Meatless Monday: Salt & Pepper Garlic Potatoes

If you like French Fries, you'll LOVE these Salt & Pepper Potatoes.  Add a little ketchup and you get the pleasure of eating French Fries without the guilt!

Ingredients:
2 potatoes
3-4 cloves garlic
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
Ketchup


Instructions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2.  Thoroughly wash the potatoes and pat dry.

3.  Thinly slice the potatoes almost all the way through.

4.  Mince the garlic and insert between potato slices.
5.  Brush the potatoes with olive oil then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6.  Bake for 40 minutes at 425 degrees.
7.  When the potatoes are done baking, you can pull apart the slices and dip them in ketchup.  Yum!

Stamps

Ava is going through a "stamp" phase right now.  I think it all started at gymnastics class.  At the end of class, the coach gives all the kids a stamp on their arm.  Each week it's a different stamp.  Ava is so bummed when it finally washes off (which is like, 3 days later!  I really need to buy the coach some washable ink.).


Anyway, Ava has been raiding my stamp collection.  I keep finding my stamps all over the house.  So now I'm on the hunt to find Ava her own stamps.  The thing is - STAMPS ARE EXPENSIVE!  There is a cupcake stamp at Hobby Lobby that Ava has had her eye on for months but I refuse to buy it because it costs $9!!!!  Are stamps really that hard to make to justify this cost???  


Apparently not.  Yesterday I scored BIG on stamps at Michael's.  They have a big bin of stamps right by the register at the Michael's store in Chesterfield Valley.  They're mostly Easter-ish stamps, Halloween stamps and some other miscellaneous stamps.  Here's what I got:

The stamps on the left cost (drum roll please) ONE PENNY!!!  And the hot air balloon stamp cost ONE DOLLAR!!!  I also had a 20% off coupon :)


I also like to check the Dollar section at Target for stamps.  Last week I found this:

There are four stamps on one block and it cost only ONE DOLLAR.  The stamp pad was just a dollar too!


Another option is making your own stamps.  I found an easy tutorial on Pinterest where you use bottle tops and foam shapes.  Click here for the tutorial.


Have fun stamping!

The Best Summer Toys for Toddlers

I am so excited for summer this year!  Last summer we were stuck indoors the entire time because my little one, Sidney, developed Eczema from outdoor allergens.  We all had cabin fever.  Thankfully, the Eczema did not return this year!!!  My new found freedom is encouraging me to spend as much time outdoors as possible this summer.  I made a wish list of some fun (mostly outdoor) summer toys for kids.  Do your kids have a favorite summer toy?


Gazillion Bubble Rocket
$18 - Bubbles AND a rocket!  The kids are going to have to tear Tim and I away from it if they want a turn!

Crayola Critters Chalk Maker
$10 - What kid doesn't like chalk?  Now you can buy them in cute little shapes.

Geyser Blast Sprinkler
$22 - For those of us without a pool, this crazy sprinkler is the next best thing on a hot day.

Jungle Croquet Set
$40 - We love a little friendly competition mixed with some cute jungle animals!

Dolphin Kickboard
$8 - For those of you with access to a pool, this dolphin makes a pretty cute kickboard.  They  also make a shark kickboard.

Chicco Balance Bike
$50 - This is a great price for a balance bike and it got great user reviews online.

Disney iHome Portable Stereo Speaker System
$40 - How cute is this for the beach!  It come in 4 different characters.

Kids Ring Toss
$20 - This is a cute outdoor game and can also be reused for birthday parties.

Buzzing Bee Flyer
$10 - It's a kite for little ones!  You can throw it to make it soar or spin it around.

Hop & Squeak Pogo Jumper
$15 - Let your kids work off some energy on this toy.  And you can use it indoors in the winter.

T-Ball Set
$20 - This toy is great for the little slugger that is just learning to hit the ball.

PlasmaCar
$50 - No pedals, no batteries, no gears.  Just runs on kid power!

Roller Skates
$25 - This is a great starter skate set.

Soft Tip Sky Darts
$14 - Ready, aim, throw!  So much safer than the old school Jarts that I used to play with.

Symphony in B
$50 - You be the conductor!  Choose any 6 instruments and hear them play together.  It is also a great shape sorter toy.  I just love all the toys from this company.

Roll & Play
$20 - A game designed just for toddlers that is perfect for a rainy day.  Just roll the cube and identify which colored side faces up.  Choose a matching color card and perform the activity shown.

