I love word games. I am currently in California enjoying a view of the beach! Why not try this game for your summer traveling fun and trick your children into learning!
All you need: Pencil and Paper
This is fun to play with your child. Write out the alphabet in a column:
A
B
C
D
Etc.
Now have your child write one item for each letter in the alphabet that could be packed for your summer vacation:
Apples
Beach towels
Cooler
Deodorant
Etc.
It's easy to make learning fun, and you can quickly address any spelling issues too. You might end up laughing and talking about what in the world to bring that starts with Q.
Enjoy summer and discover fun in the simple ways you can make learning a joy.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Friday, June 29, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Ice Cream Sandwiches! Easy and Fun
Make Your Own Ice Cream Sandwiches
This summer save money by making your own ice cream treats! No need to spend a fortune on fancy ice cream when your children will be overjoyed to sit and make their own treats. I did this with my summer school class as a lesson on how to follow directions. Why not try this and make it fun and educational? My students wrote their own version of this recipe after we made it together. This develops recall, sequencing, and writing a set of how to directions. They never knew they were learning;)
Ingredients:
1 box of store brand chocolate sandwich cookies. The kind that look like fancy name brand cookies.
1 container vanilla ice cream slightly softened
spoon, spreading knives, bowls, plates, and freezer safe tray
Directions:
Each cookie makes one sandwich. Each sandwich gets 2 tbs of ice cream.
This is so easy. Split apart your sandwich cookie. Spread ice cream inside the halves. It helps to soften the ice cream a bit. As an extra, you can roll the ice cream sandwich sides in sprinkles or dip the treat in chocolate coating. I rolled my sides in cookie crumbles.
The last step is to put the sandwiches in the freezer to set up. You will have a hard time keeping the kids off of them. They will taste better if you allow them to set up for at least two hours. Good luck with that!
It's a messy project and a lot of fun. The ice cream sandwich doesn't look perfect, but it tastes amazingly like a fancy gourmet ice cream creation!
Family Blessings,
Abi
This summer save money by making your own ice cream treats! No need to spend a fortune on fancy ice cream when your children will be overjoyed to sit and make their own treats. I did this with my summer school class as a lesson on how to follow directions. Why not try this and make it fun and educational? My students wrote their own version of this recipe after we made it together. This develops recall, sequencing, and writing a set of how to directions. They never knew they were learning;)
Ingredients:
1 box of store brand chocolate sandwich cookies. The kind that look like fancy name brand cookies.
1 container vanilla ice cream slightly softened
spoon, spreading knives, bowls, plates, and freezer safe tray
Directions:
Each cookie makes one sandwich. Each sandwich gets 2 tbs of ice cream.
This is so easy. Split apart your sandwich cookie. Spread ice cream inside the halves. It helps to soften the ice cream a bit. As an extra, you can roll the ice cream sandwich sides in sprinkles or dip the treat in chocolate coating. I rolled my sides in cookie crumbles.
The last step is to put the sandwiches in the freezer to set up. You will have a hard time keeping the kids off of them. They will taste better if you allow them to set up for at least two hours. Good luck with that!
It's a messy project and a lot of fun. The ice cream sandwich doesn't look perfect, but it tastes amazingly like a fancy gourmet ice cream creation!
Family Blessings,
Abi
A Foot Bath! The Home Spa Solution for Tired Feet!
Yes, a foot bath is a great way to pamper yourself! Here is an idea to try tonight that might help your tired and neglected feet.
A large portable tub to soak both feet in tonight. This just has to be big enough for both feet to be submerged.
A comfy chair to sit on while you soak.
A big handful of marbles.
Warm water: as hot as you can stand it.
1 TBS apple cider vinegar (optional) This is great for foot odor and helps inflammation as a detoxifying ingredient too.
3-5 drops of essential oil: Lavender relaxes, Orange awakens and helps with depression. Check your local health food store for help.
Directions:
Mix all your ingredients in your tub. Make sure the water is hot enough to relax you without causing any burns. Put the marbles in the tub. Use these marbles to massage your feet by rubbing back and forth on the marbles while you sit. Make sure to use common sense- sit down so you do not fall. Also, since your feet might have oil and water, be careful getting in and out of the tub so you do not slip. I hope you take the time to actually try this and pamper yourself tonight! Enjoy a spa day and de-stress. Your family needs a happy you! Do this on the cheap and you will feel even better for not putting a dent in your pocketbook.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Home Foot Bath!
Needed:A large portable tub to soak both feet in tonight. This just has to be big enough for both feet to be submerged.
