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Tag: summer

  • All-In-One-Guide to Cake Decorating: A Summer fun Activity for Kids

    All-In-One-Guide to Cake Decorating: A Summer fun Activity for Kids

    There are a plethora of things for our kids to do outside during the summer, but when the heat becomes unbearable we must find indoor activities that keep our sanity together. I received a copy of Cake Decorating for review. All thoughts are my own. 

    Summer heat has you stuck inside? Try a little cake decorating with the kids to use their creative minds in an edible way. My kids love spending time in the kitchen with me. This year has been especially fun as I’ve let them branch out more on their own. I will of course check on them, and require that they get permission to use the stove and oven, but they’ve made cookies without my help, Lemonade, Mac n’Cheese, and ramen. 

    You may also enjoy these posts:
    Summer Celebration Cake
    Spring Cupcakes with Strawberry Curd
    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Rhubarb Bundt Cake

    When we got the All-In-One Guide to Cake Decorating by Janice Murfitt, they couldn’t stop browsing through the pages. The gorgeous photos of finished cakes, and the easy to follow step by step photos had cake decorating on their mind. Suddenly they requests for birthday cakes became much more elaborate. 

    Summer heat has you stuck inside? Try a little cake decorating with the kids to use their creative minds in an edible way. As the weather began to really heat up, I thought a fun activity would be to make some petit four cakes and let the kids play with fondant. I had hopes it would keep them both distracted and using the creative sides of their brain. I mean it’s basically like play-doh right? We just get to eat it at the end. 

    Now, the back of the book does have recipes for different types of frosting – marzipan, fondant, royal icing – but I thought it would be best to start with store bought fondant for our first go around. I found a tub of red and pink fondant on sale at Walmart, so that’s what we used.

    Summer heat has you stuck inside? Try a little cake decorating with the kids to use their creative minds in an edible way. To make the petit-fours I baked up a sheet cake. Cut it into 1″x1″ squares and then froze them. Frozen cakes are less crumbly to work with, and doesn’t affect the finished flavor or texture of the cake. 

    It totally worked! The kids spent days upon days playing with the fondant. Making little shapes to top their little cakes, and sometimes just making scenes of fondant on a plate. Some of the kids found they loved fondant and would eat it without cake, others just enjoyed the creative process of decorating a cake.


  • TWIX Bites Trail Mix #EatMoreBites #shop

    TWIX Bites Trail Mix #EatMoreBites #shop

    I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. #EatMoreBites
     
    TWIX Bites Trail mix #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
     
    We wanted to go hiking over Memorial Day Weekend, so I wanted to have something to keep the kids energy up, but that they wouldn’t complain about either.  We headed to Walmart to pick up ingredients for our own trail mix. I could not resist grabbing a couple bags of TWIX Bites to toss in the mix. I had to reach way back in the shelf, since everyone else seems to like TWIX as much as I do.
     
    Find TWIX Bites at Walmart #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
    I almost grabbed some UNO too…but remembered we already have it.
     
    Now in case that picture of shelves and shelves of candy has you running to the store before you get down to the recipe….WAIT. Grab one of these coupons first!
    MARS Brand Bites Coupons! #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
     
    Or head to Coupons.com and grab one of these offers
    Save $0.50 Off any two (2) MARS Brand Bites, 2oz. or larger. Includes TWIX®, 3 MUSKETEERS®, MILKY WAY® Simply Caramel, MILKY WAY® & SNICKERS®.
    Save $2.00 Off any two (2) MARS Brand Bites, 6oz. or larger. Includes TWIX®, 3 MUSKETEERS®, MILKY WAY® Simply Caramel, MILKY WAY® & SNICKERS®.
     
     
    TWIX Bites Trail Mix. Kids love it! #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
     
    TWIX Bites Trail Mix
    Up your trail mix with TWIX Bites and Chocolate Covered cereal.
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    Ingredients
    1. 4 cups corn square cereal
    2. 1/2 cup dark chocolate peanut butter
    3. 1 TBS butter
    4. 1/8 tsp Almond extract
    5. 3/4 cup powdered sugar
    6. 1/4 cup chocolate covered craisins
    7. 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
    8. 1 cup roasted garlic rye chips
    9. 1 cup raw peanuts
    10. 2 6oz bags TWIX Bites
    11. 1/4 sunflower nuts
    12. 1/2 cup freeze dried raspberries
    Instructions
    1. Combine the peanut butter, butter and almond in a small bowl.
    2. Microwave for about 30 seconds on high.
    3. Pour over corn square cereal and mix until all the cereal is coated.
    4. In a paper bag, combine chocolate covered cereal and powdered sugar.
    5. Close the bag and shake until well powdered.
    6. Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl.
    7. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss like a salad.
    8. Divvy into individual servings and head outside for some summer fun.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
     
