Food insecurity is an issue that affects millions of people worldwide, leaving them unsure of where their next meal will come from. Organizations like Friends of Stir's play a crucial role in addressing this problem by providing much-needed food donations to those in need. In this blog post, we will share real-life stories of individuals who have experienced the transformative impact of food donations, and highlight the essential work that Friends of Stir's does to help fight food insecurity in our communities.

Real-Life Stories of Impact:

Overcoming Hardship through Community Support

"When I was first starting out in my career, I fell on hard times due to the extreme recession in 2009. I became homeless for a short period and was unable to afford three meals a day. I was able to overcome these challenges only through the generosity of organizations in my community who helped me with meals and housing assistance. I was able to use this help when I needed it most and turn my life around to become a successful and financially stable professional. Without the help of my neighbors, I don't know where I would have ended up."

Childhood Gratitude for Food Donations

"At the early age of 7, I began to realize that we were not like other families. My single mother worked 2 jobs to get by, and, with my sisters, I was on my own to figure out what to eat for dinner while mom was at work. I remember going to a food pantry with my family. Getting to pick out all the food we needed, even the fun stuff. Such as sugary cereal, and even fruit roll-ups! I remember my mom crying and hugging the kind lady in charge. My mom told me that people donated food so that families like us can get by, have food to eat, and not worry about how we would afford to eat. I was grateful for those donations that not only fed me but taught me to serve others when I can. Because of organizations like Friends of Stirs, I was able to have everything I needed to grow into a happy and healthy adult."

As you can hear from the powerful stories above, food donations have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of individuals facing food insecurity. There are several ways you can support Friends of Stir's in their mission to end food insecurity, such as volunteering at local food banks, informing them about organizations in need of donations, supporting Stir's directly and becoming a corporate sponsor or partner.

Click here to learn more about Friend's of Stir's!

Food donations have the power to transform lives and provide a lifeline to those facing food insecurity. The work of organizations like Friends of Stir's not only helps to address immediate needs but also creates lasting impacts on the lives of recipients. By supporting these initiatives, we can all play a part in combating food insecurity and ensuring that everyone has access to the nutritious meals they need.

Food insecurity is a growing issue that affects millions of people around the world. At Friends of Stir's, we are dedicated to ending this devastating reality in our communities. Thanks to your unwavering support, we have already donated over 25,000 meals to organizations in our community. However, our fight against hunger is far from over. Our goal is to donate at least 50,000 meals by the end of 2023, and we need your help to make this possible.

We often receive inquiries about how individuals can make an impact in their communities. To help answer this question, we have compiled a list of four ways you can get involved and make a difference:

Volunteer at Local Food Banks:

Food banks and kitchens are vital resources for those facing food insecurity. By volunteering your time and energy, you can make a direct impact in your community. Plus, when you share a photo of yourself volunteering with the hashtag #stirsserves50k, Friends of Stir's will make a donation to that charity. Your volunteerism not only helps those in need but also raises awareness for the cause.

Share Information About Local Organizations in Need:

We are always on the lookout for new organizations to partner with in our fight against food insecurity. If you know of a group or facility that could benefit from our donations, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can expand our impact and help even more people in need.

Take a Trip to Stir’s

Every purchase you make at Stir's directly contributes to our mission of ending food insecurity. Your patronage helps us provide nutritious options to those who need them most. By choosing Stir's, you are not only investing in quality products but also supporting a cause that impacts the lives of many.

Stirs.com

Become a Corporate Sponsor/Partner:

Companies can play a significant role in the fight against food insecurity by becoming corporate sponsors or partners. This can be done through direct donations to our 501(c)(3) organization, by organizing employee volunteer days at food banks or soup kitchens or by making a direct donation to another organization of your choosing. Your company's support not only helps us reach our goals but also showcases your commitment to helping your neighbors.

Become a Sponsor!

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Join Friends of Stir's in our mission to end hunger in our communities by volunteering, spreading the word, supporting our business, or becoming a corporate sponsor. Every action, big or small, brings us one step closer to achieving our goal of donating at least 50,000 meals by the end of 2023.

Thank you for your continued support of Friends of Stir's. Together, we can make a lasting impact on those who need it most.

