Summer Meal Ideas

I've been on the hunt for quick, easy meal ideas for the summer.  Here are a few that I'd like to try:

-Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Almonds
-Summer Vegetable Crepes
-Caramelized Onion and Pear Flatbread Pizza
-BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing
-Red Waldorf Salad
-Greek Tacos
-Salmon Quinoa Burgers

If you have any ideas, feel free to leave a comment.  I'd love to add them to my collection!

Paper Bead Necklace

I just found a paper bead making kit at the thrift store, but I think it would be pretty easy to make on your own.  Here's how:

What you need: string, toothpicks, patterned paper cut into long triangles, glue

 Step 1: Roll up the paper tightly, using the toothpick.

Step 2: Put a little glue on the end of the paper to make it stick

Step 3: Thread your beads onto the string and tie it up to make your necklace.

Toy Boat Race

Awhile back we had a Boat Party...a few friends came over and I had supplies for them to each make their own boats to race down the creek by our house.  Here were some of the creative creations.

Here are the boats in action :)

Homeschool Resource Link

I just found a link to some amazing resources for homeschooling.

Here it is: http://www.homeschoolshare.com/

Alphabet Cookies

 Making cookies always makes everything just a little more fun! Here is my favourite Sugar Cookie recipe.

Rainbow Cupcakes (attempt #2)

Step 1: Mix up your cupcake batter (I used this recipe) and divide it into several bowls.

Step 2: Add food colouring to each bowl and mix well.  Combine all the colours back into the mixing bowl.

Step 3:  Divide the batter evenly among the cupcakes.

Step 4: Follow the baking directions for your recipe and enjoy a fun treat.  (Unfortunately, we ate all of the cupcakes before got a chance to take a picture of how they turned out!)

My Inspiration: http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/04/08/rainbow-cake-in-a-jar/

Note:  You can find my first attempt here.  I was very happy with the results this time!  Also, for anyone who is dairy free, I used coconut milk, instead of whole milk in the recipe and it turned out wonderfully.

DIY Playmat

All you need is a shower curtain and some markers and you have entertainment for a rainy day.

My Inspiration: http://www.filthwizardry.com/2009/02/shower-curtain-village-play-mat.html