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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Red, White and Blue: July 4th Treats

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Make a real bang on Independence Day with a fun spin on your party plans – red, white and blue July 4th treats!

* Affiliate links may be included.

July 4th is a great time to put a festive spin on your summer favorites with a little touch of the red, white and blue. Many of these you can make in advance the night before and be ready for a fun Fourth party without sitting in your kitchen slaving away on a Facebook-worthy spread! Bring on the July 4th Treats!

4th of July Treats

Cherry Berry Whip Salad


This salad is inspired by my absolute favorite treat growing up. Every summer get-together included “Pink Stuff” that actually was such an easy, no mess recipe it was hard to imagine that this was the dish that never had leftovers. I remember the first time I was “trusted” to create it, you would have thought I was given the right to carve the Thanksgiving turkey. Because it’s a no-cook dish, this dish is a perfect kid-starter cooking lesson! It just needs a little time in the fridge for the flavors to come together for this delicious flavor. And when you take a look at it, you instantly can see the red, white and blue.

Cherry whip

 

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Cherry Berry Whip

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

An easy sweet treat perfect to beat the heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cherry Berry Whip Salad
  • 1 can cherry pie filling (14 oz)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 small can condensed milk
  • 2 cups small marshmallows
  • 1 small tub whip cream
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mix everything together but the marshmallows and blueberries into a bowl. Fold in marshmallows. Lastly, add blueberries to the top of the bowl (or if serving in smaller dishes, spring the blueberries on top). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Here are some other great July 4th Treats for you to make featured on Good Morning Texas!

American Flag Fruit Kabob

Want to give the kids something to do? This is the ideal activity that turns into a healthy centerpiece of your July 4th event. Using a combination of strawberries, marshmallows and blueberries, create your own American flag! You can use a mixture of different fruits to match the red, white and blue theme; just make sure to wash your hands between fruit and marshmallow patterns so the juice doesn’t turn the marshmallows pink. Also adding a little space between alternating fruit and marshmallow will help keep your healthy snack look fresh throughout the day.

Kids don't like blueberries or Strawberries? Use Welch's Fruit Snacks Mixed Berry to use in place of the fruit to keep the patriotic theme!

Kids don’t like blueberries or Strawberries? Use Welch’s Fruit Snacks Mixed Berry to use in place of the fruit to keep the patriotic theme!

American Pie

This pie will be the star of your Independence Day festivities when you add this classic touch. While you can make it from scratch, cut your time in half by purchasing a two-pack of ready-made crusts. After that the sky in the limit!

Patriotic Pie

For mini-pies: Rolling out our dough, cut these adorable tartlets out with a star-shaped cookie cutter (I suggest buying a set like this), added a tablespoon of out of the can strawberry and blueberry pie filling, and then just pinched the ends with a fork. After 15 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F, you have these sweet little hand pies perfect for a small bite of sweetness!

For the larger pie: If you are looking for the classic Americana pie, the formula couldn’t be easier! Use one pie crust, fill the pan with pie filling with either strawberry, blueberry, raspberry or cherry filling. With a smaller star-cookie cutter, cut out enough stars in the second dough to create a top crust. Put in the oven for 400 degrees F for around 20 minutes and you have a beautiful pie. Have more time? Then make this creamy homemade vanilla ice cream to serve with your pie for the perfect July 4th treat!

Layered Rice Crispy Treats

If pie is the unofficial American treat, then rice cereal treats probably claim the spot for #2. Made with rice cereal, marshmallows and butter, to create these unique twist, all you need to do is make 3 batches, adding red food coloring to one and blue to another. Then just layer the blue batch in the pan with your hands (sprayed with a little cooking spray to keep your hands from sticking.) Then repeat with the regular batch and last with the red batch. Allow the mixture to cool for at least an hour or overnight. Cut either into squares or if you have more time, then use that handy star-cutter for even more July 4th appropriate treats.

Layered Rice Treats

Strawberry Jello Fireworks

These little firecrackers will make your party a real blast – with the kids or the adults. Using hulled-out strawberries, you’ll fill first with a blue jello/gelatin mixture and allow to set before adding our white layer of milk and gelatin. After another session in the fridge, pull out the strawberries and cut in half longwise to reveal the layered jello effect for these cool, bite-sized red, white and blue sweeties. Want to really kick up the party? Add some spirits like vodka or rum to the gelatin for a fun edible adult snack.

Strawberry Jello Bites

Red, White and Blue Berry Sangria

Sangria is always a crowd pleaser for any occasion, but using star-shaped fruit and red/blue berries, this white themed sangria is the most festive way to wash down all these treats. We’ve used a chardonnay, sparkling wine, and for the color, blackberries and raspberries to change it up. However, you can use your own combinations of red and blue berries. For the stars, using your trusty star cutter, punch out stars from either pineapple or apple (either pairs nicely with this white sangria mixture.) If you prefer, use this same concept for an infused-water in a big jug, you’ll just use water instead of the wine to create a fruit-hinted refreshment that will be beautiful all day long.

