Dare to Share #226

It is Friday night,  and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

This week I have been helping a good friend of mine prepare for a partyBBQ we are having with some of our church. Our group has had several this summer, but yet I keep forgetting to take pictures. Hopefully tonight I will take some and share some of my best BBQ tips.  

I am addicted to ice cream, so I had to feature this delicious dessert.   No Churn Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream by My Suburban Kitchen

Earlier this week it was National S'mores Day, and S'mores also happen to be a favorite of mine.. I love how yummy these Strawberry S'mores by Simply Stacie

As much I am not ready for my kids to go back to school, it is time to start thinking about it again. (in Michigan we don't go back until September)  These Lunch Box Pizza Rolls by Frugal Foodie Mama would be a huge hit for lunch with my kids. 

Do you need Harry Potter Game Ideas?  My co-host Kim from Kandy Kreations has several this week. On her blog you can find Harry Potter Printables, Harry Potter Decor Ideas and more. 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You are welcome to share anything that you would like to share. If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature, your post will be featured on my blog and social media.  This party is seen also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses posts from the party to feature on her blog and social media. 

Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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Lunch Box Pizza Roll Ups - Dare to Share Feature

It is getting to be that time of year, that I really do not look forward to.. Back to School.  Don't get my wrong, when they were younger it was a lot more exciting.  Now my youngest two are in high school.  My son is going to  graduate at the end of this school year.  Now I like to really enjoy the slower pace of summer while we still can, and wish that time would slow down. My kids do not really want to pack lunches anymore, but when they did these Lunch Box Pizza Roll Ups by Frugal Foodie Mama would have been a huge hit.  I think they might still be a huge hit for after school snacks for when the kids have their friends over to visit. Be sure to stop over to Frugal Foodie Mama for the recipe.  

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Strawberry S'mores - Dare to Share Feature

Did you know that today is National S'mores Day? I just found out this morning.  I had already planned on featuring these Strawberry S'mores by Simply Stacie this week, but they it was extra fitting to feature them on National S'mores Day. I love the taste of strawberries and chocolate together, so these look extra yummy to me.  Be sure to stop over to Simply Stacie to see the full recipe. 

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No Churn Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream - Dare to Share Feature

It is not a secret that I love ice cream.  I mean I seriously love it, and eat it almost every single day kind of love.  I also love chocolate and peanut butter together.  When I saw this recipe for peanut butter chocolate ice cream on Dare to Share, I knew I had to feature it. Doesn't it look amazing?!  I want to eat some of it right now! You must check out the recipe on how to make this delicious dessert on My Suburban Kitchen

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Dare to Share #225

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

Are you watching the Olympics?  I am watching it as I type this. It is hard not to get swept up in all of the excitement of the games.  

During the London Olympics in 2012, my daughter and I made Homemade Olympic Medals to give out while have home games in the backyard. 

There were so many great posts shared on Dare to Share #224.  I have picked out five to feature. I like to give each on their own feature post which I will be doing starting tomorrow.  

Summer time is a great time to try new homemade recipes using the fruits and vegetables that are ready this time of year.  I shared 5 Easy Homemade Recipes that we have really loved. 

If you are planning on having an Olympic themed party, be sure to check out my co-host Kim's blog Kandy Kreations.  She has these printable Olympic Sport Ring Cupcake Toppers and many other Olympic themed posts.  

Now it is time for this week's party. You are welcome to share anything that you would like to share. If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature, your post will be featured on my blog and social media. This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses posts from the part to feature on her blog and social media   

Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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Five Easy Homemade Recipes

A couple of summer's ago, I had a homemade summer.  I used vegetables from my garden to make pickles and tomato sauce. .  I used strawberries we had picked at a local farm to make delicious jam  My son, who was doing Cooking with Kyle posts at the time, made us delicious meals with his homemade pizza and homemade potato salad.  Now is the perfect time to share some of these recipes again, now that it is time to harvest those gardens and hit the farmers markets.  

Do you have a lot of cucumbers in your garden and want to give Homemade Pickles  a try?Two summers ago I found decided to make some using a simple recipe. We were very happy with the result.  

Strawberry jam has always had special meaning to me.  While I was growing up my grandma made us several jars every summer..  She has been gone eleven years now.  Homemade Strawberry Jam was so good and tasted just like grandma's. 

