I found this cool educational project in the December '07 Family Fun Magazine.
Make a Ping-Pong Ball Jump
Using just your breath, can you move a Ping-Pong ball from one cup to another?
The setup:
Line up two short cups in front of you, one right after the other. (Small cups work best-just remember to hold them steady.) Drop a Ping-Pong ball into the cup nearest you.
The Trick:
Take a deep breath! Now blow down the side of the Ping-Pong ball closest to you. Watch the ball jump up and into the other cup.
Why It Works:
Blowing down the side of the ball creates a stream of compressed air. This stream of air pushes the ball up, forward, and into the second cup.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Recipe of the Week
Easy Cuban Steak
This is a recipe from my mother-in-law. It is fabulous and reheats well for leftovers!
1 ½ pounds thinkly sliced steak – skirt steak, flank steak or something thin and similar.
Garlic powder, salt & pepper
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
1 orange pepper, thinly sliced
Heat oil in cast iron skillet (one with a lid preferably) or covered pan if you don’t have a cast iron skillet; add and sauté garlic about 1 minute.
Add onion and peppers; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes) – remove from skillet.
Add more oil if needed and add beef to skillet. Sauté covered until cooked (about 5-6 min); turning as needed. Don’t over cook or meat will be tough and chewy.
Optional - Remove meat and add ¼- ½ cup water if gravy is desired. Thicken with a little cornstarch (¼ tsp).
Add meat, onions and pepper back in; cover and simmer until ready to serve.
Serve with yellow rice, black bean, baby green peas and Cuban bread ~ I know the baby green peas usually throws people off but it is a great combination!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Explore Local "Tourist" Attractions
How often do we skip out on local activities and locations because we think of them as "tourist" attractions?
We had that instance yesterday. We were invited to a group occasion at a local vineyard. Since we are not wine drinkers, we never saw a reason to go out to the farm.
It will now be a frequent occurrence! We got to feed the chickens cheerios, pick our own strawberries, and see quiet a few animals we do not see around the neighborhood, especially the pot bellied pig! It was a wonderful day that we would not have had if we had not been invited.
Check out local "tourist" attractions in your home town and surrounding communities. You may be surprised of how much fun being a tourist can be!
We had that instance yesterday. We were invited to a group occasion at a local vineyard. Since we are not wine drinkers, we never saw a reason to go out to the farm.
It will now be a frequent occurrence! We got to feed the chickens cheerios, pick our own strawberries, and see quiet a few animals we do not see around the neighborhood, especially the pot bellied pig! It was a wonderful day that we would not have had if we had not been invited.
Check out local "tourist" attractions in your home town and surrounding communities. You may be surprised of how much fun being a tourist can be!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Open Lines Of Communication With Your Kids
A friend of mine has been giving me some of her magazines and I have truly been enjoying reading them. I recently came across an article that I thought everyone might enjoy. It's from the Nov. '07 issue of Family Fun Magazine.
It's entitled, "Daddy Letters" and shares how one dad decided that he wanted to learn about what his kids really wanted to do with him. He shares how he had always spent personal one and one time with his three kids, but was curious if their preferences had changed over the years.
To pull out his kids "deep thoughts" he decided to mail them each a survey and ask them very specific questions:
* What one thing have you wanted to do with me but never have?
* What one thing would you really like me to teach you or tell you that I never have?
* What have you done with me in the past that you really enjoyed but don't get to do often enough?
* What one thing is really on your mind that you want me to know about?
The results he received were eye opening and helpful. He not only learned what was important to his kids, but also how he could relate to them better on an individual basis.
While this concept may not work for your toddlers, it's certainly a great way to learn more about your slightly older kids.
I will keep this idea in mind for a few years down the road! And kudos to the author ( Dan Schaeffer) for taking such an active role in his kids lives!!
It's entitled, "Daddy Letters" and shares how one dad decided that he wanted to learn about what his kids really wanted to do with him. He shares how he had always spent personal one and one time with his three kids, but was curious if their preferences had changed over the years.