Red, White and Blue Sangria
Have a great Fourth of July!Don't miss Patriotism

Oh, Pumpkin! Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips

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Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin! There’s a ton of reasons to love pumpkin. From its health benefits to its amazing taste, here are several recipes including my famous pumpkin bread pudding with chocolate chips (and donuts!) 

I’m not sure when a certain large chain of coffeehouses unofficially kicked off fall, but every year when the #PSL debuts on the menu, Pumpkin-poolza hits. Everything from granola to gelato gets pumpkified and for someone like me that’s obsessed with the flavor du jour, it’s my happy time.

And just in case you need a little convincing, here are more reasons why you should be eating pumpkin. right. now.

Pumpkin-Bread-Pudding

Health Benefits of Pumpkin


Pumpkin is full of reasons to enjoy it – on the inside and the outside. Full of nutrients, vitamins, and other good stuff, just eating it will make you look good too. 

Pumpkin-Health-Benefits

Here are several reasons you should be eating pumpkin:

  • Pumpkin helps your eyesight with tons of Vitamin A (200% of your daily need!)
  • Pumpkin helps your immune system with Vitamin C
  • Pumpkin helps you lose weight because it’s full of fiber (3 grams per one cup!) 
  • Pumpkin helps the heart 
  • Pumpkin may reduce cancer
  • Pumpkin helps your mood 
  • Pumpkin helps the skin 
  • Pumpkin gives you afterworkout power with potassium

Pumpkin Basics

Since all of these recipes have pumpkin in them, you’ll need to make pumpkin puree and in many cases, have pumpkin pie spice. Sure you could buy these both at the store, but when the homemade product doesn’t take too much time and tastes so much better you’ll want to do it yourself! So check out my recipe for pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.

PumpkinPuree

PumpkinPieSpice

Best Pumpkin Recipes Ever: Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips (and doughnuts) 

Even is pumpkin is good for you, sometimes you just have to enjoy it because it taste so freaking good, right? The tradition of this recipe started 10 years ago. Over time, it’s seen a little change with cranberries, chocolate chips and now a new twist with pumpkin, chocolate and oh, yes – a dozen day old donuts (preferably from Dunkin Donuts.)

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

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Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

Pumpkin lovers rejoice! It’s pumpkin, donuts and chocolate all in one!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 whole eggs
  • 1/4 cup vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
  • 1 dozen Dunkin Donuts, cubed (my favorite)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Butter Rum Sauce
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 pound box confectioners’ sugar
  • Rum, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, blend all ingredients, except for bread and chocolate chips.
  3. Fill a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with donuts.
  4. Sprinkle choclate chips over donuts.
  5. Pour custard mixture over donuts, making sure that all cubes are submerged (push cubes down if necessary).
  6. Bake for about 1 hour, or until pudding is set.
  7. Serve with Rum Sauce, Pecan Praline Sauce or even ice cream!

Pumpkin Bread Pudding2

Some other great pumpkin recipes to try: 

Pumpkin Pie Butter

Pumpkin White Chocolate Truffles

Stuffed Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

And there’s even more where that came from with the best Pinterest board ever! 

 Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board Oh, Pumpkin on Pinterest.

And don’t miss this #mamachallenge: 

Pumpkin-Trifle

Pumpkin Trifle (Part of a collection of No Trouble Trifles on Good Morning Texas)

Pumpkin Foot Scrub

 

4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

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Summertime means ice cream, but no one wants to spend the day making it! With just a few ingredients, you can make any kind of ice cream! We love this 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, but you can make it your way any day.

As shown on Good Morning Texas.

Isn’t it funny that moms spend all that time scoping out Pinterest and creating beautiful meals plans for the family – and don’t normally end up eating any of them?

FiberOneFlavor8


With all the pick ups, drop offs, appointments, loads of laundry, and dishes, and making dinner for the family, there’s never really a time to sit down for a meal. It’s always on the way out the door, in the car, or after everyone has gone to sleep. Besides, when’s the last time you tried to eat meatloaf and vegetables with one hand while typing on the computer? 

FiberOneFlavor

So I resort to snacks…thankfully none of them are shaped like fish or dinosaurs. And being that I want to try to make healthy decisions, but still want it to taste good, Fiber One Bars to the rescue. Whether I’m in need of some protein, a middle-of-the-day snack, or a sweet treat, there are several options with added fiber to keep my taste buds and digestive system in check. Having these buried in a bag, drawer, or the back of the pantry (away from my kids’ little fingers), has saved me many times from not just going hungry, but making sure I don’t head for something that I’ll regret again and again later. 

FiberOneFlavor2

When you bite into one, you never would think that you can get a box of something this good and for only around $3 a box at Walmart!

