Krispy Kreme Family Night

I am at the ABQ Krispy! Every Wednesday night is family night. You get to dip your own donut and put sprinkles on it too! So cute and fun! Free donuts here right now!
Family blessings,
Abi

Free Admission to the Albuquerque Art Museum Thursday Night, July 19th

The Albuquerque Museum is offering a fun night this week for all.  As, those of who read my blog know, the Albuquerque is featuring a special exhibit of Ancient Mayan and Aztec art this month.  Thursday night, July 19th, regular admission to the museum is free from 5pm to 8:30pm.  The normal admission has a great perk this Thursday night- chocolate, Aztec dancers, and live Latin American Music!  Drop off the kids at the arts and crafts educational center to make art projects themed on ancient Aztec and Mayan history.  Meanwhile, you can check out the museum and sample chocolate.  Why not?  It is a gift from the  ancient Aztecs.   Then, the whole family can enjoy a free Aztec dance performance at 7:30pm.  In conjunction with the evening, there is a concert of modern Latin American Music.  Special exhibits are usually extra and have a separate fee, so plan on having a little extra if there is a separate hall for the traveling exhibit.  But, you will enjoy so much with the regular admission this Thursday night, and that is free.  This is definitely the month to enjoy the Albuquerque Art Museum!

Here is the City of ABQ link for details:
http://www.cabq.gov/museum/FreeThursdays.html


Family Blessings,
Abi

Route 66 Summerfest: Free Fun in Nob Hill

Shopping, art market, live music, classic car show... that sounds life a fun outing with a little something for everyone.

Nob Hill is encouraging local businesses by sponsoring a free event on July 21st:  Route 66 Summerfest!

The events start at 2pm and last until 10:30pm!  Enjoy outdoor fun, music, shopping, activities for children, and eat at local restaurants.  Support small business and have fun on Route 66!  Here is the link with all the details:
http://www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/events/route-66-summerfest/

Family Blessings,
Abi

Movies Under the Stars Night: July 21st

This weekend is another free movie night.  Head over to Cabezon Park in Rio Rancho at dusk on July 21st.  Get there a bit early if you want a front lawn seat.  Make sure to bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic. Here is the link:
http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?NID=1801

Family Blessings,
Abi

Relive the 80's and mall food: Homemade Orange Julius Recipe

Well, the weather is hot.  In NM, monsoon season is upon us.  Why venture out to the mall in this nasty weather?  Here is a fun treat to make at home:  Homemade Mall Orange Julius.

If you have no clue what I am talking about, then you might not be a child of the 80's.  But, like our music, our mall food is awesome.  Sip down this treat, watch Ferris Bueller, laugh at the dress in Pretty in Pink, and dream up a way to make fried cheese on a stick.

Ingredients:

6 to 8 ounces of frozen orange juice concentrate
1  cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

8 to 10 cubes of ice

Tool:
A Blender


Blend all the liquid ingredients together on high.  Add ice one cube at a time until it is the thickness that you prefer.  Viola!


Have fun and teach your kid about the fun culture of the 80's!

Family Blessings,
Abi

Summer Deal for the Zoo: Children's Admission Free on Monday

The Rio Grande Zoo has a fun program every Monday of the summer.  One full paying adult will be given free admission for four children.  Wow!  That sounds like a great deal for family fun.  Here is the link to the Albuquerque City website with the details:
http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/tickets/ticket-information#Discounts


Enjoy the summer break.

Family Blessings,
Abi

Lavender in the Village Festival

Saturday, July 14th and Sunday, July 15th...The Village is having their annual Lavender Festival.  Check out the harvest, go on a wine tour of Casa Rodena, activities for the children, shopping, food, arts, crafts, face painting, and music...sounds like good weekend fun.  Adults $3 Children $2...Grower's Market is free.
Here is the link:
http://www.lavenderinthevillage.com/index.php

Family Blessings,
Abi

NM Green Chili!!! Here is an appetizer idea...

This is super addictive...so beware, you might not be able to stop...

Fried NM Green Chili

You need to go to the baking aisle of your grocer and find the Louisiana Fish Fry Batter Mix.  I prefer the lemon flavored mix; so, if you can find it, get that one.  Then, you will need freshly roasted and peeled NM Green Chili.  For frying, you will need a deep fryer or a pan with enough oil to completely cover the chili.

