Halloween Party Food - Frankenstein Layered Dip

Halloween Party Food Recipe: Frankenstein Layered Taco Dip with Spooky Tortilla Crisps

Get Spooky & Satisfy with Frankenstein Layered Dip & Halloween Tortilla Crisps 🎃

As the leaves outside turn golden, the air crisp, and the pumpkin-candles flicker, it’s time to bring a little themed magic into your get-togethers. Enter the show-stopper: the Frankenstein Layered Dip with Halloween Tortilla Crisps (thanks to Ralphs for the inspiration!) — a booo-tiful, effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for families, Halloween gatherings, and friendly potlucks. For the complete step-by-step recipe, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

Why it’s a winner for families and get-togethers

Easy to throw together: The recipe lists a prep time of just about 35 minutes and a cook/assembly time of around 8 minutes (total approx. 43 minutes). Perfect for squeezing in after the kids’ homework or while you’re prepping other dishes.
Layered fun for little helpers: Kids can help build the “Franken-look” layers — spreading the sour cream/cream-cheese base, layering pico de gallo, shredded cheese, guacamole, beans … it becomes a hands-on mini-project.
Festive and thematic without being fussy: With a clever Frankenstein-inspired presentation (think green guacamole “skin”, black olive “bolts”, bean “scars” or whatever you choose), it brings Halloween décor to the table without requiring a twenty-step gourmet process.
Feeds a crowd: The recipe serves about 24 (so you’ve got more than enough for neighbours, trick-or-treaters, and family members alike) according to the original listing (Ralphs)
Kid-friendly & adjustable: You can dial the spice up or down, skip or swap ingredients, and still maintain the layered visual and flavor impact.
Great for mingling: One dish everyone can graze on while chatting, costumed kids dart about, and adults sip something seasonal. No one stuck in the kitchen.

Frankenstein Inspired Taco Dip for Halloween Parties

How to turn it into a Halloween hit

Presentation is everything: Use a rectangular or oval dish and layer in the “Frankenstein colours”. Spread the sour cream/cream cheese mix as a base (that’s the “face”). On top, layer green guacamole (the “skin”) and then arrange black olives to look like hair or bolts. Maybe a drizzle of taco-seasoning-spiced sour cream to look like “scars”.
Use themed chips: Create Halloween tortilla chips by using cookie cutters to make pumpkins, bats and ghosts out of tortillas (recipe below). If you don’t have time to make those, serve the dip with green spinach tortilla chips, or black corn chips, or even pumpkin-shaped tortilla chips if you find them. Adds extra fun for the kids.
Add spooky bite markers: Place little plastic picks shaped like skulls or use toothpicks with mini flags labeled “Bite the monster!” to make it interactive.
Pair it with a family-friendly drink: Maybe a “Witch’s Brew” punch or just sparkling apple cider in orange cups—this dish hits the savoury snack spot, so you can keep beverages simple.
Let the kids get creative: After you’ve done the main layers, let each child add one extra decoration on top—a cherry-tomato “eye”, a slice of jalapeño “mouth”, etc. Great for bonding and gives them a sense of ownership.
Prep ahead: Because the layered dip is simple, you can assemble most of it earlier in the day (or even the night before) and just finish any fresh toppings just before guests arrive. That means more time to greet people, help with costumes, and enjoy the moment.

Final spooky bite

So, whether you’re hosting a mini Halloween party, prepping for costume night, or simply want a snack that says festive + family + easy, the Frankenstein Layered Dip is your go-to. It brings flavor, visual fun, and zero fuss.

RECIPE: Frankenstein Layered Taco Dip with Spooky Tortilla Crisps

Serves: 24 | Prep Time: Minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces Sour Cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
2 cups pico de gallo
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups prepared guacamole
2 large black olives
2⁄3 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
8 (10”) flour tortillas
4 tablespoons butter
Garlic salt, to taste

Directions

Combine sour cream, cream cheese and taco seasoning in a bowl until well blended.
In an 8”x 8” casserole dish evenly spread sour cream mixture, top with a layer each of pico, cheese and guacamole. Arrange black olive and black beans to create Frankenstein’s hair, eyes, brows and mouth. Refrigerate until serving.
Heat oven to 400°F.
Cut tortillas with a 2½”-3” Halloween themed cookie cutter. Place on baking sheets; brush with melted butter on one side. Flip brush with remaining butter. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake 6-8 minutes until browned and crispy; cool.
Serve tortilla crisps with layered dip.
Refrigerate leftover dip. Store crisps at room temperature in an airtight container.

This recipe was featured in my KTLA Morning News segment about easy Halloween party food. You can watch the segment below and find more recipes on my blog here.

Watch Halloween Party Food Ideas on KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles below!

Do you have any favorite Halloween party food recipes? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram and TikTok!

XO Maggie

Last-Minute Valentine’s Party Ideas for Kids!

Holidays, kids

I’ve always appreciated Valentine’s Day, but I love the holiday more now that I have kids. My son especially loves Valentine’s Day and has declared it as his second favorite holiday after Christmas. Every year, we have so much fun making Valentine’s crafts, heart-shaped treats and finding thoughtful ways to tell our family, teachers and friends that we love them.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, and our school district has the President’s Day holiday (this year, President’s Day is Feb. 17 — it always the third Monday in February) listed as a 4-day weekend, instead of the typical 3-day weekend that I grew up with. So, the kids will be home for Valentine’s Day! Curious about how we should spend the holiday, I decided we’ll host a last-minute mini Valentine’s Day party. As I’m typing this, we’re only two days away from Valentine’s Day, so we need food, decor and activities that we can pull together fast and easy!

Below, I’ve listed my favorite ideas for hosting a last-minute Valentine’s Day party for kids, including heart-shaped food, festive decor and love-themed crafts and games! I also shared these ideas on KTLA Morning News – scroll to the bottom to watch the clip!

Sharing my last-minute Valentine’s Party ideas for kids on KTLA Morning News

VALENTINE’S DAY FOOD FOR KIDS

Heart Shaped Mini Tortilla Pizzas

I love that these pizzas are only three ingredients – so easy! Thanks to TheBakerMama for this cute recipe!

Ingredients:

12 street taco size tortillas
12 slices mozzarella cheese
36 pepperoni slices
1/2 cup prepared pizza or marina sauce, for serving

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Cut each tortillas into a heart shape with a 4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter or shape the tortillas into hearts with kitchen scissors. Place the heart-shaped tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until they start to lightly brown and crisp around the edges.
While the tortillas are baking, cut slices of mozzarella cheese with the same heart-shaped cookie cutter you used to cut the tortillas.
Use a mini (1-inch) heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the pepperoni into heart shapes or shape the pepperoni into hearts with kitchen scissors.
Once the heart-shaped tortillas have baked, place a slice of heart-shaped mozzarella cheese onto each tortilla and then 3 mini heart-shaped pepperonis.
Return the topped tortillas to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown in spots.
Serve with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.

Deviled Strawberries

This is an adorable healthy-ish treat from one of my favorite TV chef Katie Lee Biegel. The deviled strawberries’ filling is the same recipe – marshmallow creme and cream cheese – used for fruit dip at parties when I was growing up in the 90s. Top your deviled strawberries with coconut, chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Find the full recipe here.

Photo courtesy of Food Network, Katie Lee Biegel

Assorted Treats from Cheryl’s Cookies and 1800 Flowers

It’t not a Valentine’s Day party without heart-shaped treats and chocolate, of course! Cheryl’s Cookies and 1800 Flowers has you covered with a large variety of beautiful and playful treats perfect for a kids Valentine’s Day party! Plus, Cheryl’s and 1800 Flowers offer same day or next day delivery in many zip codes throughout the United States. This is a perfect last-minute option for treats when hosting a party. Here are three of my favorite Valentine’s treats for kids from Cheryls.com and 1800flowers.com:

Cheryl’s Cookies Valentine Gift Tin Treats Assortment – This cute heart cookie tin comes with 15 snack size butter shortbread heart cookies plus 17 other different treats, like raspberry galettes, buttercream frosted red heart cutout cookies, cheesecake flavored buttercream frosted raspberry cookie, gourmet drizzled chocolate pretzel and a raspberry crumb bar, so all your party guests can choose their favorite goodies. Purchase this cookie tin here.

