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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie

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This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Nestle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BreakfastEssentials http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

First, let me answer the question you're all thinking: A chocolate milkshake for breakfast?! Yes. And it's even healthy!! I'll give you a minute to think about that and to wipe any drool off your keyboard...

Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie at artsyfartsymama.com #BreakfastEssentials #easyrecipe

This chocolate milkshake smoothie is made with Carnation Breakfast Essentials, so it's a healthy and quick breakfast option for kids, teens, and adults! Not to mention that you can whip up this milkshake in just minutes, so it makes for a great breakfast, or even as a healthy dessert. Each serving of Carnation Breakfast Essentials is packed with nutrients: 21 vitamins & minerals, 13g protein, and as much calcium as a 6 oz cup of yogurt, so you don't need to feel guilty about your breakfast tasting delicious! 

I found all the Carnation Breakfast Essentials products in the breakfast aisle in my local Kroger supermarket. Look for Carnation Breakfast Essentials offers here for money-saving Kroger coupons!

Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie at artsyfartsymama.com #BreakfastEssentials #easyrecipe

Ingredients:
(Makes one serving)
1-2 bananas, frozen and cut in pieces
1/2 cup fat free milk
1 packet or 6 level tablespoons Rich Milk Chocolate Carnation Breakfast Essentials (can substitute any flavor)

Directions:
  1. Add bananas to blender or food processor, and blend until creamy.
  2. Add milk and Carnation Breakfast Essentials.
  3. Blend until combined and smooth.
  4. Drink up!
Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie at artsyfartsymama.com #BreakfastEssentials #easyrecipe

My daughter loved this smoothie and I loved that I was giving her something healthy even though it tasted like a treat! You can also add in any other fruit variations to mix things up and suit your tastes.

Unfortunately, my husband is allergic to bananas, so he couldn't try it. I didn't want him to miss out though, so I made him a chocolate milkshake that's a whole lot healthier than one you'll get in a restaurant (but tastes just as good!)

Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie at artsyfartsymama.com #BreakfastEssentials #easyrecipe

Ingredients:
(Makes one serving)
1 cup (2-3 scoops) vanilla frozen yogurt
   OR 6-8 oz Greek vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup fat free milk
1 packet or 6 level tablespoons Rich Milk Chocolate Carnation Breakfast Essentials (can substitute any flavor)
Optional: whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc

Directions:
  1. Add frozen yogurt, milk, and Carnation Breakfast Essentials to blender.
  2. Blend until combined and smooth.
  3. Pour into glass and drink as-is, or top with whipped cream and any other desired toppings.
  4. Enjoy!!

Breakfast Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie at artsyfartsymama.com #BreakfastEssentials #easyrecipe

So, yes, you CAN have a milkshake for breakfast and not feel guilty about it. Each of these recipes are easy enough that the kids can make them this summer, and you can feel good that they are having a healthy snack!

Visit Carnation Breakfast Essentials for even more delicious smoothie recipes and follow them on Facebook!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

DIY Clay Bead Necklace

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

DIY Clay Bead Necklace

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DIY Clay Bead Necklace at artsyfartsymama.com #jewelry #sculpeyprojects

Making jewelry with Premo Clay is so fun, and a lot easier than you'd think! If you are new to clay, don't be scared to try it. This tutorial will hopefully help you see that you CAN make your own jewelry, even if you are a beginner. This necklace was so fun to make, and I love how bright the colors are. It'll be perfect to wear this spring and summer!
Monday, May 19, 2014

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag

Monday, May 19, 2014

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag

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DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

We can't wait for summer to get here! With the weather getting warmer and warmer, it will be here in no time. My daughter loves to swim and will be taking swim lessons this summer. So, to carry all her swim accessories, we decided to make her her very own beach bag! She helped with the whole process and we had so much fun!! 

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

You only need a few supplies to give your beach bag this fun stenciled look. All you'll need is some Elmer's School Glue Gel (the blue gel works best), a canvas tote bag, Rit Dye, and a stencil if you want to create an image that way. Freehand designs work great, too, and are simpler for kids!!

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

The technique is sometimes called batik, but basically it is just the Elmer's Gel Glue working as a color resist to the dye. This technique should work on almost any kind of fabric, and it's so easy that anyone can do it!! Check your tote instructions to see if you need to prewash or anything before you start. Ours didn't need anything, so we were ready to go as soon as we brought it home from the store.

We cut out a mermaid image with the Cricut Explore on some adhesive cardstock for our stencil. You could easily hand cut your stencil if you don't have a cutter.