Spanish Alphabet & Number Sound Puzzles
$20 each - Don't let all that knowledge gained at school fall to the waste side.  Keep up on your Spanish with these puzzles!

Keen Backseat Backpack
$50 - A back pack that doubles as a seat!  Perfect for all those summer outings.

Happy Summer!

A - Z Guide for Summer Fun in St. Louis

Click HERE for the updated 2013 list!

80 Fun Things to Do with Kids in St. Louis

Since the new baby girl will arrive in October, I feel like this summer is my chance to do whatever I want, whenever I want with Ava and Sidney.  So I started putting together a bucket list of activities and it just kept growing and growing and growing.  Let me know if there are any activities that I have left off that you like to do with your kids!


ABC Chefs Cooking Academy – Lots of fun summer cooking camps for kids.
Amtrak Trip – Kids love trains!  Start at the Kirkwood station and take a day trip.  The train stops in Washington, MO, Jefferson City, MO, Lee's Summit, MO, Independence, MO and Kansas City, MO.
Arch – In addition to going to the top of the Arch, the website offers lots of other fun things to do around the Arch grounds.
Art Hill Outdoor Music & Film Series – Come and enjoy free music and movies Fridays in July on Art Hill.
Boathouse Boat Rental – Rent a 4-person paddle boat for $15 an hour.  Also, the boat house has live music most Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7pm throughout the summer.
Butterfly House – Come to see the butterflies and check their calendar for special events.  The Butterfly House is located in Faust Park with the Carousel and a fun playground.
Cardinals at Busch Stadium – Come see a game with the whole family.  Check their website for the special promotions.
Carriage ride at Tower Grove Park – You can rent a 3 0r 4 person carriage and see the park.
Children’s Garden Club – This is a free club focused on getting kids interested in gardening.  Click on "Calendar of Events" to see what's going on.
Circus Flora – The circus is in town!  Hurry, it's only here through June 24th.
City Garden – Come on a warm day with a change of clothes and plan to get wet.
City Museum – The best kids museum in town and it's fun for adults too.
COCA Family Theater Series – Sign up for a summer camp or just enjoy the shows.
Crown Candy Kitchen – Opened in 1913, they are famous for their candy, but also serve lunch and dinner.  They also have the oldest soda fountain in St. Louis!
Drive-In Movies @ Skyview – This may be the only drive-in theater left near St. Louis.
Eckert’s Farm –  Visit one of their 3 locations to pick your own fruit this summer.
Family Musical Theater – Come see The Wizard of Oz July 20-29.
Family Theater Series – There are lots of great family shows starting in October.
Farmers Markets – Visit one of the many farmers markets around St. Louis for some fresh food straight from the farm.
Faust Park – Olden Days of Summer will be held on June 13th, July 11th and August 8th from 10am - 1pm.  There will be demonstrations of blacksmithing, candle dipping, rope making and other crafts, along with face painting and a petting zoo. $10 admission includes free carousel rides.
Faust Park’s St. Louis Carousel – This carousel was built in 1920 and nearly lost to a fire in 1963, but it still operates today for $2 a ride.  Also, check the website for special events and summer camps.
Festival of Nations – The festival will be held August 25-26 at Tower Grove Park.
Fox Theater – Come see The Lion King showing August 15 - September 2 or see Imagination Movers on October 14.
Forest Park – Pack a picnic lunch and explore all the park has to offer.
Grafton Zipline Adventures – 9 ziplines cover 1.75 miles!  Call to reserve your 2 hour tour.
Grant’s Farm – Admission is FREE!  Come see the Budweiser Clydesdale Stables, feed the goats and enjoy complimentary samples of Anheuser-Busch beer (21 and older of course!).
Hot Air Balloon Race at Forest Park (40th annual) – The 40th annual balloon race is September 15.  And come to Balloon Glow on September 14th to see the inflated balloons up close.  
Innsbrook Institute Music Festival – Enjoy Innsbrook and a concert.  The musicians come from all over the US to perform at Innsbrook.
Innsbrook Summer Camps – Summer camp opportunities are 0pen to kids and grandkids of Innsbrook property owners aged 6-15.
Jewel Box – Located in Forest Park, the Jewel Box is open after a $3.5M renovation.
Katy Trail – Bike the Katy Trail and stop by a winery or two along the way.
Kirkwood Peach Festival – Enjoy peach samples from local farmers as well as peach related treats and menu items at Kirkwood Farmers' Market starting at 8am on July 14th.
Language Camp – French, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish language camps are offered for kids ages 5-10.
Laumeier Sculpture Park – The Discover Laumeier Festival will be held June 10th from 12-5pm.  There will be creative activities, live music, demonstrations by local artists and a scavenger hunt through the sculpture park.
Learn to Swim at the YMCA, Little Fishes Swim School or ASP Kirkwood – Feel more safe with your kids in the pool all summer by enrolling in swim lessons.  I've heard good things about these programs.
Lone Elk Park & World Bird Sanctuary – The World Bird Sanctuary is located within Lone Elk Park where you can see bison, turkey, elk, deer and other wildlife.
