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Simple Desserts To Celebrate July 4th!

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Independence Day is Monday, and that means we have a long weekend to celebrate with family and friends! i’m featuring a few simple desserts you can bring to that July 4th Party or Picnic that are sure to be a hit! Best of all you can get kids of all ages involved in making these!

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Patriotic Oreos – Red, white & blue make this simple dessert a winner.

Ingredients:

  • One package of Oreo cookies.
  • One container of Dolce Frusta White Shell, melted (or you can make your own white chocolate dip by following the melting directions on back of package of Nestle’s White Chocolate Chips)
  • Red and Blue Cookie Icing – To make it easy on myself, I used Betty Crocker Cookie Icing.
  • Optional: Edible, Patriotic decorations

Directions:

Dip the Oreos in melted white shell/white chocolate (cover 1/2 – 3/4 of cookie). Place on wax paper to cool and set.

Using the cookie frosting, drizzle the Oreos with red and blue, then sprinkle with patriotic decorations (If using!) Allow icing to set before serving.

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Fruit Flag Dessert – A healthy way to celebrate the holiday! And you don’t need to worry about it going bad in warm weather!

Ingredients:

Your favorite red & blue fruits! I used strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and blueberries.

Yogurt covered pretzels or yogurt covered raisins.

Assemble the fruits into the shape of a flag – pretty easy peasy!!

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Icebox Cake – Old Fashioned, not filled with sugar and so tasty! This one requires refrigeration until serving!

Ingredients:

  • Nabisco Chocolate Wafers
  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Chambourd Liqueur
  • 1/4 cup fresh raspberries, mashed
  • Patriotic Sprinkles

Directions:

TIP: Before starting, store your beaters and bowl in the refrigerator to chill. This will help with whipping the cream.

In a large bowl, mix the whipping cream at high speed until peaks form. Gently add in vanilla. Move 1/3 of the whipped cream into another chilled bowl and fold in the raspberries and Chambourd.

On a plate or small platter, arrange one layer of the chocolate wafers. Layer with the raspberry whipped cream. Add another layer of chocolate wafers. Layer with raspberry cream again. Add one last layer of chocolate wafers.

Taking the plain whipped cream and cover the entire cake. Sprinkle with patriotic sprinkles and refrigerate overnight. Serve and eat immediately.

Optional: Brush each layer of wafers with additional Chambourd – as much or as little as you like.

The cake at the end of the TV segment - devoured! But at least you can see what the cake looks like in the center!
The cake at the end of the TV segment – devoured! But at least you can see what the cake looks like in the center!

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these recipes!

Recipes For Kids To Make This Summer

 

kids recipes

 

With kids out of school during summer break, the two most dreaded phrases parents will hear are, “I’m Bored!” and “I’m Hungry”! Why not kill two birds with one stone and use the lazy days of summer to teach your kids to cook? Here are some recipes, of varying levels of difficulty, you can teach your kids to make. Who knows? Maybe they will make dinner for YOU sometime!

Note: As a parent, you need to determine how much supervision your child needs when using the oven, stovetop, knives, etc. Every child is different!

Ants on a Log – The childhood classic — celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins is always a favorite, requires no oven and no sharp knives. Pre wash & cut the celery and keep it in the fridge for quick access for the kids! For a fun variation, use Craisins instead of raisins or use a flavored cream cheese spread in place of the peanut butter.

Corn Dog Muffins – I’ve taken the County Fair Favorite (a corn dog on a stick) and made it super easy! Your child can make a batch of these for snacks! Serve with ketchup or mustard to as a dip! (Requires the oven.)

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages cornbread mix
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1.5 Cups milk
  • 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (optional)
  • 9 All Beef Hot Dogs, sliced in half

Directions:

Preheat Oven To 400 degrees. Lightly grease muffin tin (makes 18 muffins).

In a large bowl, stir together the cornbread mix and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk. Gently fold the egg mixture (and the optional cheese) into the cornbread mixture – mix until moistened.

Spoon the mixture into muffin tins until they are about 2/3 full. Add a ½ hot dog to each muffin cup.

Bake for 14-18 minutes, until golden brown.