A comfy chair to sit on while you soak.
A big handful of marbles.
Warm water: as hot as you can stand it.
1 TBS apple cider vinegar (optional) This is great for foot odor and helps inflammation as a detoxifying ingredient too.
3-5 drops of essential oil: Lavender relaxes, Orange awakens and helps with depression. Check your local health food store for help.
Directions:
Mix all your ingredients in your tub. Make sure the water is hot enough to relax you without causing any burns. Put the marbles in the tub. Use these marbles to massage your feet by rubbing back and forth on the marbles while you sit. Make sure to use common sense- sit down so you do not fall. Also, since your feet might have oil and water, be careful getting in and out of the tub so you do not slip. I hope you take the time to actually try this and pamper yourself tonight! Enjoy a spa day and de-stress. Your family needs a happy you! Do this on the cheap and you will feel even better for not putting a dent in your pocketbook.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Make your own perfume!
I totally want to try this. If you do, please comment. It sounds so easy- why pay a fortune for a custom scent, when you can make it yourself?
Here is a link and some recipes. I might try to make my own scent with rose oil and jasmine oil. I will buy my oils locally, and try this out.
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/recipes.htm#Sensual%20perfume%20for%20women
Family Blessings,
Abi
Here is a link and some recipes. I might try to make my own scent with rose oil and jasmine oil. I will buy my oils locally, and try this out.
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/recipes.htm#Sensual%20perfume%20for%20women
Family Blessings,
Abi
Treat yourself! Make your spa day happen on the cheap!
So, today is my 40th birthday! I woke up sore and had a headache. I was thinking to myself that I could use a spa day. That's when I started thinking that every mom needs a spa day. Here is a way to make your spa day happen. All day, I will post little tips on how to make a spa day happen on the cheap. First, get your skin feeling soft and hydrated with a sugar or salt scrub.
Shopping tip for locals: Shop local, visit Evergreen in Rio Rancho, NM. It's a tiny store, and I prefer giving a small local shop my money.
Directions:
Mix the above ingredients together. Add the massage oil to the sugar or salt until the consistency is moist and holds together. You don't need it to swim in oil, and you can save the unused oil for a different batch. Store this is a jar that you can seal tight.
Now, go take a nice shower or bath and use the scrub to exfoliate your skin. You can pay a fortune for spa scrubs or pay a spa hundreds of dollars to exfoliate your skin, but this is a fraction of the cost. You can even make a little extra and gift some to a mom you know needs the treat.
Have an amazing day moms! You have the most important job ever-period!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Spa Scrub
Ingredients:- 1/2 cup massage type oil. I would use almond oil or grape-seed oil- this is no time for canola.
- 1 cup sugar or salt. The choice depends on your skin. Sugar is great for sensitive skin. Salt is a great exfoliant. You will want to avoid regular table salt; instead, use a sea salt.
- 1-10 drops essential oils. I think Lavender is great, because it is relaxing. But, your local health food store will have many choices. Imagine...chamomile oil, orange etc. The choices are amazing. Here is a link I researched of a website's essential oil index. The index lists many oils. If you click on the oil, it will explain the exact properties of the essential oil and it's benefits. I learned that Rosewood is great for mature skin). http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/index.htm
- (Optional) 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated ginger, or rose petals.
Shopping tip for locals: Shop local, visit Evergreen in Rio Rancho, NM. It's a tiny store, and I prefer giving a small local shop my money.
Directions:
Mix the above ingredients together. Add the massage oil to the sugar or salt until the consistency is moist and holds together. You don't need it to swim in oil, and you can save the unused oil for a different batch. Store this is a jar that you can seal tight.
Now, go take a nice shower or bath and use the scrub to exfoliate your skin. You can pay a fortune for spa scrubs or pay a spa hundreds of dollars to exfoliate your skin, but this is a fraction of the cost. You can even make a little extra and gift some to a mom you know needs the treat.
Have an amazing day moms! You have the most important job ever-period!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Monday, June 25, 2012
Quick Five Minute Word Game to do with Your Kids!
This is an activity to do with your children today that will trick them into doing school work in a fun way!
The objective is to write as many words as possible from all the letters in a phrase. You will need pencils, paper, and a timer.
Phrase:
Now, you need to play with your child. You should both have a pencil and a sheet of paper. Set the timer for five minutes. In this five minutes, write as many words as you can from the letters in the phrase. You can use the letter once per word, unless it appears more than once in your phrase- like "a".
Here's some example of a possible word list:
sum, action, vat, motion etc.