The Friends of Stir's mission is to end food insecurity in our communities. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy food options, regardless of their circumstances. For Every Purchase, Every Visit, Every Day at Stir's, we donate at least one meal to a child in need through our organization. But sometimes, we're asked: what is the impact of these food donations?

We thought we'd share a few testimonials from the organizations who have been directly impacted by your support for the Friends of Stir's mission.

Rachel Anderson, Marketing Specialist at the Road Home, shared: "At the Road Home, we are able to serve up to 300 people per night. Throughout the whole year, we do see this facility at total capacity. We have also seen a rise in homelessness among families over the past year. We're really grateful to the public for their generous donations. Without these donations, we wouldn't be able to help so many of our neighbors get back on their feet and have a chance to improve their lives. All donations from the public will go directly to the people we help."

You can see how The Road Home helps those in need HERE 

Michael Cox, Program Manager at the Odyssey House, stated: "Our mission at the Odyssey House is to empower people to heal and help them build better lives. Our residents come to us to help themselves and improve their opportunities. When they see support from their community, it has an incredibly positive impact on their success rate. Donations from organizations like Friends of Stir's provide us with more tools to help our people. We are so grateful for the support of our community and use donations to further our mission."

Odyssey House has helped many improve their lives. Read more about it HERE 

Additionally, a Road Home resident who received food donations from Friends of Stir's shared: "As a single mother, I struggle to provide for my children, and there have been times when we simply couldn't afford to buy food. If it weren't for the donations we received from organizations like Friends of Stir's, my children would have gone hungry. The impact of these donations cannot be overstated, and I am so grateful for the support we have received from all those that have helped us. They have given me the opportunity to improve my life."

These are just a few of the many people your support has helped. Your simple act of coming in to have a bowl (or several) of cereal positively impacts the lives of so many of our friends and neighbors. Every purchase of Stir's cereal brings us one step closer to ending food insecurity in our communities.

Thank you for your continued support of the Friends of Stir's mission. Together, we can make a difference.

Stir's Cereal is excited to announce its 2023 giving initiative, the Stir's Serves 50k Campaign! Stir’s aims to donate at least 50,000 meals in 2023 to children in need through its non-profit organization, Friends of Stir's.

At Stir's, we believe that everyone should have access to healthy food options, regardless of their circumstances. That's why for every purchase or visit at Stir’s, we donate at least one meal to a child in need through our organization. Thanks to the support of our customers, Friends of Stir's has already donated over 26,000 meals to organizations in our community over the past 2 years.

Read more about how we have helped our local communities 

Our goal of donating 50,000 meals is ambitious, but we know that with your help, we can achieve it. Friends of Stir's is funded by a percentage of sales from Stir's, so visiting Stir’s Cereal Bar, or purchasing online, you are directly contributing to helping your community. Every purchase at Stir's makes a difference and brings us one step closer to our goal of ending food insecurity.

Food insecurity affects millions of people around the world, and its impact goes beyond just feeling hungry. It can impact a person's physical and mental health, as well as their ability to succeed in school and work. By supporting Stir's and Friends of Stir's, you can make a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity in your community.

Join us in our mission to end food insecurity in our communities. By supporting Friends of Stir's, you can make a difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can serve 50k meals and beyond. Every Purchase, Every Visit, Every Day, your support matters.

You can donate to Friends of Stir's Here!

Sweet Diane's Granola is made with all-natural ingredients, including oats, nuts, and seeds, as well as a mix of delicious spices. You can choose from a variety of flavors, including original, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. With each bite, you'll get a crunchy and nutty flavor, plus a hint of sweetness.

But here's the best part - Sweet Diane's Granola is not just tasty, it's also super healthy! It's loaded with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your overall health. Plus, it's low in sugar, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty. With Sweet Diane's Granola, breakfast never has to be boring. Sprinkle some on yogurt, top it on smoothie bowls, or just enjoy it as a snack - the possibilities are endless!

Don't believe me? Here is a message from Diane herself!

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a bag of Sweet Diane's Granola and start your morning off on the right foot. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Hey there, cereal lovers! Are you tired of the same old boring options at your local grocery store? Well, fear not! Today, we're going to be reviewing four international cereals that will spice up your morning routine and take you on a flavor journey around the world.

