Get Egg-cited with Crazy Crepes

A kid-friendly recipe the whole family can enjoy There’s a reason for the adage, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” It’s because breakfast provides an opportunity to get important nutrients that are difficult to make up over the course of the day. In addition, children and adults who eat breakfast regularly tend to have healthier body weights than breakfast... Read More

Colorful Stained Glass Block

Let your creative light shine through Any time you can get the kids involved in a craft that doesn’t have to be hung on the refrigerator, it’s a good thing. This pretty stained glass block is easy to make and incredibly useful on a windowsill, in front of a candle, or as a gift for Mom on her special day. It’s clearly a craft for family members of all ages and artistic abilities. What... Read More

Splash Pads, A Cool, Affordable Way to Beat the Heat

Whatever they are called…splash zones, splash pads, or spray-grounds, these water facilities are sure to keep the entire family cool. The best way to lower the temperature during Florida’s hot summer season is to get wet and we’re not talking about standing in the rain! Central Florida has many options for water fun, and they are often quite budget friendly. Take a look at... Read More

Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade

6       cups watermelon cubes (seeds removed) 1/4   cup raspberries 1        cup water 1/3    cup sugar 1/2    cup lemon juice Directions: Place watermelon, raspberries, and water in container of electric blender, cover and blend until smooth. Strain through fine mesh strainer into pitcher. Stir in sugar and lemon juice until sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until... Read More

Watermelon Boat

1 watermelon — can be seeded or seedless Cutting board Kitchen and paring knives Pencil or thin marker Large bowl and spoon or ice cream scoop Blue gelatin Small plastic container Small beach themed items Gummy fish Directions: Use an oblong seedless watermelon, and cut a 1/4-inch slice off the bottom to provide a stable base. Draw lines in a wave design with a sharp pencil... Read More

Boom-Boom Strawberry Pops

Chocolate dipped strawberries rank right up there with apple pie as favorite American gourmet treats…The kids can help makes these fruit pops and nibble on them while ooo-ing and aaah-ing during the fireworks display. Ingredients: 15-20 large strawberries 3 squares of chocolate melting bark Red, white, and blue sprinkles 20 Skewers Directions: Melt the chocolate in a small... Read More

Cheeseburger Sliders

Enjoy these easy-to-make mini delights and let the fun begin! Cheeseburger Sliders by Bonnie Banda Ingredients: 1  medium onion (about 1 cup finely chopped) 1 1/2  lb lean ground beef 2  garlic cloves, pressed 1  tsp. salt 6  slices American cheese 24  Martin’s mini rolls  (find these in the supermarket bread isle) 24  hamburger dill pickle slices Mustard (optional) Directions: Preheat... Read More

Fabulous Fourth Backyard Bash

What’s a spectacular fireworks display without your favorite food? But who wants to spend hours in the kitchen feeding family and friends, when there are sparklers to light, and firecrackers to set off? Orlando Family has put together an easy-peasey menu so guests can serve themselves, and the chef can sit on the blanket and enjoy the fireworks display. Just add a tossed salad,... Read More

Throw a Rockin’ Block Party

Inexpensive, Fun Ways to Jazz Up Your Neighborhood Block Party An old-fashioned block party can be one of the true delights of summer. Getting the neighbors together to mingle is not only loads of fun, but it helps keep your neighborhood safe by providing a sense of community and friendship. Let’s think outside the traditional party box, beyond the ho-hum hot dog and potato salad... Read More

An East or West Coast Florida Beach Getaway

Central Floridians will find some of the finest beaches in the nation right in their backyard, and only an hour or two drive away. If you’re thinking about planning a beach getaway, but are short on ideas, we’re introducing you to popular destinations on each coast – Florida’s historic East Coast along the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater along the Gulf... Read More

Happy Trails on a Bike

The Ultimate Family Fun on Wheels  – It’s May – Celebrate National Bike Month In the pursuit of health, fitness, and family fun, Derek and Mary Blomberg of Metrowest, and their five-year-old daughter, Annalise, cycle together as often as possible along one of Central Florida’s beautiful biking trails. “It’s a fun way for us to exercise and spend quality time... Read More

Bagel with Seeds…A Treat That’s, Literally, for the Birds!

Make a feeder for your feathered friends. They’ll be all a-twitter. Our backyard birds need a snack too, you know. These bird feeders are cute as can be, and easy for little hands to make! What you will need: ½ bagel 1 teaspoon peanut butter (smooth or crunchy – birds like both!) 1 teaspoon shortening Birdseed in a shallow bowl or plate A small dowel, green plant stake, or... Read More

Get Out and Grow!

Creating a Family Garden – Education and fun in the great outdoors How many times have you begged your kids to go outside and play, only to have them whine, “But, Moooomm, there’s nothing to do…” With Xbox, Wii, and iPods, we can’t deny that our kids are living in a mind-numbing world of digital sensory overload. Are you looking for a way  to unplug them from their... Read More

Going Green with Homemade Container Gardens

Self-Watering, Low Maintenance, and Impressive Produce How would you like to grow fabulous vegetables without having to worry about weeding, watering, or pests? Your kids won’t believe how much fun it is to grow and harvest food that’s fun to eat. We won’t tell them the veggies are good for them, if you don’t. Here’s how to construct a self-watering planter to hold your... Read More

Picking Strawberries – Fields of Fun and Yum

There is nothing quite as inviting to the palate as fresh strawberries – juicy, delicious, and good for you too! Whether eaten fresh or used in ice cream or milk shakes, the bright red berries are a favorite of nearly every berry connoisseur. So, imagine your family’s reaction when they spy a whole field of strawberries! Let the picking frenzy begin! As Central Florida residents,... Read More

ZOOm Air Adventure Park Orlando

A thrilling aerial adventure at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford to test your balance and have you flying over the tree tops! Think swinging from tree to tree is something only for the daring in the exotic Rainforest?  Well, you can experience a tropical arboreal escapade right here in Central Florida. The ZOOm Air Adventure Park located in Sanford offers... Read More

Punched Tin Candleholders for Valentine’s Day

Light your family’s table with “love”ly luminaries from the heart Tin punching became popular in America during Colonial times because decorative items made out of tin were durable, lighter, and  less expensive than those made out of silver or crockery. The art is still used today for decorating homes with Colonial period pieces. Not only will tin punching teach our kids... Read More

There’s No Place Like a “Gnome Home”

Gnome Homes Whimsical gnome homes of all sizes will add a touch of color and playfulness to your winter flower beds.  They are so easy to make and kids of any age can paint them! Buy your rocks from a craft store or collect a few while on vacation. Larger rocks will be easier for younger kids to decorate. •    Wash your rocks to make sure your paint will adhere. •    Using... Read More

Manatee in the Wild… An Unforgettable Family Experience

One summer evening, my husband and I went for a relaxing stroll with our kids along the fishing pier in Ponce Inlet. Our quiet walk was suddenly interrupted by an excited group of people running toward the pier handrail near us and shouting, “Manatee!”  For more than an hour, my daughters were completely captivated, as they watched a mother manatee and her calf frolic in the... Read More

Make Your Own Dream Catcher

What is a dream catcher? Dream catchers are one of the most fascinating Native American traditions. According to legend, the hole in the center of the web allows good dreams to flow through to the person sleeping. The bad dreams are trapped in the web itself until the morning sun makes them fade away. Each dream catcher is unique, and kids will have fun scavenging items to... Read More