Fun for Kids Friday * Kid Crafts, Activities, Recipes and More!

Welcome to 'Fun for Kids Friday'

 with co-host, Smile Monsters

I hope you're having a great week! Welcome to Fun for Kids Friday.  Feel free to browse all of the creative ideas and if you have one to add, just link it up!

1. Link directly to your best kid crafts, activities, kid related projects or family friendly recipes. 

2. Become a follower of  Local Fun for Kids and Smile Monsters if you want to be extra sweet.

3. Please grab a button so every one can see where you like to party. It doesn't matter where you put our button, it's just nice to put it somewhere. If you don't like buttons simply link back with text.

Here is the code for the button: 

<center><a href="/"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Jo1971/combinedbutton4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />

 By entering your link, you are giving Smile Monsters & Local Fun for Kids permission to highlight any part of your post including pictures in a Fun For Kids Finds feature with proper credit going to you, all you.

A big *Thank You* to everybody who participates. Now get to linking! : )

Summer Recipe: How to make Grilled Potato Salad

For years, I've been using the same potato salad recipe. But last summer, everything changed when I tried this new recipe for Grilled Potato Salad. It is amazing!  My 5 year old loves it so much that every time I make it, he says "Mom, please make this again!"

I found this recipe from My Recipes.com, which is a little bit complicated. But, after you make it one time, you can do your own spin off, like I do, and just improvise with ingredients you have around the house. 

Here is my simplified version:

The Ingredients:

  • Red Bliss Potatoes - cut into quarters / about 5 cups cubed
  • Olive Oil - 2-3 tablespoons
  •  
  • Dressing - 5 1/2 tablespoons Regular Mayonnaise & 2 Tablespoons Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
  • Dry Rub -  2 teaspoons Paprika, 1/8 teaspoon Celery Seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of dried crushed Rosemary, 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt,  1/2 teaspoon Pepper

How to make grilled potato salad:

Wash the potatoes and cut them into quarters

Boil the potatoes until they are completely cooked, but still firm.  The original recipe from MyRecipes.com tells you to cook the potatoes on the grill, but that has not worked well for me.  I think it's much easier to boil them first and then finish them off on the grill.

You'll know the potatoes are done if you can poke them with a fork and the fork slides right in. If they're still hard, and the fork won't go in, that means they're not ready yet.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and toss them with a few tablespoons of olive oil.

Then, add your dry rub seasoning which is your mixture of Paprika, Celery Seeds, Rosemary, Garlic Salt, Pepper, and toss itwith your potatoes.

Spray your grill pan with non-stick spray, and cook the potatoes on the grill for about 15 minutes.  Keep in mind, they're already cooked from boiling them.  But, finishing them off on the grill will give them a nice grilled flavor and crispy texture.

Once the potatoes have crisped up on the outside and have a nice grilled look to them, take them off the grill and mix them with your mayonnaise and Dijon dressing. Serve and enjoy!

Fun Kid Food: Jumbo Marshmallows, BIG Cheez-Its, and Goldfish Bread

One day, there was someone who thought "Let's make it BIG and Moms everywhere will buy it!" 

Don't change the recipe. Don't change the color. Don't change the packaging.  Just make it BIG!

And, they were right. I got suckered in. 

My kids have always loved Cheez-Its, and they are even better when they're 120% bigger.  You don't need to eat 120% more.  But, these might make your belly 120% happier!

And, after you're done snacking on your BIG Cheez-Its, you might want a super-sized JUMBO Jet Puffed Marshmallow for dessert.  You only need one because they are ridiculously huge.


Goldfish get better when they're big too.  There is something special about an oversized smiling fish-shaped sandwich.  Seriously... isn't this Goldfish Sandwich Bread too cute?

What do you think... Is bigger better? Have you seen any other over-sized snacks?

Fun for Kids Friday - Activities, Crafts, Recipes & More!

It's Fun for Kids Friday 

 with co-host, Smile Monsters

I hope you're having a great week! Welcome to Fun for Kids Friday.  Feel free to browse all of the creative ideas and if you have one to add, just link it up!

1. Link directly to your best kid crafts, activities, kid related projects or family friendly recipes. 

2. Become a follower of  Local Fun for Kids and Smile Monsters if you want to be extra sweet.

3. Please grab a button so every one can see where you like to party. It doesn't matter where you put our button, it's just nice to put it somewhere. If you don't like buttons simply link back with text.

Here is the code for the button: 

<center><a href="/"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Jo1971/combinedbutton4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />

 By entering your link, you are giving Smile Monsters & Local Fun for Kids permission to highlight any part of your post including pictures in a Fun For Kids Finds feature with proper credit going to you, all you.