First up, we have Weetabix! This British cereal brand is made with whole grain wheat and is a staple in many UK households. It's known for its unique rectangular shape and is often served with milk and fruit for a hearty breakfast. But don't let its simple appearance fool you, Weetabix packs a punch with its crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste. Plus, it's a great source of fiber and nutrients to kickstart your day.

Next, let's head over to Africa with Lion cereal. This popular South African brand is made with corn, oats, and barley and is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional sugary cereals. It has a slightly sweet taste and a crunchy texture, making it a tasty and satisfying choice for breakfast. It's also high in fiber and vitamins, making it a great option for those looking to make healthier choices in the morning.

Now, we're off to Switzerland with Nestle cereals. This brand is known for its wide variety of options, ranging from classic cornflakes to more unique flavors like chocolate and banana. But no matter which one you choose, you can count on Nestle cereals to be high-quality and delicious. They're made with whole grains and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for breakfast. Plus, with so many flavors to choose from, you'll never get bored of your morning routine.

Finally, we have Calbee cereals, a Japanese brand known for its unique and innovative flavors. From green tea to pumpkin spice, Calbee cereals are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. They're made with whole grains and are often fortified with nutrients, making them a tasty and healthy choice for breakfast. Plus, with their fun and quirky packaging, they're sure to brighten up your morning.

So there you have it, four international cereals that are sure to bring some excitement to your breakfast routine. Whether you're in the mood for a classic whole grain option or something a little more unique, these brands have got you covered. So go ahead and give them a try, and let your taste buds take a trip around the world!

As someone who is always on the lookout for ways to stay healthy and fit, I know firsthand how important it is to choose the right foods to fuel my body. And when it comes to breakfast, cereal can be a quick and convenient option. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which one is the best for your weight loss goals?

Well, fear not my fellow health-conscious friends, because I’m here to review eight popular cereals that claim to have weight loss benefits: Wheaties, Special K, Catalina Crunch, Three Wishes, Poop Like a Champion, Gr8nola, Paleonola, and Seven Sundays. Let’s dive in!

Wheaties

Ah, Wheaties – the “Breakfast of Champions.” This classic cereal has been around since 1922 and has long been advertised as a healthy option for active individuals. So, what makes Wheaties a good choice for weight loss?

For starters, Wheaties is made from whole grain wheat and provides a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. In addition, Wheaties is relatively low in calories, with a 1-cup serving containing only 100 calories. It also contains a decent amount of protein, with 3 grams per serving.

However, Wheaties does contain added sugars, with 8 grams per serving. While this is not an outrageous amount, it’s important to keep in mind if you’re trying to limit your sugar intake. Additionally, Wheaties may not be the best choice for those following a low-carb diet, as it does contain a fair amount of carbohydrates (22 grams per serving).

Overall, Wheaties is a decent option for weight loss if you’re looking for a low-calorie, high-fiber cereal with a bit of protein. Just be mindful of the added sugars and carbs. 

Special K

Another popular weight loss cereal is Special K. This brand has a variety of cereals to choose from, including Original, Red Berries, and Protein, among others. So, what sets Special K apart from other cereals?

First, Special K is relatively low in calories, with a 1-cup serving of the Original variety containing 110 calories. It’s also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per serving, and contains 6 grams of protein.

One thing to note about Special K is that it’s made from rice and wheat, which means it’s not a whole grain cereal. This means it may not provide the same level of nutrients as a cereal made from 100% whole grains. Special K also contains added sugars, with 9 grams per serving.

Overall, Special K is a decent option for weight loss if you’re looking for a low-calorie, high-fiber cereal with a bit of protein. Just be mindful of the fact that it’s not made from whole grains and contains added sugars.

Catalina Crunch

If you’re on a ketogenic diet and looking for a low-carb, high-fat cereal option, Catalina Crunch might be worth checking out. This cereal is made from a blend of coconut, almond, and flax seeds, as well as monk fruit extract for sweetness.

One of the standout features of Catalina Crunch is its low carb content – a 1-cup serving contains only 5 grams of net carbs. It’s also a good source of healthy fats, with 14 grams per serving, and contains 6 grams of protein.