By the end of the summer, I always have a ton of tomatoes. My Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe was when I made my own with fresh tomatoes.  It is not hard to make,  but does need some simmering time. 

A couple of years ago my son did a series of recipes called Cooking with Kyle. One that we really liked was his Homemade Pizza.  It was very unique because each piece was totally different than the others just but the way he arranged his toppings. 

Another recipe he made for us was his Homemade Egg Potato Salad. It was really good.  I wish I had some potatoes on hand so I could get him to make us some more. 

What types of homemade recipes do you like to make?  

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Dare to Share #224

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

My son finished his work program this week. It was also time for our annual county fair.  My daughter had the chance to spend time with Lucy the pig who she first met three years ago. We also finally saw Finding Dory. Summer is flying by way to fast, and we are trying to make the most of it while we can. 

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Are you excited about the Olympics coming up next week.. If you kids love to make crafts and like to pretend to be an Olympian, be sure to check out this week's feature. Glowing Tealight Olympic Torches by Oh My Creative

My co-host Kim from Kandy Kreations has a special treat this week.. I would love to try one of these Most Addictive Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches  It two of my favorite treats, cookie and ice cream! 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You are welcome to share anything that you you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature your post will be featured on the blog and on social media.  This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure. Kim also chooses post to feature on her blog and social media.  

Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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Glowing Olympic Torch - Dare to Share Feature

It is hard to believe it is has already been four years since the London summer Olympics. In just one week  new games will begin in Rio, and the entire world will be watching.  A lot of times kids want to feel like they are part of the action and celebration.  This Glowing Tealight Olympic Torch by Oh My Creative is the perfect craft for them to pretend they are lighting the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony.  Stop on over to Oh My Creative to see how to make your own torch before the big night. 

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Dare to Share #223

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

This week we had a lot of running around to do. It was the last week of my son's work program.  My daughter had a couple of appointments. It also feels like it is 1000 degrees out. Anyone else think the the summer is flying by too fast? 

Earlier in the week I shared how you can enter the Imagine This Photo Contest   Share a photo of your original LEGO creation and you could win $200 and be part of a national campaign. 

My son's favorite birthday party was when he was eight. He was really into Pokemon.  At the time there were no Pokemon party supplies available so I had to make everything, including this Pokeball Pinatal.  With the popularity of the new Pokemon Go app, I am noticing a lot of views on our Pokemon Party once again. 

My co-host Kim shared a gift idea that I would love to receive, and Ice Cream Cone Chocolate Covered Oreo Thank You GIft over on her blog Kandy Kreations.  It looks very yummy! 

Time got away from me this week for features,  look for a couple of extra ones in the week to come. 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You are welcome to share anything that you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature your post will be featured on my blog, and social media.  This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses posts to feature on her blog and social media.  

Link up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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How to Make a Pokeball Pinata

This post contains an affiliate link 

Several years ago we had a Pokemon Party.  My son LOVED Pokemon, and had a lot to do with the planning.  At the time there were no new games coming out, no Pokemon Go apps taking the world by storm.  I could find very little Pokemon party supplies, so I had to get creative and make my own.  I decorated our fireplace mantel with homemade 

Pokeball Pinatas.  

I used round balloons and blew them up to the size pinata that I wanted. Since these were for decorations and not for breaking, I made them on the small side. I put each of the balloons in a plastic bowl to hold them while working on the paper mache layers. It helped keep the mess down, and prevented the balloons from rolling.  

It has been so many years since I made the paper mache paste, I can not remember exactly the recipe I used.  There are many different ways you can make the paste.  Pretty much most of them include a combination of flour and water.  Some recipes say to boil the mixture and then let cool, others you do not need to heat.  If you would prefer not to make it, and buy pre-made paste, I did find a few versions like this one on Amazon. 

Using the paper mache paste, I added several layers of newspaper strips until it was thick enough you could no longer feel the balloon.I also left the end of the balloon out, so I would have something to attach the string to.  The paper mache needs to harden before the next step, so allow to dry overnight if possible.  

Once the paper mache layers were dry, I painted the entire pinata white including the tied part.  I had to use a couple of coats to cover the newspaper.  

