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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Disney's Supper Buddies movie

"Who wants to have movie night?!" 
Six little words that spark undeniable excitement each and every time. Although "movie night" rarely differs from any other night, it causes a stir among the kids, scattering them to the kitchen for snacks and drinks. All five of us (and our furry little friends) plop ourselves in front of the tv, snacks and drinks in hand, and form a stronger bond with each other because we are together involved in one activity. It usually doesn't matter what we are actually watching. It's just fun being together, as a family, enjoying ourselves. 

Usually my blogging opportunities receive nothing more than an eye roll. This time, however, I let them know that Disney's Super Buddies would be arriving in the mail shortly and they couldn't wait! Secretly, I couldn't wait either. Disney never falls short of providing families with life-long memories and feelings of happiness with the release of any of their movies. 


Our family got the chance at an exclusive screening of Disney Super Buddies. For this special occasion I whipped up a special viewing snack to coordinate with Disney's Super Buddies: Super Buddies popcorn. 

This super easy, quick popcorn snack is easy enough to whip up even on a weeknight. With only a few minutes and a few ingredients the kids will be happy to help and eat! 

Memories will be made.


Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernals (or 2 bags of pre-popped popcorn)
  • 1/4 brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips*
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter chips*
  • 1/4  peanut butter multi-grain cheerios*
 If purchasing pre-packaged popcorn, pop your bags; pour out of bags and into a large bowl and set aside.
For a slightly healthier option, pour 1/4 cup kernals into a popcorn bag (Sam's club) roll the top of the bag tightly and microwave for around 2 minutes (stand by and listen to popping. When kernals stop popping for longer than 1 second, it's time to remove the bag)
Repeat to pop the additional 1/4 cup.

In a small sauce pan, over medium heat,  combined sugar, peanut butter, vanilla, water, and baking soda. Stir until sugars melt. Allow to cook for 60 seconds, without stirring. Mixture should rapidly bubble from outside to the inside. Once the bubbles reach the inside (after 60 seconds) It should be time to remove the pan.
Pour over popcorn and toss. Toss in additional ingredients*

*Recommended extras



Fun ingredients to add:
  • cereal
  • chocolate chips
  • peanut butter chips
  • nuts
  • candies
  • pretzels

 Serve and enjoy your movie!




Want more? Here's a fun activity sheet to print out for the kids!

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET
Get to know the Buddies, play games, or buy the movie.



Other Disney Super Buddies related activities:


Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of Disney's Supper Buddies to review, but that in no way effected my opinion. All opinions are of my own.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Ease that Summer Slump

Summer slump.
If you are a parent, you know the term well. When the initial excitement of Summer break wears off and then the well known, "I'm bored." echos through the house.

 I was contacted just in time about Martha Stewart's new book; Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids.


My kids took after me and inherited the need to use their imagination and creativity. Upon arrival Martha Stewart's new book brought huge excitement from my boys. Flipping through the pages they mentally make mile long lists of what they wanted to do right away. With projects for kids of all ages to create, build, design, explore, and share there is no shortage for Summer time fun packed within these pages. 

For starters, we chose to do the age old remedy for Summer time fun: bubbles!

 

I never knew corn syrup was the secret ingredient for bouncy, super bubbles. Did you? Pin this image on Pinterest for later use! 


Aside from the inspiring book packed full of goodies, there are some fantastic videos that help the projects along, give ideas, and give some how-tos. [click here to visit Martha Stewart's Crafts for Kids VIDEOS!]

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Personalize jewelry from Martha Stewart Crafts



This is a sponsored post. I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are of my own and truthful. This post contains paid links.




It's a great day when something like this arrives at your front door. 

I was offered Martha Stewart Craft's jewelry line to create my own jewelry by hand. I have never made jewelry before, but being Martha Stewart brand I knew it was going to be user friendly and easy to work with.

To recreate my personalize necklace you will need:

optional: Work mat , lip balm (for inside the locket)




I started by laying out all of my items on and around the Martha Stewart work mat. The work mat isn't necessary, but makes it easy to keep everything in its place and it serves as a place to keep mess isolated. I loved that the rhinestones would stay put on the work mat and that I could squirt the glazes right on the surface, then wipe it away when I was done.

The epoxy comes in two parts. Take equal amounts of each side, mix together well by kneading. If you are using colored epoxy, continue to knead until the color is uniform.

Press firmly into mold and allow to dry for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove from mold, paint with jewelry glaze. For an aged look simply wipe a dry rag across the setting to remove excess paint. Allow to dry.


Using a toothpick apply jewelry glue to the back of the setting and apply to the locket. You'll notice I added a second setting to dangle to the side. this is the best part about Martha Stewart do-it-yourself jewelry. You can make it your own. Be sure to embellish as you see fit. 


Inside of my locket contains my favorite lip balm. Simply melt down a small amount of lipbalm in the microwave, pour into the locket, and allow to re-firm. 

Pin it!


I decided I wanted my necklace to be a little more personal.
Mix together a little more epoxy. 

Press into the large setting, removing any excess.

To create a nice smooth surface, dab a little water onto your finger and rub until the surface is nice and smooth.
At this point I asked my husband to wet his thumb and press it into the epoxy. I lightly pressed three small rhinestones along the side to represent each of my children.


Allow the setting to dry for 24 hours. After dry paint with light gold jewelry glaze for a light sheen. 
Using a jump ring I added a "T" to represent our last name. 

Admittedly, I'm not a huge jewelry fan. However, given the opportunity to personalize and create my own settings allowed me to create a piece of jewelry that will always stay close to my heart and remind me of those that I love and that are dearest to me. 

There are almost unlimited options. Be sure to visit Michaels, browse, and be inspired to create your own line of jewelry!


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