Fiber One

Full of fiber and flavor, Fiber One bars make a good choice for any time of the day (especially when you’re trying to get things done!) 

Easy, No Churn 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

But with summer in full swing, there’s nothing better than a deliciously sweet bowl of dreamy creamy ice cream. So taking the best of both worlds of strawberry cheesecake and ice cream, here’s an easy recipe for 4 ingredient strawberry cheesecake ice cream that will have you looking forward to #snaccidents again and again. And with only 4 ingredients and almost no work (you don’t even need an ice cream maker.) 

FiberOneFlavor5

 

FiberOneFlavor4

While you do use whipping cream for this summerific treat, choose a lowfat/nonfat condensed milk. Using strawberry pie filling also helps to make this ice cream next level, fresh or frozen strawberries can be substituted if you want to add more fruit and less sweetness. With just a few hours, in the freezer, your #snaccident can be transformed into a life-changing snack experience. 

FiberOneFlavor

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4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

An easy recipe for strawberry cheesecake ice cream with four ingredients featuring Fiber One Bars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1 can low fat condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 cup strawberry pie filling, 1 half can
  • 1–2 Fiber One Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, crumbled

FiberOneFlavor7

FiberOneFlavor3

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment: 

Coconut-Citrus-Cake-mamachallenge

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

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What’s better than macaroni and cheese? NOTHING. Well except macaroni and cheese with stuff in it. Make your small gathering the easiest and cheesiest with a macaroni and cheese bar. 

Want to get people all excited? Ask them about what makes the perfect mac and cheese. 

Is it multiple cheeses? Is it just processed cheese? On the stove or in the oven? There are so many ways and so many opinions. 

Macaroni-Cheese--Bar


A few years ago the mashed potato bar became the big trend for weddings and fancy parties. First because who doesn’t love mashed potatoes, but more so because it allowed everyone to personalize their meal just the way they wanted. I like to call this “Starbucking” phenomenon and for the most part, it always works! Plus – it’s really easy to lay out options and let guests do the work. 

Macaroni-Cheese--Bar

Now just like cupcakes went to donuts, mashed potatoes has gone to macaroni and cheese. Other than a few basics, there’s not one way to do it – just let their creativity take over. I love this option and so will they! Here’s how we did this on Good Morning Texas. 

 

How to Make a Mac and Cheese Bar

The Base

First off you’ll need a great, basic macaroni and cheese recipe. To keep the noodles warm, I suggest making a macaroni and cheese recipe in the slowcooker. Based on this recipe, I’ve added a few touches to make it noodleriffic (see below.) 

Macaroni-Cheese-Bar

The Toppings 

Once you have this down, the fun begins. What sounds good to you? I’ve put together a few common elements of toppings that are popular, but don’t let it end there. Taking a little inspiration from your favorite menus, add ingredients that together make a whole new dish. For instance, one favorite is Buffalo Mac and Cheese. So don’t forget buffalo sauce and chicken as toppings. And because sometimes people want recommendations, add a few suggested menu ideas just in case!

Macaroni-Cheese-Bar

Topping Suggestions
  • Buffalo 
  • Grilled Chicken 
  • Lobster
  • Spinach / Artichoke 
  • Bacon 
  • Weenies 
  • More Cheese 
  • Pico de Gallo 
  • Jalapenos, chopped/sliced/diced 
  • Broccoli 
  • Breadcrumbs 
  • Black Beans/Corn 
  • Chili / BBQ 

Macaroni-Cheese--Bar

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Best Macaroni & Cheese for a Macaroni & Cheese Bar

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

The best kind of macaroni and cheese is the one that you make! Make any party fun with a mac n cheese bar!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter (1/4 cup) cut into pieces
  • 2 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (I prefer Greek yogurt)
  • One can condensed Cheddar cheese soup, (10 3/4-ounce can)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
  3. In a slow cooker, combine cheese/butter mixture and add sour cream, soup, salt, milk, nutmeg, mustard and pepper and stir well.
  4. Add drained macaroni and stir again. Set the slow cooker on low setting and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

  • Now add any toppings you want! We share tips and recommendations for the Best Macaroni & Cheese Bar on mamachallenge.com
What makes your favorite macaroni and cheese?
 

Macaroni-and-Cheese-Bar

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

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It’s a necessary evil but it’s gotta get done: laundry.  Here’s a handy list of keeping things manageable and also a way to keep you from “laundry overload.” 

Thank you to Press Cleaners for helping me to manage my mamachallenge and this sponsored post.

There are two things I hate doing more than anything (yes, anything): dishes and laundry. 

But they both have to get done and unfortunately neither the dishwasher or the washing machine can do it all without your special interference. (Let’s fact it, those appliances should be renamed the “dish helper” and the “washing machine steps 2-3.”) 


Laundry

Get a fresh start both at school and home with these laundry tips.