Enjoy learning and reviewing this summer.
Family Blessings,
Abi
The objective is to write as many words as possible from all the letters in a phrase. You will need pencils, paper, and a timer.
Phrase:
I love summer vacation!
Now, you need to play with your child. You should both have a pencil and a sheet of paper. Set the timer for five minutes. In this five minutes, write as many words as you can from the letters in the phrase. You can use the letter once per word, unless it appears more than once in your phrase- like "a".
Here's some example of a possible word list:
sum, action, vat, motion etc.
Enjoy learning and reviewing this summer.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Bananas Foster Ice Cream Sundae - NO CARE AND EASY
This is a fun crock pot recipe to do with your kids. It's not diet food, but it is fun for a Monday ice cream treat to celebrate summer.
14 bananas-peeled and cut lengthwise in half
1tsp cinnamon
1 stick melted butter
1 juiced lemon
Zest this lemon and add the zest to the juice.
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp rum (you can use vanilla if you want to avoid the rum)
Vanilla ice cream for serving.
Have fun this summer!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Cooking tool: Crock pot or slow cooker
Ingredients:
14 bananas-peeled and cut lengthwise in half
1tsp cinnamon
1 stick melted butter
1 juiced lemon
Zest this lemon and add the zest to the juice.
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp rum (you can use vanilla if you want to avoid the rum)
Vanilla ice cream for serving.
Directions:
Set aside the bananas, and mix all the other ingredients together in your crock pot. Now, place the bananas in the mix and coat the banana halves with the butter mix as you place them in the pot. Cover the pot and cook this on low for 1-2 hours. Serve this with a scoop of good vanilla bean ice cream and you will have them all screaming for more.Have fun this summer!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Breakfast for the Busy Family: Fruited Oats
Sometimes you need a stick to your belly, healthy, tasty breakfast! This is a prep the night before idea that will help you on game days!
Fruited Oats!
Tool: Crock Pot or slow cooker
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups steel cut oats
4 cups water
1 cup diced apples
1 cup dried fruits- you could use raisins, berries, apricots. I think a combination of fruits is well suited for this dish.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Put all the ingredients in the crock pot. Mix them up. Set the pot for 8 hours on low before you go to bed. Wake up and breakfast is ready- viola!
Feel free to share! Thanks for the support.
Family blessings,
Abi
Fruited Oats!
Tool: Crock Pot or slow cooker
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups steel cut oats
4 cups water
1 cup diced apples
1 cup dried fruits- you could use raisins, berries, apricots. I think a combination of fruits is well suited for this dish.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Put all the ingredients in the crock pot. Mix them up. Set the pot for 8 hours on low before you go to bed. Wake up and breakfast is ready- viola!
Feel free to share! Thanks for the support.
Family blessings,
Abi
Friday, June 22, 2012
Loma Colorado Library Free Events
Here is a link to the June calendar of events at Loma Colorado Library in Rio Rancho, NM. Next week, on June 27th at 7pm there will be a fun and free performance for families. It's called Flying Debris. Yes, it's juggling, so think of all the juggling attempts your child will start up after this show. In any event, you really should go, because it sounds like summer fun for the kids. There are so many activities at the library to enjoy for free! Enjoy story time, magicians, and some local talent. As soon as the July calendar comes up, I will post it for your own calendar planning.
June Events:
http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/documents/Library/LC%20June%20and%20July%202012.PDF
Thanks for reading and sharing!. Have fun this summer on the cheap!
Family Blessings,
Abi
June Events:
http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/documents/Library/LC%20June%20and%20July%202012.PDF
Thanks for reading and sharing!. Have fun this summer on the cheap!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Free Reading Website for Young Readers!
Here is a great link for you to use at home this summer. Children from preschool to about grade 2 can use the link below to practice phonics and develop basic reading skills. You will find interactive books that children can listen to while following along with highlighted text. Enjoy poetry, Greek myths, fables, and more with cute read along books on-line. The reading link below is free. If you want to explore the site's math options, you need to become a member. I really like the reading and phonics site; and, I think it's just perfect for our youngest readers.
http://www.starfall.com/
Here's to an easy and fun way to review reading skills! It's much cheaper than paying a big name tutoring company, and you can do it yourself!
Family Blessings,
Abi
http://www.starfall.com/
Here's to an easy and fun way to review reading skills! It's much cheaper than paying a big name tutoring company, and you can do it yourself!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Frozen Fruit Treats!
Thanks to my good friend, Sara, I can share a healthy treat with you that will cool off the kids and delight your taste buds.