Magic House – The first interactive children's museum opened in 1979 and has grown substantially since.  Check their website for special events, like International Picnic Day.  They also have free days!
Meramec Caverns – You can take a cave tour or relax on a riverboat among many other things.  They also have a zipline tour.
Missouri Botanical Garden – Don't miss the amazing Lantern Festival at the Gardens this summer.  Kids will also enjoy the Children's Garden (free with a ticket to the Lantern Festival).
Missouri History Museum – Check their website for the Summer Family Fun Series FREE events.  Admission is always free too.
Missouri Wine Country – Most wineries have live music on the weekends starting around 1pm - the perfect time to enjoy a picnic lunch with some wine.
Muny Opera – Buy tickets or come early for the free seats to see Aladdin July 5-13.
Museum of Transportation – Kids 5 and under will love visiting the Creation Station.  You can also explore trains and ride on the Miniature Train.  Check the website for train riding hours.
Myseum - This is like West County's smaller version of the Magic House.
Nascar Speedpark – Enjoy go-cart racing, mini-golf, laser tag, rock wall climbing, bumper boats, arcade games, and lots more activities.
Old Webster Community Days – Celebrate the Fouth of July in Old Webster.  This annual event is held from July 1-4, the parade is July 4th at 10am.
Old Webster Summer Nights Street Dance – Spend the evening in Old Webster. Shop, dine and dance in the street.  Live music from 5-10 p.m. on Gore Avenue, just off Lockwood in Webster Groves.
Outdoor Concerts – Outdoor concerts are offered all over St. Louis.  And they are FREE!
Outdoor Summer Movie Series at the Chesterfield Amphitheater – This new amphitheater is showing a free movie each month of the summer.
Purina Farms – Animal lovers can get up close and personal with barnyard animals and everyday pets.  They also have animal shows.
Playgrounds and Water Parks – This website has a great, comprehensive list of playgrounds and water parks throughout St. Louis with pictures.
Playhouse Productions – Get your tickets to see Oliver (June 14-17) and Nuncracker: The Nunsense Christmas Musical (June 28-July 1).  Tickets go on sale starting at 6:30 pm before each performance. Curtain Time is 8:15 pm.
Pick Your Own Fruit – You can find all the local farms in your area that offer fruit picking.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center – Explore the interactive exhibits in the Nature Center then hike along the many trails.
Queeny Park Art Fair – Mark your calendars for the Art Fair on August 31 - September 2.
Riverboat Rides – Enjoy a guided tour on a replica 19th-century paddle-wheel boat.
RockShow Academy Summer Camp – Check out the website for summer camps for musical kids.
Science Center – Fun for kids of all ages and admission is free.
Shaw Nature Reserve – The Nature Explore Classroom and the Whitmire Wildflower Garden are perfect for kids.  There are also lots of hiking trails to explore.
St. Louis Art Museum – Visit the website to learn about their family activities and classes.
St. Louis Symphony Family Concerts – The Family Concert series starts in October.  Check the website for more info on purchasing tickets.
Stages – Purchase tickets to see The Jungle Book June 20 - July 1.
Story Time at PBK, the Library and Whole Foods – It's so nice that there are so many options for free story time for kids.
Suson Park and Animal Farm – Farm Fridays start June 8th from 10am-1pm.  Admission is $8 for kids under 12 (adults free).  Hayrides, pony rides, barn tours and games for kids!
Ted Drewes – Perfecting frozen custard since 1929.
The Hill – Enjoy the many bakeries and gelaterias as you tour this historic Italian village.  You can even play Bocce ball!
Union Station – Sample fudge from The Fudgery, play mini-golf, visit the Memories Museum or take a ride on a paddle boat.  There is also live music on select Thursday nights.
University City Loop – See the St. Louis Walk of Fame, listen to live music at Blueberry Hill, browse the shops and enjoy the food.  Also, visit the website for upcoming events like Get Your Chalk On held September 1st.
Variety St. Louis – Visit the website for information on camps and events for kids with physical and mental disabilities.
Vintage Baseball – See baseball as it was played in the 1880s as the Perfectos play the St. Louis Brown Stockings at 6pm at Whitecliff Park.
Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad – Take a 30 minute ride on a live steam railroad on Sundays.
Whittle Shortline Railroad – This cute little store has a bunch of train tables that kids can play with for free.  There are benches for the parents to sit and rest.
World Aquarium – Explore the wonders of water at the World Aquarium, located within City Museum.
Weherenberg Theater Family Summer Series – See 10 great films for free on Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 6 - August 16 at 10am.
XXX Summer Olympics: London – Inspire your little Olympians by following the 30th Summer Olympics.
YMCA Book Fair – The 34th annual book fair will be held August 17-22 at the Kennedy Recreation Center.
YMCA Summer Camp – Visit the website for a list of summer camp options for kids.
Zoo – Summer activities include Camp KangaZoo, North Star Summer Zoo Weekends, Jungle Boogie and SEA LION SOUND OPENS JUNE 30TH!!!