    TWIX Bites Trail Mix #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
     
     
    We ended up driving up the Uinta Mountains to get to Cascade Springs for our hike. It’s so beautiful up there, but there was a sign asking us not to bring food onto the trail. So after the hike the kids were thrilled to have a chocolatey treat. I’m pretty sure all the TWIX Bites were picked out first while the peanuts were mostly handed back to me… 
     
    Enjoying some TWIX Bites Trail Mix after a hike #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
     
    Really I think she was saying “Mom just let me eat it!!” After chasing Princess R around the springs, I know all I really wanted was to grab my bag of mix and eat it. 
     
    Where will you take TWIX Bites Trail Mix this summer?
     
    Where will TWIX Bites Trail Mix take you? #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias
  • Summer is Here!

    Summer is Here!

    School has been out for a month here now, but it hasn’t really felt like summer until this week. Possibly because we’ve been holed up working on our bathroom remodel, or maybe it’s the rising temps with no AC that made it feel more real. Either way I propose a toast (with my Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade) to the start of summer vacation. 
    To Summertime – May you be filled with the laughter of children running through sprinklers, and good books on the porch. May your temps stay mild, and the bugs kept to a minimum. As we begin our first ever swimming lessons, let us all kick back and relax while we enjoying your sunshine.  May we remember that time spent with our children should be treasured more than possessions – and time spent with friends a bonus. As we bbq, hike, camp, and swim, let these summertime memories be just that – Memorable!
    I hope you all are enjoying your summers! I’ve learned very quickly that despite my previous thoughts that 3 hours with 1 child gone didn’t leave much time to get things done, it did indeed allow my to get a lot done. I’ve spent the last few weeks reorganizing and dejunking more of our house because the child tornadoes kept tearing through. Now that we seem to be mostly on a schedule, I’m tossing swimming lessons into the mix. In just a few hours I will be poolside with a book, while my oldest 2 Princesses learn the life skill of swimming. The younger 2 are getting some special time with Mark. It will probably make for a long 2 weeks, but will be so worth it….just don’t let me forget the sunscreen!  
    Thankfully with such a busy week, this week’s menu planning seem to come together easily. Between swimming lessons, a trip up to Manti, and a Balloon Festival on Saturday, I really need this plan to stay on top of meals, while still having some family fun!
    Menu Plan week of 6/17
    Monday – Cake Pan Pizza
    Tuesday – Shepherds Pie
    Wednesday – Fajitas
    Thursday – BBQ and Smores with friends

    Friday – Sandwiches on the go: Meeting Aunt M and Uncle J at the Mormon Miracle Pageant
    Saturday – Leftovers
    Sunday – Dinner with relatives

    MPM-Summer

  • Fun Summer Cakes

    This post is sponsored by Betty Crocker. All opinions are 100% my own.

    Summer is here! All not technically, but school is out here and consistently warm weather is on the horizon. Despite my best efforts to have fun and creative snacks during the school year, we usually stuck with a plate of veggies or cheese and crackers. With summer here I have much more time to play around in the kitchen and get creative.
    I’ve told you before how I love the ease of box mixes for a quick treat, so I was really excited when Betty Crocker shared these easy but very creative summer cakes!  Check them out and maybe make some for your summer parties this year.  
    This ice cream cone cake would make a fun activity for a birthday party. The cones make it easy for little hands to hold while decorating them with sprinkles, fruit, candy, or even a cherry on top!
    Additional ideas I may have to try this summer are Betty Crockers Watermelon Cake (I’m picturing for a BBQ) and the Flip Flops Cake (think water party)!
    What summer parties do you have planned this year?
  • Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicle

    Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicle

    This week started out so beautiful. All the snow had finally melted, the kids were spending more time outside, and my Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies arrived by mail (yes, I supported a friend and had them shipped across the states to me!)
     
    Well, after eating box 1 of the Thin Mints and Caramel Delights, mostly by myself (I will not tell you how fast they went….that’s between me and my stomach), I decided maybe I should get a little creative with the last box of Thin Mints. I’ve seen ideas and recipes all over Pinterest for using “leftover” Girl Scout Cookies, that I thought maybe I should hang onto some. Mind you, these were not leftovers, I don’t believe in leftover cookies.  They were just put to a better use.
     
    These Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicles are delicious!
     
