Throw and Grow

So I ran into this recipe for seed balls. They are a spectacular and easy spring/summer project you can make by yourself or with the kids. It also makes the perfect gift so make a bunch and share with friends! These throw and grow seed balls will bloom wherever you toss the which also simplifies your gardening a bit:)

Throw and grow seed balls
Combine two parts mixed flower seeds with three parts compost.
Stir in five parts powdered clay (this can be purchased at most art supply or craft stores.)
Moisten with water
Form balls 1 inch in diameter and allow to dry for 24-48 hours.

Tip: I used an empty egg carton to sit mine out to dry. Once dried you can wrap in paper and tie with a ribbon to create a charming little gift. You can even add a clever little tag to it, all that you need to do is toss it water it and wait for it to grow. Super fun!

Campfire food

 

This is an easy recipe I would like to share for those who like a good campfire. We have a fire pit in the back yard that we made with a shovel, some bricks and of course love. If you asked my husband who was holding the shovel most of the time he would use a different word than love but he is not the one writing this;) Regardless, everyone knows how to make s'mores which are always a fave so today I will instruct on an easy and hearty main dish that can be made easily with a cutting surface and a knife in any outdoor space.

You will need:
Aluminum foil
potatoes
onions
ground beef, turkey or chicken

you can also add:
peppers, tomatoes and corn if desired

Chop potatoes into small pieces
Place all ingredients mixed together in foil
Wrap in foil multiple times to prevent burning
Depending on how hot the fire is and how large the package is this concoction can
sit in the fire for 20-40 minutes. I suggest making multiple packets for quicker cooking.
The packets should be tuned every 10 minutes.
**When you remove these packets from the fire be sure to let them sit about 5 minutes before eating,
contents will be extremely hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The kiddos also like ketchup:)

Radishes

See look I promised pictures. . .eventually promises come true:)

This is my first crop that I was able to harvest this week. I'm pretty proud. Next week will be lettuce!

Healthy Ingredient Food Substitutions

Instead of                                                     Try 

1 c. whole milk                                               1 c. skim milk
1 c. light cream                                               1 c. evaporated skim milk
1 c. sour cream                                               1 c. plain low fat yogurt
1 oz. baking chocolate                                     3 tbsp. cocoa
1 oz. bacon                                                     1 oz. lean ham
ice cream                                                        ice milk or frozen yogurt
potato chips                                                     pretzels
1/4 c. vegetable oil (in baking)                         1/4 c. applesauce
1 egg                                                              1/8 c. egg white or egg substitute

Some of these seem obvious but others we don't really think about, regardless I find a lot of these substitutions to really cut the fat with very little difference in flavor:)

Fun Flubber Recipe

Flubber
(Make sure your little ones are past the "I have to stick everything in my mouth" stage or surpervise them with this activity)

Mixture 1:
3/4 c. warm water
1 c. Elmer's glue
Food coloring

Mixture 2:
2 tsp. Borax
1/2 c. warm water

Mix each mixture in separate bowls. Combine Mixture 1 into 2 & work about three minutes.
Instant Fun!

**This recipe should be safe for children of all ages if they are past the stage where they want to taste or chew everything. This being said the recipe does contain Borax and some children with very sensitive skin may need to moisturize their hands before playing with this to avoid dryness.

It's a Boy!

We saw boy parts people! This means that the majority of you were right. Mommy new it all along:)