Guest Blogger & Solar Hotdog Cooker Project

Hi everyone! I'm Jenni, just popping over from DisheveledMommy to share with you guys a really fun mom & kids activity.

This afternoon Crystal had posted on Facebook that she was going to try baking cookies in her HOT car, and posted a link to a site with pizza box cookers as well. Those reminded me of the shoebox hotdog cookers we used to make in school growing up in Phoenix. While it was only 102 (ha!) here today, and not the 110+ we had growing up, I figured it'd work. I bet it was only 102ish while we were still in school ;-)

I'm going to give you more of a "process" type instructions, rather than set directions, so you can easily adapt it for the supplies you have on hand. No one wants to run to the store, kids in tow, in this heat!

First you will need a shoebox, or similarly sized box with the flaps cut off. I have a slew of these boxes, but could not find an empty shoebox! They were all filled with treasures, socks, extra toiletries, etc. So I grabbed one of my small Amazon shipping boxes. Nice & sturdy. Plus, I already had cut the flaps off because I was going to cover it in contact paper to store my make up palettes in. (I now have a basket for them...)

Ok, so we have a box (preferably from our stash, ) now we need to grab some aluminum foil, some plastic wrap, (or plexiglass...) a gluestick just-in-case, some tape, and a few wooden skewers. I was super lucky & had a small bit of plexiglass just the right size.

Optional: a paper towel tube to place under the dogs in case they drip, cut in half, then each half cut in half longways in a curved fashion. Cover with foil. (More reflection!) The little one loved doing this!

Cover the inside of your box with foil, securing with tape around the outside edge, using a bit of gluestick if needed. I also went around my plexiglass with some electrical tape in case the edges were sharp.

Mark with a pen in about equal intervals along one long side of your box 2-4 places for skewer holes.
Poke these with the tip of a screwdriver and slide the skewers through. Poke the opposite side with the skewer. I didn't go through the other side with the screwdriver so they'd be snug.

Place the "drip pans" under each skewer.

To use, pull the skewers halfway back out the holes, tilt up and skewer a hotdog. Slide the dog down to the middle, and place the skewer back into the hole. When your skewers have been dogged, cover tightly with plastic wrap, or your plexiglass "lid" and place into direct sunlight. It may take a couple-few hours to cook, but it's fun!
You may need to place a rock under the cooker to get a good angle, adjust as the sun moves. You may also have to tape your lid a little, as I did today! (Definitely tape it if using plastic wrap!)

A Chocolate Compromise!

Compromise- a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

What do you do when one kid wants chocolate chip muffins and the other wants brownies?

You compromise!

We took a small brownie mix (the type in a bag) and a small muffin mix (also in a bag) and mixed both in separate bowls.

We put 20 cupcake liners in a muffin tin. In each liner we put a small spoon of brownie mix and topped it with a spoon of muffin mix. Baked at 325 until done. Throw a few chocolate chips on top while still warm.

The kids gave them two thumbs up!

The kids love these!

On a recent trip to Wally World (WalMart) I saw this cute sandwich cutter. I grabbed it for about $2. My kids are loving their heart shaped grilled cheeses. On my next trip I am going to buy the one that makes dinosaurs.

Hot Crafting Ideas - Marble Magnets

Marble magnets seem to be the new hot thing to make right now. I tried them out and thing they are just too cute. It is a wonderful way to use small scraps of scrap booking paper. You can also cut images out of magazines or print them off the net.

Supplies for making marble magnets

Glue that dries clear.

Flat bottom, clear marbles

Paper

Scissors

Magnets

Cut a piece of paper to fit on the back of the marble

Put a bead of glue on the flat side of the marble

Glue the image on, image side up

Press firmly to remove air bubbles

Allow to dry

Glue a magnet on the back

I call these The Vintage Collection. I used scrap booking paper that I got in the Target dollar section. It was 12 pieces for a dollar.

These makes a wonderful Christmas Gift. It is easy enough that even children can do it.

If you have made a set of these email me or leave me a comment. I would be happy to post your picture and a link to your website.

Suzie. :)

The hunt for safe toys made in USA

In the past few months many shoppers have decided to buy only toys made in America due to several toy recalls . The recalls on toys made in China due to poisonous lead paint has us all concerned about toy safety. Many parents like my self found their self checking every toy their children own. I personally had to throw out several. with all this in mind I am posting a list of American made toys. These companies offer toys made right here in the USA.

