Pirate Paradise: Walk the Florida Planks
Ahoy, mateys! Pirate talk is hard to resist and, in Florida, swashbucklers are a family draw, whether at the theme parks or aboard an authentic pirate ship in the ocean. The Sunshine State is full of tales of pirates plundering for booty, and many sites off our coast boast shipwrecks that only add to the mystery of a time when peg legs and eye patches were commonplace. Central Florida... Read More
Reindeer Holiday T-Shirt
Made with Christmas Spirit…North Pole Approved These adorable hand-made shirts are fun to make, cute to wear, and sure to attract Santa’s attention. But be warned, he may want to recruit your little fawn to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Materials: T-Shirt (any color) Paint (light brown, dark brown) Paint brush Pom-Pom (red or black) Large googly eyes Accessories (optional):... Read More
A Snowstorm of Vacation Fun
Three Ski Destinations for Your Next Snow-Filled Escape I remember sitting in my daughter’s class a few years ago listening to the dozen or so preschoolers talk about snow. Some had seen it firsthand, a badge they wore with honor, while the ones who hadn’t listened closely with mystified facial expressions. Even as adults, we never lose the feeling that snow is magical, which... Read More
Merry Meatloaf Cupcakes
Pull this holiday recipe out of your sleeve (um, we mean Christmas stocking)! You’ll serve up Christmas cheer with these fancy (but easy) single-serve meatloaves. These merry meatloaves are a fun alternative to a traditional Italian-style meatball. Whether your Christmas menu needs a fun hors d’oeuvre or another traditional dish for your family’s table, these ‘cupcakes’... Read More
Heart-Healthy Football Fare
Keep football feasts packed with fun and flavor! Tailgating and watch parties don’t mean you should fumble on your nutrition choices. Meats: No tailgate is complete without a pile of grilled meat! But choose lean or extra-lean beef burgers (patties the size of a deck of cards) or try turkey burgers or salmon burgers (packed with omega-3 fatty acids). Replace traditional fried... Read More
Puppy Love Plans
Date Night Ideas for your Teens & Tweens Think back to some of your very first dates as a teen and you’ll likely come up with a list that includes roller-skating and trips to the local movie theater. While those romantic mainstays are fine staples, why not help your teen or tween come up with some other creative get-togethers…especially if you’re planning on tagging along... Read More
A-Maize-ing Autumn Lanterns
Transform plastic bottles into sweet corncob luminaries that can light the way to your family’s feast! Materials 2 plastic bottles: a 1-liter and a slightly smaller 24-oz Yellow tissue paper Green tissue paper Paintbrush Decoupage glue (Mod Podge) Plate Yellow paint White paint Bubble packaging Tape Glue stick 1/2 cup of rice or sand Battery-operated tea light Directions Total... Read More
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats
The whole family can enjoy seasonal flavors ─ including the dog! There’s nothing scary about this easy-to-make Halloween recipe, but your dog will be howling in delight. Ingredients 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour ½ cup canned pumpkin (do not use pumpkin pie filling which contains excess spices and sugar) ½ cup peanut butter (preferably organic) 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Slime Time
It’s almost time for Halloween, and here is an experiment that is as creepy as it is cool! Of course, it will also help your child become a good thinker….but you don’t have to tell them that. Science is all about learning from observations and figuring out how things work along the way. Simple, hands-on experiments that begin with, “What do you think will happen?” or end... Read More
Orlando’s Candy Land: A Tasty Game of Sweet Spots
First published in 1949 by Milton Bradley, Candy Land continues to be among the classic board games played in American households with preschool-age children. The game’s bright colored winding path takes players on a magical journey through sugary sites, like Candy Cane Forest and Gum Drop Mountain, to find King Kandy, the lost king of Candy Land. Well, it turns out that King... Read More
Calling All Telephone Lovers And Superheroes
Children are obsessed with telephones. They’ll turn any object ─ a large Lego brick, a banana, the dog’s toy, etc. ─ into a phone and conduct a pretend conversation with Grandpa or their favorite character. Online memes have been dedicated to the topic of imaginary play: a popular one shows a church’s billboard stating, “I don’t care how big and bad you are. When... Read More
Bacon and Egg Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Apples
With school back in session, your evenings are likely booked solid with sport practices, music lessons, homework, and so on. Hectic family schedules can leave limited time for cooking elaborate recipes. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great “go to” meal. You can add practically anything to this classic sandwich to create a simple, yet delicious family dinner. Pairing bacon,... Read More
Coffee Can Drum
Kids love music and banging on pots, pans, and plastic containers. Combine their creativity with their musical talent by making this adorable homemade drum. An hour of craft time will end with music to your ears! Materials Aluminum coffee can with plastic lid 2 sheets yellow construction paper 1 sheet tan felt ½ sheet magenta felt Magenta yarn 1 rubber band Scissors Glue stick White... Read More
Push The Pedal To The Metal And Experience A Nascar Thrill of a Lifetime …For The Entire Family!
