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Watermelon Mint Shooters – Recipe for Adults and Kids, Valentine’s Day Treat

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe, Valentine's Day

published date: February 01, 2014
modified datt: February 07,2014

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Watermelon Mint Shooters
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This fun recipe can be used for many different occasions – Valentine’s Day, New Years, Summer Parties and More. It can be slip accordingly for Adults and Kids, just make sure you label the right classes!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons organic sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped mint (Fresh is better)
  • 1 ½ pounds of seedless watermelon (with the rind taken off) cut into chunks
  • ½ to 1 tablespoon (depending on your own tastes) of fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon grated lime peel
  • For Adult Drink ONLY –  1/16 cup of Bacardi Rum

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Directions:

  1. In a 1-quart saucepan mix together the sugar, water, and mint.
  2.  Heat on medium level for 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Place the watermelon, lime juice, and lime peel into a blender.
  5. Blend until all is combined and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Add in the sugar mixture and blend together again.
  7. Pour the mixture into a pan and place it into the freezer.
  8. Every ½ hour mix the mixture, repeat until all liquid is frozen it will take about 1 to 2 hours.
  9. Spoon into cups and Enjoy!

Additional Adult Directions:

  1. Spoon into 2 shooter glasses.
  2. Add in the Bacardi rum into each glass about 3 teaspoons
  3. Serve to your adult guests and enjoy!

Check out these other great recipes and be sure to follow FCLAsh on Pinterest.

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How to Throw a Robot Birthday Party on a Budget

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe, Valentine's Day

published date: February 03, 2014
modified datt: February 03,2014

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How to Throw a Robot Birthday Party

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Lots of kids are fascinated with robots. Especially since R2D2 and C3PO of Star Wars fame helped their masters, robots are often viewed as winsome helpers that can do things and go places that humans can’t. Those abilities make robots seem a little bit heroic and a lot like a special friend. It also makes a robot themed birthday party very popular! What does it take to host a robot party? My blog, Spaceships and Laser Beams, specializes in parties for boys (and non-frilly girls!), so I have lots of ideas to help you plan an awesome robot party. This theme is easier and less expensive than you might think!

There’s a lot of room for creativity in depicting robots. Although they are most frequently depicted as silvery grey, yours don’t have to be! If you do opt for the popular metallic look, be sure to include some color too. Brights pair exceptionally well with the metallic shine, but lighter hues soften the high-tech look which might be appropriate for a party for younger kids.

Once you’ve decided on theme colors you’ll be able to decide on party invites. I know a lot of invitations are extended in a casual phone conversation, but receiving a paper invite through the mail is so much fun for kids—extra points if you incorporate a robot image in your invitation!

Welcome guests with a friendly, life-sized robot at the door; if you build your robot out of cardboard boxes, he can be sturdy enough to hold a tray of birthday hats or a bouquet of balloons. Or, instead of party hats, pre-make robot “heads” for each guest with smaller cardboard boxes; kids have a blast pretending and they look terrific arranged about the room as well. They will also make great props if you have a photo booth.

Decorations can include colorful pennant banners, a wall of giant polka dots, a backdrop of corrugated metal or oversized chevron. Science, spaceships and robots are frequent partners; if you opt for that theme direction, include rocket ships and stars. Gears are often associated with robots; make yours from colored cardstock, metal pie pans or old CDs. A trip to the hardware or local home improvement store will yield lots of pieces for making robot parts!

Of course you’ll want to include all manner of robots on your food and dessert table. Raid your child’s room and use their collection of robot figures or make your own with tin cans or paper cut-outs. Use metal cans, pails and disposable tin pans with serving pieces in your chosen colors to hold silverware, napkins and food. Chenille stems (aka pipe cleaners) can be bent into zigzags or spirals for colorful table fillers. Juice boxes look great wrapped in silver paper; add eyes and use the straw as an “antenna”.

Have fun naming party food! Anti-freeze Jello, memory cell candy, lubricating juice, nuts and bolts popcorn mix, fuel pack sandwiches, and micro bot chips are just a few suggestions.

Of course the age range of your party guests will inform your activity choices, but here are a few suggestions:

  • build your own robot; this can be by coloring, with stickers or foam pieces, small boxes, tin cans, plastic cups, etc. or for older kids, purchase build-your-own robot kits
  • pin the parts on the robot; this is a take-off on the classic pin-the-tail on the donkey
  • photo booth fun
  • robot relays; provide mini wind-up robots for each guest and let them “race”
  • play “machines”; the group must work together with each child making a repetitive sound and motion as they “build” and become an imaginary machine

When you send those little party guests home, you’ll want to send them off with a fun favor; make it something connected with robots! Once you start looking for ideas you’ll find stickers, lollipops, erasers, spinning tops, mini toy robots, pens and many other possibilities. A bag you embellish by stamping with a robot image or a small, silvery take-out box, are just a couple options for the packaging. Add a tag that says “thanks a bot” for coming!