1 cup Greek yogurt- honey flavored
about 1-2 tsp extra honey(optional)
wax paper
toothpicks
This treat will melt easily, but it is so healthy and good at the same time! Stay cool with this frozen dessert!
Enjoy summer fun and make your home a place of rest this summer.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Frozen Yogurt Berries!
Ingredients:
Assorted blueberries, raspberries, strawberries1 cup Greek yogurt- honey flavored
about 1-2 tsp extra honey(optional)
wax paper
toothpicks
Directions:
- Premix yogurt with a little honey until it is sweet enough for you. Set this aside in the fridge for coating the berries later.
- Put a variety of berries on toothpicks. You can do straight blueberries or a big strawberry. Use whatever you have on hand.
- Set the fruit on a wax paper-lined tray in the freezer. You will want to freeze your fruit sticks for about ten minutes.
- Now that the berries are nice and cold, use the yogurt that you prepped. Dip each stick into the yogurt.
- Lay the dipped berries on the wax paper-lined tray to freeze.
- Set the berries in the freezer and let them set up for at least half an hour before enjoying.
This treat will melt easily, but it is so healthy and good at the same time! Stay cool with this frozen dessert!
Enjoy summer fun and make your home a place of rest this summer.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Santa Fe Opera for Kids!
The summer brings opera to children in a unique way through the family program at the Santa Fe Opera House. Below is the link to the SF Opera website about the youth program. Next week children can enjoy a night at the opera on the 25th and 26th. Tickets are not free, but reduced rates apply to families. This is a huge savings!
http://www.santafeopera.org/communityactivities/youthprograms/youthnights.aspx
Enjoy another money saving idea. Maybe your child will be the next opera star? You'll never know, if you never go.
Family blessings,
Abi
http://www.santafeopera.org/communityactivities/youthprograms/youthnights.aspx
Enjoy another money saving idea. Maybe your child will be the next opera star? You'll never know, if you never go.
Family blessings,
Abi
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Don't let your kids forget their math facts and skills!
Fun Math Games, Worksheets, and On-line Math Lessons for Elementary Students
This summer is a great time to refresh skills and learn some facts! Research shows that children who learn math facts in addition, subtraction, and multiplication are more successful in high school. They also take advanced courses in math, and pursue careers in science or math in college! Wow! But, this does not mean drill your children like robots. No! Enjoy learning, and make the time fun. The link below is for one of my favorite websites for math review. It is FREE!!
Here you will find on-line flashcards, games, lessons, on-line worksheets, and puzzles. Your child can actually complete worksheets on-line, submit the work, and receive instant feedback with a percentage correct score! The games and puzzles are fun, and the flashcards are easy to use.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Free Lunch Program In Rio Rancho!
The City of Rio Rancho, NM is offering ALL children up to the age of 18 a free breakfast and lunch every weekday!
Here's the link:
http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?NID=1343
There is not a catch, and every child can receive a meal. The meal is tasty, fresh, and free. All meals are on a first come, first serve basis. The times and locations are on the city website above. I have tried this in Albuquerque and the children really like the meal. It's nutritious, and it is fun to picnic it at the park. Enjoy the break on your pocketbook. The time with your children at the park will be a nice change too. Lunch starts at 11:30am and ends at 1pm:)
Family Blessings,
Abi
Here's the link:
http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?NID=1343
There is not a catch, and every child can receive a meal. The meal is tasty, fresh, and free. All meals are on a first come, first serve basis. The times and locations are on the city website above. I have tried this in Albuquerque and the children really like the meal. It's nutritious, and it is fun to picnic it at the park. Enjoy the break on your pocketbook. The time with your children at the park will be a nice change too. Lunch starts at 11:30am and ends at 1pm:)
Family Blessings,
Abi
$1 Movies at Regal Theaters Tuesdays and Wednesdays!
I found more $1 movies at Regal Theater- there are locations across the country. My friends in different states can click the link below to search the theater closest to your home. Here in NM, I prefer to go to Cottonwood Mall. The link below allows you to search locations outside of NM; but, if you scroll down, you will see the Cottonwood movie selections and dates.
http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx?state=NM#COTTONWOOD%20STADIUM%2016
Today, June 20th, at 10am, you can watch Yogi Bear for $1 at Cottonwood Mall Regal Theater. There are different selections every week! Titles include...Hugo, The Smurfs, Puss n' Boots, and many more. All Cottonwood showtimes are at 10am. I checked some California locations for my Cali friends, and there are locations all over. I noticed LaVerne has one, and the movie selections and times are the same as NM's:)!