1800 Flowers Fleur de Chocolate Belgian Chocolate Roses – This box of chocolate roses not only looks stunning on your party table, it’s fun to eat while letting each guest pick their favorite rose! This also could be a fabulous hostess gift! Purchase the beautiful chocolate rose box here.

Disney Princess Explosion Box with Spinning Music Stand – Add some excitement to your Valentine’s treat table with this show-stopping explosion music box that’s perfect for a Disney princess fan! When your kids open the box, they’ll feel completely enchanted by the flurry of bright butterflies and a delicious strawberry shortcake topped with an edible bow. Purchase this fun music box with strawberry cake here.

VALENTINE’S DAY DECOR FOR KIDS

Florals from 1800 Flowers

Flowers are an iconic symbol of Valentine’s Day, and 1800Flowers.com is the floral and gift authority with 49 years of helping consumer’s celebrate the love-filled holiday! In fact, this year they plan to deliver 24 million stems with 15.5 million of them being roses! They have a curated collection of fun gifts and floral bouquets that are perfect celebrating with your littlest sweethearts and are available for next-day and same-day delivery on Valentine’s Day. A favorite arrangement of mine is the Fields of Europe Romance Bouquet. This vibrant mixed bouquet includes a variety of pink and red blooms. On special request, the blooms can feature a whimsical heart banner that says “Happy Valentine’s Day.” I also adore this Love Pup Arrangement for kids, which includes a plush puppy! Arrangements from 1800 Flowers are designed and delivered by a local florist in your community. If you’re looking to support a local business, this is a great way to do that!

Heart Shaped Table Runner

Sprucing up your dining table for Valentine’s Day is easier than you think with foam paper! I love using foam paper for easy crafts, like the heart-shaped table runner. I used pre-cut foam hearts, but you could also cut them yourself from regular foam paper. You could always use construction paper to create a similar table runner, but I prefer foam paper because I think it looks nicer, and it lasts longer!

Tissue Paper Wreath

This was a craft my mother taught me in the 90s, and now I love that I get to share it with my children! To make this wreath, cut a large heart out of a piece of cardboard. You’ll also need Elmer’s liquid glue, a pencil with an eraser, and LOTS of squares of tissue paper – preferably in red and pink Valentine’s colors! If you want to hang it inside or outside, attach a ribbon or decorative pipe cleaner as a hook on the back of the wreath once complete.

Photo Courtesy of Creative Station by Baker Ross

VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

XO Tic-Tac-Toe

In my opinion, there’s not a more fitting kids’ game for Valentine’s Day than tic-tac-toe because of its X’s and O’s! I used foam paper and decorative craft tape to make one version of a tic-tac-toe board and painted wooden hearts for another. You can create X’s and O’s out of pipe cleaners (bonus points if you shape the O into a heart!) or use different colored candies for opposing players. I used Dove milk chocolate hearts for one player and Dove dark chocolate hearts for another.

Valentine’s Themed Tumble Tower

Put a love-themed spin on the classic tumble tower game! I got this cute idea from Vanessa at the Tried and True Creative Blog. Jazz up your blocks with some red hearts, then write Valentine’s themed instructions on each block. Every time your child pulls out a block, they have to follow the instructions. Blocks could say, “Show us how dogs say I love you,” “Give me Eskimo kisses,” or “What do you love most about yourself?” I’ve seen many different versions of Tumble Towers available on Amazon and at Target, Dollar Tree and craft stores, and I used paint pens to write on the blocks.

Melissa & Doug Heart Themed Crafts

Sometimes, we don’t have the time or energy to make our own crafts, so I adore Melissa & Doug for helping out with their heart themed craft kits. Melissa & Doug has long been one of my favorite children’s toy and activity brands. From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug products inspire creative thinking through screen-free, open-ended play. They intentionally make well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. Here’s some of their great heart-themed craft products to consider adding to your Valentine’s Day party:

Created By Me! Heart Beads Wooden Bead Kit

Created by Me! Heart Box Wooden Craft Kit

Wooden Stamp Set – Friendship

All these crafts are so fun to do with friends and guaranteed to last!

Watch the full TV segment featuring all these ideas on YouTube, linked below!

What other ideas do you have for a kids Valentine’s Day party? Share in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram at @maggiehjackson.

5 Easter Basket Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Holidays, kids, Lifestyle

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and recommend. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

Orange color themed Easter gift basket for teens

My mother was the best at making holidays magical when I was a kid, and I have such fond memories of Easter Sunday morning. The night before Easter, my parents would help us set out carrots for the Easter bunny to munch on as a thank you for stopping by our house. We’d wake up early, run downstairs, and see our pastel wicker Easter basket filled with goodies! Some of the top Easter basket filler gifts that I remember were coloring books, a Barbie doll, a VHS of “Beauty and the Beast,” a giant chocolate bunny and Cadbury Creme Eggs. Man, those creamy, chocolatey eggs are GOOD!

These days, I hear of parents giving some outrageous gifts to their kids for Easter, like concert tickets and bikes. When I was growing up, Easter basket gifts were never as big as Christmas gifts. Whatever fit into our small baskets is what we got, and I’d like to keep that tradition for my kids. I try to make the gifts even more practical and fun with themed baskets! By sticking to a theme, parents keep from overspending on unnecessary trinkets and toys. I also love a practical theme, like a “summer” themed basket to prep kids for their summer activities and trips. If your kids are growing like weeds, like mine, then they’ve likely outgrown last year’s swimsuit, and they could probably use a swim goggles upgrade along with some summer vacation road trip activities and crafts to keep them entertained while at home on a hot summer day.

Yep, themed baskets are the way to go, and I have 5 fabulous ideas to share for you to recreate for your kids Easter baskets! Below are my recommendations for Easter basket theme ideas for kids aged newborn to teen!

Baby’s First Easter Basket

An adorably personalized basket for newborns and infants celebrating their first Easter!

A personalized baby’s first Easter themed gift basket from Personalization Mall

There’s nothing more precious than creating memories around your baby’s first Easter, and one way to make the memories last forever is with personalized keepsake Easter gifts from Personalization Mall, like a bib and diaper cover. Personalization Mall provides thousands of unique keepsakes that can be delivered quickly for Easter and beyond. They are the go-to resource for creating personalized gifts that are perfect for celebrating Easter with your kids – especially if it’s your baby’s first holiday! Give baby something to love with a personalized security blanket, stuffy and personalized book, too! For Easter 2024, be sure to place your order by March 19 for the personalized book in order for it to arrive in time for Easter, as this item takes 7-10 days to personalize and ship. For all other items, you can order up until March 29 at 9 am PST to receive in time for the holiday. But, if you order by March 25 you will save big on shipping!

Here’s what to put in the basket:

Personalized White Bunny Easter Basket Liner & Natural Basket with Folding Handle

Baby’s First Easter Personalized Bunny Security Blanket

Baby’s First Easter Personalized Baby Bib

Personalized 16″ Plush First Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is Coming To Where I Live Personalized Storybook

Busy Toddler Easter Basket

A basket filled with age-appropriate arts and crafts from Michaels is sure to keep your toddler busy and creative this Easter season!

