Bird’s Nest Cookies
One of the most anticipated aspects of Spring is the fresh, bright colors seen in newly planted annuals or in the adorable designs on a little’s girl’s Easter dress. Bird’s nest cookies, made with pastel, hard-shell chocolate eggs, are another perfect, yummy way to celebrate the season. They are no-bake, easy-to-make, and a holiday treat that my son loves to help prepare. Children... Read More
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Bringing wildlife and educational fun to Central Florida families since 1923 The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens opened its doors to the public in 1923 with a collection of donated animals from the Sanford Fire Department. Over the years, the Zoo relocated to several locations throughout Sanford, until it finally set down roots at its current location on July 4, 1975. Today,... Read More
Lucky Leprechaun Pie
Sure ‘n begorrah! It’s St. Paddy’s Day and you’ve been wearing the requisite green clothing and speaking with an Irish brogue all day. You may not be dining on corned beef and cabbage tonight, but there’s no reason not to cap the evening meal off with a slice of Lucky Leprechaun Pie. It’s so simple to make that even your little elves can help. We think St. Patrick... Read More
Chalkboard Herbal Pots
These handy herbal pots are not only fun to make, but will also let your kids get involved in making a healthy meal. Once the plants are thriving nicely in their own adorable pot, let your little helper-bees select an appropriate sprig from the plant to be used as you prepare your next meal. When it’s time to plant a new herb in one of the pplanters, simply erase and write the... Read More
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Sweets for your sweetie! If you like chocolate covered cherries, you will LOVE these. They are better than store bought and made with love! Make a batch for your Valentine. 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream 1 tsp. almond extract 4 cups powdered sugar 60-65 maraschino cherries with stems 12 squares almond bark Beat butter until creamy. Add marshmallow... Read More
Lovey-Dovey Bird Houses
These are great gifts to make for teachers and special friends. Use an inexpensive pre-made bird house from craft stores, and all you have to do is paint it with “heart”felt designs! Note: this bird house can be customized for any holiday. Supplies needed: Pre-made bird house from craft store Acrylic paints – red, pinks, and white Paint brushes Stiff paper for making heart... Read More
Destination Destin – -Love Sparkles on the Emerald Coast of Florida
A Grown Up’s Getaway for Romance and Relaxation It’s not often that Orlando Family Magazine suggests that parents take a break from parenting…but it is Valentine’s Day, after all, so we are going to go out on a limb here and suggest that you plan a getaway to get reacquainted with the love of your life. Even family experts agree that Mom and Dad need a couple of days to... Read More
Over the River and through the Woods: Tips for Family Hikes
Spring is a great time to explore your region’s parks and trails. But you need more than sunscreen, water, and high-energy snacks to enjoy a family hike. To maximize the fun and keep the cries of “My feet hurt…Are we there yet?” to a minimum, hiking experts offer some steps you can take before you hit the trail, as well as during your adventure trek. Ready, Set, Let’s... Read More
Turn Up the Heat: 6 Glorious Reasons to Start an Affair with Your Slow Cooker
Slow cookers have been around for decades, and while many get stuffed in the back of a cabinet or a dark garage, this handy kitchen appliance has made a comeback in recent years. If yours is collecting dust and feeling neglected and alone, here are six scrumptious reasons to dust it off and rekindle an old flame: It is a slow, but steady friend. In a world of live chats, text... Read More
Make Winter Vacation Memories Last
Got the post-holiday vacation blues? Here are a few ways to revisit the fun and preserve memories of the good times, good food, and good company. The winter holidays are nearly over and across the country you can hear the familiar sounds that signal the end of the winter break — the sighs of exhausted parents and the groans of kids returning to school. Okay, maybe there is some... Read More
Handy Snowmen Ornaments
These cutie-patootie snowmen are so easy to make and they won’t melt into a puddle after the cool holiday season has passed. You will need: Solid color glass ornaments that will fit in your child’s hand Acrylic washable paint – white, black, orange, and red Small paint brushes and fine tip markers Empty egg carton Thin white ribbon Brush your child’s hand with a thin... Read More
PUMPKIN COOKIES
Don’t tell the kids, but these moist, decadent, pumpkin cookies will provide a serving of vegetables and your little “cookie monsters” will be so busy enjoying the chocolate chips, they won’t even notice. Ingredients: 1 cup shortening (Crisco) 1 cup sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin (Libby’s) 1 egg 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ginger 1 ½... Read More
Glittery Harvest Centerpiece
Add a festive focal point to your tablescape before the turkey even leaves the oven! No matter who is in charge of baking the pumpkin pie or carving the bird, the whole family can contribute to the spread by creating a holiday centerpiece. It’s tradition with a shimmery new twist! Supplies & Tools: Twig cornucopia & pumpkin Faux gourds & pumpkins Autumn berry garland Burlap... Read More
Host A Thanksmas* Celebration?