Creating a robot themed birthday party is gratifying because there is so much room for creativity in building your robot world as you build happy memories for that special birthday boy or girl.

What will you do at your robot themed birthday party?

Stephanie Keeping is mom to a boy named Sam, a blogger, and an Etsy-preneur. She celebrates boyish charm at Spaceships and Laser Beams, where she talks about all things boy and birthday party. You can connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter and on Etsy.

Check out these other great recipes…

 

Be sure to follow FCLAsh on Pinterest.

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Whiskey & BBQ Meatballs Recipe – Football Gameday Appetizers

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by Filed Under: Pinterest, Recipe

published date: December 31, 2013
modified datt: January 29,2014

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Gameday Whiskey & BBQ Meatballs Recipe
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I have another fantastic appetizer for you to add to the menu of delicious finger foods at your next football gathering. These Whiskey and BBQ Meatballs are a perfect addition to your Superbowl party. Throw everything in the crock pot 5 hours before kick off and go do other things while the flavor settles. I love an easy meal!

Making your own barbecue sauce from scratch really imparts a unique taste and makes frozen store bought meatballs seem like homemade. If you love sweet southern bar-b-q sauces then this appetizer will definitely make it onto your entertaining menu again and again. Use your favorite whiskey to make your meatballs. This recipe makes 2 lbs of meatballs but could easily be doubled or tripled for a bigger batch. Bring them to parties, showers, tailgating events, potlucks, or any other event where there’s a crowd and you want to bring the best meat on the table.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. frozen meatballs
  • ½ cup Whiskey
  • 1 ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire
  • 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. Ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Place frozen meatballs in crock pot and cover with ingredients. Stir well.
  2. Cook on low for 5-7 hours, stirring occasionally. At the 5 hour mark turn crock pot to warm so they are not too overcooked.

Helpful tip: Provide cups of toothpicks or plastic serving spears throughout your food table to make eating finger foods easier on your guests.

Don’t forget these other Football Gameday Appetizers:

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Italian Caprese Garlic Bread Recipe – Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Basil

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by Filed Under: Frugal Living, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: January 25, 2014
modified datt: January 25,2014

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Italian Caprese Garlic Bread Recipe
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 How about this twist on a Caprese Salad – Make Garlic Bread. Sure to please everyone as an Appetizer, Side or even Dinner Entree (just like a pizza!) Happy creating!

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf Italian Bread
  • 4 tbsp softened Butter
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 12 oz fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 3 medium Tomatoes, sliced
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup Fresh Basil Leaf, chopped

Directions:

  1.  Add vinegar to small saucepan bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced by half.
  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  4. Preheat oven to 400.
  5. Add minced garlic to butter and mix well.
  6. Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
  7. Butter the cut sides with the garlic butter.
  8. Place on a baking sheet with the cut side up.
  9. Place the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the bread.
  10. Bake for about 12 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are starting to brown.
  11. Top with the sliced tomatoes.
  12. Top tomatoes with chopped basil and salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
  14. Cut into slices and serve.

Follow all Recipes  on Frugal Coupon Living as well as FCLAsh on Pinterest.

 

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

DIY Valentine Series – You’re Just WRITE for Me ROLO Pencil

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe, Valentine's Day

published date: January 22, 2014
modified datt: January 24,2014

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DIY Valentine Series – You’re Just WRITE for Me ROLO Pencil Valentine
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A pen and paper for your classmates or anyone else you want to give a fun and unique Valentine to. I have created a simple writing paper printable for your child to personalize for their own special Valentine’s to tell their classmates Valentine, You’re Just “Write” For Me! Made of two candy favorites, this makes for a yummy February 14 treat, and its almost too cute to eat! I used card stock and the most difficult part was wrapping the pencil with stiff paper, for small hands I would recommend using thin paper to make it a bit easier but I do love the look of the cardstock.

Supplies

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Directions:

  1. Cut a piece of yellow paper to 4 ½ “ 4” squares.
  2. Cut pink paper into 3/4”x 3 ½ “ strips.
  3. Wrap yellow paper around roll of candy, and secure with clear tape on the seam from top to bottom to create pencil.
  4. Wrap pink paper around top and secure with clear tape, matching up seams to make the eraser.
  5. Halfway over yellow and halfway over the pink press silver tape ( I found mine at Dollar Tree) If you can’t locate silver tape use a small strip of aluminum foil about ¼ “ x 3 ½ “, fasten down, this makes the metal band.
  6. For the pencil point- Roll a piece of tape and place on end of roll of candy, or you can add a small dab of glue. Remove tag from Hershey Kiss and press onto rolled tape or glue.
  7. Print tag, have your child sign their name, punch a hole in corner, attach to pencil with a piece of curling ribbon about 6-8 “ long, run scissors over ribbon ends to curl.