Busy toddler themed Easter basket with lots of activities and crafts from Michaels

I’ve been a fan of shopping at Michaels for holidays for my whole life. Seriously, I’d go with my mom when I was in preschool to buy craft supplies to make our July 4th t-shirts and paint our Keds tennis shoes! Now, Michaels has more than ever, and it’s your one-stop-shop to make festive and creative Easter baskets for your kids, including stuffers, baskets, Easter grass and decorative cellophane wrapping! I love how many options Michaels has for fun and easy crafts for little kids. Create the perfect Easter basket for your busy toddler with the products below:

Large White Decorative Basket with Liner by Ashland®

PEEPS® Marshmallow Scented Play Sand Set, 10ct.

Color In Play Pets Bunny by Creatology™ Easter

Easter Egg Shaped Crayons by Creatology™, 6ct.

Easter Bunny Motif Velvet Poster Kit by Creatology™

Easter Pastel Bunny Shape Bead Kit by Creatology™

10.5″ Gray Plush Easter Bunny by Creatology™

Easter Multi-Character Box of Crafts Activity Kit by Creatology™

Pastel Polka Dot Cello Wrap by Celebrate It™

Pongee Stripes Ribbon by Celebrate It® Easter

Summer Themed Easter Basket

A practical basket to get your kids ready for summer activities and trips!

Maisonette is one of my most favorite online marketplaces for kids apparel, toys, gifts and home decor, because everything they sell is unique and special. Maisonette is your one-stop shop for the best baby and kids products from around the globe! With the warmer seasons right around the corner, Maisonette has all the essentials you need to get your mini ready for Spring and Summer. Whether you’re staying home, taking a vacation, or gearing up for camp, Maisonette is your online destination for quality products of every kind for the little ones in your life; plus, inspiration and intel that’ll make your shopping experience an easy one! For last minute Easter baskets, outfits, activities and decor select 2-day shipping at checkout to make sure you’re Easter Sunday ready. Here’s what to buy to create your child’s summer themed Easter basket:

Tween or Teen Beauty Basket

Your pre-teen or teenager will love these age-appropriate beauty and self-care products from Ulta Beauty!

Lots of beauty and self-care goodies for this Easter basket from Ulta Beauty!

You’ve probably heard that pre-teen skincare is all the rage, so if you have a middle or high school aged kiddo, they’ll love a beauty themed Easter basket! Ulta Beauty has all the best products to introduce your beauty and self-care obsessed kiddo to age-appropriate skincare and makeup. Plus, many of the products come in bright spring colors, so the aesthetic of your basket will be perfect for Easter! Consider all these great skincare, makeup and nail polish ideas for your beauty basket:

Ulta Beauty Electric City Eyeshadow Palette

Ulta Beauty Paradise Pout Lip Plumping Lip Gloss

e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

af94 Acid Patch Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches

Beauty Blender MAKE A SPLASH Blending Duo

Sally Hansen Insta Dri x HERSHEY’S KISSES Nail Polish Quad Pack

Favorite Color Themed Basket

Surprise your child with an Easter basket filled with goodies of their favorite color!

Pink themed Easter basket with gum, Starbucks pink drink, holiday Lip Smackers, lip mask and Easter candy!

An orange color themed Easter gift basket – great for older kids!

Is it just me, or are older kids so hard to shop for? It seems like all they want is gift cards, which takes the fun out of gifting, in my opinion. For an easy Easter basket idea for teenager, college kid, or even your spouse, make a basket filled with items that are their favorite color. This basket idea is also relatively affordable, as you can buy lots of colorful treats at the dollar store, Target, Walmart or Amazon. Here’s what I bought for an orange color themed basket that I put together:

Assorted Easter Bamboo Basket by Creatology™

Lume Whole Body Invisible Cream Tube Deodorant

Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Bunny Easter Candy

I’d love to hear what type of Easter basket you’re putting together for your children! Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more fun family-friendly ideas!

XO Maggie

Personalized Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Kids, Their Friends and Teachers

Holidays, kids

I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day, but when I was a kid growing up the 90s, it felt limiting and sad. Like, why do only couples get to celebrate “the day of love?!” I always had so much anticipation leading up to the holiday only to be let down that it wasn’t necessarily designed for little 7-year-old me. Sure, we had class parties and passed out Valentine’s cards, but it still always felt like the main focus was on romantic couples rather than ALL the people we love.

Then, there came the anti-Valentine’s Day movement when I was in my early 20’s where people dedicated the day to NOT celebrating romance and instead glorified being single. This also felt sad to me. The intent felt like it was coming from a negative place, so I never felt comfortable going out for a night on the town with my single friends celebrating NOT being in love. Valentine’s is supposed to be about all the positivity of LOVE!

Next came the GALentine’s fad in the mid 2010’s, and I loved this trend then and now! Finally, we’re expanding Valentine’s Day to love beyond romantic couples, and we’re sharing love with friends that matter so much to us! Every year, I do a fun little event with girlfriends to celebrate how much we love each other. Gosh, where would I be without the love and support of my gal pals?!

Then, I had children, and it only seemed right that I share my love of Valentine’s Day with them, too! So, in our house, we’ve made a point to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a day full of love for our family and everybody we love! Our kids still get to watch mommy and daddy go on a date and celebrate Valentine’s Day the old-fashioned way (which I feel is important), but we also make time to say and show how much we love each other as a family. And, we share our love with our friends and teachers, too! In our house, there’s never too much love, and it’s important to tell those who we care about how much we love them!

As part of our family’s Valentine’s Day tradition, I love to get small gifts for the children. I know some of you may be rolling your eyes thinking that I’ve fallen victim to another “Hallmark holiday” and consumer capitalism, but don’t freak out… these gifts are nothing like Christmas! They’re just small gestures that say, “I’m thinking of and love you!”

The small Valentine’s gift baskets I gave my kids last year

Another part of our family tradition is taking the time to put together gifts for our children’s friends, family and teachers. It’s so fun to hear what they love about each of their friends and help them pick out gifts for their grandparents and teachers.

I hope you’ll consider joining us in our new way of celebrating Valentine’s Day with everyone! Below, I’ve put together some fun gift ideas for kids, their friends, family and teachers! This year, I’m doing all personalized gifts by purchasing items that can be engraved or monogrammed. There’s just something so much more special about a personalized gift! It feels so thoughtful. Plus, they become keepsakes!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids

Small gift baskets are my go-to for Valentine’s Day. Remember, this is not Christmas, so you don’t need to overdo it! My best recommendation is to stick to a practical theme, so you have a goal in mind and don’t overspend on frivolous toys and candy. For example, if you have a spring break beach vacation coming up, gift your chlid a beach tote filled with beach goodies, like a swimsuit, towel, sand toys, etc. Think of your child’s personality and what they like to do. If you have a budding artist in your house, make them a gift basket filled with art supplies.

For this year’s Valentine’s Day gifts for our kids, I’m turning to Personalization Mall, because they have hundreds of unique gifts you can personalize and use to create theme gift baskets. Here are some of my favorite gift baskets (or in this case, bags and buckets) ideas!

Beach-Goers Gift Bag – Put all these items into the striped beach bag, and you’re all set for your upcoming spring break vacation or summer! For even more fun, add a swimsuit, goggles and beach snacks!

Classic Stripe Personalized Terry Cloth Beach Bag- Large

I Dig You Personalized Beach Pail & Shovel

Classic Stripe Personalized Beach Towel

Vibrant Name Personalized Water Bottle

Sous Chef’s Gift Bucket – If you have a little one who loves helping out in the kitchen, he/she will adore their own personalized chef’s apron, hat and utensils! Add this personalized pizza puzzle for a fun foodie touch! Put everything in an adorable custom treat bucket that can be used year after year!

Chef In Training Personalized Kid’s Apron

Chef In Training Personalized Kid’s Chef Hat

Hearts Personalized Kids Dinnerware

You Have a Pizza My Heart Personalized Round Puzzle

Hugs & Kisses Treat Bucket

Aspiring Artists Gift Bucket – Your little artist will love coloring and painting crafts personalized with their name while wearing this craft smock!

