published Parent! Here we go with 13 of my most favorite beauty products:

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer, Normal/Combo, 1.7 oz. was only $6.43 at WalMart (doing the grocery pickup*, of course). It's lightweight and perfect for summer or when you just want something NOT thick. My 15-year-old daughter loves it too and kept using mine so much I got her one for herself. We've probably bought this about 5 times so far. It's great for a quick moisture touch-up when your skin feels dry, during travel, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, etc.

Update as of 12/13/24, my youngest child, my son, just stole this from me! Teens love it because it isn't too thick and definitely isn't greasy. It doesn't contribute to the pimple problem, is what I'm saying! The price has gone up quite a bit from when we were first buying it but it's still worth it.

33 Things to Do Indoors with Kids in Kansas City

Okay, so my visions of snuggling up by a fire and homeschooling every day last winter were blown to bits by the fact that my kids are getting older and bounce off the walls when stuck inside on freezing days. So here are some indoor ideas I have come up with so far ... some are free and some are so expensive they should not even be on the list. Enjoy!

Please use this list and enjoy it and have fun NOT sitting around the house with your kids when it is 10 degrees outside this winter. Maybe I'll see you out there and please, I beg of you, don't judge me when you see me out with my 5 kids and I am feeding them Kit Kats for lunch with a Capri Sun chaser. Assume we got all our homeschooling done that morning and that they'd had apples and broccoli. Definitely let's chat and share in this parenting thing.

Also, I do mention homeschool programs quite a bit in this post. If your kids are not yet going-to-school age, these are great events to take your own kids to even if you don't plan to homeschool. Getting the kids some activity and social time while sometimes you also get some social time in is the name of the game!

Feel free to leave me more ideas in the comments section. Thanks, and see you around!

*This post is being updated as of April 4, 2025.*

You could take your kid on the $5 Roasterie tour and get to wear a nifty cap like this one! Reminds me of Laverne and Shirley a little bit!

1. Aaron's Family Fun Center in Belton (my new neighborhood, close to Peculiar). Aron and the kids went bowling there one night and had a blast. Check out this post about Kids Bowl Free all Summer! If you homeschool or have little ones, go during the day in the winter, and for just a few bucks you get a game, shoes, and a soda!
   
   
2. Bass Pro Olathe or Bass Pro in Independence just to mess around, especially at Christmastime.
   
   
3. Blue Valley Recreation Center and Activity Center. Indoor pool. Massage chairs. Enough said.
   
   
4. 
   
   
5. Centerfire shooting range if your kids are a little bit older and you are cool with teaching your kids how to safely handle a gun.
   
   
6. Christian Youth Theatre. $5 shows on Fridays during certain times of the year. They also have classes and plays that your child can audition for!
   
   
7. The Coterie at Crown Center, where you can go with a group to get the $5 tickets. 
   
   
8. Great Wolf Lodge for indoor water fun!
   
   
9. Ibis Bakery in Lenexa field trip.
   
   
10. IKEA in Merriam ... If you sign up for the family card we are talking about free kid meals on Tuesdays, free coffee for you and lots of roaming space. Here is my post about that.
    
    
11. Indigo Wild factory, where they make amazing soaps (ZUM bar!) and other great-smelling things.
    
    
12. Jump City indoor bouncy houses.
    
    
13. Kaleidoscope and Hallmark Visitors Center (both free!).
    
    
14. Kaw Prairie Church and play area.
    
    
15. Kidscape in Shawnee moved to the Heritage and Arts Center 87th and Metcalf!
    
    
16. Lakeside Nature Center near the Kansas City Zoo. Look for the Nolan Connors brick near the front door. He's my friend Jill's son who died in his sleep on December 31, 2012 at age of 13; he used to volunteer here.
    
    
17. Matt Ross gym and pool For $170 for 3 months you can get a family pass to  ... definitely worth it for big families if you can scrape the funds together. Check out the game room and explorer room for playing.
    
    
18. McDonald's Playlands! 87th Street in Overland Park by the Central Resource Library; 95th Street in Overland Park by Oak Park Mall; Belton by the Cass County Library; Lenexa near 435.
    
    
19. Let's Go Putt Indoor Mini Golf (Prehistoric Putt) in Independence, Mo replaces Paradise Park.
    
    
20. The Roasterie field trip (*updated* $5 for the tour)
    
    
21. Science City at Union Station and buy the planetarium tickets! Boom -- homeschool science for the week for the win!
    
    
22. Scheel's is a fun place to hang out and they have a Ferris wheel!
    
    
23. SkyZone (kinda expensive for my crew for only an hour of play even with the homeschool discount ... you have to buy their sky socks and good luck washing them and finding them ever again, hence the buying of the sky socks again and again). Get the monthly pass with friend option (a sibling counts as a friend) and go often!
    