To pull out his kids "deep thoughts" he decided to mail them each a survey and ask them very specific questions:
* What one thing have you wanted to do with me but never have?
* What one thing would you really like me to teach you or tell you that I never have?
* What have you done with me in the past that you really enjoyed but don't get to do often enough?
* What one thing is really on your mind that you want me to know about?
The results he received were eye opening and helpful. He not only learned what was important to his kids, but also how he could relate to them better on an individual basis.
While this concept may not work for your toddlers, it's certainly a great way to learn more about your slightly older kids.
I will keep this idea in mind for a few years down the road! And kudos to the author ( Dan Schaeffer) for taking such an active role in his kids lives!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Recipe of the Week
Okay. This is one of those recipes I saw Paula Deen make it on her Food Network Show over 3 years ago and I knew it would be a family fave. You have GOT to try this, especially if you like banana pudding!
Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding - Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.
Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.
Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This is even better if made a day ahead. The pudding firms up and the cookies soften a bit.
My hubby’s b-day is this week and he requested this as his cake – it’s that tasty!
And, I have multiple copies of it in my recipe box that I’ve printed because so many people ask for the recipe after tasting it. This is a winner!Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding - Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.
Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.
Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This is even better if made a day ahead. The pudding firms up and the cookies soften a bit.
Episode#: PA1A08 - Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Family Educational Fun
Family fun can include educational activities, especially if your family homeschools or is of the left brained genes. Math games and challenges can be fun too. Not only will this help your children that are not artistically inclined to participate, it will help your kids learn to think, a skill that is quite important.
There are many sites for great challenge activities for all ages. You may be surprised how challenging they can be. If you have children that are in many different ages, choose a question of the week for each age group. If they are close in age, choose one question for the whole family. Have the answers "due" on Saturday, post a new question Sunday. Make a chart of who got their question correct and reward those who made the effort. Even if you are not a "math person," your kids may be. So give it a shot!
Here are some sites to use:
Figure This has fun challenges and a lot of helpful information.
White House for Kids has a question of the week, plus achieved questions for many grade levels.
Newton's Math challenge has a few "excursions" for your family
Have fun computing!
There are many sites for great challenge activities for all ages. You may be surprised how challenging they can be. If you have children that are in many different ages, choose a question of the week for each age group. If they are close in age, choose one question for the whole family. Have the answers "due" on Saturday, post a new question Sunday. Make a chart of who got their question correct and reward those who made the effort. Even if you are not a "math person," your kids may be. So give it a shot!
Here are some sites to use:
Figure This has fun challenges and a lot of helpful information.
White House for Kids has a question of the week, plus achieved questions for many grade levels.
Newton's Math challenge has a few "excursions" for your family
Have fun computing!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Crafts for Valentine's Day!
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I must admit I haven't done the first craft with my kids. So today I was looking through one of my favorite magazines,Family Fun, and decided to go online for more ideas.
I found one craft that reminded me of my childhood and just wanted to share!!
Your child can assemble this cute card carrier in a heartbeat using common household and craft materials.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
2 paper plates
Stapler
Scissors
Hole punch
Glue
Colored paper
Ribbon
Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Fold 2 paper plates in half, then tuck one inside the other to form a heart. Staple them together.
2. Round the top edges with scissors. Punch matching holes in the center front and back of the pocket. Glue on colored paper hearts.
3. To finish, add a strap by threading a length of ribbon through the holes and securing the ends with a knot on the inside or outside of the pocket.
Click here for even more ideas!!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Recipe of the week
This is a tasty meal that I fix often for our family! Hope you enjoy it.
Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce
Pork:
1-2 pounds pork tenderloin
2-3 Tbsp coarse-grain mustard
1 Tbsp olive oil
Place above in zip-lock back and let marinate for up to 24 hours (sometimes I remember to do this, sometimes I don't).
Put pork tenderloin in a baking dish and bake at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to 400 degrees F and back another 15 minutes or until meat themometer registers 160 degrees F.
Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mustard sauce, yellow rice and steamed veggies! *note - I use a rice cooker with a steamer and then the meal is practically a "set-it & forget-it" meal.
Mustard Sauce:
16 oz (2 cups) whipping cream
1/3 cup coarse-grain mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Cook cream in a saucepan over med-high head for 20 minutes or until reduced to 1 1/2 cups. Do not boil! Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for 1 minute. Serve warm or put in the fridge to chill and thicken. It's good both ways so save some for leftovers! You could always make this the morning of and have it cooling/thickening for dinner.
Enjoy!
Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce
Pork:
1-2 pounds pork tenderloin
2-3 Tbsp coarse-grain mustard
1 Tbsp olive oil
Place above in zip-lock back and let marinate for up to 24 hours (sometimes I remember to do this, sometimes I don't).
Put pork tenderloin in a baking dish and bake at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to 400 degrees F and back another 15 minutes or until meat themometer registers 160 degrees F.
Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mustard sauce, yellow rice and steamed veggies! *note - I use a rice cooker with a steamer and then the meal is practically a "set-it & forget-it" meal.
Mustard Sauce:
16 oz (2 cups) whipping cream
1/3 cup coarse-grain mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Cook cream in a saucepan over med-high head for 20 minutes or until reduced to 1 1/2 cups. Do not boil! Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for 1 minute. Serve warm or put in the fridge to chill and thicken. It's good both ways so save some for leftovers! You could always make this the morning of and have it cooling/thickening for dinner.
Enjoy!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Toddlers can help in the Kitchen.
Children learn by observation. So whatever they see Mommy doing, they do, and that usually has to do with something in the kitchen. All toddlers love water. So instead of fighting it, nurture it.
Set up your sink with a few inches of water and some bubbles. Add a few plastic dishes or utensils so your little one can play away while you cook or clean up. It works wonders for me during dinner time. Once they are a bit older, you can do a simple game where they test if something sinks or floats. If your kids are like mine, then you may want to remove the jug of bubble away from the sink once you have set it up or you may end up with an entire container in the sink water.
Your kids get to be with you in the kitchen, feel like a grown up beacuse they work at the sink, and learn how to take care of the home, all in one simple little practice.
Set up your sink with a few inches of water and some bubbles. Add a few plastic dishes or utensils so your little one can play away while you cook or clean up. It works wonders for me during dinner time. Once they are a bit older, you can do a simple game where they test if something sinks or floats. If your kids are like mine, then you may want to remove the jug of bubble away from the sink once you have set it up or you may end up with an entire container in the sink water.
Your kids get to be with you in the kitchen, feel like a grown up beacuse they work at the sink, and learn how to take care of the home, all in one simple little practice.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Creative Paper Resource
If there is anything that kids can go through quickly, it's paper! At least it seems that way in our house!
I have discovered two great (FREE!) resources that works great for a little artist! Outdated Blueprints and large calendars. More than likely you know either a builder or someone in the construction field. After a period of time, they need to toss all of their blueprints. Since blueprints are on large sheets of paper and are only one sided, they make for a great paper resource. We also like to use the large calendars that banks give out at the beginning of the year. Often times by the end of January, early February, they are happy to hand out calendars by the dozen just to get rid of them! You can either use them to teach your kids about the days and months or use the blank side for the creative mind!
So next time you're at your bank or see your neighborhood builder, be sure to ask for some free paper!
I have discovered two great (FREE!) resources that works great for a little artist! Outdated Blueprints and large calendars. More than likely you know either a builder or someone in the construction field. After a period of time, they need to toss all of their blueprints. Since blueprints are on large sheets of paper and are only one sided, they make for a great paper resource. We also like to use the large calendars that banks give out at the beginning of the year. Often times by the end of January, early February, they are happy to hand out calendars by the dozen just to get rid of them! You can either use them to teach your kids about the days and months or use the blank side for the creative mind!
So next time you're at your bank or see your neighborhood builder, be sure to ask for some free paper!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Recipe of the week
This is a simple and delicious recipe that I made last week! It was a hit with everyone and perfect on a chilly afternoon or evening since it's really good served warm. The pudding is like a smooth frosting.
