Free Beach Subway Art Printable

 

We love this FREE Summer Printable from alittleclaireification.com. 

Click here to go download and print your free summer printable.

Happy Summer!

Free Summer Bucket List Printable

 

Love free printables? We do too! This is your FREE Summer Bucket List Printable! I know that our family hates missing out on fun things to do! Print this list out, and make sure to all the fun summer activities as a family! We Love the idea of framing it and using a dry erase marker to mark off each fun thing you do! Have more than one child? Why not try using this as a reward system! Who ever can do all their chores, eat all their vegetables for a whole week or completes a book in their summer reading list gets to pick the activity for that week!

GET YOUR FREE SUMMER BUCKET LIST PRINTABLE HERE!

Need some idea's? Don't worry, we got you covered!

Try these s'mores recipes for when you go camping or roast marshmallows for a cook out!

Instead of going out for ice cream, try these yummy homemade popsicles made from fresh ingredients. Let the kids help too, it will be a great way to learn about healthy eating!

Summer Wreath and Decoration Ideas

 We love this "On Beach Time" poster from GoJumpInTheLake on etsy.com, this will give just the right amount of beach time decor to your home during the summer. 

 

This Nautical Starfish Wreath will look great on a white front door! Show off your summer time spirit with this cute wreath from elisavallison on etsy.com.

 

This Nautical White Rope and Starfish and Sea Shell Wreath from beachgrasscottage on etsy.com would look great for summer time on a dark colored front door.

You might also like:

      DIY Painted Sea Shell Decorations

DIY Paited Sea Shell Decorations

 

We love collecting sea shells from the beach every year! But they end up just getting broken, lost or thrown away. This a cute idea to add some DIY summer decor to your house! All you need is to wash and dry your sea shells, and spray paint them all the same color. We love using a metallic silver, gold white! Put them in a jar and set out as summer decorations. 

*Make sure to keep a few unpainted for some Christmas ornaments ideas coming this winter!

Source: loveumadly.com

S'mores Cookie Bars

 

A graham cracker cookie crust sandwiched between a layer of warm melted chocolate, and a layer gooey melted marshmallow. These will make you feel like your eating s'mores at a campfire! Everytime these cookie bars are made, they are gone within a few hours!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 king-sized Hershey's chocolate bars

1 1/2 cups of marshmallow creme or fluff

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease an 8-inch baking pan

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. 

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until thoroughly combined.

4. Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly onto the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Lay out the chocolate bars in even layers (breaking the chocolate if you have to). Spread the marshmallow creme on top of the chocolate. Then, roll the dough out between 2 sheets of parchment paper, until about the size of your pan (try not to go any bigger). Gently, remove the parchment paper and place the dough on top of the marshmallow creme. 

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until light golden brown. Let cool slightly before enjoying (they taste better warm)!

*TIP: Heat the leftover room temperature cookie bars in the microwave for 30 seconds to make the chocolate and marshmallow warm and melted again! 

Enjoy! :)

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Baja Sauce

 

A crunchy beer battered fish taco, fried until golden brown, topped with a refreshing creamy baja sauce. A great way for adults and kids to eat fish who don't normally like it! 

Ingredients:

For The Tacos:

1 lb. frozen tilapia, thawed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

12 oz. bottle of mexican beer

1 tablespoon mexican seasoing

vegetable oil, for frying

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup mexican beer

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed

1 lime, cut into wedges

3/4 cup shredded queso blanco or monterey jack cheese

3/4 cup shredded green cabbage

For the Baja Sauce:

1/2 sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoon mexican seasoning

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced 

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

 Directions:

1. Place fish in a large, zip-top bag. Mix 1 bottle of mexican beer and mexican seasoning together. Pour the mixture over the fish and place in the fridge and chill for 2-3 hours.

2. Pour the oil into a skillet or dutch oven until 1 1/2 inches depth. Heat oil to 360 degrees.

3. Combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Whisk in 1 cup of beer and hot sauce. Drain the fish, and discard the marinade. Coat each fish in the flour batter.

4. Cook fish in batches for about 4 minutes or until done. Drain off on paper towels.

5. To make the Baja Sauce: Mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a bowl, until well combined.

6. Place 2 - 3 pieces of fish on each tortilla, squeeze lime wedge over the fish. Top with a spoonful of the baja sauce.

Enjoy! :)

Source: myrecipes.com

Peach Raspberry Popsicles

A healthy, yet sweet treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. A creamy greek yogurt based popsicle, combines fresh peaches and raspberries to make a treat that anyone would love!