Turner Toys - They list all the toys that they have that are made in America and have a good selection.

Old Fashioned Blocks - Old Fashioned Blocks is a wood shop located in Rhode Island and dedicated to building high quality old fashioned wooden blocks and other wooden toys. We are a "Made in the USA" manufacturer.

USMadeToys.com - Our goal is to provide an offering of unique and fun toys that are made in the U.S.A.

Slinky- The Slinky® is still made in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania with the original equipment Richard James created.

Step2- The vast majority of Step2 products are manufactured in the USA through a process called rotational molding that does not use paint at all. While we do import some accessories and smaller toys from China, none are manufactured at any of the plants involved in the recent recalls. Also, all of our imported products meet ASTM (American Society of Testing & Materials) requirements and guidelines.

Vermont Teddy Bear- High quality stuffed animals made in the USA

Whittle Wooden Trains- Toys made in America with 100% lead free paint.


Shop for America- SHOP FOR AMERICA provides shoppers with the largest online selection of American-made products in an exclusive shopping experience.

American Plastic Toys- Maufactors american Made toys.

Zebulon- zebulonUSA.com sells ONLY items made in the USA. It is our goal to be a convenient one-stop resource selling only goods made in the USA.

Uncle Goose- We have been producing the highest quality American Made Alphabet Blocks since 1983.

Holgate Toys-There are no foreign components in our products. Everything is US made and Manufactured to the strickest of standards. We excced US requirements for safetly. Our paints are NON TOXIC!

Maple Landmark- While much is being made of the dangers of imported products, there are alternatives. We craft a wide range of wooden toys, games, and gifts made right here in Vermont, USA. We follow American standards of product safety, employee safety, and environmental protection.


I will post more soon.

Get ready for Christmas early this year

I am getting prepared for Christmas. Yes, I know it is only August but I like to get an early start. I am a big fan of Christmas Shopping all year. This allows me to spend the holiday enjoying my family instead of fighting holiday crowds.


1. Go ahead and request a list from your family or decide how you plan to do the exchange this year. You can buy for kids only, draw names, or bring one gift each and play a game.

2. Every time that you go shopping ask for a free gift box. Even if you do not need it now you can save them up to use at Christmas. If you do not have to buy them it saves you money.

3. Start buying small items to make gift baskets. I am a big fan of gift baskets. I already have a box full of items purchased to make gift baskets this Christmas. The possibilities are endless... but that is another blog.

4. Start sending after free samples. They make great stocking stuffers. It is best to start as early as possible to allow time to receive them.

5. Buy your Christmas cards. If you are like me you bought them last year right after Christmas when they were marked down 75%. If not get the bought now. Also get your list together of who you need to send one to.

6. If you plan to give homemade gifts get started making them.

7. If you have the pantry space start picking up a few things that you will need for cooking. You can buy things like canned pumpkin, condensed milk, vanilla, spices, and etc early. This way you do not have a huge grocery bill right before Christmas.

How to make silly putty or goo.

Pour one cup of white school glue into a bowl.

















If you want it a color other than white add food color and stir.

Pour in 1/2 cup of liquid starch.

Mixture should form a ball and pull away from edge of container. Mix well until it does this. Then remove and squeeze out the excess liquid.

Homemade Puffy Paint

Make your child a whole new kind of paint to play with. When this homemade paint dries leaves their design puffy and raised. All the ingredients you need are probably already in your kitchen.

Homemade Puffy Paint

Mix equal amounts of flour, salt and water in a bowl.
Pour into four or more small cups and color with food coloring

* It can be used with a paint brush but a plastic squirt bottle works best.

* Works best on heavy paper like cardboard or construction paper.

Chore Ideas for small children

This topic has came up often when talking to other work at home moms. Many moms seem unsure about chores that are appropriate for their young children. My older kids are 3 and 4 and they both have chores. I feel that it is important to start early and build good habits. Children who are raised having daily chores learn responsibility. So what chores are acceptable for what age? Her is a list of some suggested chores for 2 to 5 year olds.

