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summer

Kill Pesky Mosquitoes Before They Can Bite!

 

With concerns of the Zika virus spreading during the summer months, I wanted to address one way to prevent mosquitoes in our gardens and back yards. Specifically for those who love to have bird baths and fountains running in our gardens. My recommendations are not meant to replace, in any way, the constantly updating recommendations of the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). For complete and updated information, check out the CDC website (Click Here).

FYI – A running fountain is a deterrent to mosquitoes (they don’t want to land and lay eggs) –but if that motor stops and water becomes stagnant, even for a few days, it can become a breeding ground!

 

ssd Mosquitoes

Stop That Sweaty, Summertime Chafing!

 

This is your summertime PSA, and you are welcome!

Ok, I admit this is kind of an unusual post for me. (And it is NOT a sponsored post!) But I view it as a summertime public service announcement (PSA) for all of us who don’t have a thigh gap. What is a Thigh Gap? Barbie is here to illustrate:

thigh gap
Thigh Gap: When Thighs Don’t Touch When Standing with knees together – usually someone who is 95 pounds and 2% body fat! AKA: Something I haven’t experienced, I don’t know, since maybe I was 8 years old!

 

I was inspired to do this post while on a college tour with my youngest. It was extremely hot and humid, and my skort (skirt with built-in shorts) was not keeping my thighs from rubbing together! Talk about uncomfortable! So when I got home, I decided to find out how to prevent that chafing. My friends who are runners & bikers probably know this already, but it was all new to me!

So if you, like me, are not aware of how to stop the bane of summer, enjoy and learn! You are welcome!

 

SSD Chafing

Simple Project Perfect For The Kids: DIY Sidewalk Chalk

Looking to keep the kids busy and entertained this summer? Have them make their own sidewalk chalk! This project only uses 3 ingredients and will provide hours of fun once the chalk has set! Turn those artists loose on the driveway or sidewalk and they will have a ball!

What You Need:

  • Water
  • 1/4 cup Tempura Paint PER COLOR (multiple colors)
  • 1 Cup Plaster of Paris PER COLOR (find this in any craft store)
  • Disposable cups – One per color you plan to use
  • Plastic spoons or wooden popsicle sticks, something to stir that you can throw away
  • Molds – It is best if you can find shaped, silicone ice cube molds or use just plain ice trays.

Instructions:

Place 3/4 cup water in the disposable cup. Add 1/4 cup tempura paint. Mix well using the plastic spoon or popsicle stick. Add 1 cup Plaster Of Paris. Mix thoroughly until most of the lumps are dissolved. SHould look like the consistency of really thick pancake batter.

Repeat the process with each color of paint you plan to use.

Pour the colored mixture into the molds. You can use one color per mold section OR you can add multiple colors to each section (just don’t stir the colors – you will get a muddy-looking chalk piece.

Allow to dry in molds for 24 hours; gently pop chalk out of molds and allow to dry another 24 hours.

Now go have a ball drawing on your driveway with your kids!

I found this recipe on PrincessPinkyGirl.com – check them out because they have some great ideas PLUS they featured some GREAT sidewalk chalk art!

 

Simple Summer Fun For The Kids: Homemade Giant Bubbles

What is more fun than blowing bubbles? Making GIANT bubbles! Get the kids involved in making this bubble solution and then watch them spend hours playing with them!

What You Need:

  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 Cups Joy Dishwashing Liquid
  • Large bubble wands – I actually found some at the dollar store. Plus, I used a butterfly net that had a wire rim to it, and cut away the netting – this actually made the largest bubbles! You could also try creating a wand with a wire hanger. Always make sure young children have supervision when using these items!
  • A deep bucket to mix all the ingredients together so you can immerse the wands into it the mixture.  I used a tin foil turkey roasting pan because of its deep sides and wide open space large enough to accommodate the bubble wands.

Directions:

Outside, mix together the water and corn syrup in the bucket. Gently add the dishwashing liquid, being careful not to create bubbles (the bubbles will inhibit creating the large bubbles!).

Once thoroughly mixed, dip your bubble wands into the mixture. Now start making bubbles!

Many thanks to my favorite Bubble Experts: Nichole, Sadie and Josie! They were awesome assistants and were so much fun!

Simple Summer Treat: Frosty Popsicles

Popsicles are a perfect treat for summertime! Try making these yummy and healthy treats (at least most are healthy!) for your family – they may never want to visit the ice cream truck again!

A variety of homemade & healthy popsicles from SimpleSolutionsDiva.com!
A variety of homemade & healthy popsicles from SimpleSolutionsDiva.com!

Frozen Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops

A perfect blend of chocolate and kiwi. These are so simple to make, you will want to make them for yourself and your kids all the time! And you don’t have to feel guilty eating them.