Did you know that on average we spend up to eight hours a month on laundry-related activities?

Donate or Alter Old Clothes

Let’s face it, last year’s wardrobe probably doesn’t fit anymore because this summer’s growth spurt decided to take matters into its own hands. If you timed everything right, one sibling can easily jump into their older sibling’s hand me downs (a lot of us have been there). If not, think about throwing any old clothes into bags and taking them to a consignment sale like Just Between Friends (it’s my favorite.) Make a little money on your old clothes and you can stock up on clothes for the next season at extraordinary prices. 

Just Between Friends Fort Worth

Get Ready for New Stains

You know that giant box of markers you just received at SchoolSpecialty.com? You know who’s favorite color marker is going to make its mark on that brand new outfit you bought just two weeks ago. Luckily a lot of crayons and markers can easily be removed with some detergent and warm water, but if it turns nasty (looking at you, permanent markers), you’re going to need some heavier stain warfare. Make sure you’re stocked up on stain removal products so you can attack the stain once the 3:30 bell rings. If all else fails, enlist the expertise of your local dry cleaning professional, as they have more products to work with (mine says don’t do anything before you bring it to her because it can also do worth, so decide in advance who is going to take on that stain for success!) 

Freshen Up Household Linens

From the school supplies to the wardrobe, everything seems like it’s getting the refresh that it deserves — except for your home. Summer break means a lot of wear and tear on your home’s furniture and linens. With the kids in school and a regular schedule back in motion, think about professionally cleaning everything from bedding to drapery. In fact, you should try to freshen up household linens frequently since they’re essentially magnets for dust, sweat, and other less than desireable friends. So how often should you be cleaning certain linens and fabrics around your home?

Women spend nearly an hour a day on laundry and interior cleaning (compared to men at just 15 minutes on average)  

Here’s a quick guide for reference:

  • Bedding (Sheets/Pillowcases) – Weekly
  • Bath Towels – Clean After 4-5 Uses
  • Workout Towels – Clean After Each Use
  • Curtains – Every 1 to 3 Months
  • Duvet Cover/Comforter – Every 3 to 6 Months
  • Pillows – Every 3 to 6 Months
  • Couch Cushion Covers – Every 3 to 6 Months

If you just went through that list and don’t know the last time you actually cleaned some of those items, it’s probably a good time to get it done. Some items, such as towels and sheets, can easily be cleaned at home. Others, such as curtains and couch covers, typically need professional care. If you smoke inside or have residents that are allergy-prone, you’ll want to increase the frequency of the cleanings.

All Hands On Deck: Laundry Day for the Family

Family laundry day? The words make me laugh, but even at the age of 6, my daughter is required to put in a little time. But when there’s just no time at all and the laundry starts to pile up like a national monument in your house, it’s time for reinforcements. Press (think uber for laundry) helps you get through the work so you can get to what you need to or even better, find time to spend as a family – not doing laundry. With free pickup and delivery, all you have to do is put it at the door and they’ll send it back to you – clean and folded! 

Laundry Press

Get $10 off your first order in Dallas or Fort Worth by using promo code “MAMACHALLENGE” at sign up.  

 

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

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Need an escape? Then take a moment to enjoy doing something fun for the sake of fun like tye-dye. Grab a shirt, socks and food coloring and throw a tye-dye party. (As featured on Good Morning Texas.) 

Wish you could just get carried away to a place with rainbows and flowers? Yes, we all do. The 60s and 70s were full of fun, flowers and love – and all that cool jazz. It was a time well before the word COVID was mainstream on Facebook (or it’s creator) was even a concept. And best of all everyone can create and celebrates a little peace and love of their own. 

Here we show you how to create a fun, an at-home activity with (or without the kids.)  


Tye-Dye

Supplies for Tye-Dye with Food Coloring

  • Shirt (you can also use socks, aprons or anything you want) 
  • Food coloring 
  • Water 
  • White Vinegar (need at least 4 cups to soak the shirts) 
  • Rubber bands 
  • Bottles for the dye (I like squirt bottles, but you can use spray bottles.) 
  • Pan and rack (to protect your space and catch excess water) 
  • Plastic bag (Old grocery bag or large gallon ziplock) 
  • Bucket / sink (need at least have 2-gallons of water) 
  • Cover for table (optional) 
  • Gloves (kitchen gloves work great but something to completely cover your skin and nails
  • Old clothes / apron (to protect your clothes from the dye) 

Already feel overwhelmed or just want to get it all together for you? Yes, there’s a kit for that. We’ve used this one for parties (it works for more than 15 shirts) and is pretty cheap!) 

Tye Dye

Instructions How to Tye-Dye 

1. Prepare your work space for tye-dye.

Make sure to prepare your workspace with a cover, put on an apron or old clothes to protect your own clothes and GLOVES. (Yes, you need gloves, especially when working with food coloring! 