    
24. Steamboat Arabia Museum in the City Market area takes care of history for the day.
    
    
25. The completely new and updated Wonderscope Children's Museum in the Red Bridge Area.
    
    
26. Go Kart place in Lee's Summit.
    
    
27. Library events reading time and craft times.
    
    
28. Paint, Glaze and Fire or some other ceramics painting spot (you can take the older kids).
    
    
29. The ballet and KC Symphony.
    
    
30. Check out Stone Lion Puppets' free shows.
    
    
31. 
    
    
32. Impact Gymnastics has a homeschool open play on Mondays and Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. ages 4 and up ... only $5 for an hour of open play (half the price of SkyZone and no Sock Police and a great staff!).
    
    
33. The Foundry Coffeehouse at Foundry Church in Lenexa. Friday afternoons you'll find bunches of homeschoolers there, and other times they have the gym open for open play (call for times), as well as a fantastic toddler play room that's open all the time (glass walls so you can have some coffee and watch your kids at the same time).

I've got a massive list of field trip ideas come soon!

When you get home from having a ton of fun with your kids, make one of these tater tot casserole recipes for dinner!

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: 43rd Annual Groundhog Run 5K, 10K, and Tunnel-to-Tunnel

 

What: Groundhog Run 5K, 10K, and Tunnel-to-Tunnel

When: Sunday, February 2, 2025

Where: The Hunt Midwest SubTropolis in KCMO (8300 NE Underground Drive, Kansas City, MO 64161)

From the KC Running Company Event Calendar: We are thrilled for the return of the Groundhog Run this winter! Please join us February 2, 2025, for the 43rd annual Groundhog Run, benefiting the children with disabilities receiving services at Ability KC. This unique event gives athletes the opportunity to participate in the 5K, 10K, and Tunnel- to-Tunnel experiences. With a consistent temperature of 65 to 68 degrees and paved underground streets. The Hunt Midwest SubTropolis, a USATF Certified 5K and 10K Course, is the ideal venue for runners from all over the country to compete in this annual winter event.

Register, Volunteer, Sponsor! Become one of the thousands of individuals who have become part of Ability KC’s legacy and helped support this event to build brighter futures for children with disabilities. No matter how you choose to support the Groundhog Run, this year will be packed with excitement and celebration.

More details can be found here!

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day, which is always the first Wednesday in April.

When you're all done exercising, I bet you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of comfort and recovery food for dinner!

Making the Most of Christmas Break While House Hunting

The holiday season is often a time for family and celebrations, but it also presents a unique opportunity for those looking to make progress on their real estate purchasing goals. Zillow is one really great tool. While house hunting during Christmas break can seem difficult due to the season’s hustle and bustle, it can offer distinct advantages if approached strategically. 

1. Using Time Off to Tour Homes

One of the key benefits of Christmas break is the extra time off from work and school. Families can take advantage of this time to tour multiple properties and explore different neighborhoods. Since many people slow down during the holidays, scheduling showings can be more flexible. This gives buyers the opportunity to visit homes more efficiently, seeing more properties in a shorter period. 

Homeschooling families or those with children on a break can involve everyone in the decision-making process. This allows for a better understanding of how well a home might suit the needs of the entire family. 

Budgeting for Christmas — Start Now!

There are just over two months left until Christmas. While that might seem like a long way away, that usually means there are just a few paydays left. Many people leave thinking about their Christmas budget until the last minute, but consider this your warning to get your finances into shape. 

Want to get ahead of Christmas this year? Here’s how you can start budgeting for Christmas and save some extra money too!

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Work out what you need

It’s easy to go crazy over the holidays, losing track of what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent. But if you’ve got a plan in place, you should be able to stick to it. Think of all the things you need for Christmas, from gifts and decorations to food and drink. Once you’ve got it all written out in front of you, you can see how much money you need to save and maybe make some tough decisions about your priorities. Check out this post on Ramsey Solutions on How to Set up Your Christmas Budget.

Christmas Baking: Heavenly Coconut Chocolate Bars

It's never too early to make your Christmas Baking Plan! These little gems go fast in my house when I make them, and they are so easy that now the kids can make them too. They are the perfect dessert for someone who has just had a baby, and they are certainly always on my list for a food gift to give during any holiday!