Ingredients:

1 cup fat free greek yogurt

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 peach, skinned and chopped

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. Place the raspberries in a blender, and blend until smooth. Push the mixture through a strainer to strain out and discard any seeds.

2. Place the mixture back into the blender and add the greek yogurt, peach, lemon juice, and sugar and blend until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and put the in the freezer until frozen. 

Enjoy! :) 

Source: fooddonelight.com

S'mores Bar and Free Recipe Printable

S'mores are the perfect dessert! We eat them in the summer at a cookout, and during the winter with a bonfire! They are a year round dessert that is sure to please everyone! Try making a s'mores bar for you guests at your next outdoor cookout or bonfire! The key to a great s'mores bar is variation. We all know and love the traditional s'mores recipe, but try mixing it up by laying out tons of different options! Have a variety of different cookies, flavored marshmallows, candy bars and chocolates, and fun add-in's.

Cracker Variations:

 Traditional Graham Crackers

Chocolate Graham Crackers

Chocolate Covered Mint Cookies

Chocolate Striped Cookies 

Chocolate Variations:

Traditional Hershey's Bar

White Chocolate Bar

Peanut Butter Cup

Carmel Filled Chocolate Bars

Dark Chocolate Bar

Fun Add-In's:

 Flavored Marshmallows (Strawberry, Chocolate, Mint)

Marshmallow Creme or Fluff

Nutella

Peanut Butter

Fruit (Strawberries, Raspberries, Bananas)

Caramel Sauce

Butterscotch Sauce

Take this free printable, frame it, and put it out on your s'mores bar! Let all your guests know what the best s'mores combinations are. Click here to download the s'mores recipe printable.

Sources: martieknows.squarespace.com

bettycrocker.com 

Toasted Marshmallow Strawberries

 

A delicious fresh summer strawberry, dipped in marshmallow and toasted. These are perfect for the campfire, and great for people who don't like s'mores.

Ingredients:

Strawberries

Marshmallow creme

A fire and stick for toasting 

Directions:

1. Dip a strawberry in the marshmallow creme

2. Place the strawberry on a stick and place over the fire, just until the marshmallow gets toasted.

Enjoy! :)

Source: gurutotheoutdoors.com

S'mores Cookie Sandwiches

 S'mores are great anytime! They are great in the winter when its cold, and great in the summer by a bonfire! S'mores are also a camping must! This recipe combines a homemade marshmallow frosting with melted chocolate sandwiched between two homemade graham cracker cookies. Talk about delicious! 

Ingredients:

For the cookie:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup graham flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup light-brown sugar, packed

1/4 granulated sugar

3 tablespoons honey

1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

4 egg whites

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

9 oz. (1 1/2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 teaspoons shortening 

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, graham flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together, then set aside.

3. In a separate bowl with an electric mixer, whip the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed, until pale and fluffy. Blend in the honey. Add 1 egg and blend until combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and blend. 

4. While mixing on a low speed, slowly mix in the bowl of dry ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined.

5. Scoop 1 tablespoons of dough and form into balls. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-10 minutes, them remove from oven and allow to cool completely. 

6. In a saucepan, bring a few inches of water to a simmer. In a metal or glass mixing bowl, add the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar and whisk over the simmering water. Whisk constantly for about 3-4 minutes until sugar has dissolved, and the egg whites are warm to the touch. Take off of the heat, and with an electric mixer, beat the frosting until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. Add vanilla in at the last 10 seconds of mixing. 

7. the cookies have cooled, melt the chocolate and shortening in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

8. On half of the cookies pipe the marshmallow frosting, you can torch it with a kitchen torch if you have one. On the other half of the cookies, spread a spoonful of chocolate and let cool slightly. Once the chocolate has cooled some, sandwich one chocolate topped cookie, and one frosting topped cookie together. 

Enjoy! :)

Source: Cooking Classy

DIY Temporary Tattoo for Kids Safety

When going to an zoo, amusement park or water park, it is a must to make sure your child is safe! As parents we are always keeping an eye on our kids, but we also worry about them.. A LOT! Sometimes kids like to sneak off, and go do their own thing, when you turn around for one second or simply get lost in the crowd. This easy DIY tattoo, will help ensure, that if your child happens to get lost, someone can help them find you again! Worry less Mom, and have a good time this summer!

Here's What You Do:

1. Using a fine-point sharpie, write "If I am lost call" and write out whatever cell phone you will be keeping on you will out. Make sure to put the writing in an easy to see location.

2. Using a liquid band-aid, apply it over the pen, and wait until it dries. This will make it water proof as well, and should last the whole day!