2. Prep your tye-dye. 

Make sure your shirt (or item) is clean and also has either been soaked in a solution of 1:1 water to vinegar for 20 minutes (or soda ash fixer.) Ring it out but don’t rinse, because you’re going need to have your shirt damp to dye. 

3. Prep your supplies. 

This is where it might get a little messy, so if you haven’t already – PUT ON THE GLOVES. I like this activity near a sink (or near grass so it doesn’t matter if you make a mess.) If you are using fabric dye, then refer to the instructions but using food coloring, you’ll want to use a solution of 1/2 cup warm water to 8 drops of food coloring. This should be more than enough since a large 12 ounce bottle. Close the top and shake it up. 

Tye-Dye Solution: 1/2 cup water to 8 drops of food coloring into bottle. 

4. Design your tye-dye.

Also you’ll want to decide what type of design you want. There are no wrong ways to tye-dye so you can do whatever you want. Some of the most popular are the swirl, accordion or bullseye. This step is where you’ll put those rubber bands to work. For our how-to we’re going with the most popular swirl (mostly because I get to put a dinglehopper to work (give yourself 5 points if you know that references.) But we have some suggestions for you (and a great how t0 in the video below.) 

How to Design Your Tye-Dye

5. Let’s tye-dye. 

This is the fun part. Once you’ve prepped your area (this is where I like to use a pan and rack as my area to do the dye and catch the residual dye),  prepped the shirt and put on gloves, let’s dye! Start by adding solution in areas in each section. For the swirl we did each section, alternating in three colors and making sure to get into crevices to get color. Don’t worry – have fun and definitely don’t skimp on the dye. The more color, the more color on the shirt. Make sure also to repeat color on the back of the shirt! HAVE FUN – throw on some music and take your time! 

6. Let the tye-dye set. 

Once complete, keep the rubberbands on and put the shirt in the plastic bag to dry. Somewhere between 5 hours – to overnight.

7. Dry the tye-dye.

Once it’s dry, remove the rubberbands. Note: the shirt won’t be as bright as it seems when you remove those rubberbands but that’s ok!  Then rinse it out a few times in the sink with cold water until it runs clear. (You can do the bucket again, but the sink is so much easier.) Then before you wear it, you’ll want to dry it by itself so the colors don’t rub off (it might be a few times you’ll need to wash it by itself, just in case!) 

TIP: If you really are a visual person or need a little more assistance (or just like a good video), here’s one of my favorites. However, there are tons of videos online to help you create the perfect tie-dye.

Looking for more fun? Here are some great activities with food coloring from our friends at Modern Mom Life!

Food-coloring-diy-project-ideas-1

 

Best Planners for Moms

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Getting organized for the New Year or Back to School? Get it Together with these Best Planners for Moms.

Affiliate links may be included.

The beginning of the year is our mental reset button to get it together. Get a wrangle on things for you, your family, your meal planning and whatever else with an organizer/planner/agenda.  Then carpool, after school activities, athletic practices and science projects that are suddenly due the next day can stay in stay in check (at least as much as possible!) 

Best Planners


Before you click out of this browser because you’re running from reality, slow down, take a deep breath and take these next few weeks to get prepared and most importantly organized.

Maybe you’re a digital woman who swears by the Google or their Outlook calendar. Click away, my friends. But for the more lady who literally needs to “pencil something in,” here the best mom planners and agendas that will make this year a piece of cake.  

Best Planner: CARRIE ELLE // Website

What started as a blog and meal planner, has turned into a brand and a storefront dedicated to making life a little more beautiful and organized. From your 21-Day Fix, family meal planning, budgeting, a full 12-month agenda, digital downloads and now even journals for bullet journaling, Carrie Elle is a mom that has taken her best practices and made them easier for the rest of us with her favorite prints, inspirational quotes and more. that And because your job often includes meal planning, groceries and how to get it all done, make sure to check out the Meal Planner from Carrie Elle for her specially formatted book to help you look at meal planning and grocery shopping in a whole new way with perforated lists, calendars and ideas. 

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Best Planner: INKWELL PRESS // Website

From the moment you open the box your inkWELL liveWELL planner, you know you’re not just getting a planner, but a new lifestyle. Designed with the goal of educating women to empower themselves through organization, these planners aren’t just a cute worksheets and tabs, but actually supplied educational resources to help you customize your inkWELL Press products (meal planning, exercise, etc.) to suit the specifics of your lifestyle. From videos, free downloads and weekly emails, you are armed and ready to create a better life with this planner. (Plus the couple behind the brand are SMU alums, so I’m biased for a little local.) 

[See this special look at the Inkwell Press liveWELL planner.]