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You’re Just WRITE for Me Valentine Printable

See all the DIY Valetine Series Crafts:

Goldfish “Hooked on You” Valentines – Pin to Pinterest

Valentine’s Day Scratch-Off Tickets – Pin to Pinterest

You’re Just WRITE for Me ROLO Pencil – Pin to Pinterest

You’re a HOOT Owl Valentine – Pin to Pinterest

Paint Strip Valentine Bookmarks – Pin to Pinterest 

Check out these other great recipes and be sure to follow FCLAsh on Pinterest.

 

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Pink Valentine Heart Pancakes – February Breakfast Kids Food Craft

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe, Valentine's Day

published date: January 18, 2014
modified datt: January 18,2014

pink-valentine-heart-pancakes-frugal-coupon-livingPink Valentine Heart Pancakes
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Use your boxed Bisquick Recipe and add some red food coloring drops for a fun twist on this February Breakfast Food Craft activity!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 Eggs
  • Red Food Coloring
  • Heart Egg or Pancake Mold (as seen HERE and HERE)

Directions:

  1. Stir Bisquick, Milk and Eggs together in a bowl.
  2. Place half the mix in a measuring cup (for pouring).
  3. Slowly drop food coloring into the half remaining int he bowl. Stir until desired pink is achieved (only a couple drops are needed – no not go to heavy with coloring.)
  4. Place the pink mixture into a different measuring cup for pouring.
  5. Lay the heart mold on the heated skillet. Slowly pour in the heart less than 1/4 cup of pancake mixture.
  6. Cook until edges are dry.
  7. Carefully lift the heart mold and turn pancake over with a spatula and cook until golden.
  8. Continue until all mixture is used.

Note: You can also make regular (circle) pancakes without the mold.

Happy eating – Enjoy!

Like the Valentine Heart Pankcakes? Check out these others:

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Valentine JELL-O Heart Squares – Fun Dessert for February

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe, Valentine's Day

published date: January 14, 2014
modified datt: January 16,2014

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Valentine JELL-O Heart Squares
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This is fun and different and TRULY NOT AS DIFFICULT as it looks. Take a Valentine Foot Craft to a whole new level with these Square JELL-O Heart Valentine Treats. This fun dessert takes a twist on the classic gelatin treat! It makes a yummy after school or February Valentine’ s Party Treat!

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz. box Strawberry Jello
  • 1 envelope Unflavored Gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 7 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/4 cup cold Water
  • 3/4 cup boiling water

valentine-jell-o-heart-squares-Collage

Directions:

  1. Spray a 8 x 8 pan with non stick cooking spray.
  2. Boil two cups of water.
  3. Pour the JELL-O power into a large bowl and add 2 cups boiling water. Stir until dissolved.
  4. Pour into the pan and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  5. In another bowl add 1/4 cup cold water. Sprinkle gelatin packet over top and let stand for several minutes.
  6. Boil 3/4 cups of water.
  7. Stir your 3/4 cups boiling water with sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
  8. Allow to cool.
  9. Invert red Jell-O pan onto cutting board or wax paper.
  10. With a heart cookie cutter, cut hearts out of the jello. Cut as many as you can fit, but you may not use all of them in the next step.
  11. Spray the pan with cooking spray again.
  12. Arrange the hearts in the pan being careful to leave room for white in between each heart.
  13. Pour condensed milk mixture around the hearts and place in the refrigerator for several hours until firm.
  14. Remove from pan and cut into squares.

Happy eating – Enjoy!

Like the Valentine JELL-O Heart Squares? Check out these others:

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Microwave Peppermint Fudge Recipe – Easy, Delicious Chocolate Dessert

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: December 10, 2013
modified datt: January 15,2014

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Microwave Peppermint Fudge Recipe
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Everyone loves an EASY Microwave tutorial especially on a yummy snack. This fudge will be sure to please the whole family, they will surely ask for more treats! I bet you won’t mind cause it is an easy dessert to make!

Ingredients:

  • (2) 14 oz Packages of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1 1/2 Cans Condensed Milk (21 oz)
  • 1 Tsp Peppermint Extract
  • 3 Candy Canes or red and white peppermints

Directions:

  1. Place candy canes (or peppermints) in a food processor or crush inside of plastic bag
  2. Place chocolate chips in a large bowl
  3. Add condensed milk
  4. Add peppermint extract
  5. Stir
  6. Microwave for 1 minute and then stir
  7. Return to microwave for an additional 1 minute
  8. Mix until smooth
  9. Pour mixture into a greased 8X8 pan
  10. Top with candy cane pieces
  11. Refrigerate for 1 hour

Like the Microwave Peppermint Fudge Recipe? Check out these others:

 

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.