Enjoy summer on the cheap with your kids!! Please share my links and enjoy looking at my past posts for more money saving ideas, recipes, and fun lessons plans for kids.
Family Blessings,
Abi
http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx?state=NM#COTTONWOOD%20STADIUM%2016
Today, June 20th, at 10am, you can watch Yogi Bear for $1 at Cottonwood Mall Regal Theater. There are different selections every week! Titles include...Hugo, The Smurfs, Puss n' Boots, and many more. All Cottonwood showtimes are at 10am. I checked some California locations for my Cali friends, and there are locations all over. I noticed LaVerne has one, and the movie selections and times are the same as NM's:)!
Enjoy summer on the cheap with your kids!! Please share my links and enjoy looking at my past posts for more money saving ideas, recipes, and fun lessons plans for kids.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Dion's Pizza has Freebies for Summer Reading Too!
Hi! Wow, there are so many great free programs to help your child read more this summer. Dion's Pizza in NM has a great program to motivate your child to read. Here is the direct link to the Dion's Club Read site:
http://www.dions.com/community/club-read-program/
The program ends July 18th and is for preschool to 6th grade. Children can earn a book, backpack, and bookmark for reading six books. If they read six more, children can earn free stuff from Isotopes Park. See the site link for the full details, but this level includes an Isotopes ticket voucher, t-shirt, and free drink. There is even a grand prize for a special child!
Have fun this summer and add some freebies to your summer plans!
Family Blessings,
Abi
http://www.dions.com/community/club-read-program/
The program ends July 18th and is for preschool to 6th grade. Children can earn a book, backpack, and bookmark for reading six books. If they read six more, children can earn free stuff from Isotopes Park. See the site link for the full details, but this level includes an Isotopes ticket voucher, t-shirt, and free drink. There is even a grand prize for a special child!
Have fun this summer and add some freebies to your summer plans!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Kids Can Earn Free Books at Barnes and Noble This Summer
It is the third week of June; Have your children started their summer reading? Since they have to read for school, why not make it fun? Barnes and Noble is offering a free book for reading 8 selections this summer. You do not have to read a 500 page novel to earn the free books. Here is the direct link to Barnes and Noble:
On this site, you can download the pdf reading journal to record your reading. See the site for details. When you finish the selections, just turn in the completed journal, and ask about your free book choices. There are many books to select from for free across grade levels. Make sure to meet your deadline for turning in the journal. I hope you sign up your children soon and earn free books!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Monday, June 18, 2012
Free Movies Under the Stars in Rio Rancho!
This Saturday night, June 23rd, enjoy a free movie with your family at Cabezon Park in Rio Rancho. Movies begin at dusk, and children under 16 must be with an adult. The movies are family friendly, but the titles are not on the website-sorry. This still sounds like a lot of fun, and I have gone to the events in years past- always a blast! Bring your blankets, a tasty picnic, and relax under the stars as you watch a movie on an outdoor big screen. In addition, the Rio Rancho Astronomical Society will have a star gazing session on movie nights for all to enjoy.
Here is the link with details:
http://ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?NID=1801
Enjoy yet another free event with your family this week!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Here is the link with details:
http://ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?NID=1801
Enjoy yet another free event with your family this week!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Time to be a Grown Up: Tapas Tonight!
Sometimes you just need a tasty nibble and a glass of sweet wine! Especially, after the kids have gone to bed and you have a free moment with friends or a loved one. Here is a quick treat for a summer night under the stars!
Ingredients:
12 medium shrimp, deveined, peeled, and ready to skewer.
12 thin slices of sopressata salami
4 wooden skewers
Directions:
Preheat your grill
Wrap each prepped shrimp with one slice of sopressata. Skewer three salami wrapped shrimp per wooden skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp until the shrimp are opaque and pink. It only takes a few minutes. Serve warm. This is really good with a little dip. I use thousand island dressing right from the bottle, but I put it in a fancy dish. You might like to make your own sauce.
Another quick idea is to wrap fresh cut asparagus with bacon and grill it. This is really good!
The tapas menu is complete with a small tray of cheese, some olives, and some sweet grapes or fresh apricots drizzled with honey. I serve this with Don Simon Sangria- the one that says Alegria.
Have fun outdoors! Grill and enjoy life under the stars this summer.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Quick Shrimp Tapas!
Serves fourIngredients:
12 medium shrimp, deveined, peeled, and ready to skewer.
