Reaping the Rewards (and man are they tasty!)

Mar 31 2010

Posted by Krystal as Kidz In The Kitchen

Many of us bake with our kids. They love it and we grin and bear the mess while we share some special and memorable moments with our children. If you, like me, have ever wondered if it is all worth it; allow me to assure you that it absolutely is. Yesterday after-school Kaia, who’s eleven, made her second ever key lime meringue pie, from scratch. She first attempted this on a whim a couple weeks ago and I’m not sure she knew what she was getting herself into.

The older girls bake and cook frequently with little supervision required so admittedly I was only half paying attention when she asked, “Can you use limes instead of lemons in a lemon meringue pie?”
“Of course.” I replied, “Then it would just be a lime meringue pie.”
About 20 minutes later, the kitchen is covered in bowls, sticky spoons, chunks of lime and she is separating eggs while something thick and greenish is bubbling on the stove when it dawns on me: Oh my God she is making a lemon meringue pie from scratch!

This is a feat that many seasoned bakers would not attempt. I can only recall one or two that my Nanna made and those were very special occasions. Two hours of hand whisking egg whites later the pie is in the oven. “You guys need to get a hand mixer.” I state as I flop onto the couch. The pie (with it’s not so fluffy meringue) was consumed in it’s entirety by six kids and one grown up on a picnic in the park the following afternoon.

Fast forward just over a week and Kaia and I are standing in the kitchen while she is fiddling with the box that contains the hand mixer her Granny has just bought her, “Can I make a key lime pie?”
“If you tidy the kitchen first.” I respond.
And so, experience of one pie under her belt and new tool in the kitchen she attempts it again. This time the filling is smooth and creamy, the meringue is shiny and fluffy as we pile it high on top. The pie is baked and looks amazing. Her mother can hardly believe it. I can hardly believe it. At eleven she has just accomplished for the second time what many would never even attempt. We slice it open, “Ok maybe we could have cooked the filling a little longer,” I say.
“I don’t like it.” says her little brother.
“I’ll eat yours.” says Rhiannon.
“The next one will be even better.” says Kaia.
“You’re amazing dude.” I say scooping meringue onto my fork. “Now go do your dishes.”

***

Don’t forget to enter the draw for your chance to win a Norwex Antibac Enviro Cloth. All you have to do is comment or send an e-mail!

0 Comments

Tuesday Tutorial: Punch Easter Pals

Mar 30 2010

Posted by Guest as Adventures in Parenting, Crafting with Kids

This post is by Dawnica Flatt; Mommy to one, Early Childhood Educator and Stampin’ Up Demonstrator

This week, I again use punches because they are just so versatile, easy to use and great to use various shapes with children. It’s great to encourage children to be creative. I’ve used many of Stampin’Up!’s great punches to make some really cute pals that you too can make because they use pretty common shapes. (Fig 1) shows many the punches that I used. Paper needed is Pink, White , purple and black. For additional ideas that are provided, I used yellow, black, white and orange.

The little rabbit is easy to make with our punches. Here’s what’s needed – all are white except where indicated!

• 2 Scallop ovals for ears.

• 2 Large Ovals out of pink for inside of ears.

• 1 Large Heart for head.

• 1 Circle (1 ¾”) for main body

• 4 Circles (½”) 2 for cheeks, 2 for paws.

• 2 Circles (¼”) – out of black (this is a regular hole punch).

• Small Flower – Boho Blossom Punch used here for tail.

• Small Heart – out of pink. Heart to Heart Punch used here for nose.

1. After you have punched all that you need, start laying out the main part of the bunny. (Fig 2) Before assembling with glue, sponge a bit of pink on the edges of each white peice.

2. Next put the remaining details on the bunny. First add the checks, then nose, ears and ‘tuck’ the tail behind the body. For paws, cut 1/3 off the end. Sponge as well and then add the black detail lines and the whiskers. (Fig 3)

Just like that, it’s that simple!

BASKET:

Here’s an easy to make basket to be used for all those great easter goodies!

1. First take a square peice of paper. Here a 6×6 is used. Score/fold in thirds, then rotate 90 degrees and score again in thirds. Here it is at 2” & 4”.(Fig 4)

2. Next fold on all score lines and cut where indicated in white. (Fig 5).

Cut strip 8 ½” x ¾”. (Fig 6)

3. Next fold the right and left squares over the middle square creating a small triangle at bottom. Then punch holes though all layers and attach handle using a brad. (Fig 7)

Do the same on other side but just glue them together. Attach bunny to this side. There you have a cute little bunny and basket!!! (Fig

I’ve also included pictures of several other pals I created using our many punches and dies. The big chick I saw online and just had to make it. These pals are great to use on cards, put on paper bags or use on candy for a little lunchbox treat!! If you would like info on any of the materials used here, please contact me or visit my website. (Fig 9)

I would also love to get some feedback on the ideas I have provided so far (1) and(2) and types of ideas you would like to see so ANYONE WHO COMMENTS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW FOR A FREE STAMP CLASS!!!!! I have several classes coming up so check out my website for more details and info about my FREE Open Stamp nights!!

Happy punching and Hoppy Easter!

***

Don’t forget to enter the draw for your chance to win a Norwex Antibac Enviro Cloth. All you have to do is comment or send an e-mail!

2 Comments

Crafting with Kids: Easter Ornaments

Mar 30 2010

Posted by Elizabeth as Adventures in Parenting, Crafting with Kids

The kids and I had a branch to hang our advent calendar on, at Christmas. After Christmas I tossed it outside and have walked past it a number of times thinking that I could use it again. I finally figured out that I should make a Spring tree and so the kids and I made and decorated a bunch of felt and foam Easter/Spring ornaments. We had lots of fun with glitter and fabric paint and made some gorgeous little chicks, tulips and eggs.

We hot-glued some ribbons onto the back and hung them on the tree. Looks cute, eh?

***

Don’t forget to enter the draw for your chance to win a Norwex Antibac Enviro Cloth. All you have to do is comment or send an e-mail!

0 Comments

KamloopsParents.Com Kids’ Stuff Swap and Sale

Mar 29 2010

Posted by Elizabeth as Adventures in Parenting, What's Going on in Kamloops

It’s been two years since the first “Kids’ Swap”. The first one had only six tables, but about 70 people came through the doors to check it out. Since then, we have changed venue and increased in size, to more than ten times the original event. The last event had more than 65 tables and I don’t even know how many hundred people came through. It’s been amazing!

This event occurs twice every year. Once in the Fall and once in the Spring. The goal is to help families in Kamloops get their children outfitted for less money and also to reduce the waste of children’s items. Kids grow so quickly. Often, as infants, they can grow so fast that you can entirely miss ever having them wear some outfits. Why not get some use out of those barely-used items?

The KamloopsParents.Com Kids’ Stuff Swap and Sale is being held on Saturday April 10, 2010 at Calvary Community Church (1205 Rogers Way). There are two entrances (lobby and offices) to the building and both the lobby and the gymnasium will be used. The doors (both the lobby doors and the office doors) will open to the public at 9am. The event will be open until noon.

There are lots of fantastic vendors featuring new and handmade children’s items and family-oriented businesses as well as the multitude of tables hosting used children’s clothing and toys. There will also be a concession featuring delicious baking, coffee and tea, if you didn’t happen to catch your breakfast before heading out!

This event is free and donations will be accepted to help support the worthy causes of the Pregnancy Care Centre for Kamloops and Niteo Africa.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please leave a comment or contact me.

Have you been to the Kamloops’ Kids’ Stuff Swap and Sale before?