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Best Planner: ERIN CONDREN // Website

These planners are relatively new, but have quickly become a favorite amongst women in all walks of life. Whether you’re a freshman starting out in college or the mom of a cute kindergartner or the kindergarten teacher, these life planners are the perfect way to stay organized in style. Erin Condren planners can be purchased in either read to ship options or you can customize it to your specific needs. Start the creative process by choosing from dozens of covers, from metallic golds to classic prints, or upload your own design. Agendas are available in 12 month, 17 month, and basically however you need it. Weekly layouts can be made vertical or horizontal and includes a section for notes, to-dos or weekly goals. Planner accessories from sticker books to pop up markers, elastic bands and more can be purchase to add personality to your daily organizer. 

Erin Condren 1

Best Planner: GIGI NEW YORK // Website

For the ladies who are searching for a little of sophistication in their planner, look no further than the  Gigi New York Notebook. The ultimate in style and fashion with embossed python leather notebook planners are handmade in a factory in Long Island and feature month and week-at-a-view appointment pages. The covers come in several classic and jewel tone colors and be personalized with your initials if available. The premier brand for datebooks, Gigi New York makes notebooks for major retailers including Barney’s, Neiman Marcus and Henri Bendel. 

 

Best Planner: TOOLS 4 WISDOM // Website

A Tools4Wisdom 2017 Planner has been crafted for this purpose through question-driven planning and daily schedules that emphasize on the essential. Each planning page serves as a compass to plan on doing more of what we love – and less of the opposite.  These calendars give you at-a -glance insight about your daily schedule, next appointments, and events. A desktop organizer is a fast and simple tool to keep your office schedule organized, all year round. Not only will you have a 2017 planner handy at all times, you’ll also have an ample and comfortable journal for writing.

Best-Planner-Tools-4-Widsdom

Best Planner: OLIVIA SOPHIA // Website

Named after her daughter, Olivia Sophia is a line centered on sharing faith, world empowerment and love through paper. With several products from wedding planning to gift bags, each is an expression of beauty. One of its biggest products is the Marriage & Grace planner. “PERFECT for the wife that loves to include date nights, meal planning and weekly prayer request into your schedule. It include budget sheets and family meeting pages. It’s the planner that leaves no one out and helps to keep you on track while staying focused on God first, marriage and family second and grace as the standard.”

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Best Planner: MOM AGENDA // Website

This agenda is sleek, stylish, and functional day planner and organizer for moms, and all women in general, to help you feel relaxed, at peace and in control of your whole life. momAgenda is on a mission to help organize busy moms everywhere with unique day planners and other organizational products. momAgenda has been featured in Real Simple and The New York Times and has even been featured on The Today Show. Celebrity moms like Felicity Huffman, Cindy Crawford, and Reese Witherspoon rave about momAgenda! The unique layout helps moms manage multiple schedules and features space for mom and up to four kids (or one for your spouse.) This planner features two ribbons to mark important places, monthly and weekly views and writing space for to—do list and notes like meal planning, movie night, party planning and more. 

Mom Agenda

These are just a few agendas available to help you get started with your planning. Most of these are in high demand, so make sure you order one before they sell out!

 

Slow-Cooker

 

COPYCAT Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

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Nothing is better than Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream. And we have a copycat recipe that tastes just like Blue Bell at home and tips to for making the best ice cream. 

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There’s nothing more Texan than  a big bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream straight from Brenham’s Blue Bell Creameries in the middle of July. However, you often hear when someone moves up north, the sweet taste of BB is no where to be found (and everything fails in comparison.) 

Bluebell-Copycat-Homemade-Vanilla-Ice-Cream-Recipe


So in times like these (or during a little shortage catastrophe), I’ve worked to create the best version I could of the real thing using a simple and easy ice cream maker.  Don’t believe me that it’s possible?

Make it yourself, take a bite and tell me I’m wrong. (Really, I want you to!) 

Never made homemade ice cream before? Think it takes tons of work? You’re wrong! You just need a few tips and an ice cream maker. Of course, there’s tons of ice cream makers out there – you just need to find the right one for you! Check out my review of several on Good Morning Texas.

Best Ice Cream Sodas Ever

While I created my recipe for Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with the old school Hamilton ice maker (no switch is even on this baby), there are other ways to create a creamy treat – even some without using dairy! Take a look at these gadgets – especially the fun ones that have you take an active roll is making you scream for your ice cream.

Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker

Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker

Dessert Bullet

T-Fall Ice Cream Maker

F-Fal Ice Cream Maker

Ya Labs Ice Cream Maker Ball

Yay Labs! Ice Cream Ball

Chill Factor Ice Cream MakerChill Factor Ice Cream Maker

Bluebell-Homemade-Vanilla-Ice-Cream-MamaChallenge

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COPYCAT Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

★★★★★

4.4 from 8 reviews
Print Recipe

Description

Recipe created by Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge.com.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 eggs yolks
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 24 oz. heavy cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • Whole Milk (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Cream eggs and sugar.
  2. Then add cream and condensed milk and vanilla.
  3. Beat until well blended.
  4. Pour into ice cream churn.
  5. Add milk until to fill line.
  6. Insert dasher.
  7. Pack cooler with layer of ice, then rock salt, and continue to repeat until full.
  8. It’s done when it won’t churn anymore.

