Adventures to Keep the Summer Soaring
Lake County is underappreciated…at least it was by me. So, what’s upped my love for this region of Central Florida? Among other discoveries, I credit Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Sea Adventures, a family-owned company operating single-engine and multi-engine aircrafts for both recreational eco-tours and aviation training! Docked just off the historic train tracks in Tavares,... Read More
DIY Crayons
Is your child’s art bin full of broken crayons? There’s no need to throw them away when you can, instead, upcycle these partially used pieces into new, one-of-a kind, multi-colored creations! Supplies Crayons, broken pieces Flexible molds or ice cube trays (utilized shaped molds, if desired) X-Acto knife, optional Kitchen knife Cookie sheet Instructions Preheat oven to 200°... Read More
Financial Safekeeping During Vacation Season
As the summer vacation season begins and we all look for a little rest and relaxation, Fifth Third Bank offers tips to help protect and stay on top of your finances before, during and after your trip: Before Leaving Town: • Notify your credit card providers that you will be traveling. Be sure to let them know when you’re leaving, where you’ll be going and how long you’ll... Read More
Sweet Tips for 4th of July
It’s easy to throw a 4th of July party that looks like you worked on it for weeks, even if you just started the planning process.Celebrate the holiday in style by serving classic entrees everyone loves and focusing your attention on delicious, easy-to-make desserts. With the right recipes, your sweets will be as captivating as the colorful spectacle of fireworks above. Hot Cinnamon... Read More
Beat the Summer Heat in Volusia County
West Volusia: Debary, Deland, Deltona, and Orange City It’s conveniently located along I-4 between the beaches and theme parks, yet Greater West Volusia is worlds apart with authentic Florida communities radiating with historical, cultural, and natural charm. Bordered on the west by the majestic St. Johns, Florida’s only American Heritage River, the area is a popular getaway... Read More
DIY Braided T-Shirt Bracelets
Just in time for camp-inspired crafts! Encourage your camper to keep her friendships tightly wrapped using colorful T-shirts. Materials Cotton or jersey T-shirts, to cut Tips: Select garments that you’ve outgrown or pick up used shirts at re-sale stores. White and grey are ideal base colors to pair with pastel or neon cord. 1 yard of rattail cord, per bracelet (Available and... Read More
Blueberry Bliss
U-pick Season Offers Tasty Family Fun From sugar-sweet citrus to chin-dripping juicy watermelons, Central Floridians are blessed with a bounty of fresh produce year round. With the warmth of spring, local blueberries are slowly turning from firm and green, to plump, brilliant purple and juicy, deep blue. Blueberry season begins in mid-April and typically runs through June. So,... Read More
Heavenly Honey Puffs
As a first generation Greek-Canadian married to an American, cooking helps me travel back to my roots with the help of my taste buds. I jokingly describe myself as a cross between celebrity chef Giada de Laurentis and actress Nia Vardalos ─ with a love for traditional Greek cuisine paired with the influences of my eccentric family traditions. Saint Spiridon is the patron saint... Read More
Easter Eggs the Natural Way
This Easter, brighten up the holiday with beautiful, naturally dyed eggs. You’ll be impressed at how nature can create a rainbow of colored eggs, with the benefit of no added chemicals or artificial dyes. It’s a fun experiment for parents and kids alike, and will be appreciated by the Easter Bunny! Color chart Red onion skins = soft lavender to red Beet juice or cranberry juice... Read More
Campfire Banana S’mores
S’mores are a traditional campfire treat. Before sending the kiddos off to summer camp, explore fun alternatives to the classic graham cracker sandwich. Your campfire chefs will impress their fellow campers with this bonfire banana bonanza! Ingredients (single serving) 1 whole Chiquita banana, unpeeled 6 whole mini marshmallows 12 whole chocolate chips Instructions Prep Time: 10... Read More
How to Plant a Butterfly Garden
I remember the first time a butterfly landed on my daughter’s hand. She was three years old, and she stood very still and gazed at the beautiful, winged creature. With their multitude of colors and feather light touch, butterflies are magical. How about adding a little magic to your garden this spring? A butterfly garden can create a wonderful opportunity for your children to... Read More
CARBON KNIGHT
Simple Science Experiments: Coloring Flowers from the Inside Out What color of flowers do you like? You can turn flowers that color from the inside out! This month’s simple science experiment will tinker with the inner workings of flowers and celery, too. Now, we all know that plants don’t have a heart to pump their fluids up from the ground to their leaves, so how exactly does... Read More
Green Macaroni and Cheese
Whether you are looking for a green recipe to prepare on St. Patrick’s Day or just a clever way to sneak fresh vegetables into a meal, this classic dish ─ with a fun twist ─ is a crowd pleaser! Ingredients (yields 12 servings) 1 lb. macaroni noodles 2 tbsp. butter 1 yellow onion, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, minced 6 cups packed fresh spinach ½ cup boiling water ½ cup butter ½... Read More
Ready, Set, Grow!