12 thin slices of sopressata salami
4 wooden skewers
Directions:
Preheat your grill
Wrap each prepped shrimp with one slice of sopressata. Skewer three salami wrapped shrimp per wooden skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp until the shrimp are opaque and pink. It only takes a few minutes. Serve warm. This is really good with a little dip. I use thousand island dressing right from the bottle, but I put it in a fancy dish. You might like to make your own sauce.
Another quick idea is to wrap fresh cut asparagus with bacon and grill it. This is really good!
The tapas menu is complete with a small tray of cheese, some olives, and some sweet grapes or fresh apricots drizzled with honey. I serve this with Don Simon Sangria- the one that says Alegria.
Have fun outdoors! Grill and enjoy life under the stars this summer.
Family Blessings,
Abi
The Albuquerque Art Museum: A week of possibilities. Free Admission Days, New Exhibits, Salsa Under the Stars!,
This week bring some culture into summer with The Albuquerque Art History Museum!
The Albuquerque Art Museum has a great week planned for you! A new exhibit started on June 10th. The Art from the Ancient Americas will showcase over 100 examples of art from Mexico to Chile. You can see great examples of Mayan, Aztec, Olmec, Nazca, and Colima Art in precious metals and jade. There is most likely a separate fee for the special exhibit.
The museum is closed Monday. But, here is a overview of what you can do this week.
I hope I inspired you to try something new! Why not add some cultural education to your child's life this week? Why not plan a date and cumbia with your honey on a Friday night? Thanks for reading and sharing!
Family Blessings,
Abi
The Albuquerque Art Museum has a great week planned for you! A new exhibit started on June 10th. The Art from the Ancient Americas will showcase over 100 examples of art from Mexico to Chile. You can see great examples of Mayan, Aztec, Olmec, Nazca, and Colima Art in precious metals and jade. There is most likely a separate fee for the special exhibit.
The museum is closed Monday. But, here is a overview of what you can do this week.
See my link below for the museum website and details:
http://albuquerquemuseum.org/plan-visit/admission-info- The Albuquerque Museum is very affordable. Admission is $3 to $1.
- Normal Admission to the museum is free until Labor Day to all active military personnel and five members of their immediate family through the Blue Star Museum Program.
- Every third Thursday night of the month is free, and this Thursday (June 21st) is the third Thursday of the month. So, you can get your culture on from 5:30 to 8:00pm for free. Just remember that sometimes the museum charges separately for a special exhibit, and the website does not state how much.
- Salsa Under The Stars presented by the NM Jazz Workshop is Friday Night. Why not plan a date? Havana Son will fill the night with some Salsa, Merenge, Son, Cha Cha, Boleros, Cumbia, and few other dances to get your blood pumping. There is a full bar and food to purchase too. Adults are $13 and students with ID are $11. I wouldn't take the kids, but sometimes Mama needs a night out! See the link for ticket info and a summer schedule:http://www.nmjazz.org/Salsa_Under_The_Stars_1.aspx
- This Saturday from 1:00pm to 2:30 pm there is a Family Art Workshop; your children can get busy with a fun art project. This is free with regular admission.
- Every Sunday is free for regular admission from 9am to 1pm. Remember, there might be a separate fee for special exhibits.
I hope I inspired you to try something new! Why not add some cultural education to your child's life this week? Why not plan a date and cumbia with your honey on a Friday night? Thanks for reading and sharing!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Thrill your daddy's tummy with a fruit crumble!
Yummy Baked Fruit Crumble!
This recipe if so summer and fun! You can use any fruit that is in season, but I prefer berries. It is a copycat recipe from a great friend that loves to make it. Thanks for the idea Marie!
Ingredients:
Fruit Bottom
4 cups prepped fresh fruit. You can use clean fresh blueberries, blackberries, cut up peaches, strawberries, cut up apricots, pitted cherries etc. If you don't have fresh, use frozen.
Juice from one lemon
6 tablespoons sugar
Topping:
3/4 cup flour
6 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (regular salt works too)
1/3 cup chilled salted butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
1. Butter a a casserole dish for your oven
2. Mix all the ingredients together for the fruit bottom and pour it right into the casserole dish.
3. In a medium mixing bowl mix the ingredients for the topping. You can use your fork or fingers to blend together all the ingredients until it resembles crumbles.
4. Pour the topping right over the fruit bottom.
Bake your crumble for 40 minutes at 350. Serve warm. You can serve this with vanilla ice cream or all by itself.
Happy Father's Day! Make your daddy happy with crumble.