However, it’s important to note that Catalina Crunch is relatively high in calories, with a 1-cup serving containing 250 calories. This is due to the high fat content.

You can buy Catalina Crunch here!

Three Wishes

This brand touts itself as a "clean and simple" option, made with only three whole grains - corn, wheat, and oats - and no artificial flavors or colors. But what really sets it apart is the inclusion of plant-based protein, which can help keep you feeling fuller longer. Plus, each serving has a reasonable 130 calories and only 5 grams of sugar.

But don't just take our word for it - a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate a high-protein breakfast were more likely to feel satisfied and eat less throughout the day. So go ahead and make a wish (or three!) for a slimmer waistline while enjoying a bowl of this tasty cereal.

Try Three Wishes!

Poop Like a Champion

Yes, you read that right. This brand may have a humorous name, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to weight loss. Made with a blend of high-fiber whole grains like oats, quinoa, and amaranth, each serving has a whopping 10 grams of fiber.

But why is fiber so important for weight loss? Well, it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, so you're less likely to snack on unhealthy options. It also helps keep things moving along in the digestive system, which can aid in weight loss. And with only 120 calories per serving and no added sugars, "Poop Like a Champion" cereal is a great choice for anyone looking to shed some pounds.

Wanna poop like a champion? You can buy it here!

Gr8nola

This cereal is made with a blend of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit and is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional granola. One serving (1/2 cup) contains 150 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. The oats provide a good source of complex carbs, while the nuts and seeds add some healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. The dried fruit adds a touch of sweetness without added sugars.

But what about weight loss benefits? The protein and fiber in Gr8nola can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning, reducing the likelihood of snacking on unhealthy options. The oats and nuts also provide slow-burning energy to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day.

Buy Gr8nola here!

 Paleonola

This cereal is made with a blend of coconut, nuts, and seeds and is marketed as a paleo-friendly option. One serving (1/2 cup) contains 180 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. The coconut and nuts provide healthy fats and a crunchy texture, while the seeds add some protein and fiber.

Try Paleonola today!

Seven Sundays

This Minnesota-based company is all about using whole grains and real ingredients to create cereals that are both tasty and good for you. Their Muesli Bliss and Oat Bites cereals are both perfect for weight loss as they are high in fiber and protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied.

The Muesli Bliss is a blend of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit that is meant to be soaked overnight in milk or yogurt. This creates a creamy and delicious breakfast that is perfect for those busy mornings when you don’t have time to cook. It’s also super versatile as you can add your own toppings like fruit, nut butter, or even chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.

The Oat Bites are similar to the Muesli Bliss but in a bite-sized form. They are made with whole grain oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and are perfect for snacking on the go. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and free of refined sugars, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Try Seven Sundays!

How we give back 

If you know Stir's you know that we love cereal. You also know that there are countless reasons to eat at Stir's- from the nostalgia to the unlimited cereal. But, did you know that when you eat at Stir's, or even order from stirs.com,  you are giving back to your community as well? Yep. How do we do this? Read on to learn more. 

Friends of Stirs 

Here at Stir's, we care deeply about our community. Because of that, we have a 501c3 non-profit called Friends of Stirs. It is through Friends of Stirs that we help those with food insecurities by donating food to organizations who need it. In 2021 alone, Friends of Stirs was able to donate over 11,000 meals to those in need, thanks to the support of our customers. We are able to support multiple charities and organizations in our local community. 

No Child should go hungry in a world that has enough to spare 

We know that hunger is a devastating problem worldwide. 

A Bowl for you is a Bowl for Them! 

Each purchase you make at Stir's, helps us give back to our community. Enjoying a delicious bowl of cereal and milk in our store? A meal is donated. Buying some fun cereal merchandise on our website? Multiple meals donated. 

With each online purchase, we will send a card that will let you know how many meals were donated on your behalf with your purchase.

You can make a purchase HERE!

Or, If you would rather donate directly to Friends of Stirs, click HERE! 

Organizations that Benefit from Friends of Stir's 

Utah Food Bank is the largest food pantry is Utah. Last year, Utah Food Bank distributed 56.1 million meals via a statewide network of 230 partner agencies located in all 29 counties. In addition to being one of only a handful of food banks that distributes food free of charge to partner agencies. They also offer several direct service partners to help the most vulnerable populations in our state — children and seniors. By combining these direct service programs with emergency food assistance services, they truly impact the lives of Utahns who live in a world of food insecurity.