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

Place a piece of cardboard inside the bag just in case the glue seeps through. Lay the bag flat on your work space and place the stencil down on the bag. Press down all the edges to prevent the glue from going under the stencil while you work.

When you're choosing and image or text, keep in mind that the image won't come out perfect in the end. The edges will blend with the dye, and you'll most likely get a little dye bleeding through some areas where the glue is thin. So keep your designs simple without a lot of detail.

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

Since I had some areas of the stencil not wanting to stick, I held it down, and added a line of glue to the canvas. I used my finger to rub in the glue. Around the edges, work from the outside in so the glue is less likely to seep underneath. You can use a brush if you want, but my finger worked fine. Just try to get the glue on evenly throughout the entire stencil. You'll need at least two coats of glue on the stencil. Let each coat dry before adding another one.

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

When you get the last coat on, slowly peel up the stencil. Your design is still wet, so DON'T TOUCH IT! Lay it somewhere where it won't be bothered, and let it dry at least 12 hours. The glue will be clear, and not sticky to the touch when dry.

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

Now it's time to dye!! This is the first time I used Rit Dye. I'll admit I was very nervous to try it, but it turned out to be so easy! Even my daughter helped. We decided to dye the bag Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year Radiant Orchid by mixing 4 tsp liquid Petal Pink + 1/2 tsp liquid Purple Rit Dye for every quart of warm (not hot) water.

We doubled the recipe and poured it all in a bucket. Be sure to wear plastic gloves while you work with the dye, unless you want purple hands for a few days. Carefully submerge the bag into the dye. We left it in the dye for 30-35 minutes. The longer the item is in the dye bath, the darker the color. You might need to swish it around a little in the dye during the process to make sure everything is getting dyed evenly.

Once it's the shade you want, remove it from the dye and rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. Most of the glue will have washed off by now and you'll see your fabulous design!! Hang it to dry, then wash by hand with some soap. Make sure there isn't any more glue left on your bag and hang or machine dry.

The bag will look darker when wet, and will fade slightly after washing, so just keep that in mind!

DIY Mermaid Beach Bag at artsyfartsymama.com #summer #RitDye #Elmers #Cricut

Your bag is now ready to take to the pool, beach, or even makes a great library bag (for those who love to spend the summer reading)!! My daughter loves her mermaid bag and she loved getting to help with such a fun project to kick off summer!

For more fun ideas and news about products, sign up for the Elmer’s e-newsletter. You can also connect with Elmer’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

I am part of the Elmer's Crafty Mamas Blogger Crew and have received supplies and compensation, but the ideas and opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Free Printable Birthday Bingo

Friday, May 16, 2014

Free Printable Birthday Bingo

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Playing Bingo at parties is a fun tradition for our family. If you have any birthdays coming up soon, you're in luck (sorry I didn't have it done earlier for birthdays we've missed!!). I had a lot of fun putting this Birthday Bingo set together. With the game being mostly images, it's easy for kids of all ages to play. So go grab some candy, print out the Bingo sets, and get playing!

Free Printable Birthday Bingo at artsyfartsymama.com #birthday #freeprintable #printable #bingo
Sunday, May 11, 2014

12 Grilled Recipes

Sunday, May 11, 2014

12 Grilled Recipes

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12 Grilled Recipes perfect for barbecuing this summer via artsyfartsymama.com #BBQ

One of my favorite things about the weather getting warmer is that it means that we can start barbecuing more often! I'm a huge fan of grilled burgers, but they also get a little boring after a while. I'm always looking for more delicious recipes to try, so today I'm sharing 12 grilled recipes that I'm excited to try this summer!

12 Grilled Recipes perfect for barbecuing this summer via artsyfartsymama.com #BBQ

1. Grilled Bacon Wrapped Corn from Spend with Pennies
2. Marinated Grilled Shrimp from My Baking Addiction
3. Grilled Monterey Chicken from The Recipe Critic
4. Grilled Pound Cake a la Mode from Nutmeg Nanny
5. Amazing Steak Marinade from Creations by Kara
6. The Best Grilled Salmon from HoneyBear Lane
7. Grilled Beer and Buttermilk Chicken with Sriracha Glaze from The Beeroness
8. Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops from Six Sisters' Stuff
9. BBQ Cola Chicken from Our Family World
10. Grilled Lemon Chicken from Chef in Training
11. Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs from Menu Musings
12. BBQ Grilled Beef Ribs Sandwiches from Simply Gloria

Saturday, May 10, 2014

DIY Yarn Wreath

Saturday, May 10, 2014

DIY Yarn Wreath

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DIY Yarn Wreath at artsyfartsymama.com #wreath #yarn

We just moved into a new home, and I decided I needed a new piece of home decor to accent our entry wall. To make this wreath, you only need a few simple supplies (some of which you might already have on hand), and it comes together really quickly! It's easy to customize for any personality or color scheme, and it's the type of craft that is practically fool-proof (as long as you can manage using a glue gun!).

