Fennell Seeds

Growing skills in parenting and organizing.

  • Home
  • Parenting Tips
    • Baby’s First Year
    • Raising Kids
    • Family Updates
    • Fashion
    • Crafts
  • Get Organized
    • Cleaning Tips
    • In The Kitchen
    • Fitness
    • Decorating
    • Christmas Tips
  • Nicknames
  • Let’s Travel
  • Shop
  • Contact

The Best DIY Montessori Busy Board That Even Older Kids Love

by Carolyn Leave a Comment

Busy boards can be amazing for kids but this one takes it to the next level. Even older kids love this Montessori busy board and it keeps them occupied for a long time. 

This idea first started when my oldest nephew was obsessed with keys. He would want everyone’s keys that came to their house. My father ended up going to a hardware store and having a bunch of keys made and a key ring to be able to give him his own set of keys just alike the adults. 

Then when my nephew got a little older he wanted to use his keys and my father came up with the idea of this busy board with lots of locks and a special place to store things.

Photo of an Exciting DIY Montessori Busy Board for older kids to spend hours locking and unlocking.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Crafts, Raising Kids

50+ Inspiring Happy Mother’s Day Quotes for Moms in Heaven

by Carolyn Leave a Comment

This Mother’s day, let us honor the memories of our mothers in Heaven who will sadly not be here to receive cards, hugs, or thoughtful gifts with these Happy Mother’s Day Quotes for Moms In Heaven.

Our loving moms have left a strong legacy behind, and it is important for us to remember them on the day meant to celebrate motherhood.

Let us remind ourselves that their love lives forever within each beat of our hearts.

To help you show your undying love and appreciation this holiday season, here are some beautiful quotes that capture the essence of celebrating mothers – no matter where they may be.

Picture of woman holding an older woman's hands with text Happy Mothers Day Quotes For Moms In Heaven [Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

The Best Montessori Toys For 2-Year-Olds That My Kids Love!

by Carolyn Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for ways to entertain your 2-year-old while at home here is a great list of the best Montessori toys for 2 year olds. The Montessori method of teaching and learning can be a great way to let children develop skills and build independence.

With its focus on hands-on, self-directed activities with simple materials, Montessori allows children to engage their young minds and bodies in meaningful explorations that help develop important skills like problem-solving and creativity. To get started on this worthwhile journey of discovery and play, we’ve rounded up the best Montessori – approved toys perfect for younger toddlers aged two years. 

Girl in striped shirt laying on back with toy train above her head. The best Montessori toys for 2 year olds

Read on as we explore the best Montessori toys for toddlers that’ll keep them entertained and sharpen their sensory skills alongside! 

Best Montessori Toys for 2 year olds

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

Top 10 Best Pregnancy Books for Dads (2023)

by Carolyn Leave a Comment

This article best pregnancy books for dads was updated in 2023.

Congrats, you’re pregnant!

After the excitement, you probably started realizing that you have a lot to learn. 

By this time Moms normally head to the store and buy some baby books, their first pregnancy journal, and will probably download a couple pregnancy apps.

But what about Dads?

Yes, Dads have just as much to learn about as Moms do!

And a great way to do this is with pregnancy books.

In this article I’ll go over the best pregnancy books for Dads so that expecting fathers can be ready and prepared too!

New Father laying with baby on chest sleeping - Best Pregnancy Books for Dads

Whether you’re looking for yourself or hoping to give this as a gift to Dad, you’re sure to find one to help guide you along that 9 month journey. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Baby's First Year, Raising Kids

50+ Hilarious Mom Lies! These are Good!

by Carolyn Leave a Comment

These hilarious mom lies help me realize I’m not the only one that tells them. 

Sometimes we all just need to get through the day with our kids and a small lie helps. Whether it’s “the ice cream shop is closed” or “Santa is watching” we’ve all done it. 

My fellow moms have some extra funny and genius mom lies that help them get thru the day. I’m surprised at the brilliance and how quick kids will follow along. I especially love the New Years Eve trick and may use that myself!

50+ Funny Mom Lies

  1. When my daughter was younger, I told her every meat was chicken as it was the only way to get her to eat it. I didn’t realize until about a year ago that I never specifically corrected her when I heard her ask to have “That ham chicken” for dinner. She’s 15.