Ready to dress up that ice cream? We have the best ice cream sodas! 

Best Ice Cream Sodas Ever

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

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Love the idea of grilling, but think it’s too complicated? We’re sharing the basics you need to get your grill on with our Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak! 

Thank you to Market Street for helping all of us girls (and guys) get our grill on with this sponsored post. 

Isn’t it funny that so many mamas take on the world (literally) every day, but when it comes to grilling think it’s too hard or should be left to the guys? 

Just answer me this: Do you like the idea of biting into a juicy, sizzling steak? Do you like to entertain? Want to make a special meal for your special someone? Then you need to know how to grill a steak. 


Guide to Grilling a Steak

…But don’t worry, it’s not near as hard as you think it is. Now don’t get me wrong, grilling is just as much an art and a science as it is skill. I have the utmost for those that have mastered it, but we don’t have to be the best to have a really good steak dinner. And before you get any further down, here’s your real disclaimer: Grilling is subjective and everyone does it different. 

 

However, we’re gonna give you the absolute basics to get your first steak from purchase to plate without much work, hassle, or slaving over a grill for hours. (Besides, who has time for that!)  

Steak

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

1) It’s all in the meat. 

No matter what marinade you use, what you cook it on, or what you pair with it, you need to pick a great piece of steak. I honestly didn’t have a clue except that there was steak and there was hamburger meat. So off to Market Street I went to figure it all out when the butcher came out to help me (he must have seen the scare in my eyes!) He explained the cuts of meat so I knew what I was looking at and how best to cook it. 

Guide to Grilling a Steak

There are three basic classes you should know when it comes to your beef: Prime (best), Choice (better) and Select (good.) 

When it comes to flavor, it’s all in the marbling or the little white flecks in beef – is key to flavor. The higher the amount of marbling, the higher the quality of beef.

When it comes to the meat, Rancher’s Reserve is always a great choice with 100% Angus beef that is juicy, tender and full of flavor.

Now for the fun stuff, the cuts! These four steaks all come from the same general area of the cow – the short loin, tenderloin, and the ribs. 

TENDERLOIN // aka filet mignon / Boneless cut from the short loin and sirloin. / Most tender and most expensive cut of steak.

Guide to Grilling a Steak

T-BONE // aka Porterhouse / Bone in cross section of the unfilleted short loin with combo of f tenderloin and NY strip. / Great taste but difficult to cook with two different cuts. 

Guide to Grilling a Steak

NY STRIP // Boneless & sometimes bone-in short loin behind the ribs. / Fine grained texture with some marbling.

Guide to Grilling a Steak

RIBEYE // aka Delmonico /Boneless & bone-in cut from the rib cage. / Lots of marbling and fat pockets for the juiciest flavor. 

Guide to Grilling a Steak

The Ribeye is by far the best choice for new grillers. It’s more tender than the other cuts of beef and has lots of marbling, which means lots of juicy flavor! 

When it comes to the cut, you’ll want to aim for 1 1/4 inch – 1 1/2 inch cut.  

Don’t see any in the case? Then ask your butcher to assist you! Market Street will cut it to your specifications!

2) Season and Sit it Out.

Alrighty…this is where there are all kinds of opinions on the best way to make your steak taste perfect. What you put on it, how long you let it sit on the steak and how long you choose to put the steak in the fridge or at room temperatures varies as much as there are different opinions on how best to soothe a crying baby. There’s been tons of research, experiments, and lots of hot-headed opinions but for this first-timer’s steak: we’re keeping it basic. You’ll find your own way after you do it for the first time. 

Take your steak out of the fridge at least thirty minutes before you plan to cook your steak. Pat your steak with a paper towel. 

Add LOTS of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to both sides (it’s going to seem excessive, but this will add the simple seasoning your steak needs. (Put it in your palm and let it fly!) 

Let the steak sit at room temperature for around half an hour. 

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3) Get your Grill Going. 

The biggest question here is: How are you planning to cook this thing! 

Gas: By far the easiest way way to grill is on a gas grill. Turn on the tank, turn the burner, ignite, and close the lid for around 10 minutes when the grill hits around 425-450 degrees. Now you’re ready to roll! 

Is it time to cook? Hold your hand about about four to six inches above the grill grate, palm down. If you can hold it one to three seconds before you need to pull your hand away, you’re at high heat.

Charcoal: Yes, you’re going to have to light it up! Starting with a clean grill like this one, lay your self-starting charcoal (it has lighter fluid in the briquettes so you don’t have to deal with it) in a grid pattern. Then light each corner and let it go! Close the grill and either using a thermometer or the hand method (see above), wait until the charcoal has lost its flame and beginning to turn gray.  