    I am at the moment wishing I had saved more of the thin mints. These were absolutely delicious!  I happened to try out a new ingredient with these fudgesicles as well – chocolate extract. Did you know they made chocolate extract? It’s a very new discovery for me, and I’ve already got my head spinning around the things I can create with it! 
    Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicle
    Creamy delicious Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicles
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    Ingredients
    1. Ingredients
    2. 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    3. 1 cup 2% Milk
    4. 1/2 cup sugar
    5. 2 egg yolks
    6. 1/8 tsp salt
    7. 1 tsp corn starch
    8. 1/3 cup Rodelle Dutch Processed Cocoa powder
    9. 1/2 tsp Rodelle chocolate extract
    10. 5 Thin Mint cookies
    Instructions
    1. In a medium saucepan mix together the Cream, Milk, sugar, eggs, salt and corn starch.
    2. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Whisk every few minutes.
    3. Remove from the heat and add the Cocoa Powder.  Mix well.
    4. Return the pan to medium heat. Cook for another 10 minutes, whisking every few minutes.
    5. At this point if you stick a spoon in and let it drip off, it will look and feel like melted ice cream.
    6. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate extract.
    7. Cool on the counter for 1-2 hours.
    8. Meanwhile, place your thin mints in a small Ziploc bag. Using a potato masher (or bottom of a cup, or rolling pin), crush the cookies.
    9. You’ll want to use approximately 10 Popsicle molds.  Evenly distribute the crushed cookies into the molds.
    10. Once the chocolate mix has cooled, pour it on top of the crushed cookies.
    11. Using a chopstick (or skewer), slide into the molds to help the chocolate surround the cookies and reach the bottom of the mold.
    12. Add the popsicle handles, and freeze for 3-4 hours.
    13. Once frozen, run the mold under hot water for a few seconds to help loosen it.
    14. Remove from the mold and enjoy!
    Adapted from Shop Cook Make
    Adapted from Shop Cook Make
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
      Kids enjoying Thin Mint Chocolate Fudgesicles
    I kid you not, the Thin Mints permeated the whole fudgesicle so every bite was full of that girl scout cookie goodness. This easily tripled my cookies and made sharing them with the kids not so hard. 
     
    And would you know it, I woke up to it snowing this morning!  Thank goodness it didn’t stick, but it sure is cold here again.
     
     
    Thank you for joining us at Foodie Friday! Make sure you check out my co-host Diane at Simple Living and Eating.

    ~FEATURES~

    I just need to say this – It’s getting too hard to pick features!! You all have so many wonderful looking recipes!  So since Diane and I can’t feature you all, please please go check out the linky, and visit some of the other blogs. You are sure to find something yummy to add to your menu’s!
      
    Family Favorite Pork Chops
    Family Favorite Pork Chops
    from Wyoming Girl *Turned* Coastie Wife
    Pork is our families choice of meat, so I know these won’t disappoint. Plus they are super simple!
     
    IMG_4786-003
    Ranch Dressing
    from A Bright and Beautiful Life
    We run out of Ranch too often in this house! Now I can always have some on hand, because yes it does go with everything.
     
  • How to keep cool in this Heat

    How to keep cool in this Heat

    How’s the weather where you’re at?  Are you melting yet?  I feel like I don’t need to do any kind of exercise in this heat, and I’ll still burn up enough to lose the baby weight. 
    We had some storm clouds roll in this morning, and I thought for sure we’d get some rain, and cool air. No such luck. It was cooler, than the past few days, but no rain.
    We wake up, and almost immediately turn on our swamp cooler, and fans. It would be nice if we could hold off until the afternoon, but I don’t think we’d make it. We’d be like slugs sliming our way around the house.
    Here’s a few tips to keep cool
    – ceiling fans! If you have some, use them. They will help circulate the air.
    – blinds and curtains. First thing in the morning, open the windows on the west side of your house to let in some cool air. Just make sure they’re closed and covered by noon, to avoid letting the heat in. At night open some windows to let the cool air circulate. Having curtains to block out the sun will also help block out the heat. They actually sell some curtains that have a reflecting back to push the heat away from your house.
    – Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated! 
    – Try to avoid doing laundry during the day. The washer and dryer create more heat as they run. I did a day of laundry earlier this week, and even with my ceiling fan our basement was just burning up. Now I try to get a load done in the morning, and then run one at night before I go to bed.
    – Take a cool shower. I can’t believe I’m advication cold showers, but this summer has taught me they can be quite refreshing.
    – Smoothies! I love smoothies, and they just offer such a refreshing cool summer drink.
    – If all else fails, head out of the house, and find a public building with A/C. Just hang out, and enjoy the cool air.
    I hope you are all staying cool this summer. If you have any other tips on how to stay cool, I’d love to hear them in the comments!