Tuna Cheese Melts – English muffins, homemade tuna salad and cheese make for a yummy, simple lunch! (Requires toaster oven or regular oven for melting cheese.)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans white albacore tuna fish in water, drained
  • 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise, more or less to taste
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ Cup each chopped celery & onion, chopped
  • 2-3 Tablespoons yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 English muffins, split
  • 6 slices American cheese (or other favorite cheese)
  • 6 slices fresh tomato (optional)

Directions:

Toast the English muffin halves and set aside on a baking sheet. (Optional: You can butter the English muffins when you toast them.)

Preheat toaster oven (or oven) to 200 degrees.

In a medium bowl, flake the tuna and then combine the remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly.

Spoon mixture onto each muffin half and top with a slice of cheese.

Pop in oven and bake until the cheese melts (approximately 8 minutes). Remove from oven, top with a tomato slice and serve.

Coconut Chicken Nuggets – A Tropical Twist on a kid’s favorite! Serve with pineapple mango salsa, or orange marmalade for dipping!

  • 1 Cup Flaked coconut
  • ½ Cup Flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes (or strips if you prefer chicken strips!)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/3 Cup Butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

On a plate, mix coconut, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic. In small bowl, beat the egg.

Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then roll the pieces in the coconut mixture to coat.

Place on a non-stick baking sheet and drizzle with the butter. Bake 25 minutes, or until chicken is browned and cooked through, turning pieces halfway through.

Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!

Note: You can mix a cup of orange marmalade with 2 tablespoons dijon mustard to make a zesty dip! (I added a couple of splashes of sweet chili sauce to it for my dip!)

For more recipes to make with the kids, check out the Diva’s video series Cooking With The Kids!

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these recipes!

Five Minute Cake In A Mug!

 

When you are in a hurry for a decadent dessert, who doesn’t like chocolate? Here’s a recipe that is perfect to make and eat with the kids! Warning – this serving was so big, one mug (an oversized mug!) would have been plenty for two people!

Ingredients:

  • 4 Tablespoons flour
  • 4 Tablespoons sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 Tablespoons chocolate chips, optional (really, if you are making cake, GO FOR IT!) 😉
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Add the dry ingredients to a large, microwave-safe coffee mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly, being sure to scrape the sides and the bottom well to incorporate the mixture. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla and mix.

Place mug in microwave and cook for 3 minutes. The cake will rise and will peek out over the top of the mug, so don’t worry and think that it will explode!

Cake right out of the microwave - looks a little spongy and it is oh, so good!
Cake right out of the microwave – looks a little spongy and it is oh, so good!

Allow to cool, add some vanilla ice cream (why not!?!) and enjoy! So good you don’t need frosting!

Thank you so much to my assistants in today’s video, Dylan and Kingston! They were a big help AND they did a great job!

SSD Cake in mug

Fourth Of July Crafts For Kids!


SSD July collageIndependence Day is a favorite holiday in my house! It happens to be the day AFTER my birthday, so I always looked at it as a celebration of MY birthday as well as our country’s! My neighbor and I both love it so much, we started our neighborhood’s Fourth Of July Bike Parade 15 years ago and it is STILL going strong!

My partner in crime, Pegine and I, celebrating at last year's Neighborhood Independence Day Bike Parade we established 15 years ago!
My partner in crime, Pegine and I, celebrating at last year’s Neighborhood Independence Day Bike Parade we established 15 years ago!

Here are a few simple crafts you can do with the kids this year, plus a few decorating & celebrating ideas I found that were just too good not to include!

Liberty Paper Plate Hat

mandy

This is a simple project that requires just a few items!

What You Need:

  • White paper plates
  • Blue acrylic paint & paint brushes
  • White and red construction paper
  • Hole punch
  • Glue or glue dots to eliminate dry time
  • Elastic

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Directions:

Cut the paper plate in half, then on the cut side, cut a half moon out of the bottom using the other half of the paper plate as a guide (sounds complicated, but see photo below!). Paint one side of the plate blue. Set aside to dry.

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Cut elongated triangles out of the red and white paper.

Flip the dried plate over and glue the paper triangles to the back of the paper plate (along the top-curved part), alternating red and white-points pointed up. Allow to dry.

Using hole punch, punch a hole on either side of the bottom of the plate. Thread elastic through each hole and tie off (estimate amount of elastic needed based on the child’s head size). You can also use a hard headband and put the headband ends through the holes on either end!

Fireworks Art

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Bendy straws make this simple craft fun AND pretty!