Art Time Personalized Kid’s Craft Apron

Valentine’s Day Personalized Coloring Book

Paint It! Personalized Coloring Canvas Prints

Just For Him Personalized Pencil Box

A Little Treat Bucket Metal Bucket-Large

Construction Lovers Bucket – If your little love can’t get enough diggers and bulldozers, consider building him/her a bucket filled with construction toys and gifts.

I Dig You Personalized Bucket-Large

Construction Crew Personalized Kids Hat

I Dig You Sweatshirt

I Dig You Socks

Melissa & Doug Personalized Tool Kit

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids’ Family

There’s no more precious gift than a photo of your kids, and Shutterbugs Photoshoots in LA has Valentine’s themed set-ups for your little loves! Founded by local mom, Rachel Nomann, Shutterbugs puts a unique spin on classic studio photography by capturing a variety of headshots showcasing your children’s personality in a monochromatic style. Shutterbugs is offering three mini photo shoot dates for special Valentine’s Day themed photos – January 28, January 31 and February 1 – but you can book a session with Rachel year-round, too! The Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions are 10-15 minutes per child for $100, and you’ll receive 5-7 black and white high-resolution images per child. Regular photo sessions are $200 per child and include 15-30+ high-resolution images of your child. I did a regular Shutterbugs photo session last year with my two kiddos, and we have used these photos several times as gifts for grandparents and friends, in addition to printing them for art on our wall at home. For larger wall prints, Rachel recommends using Smallwood Home. For standard prints both large or small, she recommends Shutterfly, Minted, or Artifact Uprising. To book a Valentine’s Mini Session or Regular Session with Shutterbugs Photoshoots, visit the link in Rachel’s Instagram @shutterbugs_photoshoots, or email littleshutterbugs@gmail.com.

Class Valentine’s Day Cards

I get nostalgic every year helping my kids making Valentine’s cards for their classmates. What a fun tradition! This year, I wanted to do something a bit more special! Instead of buying whatever character-themed cards were left on the shelves at Target, we decided to create our own personalized class Valentine’s cards with Minted. I love that Minted has hundreds of cards to choose from, and you can personalize each card with your preferred colors, shapes and messaging. This was a perfect excuse to use our Shutterbugs Photoshoots images, too! If you don’t want to use a photo, there’s so many fun cards with cute Valentine’s Day puns or games, like word searches and mazes. I also love that there’s some cards that encourage giving small toys and snacks rather than candy. We ended up choosing few different cards to give to our friends at school and at other activities, like tee ball and music class. We’re looking forward to giving our friends the cards you see below!

You Color My World Valentine’s Cards

You Color My World Stickers

Crayola Crayons Party Favor Pack

Just Another Cheezy Valentine Cards

Just Another Cheezy Valentine Stickers

Cheez-It Cheese Crackers Variety Pack

Happy Heart Day Photo Card

Happy Heart Day Custom Stickers

Jumbo Hearts Photo Card

Jumbo Hearts Custom Stickers

Wonderful Words Cards

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Make class Valentine’s Day cards with us!

Gifts for Kids’ Teachers

Teachers need ALL the love on Valentine’s Day! After all, they take great care into loving and teaching our children every day! Instead of gifting your child’s teacher the typical chocolates or flowers this Valentine’s Day, I recommend giving something personal and useful! The best place for personalized gifts in LA? The Monogrammed Home in San Marino! And, if you don’t live in LA, they ship! This adorable boutique has a large variety of thoughtful upscale gifts that can be engraved or monogrammed. I love the idea of giving teachers tote bags filled with desk supplies and other teacher essentials, like a cosmetics bag, key chain, etc. It’s also fun to make sure all the items are red and pink for Valentine’s Day! Below are some fabulous teacher gift ideas from The Monogrammed Home. Make sure you get all your orders in by February 2, so that you’ll get them monogrammed in time for Valentine’s Day! Shopping from here also means you’ll be supporting a small local mom-owned business! LOVE!

Teachers Rule Notepad

Screen Cleaning Towelettes

I’d love to hear about how you plan to spend Valentine’s Day in the comments below! For more product recommendations and lifestyle tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok!

XO Maggie

Best Thanksgiving Casseroles

Cooking, Holidays

It’s Thanksgiving prep time, and I’m whipping up my favorite dishes in advance so that I don’t have to scramble the day of Thanksgiving to get the big feast on the table. As the host, I want to enjoy the day with my guests instead of spending all my time in the kitchen.

Enter the casseroles… Would it even be Thanksgiving without casseroles?! I love that you an make casseroles ahead of time, so Thanksgiving day can be a bit more enjoyable.

I grew up in the South, and the Southern women I knew growing up loved a casserole. I specifically remember one ginormous Thanksgiving I went to where everyone was asked to bring a dish and almost every single dish was a casserole except the turkey. Seriously, I’ve never seen so many casseroles! Green bean, corn souffle, au gratin potato, sweet potato, macaroni, broccoli and cheese, 10 different versions of dressing… it was a sight!

Now, I understand that some people despise casseroles. I mean, I get it. If you grew up eating casseroles at potluck dinners in the South, there is a strong chance that you’ve had some yucky casseroles! But, as someone who loves cooking for the selfish reason of wanting to eat tasty food, I have made it a priority to make my Thanksgiving casserole recipes yummy!

The best part about Thanksgiving casseroles? Most of them can be made and frozen weeks before the holiday to help eliminate cooking on the actual T-Day. Simply take them out of the freezer the night before to thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

If you’re looking for a tried and true Thanksgiving side dish, I’ve shared a list of my favorite casseroles below!

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole

This was my favorite Thanksgiving side growing up, and I’m certain that’s because it tasted more like dessert than a vegetable. I’ve never been a fan of adding marshmallows to the sweet potato casserole, though. That’s just too dessert-like. This dish from Food Network is simple to make and a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal. Find the full recipe here.

Bacon-Brussels Sprout-Green Bean Casserole

When I was a kid, my mother taught me that Southern Living ALWAYS has the best recipes. So far, she’s been right. I’ve yet to try a recipe from the premier southern magazine that hasn’t been delicious. Just like this Bacon-Brussels Sprout-Green Bean Casserole. I grew up only eating green bean casserole at Thanksgiving but have taken to loving brussels sprouts in my adult years, so I love that this recipe combines them. Plus, every dish with bacon is better! This recipe calls for frozen green beans, but I like to use fresh. Find this full recipe here.

PHOTO: VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH STELLING; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

Cornbread, Chorizo, Cherry and Pecan Stuffing

When I first hosted Thanksgiving a decade ago, I was really interested in impressing my guests with some stellar sides. My foodie co-worker recommended this cherry-chorizo stuffing recipe to me, and it did not disappoint! I’ve always preferred cornbread stuffing, and the pecans are reminiscent of the dressing I ate growing up. Get the full recipe from Bon Appetit here.

Mashed Potato Casserole

I have a confession… I don’t really love mashed potatoes! I’ve always found them to be a bit bland. A loaded baked potato with bacon, butter and cheese, though? Heck yes! That’s why I love this Mashed Potato Casserole — its a combination of mashed potatoes and a loaded baked potato in one! So creamy and so delicious! Get the full recipe from House of Yumm here.

There you have it, folks! These are the Thanksgiving casseroles I swear by and the ones our family enjoys each year.

Let me know in the comments below which of these you’d like to try! Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok for more easy recipes and family-friendly holiday ideas.