Once the white paint was dry, I painted the top half of the pinata red including the tie. You want the tie to be at the top of the pinata.  As best as I could, I painted a line of black paint around the center of the pinata where the red and white paint met.  The latch of the Pokeball was two circles cut from paper punches that were glued onto the pinata. It is now ready to hang and enjoy.  We kept these pinatas after the party. I am not 100% sure where they are now, but I could probably still find one in my son's room I tried.  

If you make a large Pokeball Pinata and want to add candy, cut a small flap (a 3 sided square)  in the upper back part of the pinata and fill. Cover the flap with a piece of tape if needed.  

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Enter the Imagine This Photo Contest

Do your kids like to play with LEGOS and make interesting creations?  Post a photo of their original creation for a chance to win $200 and be featured in A NATIONAL BRICKS 4 KIDZ ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN.  

Here is how to enter.. 

Go to https://www.facebook.com/bricks4kidzcorp/app/577559595616814/ and submit  your photo.  Encourage your friends and family to VOTE for photo.  The person with the most votes wins. 

The contest runs from July 11 until Septemeber 12.  The person with the most votes will receive the $200 prize and be featured in the 2017 Bricks 4 Kidz Advertising campaign.  Second and third place winners will receive a $50 cash prize.  

Enter your creations today!  Good Luck!  

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Dare to Share #222

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

This week I participated in the Ultimate Recipe Challenge with strawberries as the main ingredient. Stop on over to see all the yummy strawberry recipes.

I LOVE ice cream, so when I saw this Ice Cream Garland by The Scrap Shoppe Blog

Are you playing Pokemon Go.  My co-host Kim from Kandy Kreations shared 6 Pokemon Treats

Now it is time for this weeks party.  You are welcome to share anything you would like to share. If you are chosen are a Dare to Share Feature you post will be featured on the blog and social media.  This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses posts to feature on her blog and social media.  

Link up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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Ice Cream Garland - Dare to Share Feature

I LOVE ice cream.  I seriously can eat it every single day.  I think this Ice Cream Garland by The Scrap Shoppe Blog is so cute I would want to leave it up all summer.  It would make a fun decoration for and ice cream or sweet shoppe themed party.  Be sure to stop over t The Scrap Shoppe blog to see how to make it. 

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Strawberry Chocolate Muffins

It is that time again, time for another Ultimate Recipe Challenge.  This month the special ingredient is STRAWBERRIES. 

Every once in awhile we like to make bread and muffins at our house.  One of our very favorite muffins were Strawberry Chocolate Muffins.  They are so good, and help fill  your chocolate cravings. 

To make these muffins, start with the dry ingredients.  In a mixing bowl add: 

1 3/4 cup flour 

2 cups sugar 

2 tsp baking powder 

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1/4 tsp salt 

Mix and then add the wet ingredients 

cut strawberries (amt is your preference, we like A LOT) 

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 

1/2 cup softened butter or margarine 

2 eggs 

2 TBSP milk 

Mix well 

Place batter into muffin cups and then bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 

This recipe is very easily adaptable. If you prefer not to add the chocolate chips, you can add a banana or two.  If you just like the strawberries, and prefer a loaf of bread instead of muffins, this recipe will do that too. You will need to bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes instead of the shorter muffin time. I added a little glaze made from a little bit of powdered sugar and milk. The glaze  is super simple to make, just add a couple Tbsps of milk to some powdered sugar until it is the consistency you like.  

Want to see more delicious strawberry recipes, check out these here.. 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   



   

 
   

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Dare to Share #221

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share!  

Did you have a great 4th of July? This last week has kind of gotten away from me with the holiday and other stuff.  We also celebrated the birthday of this girl.  She is growing up so fast. 

Since I have celebrations on the brain,  I picked a fun party food for this weeks feature.  These Cantaloupe Prosciutto Skewers by Cherry Blossom Kitchen (in a guest post on Pink Heels Pink Truck) would make a great appetizer for many kinds of parties.  

My co-cost Kim from Kandy Kreations has some sweet posts this week. If you are having an ice cream or sweet party check out these Ice Cream Cone Party Light Printables  

Now it is time this for this week's party. You are welcome to link up anything that you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature you post will be featured on the blog and social media.  This party is also seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure. Kim also chooses posts to feature on her blog and social media.  

Link Up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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