A big *Thank You* to everybody who participates. Now get to linking! : )

Fun for Kids Finds - Ice Cube Game, Kid's Gallery Wall, DIY Lego Table

Last Friday, Smile Monsters and I hosted another edition of Fun for Kids Friday.  I usually post a few of my favorites on Monday, so I am a little behind schedule.  But, it's never too late to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who linked up and explored with us! : )

In case you missed it, here are a few fab ideas I wanted to share:

Melt the Ice Cube Game by Serving Pink Lemonade is a spur-of-the-moment activity that you can do with your kids any time you're in need a boredom buster.

Here's a fun and economical solution for any mom who wonders: How can I showcase my kid's artwork they bring home from school? It's a Kid's Gallery Wall by Roundabout.

I love this Lego table by Art for Little Hands!  It's a fantastic example of how you can upcycle to create something new and practical too!

Thank you all for the inspiration and I hope to see you here again on Friday! You can check out a few of Smile Monsters favorites here.

 

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam: Tips, Philly Coupon Code & Giveaway!

Anyone who knows me, knows that the boys in my family have the 'need for speed'. Whether I like it or not, they are captivated by anything with wheels - the faster & crazier the better!

Last week, I was in the kitchen getting coffee and I heard my 5 year old yelling.  I went to the living room to see what was going on, and there he was intensely watching Monster Jam.  He was screaming at the t.v "GO GRAVE DIGGER!!!!!!" 

Needless to say, the boys are so extremely excited to see Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® on Saturday, June 4 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

And, I am even more excited to give away a Family 4 Pack of tickets to this event.  One lucky reader will win these tickets & get to cheer for their favorite Monster Truck at the Lincoln Financial Field
on June 4th!

Continue here to WIN TICKETS for the Philadelphia event on June 4th, learn some truck lingo, and more!

Let them Play in the Dirt

Let your kids play in dirt.

Mine do.

Very often, they love playing in the dirt more than playing with their toys or swing set.  

There are times that they are so dirty, I have to hose them off and take off their clothes before coming inside.

But, it all comes down to one thing...

Anything that can keep my kids happy for hours makes me happy too.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome Back to Fun for Kids Friday!

It's Fun for Kids Friday 

 with co-host, Smile Monsters

Welcome to Fun for Kids Friday.  Feel free to browse all of the creative ideas and if you have one to add, just link it up!

Here's how it works:

1. Link up your best kid crafts, activities, kid related projects or family friendly recipes.

2. Please grab a button so every one can see where you like to party. It doesn't matter where you put our button, it's just nice to put it somewhere. If you don't like buttons simply link back with text.

Here is the code for the button: 

<center><a href="/"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Jo1971/combinedbutton4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />

3. Link directly to your post.

4. Become a follower of  Local Fun for Kids and Smile Monsters if you want to be extra sweet.

 By entering your link, you are giving Smile Monsters & Local Fun for Kids permission to highlight any part of your post including pictures in a Fun For Kids Finds feature with proper credit going to you, all you.

Thank you to everyone who links up, we appreciate each and every one. Now get to linking!

Easy Crock Pot Recipe: Pulled Pork with Root Beer

A friend of mine gave me this recipe for pulled pork and I am so happy that she shared it with me.  It's one of those no fuss, simple recipes where you don't need to measure anything. Two of the three ingredients you may already have in your pantry.  And, no matter what you do, you really can't go wrong. Seriously!

It is so easy that I'm even a little reluctant to even call it a recipe. 

So, here's the deal...

You'll need 3 things:

1 two liter bottle of Root Beer Soda.  I used Wegman's brand.

1 Large Bottle of Barbecue Sauce - My friend swears by the Sweet Baby Ray BBQ sauce.

1 Big Piece of Pork.  I used a 'Pork Shoulder Picnic' because it was cheaper than the loin.  I was able to use it for dinner when we had family over and we still had enough left overs for lunch the next day. 

'Pork Shoulder Picnic' has a thick layer of fat and skin that you'll need to cut off prior to placing it in your crock pot.  So, if you want something that's a little less fuss, I would suggest buying a boneless pork loin. 

What to do:

1) Place the pork in your crockpot.

2) Pour in the Root Beer soda until it covers about 3/4 of your pork.

I used more than 1/2 the bottle of Root Beer soda for a big 'Pork Shoulder Picnic.' Obviously, the smaller your peice of pork, the less soda you will need.