DIY Yarn Wreath at artsyfartsymama.com #wreath #yarn

I wanted my wreath to be thicker than the usual wreath form, so I bought two styrofoam wreath forms. One that is 12 inch and the other is a 7 inch. The 7 inch form didn't fit perfectly inside the larger wreath form, but with a little effort, I was able to push it in without a problem.

DIY Yarn Wreath at artsyfartsymama.com #wreath #yarn

Once the wreath forms were put together, I started wrapping the wreath in Lion Brand Yarn in Vanna's Choice Yarn: Silver Heather. I found it easiest to tape the end of the yarn down on the back of the wreath, and then carefully pull it around up through the center. This process took the longest, but if you put a movie in while you wrap, it goes a lot faster!!

DIY Yarn Wreath at artsyfartsymama.com #wreath #yarn

The flowers are all cut out of felt, and are super easy and quick to put together. The loopy flowers are the most work of all the flowers, but is really simple!! I bought sheets of craft felt in yellow, blue, and white. The great thing about making these flowers is that you don't have to cut perfectly!! You won't even be able to tell if you cut crooked!!

1. To make the loopy flower, cut a strip of felt about 2-3 inches wide (adjust width for different size flowers), and the longest length of the felt sheet (about 9 inches).
2. Fold it in half lengthwise, and glue the open sides shut with a glue gun.
3. With scissors, cut every 1/8 inch apart on the folded edge along the entire length of felt, being careful not to cut all the way through the glued edge.
5. Roll the strip tightly, adding a little glue to the bottom edge while rolling to keep it from slipping & unrolling.
6. Turn the pom pom over and fluff it out. The back will be flat, so it's easily attachable to the wreath.

The other flowers (on the sides that are white and blue), are all just 5 circles cut out. One circle is the base, then you fold the other circles in half. Glue the pointed edges of the folded circles on the center of the base circle. Add one more to the center, then fluff out the flower. You get different size flowers from cutting different size circles. You can see a photo tutorial from some hair clips I made here.

The tighter rosettes (like the one with the silver bead center) is just one large circle. Then, you start on the edge of the circle and cut a spiral to the center. Start at the outer edge, and roll the spiral tightly, gluing along the way to keep it from coming unrolled. When you get to the end, glue the edge down, and leave the rosette as-is, or glue a small bead to the center for some visual interest.

DIY Yarn Wreath at artsyfartsymama.com #wreath #yarn

Arrange the flowers on the wreath, THEN glue them down. I'm indecisive when it comes to arrangements, so gluing them down first would not be the best idea if you want to change your mind later. The flowers definitely can be rearranged or removed after they've been glued, but it is a little work and you risk stretching the yarn. So, just trust me when I say to lay it out first, then glue once you've decided!

When the wreath is just how you want it, hang it up on a wreath hanger or a nail on the wall and enjoy!!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

M&M Blondies

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

M&M Blondies

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These blonde brownies are rich, chewy, and sinfully delicious! The addition of M&M's add the bit of chocolate you need and add some cuteness with bright pops of color. It's easy to make these blondies for any holiday or season just by using the holiday M&M's instead of the regular ones! The spring M&M's I used made them fun to share at Easter and will be perfect for Mother's Day.

M&M Blondies at artsyfartsymama.com #recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup to 1 1/3 cup M&M's

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
  3. Melt 1/3 cup butter.
  4. Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well.
  5. Add egg and vanilla and blend well. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well.
  6. Mix in 2/3 cup M&M's.
  7. Spread in 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/3 to 2/3 cup M&M's on top.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
    *Store in airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com

Sunday, May 4, 2014

14 Mother's Day Kids Crafts

Sunday, May 4, 2014

14 Mother's Day Kids Crafts

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14 Mother's Day Kids Craft ideas perfect for moms or teachers at artsyfartsymama.com #mothersday #giftidea #kidscrafts

Mother's Day is a great holiday to put the kids to work and get crafting a special gift for mom or grandma! Any of these gift ideas would even be great to give for a teacher appreciation day! All 14 of these crafts are simple enough for kids to make, and there are ideas for kids of any age!