Ingredients:

  • Kiwi slices, peeled and sliced at least ¼ inch thick.
  • Baker’s Dipping Chocolate (Any flavor will do, but I used milk chocolate flavor)
  • Popsicle sticks (You can get these from any crafts store and at some dollar stores)

Preparation:

Insert one popsicle stick into each kiwi slice. Take parchment paper and cover a baking sheet. Place kiwi slices with stick onto parchment paper and freeze. (Approximately 2-4 hours)

Just before you take the kiwi out of freezer, heat the Baker’s Dipping Chocolate according to the package. Take kiwi out of freezer and dip each into the chocolate and place back onto parchment paper. When finished dipping all the kiwi slices, place back into freezer for an hour or feel free to eat it right away!

 

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Greek yogurt is packed full of protein and low in fat. These treats have awesome flavor AND are filling!

Ingredients:

  • One 16 oz. container of vanilla greek yogurt. (I used Chobani)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1/3 cup chopped strawberries
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • popsicle sticks and molds

Preparation:

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients together, gently stirring in the strawberries. Pour into popsicle molds, insert popsicle sticks and freeze for approximately 4 hours. When removing pops from the mold, either leave out for 5 minutes prior to trying to remove OR run bottom of the molds under hot water for up to one minute.

Makes approximately 5 popsicles.

Pinã Colada Popsicles

These are like the frosty cocktail on a stick, but hold the rum! A creamy treat – and so simple to do!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can light coconut milk
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple, with juice
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ cup shredded, sweetened coconut (optional)
  • popsicle sticks and molds

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth! Pour into pop molds and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for approximately 4 hours. Makes approximately 6 popsicles.

Lemon Yogurt & Raspberry Popsicles

Another simple recipe – I love the combo of lemon and raspberries! I use greek yogurt, but feel free to use regular yogurt in this recipe for a sweeter flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 small (5 oz. each) containers of lemon-flavored greek yogurt (or use regular lemon-flavored yogurt)
  • ½ cup vanilla-flavored almond milk (or use regular milk)
  • 1 Tablespoon honey (optional)
  • ½ cup ripe raspberries
  • popsicle sticks and molds

Preparation:

In a bowl combine all ingredients – feel free to lightly crush some of the raspberries! It just adds to the beauty and flavor of the popsicle! Pour into pop molds and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for approximately 4 hours. Makes approximately 4 popsicles.

Root Beer Float Popsicles

The old-fashioned, summertime tradition, but frozen on a stick!

Ingredients:

  • One bottle of A&W Root Beer (or other favorite root beer!)
  • Small container of vanilla bean ice cream
  • popsicle sticks and molds

Preparation:

You want to open the root beer and allow it time to turn somewhat flat. (Approximately 20-30 minutes in the fridge.) If you don’t the molds will overflow when in the freezer!

Place popsicle mold onto a flat baking sheet. Pour the slightly flat root beer into the molds, until molds are ½ full. Place a small scoop of ice cream into the mold. Gently pour more root beer on top of the ice cream. It will foam up – scrape away excess foam as best you can. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for approximately 4 hours. FYI – They may over flow due to bubbles! Makes approximately 4 popsicles.

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for having me on!

NOTE: If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use paper cups as molds. You will still need popsicle sticks.

Strawberry Topped Chocolate Tart

Photo Credit: ThatSkinnyChickCanBake.com
Photo Credit: ThatSkinnyChickCanBake.com

I seem to be drawn to recipes featuring fruits of summer lately! This lovely and SIMPLE recipe, from ThatSkinnyChickCanBake.com, features fresh strawberries and my favorite (and primary!) food group: Chocolate!

 

Ingredients:

  • Baked 9 inch tart shell (use your favorite crust recipe or buy a premade pie shell)
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 16 ounces ripe strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red currant jelly

Preparation:

Place the chopped chocolate in a heat proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream till it just starts to simmer. Pour cream over chocolate and let sit for a few minutes. Stir till chocolate is smooth and melted. Mix in vanilla. Pour in tart shell and refrigerate till filling is firm.

An hour or two before serving, arrange sliced berries in concentric circles starting on outside of tart. Melt the jelly in the microwave, then whisk till smooth. Cool for about 10 minutes, then brush over berries to glaze. Keep tart refrigerated.

Total time: 2-3 hours with chilling time.

Summer Recipe: Fresh Tomato Tart

Photo Credit: BettyCrocker.com.
Photo Credit: BettyCrocker.com.