What’s Thankmas, you ask? It’s a little breather from the holiday chaos to be enjoyed somewhere between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Try it and let us know if it brings a few satisfying moments to your holiday schedule. As the mother of five small kids, I know how crazy holidays can get. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, dressing up, traveling, rushing, and going into debt... Read More
Bandages are for Mummies!
We don’t want to deal with real blood on Halloween, right? So let’s take a minute and review these pumpkin-carving safety tips…it just may save a trip to the ER for some stitches in grown-up, as well as little fingers! When my son, Matt, was younger, I recall my husband and I wondering just how much pumpkin carving could Matt safely do. A kid’s manual dexterity gets better... Read More
Marshmallow Ghosts
Why not scare up some culinary fun in the kitchen? These boo-tiful treats will get you in the mood for trick-or-treating Makes 14 (3 inch) ghosts 1 cup cold water, divided into two ½ cups each 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin weighing ¼ ounce each 2 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup ½ teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract or imitation extract Ghost cookie cutter (We... Read More
Ghostly Ghouls
Make these cheerful Halloween ghosties and your trick or treating will be fearfully fun What you’ll need: Tissue paper or cheesecloth Round balloons Drinking glass (to use as stands) White craft glue Water Bowl Paintbrush Large wiggle eyes Battery operated tea lights (found in craft store) Scissors How to make it: Partially blow up balloons, (water balloons size works well)... Read More
A Real Jungle Adventure with Safari Todd
Professional wild animal wrangler, Safari Todd, is Central Florida’s version of Steve Irwin. You will find him on any given day interacting with enormous alligators, dangerous cougars, slithering snakes, and creepy arachnids at Jungle Adventures, located a half an hour from downtown Orlando. Watching him handle live exotic animals will leave you simply Awwwestruck! Born and... Read More
Thumbprint Petal Vase
Show your grandparents just how special they really are by creating a unique gift made with your own fingers…literally! It’s simple and fun to do. Most importantly, your love will stay in bloom throughout the year! Supplies Need: Smooth Glass Vase Glass Paint (your choice of colors) Paint Brush Little Fingers How to Make: Paint your child’s thumb with paint (we used... Read More
Psychedelic Flower-Power Pots
These colorful plant holders are far-out, man! Plenty of summer days left, so there’s still time to plant a pretty petunia in this groovy pot and enjoy some fab flowers. What you’ll need: Terra cotta pot – use a 6 or 8 inch pot Terra cotta pot sealer – found at the hardware store in the gardening section near the pots Acrylic paints – assorted colors Brushes Clear glass... Read More
Tackle Your Summer Bucket List
When you live, work, and attend school in a tourist mecca that is packed with fabulous water adventures, it’s not surprising that taking advantage of these exciting experiences geared to visitors tends to be relegated to the “we’ll do that someday” file. We here at Orlando Family, are committed to ticking off items from our personal Summer Water Fun Bucket Lists and... Read More