You can also buy custom temporary tattoos like this at safetytat.com.

Enjoy and Stay Safe! :)

Source: weightdownweightloss.wordpress.com

Homemade Mini Corn Dogs

Everyone loves corn dogs! Make these homemade corn dogs, that have a sweet crunchy texture. A great food for kids! They love the fact that food comes on a stick!

Ingredients:

vegetable oil, for cooking

1/4 cup cornstarch 

1 (16-ounce) package of beef hot dogs, each cut crosswise into 3 pieces

1 1/2 cups of self-rising cornmeal mix

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

40 (6-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Directions:

1. In a large pot, pour the vegetable in to a depth of 4 inches. Heat the oil to 350°

2. Place the cornstarch into a small bowl. Prepare the corn dogs by placing 1 piece of hot dog onto the end of each skewer. Dredge a hot dog in cornstarch, tapping off the excess. 

3. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal mix, flour, and sugar. Whisk in the buttermilk until smooth. 

4. Using the skewer, dip the hot dog completely in the batter. Holding the end of the skewer, place each hot dog in the oil, frying until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Place the hot dog on a paper towel to drain off. Then, repeat with the rest of the hot dogs.

Enjoy! :)

Source: pauladeen.com 

Italian Cream Soda

 

A sweet flavored soda type drink with a splash of cream at the top, topped with whip cream and a cherry, if you like! This drink is kid friendly, it is festive and this is a tasty and cheap drink to make for parties! Enjoy one this summer! I love these with fruit flavored syrups (cherry or strawberry), but any flavor will work. You can even experiment and mix flavors together.

Ingredients:

San Pellegrino Sparkling Water (1/2 bottle per drink)

Half & Half

Syrup (Tornani Coffee Syrup or Snow Cone Syrup, any flavor)

Ice

Whip Cream

Cherries

Directions:

1. Add about 3 tablespoons of syrup to the bottom of each glass

2. Fill the glass about 2/3 of the way full, making sure the syrup is mixed with the sparkling water and leaving room for ice and the cream.

3. Put in a few pieces of ice

4. Just before serving, put a SMALL splash of half & half on the top. 

5. Top with whip cream and a cherry!

Enjoy! :) 

Photo Source: butterwithasideofbread.com

Free Travel Bingo

 

Everyone knows that traveling with kids can be stressful. Kids will get bored, and as parents, we want to keep them entertained and happy! Car games are GREAT ways to keep kids entertained, and sometimes are even educational for that "summertime slump". This travel bingo is great game to bring along on your next road trip this summer. Go on over to Simple As That Blog and print out this game and be ready for a fun road trip! 

Enjoy! :)

Strawberry Torte

 

This beautiful swirled torte dessert is perfect for summertime. It combines fresh sweet strawberries to make a homemade angel food cake with a whip cream and strawberry swirl inside.  

Ingredients:

unsalted butter, for buttering the pan

8 extra-large eggs, room temperature, separated

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup cake flour (not self-rising)

2 teaspoons baking powder, sifted

1 pint (16 ounces) heavy cream

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting

1 quart strawberries, washed, dried, hulls removed

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a jelly roll pan, and then line with parchment paper. 

2. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar together until light in color, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Add cake flour and baking powder and stir until well combined.

3. With an electric mixer, beat egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into flour mixture.

4. Pour batter into prepared cake pan. Bake for 20 minutes, until cake springs back when touched.

5. Set aside 6 strawberries for garnish. Thinly slice the remaining strawberries. With an electric mixer, beat heavy cream on medium speed. Add remaining vanilla and 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar. Continue beating until soft peaks form. Set half of the whip cream aside, and add sliced strawberries into the other half. 

6. Lay a clean kitchen towel out on a clean surface, with the short end facing you. Dust the towel with the confectioners' sugar. Flip cake onto towel, remove from baking sheet, and peel off parchment paper. Using the towel, roll the cake away from you and let cool.

7. Unroll the cake. Gently spread the strawberry and whip cream mixture onto the full surface of the cake, and the gently re-roll the cake. Transfer the cake to a serving platter and spread the reserved whip cream onto the top and sides of the cake. Garnish the top with set aside strawberries. 

Enjoy! :)

Source: marthastewart.com

Free Summertime Activites Printable

We love printable's! They are a great way to add a little decoration to your house! I like the idea of having a nice picture frame in a picture gallery wall and changing it out to fit the seasons and holidays!

To get this free printable, just click over to kikicomin.com, download your free printable, print it and hang it in a frame all summer long!

Enjoy! :)