What You Need:

  • 7 bendy straws per person
  • Tape
  • Blue and Red acrylic paint
  • Paper plate
  • White paper
  • Red, white or blue glitter (optional)

Directions:

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Pull each of the bendy straws so they are fully extended. Holding the 7 straws in a bundle in your hand (making sure the ends are aligned), wrap tape around the bottom and then right under where the straws bend. Once secured, bend and spread out the bendy end of the straws to create a pinwheel shape. (See photo below!)

straw tape

Pour blue paint onto a paper plate and have the kids dip the pinwheeled end of the straws in the paint. Have them stamp the pinwheel all over the white paper; repeat with red paint. (You may need to press the straws to the paper so they make full contact with the paper.) If desired, while paint is wet, sprinkle sparkles on the artwork.

Flag Handiwork!

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Give the flag a hand! Use your child’s hand to re-create the flag!  (Don’t laugh, but since I have teens, not toddlers, at home I used my own hand for demo purposes!)

What You Need:

  • Red, White and Blue Acrylic Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Light Blue Paper for the print
  • Red Paper for Mounting
  • White Paint or Paint Marker

Directions:

Assemble your paints, brushes, and light blue paper. Have your child hold out their hand (I used left hand) and gently paint a blue square on their palm, followed by alternating red and white stripes leading out onto their fingers. (See photo) NOTE: Plan to work quickly so the paint doesn’t dry on their hand!!

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Press the painted hand onto the light blue paper. Once dried, paint a white star on the blue square. Mount the artwork onto slightly larger red paper.

Patriotic “Lantern”

SSD lantern

This is always fun for kids to make and they are perfect to display on the porch, in the bedroom or even attached to a stick to carry in the neighborhood bike parade!

What You Need:

  • Blue & Red Construction Paper, cut into long, inch wide strips (I used heavier paper that I had on hand)
  • White Paper, cut into free-formed stars, various sizes
  • Craft Glue
  • Glitter (optional)

Directions:

Lay two blue strips vertically with a few inches between them. Lay your red strips between the blue strips horizontally and glue (see photo below).

IMG_7400Once dry, join the each end of the two blue strips together and glue.

Add the white stars as desired, and put a few dots of glue here and there, then sprinkle with glitter if you want to add a little more pizzazz! (You could add streamers off the bottom if you want to turn this into a windsock!)

Glue a red strip to the top as a handle and you are ready for the parade!

Sparkler Guard

SSD Sparkler

You might see a red cup, I see a Sparkler Guard! I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was brilliant! I love sparklers, but when I was little I was always afraid that I would get burned. This solves that problem!

Just cut a small hole in the bottom of the cup and stick the sparkler handle into the cup. That’s it! But now, a few notes and disclaimers on this one:

  • Never leave a child alone with matches, sparklers, fire or anything else flammable!
  • Always supervise your children during this activity – This is not meant to be a “Light It & Leave” activity!
  • Always have a container of water on hand to place the used sparklers in to douse any heat or flame.
  • Make sure the entire “business end” of the sparkler is sticking out, so the only part on the inside of the cup is the handle and your hand. You don’t want it to burn down INTO the cup!

Other Great Ideas From Around The Web:

There are so many fun 4th Of July activities & crafts out there, I couldn’t cover them all! I’ve selected a few of my favorites below. Be sure to click on each link to visit the sites for directions!

Screen Shot 2015-06-28 at 8.11.51 PMPatriotic NecklaceClick Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-28 at 8.01.30 PMPainted Lawn StarsClick Here (I LOVE this idea and may have to do it next year!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-28 at 8.05.18 PMDIY Independence Day Flag T-ShirtsClick Here

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-28 at 8.06.09 PMPatriotic Ice Cream Sandwich Pops (So Easy!) – Click Here

 

 

 

Baked Mozzarella Mini Bites

 

This recipe is fun to make with the kids and is a healthy alternative to fried mozzarella sticks. These little mini-bites of gooey deliciousness are baked, not fried, so you can feel good about enjoying them – and MAYBE even share with the kids! This recipe is a snack size; double or triple the recipe for more than 2 people.

Baked Mozzarella Mini Bites

Ingredients:

  • 3 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, sliced into thirds (about one inch in length)
  • 1/3 cup panko crumbs
  • 1/3 cup egg substitute
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Toast the panko crumbs over medium heat in a pan (no oil or grease). Stir continuously until the crumbs are a light golden brown. Place the crumbs on a plate.

Pour the egg substitute into a small bowl.