2-3 year olds

1. Make their bed with help

2. Clean their own room

3. Bring in the newspaper or mail

4. Keep pillows straightened on the sofa

5. Empty small wastebaskets into a larger one

6. Help pick up trash out of the yard

7. Wipe surfaces with a sponge

8.


4-5 year olds

1. Help clear table and load dishwasher

2. Put toys away

3. Set table for dinner

4. Sweep floors

5. Water plants

6. Water and feed pets

7. Help put groceries away

8. Dust

9. Straighten books on shelves

Recycle broken crayons

Recycle those broken up crayons in minutes.

Peel off all paper and break into small pieces. Put a few pieces n each hole of a muffin tin. I used a mini muffin tin. Add enough to cover the bottom.

Pop in the oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes or until melted. then throw them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until set. Turn over and tap to remove them.

Holy Cow Cake

This cake is sooo good! Take it to a pot lucj but be prepared to hand out the recipe.

1 plain Devils Food Cake Mix
1/2 c veg oil
3 lg eggs

Topping:
1 -8 ounce jar caramel topping
1 -14 ounce can sweetend condensed milk
4 -2.1 ounce each) Butterfinger candy bars-crushed
1 -12 ounce container frozen whipped topping thawed
1 -8 ounce pkg cream cheese

Lightly oil a 13x9 inch baking pan, set aside

Place cake mix, 1 1/3 c water, oil and eggs in a lg mixing bowl. Blend w/ electric mixer on low for 1 minute.Stop machine and scrape down sides, increase speed to medium and beat 2 more min.The batter should look thick and well blended.Pour batter into the prepared pan, place on center rack of a preheated 350* oven.Bake cake til it springs back when lightly pressed w/ finger, 35-38 minutes.Remove from oven and place on wire rack. Immediately poke holes in top of cake w/ a drinking straw or chopstick.

To make topping, place caramel topping and sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl, stir to combine. Spoon over warm cake so it can seep into holes. Measure out half the crushed candy bars and sprinkle over cake.Place whipped topping and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and blend with electric mixer on low speed til smooth and combined, 1 minute. Spread mixture over the top of the candy. Sprinkle w/ remaining candy.Place uncovered in fridge and chill for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Store covered in fridge for up to 1 week


For many more cake recipes check out my cake blog
http://makecupcakesnotwar.blogspot.com/

Candy Clay

Make Edible Clay...

10 ounces of chocolate or one bag of candy melts

1/3 cup light corn syrup

Melt the chocolate or melts in a microwave for 1 minute. Stir. (If not completely melted, return it to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. If you don't have a microwave, place in the top of a double broiler over hot water and stir until melted).
When it is melted, add the corn syrup and blend.
Pour the mixture onto a waxed paper sheet.
Spread the melted candy with your fingers until it's about 1/2 inch thick.
Cover loosely with waxed paper and let it stiffen for at least a couple hours or overnight. The chocolate will become very pliable. You will have to work it a little to make it more clay like.

It can be used for the kids to play with or to decorate a cake. If you would like to learn how to make roses like the ones on the cake above visit What is Cooking in America

For more cake decortaing ideas check out my cake blog

http://makecupcakesnotwar.blogspot.com/

Chocolate Mouse Made Easy

I get rave reviews everytime that I make this Chocolate Mouse. It is very simple and taste like it took all day!

You will need

1 pt heavy whipping cream

1 sm box of instant pudding. ( I like chocolate or white chocolate)

1/2 extract of your choice (optional)(Iused almond)

Garnishes(optional)

Pour the pint of whipping cream in a bowl and pour pudding mix on top. Always put your liquid in first when using pudding mix.

Mix for about 1 to 2 minutes on medium. When it gets thick and fluffy it is ready.

I like to serve mine in small cups. simply spoon some into a cup. Then top with whip cream if you like. I used Rediwhip.

Topping Ideas

Sprinkles

Almonds

Chocolate Syrup

I also use this as a filler between layers of cake.

Easy Play Dough

Play Dough

This is a super easy recipe that will save you alot of money.

You will need

2 cups baking soda

1 cup cornstarch

1 1/4 cup water

(food coloring, if you like)

In a medium-size saucepan, stir together baking soda, cornstarch and water

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it resembles mashed potatoes. Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to cool.

Knead the dough. Add food color at this point. Knead to mix in food color.

ENJOY!

Keep in a zip style bag between uses.