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
Frozen Yogurt Covered Fruit Pops
Kids love eating anything on a stick! These simple frozen yogurt fruit pops are the perfect snack or dessert. Easy and fun to prepare, healthy, and yummy. Ingredients (makes 12 pops) ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp. honey Large freezable fruit choices, such as: bananas, kiwis, strawberries, mangoes 12 cake-pop or thick lollipop sticks (6” long) Assorted toppings, such as: chopped... Read More
Jenga Keychain
Family trips create the fondest memories. This craft will keep vacation memories close to your heart and in the palm of your hand! Collect travel maps from your favorite destinations to pair with recycled board game pieces. Creativity and imagination are key to unlocking the treasured memories of your family travels. Materials: Jenga board game piece or other small wooden block Decorative... Read More
Strawberry Basil Fruit Leather
In the early 1980′s, Fruit Roll-Ups became an instant grocery store hit for both kids and moms. That’s because they were a great source of vitamin C, low in fat, and an easy way to pack a little bit of fun in a lunch box. But these days, processed snacks can be full of all sorts of chemicals, dyes, flavorings, and too many ingredients that are hard to pronounce! Such a simple... Read More
How to Build a Hydroponic Garden
Hydroponics is a specialized type of gardening that grows plants in soil-free nutrient solutions. An economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable way to produce food, hydroponic gardens are grown in a controlled environment; therefore hydroponic gardeners only need basic agriculture skills. Try recycling a Styrofoam box into a low-cost hydroponic garden to produce fresh... Read More
Backyards Aren’t Just for Orange Trees Anymore
Worried about citrus greening disease and canker? Cheer up! Though the orange is recognized as Florida’s state fruit, home gardeners have other options when it comes to backyard crops. Citrus is the most common fruit grown in Central Florida, but it’s certainly far from the only choice to produce a home orchard. There are numerous types of delicious, nutritious fruit that can... Read More
Simple Science Experiment: The Rubber Egg
“A box without hinges, key, or lid; yet golden treasure inside is hid.” This is perhaps my favorite riddle from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The answer is, of course, an egg — the largest cell in the world. Fun Fact: The ostrich holds that record. So what can we do with an egg that is science-like and fun? Why, dissolve the shell with a mild acid and turn the innards to a... Read More
From Fairytales to Waterfalls: Unearthing Mother Nature’s Playground
With the school year soon coming to an end, it’s time to spruce up learning opportunities right in your own backyard. Transform an ordinary outdoor space into a captivating, natural wonderland and you’ll harness the curiosity and imagination of your children in a whole new way. With a little ingenuity, you can create a multi-sensory landscape that provides your children with... Read More
Lamb Cupcakes
Ham vs. lamb? Regardless of what you serve as the main course for Easter dinner, even the Easter Bunny will flock to the kitchen to enjoy this fluffy treat. Prep time: 20 min. Total time: 3:40 Makes: 24 cupcakes Ingredients Cupcakes 1 (18.25 oz) pkg. white cake mix 1 cup milk ½ cup Land O Lakes® butter, softened 3 Land O Lakes® all-natural eggs 2 tbsps freshly squeezed... Read More
Bottle Cap and Scrabble Tile Magnets
These personalized magnets are a fun and simple recycled craft to create with the whole family. They can make the perfect party favor or unique gift. Try both creations! Bottle Cap Magnets Materials Bottle caps Paint color swatches or colored paper Scissors A quarter Craft casting epoxy or resin Small stickers (to fit inside caps) A strong bonding agent or glue Magnets Instructions Cut... Read More
Sweet HeARTS
Fill these hand sewn hearts with your choice of a sweet surprise. Your little Valentine’s will adore your crafty labor of love! Materials Two heart-shaped lace doilies (6” doilies are pictured; smaller sized doilies are recommended for large quantities) Silver or white marker Craft cord Plastic needle Instructions Write a heartfelt Valentine’s Day message on one or both... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Homemade Icicles
Winter is upon us, and with it comes freezing weather. Well, I suppose that really depends on where you are. Some Central Florida children rarely have a chance to see snow or iconic icicles. But, this month’s simple science experiment will have your kids creating their own homemade icicles! Sure, this project may not replicate the actual way icicles form; in fact, this is how... Read More
Family Resolution Journal
Happy New Year! With the hectic holiday season finally settling down, it’s time to turn your focus toward setting your New Year’s resolutions. Try to incorporate resolutions that can engage the whole family and foster positive, shared goals. A family resolution journal can be a fun and imaginative way to commit to new objectives. Together, you’ll identify things that are... 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 Instructions: Brush your child’s hand... Read More
Frosted Holiday Angels
Even the littlest angel in your family can help decorate these fun edible treats. Prep time: 1 hour Makes: 8 angels Ingredients: Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup Land O Lakes ® butter (softened), 1 tsp vanilla, 2-3 tbsp milk, food coloring Angel body: sugar ice cream cones Wings: small or large pretzel twists Head: chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies Hair: toasted... Read More
Traditional Thanksgiving with a Celebrity Twist
Serving up the same old traditional Thanksgiving recipes is simply for the birds. Ever wonder what holiday spread celebrity chefs cook up for their festive feast? As Emeril Lagasse would say, “Bam,” it’s time for holiday meal makeover! Please your family’s palates with these Thanksgiving favorites “kicked up a notch” from Chefs Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. Plus,... Read More
Festive Native American Napkin Ring & Place Setting
Turkey and ham and yams, Oh My! Stuffing, green beans, and butter on rye. Cobblers and pies a mouthwatering surprise. Thanksgiving is on its way. First comes the location, then the guest list…plans for Thanksgiving are officially underway! This year, when considering how to adorn your holiday table, invite your children to help by creating personalized place settings. These dual-purpose... Read More
Crispy Good FrankenTreats!
Crispy Frankenstein Treats Turn ordinary crispy cereal treats into cute green monsters! Prep time: 1 hour Total time: 2 hours Makes: 18 bars Bar Ingredients 1/4 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter 1 (10-ounce) package (40) large marshmallows 1 teaspoon green food color 6 cups crispy rice cereal 18 wooden craft sticks, if desired Decorations Black or white decorator icing or... Read More
Dog Feeding Sign
Paws down… with this very handy sign, you won’t need to worry about when your dog was last fed. Materials: Thin Wood Sign (available at your local craft store) Acrylic Paint & Paintbrush or Colored Markers Ribbon (12” length) Wooden Decals (optional) Hot Glue Gun Steps: Paint a base coat on both sides of the wood sign, any color (we chose black). Paint or color the... Read More