XO Maggie

The Ultimate Timeline for Planning Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Holidays, Lifestyle

The nation’s biggest meal is upon us! If you are playing host(ess) this Thanksgiving, I’m delighted to share this 2-week dinner prep timeline to help you manage your time and stress leading up to the holiday. No one wants to be frazzled and rushed on Thanksgiving Day! As the person who is sacrificing their time, their home, their kitchen, their money and their sanity to host such a monumental meal, you deserve to mingle with your guests, have a glass of wine… heck, you even deserve to take some time to sit down and rest!

How gorgeous is this outdoor Thanksgiving tablescape? Stole this inspo from andeelayne.com.

You’re probably wondering what makes me qualified to share this Thanksgiving dinner prep timeline. As I’m writing this post, I’m preparing to host my 9th Thanksgiving in California. While I’m probably not as experienced as your granny who’s been making Thanksgiving for decades, I feel like I’ve learned all the rights and wrongs of how to prep for the “big feast” over the last 9 years with minimal help. You see, while I host 6-12 family members for Thanksgiving every year, I don’t actually have any family that lives close by to help prepare dinner (all of our relatives live in Texas). Other than my mother lending me a hand in the kitchen the day of Thanksgiving, there’s rarely any other assistance or delegation for the meal. My family is usually staying in hotels, so unless they pick up something from a restaurant or grocery store, no one is bringing appetizers and side dishes to contribute. And, to be honest, that’s okay with me. There’s no old auntie who insists on bringing her infamous green jello salad (thank god), so I have full liberty to craft our family’s Thanksgiving to my liking. Wow, that makes me sound like a control freak, which I promise I’m not — or am I?! No, what its really about is that I’m delighted to GIVE this meal to my family for Thanksgiving. What an honor it is to have so many family members travel thousands of miles to spend Thanksgiving with us. My husband and I are both the babies of our families, and it’s our way to thank our parents and older siblings for everything they’ve done for us over the years and thank them for making the trip to be with us on this holiday.

Our simple 2021 Thanksgiving tablescape. Rather than making our table busy with decor, I wanted to guests to enjoy each other and the view!

Below, you’ll find my 2-week Thanksgiving timeline with suggestions for food, drink and table preparations. This is the timeline I follow every year for a nearly seamless Thanksgiving Day where I can actually relax, sit on our balcony and chat with with my family and sip sangria while taking in our home’s beautiful SoCal mountain views.

If you’d like to learn from some of my past Thanksgiving hosting mistakes (or just have a good laugh!) scroll to the bottom of this post where I share three “Turkey Day Dinner Blunders.”

Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner Prep Timeline:

2 Weeks Before

Plan out your table – Pull out your serving ware, dishes, table linens and décor you plan to use for Thanksgiving dinner. Make sure you have enough chairs for everyone.
Take inventory of kitchen tools – Is your food processor still missing that one blade? Do you know where your turkey baster is? Is it time to upgrade your mixer? Now is the time to locate and update your cooking gadgets, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while.
Plan your dinner and make your shopping list – List everything you plan to serve. Make note of the spices and ingredients you already have on hand and make a list of what you need to purchase.

Weekend Before

Buy your turkey and non-perishable food products and drinks – If your turkey is frozen, put it in the refrigerator to thaw. Stock up on your canned beans and vegetables, dried seasonings, nuts, seeds and beverages.
If you’re planning to make casseroles and desserts ahead of time and freeze them, make them now – For less stress on the day of Thanksgiving, desserts, dressing and casseroles, like sweet potato casserole, corn casserole and macaroni and cheese, can often be frozen then reheated in the oven.

3 Days Before

Shop for perishable food products – This is when you purchase your produce and dairy so it’s fresh for cooking the big meal

Day Before

Move frozen casseroles and dessert to fridge – If you made and froze your casseroles and dessert ahead of time, this is now the time to start letting them thaw.
Make remaining casseroles and dressing – If you didn’t already make your casseroles and freeze them, make them now and keep in the refrigerator until one hour before dinner.
Prep for remaining dishes and sides – Chop vegetables, make yeast rolls recipe to rise overnight, try to do as much as possible to make your holiday easier, and make a list of when everything should go in the oven tomorrow to be ready at the same time.

Thanksgiving Morning

Take the turkey out of the refrigerator and start prep – Let your turkey sit for 2 hours at room temperature before roasting. Plan on 13 minutes of roasting time for every pound or 15 minutes per pound if stuffed. You can view my Thanksgiving Turkey recipe here.
Set the table and arrange any centerpieces.
Get wine chilling and get your cocktail/drink station ready.

3-4 Hours Before Dinner

Assemble appetizers and remaining side dishes – Get as much completed as possible. You can always reheat dishes the hour before dinner.

2 Hours Before Dinner

Turn on music – Before guests arrive, set the mood for your party with music. Town & Country created a great Thanksgiving music playlist if you need inspiration.
Set out appetizers – The focus of the day is Thanksgiving dinner, so don’t stress about this too much. Some simple cheeses, crackers, fancy nuts and a fruit bowl is perfect. I also love the ease of premade snacks from my grocer’s freezer section and premade cheeseboards and dips from the deli section.
Set out drinks – Have your chilled wine and signature cocktail (if you’re making) easily accessible to guests. If dinner’s late, they won’t care if they have a drink in hand and some simple snacks! My guests have always enjoyed this Thanksgiving Sangria. I also fill a large pitcher with ice water and sliced lemons.
Let casseroles come to room temperature.

1 Hour Before Dinner

Take turkey out of oven – You turkey needs to rest 30 minutes to 1 hour before carving.
Reheat casseroles – Adjust oven temperature to

30 Minutes Before Dinner

Carve the turkey.
Assemble salad if making.

15 Minutes Before Dinner

Set out food – Take everything out of the oven and set on your dinner table or buffet table.
Light candles if using.

My 2022 roasted turkey was beautiful! My secrets for the best-ever juicy turkey include (1) cooking the bird breast side down for the majority of the roasting, (2) seasoning with Williams Sonoma turkey seasoning paste and (3) topping with Williams Sonoma turkey roasting glaze the 30 minutes of roasting.

Turkey Day Dinner Blunders

As promised, here are some of the silly mistakes that I’ve made when hosting Thanksgiving. Learn what not to do from my past blunders!

But it ain’t got wing: My first year hosting, I was intimidated to make a turkey, so I bought a premade smoked turkey from a local BBQ joint thinking that my barbecue-loving Texan relatives would get a kick out of it! I ordered a 12 lb. turkey to feed 8 adults. Well, when I went to pick up the turkey on Thanksgiving Day, they gave me a turkey that was 9 lb. because they “ran out” of the larger turkeys. I had no other choice so last minute, so I took the smaller turkey. Not only did we not have enough meat to happily feed everyone, the turkey was missing a wing… so it was ugly! I’m thankful to my mom and sister-in-law for offering to only have a “taste” of turkey that year. Lesson learned: If you’re going to order a premade turkey, make sure its from a reputable seller who guarantees the size of the turkey you ordered! This was my first time ordering from the restaurant and found them on an internet search. There wasn’t many restaurant reviews, so I should have taken it as a sign to order something else from them to test before Thanksgiving or at least be a bit skeptical!

When more is a bore: My second year hosting, our house was being renovated, so we rented a condo in Newport Beach to host everyone. Because I had a 3-month-old baby and wasn’t stoked about cooking a large meal in a kitchen I was unfamiliar with, I ordered a premade Thanksgiving dinner from a local grocery store. I was scarred from not having enough turkey the year before, so I over-ordered. I justified spending the extra money with that we’d be able to eat leftovers for a few days and I wouldn’t have to cook (I was an exhausted first-time mom and business owner at the time!). Not only did we have way too much food — think three 9×13 baking dishes of mashed potatoes — the food was TERRIBLE! The stuffing was so bland. I kept adding butter and seasoning trying to spruce it up. The salad was so boring with only iceburg lettuce, diced tomatoes and mini croutons. The turkey was so dry that I was dipping it in BBQ sauce. It was the saddest waste to dump multiple containers of uneaten food in the trash. We considered trying to donate it, but couldn’t figure out all the logistics in time. Lesson learned: Don’t overdo it on food. Again, if you order premade anything, make sure its reputable with good reviews — it’s even better if a friend who’s tried it recommends it!