Warm Lemon Cake
1 box yellow cake mix and required ingredients (generally - 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oil & 1 1/3 cups water - but look on the back of your box)
2 cups cold milk
1 ¼ cups water
2 regular boxes (4-serving size each) Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish; set aside.
POUR milk and water into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes and granulated sugar. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Pour over batter. Place baking dish on baking sheet to catch any sauce that might bubble over sides of dish as dessert bakes.
BAKE 55 min. to 1 hour or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
COOL 20 min. (Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Spoon into serving dishes to serve warm. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Warm Lemon Cake
1 box yellow cake mix and required ingredients (generally - 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oil & 1 1/3 cups water - but look on the back of your box)
2 cups cold milk
1 ¼ cups water
2 regular boxes (4-serving size each) Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish; set aside.
POUR milk and water into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes and granulated sugar. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Pour over batter. Place baking dish on baking sheet to catch any sauce that might bubble over sides of dish as dessert bakes.
BAKE 55 min. to 1 hour or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
COOL 20 min. (Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Spoon into serving dishes to serve warm. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Play Dough- Too much fun!
Most parents shriek at the sight or mention of play dough! While it can be a mess, it can also be lots of fun.
You can purchase the store bought play dough for very little money and occasionally you can even get it at a dollar store (however, it is NOT the same quality). It is water soluble so it will clean up easily off of furniture or carpet. Little hands and big hands love to squish and mold the soft dough. You can use cookie cutters, scissors, or pencils to help make wonderful creations.
If you are interested in making your own play dough, there are tons of recipes, including edible dough or dough for projects you want to dry. Some require cooking, some require salt, most require being stored in an airtight container.
The Most Common Play Dough
Playdough Recipe
* 1 c Flour
* 1/2 c Salt
* 1 c Water
* 2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
* 1 tsp. Salad Oil
* Food Coloring (optional)
Mix together all ingredients and cook for 3 minutes over low heat. Stir well. Add food coloring. Store in a plastic container.
Here are some recipes for making your own edible play dough from FamilyCorner.com.
Oatmeal Play Dough
1 part flour
2 parts oatmeal
1 part water
Mix ingredients together and form into shapes.
Note: The items made from this play dough recipe can be painted when they are dry.
Peanut Butter Play Dough
one 18-oz. jar creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup non-fat dry milk
Mix ingredients together, using varying amounts of dry milk for desired consistencies. Knead it with fingers, forming into desired shapes, adding other foods like M&M's or peanuts for eyes, mouths, etc. Great fun!
Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.
You can purchase the store bought play dough for very little money and occasionally you can even get it at a dollar store (however, it is NOT the same quality). It is water soluble so it will clean up easily off of furniture or carpet. Little hands and big hands love to squish and mold the soft dough. You can use cookie cutters, scissors, or pencils to help make wonderful creations.
If you are interested in making your own play dough, there are tons of recipes, including edible dough or dough for projects you want to dry. Some require cooking, some require salt, most require being stored in an airtight container.
The Most Common Play Dough
Playdough Recipe
* 1 c Flour
* 1/2 c Salt
* 1 c Water
* 2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
* 1 tsp. Salad Oil
* Food Coloring (optional)
Mix together all ingredients and cook for 3 minutes over low heat. Stir well. Add food coloring. Store in a plastic container.
Here are some recipes for making your own edible play dough from FamilyCorner.com.
Oatmeal Play Dough
1 part flour
2 parts oatmeal
1 part water
Mix ingredients together and form into shapes.
Note: The items made from this play dough recipe can be painted when they are dry.
Peanut Butter Play Dough
one 18-oz. jar creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup non-fat dry milk
Mix ingredients together, using varying amounts of dry milk for desired consistencies. Knead it with fingers, forming into desired shapes, adding other foods like M&M's or peanuts for eyes, mouths, etc. Great fun!
Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Traveling can be taxing and difficult on its own, nonetheless, traveling with a toddler. In order to ensure a good, fun, and happy trip, here are a few helpful tips!
1. Bring A Special Bag
My daughter is currently obsessed with Dora and Diego. So in preparation for a recent trip, we purchased a Diego backpack for all of her toys. Not only was my daughter thrilled with the backpack, but she was also able to wear it while traveling, thus freeing my hands for something else!
2. Pack Lots of Toys and Drawing Supplies
Being prepared is the key for pleasant travels. You can never have enough books, coloring books, crayons, stickers or toys for a toddler. To make sure that it’s really special and new, start buying supplies in advance. That way there is extra excitement and eagerness to read a new book or use new crayons. A great place to find inexpensive and small items is the Dollar Store.
3. Bring the Favorites
A great tip I learned from a seasoned mom is to start putting away favorite toys before a trip and then re-introduce while traveling. Not only are the kids excited to see the toy, but you already know they will happily play with it!
4. Don’t Forget The Snacks
Food and drinks are always a necessity while traveling. Juice boxes and goldfish are an essential; however, bringing new items may also work. Try making trail mix and have two bags…one for the trip there and one for the way home. And be prepared, if you are flying, security may seize your opened containers. I found that they allowed my daughter’s sippy cup with juice, but that might not be the case at all airports. Bottom line, have a “plan B” in place!
5. Maintaining A Schedule
Although you’re on vacation, following your typical schedule and routine can be comforting to a toddler. If your child is use to taking a daily nap, do everything in your power to maintain that schedule. Otherwise, you could be vacationing with a cranky and unpleasant child…which isn’t relaxing or fun!
Traveling with a toddler can be lots of fun, but be sure to plan ahead. Be prepared and expect the unexpected! If you can roll with the punches, everyone is sure to have a great time!
Betsy Canevari is a work at home mom with a toddler. She co-owns Smart Moms - Smart Business; an online resource dedicated to educating women on how to earn multiple streams of income from home. For more information about the Smart Moms, visit Smart Moms Blog or contact Betsy at betsyc06@yahoo.com
1. Bring A Special Bag
My daughter is currently obsessed with Dora and Diego. So in preparation for a recent trip, we purchased a Diego backpack for all of her toys. Not only was my daughter thrilled with the backpack, but she was also able to wear it while traveling, thus freeing my hands for something else!
2. Pack Lots of Toys and Drawing Supplies
Being prepared is the key for pleasant travels. You can never have enough books, coloring books, crayons, stickers or toys for a toddler. To make sure that it’s really special and new, start buying supplies in advance. That way there is extra excitement and eagerness to read a new book or use new crayons. A great place to find inexpensive and small items is the Dollar Store.
3. Bring the Favorites
A great tip I learned from a seasoned mom is to start putting away favorite toys before a trip and then re-introduce while traveling. Not only are the kids excited to see the toy, but you already know they will happily play with it!
4. Don’t Forget The Snacks
Food and drinks are always a necessity while traveling. Juice boxes and goldfish are an essential; however, bringing new items may also work. Try making trail mix and have two bags…one for the trip there and one for the way home. And be prepared, if you are flying, security may seize your opened containers. I found that they allowed my daughter’s sippy cup with juice, but that might not be the case at all airports. Bottom line, have a “plan B” in place!
5. Maintaining A Schedule
Although you’re on vacation, following your typical schedule and routine can be comforting to a toddler. If your child is use to taking a daily nap, do everything in your power to maintain that schedule. Otherwise, you could be vacationing with a cranky and unpleasant child…which isn’t relaxing or fun!
Traveling with a toddler can be lots of fun, but be sure to plan ahead. Be prepared and expect the unexpected! If you can roll with the punches, everyone is sure to have a great time!
Betsy Canevari is a work at home mom with a toddler. She co-owns Smart Moms - Smart Business; an online resource dedicated to educating women on how to earn multiple streams of income from home. For more information about the Smart Moms, visit Smart Moms Blog or contact Betsy at betsyc06@yahoo.com
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