I love the taste of fresh tomatoes in the summer! This recipe, from BettyCrocker.com, uses Bisquick mix to make a tasty and simple tart that tastes like Summer!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound assorted tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
  • 3 tablespoons boiling water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
  • 1/2 cup sandwich spread, mayonnaise or salad dressing
  • 3 medium green onions, chopped (3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

 Preparation:

Place tomato slices in single layer on paper towels; sprinkle with salt. Let stand 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom with cooking spray. In medium bowl, cut butter into Bisquick mix, using pastry blender, until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add boiling water; stir vigorously until soft dough forms. Press dough on bottom and up side of tart pan. Freeze 10 minutes.

Bake 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Cool 10 minutes in pan on cooling rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

In medium bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, sandwich spread, green onions and basil. Spread over crust. Pat tomatoes dry with paper towels; arrange over cheese mixture. Sprinkle with pepper. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove tart from side of pan before serving. Garnish with additional chopped basil, if desired.

Summer Activity: No Dye, Tie-Dye Shirts

Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
Photo Credit: SunScholars.com

Love the look of Tie-Dye, but don’t want the hassle (or the messiness) of dye! Try this great idea from SunScholars.com: Sharpie Tie-Dyed T-Shirts! Rachel of SunScholars.com provides these instructions:

Supplies You Will Need:
  • Variety of Colorful Sharpie Permanent Markers (Tried other brands with poor success)
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Something to “Tie” Dye, such as a white T-shirt
  • Plastic Cups
  • Dropper
  • Rubber Bands

Instructions:

** Before you start, make sure you protect your work surface!
Prepare the Shirt!
Place cups, open-side up, underneath, securing with a rubber band.  We placed as many as we could at one time.
Design Your Shirt!
Use your favorite Sharpie colors to make designs on each ‘circle’.  We loved the way dots of color would look in the end, so we added lots of those.  You might want to test different colors, as some spread nicer then others too.
Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
Add The Alcohol! Use a dropper to add a little alcohol at a time to the center of each ‘circle’.  Don’t over-do it!  The alcohol will continue to spread for a while after it is added.
Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
Now WAIT! You need to wait a bit to allow the alcohol to dry (so not to spread on parts of your shirt you don’t want it to).
What designs look like after adding alcohol. Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
What designs look like after adding alcohol. Photo Credit: SunScholars.com
Once it is dry, you can remove the cups and rubber bands.  You may want to add designs on the opposite side of the shirt.
To take a closer look at Rachel’s instructions, Click Here.

Simple Summer Solutions and Product Giveaway!

Simple Solutions Diva is looking for simple solutions to make hitting the beach or enjoying the summer easier! Maybe you found the answer to a typical beach or summer problem. Share it with Simple Solutions Diva!  Four great solutions will be featured in a future Simple Solutions Diva post, plus those chosen will receive a Simple Summer Solutions Prize Package with two of MY favorite summer solutions!

My Featured Summer Solutions:

Screen Shot 2013-06-14 at 8.24.37 AMSummer Challenge 1: I like to bring a beverage of choice to the beach, and I do NOT like getting sand all over my beverage cup (just ask my family!).

Simple Solution: Turtlebacks All Terrain Beverage Holder

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2013-06-13 at 9.52.37 AMSummer Challenge 2: I really don’t like getting a sunburn on my face – or the break-outs that some sunscreens can cause.

Simple Solution: Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen

 

 

 

How to submit your entry:

  1. Deadline for entries is Thursday, June 27, 2013.
  2. Subscribe to SimpleSolutionsDiva.com using the “Subscribe” section on the upper right side of the page. If you have already subscribed, you are one step ahead!! (Entries cannot be considered without email subscription, so please make sure you use the same email address to subscribe with, as well as submit from!)
  3. Submit your simple summer idea/solution to info@simplesolutionsdiva.com by Thursday, June 27, 2013.  Describe your Summer Challenge and how your solution works. Feel free to include photos (as long as you don’t mind me sharing the photos!).
  4. Please be sure to include your contact information in your email!
  5. By submitting your idea to Simple Solutions Diva, you agree to have your name and idea posted on our website, with no compensation to be provided by SimpleSolutionsDiva.com LLC, now and into the future.
  6. Four (4) Winners will be selected and featured in a future “Summer Time Simple Solutions” Posting. Each winner will be contacted prior to the post and will be sent a Simple Summer Solutions Prize Package, featuring a Turtlebacks Beverage Holder and a Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen.

Thank you for submitting your ideas to Simple Solutions Diva!

Boredom Busters: Kid-Friendly Summer Activity Ideas

I’M BORED! Those dreaded words that make any strong mother or father drop to their knees and scream, “What on earth can I do to keep them entertained?!” If this kind of describes you and your summer with the kids, then this topic is for you! I have pulled together some great summer entertainment ideas that will help keep your kids entertained (at least for a little while!).