Don’t dispose-ALL: One year, I was doing a lot of prep work the day before Thanksgiving. As I was cutting and chopping all of the vegetables that I would use in the stuffing, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole, I put all of the veggie waste in our sink’s disposal. I grew up in a house where we put everything in the disposal (banana peels, rotten bunches of lettuce, egg shells… seriously, everything!) in an effort to not stink up the trash, and I didn’t realize that this is not normal behavior until I started living with someone else. Sure enough, I clogged our sink, and boy did it STINK! Every time I turned on the disposal, smelly toxic green-brown sludge came spewing from the drain! It took us the evening and half of Thanksgiving Day to fix, so I was so delayed in prepping my meal without access to the kitchen sink. Needless to say, my Mr. Fix-It (A.K.A. my husband) was not very pleased. And, I hated feeling rushed to make all our dinner the day of Thanksgiving. Lesson learned: Not everything needs to go in the disposal. Also, have a handyman on-call who can come help fix any last-minute house repairs before guests arrive. It seems something in our house always breaks right before we host guests!

Now that I’m looking back, these Thanksgiving mishaps are hilarious! And, I realize that this is what Thanksgiving is about… It’s about the effort. It’s about wanting to create a meal that’s meaningful for your family. It’s not going to be perfect, but you’re going to learn a lot. I also believe that hosting Thanksgiving and the mistakes that can come with it is almost like a rite of passage. I watched my mother host Thanksgiving so many times, and while most of my memories are of how it appeared as though she effortlessly perfected an elaborate meal, I also remember her burning rolls, undercooking the turkey, forgetting to thaw the dessert and other funny little blunders. If you’re not able to execute your perfect Thanksgiving meal as you envisioned, brush it off. From my Thanksgiving missteps examples, I hope you can rest easy knowing you’re not the only one. And, you have 365 to try again (haha!).

Thanksgiving tablescape inspo! I dream of hosting an outdoor Thanksgiving like this one day! Image is from kpetersondesign.com.

Please let me know if this timeline is helpful and if you have any questions in the comments below. Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok for easy recipes, party ideas and tips to simplify your life!

XO Maggie

How to Host a Last-Minute Halloween Party

Holidays, Lifestyle

Don’t let short notice hold you back from hosting a party! If you’re low on time and money, I have some easy, affordable ideas for throwing a last-minute Halloween party!

You can see all my Halloween party ideas on KTLA Morning News! It’s always so fun to join the KTLA team live in-studio! On this visit, I shared some spooky snacks and a creepy (but cute!) dessert using products from Siete Foods and Gelson’s Markets. I also made some simple Halloween decor using items from around my home and craft supplies from Michaels Stores. All my Halloween decor used in the KTLA TV segment is from Michaels (as well as almost all the decor I use in my home for every holiday!).

Halloween party food and decor ideas from Lifestyle and Party Planning Expert Maggie Jackson on KTLA Morning News

EASY HALLOWEEN PARTY FOOD IDEAS

Spiderweb Nacho Dip

An easy and festive Halloween party snack with Mexican flair using my favorite Siete Foods ingredients!

INGREDIENTS:
Bottom layer:
2 cans Siete Foods Vegan Refried Ranchero Beans
2 tbsp lime juice
1.5 tbsp Siete Foods Mild Taco Seasoning
1 tsp minced garlic
3 roma tomatoes, sliced
Middle layer:
1 cup Siete Foods Mild Salsa Roja
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Top layer:
1 cup guacamole (I used @gelsonsmarkets fresh guac or you can make your own)
1 cup sour cream (I used Daisy brand’s squeezable for the spiderweb piping)
For serving: Siete Foods Tortilla Chips (my favorite are Siete Foods Lime Tortilla Chips)

DIRECTIONS:
Arrange sliced tomatoes around edge of large platter.
Assemble bean mixture and spread in center of platter, leaving some tomatoes showing. Make sure that you create a bit of a “bowl” with the bean mixture for the salsa to sit in without running all over the platter.
Spread salsa on top of beans, leaving some edge of beans showing.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of salsa, leaving some salsa showing.
Spoon guacamole over cheese layer and smooth into thin layer.
Use Daisy Squeeze Sour Cream to create spider web design. Top with toy spiders. Serve with Siete Foods tortilla chips.

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Pizza Witch Fingers

These “witch fingers” are quick, easy and no special chef skills are required! When hosting a big party, I’m all about cutting corners to save time, so for this recipe, I used a frozen cheese pizza and premade dipping sauce that I picked up at Gelson’s Market.

INGREDIENTS:
Frozen thin-crust cheese pizza (I used Newman’s Own Four Cheese Pizza)
1 red bell pepper, cut into small triangles
Premade pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Litehouse Jalapeño Ranch Dip (or your other favorite dip like garlic aioli, ranch or marinara)

DIRECTIONS:
Cook frozen pizza according to package instructions.
Cut pizza into very thin triangle slices.
Arrange pizza on circular platter with skinniest ends of the slices facing outward.
Use marinara/pizza sauce as adhesive to add red bell pepper triangles to ends of pizza to resemble fingernails.
Add a small bowl of Jalapeño Ranch Dip in the center of the platter for dipping. Enjoy!

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Spiderweb Brownie Cake

No baking required for this easy and spooky cake! Take 2-3 brownies from the bakery section of the grocery store and add chocolate icing to make a “brownie cake.” Gelson’s Market sells decadent dark chocolate brownies by Renaud’s Patisserie, which works perfect for this! Melted marshmallows create a spiderweb effect!

Create a spiderweb effect on chocolate cake with melted marshmallows!

INGREDIENTS:
2-3 chocolate brownies from your grocer’s bakery section (I chose Renaud’s dark chocolate brownies sold in my local Gelson’s Market)
2 16oz containers of creamy chocolate frosting
1.5 cups mini marshmallows

DIRECTIONS:
Remove brownies from packaging. Place first brownie on platter and top with thin layer of icing.
Add second brownie on top of first brownie and add another thin layer of icing. Repeat this step if you are using three brownies. Cover the sides of the “brownie cake” with remaining chocolate icing.
Place marshmallows into a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
Using a fork, stretch melted marshmallows around brownie cake to create a spiderweb effect. Decorate with toy spiders. Enjoy!

DIY HALLOWEEN DECOR IDEAS

Upcycled Ghosts

I pulled empty containers out of our recycling to make these cute ghosts! I ended up using an apple juice bottle, coffee creamer bottle and smoothie bottle, but you could also use jars. Here’s the list of all the materials:

-Recyclable containers
–Flour sack towels (cheap at Target or Walmart if you don’t have old ones lying around)
-Sparkly black felt adhesive (you could also use regular felt or even construction paper)
-Battery operated twinkle lights
–Clear plastic ornaments or polystyrene craft balls (the clear plastic ornaments are fun because you can add lights inside but I didn’t have enough for all 3 ghosts)

Upcycled Ghosts Decorations for Halloween

Watch how to make these ghosts on my Instagram!

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Ghost Garland

This garland is so simple, and there’s no sewing! Create your own cute ghost garland with a handful of items you may already have at home, like safety pins, clear elastic bands and cotton balls. I got my ribbon, fabric marker and fabric shears at Michaels, which has been my holiday craft and decor go-to store for years! What I love about Halloween crafts is that there’s no pressure to make them exactly right – the imperfections make them spooky!

Ghost garland made with items from around the home and craft products from Michaels

Learn how I made this ghost garland in the video below!