Here's the recipe for these sinful bars I like to bake and gift as Christmas goodies. Then I bake a batch just for me and snack on them out of the fridge because they are better cold. They rock.

Enhancing Your Garage: Transformative Tips for a Functional Space

Key Takeaways:

• Learn practical tips to transform your garage into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space.
• Discover the importance of proper flooring and storage solutions for a well-organized garage.
• Understand how to maintain and care for your garage to prolong its lifespan and utility.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Garage Renovation
3. Choosing the Right Flooring
4. Effective Storage Solutions
5. Maintaining a Garage
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Garages are evolving from their traditional role as mere vehicle storage spaces to multifunctional areas that serve various needs, from workshops to home gyms. A well-organized and aesthetically pleasing garage adds value to your home and enhances your daily life with improved functionality. Whether you're considering garage epoxy in Nashville or looking for clever storage ideas, every aspect of your garage can be tailored to meet your needs. Exciting, right? Let's dive into some transformative tips to help you turn your garage into a well-ordered oasis.

Creative Indoor Lighting Solutions for a Cozy Home

 

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Basics of Indoor Lighting
2. Lighting Design Tips for Every Room
3. Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
4. Creating Mood with Lighting
5. The Benefits of Smart Lighting

Understanding the Basics of Indoor Lighting

Indoor lighting is not just about illuminating a space. It plays a crucial role in the overall ambiance and functionality of your home. Proper lighting can enhance your décor, make spaces appear more prominent, and even impact your mood. In places like Tampa, where diverse lighting is required due to varying interior styles, solutions such as tech lighting Tampa, FL, offer versatile options for every room. Good lighting design takes careful planning and execution. Understanding how different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—work together can help you create a beautifully lit home. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and sets the general mood. Task lighting focuses on specific work areas like kitchen counters or reading nooks, and accent lighting adds depth while highlighting architectural features or artwork.

10 Terrific and Unique Benefits of Homeschooling

ID 150714829 © Arloofs | Dreamstime.com

If you’re questioning whether homeschooling is the right choice for your family, check out some of these unique benefits and then see what you think! Of course, you’ll have challenging days, but you’ll have a whole lot of fun alongside your kids, too! 

Please check out my article over at Calgary's Child titled 10 Unique Benefits of Homeschooling, and peruse all the other great articles on their site as well. I have quite a few homeschooling articles over there, as well!

Have a great homeschool year!

Protect Your Family: Effective Mosquito Control Measures

Implementing effective mosquito control measures includes eliminating standing water, maintaining clean gutters, and using mosquito traps. Professional services can provide targeted treatments for severe infestations. Regular inspections and proactive measures help ensure a mosquito-free environment, safeguarding your family from potential health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

Understanding the Mosquito Problem

In addition to being an itch, mosquitoes may spread dangerous illnesses, including malaria, Zika, and West Nile. In many regions, including areas in the mosquito control in South Shore, MA, maintaining effective mosquito control is essential for a healthy environment. Not only do mosquitoes reduce the quality of outdoor experiences, but their presence can also pose severe public health risks. But how can we manage these pesky insects effectively to ensure our family's safety?

Learn more about mosquitoes from the CDC, enhancing our understanding of these tiny yet impactful creatures.

What is Attachment Parenting?

Originally posted January 2016 (update at bottom)

Dear New Attachment Parenting Mother,

My youngest attachment-parented kid of 5 children has been sleeping around.

Around the house.

And I want you to know that this is going to happen to you someday, at your house. Tell your husband this is going to happen and have him read this. But you only need to show him this if he is a naysayer and thinks your baby or toddler who is sleeping in your bed and is attached to your breast nonstop is soon going to be a teenager who still sleeps in the shape of an X in between the two of you. You might also want to send this link to your mom, mother-in-law, sister, neighbor, and/or friend who think you are hurting your kid by sleeping with him.

We started attachment parenting in 2001 with our first kid. I say "we" because my husband was supportive and that is VERY important. Having a kid really tries a marriage and being on the same page with anyone about anything most of the time is hard, let alone when you are dealing with an extra human life in your house that is so very easy to mess up. (aren't we all messed up a little bit, in some way? nobody gets out totally healthy)

Check out this little thing I wrote back in 2012 about the Attachment Parenting Debate.

5K Run/Walks in Kansas City: Sweetheart Run/Walk

What: Sweetheart Run/Walk

When: (stay tuned for 2025 date)

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.