There’s a reason I get along so well with my nieces.
It goes far beyond the fact that I spoil them and love them with all my heart (though I’m sure those reasons don’t hurt my reputation in their minds…particularly the first one).
But, if it came down to it, I’d have to say it’s because I can relate to them. It’s no secret to my family and closest friends that I’m basically a 27 year old trapped in a 6 year old’s body.
I’m always down for a holiday celebration, tree forts, games of pretend and I’m weirdly drawn to things with bright colors. I can color with the best of them and I will never not laugh at bathroom jokes.
If I could go back to grade school, I would in a heart beat. In fact, I still to this day wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up being a 3rd grade teacher when all was said and done….though that’s a whoooole other story.
Anyway, with all of that said, I give you – candy-pop corn!
I’d love to say that this would be a great thing to do with just kids…but the truth of the matter is, I had a blast doing it too!
I used candy corn and kettlecorn since that’s what I had on hand, but if you had a bunch of kids, it would be great to get a bunch of different popcorns (air-popped, kettlecorn, cheese corn, caramel corn, etc.) and a bunch of different toppings (m&ms, almonds, dried fruits, sunflower or pumpkin seeds) and let each kid pull together their own baggie of the stuff before they sat down to a movie.
You could then take the leftovers, pour them all into a big bowl and leave it in the center of the room for kids to munch on while they watched.
I love things that provide a lot of possibilites and this is definitely one of them.
You can make it healthy or you can make it a treat…it’s totally up to you and what you’re looking for.
And an added bonus? If there’s WAY too many leftovers you can just fill up a large mason jar with them for later snacking…or even a Halloween centerpiece on the family table 🙂
Ingredient Options:
- Air-popped popcorn
- Kettlecorn
- Caramel corn
- Cheese corn
- Baking chips (chocolate, butterscotch, white chocolate, peanut butter)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apples, pineapples)
- Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
- Candy (candy corn, m&ms, skittles)
Directions:
- Lay all ingredients out on the table w. small scoopers for each
- Provide kids with individual bags
- Allow kids to fill bags up
- Pour remaining leftovers into a large bowl OR into a large glass mason jar for later snacking or as a Halloween centerpiece!
Movie Ideas:
- Hocus Pocus
- It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Twitches
- Halloweentown
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch episodes
- Adam’s Family
- The Worst Witch
- Casper
- Monster House
- The Haunted Mansion
Haha, isn’t being an aunt the BEST! I feel the same about my nephew. It’s such a joy to be able to spoil him rotten and then give him back when he starts to act up. 🙂 Love this popcorn idea. For adults and kids!
Yes! It really is! And haha – exactly, that’s the BEST part of being an aunt/uncle for sure. And thank you! Glad you can appreciate it 🙂
LOVE it! I wish I had some of this when I watched Hocus Pocus last weekend… 😉
And by the way, I freaking LOVE your Jack-O-Lantern stuffed with popcorn!!
I watched Hocus Pocus this past weekend too!!
And thanks! I was so excited when I found that jack-o-lantern…he’s SO cute!
Such a great idea to combine popcorn and candy “corn” – though everyone in my family seems to love it, I really wish I liked candy corn because I always feel like I am somehow missing out. Oh well, it’s definitely a part of the season whether I choose to partake or not. I’ve also seen some bloggers combining peanuts and candy corn… I am intrigued by these combinations because methinks that by combining the two, they may be more palatable… it’s usually the sweetness of the candy corn itself that gets to me.
You and your nieces are too CUTE!
P.S. – nothing wrong with continuing to enjoy all aspects of life and being a kid at heart. That’s one of the best parts of being around my nephew. I get to continue to truly enjoy all those childhood things under the guise of being a good auntie 😉
so cute! i feel the same way: i love ALL of the things kids like to do… baking, coloring, movies, forts, crafts, coloring, snacking.. you name it!
Hahah I’m so glad that I’m not alone there 🙂
A third grade teacher!!? Did I read that right?!
One of the main things I miss about teaching is the EXCITEMENT surrounding all holidays. Can’t wait until A is old enough to create that excitement in our home. 🙂
(and of course we both made popcorn recipes this week…perfect)
You most certainly did! I was an education major through college until my junior year! And I agree – I think that’s why I love kids so much – just that complete innocence and love for the simple things…I can’t wait to have kids that will appreciate it too! (and haha, I know…not surprised one bit!)
Enjoy your posts Cait. Not sure if I’ve ever commented.
Those little gals are very-very fortunate : ) to have you. They will grow up with lots of admiration + love in their hearts for their wonderful (and gorgeous) auntie!
For sure I try my best to endulge (spoiled? no! only food spoils) my adorable & sweet nephew in buying him toys, clothes, books …. you name it! Today I bought him a toggle coat for winter, wiggle pants, socks + toys for his bubblebaths! Just love it!
Oh so fun! Isn’t being an Aunt just the best?? And thank you so much for your kind words – you’re too sweet!
I teach the 2nd Grade and it is a blast! They are so interesting at that young age – I know my class really makes me love my job. I think you’d make a great teacher 😉