2. Told my kid if the ice cream truck is playing music it means they’re out of ice cream 🙈

3. Calamari are chicken nugget rings… he loves them 😂

4. We had a rule when they were young that they couldn’t come out of their rooms until the clock had an 8 as the first number. I changed their clocks to be about 15-20 minutes slower so they weren’t actually coming out until about 8:15/8:20. It doesn’t seem like much, but those extra minutes were really helpful for me.

5. Put an air tag on my 3 year old’s shoe to be able to track him but told him it let us see how fast he can run so he wouldn’t take it off.

Funny Mom Lies that will make you laugh. Picture of a Mom making the silence sign with her finger to her mouth with green background

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

25+ Epic and Hilarious Real Mom Fails! We’ve all been there.

by Carolyn 1 Comment

We all feel like the worst moms at times. With all the small details we need to remember and all the tasks we need to handle there will always be things that fall thru the cracks and are forgotten. I have mom fails all the time but sometimes it take a couple days or weeks for me to see the humor in these situations. 

What makes me feel instantly better is hearing that other moms are in the same boat and we all have our crazy moments. Here are other moms confessions of their funny mom fails that are sure to make you laugh. 

Hilarious Mom Fails That We Can All Laugh About

  1. I had adorable personalized cupcakes made for my son’s second birthday at daycare. And accidentally had his brother’s name put on them accidentally.
  2.  I fed my son Arrabiata Sauce instead of Marinara Sauce (misread the jar 🤪,) he said it was spicy. I insisted it was not. He drank a gallon of water with dinner and peed his bed.

3 When my kids were still in rear facing car seats, I’d go through the Chic-fil-a drive thru and order them kids meals and quietly ask CFA to trade out the toy for ice cream. Then while they ate their meals in the back seat, I’d eat the ice cream in the front seat where they couldn’t see me.

Picture of 3 moms looking at phone and laughing. Mom Fails.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine? Plus Amounts in Other Drinks!

by Carolyn Leave a Comment

When it comes to drinks, sweet tea is an all-American classic with a special kick. It’s the perfect
blend of sweet and refreshing and always brings back the nostalgia of southern front porches when you
take a sip. But when you’re looking for a pick-me-up, the question often arises: does sweet tea
have caffeine?

Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine?

Yes, sweet tea does contain caffeine. Depending on the type and amount of tea used in
the recipe, sweet tea can have as much as 47 mg of caffeine in it. Most brands of ready-
to-drink sweet teas contain around 10mg to 20mg of caffeine per 8oz cup.

Pitcher and mason jar mugs filled with iced tea - Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine

But note that many factors come into play if you want to determine the exact amount of caffeine
in sweet tea. Here is everything you’ll know about this refreshing drink!

How Much Caffeine Does Sweet Tea Have?

A cup of sweet tea packs a surprising punch of caffeine. Most 8 oz cups contain
anywhere from 10-20 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces, depending on how long
you steeped it and the type of tea you used. That’s not much compared to coffee, but it
still gives you a bit of a boost.

In comparison, an 8 oz cup of black tea contains around 45-50 milligrams of caffeine, and green
tea can have up to 30 milligrams per cup. So if you’re looking for a great way to get your daily
dose of caffeine without drinking coffee, then sweet tea might be just what you need!
And if you want even more caffeine in your sweet tea, you can always add some espresso shots
or cold brew concentrate for an extra kick!

Related Posts: 20 Stunning Coffee Stations For Your Kitchen

Does Arizona Sweet Tea Have Caffeine In It?

Yes, it does. An 8-ounce can of Arizona sweet tea has 15-25 milligrams of caffeine, which
is about as much as you’d find in a cup of decaf coffee.

It’s no wonder that this drink has become so popular! Not only does it taste amazing, but the
caffeine makes it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up without all the sugar and calories in more
traditional caffeinated drinks. Plus, its convenient packaging makes it easy to take with you on
the go. Best of all, Arizona sweet tea comes in tons of different flavors like lemon, raspberry,
peach, and mango to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Does McDonald’s Sweet Tea Have Caffeine In It?

The answer is yes—each 32-ounce cup contains 100 milligrams of caffeine. So while you
won’t be getting a huge caffeine boost from your McDonald’s sweet tea, it can definitely
help kickstart your day.
McDonald’s also offers an unsweetened tea version with no added sugar or other ingredients. A
32-ounce cup contains the same 100 milligrams of caffeine, so it may be a good option for those looking
for something with a little flavor but not too many calories. It’s also worth noting that all
McDonald’s teas are made with real brewed tea leaves and never contain any artificial flavors or
preservatives.
If you’re looking for something to give you an extra energy boost, try adding some honey or
agave nectar to your McDonald’s sweet tea!