Family Blessings,
Abi
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Premiere Theater In Rio Rancho $1 Movies On Wednesdays
Yes, Premiere Theater in Rio Rancho has a summer line up of Wacky Wednesday Morning Movies. The best part is they are $1!
Here's the link.
http://www.pccmovies.com/
Enjoy Summer on the cheap with your kids. See my other blog posts for free concerts, free bowling, recipes, and educational lessons to do at home this summer! I will post about a free Zoo day soon! Thanks for sharing!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Here's the link.
http://www.pccmovies.com/
Enjoy Summer on the cheap with your kids. See my other blog posts for free concerts, free bowling, recipes, and educational lessons to do at home this summer! I will post about a free Zoo day soon! Thanks for sharing!
Family Blessings,
Abi
More Free Summer Entertainment! Free Concerts, Dancers, Flamenco, Food, and More
Today, June 16, 2012, is the Centennial Summerfest Celebration in downtown Albuquerque. It sounds like the day is packed full of activities! The party is from noon to 9:30pm, and there are multiple concerts, dancers, and foods to enjoy. The entertainment line up is really full. Flamenco dancers, Baila Baila, world music, Los Lobos, Al Hurricane, Irish dancers, Hawaiian Performers, and more than you can list in a little blog... There are several different entertainment pavilions so the locations are spread out all over downtown. The Kimo is also showing classic cartoons. Below is a link to the schedule. I hope this helps you find something to do for fun today. It sounds like the day is packed full of activities for everyone!
http://www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/documents/CentennialSummerfestBrochure.pdf
One more link that shows more details.
http://www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/centennial-summerfest
Family Blessings,
Abi
http://www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/documents/CentennialSummerfestBrochure.pdf
One more link that shows more details.
http://www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/centennial-summerfest
Family Blessings,
Abi
Friday, June 15, 2012
Simple Syrup! Sweeten your summer beverages like a pro!
Do you want to sweeten your strawberries or peaches? How about sweetening that cold glass of iced tea?
Simple Syrup is easy to make and will make you look like a professional chef!
I love to sweeten iced tea or make lemonade from scratch.
Here's something I love to do...
Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into glass with ice. Add water. Now, sweeten up the mix by adding your syrup. Shake the glass like a martini and make sure to put the pressed lemon half right in the glass. MMMM! It's like Bob's Old Fashioned Lemonade.
Enjoy Summer!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Simple Syrup is easy to make and will make you look like a professional chef!
Simple Syrup
Boil 2 cups of water Add two cups of sugar slowly to the boiling water. Mix this until all the sugar is dissolved. Take the pot off the heat and cool your simple syrup. Pour this into a small pitcher. This syrup can be used to sweeten fruits for desserts or sweeten your favorite beverage. Imagine a cold mojito with your own simple syrup as a secret ingredient!I love to sweeten iced tea or make lemonade from scratch.
Here's something I love to do...
Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into glass with ice. Add water. Now, sweeten up the mix by adding your syrup. Shake the glass like a martini and make sure to put the pressed lemon half right in the glass. MMMM! It's like Bob's Old Fashioned Lemonade.
Enjoy Summer!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Summer Butter Roasted Corn Made Easy!
Butter Roasted Corn on the Cob
I am still enjoying the wonders of foil! Here is yet another fun thing to do with foil for your BBQ the weekend.
Ingredients:
10 ears of corn
1 stick butter - melted
salt
seasoning of your choice(optional)
20 pieces of foil precut to fit 1/2 ear of corn
Cooking Tool: Large Crock Pot
Directions:
1.Clean, husk, and prep your corn on the cob. I suggest cutting each ear in half for serving a smaller portion.
2. Use the precut foil to individually wrap each half. Place the corn half on the foil. Pour some melted butter all over the corn. Sprinkle a little salt. Add the seasoning of your choice to make this your own creation. I added a little Emeril's. You can add Mrs. Dash or Red Chile. Be creative about what you serve up and match the flavors that compliment your own meal. I even like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce!
3. Wrap up each half tightly and twist the ends up so the flavor roasts right into the corn! Yummy!!!
This corn was amazing!!! Everyone loved the roasted flavor and the butter was absorbed right into the cob for an amazingly sweet and savory flavor. No flavor or nutrients were lost in a big pot of boiling water, and every piece was tender.
I hope you try this idea at your summer BBQ! Thank you for reading my blog. Please share the ideas and recipes. The more you share the better, and I truly appreciate it!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Summer Bowling- Free Summer Fun!
This summer you and your children can bowl for free through a great program called kidsbowlfree.com. Check out the link below.