Odyssey House of Utah is another organization that we are donating to this year. Millions of people struggle with addiction but are unable to afford care. Odyssey House of Utah helps provide care for those that need it. This includes feeding those residing within their programs. Adults, teens, children and families will benefit from odyssey house this holiday season. 

The Road Home is a private nonprofit social services agency that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake County and along the Wasatch Front. We help support their efforts by donating cereal and meals to help feed those in their programs and shelters. 

Stir's is not only an amazing place to enjoy cereal with family and friends, it is also an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. The beauty of Friends of Stir's is watching all of us cereal lovers come together with one goal in mind- to solve childhood hunger. With your help, we'll help to fight hunger in our community and worldwide too!

Eating cereal can be such a fun experience. We love giving out cereal to children who don't often get to enjoy a luxury like cereal. But we also want to provide nourishment to children in our community., That's why Friends of Stirs donates cereal along with healthy non-perishable goods, so that everyone can take part in the fun of the Stir's Experience, while also receiving good, healthy meals so they can live their lives without the fear of not having enough to eat.

The Stir's Experience- What makes it so special? 

So, A cereal restaurant? What?

Why? Why wouldn't I just eat my cereal at home? 

These are a few questions we hear from naysayers. It is obvious that these people have never experienced the joy and nostalgia that is Stir's Cereal! I am here today to tell you all about why Stir's is the best, why we do what we do, and how YOU can enjoy all that Stir's has to offer. 

What is Stir's Cereal?

At Stir's we are changing the way you eat cereal. Sure you can drive to the store, buy your 3-4 kinds of cereal, and enjoy them a bowl at a time at home. But, what if there was a better, more fun way? 

There sure is, but first, a story. 

Our founder was one of the younger children of 7. He loved cereal. it was his favorite food in the whole world. He learned early on in life that it was disadvantageous around breakfast time to be as young as he was. His older siblings went to school early, and would eat all the cereal in the morning before he had a chance at it. Then one day, he had a brilliant plan. After his mother came home from the grocery store one day, he found the cereal, and as quickly as he could, poured 2 or 3 bowls. He covered them with foil, and hid them under the living room furniture so that he could save them for later when his siblings were not around. Brilliant am I right? 

He grew up and the days of hiding cereal were gone, but still enjoys cereal all times of the day. He wanted to change the way people eat cereal, so... 

Enter: Stir's Cereal. Picture this- You walk into a restaurant and cereal lines the walls. 75+ kinds of cereal to be exact. It is a beautiful sight. your inner 8 year old is salivating looking at all the flavors of cereal. You cannot help but feel giddy and remember all those Saturday mornings spent eating sugary cereal growing up. There are couches, games, coloring books, kids activities, a vintage cereal mural wall, and best of all- happy and smiling staff to help you. You order an unlimited bowl- Yes, you read that right UNLIMITED amounts of cereal with 75 KINDS to choose from. You sit with your friends, family or date on our comfy couch and enjoy some old Saturday Morning cartoons. Then decide to play a board game while enjoying your 4th bowl of cereal. Congratulations, You have officially entered cereal wonderland. Welcome to Stir's Cereal!

Birthday Parties, Catering, Weddings, OH MY!

Not only is Stir's an AMAZING in store experience, but you can take that experience home! We have catered all types of events. From birthday parties to weddings to corporate events, we can do it all. Who doesn't love a good bowl of cereal? Whether you prefer Cheerios or Cap'n Crunch, we have it all. Can you imagine the look on your kids face when they come into your kitchen on their birthday and see cereal dispensers for their party!? It would be a hit with wedding guests, feeding them unlimited cereal and taking pics by our food truck. You could even treat your employees to a special morning cereal bar. The possibilities truly are endless!

Need to book a catering event? 

Check out our Cereal catering options here!

Stir's Box- The Cereal Subscription Box 

Know someone who Cereal'sly loves Cereal? Are you that person? Look no further than Stir's Box! a carefully curated monthly subscription box full off international goodies, snacks, cereals and cereal themed merchandise. You can also choose a custom subscription box with Stir's Mixes. Who do you know that would love this box of delicious goodies delivered to their doorstep each month? 