I have included credit and links to websites where I found some of these ideas. I encourage you to visit the sites – they are wonderful and worth the visit!

 

Photo Credit: OverTheBigMoon.com
Photo Credit:
OverTheBigMoon.com

Homemade Ice Cream in a Baggie! My girls did this yummy project in elementary school, and it is a surefire winner in entertaining the kids! This project is great for older and younger children alike (even us moms and dads!). Recipe credit goes to OverTheBigMoon.com– Adorable website with great craft ideas and more!

Ingredients:

  • Half and Half
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla
  • gallon Ziploc baggies
  • quart Ziploc baggies
  • Ice
  • Rock salt

For each serving you need 1 cup of  half and half, 2 Tbsp. sugar, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Pour ingredients into a quart bag and seal. (Blogger did about 3/4 cup half and half and 1/4  cup whipping cream. She said, “the whipping cream made it really smooth and creamy. Do not use all whipping cream though because it kind of whips up and doesn’t freeze as well.”)

Fill a gallon Ziploc bag a little less than half way up with ice and then add 1/2 cup rock salt and the quart baggie with the ice cream ingredients. Then shake it! It takes about 5 minutes to get it a really thick consistency. (Best of all, the kids will be exhausted by the time it reaches the right consistancy!) Once is it done, you can add chopped fresh fruit to make it a little extra special.

When everyone has enjoyed their treats, ask the kids how they think it became frozen. Challenge them to research the answer online. A teachable moment!

 

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 8.20.26 AM
Photo Credit:SheriSilver.com

Crafty Orange Bird Feeders. Most kids are naturally drawn to any project that helps animals.  And the reward of creating a bird feeder that attracts beautiful, colorful birds into your yard is a real treat, plus it demonstrates the immediate benefit of the project. This idea comes from SheriSilver.com, a website full of crafty ideas!

Materials:
orange
(4) pieces of twine, yarn or string, cut into 24? lengths
bird seed

With a sharp knife, cut the orange in half – scoop out the flesh. Pierce 4 small holes on opposite sides, about 1/2? from the top edge of each half . Thread one piece of twine through a hole, and out the opposite end. Repeat with the second piece of twine in the remaining holes (you’ll have an “X”). Gather the ends together and tie in a knot. Repeat with the other half. Fill with bird seed and hang from sturdy branches outside.

Photo Credit: wallcoo.com
Photo Credit: wallcoo.com

Family and Friend Dog Show! Gather together the sociable dogs of family and friends, a few props (you can use chairs, skateboard ramps or the slide in the backyard), and lots of treats, and you have the makings of a great dog show!

Let the kids take the dogs into the backyard and have them “train” the dogs to run an obstacle course, perform tricks, or just sit and look cute. The kids get to be creative with their pups, and the dogs get some much loved attention!

 

 

Vine Movie MakerThe Mini Movie Challenge! Encourage those budding movie directors with the Mini-Movie Challenge Using Vine. Vine is an application for your iPhone, iTouch, or iPad, that allows you to create short (6 seconds), looping videos.  I watched my teenager and her friend spend over an hour creating their perfect movie – it had drama, humor, and a murder mystery all in 6 seconds.  Best of all, you can share the movies with family and friends!

For the younger “directors”, you might want to give them a theme to start from.  For the older kids, let them do it freestyle, and just step back and let the creativity flow!

For a Challenge – Try a challenge like the international, 48 Hour Film Project: Break them up into teams. All teams must incorporate the same prop and the same phrase into their movie.  You’ll be surprised how different each film will be!

 

Photo Credit: MommaDidIt.blogspot.com
Photo Credit: MommaDidIt.blogspot.com

NightTime Ring Toss: This simple and inexpensive idea is sure to keep the kids entertained in the evening hours.  Two glow-in-the-dark bracelets, attached together with the connectors (included in packages) and reinforced with tape, make perfect rings for ring toss! Place two wooden poles approximately 10 feet apart, and you have a simple ring toss pit! To make things a little easier, paint the wooden poles with glow-in-the-dark paint.

You can find packages of glow-in-the-dark bracelets CHEAP at places like Hobby Lobby, The Dollar Store, Target, Oriental Trading Company. (15 bracelets/$1.00)

Check out MommaDidIt.Blogspot.com to see this idea, plus many more great, nighttime activities!!

For more great summertime activities, I recommend checking out a few Pinterest Boards:

Summer Ideas For Kids: Terrific ideas to keep the kids entertained throughout the summer! Compiled by Lisa from OverTheBigMoon.com.

Summer Board: Cool summer ideas for decorating, food, games, and more, compiled by Megan Mathis.

Summer Lovin’ Board – A Round up of activities, recipes, style, and decorating ideas compiled by SimpleSolutionsDiva.com.

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