Directions:

1. Prep the chili by roasting and peeling it completely. Hmmm,  I might have to blog a how-to for some people.  But, get to this point.
2. Now, coat long slices of NM Green chili with the fish fry batter mix on both sides.
3. Dip this coated chili right into the hot oil.
4. Fry the chili until it is golden brown.  This will take less than a minute.

That's it!

Enjoy the treat with some great BBQ.

Family Blessings,
Abi

Free Chick-Fil-A Day!!! Go get that Chick'n

Today, July 13th you can get dinner for free for the whole herd!  Get dressed like a cow, show up at Chick-Fil-A, and get a free meal.  If you are a bit overwhelmed by the whole costume, dress up partially like a cow, and you will get a free entree!  Here is the link:

http://www.cfarestaurant.com/cottonwood/home


Wow, that's a fun idea.  Just paint spots on your face and go for it!  You have until 10pm:)
Enjoy the summer fun!

Family Blessings,
Abi

Krispy Kreme is 75! Get Hot Glazed for 75 cents!

Friday, July 13th, is the 75th Birthday of everyone's favorite doughnut!  Buy one dozen doughnuts and you will get a box of original glazed doughnuts for 75 cents all day Friday, July 13th!

Have a sweet start to your weekend!

Family Blessings,
Abi

Starbucks Freebie!!! Friday, July 13th

Hi!  Starbucks has a new drink-  The Refresher!  ON Friday, July 13th from noon to 3pm, you can get a free tall Refresher at participating Starbuck!!  Check out the link and go get your free Starbucks!

http://www.starbucks.com/refreshers/en-us

Family Blessings,
Abi

Kid Recipe: Frozen Yogurt

This is super easy and fun.  There is no need to have an ice cream maker.  This will just take time and a blender.

Ingredients:

1 large container of greek yogurt.  I prefer honey, but make sure to get a sweetened greek yogurt.
1 cup of cut up ripened fruit.  Peaches work well, but you can use any fruit that is seasonal and ripe.

Directions:

The Ice
Clean and cut up the ripened fruit.  In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and fruit together.  Pour this mixture into an ice cube tray.  Make sure to put this in the freezer until the cubes are solid.  Overnight freezing works well.

The Creamy Finish
Once you have solid cubes, you will need a blender to make the frozen yogurt.  Take a couple of cubes at a time, and chop up the cubes in a blender.  Continue adding cubes one at a time.  You can sightly defrost a couple of cubes to soften the blend. It's that simple.  You can refreeze this and scoop out the yogurt for a more ice cream-like finish or eat this out of the blender for a yogurt shop experience.


Enjoy!
Family Blessings,
Abi

Berry Fun Dip! Make it with your kids today:)

This is just the snack for a summer day.  Just stop by a local produce store to buy some fresh fruit for dipping.  Support local markets and enjoy seasonal fruits with this easy to make dip.

Ingredients:

1 package of light cream cheese or nonfat cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.


In a small bowl mix the cheese, sugar, and lemon juice together until smooth and creamy.  Fold in the berries.  That's it!

Now, you can eat this tasty dip with graham crackers, slices of apple, or other firm fruits.

Have fun cooking with your kids.  You can even turn this into an educational experience by having your children write out a how-to list of directions for the dip.

Family Blessings,
Abi

Today is 7-11 Day! Free Slurpees at participating 7/11's

Yes, the annual free slurpee event is this week!  Find a location and get ready to enjoy a childhood favorite.  On  July 11th from 11 am to 7 pm, you can enjoy a free slurpee.
Here's the link:
http://www.slurpee.com/Default.aspx


Family Blessings,
Abi

Sandia Golf Club Deals for July: Kids Golf Free

Do you love golf?  July is an excellent time to teach your child all about Golf.  In July, Sandia Golf Club is offering free golf for children with a paying adult-one free child per paying adult.  Your child must be 17 or under, and this deal cannot be combined with any other promotion.  Check out the link to Sandia Golf Club's website.  There are many specials.  All day Tuesday, you can golf at Twilight rates.  That means instead of paying $70, you pay $45. That's the Twilight rate all day Tuesday.