You can find Cereal Subscription Boxes right here!

Why we do what we do- Friends of Stir's 

A Bowl for You is a Bowl for Them. 

At Stir's, we are passionate about helping those with food insecurities. We give back in our local communities through various programs to help feed children and families in need. Any time you order anything from Stir's, whether it is a bowl of cereal in store, or a piece of merchandise online, We will donate that amount to local pantries, homeless shelters and organizations that need the help. You make a difference every time you eat at Stir's. We feel strongly about giving back to our community, and we love having your help to do so. 

Learn more about how Stir's gives back

We hope that you have learned a little bit more about Stir's Cereal, and sincerely can't wait to see you in our store, online or in person soon!

Do you have a cereal lover in your life?

We are cereal experts and have the gift guide for you! Keep reading and snag that perfect holiday gift. 

1. Crunch Cup

  Cereal Crunch Cup

The Crunch cup is the perfect gift for the cereal lover that is on the go! Picture this- you're headed out the door to work, and really are craving a bowl of cereal, but eating cereal in the car is not the best idea. Enter- The Crunch Cup! Pour in your fave cereal, milk of choice, and you are ready to GO! You can grab your crunch cup right here. 

Shop For Your Crunch Cup

2. Punny Cereal Tees 

Here at Stir's, we love a good pun. Especially if it has to do with cereal! We have an entire line of buttery soft, hilarious graphic tees that are sure to make the cereal lover in your life smile on Christmas morning. Give them the gift that they will really love. You can see our whole collection of graphic tees on our website here- 

Shop All Our Punny Cereal Shirts

3. Cereal Stickers to stuff their stocking

Silly Parents! Cereal is for dinner! We have ALL kinds of stickers for your water bottle, laptop, notebooks, or really anywhere! they are waterproof, high quality vinyl. These cereal themed stocking stuffers are sure to please. We have a whole collection for you to browse here - 

Shop Our Funny Cereal Stickers

4. Cereal Subscription Box- Stir's Box

Did you know that Stir's offers a Cereal Subscription box? It's called Stir's Box, and it is the PERFECT holiday gift for the cereal obsessed. It includes cereals and snacks from around the world, and different cereal themed merchandise each month. From Flavored milks, to cereal from Japan, to cereal scented candles, This monthly Subscription box will bring joy year round. You can find our subscription boxes here!

Shop Our Stirs Cereal Subscription Boxes

5. Holiday Gift Baskets 

With all these options, it's impossible to go wrong with a gift from Stir's! Happy shopping, and Merry Christmas from all of us at Stir's!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for warm weather.  I'm looking out the window right now at the leftover snow from last night... the snow is beautiful, and I'm so grateful for the moisture that we need.  AND I'm ready for it to warm up again so we can do some more hiking!!  

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to hike. I love getting outside and seeing the beauty of the mountains around us. The kids love getting dirty, climbing on rocks, finding and playing with sticks, and sometimes they even like the hiking part :). And you know what a great snack is to take on a hike?  Cereal! It's an easy snack to pack in a sandwich bag or small container. You can even bring along some milk and enjoy a tasty bowl of cereal in the mountains :) I brought a little jar of milk in a cooler, but shelf safe milks are super handy and easy to throw in your hiking bag as well.

Here are a handful of hikes I've enjoyed with my kids in Utah...

Bell Canyon Reservoir- Sandy, UT

We went on this hike just a couple of weeks ago and it was so much fun. Utah's Adventure Family has a great blog all about this hike along with other great kid friendly hikes all over. The trail starts at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and has restrooms and parking right at the trailhead. My kids loved climbing on all the rocks on this trail. It's a pretty quick 1.5 mile out and back hike.  I was actually surprised how well my kids did- this was probably the least amount of complaining I've heard on a hike with my kids :). The hike goes to the reservoir with a beautiful view of the Wasatch Mountains and the valley.  We headed back after about 20 minutes and did the whole hike in about an hour and a half.  I'd do this again- it was a lot of fun. 