3) Cook your Pork & Root Beer in the crock pot (on the appropriate settings) until it is done.  If you're not sure how long to cook it, you can check the crock pot website here.

4) Once it is fully cooked, drain the liquids, so that you only have the Pork in the crock pot.  If you are using a piece of pork with bones, be very careful to remove & discard any bones. 

5) The pork should be so tender and juicy that it should just fall apart.  Then, just add your favorite Barbecue sauce and pull the meat into shredded pieces.  Mix it all together and you're done.

I was amazed at the complex flavor the pork had considering how easy this was to prepare.  It's a quick and easy recipe you can do any time of year and I think you'll be impressed with how great it tastes.

Fun for Kids Finds - Features of the week

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Sometimes I pick a theme for 'Fun for Kids Finds'  but this week, there is no theme whatsoever.  Here are my 3 favorite projects from 'Fun for Kids Friday" that I want to share with you today:

Here is a very cute Teacher Appreciation Gift by Homespun with Love

Doesn't this Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread by EveryDay Art look so delicious?

I love this fun & simple kid's craft from My Oatmeal Kisses

Check out her Biodegradable Binoculars here.

 

Thanks again to everyone who participated in Fun for Kids Friday.   And, hop on over to Smile Monsters blog to check out her favorite's here.

Can't wait to see you all again this week!

What do you do when your kid flushes a popsicle stick down the toilet?

The other day, I posted a status update on Facebook about my little dilemma.  My 3 year old decided it would be fun to flush his popsicle stick down the toilet instead of throwing it in the trash can. 

I've used an amazing 'drain guy' in the past, and I immediately called him in a panicked state.  The good news is that the drain guy's wife just gave birth to a healthy baby.  The bad news is that he's out of commission for the next 5 days. Ugh.

The drain guy told me to make the toilet off limits until he could get there on Monday.  He said there was a chance the Popsicle stick is just stuck in the toilet itself and hasn't reached the pipes yet.  However, it has the potential to clog the pipes and messing up the plumping for the whole house.  Not good.  Plus, this couldn't have been worse timing because 1) my husband was away on business and 2) my in-laws are staying with us for the weekend.

So, what do you do when your kid flushes a popsicle stick down the toilet?

Call Pop-Pop.  Luckily, my Dad has tons of experience with 'handy-man' stuff and he usually has a trick up his sleeve that can save the day : )

Here's how we got the Popsicle stick out of the toilet:

  • We (as in, my Dad) unscrewed the toilet from the floor so we could move it off the pipe.
  • We moved the toilet out of the bathroom and put it onto the deck.  This was for two reasons: 1) my bathroom is extremely tiny and 2) if the toilet made any mess it would be easier to hose off the deck than clean up in the teeny tiny bathroom.
  • My dad laid on the deck and looked inside the bottom of the toilet.
  • Woohoo!  I was so excited to find out that the popsicle stick was stuck in the toilet and hadn't moved along any further into the plumbing for he house.
  • My dad used a long screw driver and, voila, he got the Popsicle stick.  We all cheered! Thank you, Dad : )

So, now you know "How to get a popsicle stick out of a toilet"   Isn't it so true that there is "never a dull moment" when you have kids in the house?

*Disclaimer: Neither my dad or I are professional plumbers and I am not giving any expert advice.  This is just how we did it.  It may work for you too, or you may want to call a plumber! ; )

New Crafts, Activities and Recipes with Fun for Kids Friday!

It's Fun for Kids Friday 

 with co-host, Smile Monsters

Welcome to Fun for Kids Friday.  Feel free to browse all of the creative ideas and if you have one to add, just link it up!

1. Link up your best kid crafts, activities, kid related projects or family friendly recipes.

2. Please grab a button so every one can see where you like to party. It doesn't matter where you put our button, it's just nice to put it somewhere. If you don't like buttons simply link back with text.

Here is the code for the button: 

<center><a href="/"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Jo1971/combinedbutton4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />

3. Link directly to your post.

4. Become a follower of  Local Fun for Kids and Smile Monsters if you want to be extra sweet.

 By entering your link, you are giving Smile Monsters & Local Fun for Kids permission to highlight any part of your post including pictures in a Fun For Kids Finds feature with proper credit going to you, all you.

Thank you to everyone who links up, we appreciate each and every one. Now get to linking!

Real Kids Shades Review & Giveaway

Do children need sunglasses?

Yes. According to Prevent Blindness America "Children are at special risk from the harmful effects of UV, since their eyes do not have the same ability as adults to protect from UV radiation."