Check it out:

http://www2.cybergolf.com/newsletters/viewblast.asp?id=314850&courseid=1083

Family Blessings,

Abi

Poppers! Bacon Covered Jalapeños

Jalapeños Covered in Bacon...very easy and tasty!

I love The Pioneer Woman; she always inspires me to try new dishes.  If you have not visited her blog or watched her show on Food Network, you really need to check it out.  Below is a link to her easy easy easy recipe for poppers.  I tried this today for the first time thinking it would be so hard.  My friend made some once for a BBQ, and I was so impressed.  Here is the easy recipe:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/07/bacon-wrapped_j/

I followed most of her steps, but decided to make them in a baking dish, since I do not have a fancy rack.  I simply put them in a glass baking dish and skipped using toothpicks.  The result was terrific, and the poppers came right up with a metal spatula.  I used pepper bacon-YUM!!

Add this to your BBQ tricks.  It's a winner!

Family Blessings,

Abi

UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center Grand Opening

Well, I don't think anyone thinks going to the hospital is fun, but this event sounds interesting.  Are you curious about the new hospital center in Rio Rancho?  This is your chance to get a free tour of the facility, chat with staff and physicians, and enjoy some free food and fun.

This is a two day event with free breakfast, health fair, face painting, bounce houses, tours, and musical performances.

Saturday, July 7th:  The event starts with free pancakes at 8:30am.  There will be a ribbon ceremony followed by a health fair and child-friendly activities-face painting, jumps, magician, and helicopter etc.  The fair is from 10:30am to 3pm.

Sunday, July 8th:  The day starts at 10am with free breakfast burritos and live music.  The outdoor activities and tours are from 11am to 3pm.

Location: 30001 Broadmoore Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM

Here is the link:

http://unmsrmc.org/

Check it out.

Family Blessings,

Abi

Here's a Fun Phonics Lesson for Summer Review

Summer school might not be for every little guy or girl, but you really should help your child review reading over the break.  You can try this fun lesson at home with your child; it's so fun, and they won't realize it's educational!  Smile through it, and make sure to laugh a lot.  Your enthusiasm and sense of fun will be contagious.

Materials:

1. Assorted magazines suitable for cutting up- select child-friendly issues full of pictures.
2. A large sheet of paper- you can use butcher paper, a poster board.  Use whatever you have to make a poster.
3. A big marker
4. scissors
5. glue

Directions:

Explain to your child that you are going on a vowel hunt.  Divide the poster into two main categories:  Long Vowels and Short Vowels.  Remember long vowels say their name- A,E,I,O,U (don't worry about y).  Now, under each category make a section for A, E, I, O, and U for both sides.

Example:

Vowels	Long	Short
A
E
I
O
U

Now, have fun cutting pictures.  Say the words out loud and categorize the sounds as long or short vowels.  Glue the picture in the correct category.  You will find that almost every word fits right into one of the sounds clearly.  Every syllable has a vowel sound.

Here is a picture of the project I completed with a small group of second and third graders.

This review helps with developing an awareness of sounds; teachers call this phonemic awareness.  Vowel recognition is important for breaking apart words and analyzing new vocabulary.  You will find that categorizing the sounds helps to make children think more critically about the word.    This project will also help your child spend more time on fine motor skills- cutting and gluing.  This is a skill that children really lack nowadays.  Overall, the project will take about an hour to finish and review.  It will be an hour well spent!


Have fun learning this summer.

Family Blessings,
Abi

Cinemark West...The Dollar Theater

Remember, you can always see a movie for a huge discount on the big screen at Movieswest.  I just signed up for the free weekly coupon for the concessions.  Check out the link below for current movies and the coupon information.

http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-detail.aspx?node_id=1489

There is also a location on the east side of ABQ, Cinemark 8.  Stay cool in the summer heat with a movie you might have missed during the school year.

Family Blessings,
Abi

Cliffs Anyone? ABQ area friends, here is a link to half-off passes...