Dredge the cheese stick pieces in the egg, then in the panko crumbs, and place on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. (Make sure to cover all sides of the cheese with the panko crumbs, or else the cheese will melt and lose shape – as you can see in the video!)

Place in oven and cook until the cheese has started to melt (but not spread all over the place!) — approximately 3 minutes. Remove from oven, place on serving plate and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

SSD Mozzarella Mini Bites

Walking Tacos – A Favorite For Kids and Adults!


This recipe couldn’t be easier! I discovered the Walking Taco when I helped at my daughter’s high school sports concession stand. As i was happily pushing my Crockpot Ropa Vieja (find recipe HERE), more and more people were ordering this Walking Taco!  It is a favorite at sports concession stands, and kids and adults love them!  It is also a great way to serve up tacos for a bunch of kids at a party. I’ve also heard that it is a great way to do tacos while camping!

Walking Tacos (AKA Tacos In A Bag)

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of your favorite taco meat recipe, cooked
  • Individual sized bags of your favorite flavored Doritos® or Fritos®
  • Favorite Taco Toppings (suggestions: cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, corn, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.)
  • Plastic spoons

Directions:

Crush the chips in their bag. Gently open the top of bag, being careful not to rip it from top to bottom.

Add meat and popping of your choice into the bag. Close bag and gently “mush” the ingredients around. Open the bag and walk around, eating the awesome “Walking Tacos”!

Enjoy!

 

SSD Walking Tacos

Tasty & Simple Chili Mac & Cheese

Now, there are just some recipes that as you cook, you become more hungry. It’s the smell as the recipe cooks. I know my nephew, Dylan, and I were hungry, but as we cooked this Chili Mac & Cheese, our mouths were watering! We had people coming over after we taped the video, and all I can say is – we didn’t have any left to take a photo of! We ate every last bit of this oh so yummy recipe!! So, sorry about no photos to share of this delectable treat!

I believe that is a sign of a good recipe!

So here it is!

Chili Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • 3/4 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (10-ounce) can mild diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup fat-free milk
  • 4 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
  • 4 1/2 ounces finely shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil. Add beef and next five ingredients; cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked through. Add the broth, water, and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni; cover and cook 10 minutes or until macaroni is done.

While the macaroni is cooking, heat milk and cream cheese in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until cheese melts, stirring frequently (using a whisk really helped!) Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and continue stirring until smooth. Add cheese sauce to macaroni mixture; toss well to coat. Serve hot!

Adapted from a favorite recipe on MyRecipes.com.

 

SSD Chili Mac & Cheese

Simple Treat: Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites

Summertime has the kids home, ready to raid the pantry for snacks. You want to give them something that will be good for them, but when they are craving something sweet, what do you do? Try these simple, frozen treats you can feel good about – the kids can even make these treats themselves! Plus, it is a nice snack for those adults who have a sweet tooth – only about 25 calories per bite!

SSD Banana Bites 2

Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites

Ingredients:

  • Three ripe (but not too ripe!) bananas
  • 12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1.5 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation:

Place a sheet of wax paper on a baking sheet.

Slice the bananas into ½ inch slices.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and oil. Place in microwave and heat on full (HIGH) power for 30 seconds. Stir. Place back in microwave for 10-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is just smooth. (FYI – Don’t over cook, or the chocolate will harden and look grainy.)

Dip the banana slices in the chocolate, making sure to cover entire slice in chocolate.

Place slices on wax paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for six hours or overnight until slices are thoroughly frozen.

Enjoy!!

 

SSD Banana Bites

How Easy Is It To Make Your Own Artwork?

Today’s video is part of the “Putting Pinterest To The Test” Video Series! The Diva tests a pin that says it is easy to make your own, beautiful wall art – as easy as having some acrylic paints, a canvas and some masking tape. How easy is it? Do you need an art degree, or at least a little creativity?

Additionally, the Diva was a little wary that the masking tape might not create a good seal on the canvas, so she tested masking tape versus Frogtape Multi-surface painting tape.

 


SSD DIY Art

 

 

To make your own wall art, you need will the following:

Check the video for directions and helpful tips!

What do you think of our artwork?

Artwork created by the Diva's daughter!
Artwork created by the Diva’s daughter!
Artwork created by the Diva!
Artwork created by the Diva!