Here are some simple tips, from Prevent Blindness America, for choosing sunglasses for children:

  • Check to make sure the sunglasses fit well and are not damaged,

  • Choose sunglasses that fit your child's lifestyle-the lenses should be impact resistant and should not pop out of the frames,

  • Choose lenses that are large enough to shield the eyes from most angles, Find a wide-brimmed hat for your child to wear along with the sunglasses."

Enter to win a pair of Real Kids Shades here!

Great DEAL: Half Off Kidorable with Eversave

In my house, Kidorable is one brand that my kids LOVE just as much as I do.  We adore their rain boots, gear, accessories and fun umbrellas because they are practical and fun. I was so excited to see that today & tomorrow on Eversave you can get a voucher for  50% OFF Kidorable's full inventory of fun, functional kids' accessories and clothing. Woohoo!

Spend only $25 for $50 worth of fun and functional kids' accessories from Kidorable.com.  And, EverSave says that the voucher CAN be used toward the $7.95 flat rate shipping.

Sign up for Eversave HERE. And, if this deal isn't showing up in your area, just change your location to Philadelphia (where I know this deal is definitely being offered)

Plus, when you refer someone new to Eversave and they buy their first Save, you get $10 in your Save Rewards account.

Click here to head on over to Eversave & check out this great deal!

Happy Shopping!

Note: This is not a sponsored post - I just think it's a great deal and I wanted to share it with you ; )

Fun for Kids Friday

I can't believe it's time for another

Fun for Kids Friday.  This past week flew by!

If you're looking for easy kid friendly projects, this is the place for you!

1. Link up your best kid crafts, activities, kid related projects or family friendly recipes.

2. Please grab a button so every one can see where you like to party. It doesn't matter where you put our button, it's just nice to put it somewhere. If you don't like buttons simply link back with text.

Here is the code for the button: 

<center><a href="/"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Jo1971/combinedbutton4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />

3. Link directly to your post.

4. Become a follower of  Local Fun for Kids and Smile Monsters if you want to be extra sweet.

 By entering your link, you are giving Smile Monsters & Local Fun for Kids permission to highlight any part of your post including pictures in a Fun For Kids Finds feature with proper credit going to you, all you.

Thank you bunches to all of you that link up, we appreciate each and every one. Now get to linking!



Earth Day Freebies: Blockbuster Promo Code, Reusable Disney Bag, & Free Origins Skincare

There are a few Earth Day freebies I want to share with you:

FREE MOVIE RENTAL

Is Friday night movie night in your house? If so, you're in luck!  There's a new FREE rental code for Blockbuster Express Kiosks.   Just enter the promo code THANKYOU for your free rental on Friday, April 22 or Saturday, April 23  only.

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FREE REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG FROM THE DISNEY STORE

On Friday, April 22nd, you can receive a FREE Reusable Shopping Bag* at your nearest Disney Store when you bring in and recycle 5 plastic shopping bags!

*Limit one bag per guest while supplies last. See details on their website.

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FREE ORIGINS CLEANSER

Trade in your current skin care for a FREE FULL size Origins Cleanser*. Offer is valid in-store only on Friday, April 22nd.

*Limit one per person, while supplies last - No purchase required -See details on their site.

 

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MORE DEALS

Also, check out this article from Yahoo! called  Earth Day Deals 2011 for more deals and promotions across the country.

Easy Lemon Chicken Marinade

Grilling is one of my favorite summer activities.  Once the weather warms up, I feel like my kids never want to come inside.  This means a few things: 1) we're having lots of fun, 2) my laundry is piling up and 3) dinner is cooked on the grill whenever possible.

The last thing the kids want to do on a warm & sunny day is come inside a miss out on the action.  And, after spending all winter cooking in my kitchen, I'm enjoying the change of scenery too.  I love grilling when my kids are in the backyard for the simple fact that I can cook dinner and watch my kids at the same time.

And, when they're happy, I'm happy.

Here is a simple marinade that is light and flavorful. The ingredients for the marinade are:

The zest & juice of two Lemons

2 tbs of Italian seasoning

2 tbs of Minced Garlic

A pinch of Salt and Pepper

2 tbs of Olive Oil if you're using Chicken Breast (optional for chicken on the bone)

This is enough marinade for about 8-10 chicken thighs or 4 large chicken breasts. 

Just put your chicken in a Zip Loc Bag.  Seal the bag tightly and squish everything around until the chicken is evenly covered.  Marinate this in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. 

Remove the chicken from marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill the chicken on a pre-heated grill until it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C), and is firm and opaque.

This easy marinade adds just enough flavor to the chicken without over-powering your senses. For me, that's why it's an ideal family friendly recipe.