Adams Canyon Lower Falls- Layton, UT

Utah's Adventure Family has a great blog for this hike as well. The highlight of this hike is definitely the waterfall at the end. We went in April, so it wasn't super warm. The kids still played in the water a little bit, but I'm sure they would've been completely immersing themselves if it was hotter outside.  This was also such a kid-friendly hike- about 1.5 miles out and back and a really fun spot to play by the water.  I highly recommend it!

Icebox Canyon Loop/ Art Nord- Huntsville, UT

Tyke Hikes has an awesome blog about this hike and other hikes in the Ogden Valley area.  We used Kim's recommendation for the Icebox Canyon loop/ Art Nord Trail for a hike during our family reunion. It was a perfect length for a big group- challenging, but do-able.  The loop was about 3 miles. We loved it so much!  Beautiful scenery, places to play in the water, trees to look at and provide shade, sticks and rocks for the kids to play with... Everything I want in a hike :)

Jungle Trail- Draper, UT

Jungle Trail is also a super fun kid friendly hike. It's a short walk to the jungle area, and then the kids are in heaven playing with sticks, stumps, forts, rocks, bugs, and anything else they can find :) And the parents can enjoy the shade while the kids get to be kids :) Utah's Adventure Family, once again, has a great blog for this trail. 

I'm so excited it's spring, and I look forward to packing up some cereal and heading on even more hikes with my kids!!  Check out Tyke Hikes and Utah's Adventure Family for even more great hikes in the area! 

Easter is 12 days away, and this year, I'm determined to enjoy it more than I have in the past.  I have 4 kids, and if there's one thing I've learned over the years when it comes to holidays, it is this: simplicity always wins.  When I try to make things complicated and add more work to my plate, I end up adding stress, fatigue, and eventually grumpiness to my plate as well.  And I don't know about you, but when I'm grumpy, the holidays don't end up being too pleasant for anyone.  So I'm going to keep things simple this year.  And magical.  Being simple doesn't mean boring or unpleasant. It means I pick what's most important to me and my family, I plan ahead a little better (rather than throwing things together the night before), and then I get creative. I'm going to share a few ways we can all simplify Easter this year AND make it a little more special.

First, take note of what you'll be doing on Easter anyway and change it up a little bit to make it special.  For example, tweak things just a little bit for each meal to make it unique. You could get a new tablecloth, or get one out that you haven't used in awhile to add to the festivities.  The kids could draw an Easter picture on construction paper to use as placemats or make any other Easter craft to display on the table while you eat.  This is a great idea for an easy craft, and all you need is construction paper, scissors, and glue or tape.  You could change up breakfast and keep it simple by eating a unique kind of cereal.  Peeps is a limited edition Spring/ Easter cereal that would be fun to have that morning. You could change it up even more by ordering an international cereal from the Stirs.com website, or step it up even more by ordering a subscription box with international cereals, shelf safe milk, cereal themed merchandise, a cereal snack, and cereal swag!  The Easter Bunny would be happy to deliver that box full of amazing cereal surprises on Sunday morning :)

Second, think outside of the box for filling Easter Eggs. Kids love looking for Easter Eggs.  And every Easter Egg doesn't have to be completely full of candy. I learned early on that hiding 100 eggs with 0-3 little pieces of candy was much better than hiding 10 eggs with 20 pieces of candy in them.  Kids like to look for eggs.  They don't have to be totally full. And they don't even need to have candy in them!  You can fill plastic eggs with a couple of berries, pretzels, marshmallows, cereal, pennies, nickels, an "I love you" note, stickers, and they can even be empty :). Get creative!  The kids will likely enjoy whatever is in the eggs as long as you're confidant in it and think it's fun yourself :)

Third, involve the kids and be ok with messes.  I don't love messes normally, but when I want to make a day special, being ok with messes opens up a world of possibilities.  And to be honest, the clean up is usually never as bad as I think it will be. Letting the kids help with food prep or making a craft is one of the easiest ways to involve kids.  And again, make it simple!  The kids can help with an egg salad you're already making, or they can participate in making a treat like these easy Easter Rice Krispies treats.  

Easter can be a special day for you and your family regardless of how you like to celebrate it.  Think outside the box AND keep things simple to make it a day that your kids AND you can enjoy :)

Happy Easter!!