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Bats Centerpiece

Look around your backyard to create this easy centerpiece that will surely impress your guests! I cut branches from a tree and spray painted them black. You could also use dried branches found at Michaels floral department. Next, I created a bat stencil from a bat-shaped cookie cutter and used it to cut about 15 bats from black glitter felt that I found at Michaels. Then, I glued the bats to the branches. I recommend using a hot glue gun, Gorilla super glue or Krazy Glue to ensure they have a strong stick. After they dried, I assembled them into a tall glass cylinder vase. It could be fun to use a spooky vase like this one.

Which of these easy Halloween food and decor ideas would you try? Be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok where I share more easy recipes and fun DIY party ideas!

Happy Halloween!

XO Maggie

Last-Minute Affordable Labor Day Getaways from Los Angeles

Travel

It’s currently early August, and the back-to-school commercials have started and stores are putting out pumpkins and fall decor… Wait, what?! It feels like my summer just got started! If you’re like me, you may not want summer to end. Or, maybe you want the heat to end but still want the free and joyful feeling of one last summer vacation.

Labor Day weekend is traditionally the “last summer hurrah” for most people before school starts and the fall season begins. But, because it’s such a popular holiday weekend, travel prices can be outrageously expensive. Nothing bothers me more than paying double the price for a hotel that I know was much less the weekend before! Maybe it seems that one last holiday weekend escape is out of budget for your family this year, but have no fear, I got you!

After working in travel public relations for over a decade, I’ve become an expert at finding quality hotels in great destinations at prices that make sense. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in places that are easy to get to from Los Angeles for your final summer vacation over Labor Day weekend. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a mountain escape, to get out-of-state or a camping experience, I have something for every budget and taste!

Pst… I also shared this list on KCAL-TV (CBS; Los Angeles) Morning News on August 12, so be sure to check it out below!

Hold up! Before we get into my list of travel destinations, you need to check out my must-have travel products for kids. From portable carseat solutions to in-flight entertainment, I have everything to prep you for your next family vacation!

6 Affordable Labor Day Getaways from LA

SAN DIEGO – Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

A waterfront Best Western?! Yes, please! The best part of Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the views, as it overlooks Point Loma and a private marina which welcomes sailboats, super yachts and cruisers. This budget hotel has a private resort setting with two waterfront swimming pools, a pickleball court, a tennis court, a delicious onsite restaurant, free WiFi, complimentary bike rentals, pier fishing options and boating activity, along with cheap parking at $10 per night. It’s full-service restaurant and bar features breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner featuring delicious California coastal cuisine. When you’re ready to venture out with the fam, the hotel is a short drive to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Ocean Beach.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: A king bedroom starts at $211 over Labor Day Weekend, which is an amazing price for a waterfront hotel over a holiday weekend! Click here to book!

MAMMOTH LAKES – Sierra Nevada Resort

Take a road trip north for a scenic mountain vacation at Sierra Nevada Resort, which is soon to rebrand as Outbound Mammoth, in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Sierra Nevada Resort opened in November 2022 as Mammoth’s newest resort in nearly a decade with 179 accommodations including deluxe rooms, fireplace suites, and chalets with an inviting lobby, dining concept, and wine bar.

Occupying a historic 1967 building that was once a preferred getaway for Hollywood elite, the newly reimagined Sierra Nevada Resort welcomes guests to a western classic reborn as a modern mountain retreat in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, California. Widely regarded as California’s best ski destination, Mammoth Lakes is an unsung gem in the summer, when the snow melts and gives way to lush green terrain for epic mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking, as well as water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddling. In addition to the town of Mammoth Lakes, the resort’s central location offers access to the region’s most prized landmarks including the nearby Devils Postpile National Monument; Bodie State Historic Park; Ancient Bristlecone Pinecone Forest; Yosemite National Park; and Death Valley. 

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Rooms start at $209 Labor Day Weekend. The resort is offering a special 20% off the best available rate if you tuned into my KCAL-TV (CBS; Los Angeles) segment that aired on August 19, 2023. Stay dates for this offer are now through December 31, 2023 (blackouts may apply, and there’s 24-hour cancellation policy. Use code CBSLA when booking here.

SANTA BARBARA – The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta

In a destination known for pricey hotel rooms, The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers approachable rates for families looking to soak up the sun in this quaint coastal town. The Leta hotel in Santa Barbara is a chic, stylish hotel with a retro vibe in Goleta, California, the perfect basecamp to hit the local beaches, explore the vibrant culinary scene, or enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, surfing, paragliding, sailing – or just relaxing by The Leta’s pool. The Leta offers a welcome local craft beer upon check in, along with a complimentary wine hour serving coastal California wines. The hotel also has a secret gem restaurant that locals love called CAYA, as well as the Leta Bar with both classic and signature cocktails. The hotel is dog friendly and offers your furry friends dog bowls, beds & pet waste bags upon request.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: The Leta is offering a special package: Stay 3 nights and get 1 free with rates starting at $234 per night with a waived destination fee. The offer includes self-parking, Wifi, morning coffee, evening reception, a Gold’s Gym pass, electronic newspaper (cannot be combined with any other offer, free night must be part of a booked stay, free night has no cash value). Book this offer here. Considering that the median rate for hotels in the Santa Barbara area are at least double this (and in many cases into the thousands per night) – this is an amazing deal!

SANTA MARGARITA – Santa Margarita KOA Holiday

If you’re looking for a memorable camping experience, try the Santa Margarita KOA Holiday! This campsite is an ideal Central Coast escape, situated right near San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine country and the 101, and just 30-minutes to coastal towns like Avila Beach. You can experience wineries, hiking in oak lined pastures and lowkey beaches – all in one trip. The campground features more than 70 acres of lush outdoor beauty carved into a hill with a variety of sites available for Labor Day Weekend, including Deluxe Cabins (featuring full indoor kitchens and bathrooms), Camping Cabins, RV sites, and tent sites, plus the high-quality customer service and guest experience that KOA is known for. Experience epic stargazing at the campground, due to its variety of hilly vista points and dark skies year-round. During the day, dig into the campground’s exciting amenities including its swimming pool, jumping pillow, family games like disc golf, Kamp K9 for pets and even a “Party Yurt” with arts and crafts for kids on Saturdays at 10 a.m. through Labor Day Weekend. Santa Margarita Lake is also just down the road, where visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, boat rentals and horse trails.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Deluxe Cabins start at $300/night; Yurts start at $185/night; RV sites start at $144/night; Camping Cabins start at $140/night; Tent sites start at $66/night. Book on KOA’s website here.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University

If you’re looking to get out of California, Austin, Texas is one of the USA’s hottest booming destinations and it’s less than 3 hours away from LAX by air! Experience all the “Keep Austin Weird” vibes at Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Austin, right in the center of the Red River Cultural District on the famed 6th Street. It’s the perfect location to explore all the exciting live music, restaurants and bars in the area – though if you prefer, you can just lounge at the hotel’s beautiful rooftop pool, which has a view of the city. It also has a cool poolside bar and stylish terrace to beat the heat under the scorching Texas sun. Amenities include a great fitness center as well as LadyBird Kitchen + Bar, serving American cuisine and signature craft cocktails (they just launched an incredible weekend brunch).

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Beginning Friday night, rates start at $199 – not bad for a hotel stay in the midst of the hottest part of Austin, Texas! Book your room here.