 

Simple Rainy Day Activities For Kids

Rainy Day FunRain putting a damper on your kids’ summertime fun?  Simple Solutions Diva has some fun and active ways to keep kids entertained! Try one of these themes to keep them busy!

 

 

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. ~Author Unknown

Game Day Fun:

Indoor Scavenger Hunt – A little preparation ahead of time will make this something easy to pull together when you need it! This is a great way for the kids to have fun and maybe even work together to solve some clues!  Think of “Eye Spy” in your own home. Being as creative as you can (maybe even do a poem), describe an item in the house the kids have to find. Once they find the item, the next clue will be there. Make them run up and down stairs, climb under beds, etc. Each clue answer brings them to the next clue. The kids can work together as a team or as individuals to solve the clues. Make the prizes at the end enjoyable for both you and the kids – homemade cookies, trips to the bowling alley, or other appealing activities!

Can of Sardines – This game of hide and seek has you finding the person who is “It”, but instead of announcing you found them, you cram into the same space with them and wait. The last person to find them is the next “sardine”!

Broom-Hilda, Created by Russell Myers.
Broom-Hilda, Created by Russell Myers.

Broomhilda The Witch – Broomhilda The Witch is a game I used to play with friends MANY years ago (I will not divulge exactly how many!). The play area should be a circle of some sort, maybe around a table or big space cleared in a family room.  The person who is “It” (the Broomhilda) is blindfolded and given a broom to hold upside down. The others quietly hide in spaces within the circle/play area. The lights are dimmed and “Broomhilda” begins her slow and careful march, banging the broom handle on the ground with each step, letting the others know she is coming. “Broomhilda” can say anything to make the others giggle, giving up their hiding place. If she finds you, you are out. If you are the first one to be found, you are the next “Broomhilda”.

Mini Marshmallow Popping Contest – Plastic cups, mini marshmallows, scissors and balloons are the simple items you need for this project/game. Cut off the bottom of the plastic cup with the scissors. Take a balloon and tie off the balloon. Using scissors, cut off the top of the balloon and attach the part of the balloon with the knot onto the open bottom of the cup. Make sure it fits tightly onto the cup, bringing the knot almost flush with the bottom of cup. Repeat the process for as many players as you have.

Take a mini marshmallow and place in the bottom of the cup, fitting it into the knotted part of balloon. Pull the balloon down and “pop” the marshmallow out of the cup. The person who can shoot the marshmallow the farthest is the winner.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. — Dolly Parton

Camp Out in The Family Room:

This theme is always my go to favorite!

Make Microwave S’mores – So simple and easy! Assemble your s’mores fixings (graham cracker, chocolate piece, marshmallow, and another graham cracker on top!) on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until the marshmallow gets big. Keep a close watch on them — 15-30 seconds, depending on your microwave.

Make An indoor “Camp Fire” -Use yellow, orange and red tissue paper to create a “torch” using a flashlight. Perfect to use in those tents you make with blankets and chairs! 

Campfire Torch

Communications Fun – Make 2 tents and have the kids make a communications system  using the old idea of two cans (or cups) with a string between them!

Tea Party:

The Table – Set a beautiful Tea Party Table on a table or maybe even on a blanket. Consider using the china – great time to teach the kids to be gentle with things!

The Guests – Have kids create a character they will be. This is a great way for kids house their imagination. Have them create that character’s silly back ground. Have the kids:

  • Speak in funny accents.
  • Dress up in mom and dad clothes.

The Food – Serve tea sandwiches (any sandwich that has the crust cut off and is cut into four small, triangular pieces can be a tea sandwich) and tea (or favorite beverage).  

Baking Day:

My personal feeling: Anytime you can make real, homemade baked goods (from scratch) with the kids helping will be a special time. With so many boxed dessert products out there, it is nice to show your kids what real homemade cookies taste like!

Bake Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies or brownies

– Use some of the cookies (or brownies) to make Ice Cream Sandwiches, then roll the edges in different toppings. 

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Ice Cream Sandwiches from SimpleSolutionsDiva.com.

Want A Few More Ideas?

Screenshot 2014-07-17 08.03.25Bright And Ready: If you need some simple ideas on what to do with the kids (without having to spend a lot of money), check out the Activity and Learning Decks from Bright and Ready. They have terrific and creative ideas to encourage your child to learn and grow!  They have a variety of activity decks for babies, on up to 9 years old.

 

 

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to speak about these fun activities!

 

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