Which Has More Caffeine – Sweet Tea Vs. Coffee Vs. Coke

Let’s start with the obvious: Coffee!

A standard cup of brewed coffee contains 95-200mg of caffeine. That means if you want a good
dose of caffeine in your morning routine, you know what to reach for. For a lighter caffeine dose,
tea may be your best bet. A cup of sweet tea usually has around 10-20 mg of caffeine per 8 fluid
ounces.

What about soda?

Coke has 34 mg per 12 ounces, slightly less than the average cup of black tea. But don’t forget
about energy drinks, which can contain up to 250 mg per can! So if you want an extra kick,
energy drinks are the way to go.

However, remember that the amount of caffeine varies depending on the type and brand of
drink you choose. For example, some brands of coffee have more caffeine than others, and
some tea brands have less. So be sure to read labels carefully before making your selection.

How Much Sugar Is In 8 Oz Or A Glass Of Sweet Tea?

8 ounces of sweet tea can contain anywhere from 10 to 15 grams of sugar. That’s about 2
½ to 4 teaspoons of sugar! It’s equivalent to the sugar found in a single glazed doughnut
or a single serving of jelly beans. !
Of course, that amount may vary depending on how sweet you like your tea. If you’re watching
your sugar intake, consider using less sugar or skipping it altogether. You can always add other
ingredients such as mint, lemon, or honey instead – they offer unique flavors without all the
added sugars.

How Do You Make Sweet Tea?

Here’s how you can make yourself a refreshing serving of sweet tea:
1. Gather the Ingredients
You’ll need black tea, water, sugar, and a few pieces of lemon or lime. For a gallon of sweet tea,
you’ll need 8 cups of water, 4 tea bags (or 8-12 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea), and ½ cup sugar.
2. Boil the Water
Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot or large saucepan. Once it boils, turn off the heat
and add the teabags (or loose-leaf tea). Let the tea bags steep for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is
an amber color.
3. Add Sugar and Lemon/Lime
Once the tea is finished steeping, dissolve ½ cup of sugar while it’s still hot. Stir until all the
sugar has dissolved completely. Then add a few slices of lemon or lime to infuse extra flavor
into your sweet tea.
4. Cool Tea Down and Serve Over Ice

Pour your hot tea mixture into a pitcher or container that holds at least one gallon. Fill with cold
water until the container is full, and stir to incorporate all ingredients well. Refrigerate for two
hours before serving over ice with a slice of lemon or lime as garnish.

Enjoy!

Difference Between Iced Tea And Sweet Tea

Iced tea and sweet tea are two classic summertime drinks, but they aren’t the same thing. Let’s
take a look at the differences between these two beverages.

Iced tea is any tea that has been chilled or served over ice. It can be made with green tea, black
tea, herbal tea, or other loose-leaf tea. Iced tea often doesn’t contain sugar or sweetener, but it
can be flavored with lemon juice or honey if desired. The key here is that iced tea has not been
sweetened before being poured over ice.

Sweet tea starts as hot brewed black tea, which is then sweetened with sugar while still hot.
This makes for a sweeter—often much sweeter—drink than regular iced tea. Sweet tea also
often contains less caffeine since it’s made with black teas rather than green teas with higher
caffeine levels. So if you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, you may want to reach for an
iced green over an iced sweet!

Sweet tea, a beloved Southern staple, does contain caffeine. Although 10-20mg per 8 ounces
may not sound like much, that small amount of caffeine can certainly be felt taking effect in your
body! Still, the effects are far from overwhelming – just enough to provide that needed midday
pick-me-up without the risks associated with higher levels of caffeine. Sweet tea does offer an
answer to those looking for a modest boost in energy without resorting to sugary carbonated
drinks or strong coffee. All a tasty sip away.

Filed Under: In The Kitchen

How Old Are You In 7th Grade? Includes Age to Grade Chart

by Carolyn 1 Comment

How old are you in 7th grade? – the question of which grade to enroll your child happens when you move countries or move from homeschooling to traditional school. Different countries can have different numbers of grades or levels for the same age of child. You can try and asses which level your kids is by checking a list of what skills does a 7th grader learn or the below chart to see what grade is a 12 year old in, we will help you find the answer.