KOAT is offering a discount for weekdays this summer.  You save half off admission Tuesday through Friday during normal operating hours.  You can add WaterMania to the pass for an extra $5.  This sounds like fun and you will save up to $12 or so per child.  Check out the link:

http://www.koat.com/hot-local-deals/cliffs-amusement-park/-/14425218/-/twi1c9/-/index.html#

Print out your coupons-as many as you need.  Then, take the coupon to the admission gate with you to purchase your ride passes.

Have fun this summer and enjoy good times.

Family Blessings,
Abi

9th Annual Pork and Brew In Rio Rancho-July 6,7,8

This is the 9th Annual competition, and over the past nine years the event has become quite large.  Over 20,000 people attended last year's Pork and Brew.  It is a sanctioned Kansas City BBQ Competition and winners will go on to compete at other levels-including the national championships.  It's a foodie dream for the BBQ lover. If you like the brew, there will be popular beers and local micro-brews as well.  It is a family friendly event with arts and crafts, magicians, jumps, food vendors, music (Al Hurricane), and great BBQ. This event will be held outdoors outside of the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM.

This event sounds like fun!  It is not free like most of my posts, but the admission seems reasonable.  Adults are $5 each; Seniors 50+ and children 3-12 are $3; children under two are free.  In addition, you have the option of buying products, arts and crafts, food, and BBQ.  The website states that you can purchase BBQ bucks at the center to be used at the event with the BBQ competitors.  So, be warned that at the end of the day, you can easily spend a lot.

Official Site:
http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?nid=1833

Here are the details on the visitors' bureau link:
http://www.rioranchonm.org/index.aspx?NID=142


Here is a schedule of events:
http://www.rioranchonm.org/DocumentCenter/View/319


Enjoy planning a fun event this weekend!

Family Blessings,
Abi

Good Old Fashioned Jello Cake!

This is a classic dessert for the Fourth.  It's not fancy or overdone, just simple and fresh like summer should be.

You will need to bake a cake.  Buy plain white cake mix and bake it according to the directions on the box.  Bake it in a 13 by 9 pan.  It will be served right in the pan, so use a glass baking dish that looks nice.  Let the cake cool after baking for about an hour.

Next, make two boxes of jello according to the box directions.  Use Cherry and Blueberry for the red, white, and blue effect.  If you make a box of blue and one of red, keep the mixes in separate bowls.

Now, take a toothpick and poke holes all over your cake.  Carefully and slowly pour the jello over the baked cake until the entire jello solution is absorbed into the cake.  Make sure to evenly distribute the jello over the whole cake.  Cover the cake with plastic wrap.

Set the cake in the refrigerator overnight.  The jello will solidify right into the cake, and the finished dessert will be sweet and moist.

Serve this cake with a big dollop of whipped topping and some fresh berries.  It's out of this world delicious!


Enjoy this simple dessert for your Fourth of July.  Remember, it's always a happy day when you create a little memory for your kids.

Family Blessings,
Abi

Easy Dip for your BBQ! Bacon, Ranch, Cheese!

My oldest son told me I shouldn't share all my recipes, and he was specific about this one.  But, I think it will send your 4th of July BBQ over the top.  It's easy and sooooo gooooood!

Needed:
2, 16 ounce containers of prepared ranch dip.  You can make your own too.  Buying it prepped is easier.
1, 2 cup bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.  You can shred your own, and actually shredding your own cheese burns calories and tastes better.
8 pieces of cooked, thick, peppered bacon

Put the ranch dip in a large bowl.  Add the cheese, and mix the dip until the cheese is evenly spread into the dip.  Dice up the bacon into small bits.  You can crumble this up with your hands too.  Add the bacon to the dip.  Mix it all the ingredients together thoroughly.   Cover your bowl and refrigerate the dip for an hour before serving.  Serve with thick potato chips or cut veggies.

This will send your BBQ over the top and people will want more and more!

Happy BBQ!
Family Blessings,
Abi

Fourth of July Dessert: Bread Pudding- Prep It Tonight!

Bread Pudding

This dessert is easy to prep the night before.  Then, the day of your BBQ, just bake and serve with the special sauce.  You can find all the ingredients for the pudding for under ten dollars, and this includes some fresh berries for serving.  Once you have the basic idea of how to make a bread pudding, you can make this recipe your own by adding your secret ingredients to the mix.