LOS ANGELES STAYCATION – Hotel Amarano

Get luxury for less in Burbank, as Hotel Amarano has everything for both kids and adults at an affordable price. Hotel Amarano is a secret gem luxury boutique hotel tucked between film studios and the leafy equestrian center neighborhood in Burbank. Inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood, Hotel Amarano’s upscale design with a beautiful courtyard pool and onsite bar and restaurant will feel like a relaxing retreat for parents. Kids and parents alike will love Amarano’s location in the “Media Captial of the World,” as it’s within walking distance to iconic studios to tour, like Warner Brothers, Disney and NBC, in addition to being a close drive to Universal Studios Hollywood and the scenic tree-lined streets Downtown Burbank. The hotel features a fitness center and bikes for guests to cruise around. It’s also pet-friendly and offers dog bowls on request. Their signature restaurant, FYC Bar + Kitchen, offers a modern take on California fresh contemporary cuisine and craft cocktails and is a local and entertainment industry favorite. Designed with rustic details and the glamorous drama of Hollywood.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Hotel Amarano is offering a special advance purchase rate starting at $258 per night – a great deal for a luxury hotel in Los Angeles! Book your holiday weekend staycation here.

Which of these destinations would you like to visit for Labor Day? Let me know in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram @maggiehjackson!

XO Maggie

DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas

Holidays, Lifestyle

‘Tis the season for festive parties! And, if you have an “Ugly Christmas Sweater” party coming up, I’ll be on CBS-LA today sharing 5 easy do-it-yourself ideas! Here’s a sneak peek at the tacky sweaters I’ll be sharing!

It seems that the “Ugly Christmas Sweater” theme gets more popular every year! I love that its a bit of a comedic relief from a season that can sometimes come with a lot of stress and buttoned-up holiday attire. Plus, if you decide to create one yourself, there’s no pressure to make it perfectly cute… It’s called UGLY for a reason! Another bonus to ugly sweaters? They’re inexpensive to make! You can use a lot of holiday decor and materials that are already found around your home. Or, check out your local dollar store or Michaels for affordable craft supplies!

Check out this fun holiday stocking sweater I shared on Instagram using all materials from Michaels craft stores:

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Below are instructions for creating five easy ugly holiday sweaters – I even included a kids’ sweater and Hanukkah sweater! Feel free to adapt these sweaters to what’s easiest for you and what materials you may already have at home!

5 UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER IDEAS:

Kids Christmas Tree Sweater

Your children will have lots of fun creating an ugly Christmas sweater with you, and this simple Christmas tree sweater idea is so easy for little crafters!

Materials Needed:

Red sweater/sweatshirt
Felt – green and yellow
Tacky Christmas decor, like mini jingle bells, bows, mini ornaments, etc.
Old craft supplies like mini pom poms, glitter, beads and buttons
Needle and thread – the thread should preferably contrast with red sweater and tree, like a bright yellow!
Black fabric paint
Elmer’s glue
Hot glue gun and glue sticks

DIY Steps:

Cut a large Christmas tree shape out of the green felt and a star out of the yellow felt. Sew onto red sweater with needle and thread. It doesn’t have to be perfect – remember, this is an “ugly” sweater!
Let your child take it away with Elmer’s glue and décor items! Add glitter, bows, buttons and pom poms to the tree! Parents can help with hot glue gun for the heavier décor, like jingle bells and ornaments
Use black fabric paint down the arms to create a “string” and add colorful pom poms to resemble Christmas lights.
Allow to dry for 6-12 hours before wearing.

“Christmas Vacation” Tree Sweater

This sweater is perfect for fans of classic Christmas movies! Friends will get a hoot out of the fake squirrel climbing the Christmas tree, just as it terrorized the cast in National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” movie.

Materials Needed:

Green sweater/sweatshirt
Tinsel garland
Mini LED lights
Squirrel dog toy
Hot glue gun and glue sticks

DIY Steps:

Wrap tacky tinsel garland around green sweater and hot glue into place.
Wrap LED lights around garland and secure light bulbs to sweater with hot glue. Make sure your string of lights is long enough to wrap around the sweater and the battery pack can fit into your back pocket.
Hot glue mini ornaments around the sweater to make it look like a Christmas tree.
Hot glue a toy stuffed squirrel on the sweater. I preferred to glue it on the sweater’s shoulder.

Tacky Hanukkah Sweater

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so this tacky Hanukkah sweater is perfect for our Jewish friends!

Materials Needed:

Blue Sweatshirt
Gold sequins stickers
Gold, white, yellow felt
Silver iron-on vinyl shimmer paper
Foam letter stickers
Hot glue gun and glue sticks

DIY Steps:

Cut a menorah out of silver glitter iron-on vinyl paper. Iron the menorah onto the sweater.
Cut 9 candles out of white felt and 9 flames out of yellow felt. Hot glue onto the sweater.
Hot glue gold sequins to the flames.
Stick or hot glue foam letters to spell “Happy Hanukkah” on the sweater.

Festive “Stranger Things” Sweater

Great for a Hollywood Christmas party filled with Netflix binge-watchers, this “Stranger Things” sweater feels festive with its LED lights while celebrating a favorite TV show.

Materials Needed:

Red sweater or thick red shirt
Iron-on letters
Mini colorful LED lights
Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

DIY Steps:

Iron on the alphabet in three rows, as seen on the wall in “Stranger Things,” onto the shirt
Hot glue mini colorful LED lights above the letters to resemble the wall in “Stranger Things.”

Easy Stocking Sweater

This easy DIY sweater also makes a convenient pocket to hold your wallet, phone, keys, or better – a bottle of wine!

Materials Needed:

Green or red sweater
Sturdy stocking
Tacky flair, like bells, pom poms, bows, glitter
Elmers glue
Hot glue gun and glue sticks

DIY Steps:

Hot glue a sturdy Christmas stocking to the center of the sweatshirt
Use Elmers glue and hot glue to add tacky flair to the sweater, like glitter, bows and bells

Let me know if you go to an Ugly Sweater Party and what you plan to wear in the comments below! Or, connect with me on Instagram and TikTok where I share more lifestyle and family tips. Merry Christmas!

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

Holiday Must-Haves Featured on San Antonio Living

Holidays, Lifestyle

I’m wrapping up my second year doing lifestyle product TV segments, and I couldn’t be happier to finally be featured on a show in my home state of Texas!

I partnered with some fabulous brands to share several “holiday must-haves” on San Antonio Living which airs on San Antonio’s local NBC News affiliate (WOAI, channel 4). Watch the two segments below for ideas to make your season bright!

Holiday Must-Haves on San Antonio Living

December 14, 2022

World Vision’s Celebrity Ambassadors’ Handcrafted Gifts

By giving a handcrafted gift from the World Vision Gift Catalog, you’ll be helping vulnerable communities worldwide create lasting change for themselves and empowering artisans who receive fair-trade wages to support their families. Products featured in this segment include:

Santa Clausthaler

Santa Clausthaler will make your holidays merry and bright. Clausthaler is the pioneer in non-alcoholic beer, going back more than 40 years and this limited-edition holiday beer features Clausthaler original with cranberry and cinnamon. Serve ice cold, just as it’d be at Santa’s home at the North Pole.

I Love Ice Cream Cakes

Need the easiest, best dessert idea for the holidays? Surprise your family and friends with an Ice Cream Cake! Just go to ILoveIceCreamCakes.com to see all the cakes you can find at your local grocery store.

Holiday Must-Haves on San Antonio Living

November 23, 2022

Quilling Card Greeting Cards

Quilling Card offers Verified Fair Trade quilled greeting cards handcrafted by highly skilled artisans using the intricate paper art form of quilling.

DAX Hair Wax & Pomades, USA Made

DAX hair products have been proudly made in the USA since the 1950’s, a fitting era to introduce their wax pomades.

Current promotion: code TEX2022 will score you 20% off your order + free shipping

Jergens Shea Butter Body Lotion

Give your skin the moisture it needs with Jergens Shea Butter Lotion! It refreshes, conditions and revives dry skin, leaving radiant skin! Infused with Shea butter, this formula conditions and soothes skin, leaving a pleasant and comforting scent.

Be on the lookout for more fun lifestyle TV segments from me in a city near you in 2023!

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more lifestyle and family tips and to see where I’ll appear on TV next!

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.