It can be tricky to figure out which grade to start a child at certain ages, especially since the guidelines can vary from state to state. Most states consider the seventh-grade level to consist of students aged 12-13, other states may have children slightly older or younger depending on the skills the child has already learned. 

To help clarify, we will look at the age group that typically is enrolled into the 7th grade and also look at any differences that may occur across many states.

The age to grade chart below makes it easy to figure out how old is a 7th grader or what grade is a 12 year old in!

Happy teens looking at camera with smiles - How Old Are You In 7th Grade

How Old Are You in 7th Grade or 7th Grade Age Range?

In most states in the United States, students must be at least 12 years old to enter the sixth grade. There is some leeway in different states based on the date of a student’s birthday, but 12 is the average age of how old is a 7th grader. For example, in California, students must reach their 12th birthday by September 1st to be eligible for seventh grade; but, in New York, the child must turn 12 before December 31st. The same rules usually apply to home-schooled students.

●     Different Ages for Different School Systems

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

How Old Are You in 6th Grade? Includes Age to Grade Chart

by Carolyn 1 Comment

How old are you in 6th grade? – when someone moves to a different country or state there can be the question about which grade to enroll a child. Especially if someone is moving from a different country there can be a difference between countries of which year a child is in school. You can try and asses by the skills does a 6th grader learn or what grade is a 11 year old in, we will help you find the answer.

It can be difficult and tricky to figure out which age a student is in each grade, especially since the guidelines can vary from state to state. Most states consider the sixth-grade level to consist of students aged 11-12, other states the range may vary up or down depending on the expectations of skills mastered before each grade.

To help gain more clarity around this, we will look at the age group that typically is enrolled into the 6th grade and also look at any differences that may occur across many states.

We make it easy to figure out with the below skills and age to grade chart, so let’s find out how old is a 6th grader or what grade is a 11 year old in!

Father walking daughter to school - What age are you in 6th grade?

How Old Are You in 6th Grade or 6th Grade Age Range?

In the United States, students must be at least 11 years old to enter the sixth grade. There is some variation from state to state based on when a student’s birthday falls, but 11 is generally the average age of how old is a 6th grader. For example, in California, students must reach their 11th birthday by September 1st to be eligible for sixth grade; however, in New York, they must turn 11 before December 31st. The same rules usually apply to home-schooled students.

●     Different Ages for Different School Systems

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

How Old Are You In 5th Grade? Includes Age to Grade Chart

by Carolyn 2 Comments

How old are you in 5th grade? – it’s a common question parents have while assessing which class to enroll their kid in. This confusion especially pops up after someone moves states or countries and/or wishes to change schools. If you want to know what skills does a 5th grader learn or what grade is a 10 year old in, we have the answers for you.

As it turns out, understanding at which age a student is in each grade can be tricky, especially since it may vary from state to state. For example, most states consider the fifth-grade level to consist of students aged 10-11, while others might adjust that range upwards or downwards depending on their educational standards.

To help clear up any confusion around this, we’ll explore what age range typically falls into the 5th-grade label and look at how likely variations may occur across states.

So let’s dive into all the details and find out how old is a 5th grader or what grade is a 10 year old in!

How Old Are You in 5th Grade?

In most states, students must be at least 10 years old to enter the fifth grade. There is some variation from state to state based on when a student’s birthday falls, but 10 is generally the average age of how old is a 5th grader. For example, in California, students must reach their 10th birthday by September 1st to be eligible for fifth grade; however, in Texas, they must turn 10 before August 31st. The same rules usually apply to home-schooled students.

Row of pupils looking at teacher. How old are you in 5th grade?

●     Different Ages for Different School Systems

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Raising Kids

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 32
  • Next Page »

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Blossom About Image

Welcome to Fennell Seeds. I am Carolyn Fennell and I have twin boys and a little girl. Do you feel like you are struggling to keep up with your house, life and all the little things? Let's figure out short cuts and helpful tips together. Welcome! Read more...

Want More Parenting Tips? Subscribe to my Newsletter.

Check Out The Ultimate Newborn Printable Pack

Favorite Posts

Blossom Favorite Posts Image Blossom Favorite Posts 2 Image

Copyright © 2025 · Blossom theme by Restored 316

Privacy Policy

© 2025 Fennell Seeds
 

Loading Comments...
 

    x