Ingredients for the bread pudding base:

1 13 x 9 baking dish (butter the bottom of the dish)
1 large loaf of bread.  You pick the kind.  I prefer a day old french loaf or plain old white bread.
1 stick butter melted
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
2 large eggs

Pudding Directions:

1. Cut up the loaf of bread into cubes.  The smaller the pieces, the more even the texture will be for the bread pudding.  
2. Coat the cubed bread with melted butter.
3. Pile the cubed bread into your baking dish and spread into an even layer.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, sugar, and spices.
5. Pour the liquid ingredients over the bread evenly.
6. Cover the bread pudding with plastic wrap.
7. Put this in the refrigerator overnight.

Baking:

Uncover the bread pudding after the overnight soak.
Bake this in your oven at 350 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes.  It will be ready when the center is set and the bread is golden brown.

Serving:

You can serve this warm pudding with this cold, tangy, and sweet sauce or some whipped topping. Prep some berries for plating.

Special Sauce Ingredients/Directions:

1 16 ounce container sour cream
4 TBS sugar
2 tsp Vanilla or an alcoholic liquor of your choice.  I like Grand Marnier, and it's alright to put a little extra.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until it is a good consistency to pour right over the pudding.

Spoon out a serving of the bread pudding on a plate with some fresh berries and ladle a little sauce right over the top.

Enjoy a simple dessert and have fun this July 4th!  This recipe is less than a dollar per large serving, and will serve about ten people.

Family Blessings,
Abi

NM Centennial Festival Series - Dixieland

Free Dixieland Concert at Old Town Plaza this weekend- July 6th and 7th!
Here is the link:
http://www.cabq.gov/old-town-new-fun/events/Dixieland

Take grandma and grandpa out and enjoy Old Town.  I bet you only go when relatives visit from out of town.  Drop by for free music and enjoy the shops.
Family Blessings,
Abi

Free Day at the Rio Grande Zoo Tomorrow, July 3rd!

It's another FREE day with the Peak Radio, and this time it's the Rio Grande Zoo!  Admission is free for everyone to the Rio Grande Zoo on July 3rd from 6am to 10am.  If you get there at these times, you get in for free.  You can stay as long as you like at the zoo.  Below is the link for the free passes.
http://www.1003thepeak.com/event_portal/view/calendar/event.html?event_id=115346

I went to the Natural History Museum and the Aquarium for free on the Peak!  It should be lots of fun.  I will probably take some snacks to the zoo and stay a while.  There's lots to see.  Make the most of summer with your kids and have fun on the cheap!

Family Blessings,
Abi

Albuquerque's Freedom Fourth at Balloon Fiesta Park

Hi Friends!  Celebrate The Fourth in Albuquerque with this mega free event!  There is something to do for everybody- concerts, classic car shows, fireworks, shopping!  Admission is free, but they get you at parking for $10.  It's still a great time for the family at a low price.  The link states that coolers are allowed, and you can set up a shade tent so long as it is fire retardant and staked down.  Of course, no glass containers or alcohol;They will check your coolers.  It sounds like a great time to pack a picnic and enjoy events. I noticed that the Noms are playing.  The fireworks are always grand, and it's a long show too. Follow the link to a line-up of free summer fun this week:
http://www.cabq.gov/cultural-services/freedom-fourth/

If you want to shell out some cash, you can do a BBQ package with shaded table seating, drinks, and VIP parking for $30 a person (children half off). Details are on the link.


Happy Fourth ABQ!
Family Blessings,
Abi

Rio Rancho, NM: Free Fourth Of July Events

There will be some great free fun on The Fourth in Rio Rancho!  The day starts with a fun parade on Southern Blvd and a bike decorating contest for children under 15.  The children will peddle through the parade and compete for prizes.  Mid day activities include a ceremony honoring the Declaration of Independence at Veterans Park and a flag football tournament.  End the day with a free outdoor movie and fireworks show on Rio Rancho High School grounds!  Below is the link to all the details!

Happy Fourth!
http://ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?NID=1513

Pack a great picnic and enjoy some old fashioned fun for The Fourth of July.
Family Blessings,
Abi