This list feels never-ending - I keep finding out about more fun activities.  I started out with 50 activities and the list has now grown to 80!  Let me know if you have any more to add.  As I find out more activities I'll continue to update this list.  Check back for more fun!

Meatless Monday: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

My basil runneth over!  This is just one of our basil plants in our little garden.  We have so much basil we don't know what to do with it.  If you are in need of basil, contact me!


In an effort to not waste any basil, I have been making a lot of Caprese Salads.  And in an effort to not get tired of Caprese Salads, I have been searching the Internet for variations on the traditional Caprese Salad.  I found two so far that I like: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction from the Pioneer Woman and Caprese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette from the Steamy Kitchen.  Today I will tempt you with some balsamic reduction!  

It adds some sweetness to the taste and it looks pretty too!

Ingredients:

2 cups Balsamic Vinegar, plus extra for drizzling
3 whole vine ripened tomatoes, sliced thick
12 ounces, weight Mozzarella Cheese, sliced thick
Fresh basil leaves
Olive Oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt 
Freshly ground black pepper


Instructions:
1.  In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until balsamic has reduced to a thicker glaze. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet. Allow to cool.


2.  When you're ready to serve, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter.  Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with ~1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.  Using a pastry brush, spread a small amount of the mixture on each of the tomato and mozzarella slices.

3.  Arrange basil leaves on top of the mozzarella slices.  You can spread some of the mixture on top of the basil leaves if you prefer.  Top with some salt and pepper.

4.  Now, drizzle the balsamic reduction on the basil leaves, making designs if you want.  If you have real talent, you can decorate the plate with the reduction!

20 Kids Craft Recipes

It was a raining day yesterday and now I am running out of arts and crafts projects.  As I was looking for ideas, I came across a great list of all these kids craft recipes that my Parents-As-Teachers Educator gave me.  I thought I'd pass along for your rainy days.


FLUBBER
What You Need:
- Two cups Glue
- Food Coloring
- Four tablespoons Borax
- Warm water


What You Do:
In one bowl mix in 1 1/2 cups of warm water, Glue, and food coloring. In a separate bowl mix in Borax with 1 1/3 cup of warm water. Pour the glue mixture into the borax mixture. Do not mix or stir it will form on its own. Store in plastic baggies.



BLUBBERISH GOOP
What You Need:
- Two cups water
- 1/2-cup cornstarch
- Food coloring


What You Do:
Boil water in saucepan add cornstarch stirring until smooth. Add food coloring and stir. Remove from heat and cool. Make sure your children play with this on a flat plastic like surface (table, linoleum floor, etc).


GOOP
What You Need:
- One part Liquid starch
- Two parts white glue
- Food coloring


What You Do:
Add starch to glue until mixture becomes a workable ball. Store in refrigerator in a covered container.


SIMPLE BUBBLES
What You Need:
- One cup of water
- Two tablespoons liquid dish soap
- One tablespoons glycerin (available at drug stores)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar


What You Do:
Mix together and use.


COLORFUL BUBBLES
What You Need:
- One cup granulated soap or soap powder
- One quart warm water
- Liquid food coloring


What You Do:
Dissolve soap in warm water. Stir in food coloring. Use.


GARGANTUAN BUBBLES
What You Need:
- One Cup Warm Water
- 1/4 Cup Blue Dishwashing Liquid
- One Tablespoon Salt


What You Do:
Combine all ingredients. Mix well until salt dissolves.