Dig into fun family food with square foot gardens The sunshine-filled days of spring are perfect for burying your hands in the dirt of a garden. Planning a vegetable garden as a family is a great way to reduce your grocery bill, get some fresh air and exercise, and create lasting memories. Square foot gardening If you’re new to gardening, a square foot garden is a great place... Read More
From Trash to Treasure
Five Easy “Upcycled” DIY Projects Creative do-it-yourself (DIY) “upcycling” isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Upcycling is simply transforming an old or unused item into something new, functional, and beautiful. With just a few easy steps, you can repurpose trash, like useless household items or garage sale finds, into treasure! FUNctional Treasures: Planning... Read More
Homemade Soap
Homemade soap can be a luxurious treat for yourself or to give as a gift. Lather up with this fun and functional craft! Materials ½ tsp. body safe fragrance oil, desired scent (we’re using Berry Wine) 1 tsp. body safe soap colorant (we’re using Merlot Sparkle Mica) ½ tsp. body safe glitter (optional) Soap molds, store-bought or household... Read More
Florida Wine Tours
Florida Wine Tours Trade in the weekend whining for wine excursions Did you know that Florida is actually the birthplace of American wine? According to Visit Florida, the first recorded reference to winemaking in the United States was found in St. Augustine, where Spanish missionaries used local, wild muscadine grapes to make wine for religious ceremonies. Today, there are approximately... Read More
Olympic Crafts
The 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be held February 7-23, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Get in the game with your family with these spirited crafts! Ceremonial Olympic Torch Materials 1 sheet of white construction paper Clear tape Red, yellow, and orange tissue paper, 12″x12″ square of each color White craft glue Tips: 1. To create a really tall torch (like... Read More
Chocolate Fondue: Two Ways to Melt Your Heart
Chocolate Fondue: Two Ways to Melt Your Heart Melt the hearts of your loved ones with melted chocolate! Sweeten the deal by dipping fresh strawberries, bananas, pound cake, or your favorite treats in a heavenly fondue. Try the caramel-raspberry or peanut butter variations of this chocolaty good recipe. INGREDIENTS Choco-Caramel-Raspberry ½ cup Land O’Lakes® butter ½... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Baby Powder and Surface Tension
Let’s kick off the New Year with another simple science experiment. Ever see a bug skitter across the surface of a pond? Ever wonder why raindrops are the shape they are? This month’s simple science project will delve into the world of water’s surface tension with a couple of experiments. Surface tension is a barrier formed on the surface of water caused by something called... Read More
Gender Reveal Fudge Cookies
Team blue or team pink? Parents-to-be can host a “gender reveal” party to share whether they’re expecting a boy or a girl. Sink your teeth into the element of surprise with these gender reveal fudge cookies! INGREDIENTS: 40-50 Wilton candy melt pieces (blue or pink); plus more for decorating (such as white melts), if desired 8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese 1 bag (12 oz.)... Read More