For more than a decade, Richard Petty Driving Experience, located just outside the Magic Kingdom, has offered adults the stimulation of roaring around the track at speeds of up to 120 MPH. Kiddos were left to cheer from the grandstands or pit road while their parents pushed fun into high gear. Well there’s no more ‘putting the brakes’ on broods! Richard Petty Driving Experience... Read More
Strawberry Peach Sorbet
Stir up a cool summer treat to beat the summer heat! Strawberry peach sorbet is a sweet and refreshing snack and easy to prepare without an ice cream machine. Enjoy both the kid-friendly and adult-only versions of this recipe! Ingredients Makes: 4 to 6 servings (about 1 qt) 1 pint strawberries, preferably organic 2 medium peaches, preferably organic 2 to 4 tbsp pure honey (amount... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Crush A Can With The Force Of Air Pressure
Crushing a can? Just with air pressure? Science CAN be fun! This simple science experiment is really cool but requires some safety measures to get it done right. Since the use of a stovetop electric burner (or gas alternative) is necessary, this is a parent-assisted project. Children should not attempt this experiment without parental supervision! Materials Several empty and clean... Read More
Frozen Summer Treat is Frosty Blast from the Past
Cool down this summer with a rainbow of color and flavor. Just like skipping through the sprinkler when the sun is shining bright, homemade shaved ice offers sweet relief on a hot afternoon. Plus, making this frozen favorite is a fun family activity. “Celebrate the flavors of summer with Easy Fruity Shaved Ice,” said Mary Beth Harrington... Read More
American Classic – Potato salad is the perfect dish for a picnic or potluck
No picnic or potluck is complete without potato salad. Whether it’s served warm, cold, creamy, cheesy or with a splash of vinegar, the dish is a true American cookout classic. Potato salads are easy to make and even easier to pack full of flavor. Craft your own potato salad by cutting a delicious, Idaho® potato into cubes with the skins still on. Boil in water for about 8 to... Read More
Outshine the Fireworks this July 4th with Sparkling Sweets
Fireworks don’t have to be the only party element that makes guests ooh and ah during July 4th festivities. With colorful sweets that sparkle and a themed tablescape exploding with red, white and blue, your party is sure to be the best on the block. “Adding patriotic flair to your Independence Day celebration is easy with the right recipes and decorating accents,” said Nancy... Read More
Liberty Wreath
Materials ¼ yard of red, white and blue patterned fabric Pool noodle Duct tape Hot glue and glue gun 4th of July embellishments Directions Trim pool noodle to desired wreath size. Note: Noodles are commonly 63 inches long; we cut 6 inches off. Using duct tape, adhere the ends of the noodle together to create a circle. Cut fabric into 4 stripes about 2 inches wide. Wrap fabric... Read More
Avocado Yogurt Key Lime Pie
Summer cookouts and celebrations will never be the same once you try this unique, luscious summer dessert pie. Every sweet and savory bite will leave your guests green with envy for your baking skills. Preparation: 20 min Cook Time: 3 hrs 15 min Total Time: 3 hrs 35 min Ingredients (Serves 10) 2 ripe Fresh California Avocados, quartered, peeled and seeded ½ cup non-fat vanilla... Read More