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php
You can sign up to six children for free to bowl two games a day all summer long. There are locations nationwide and some in Canada. So, even my friends out of state should check out the link. Maybe the center near you offers this program?
In addition, you can register adults for a one time family charge of $24.99. This is for up to four adults- even friends that might not be related. Everyone gets two free games a day all summer long. The only catch is that adults must bowl with the children. The registration process includes a free gift from restaurant.com for a $25 gift certificate for local fare. So, the investment comes back to you with a free meal.
I signed up locally and was able to print up the coupons very easily. I also signed up for the family pass so my teenagers can bowl all summer on the cheap. The whole family can now bowl two games a day everyday of the summer for the $25. WE just cover shoes.
Enjoy the summer on the cheap!!
Family Blessings,
Abi
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php
You can sign up to six children for free to bowl two games a day all summer long. There are locations nationwide and some in Canada. So, even my friends out of state should check out the link. Maybe the center near you offers this program?
In addition, you can register adults for a one time family charge of $24.99. This is for up to four adults- even friends that might not be related. Everyone gets two free games a day all summer long. The only catch is that adults must bowl with the children. The registration process includes a free gift from restaurant.com for a $25 gift certificate for local fare. So, the investment comes back to you with a free meal.
I signed up locally and was able to print up the coupons very easily. I also signed up for the family pass so my teenagers can bowl all summer on the cheap. The whole family can now bowl two games a day everyday of the summer for the $25. WE just cover shoes.
Enjoy the summer on the cheap!!
Family Blessings,
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Free Summer Fun
FREE Summer Fun this Coming Week in Albuquerque
Summer is a great time to spend with your children enjoying life- why not do it for free? I am going to be blogging a few free fun events that I research to help out my local friends. This Friday, June 15, 2012, the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens will be free thanks to the Peak Radio Station. Just show up before 10 am with your printed ticket. Here is the link to the Peak website:
http://www.1003thepeak.com/event_portal/view/calendar/event.html?event_id=115396
I have many more free events and activities to post! This is just the first one. I also have some very inexpensive ways to enjoy summer. Make sure to check back often for other ideas and tips. This week will be dessert week and fruit week too. I am planning on posting some fun recipes this week.
Many Family Blessings,
Abi
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Super Easy Oven Breakfast!
NM Chile Breakfast Boats!
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes
2 pounds grated sharp cheddar cheese
10 large eggs
1 container sour cream
salt
pepper
Roasted Mild NM green chiles(optional)- at least 4
6 slices of thick bacon
This recipe will please your family, and it is pretty easy. Serve this with thick toast and fresh juice- you might be able to get them out of bed all the faster!
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the potatoes until they are fork tender and cooked all the way through. I do this the easy way! I stick them in the microwave on cook a baked potato. If you have a special way of baking the potatoes, do it your way. When I bake my potatoes, it takes about fifteen minutes to cook the five in the microwave. I scrub the potatoes clean before microwaving and sprinkle coarse salt all over the skins before cooking.
While the potatoes are cooking, precook your bacon until it is crispy. I like thick cut bacon that is peppered or has brown sugar--Yum! Cut it into pieces and save the bacon for the final part of baking.
After the potato is cooked, cut each potato lengthwise in half to make boats. Scoop out the center of each potato half with a spoon to make a potato skin looking boat. Reserve the cooked potato you scoop out in a bowl. Place the boats in an oven proof dish. Use a dish you can serve your meal in, because it will go from oven to table.
Now you make the filling. Take the potato you scooped out and mash it up until it is fluffy. Add the sour cream, salt, and pepper. You add as much salt and pepper as you would like for your own taste.
At this point, you can add the chile. If you like it hot, add a hotter variety. You can add freshly roasted during chile season! Yum!!! If it's easier, add a can of green chile. You can also make this recipe your own by adding a secret ingredient. Maybe you want to add a little chipotle or chives? Be creative!
Fill each boat with your filling. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Make a dent in each boat for a freshly cracked egg. Do this by pressing the center of each boat with the back of your spoon.
Next, crack one egg into each boat's little dent. It's like the egg is a passenger in the potato boat!
Cover each boat with cheese and sprinkle bacon on top.
Stick the batch in the oven at 350. You are simply cooking the eggs and melting the cheese, because the potato is cooked. So the baking time is up to your egg preference. I like my egg yolk a little runny, but the whites set. So, I cook it about 10 minutes.
Serve the batch and enjoy! Please share- thanks for all your support!
Family Blessings,
Abi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)