It's s'mores season! That yummy, sweet, crunchy, ooey-gooey treat that has made many a childhood memory. Summer evenings are made for s'mores. When the temperatures begin to dip, it's time for melting marshmallows over an open flame...getting them ready to smoosh up next to a chocolate bar in-between graham crackers. OH THE YUM. Don't have a fireplace or regular access to a bonfire? How about a fire pit? There are many commercially available at hardware stores, but why not consider building your own? We've got seven great DIY projects, from simple to complex; all would be awesome s'more-makers. In-ground fire pit with a gorgeous organic perimeter. Tutorial by Laura Catherine. Concrete fire pit bowl tutorial by eHow. Would be great in a modern or rustic setting. Lovely tabletop … [Read more...]
5 Easy Ways to Entertain the Kids at Restaurants. (Do I dare say without a screen.) GASP!
We’ve all been there! Your child is hungry and fussy and the food has not yet arrived. What should you do? Yes, it’s tempting to pull out our cell phones or tablets to quickly keep our child occupied, but this doesn’t teach them to sit and behave properly at a restaurant. Teaching our kids how to behave in a restaurant setting is an important part of parenting. We know it’s hard for them to sit still so we need a plan. A go to restaurant plan to help hold their attention span – quiet games and activities to keep them happy and entertained – and yes all screen-free. Here are a few of my favorite ways to keep them busy at restaurants without the screens: Napkin Decoration! I love crayons because it only takes a few and a napkin and you are all set! Challenge the kids to a … [Read more...]
50 Sensational Summer Crafts for Kids
So, how to keep the kids busy on a long summer day? Try some of these fabulous activities we've rounded up as our favorite summer crafts for kids. Or, when the occasion calls for it, send the list to grandma. Indoor Crafts 1. Be prepared to display their artwork with these super cute clothespin airplanes - a magnet on the back or a string on the wall will make a great landing strip for your kids' airplanes holding precious, handmade cargo. 2. There are plenty of indoor preschool crafts out there, so even the littlest never have to be left out. 3. Alphabet bean bags are a great project for a beginner sewer or a fun mommy-and-me collaborative project with lots of fun - and learning! - left to be had after the project is over. 4. Tissue box monsters will show off originality and … [Read more...]
Fourth of July Popsicles
The Fourth of July will be here before we know it! Why not take a little time now to prepare for the hot holiday and make these refreshing and delightfully healthy Fourth of July popsicles? Once they're in your freezer, you can keep them there until the festivities begin. Nothing like a good make-ahead recipe to beat the heat this Fourth of July! So get out your popsicle molds and get cool! [sc:adsense ] Fourth of July Popsicles Ingredients 1 cup frozen strawberries, almost thawed 1 cup lemonade 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries, almost thawed How-To Purée the thawed strawberries in a blender. Evenly distribute to 6 popsicle molds. Freeze for 30 minutes. Pour lemonade evenly on top of the strawberries. Freeze for 1.5 hours. Purée the thawed blueberries … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Vegan Summer Recipes
Vegan sometimes gets a bad reputation for not standing up to it's competitors. Today is the day we get proved wrong. These are the ultimate vegan summer recipes that will rock your taste buds! We have everything from appetizers to desserts. All vegan. All delicious! Perfect for summer! Won't you give these vegan summer recipes a try? Appetizers 1/Corn, Avocado and Blueberry Kale Salad from Vanilla & Spice 2/Grilled Avocado Hummus from What Jew Wanna Eat 3/Thai Lettuce Wraps with Basil from The Recipe Renovator 4/Garden Fresh Gazpacho from Wine & Glue Main Dishes 5/Veggie 'Meatballs' from Diethood 6/Pineapple Rum Beans from Healthy Slow Cooking 7/Sesame Noodles from Cupcakes & Kale Chips 8/Chick-quin Sandwich from Spabettie 9/Pasta with Cilantro Jalapeno … [Read more...]
Take Fireworks Photos that SPARKLE
On July 4, 1776 America declared her independence. That means that this year is our nation's 240th birthday. That also means that in the coming days hundreds of thousands of folks in America are going to gather to watch a glorious display of pyrotechnics in the sky. {I'd sure love for someone to blast some fireworks into the sky for MY birthday each year!} {photo credit} Photographing fireworks is sometimes tricky. The night time conditions aren't ideal for photography, to begin with. Add in getting a crisp focus on a bursting ball of sparkles and it almost seems impossible. Using these few steps YOU can capture beautiful photos of any fireworks show. Don't forget the tripod. You'll be taking photos in the dark so you're going to want complete stillness in your camera's … [Read more...]