WHOLE FACE PAINT
What You Need:
- One tablespoon shortening
- Two tablespoons cornstarch
- Food coloring


What You Do:
Mix shortening and starch together until smooth. Add food coloring. Use a sponge or your fingers to apply to face. You can then paint with it on your children's face (i.e. whole face orange) removing with soap and water. Store in airtight container.


FLOUR FINGER PAINT
What You Need:
- One-cup flour
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- Two-tablespoons salt
- Food coloring


What You Do:
Mix the flour, salt, and cold water in a saucepan. Beat the mixtures (with whisk or rotary beater) until smooth. Add the hot water and boil it until the mixture is thick. Beat until smooth. Add food coloring to add color. Store this in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


YOGURT PAINT
What You Need:
- Plain Yogurt
- Food Coloring


What You Do:
Mix the ingredients till you get the desired color and then let your children paint.


LIQUID STARCH FINGER PAINT
What You Need:
- 1/4 cup liquid laundry starch
- Food coloring or One-teaspoon tempera paint


What You Do:
Mix the starch with a few drops food coloring or paint until blended thoroughly. Store this in an airtight container.


CORNSTARCH FINGER PAINT
What You Need:
- Three Tablespoons Sugar
- Two cups cold water
- Food coloring
- Soap flakes
- One-Half cup cornstarch


What You Do:
Mix the sugar & cornstarch in over low heat. Add water and stir until mixture is thick. Remove from heat. Next divide the paint into several different containers. Add a few drops of food coloring and a pinch or two of soap flakes to each container. Stir well and let cool. Store this in an airtight container.


SHAVING CREAM PAINT
What You Need:
- Shaving Cream
- Food coloring


What You Do:
Put shaving cream in muffin tins or small cups.  Add drops of food coloring to the shaving cream according to the package instructions to get desired color.  Mix thoroughly.


LIQUID SIDEWALK PAINT
What You Need:
- One cup water
- One cup cornstarch
- Food coloring


What You Do:
Mix water and cornstarch and pour it into muffin tins or small cups. Then add food coloring to make the colors you would like.



SPRAY PAINT
What You Need:
- Empty spray bottles (i.e.; old Windex bottles)
- Paint
- Water


What You Do:
Dilute paint with water in a spray bottle. 


OATMEAL PLAY DOUGH
What You Need:
- One part flour
- One part water
- Two parts oatmeal


What You Do:
Mix all ingredients well until smooth. Knead and play.


SIMPLE PLAY DOUGH
What You Need:

- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 2 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 Tbls. vegetable oil
- Food coloring 



What You Do:
Mix all ingredients in a pot.  Place pot on the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms into a ball.  As soon as it combines, take it off the heat and place it on wax paper.  Wait for it to cool, then knead it a few times until it is nice and soft. 


SMELLY COLORFUL PLAY DOUGH
What You Need:
- One-Half cup salt
- Two cups water
- Two tablespoons salad oil
- Two cups flour
- Two tablespoons alum
- Kool-Aid for color


What You Do:
Dissolve salt in boiling water. Stir in Kool-Aid for color. Slowly add salad oil, flour and alum. Knead until Play dough is smooth.


POTATO DOUGH
What You Need:
- Five potatoes
- Flour


What You Do:
Bake potatoes, in their skins, until they are soft inside (like you would eat them). Peel and then mash potatoes (throw skins away). Combine three cups flour to every four cups of mashed potato and roll until you form a great dough.


SMELLY DOUGH
What You Need:
- Two cups whole wheat flour
- One cup salt
- Smelly Ingredient (Five teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 cup coffee grounds, other of your choice)
- Two tablespoons of oil
- One cup warm water
- Food coloring (optional)


What You Do:
Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl, and then mix all wet ingredients in a separate one. Next mix the two. Stir the mixture until the dough forms a ball (note depending on the season, altitude you may have to add more flour if the mixture is too sticky or add more water if the mixture is too dry) Finally, Knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is pliable. Store in refrigerator in airtight container.


COLORED RICE & NOODLES
What You Need:
- Uncooked white rice
- Uncooked elbow noodles
- Food coloring
- Rubbing Alcohol


What You Do:
Put a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and several drops of food coloring into a bowl.  Add a cup of rice and mix it around.  Spread colored rice out on waxed paper and let dry for several hours.  Follow the same directions for the noodles.  Store in airtight containers.