Guide to Grilling a Steak

Pan-fry: It never seems to fail that you make plans to grill and Mother Nature makes another plan! When you’re in a rush or weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling, go with the iron skillet! Just put it on high and let it go (I also like to add a little oil and butter to the pan for even more flavor!)  

4) Let’s Get Cooking. 

Alright, Alright, Alright! We’ve reached the big show! 

If you’re making your steaks on the grill, then you’re going to wait to cook your steaks until they get to your specific level of doneness. 

Rare // 120 degrees     Medium Rare // 130 degrees     Medium // 140 degrees     

Medium Well // 150 degrees     Well Done // 160 degrees

Guide to Grilling a Steak

You can also use the finger test, but this isn’t always accurate as using this.

5) Dinner is Done. 

To cut or to sit out, that is the question! One of the biggest controversies (yes, it’s that big of a deal) is whether you need to let your steak sit before serving. While there is all kinds of rationales for why you should and why you shouldn’t, but for me it’s simple: If you wait about 5 minutes after you take it off the heat, there’s less juice therefore less mess. So that’s my win-win. 

Steak

Now let’s eat!

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Holiday Gifts to Give: Hot Toys 2018

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So many toys, so little time! Here’s your annual holiday helper – THE Holiday Hot Toys for your kids this Christmas. And we’re playing Santa too – with some big giveaways! 

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there..”

Hey, don’t kid yourself, even Santa had help even if this poem doesn’t give any credit to the elves. 


So consider us your elves and we aren’t looking for any credit either. Here’s your list of hot holiday toys – just in time for you to get them under tree, along with those stockings stuffed. But here at mamachallenge.com have taken it one step further…these gifts are made to make kids play and may even remind you of toys you had growing up. We’ve done some work to find toys that are fun and educate kids while also making them use their imagination. Most of these you won’t see an device needed to make them work or a screen to keep them on for hours. These toys are meant for play, activity, thinking and good ole family time. 

Hot Holiday Toy List

Treemendous Ornament Activity

TreeMendous Ornament, Treemendous fun! This patent pending design to let children ages 6 and up to personalize their own ornament. Treemendous is a perfect present because it is an ideal activity to do with grandparents, friends, siblings and parents alike. Boys and Girls alike will embrace the holidays season by making their very own handmade ornament. Sure, to become a family treasure for years to come.

Tree2

 

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The Sleepover Party Game

Endless Games sleepover party game break out the sleeping bags and leave the lights on. It’s a sleepover party and wear staying up late! Spin the spinner and attempt to complete one of over 200 act It, work it, or party challenges. Be the human mirror and copy everything another player does! Take part in the “Funny sound competition” and make the most ridiculous noise you can!! Try to lick your own elbow!!! Being silly and having fun is The name of the game at this sleepover, so be prepared to sing, laugh, perform, and make a general fool of yourself! Don’t fall asleep early, or you’ll miss out on earning the most cards and staying up all night! 

Sleepover - Hot Toys

Road Trip the Family Game

It’s a family game that is really for the whole family! Roadtrip could be played in the car, but you can play it for any great game night. This is a well-made game that has won all the toy awards including the Sterling Fun Award Winner, The Toy Man Seal of Approval, The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and many more.

Roadtrip - Hot Toy

Tiki Topple

Welcome to Tiki Island, home to nine colorful carvings all competing to be the top Polynesian Idol! In this fast-paced strategy game, try to maneuver your secret tikis to the top of the line by playing the right combination of action cards. Use a Tiki Up card to move a tiki ahead in line. Tiki Topple sends opponents’ tikis tumbling to the back of the pack. But watch out for the sneaky Tiki Toast cards, which knock your tikis off the board! Score the most points and call yourself the Tiki Master.For 2 – 4 players, ages 10 and up.Contents: 55 cards, 9 custom tiki pieces, 4 playing pawns, 1 game board and instructions.

TikiTopple - Hot toy

Baby’s First

One of America’s oldest doll companies and have delighted parents and children for over 102 years with our wonderful dolls. Baby’s First Kisses can be easily cleaned and always ready for play – they are Hypoallergenic and MACHINE WASHABLE! The adorable baby doll kisses pleasantly when her soft tummy is squeezed. Helps children develop large motor skills, while stimulating their senses of sight, sound and touch. Great size for babies 1+, toddlers – easy to hold, carry, squeeze and love. Remove the Kisses mechanism from the smart “sanity” pocket and she is ready for the washing machine!

Babys First

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Kenya Doll

Kenya Dolls is the oldest and most loved ethnic brand in the toy market celebrating 25 years of growing up proud. Kenya’s roots trace back to Dallas, there are several versions to love, but the stand out of this toy is her authentic hair. Whether curly and short, long and natural, or braided and beaded, Kenya truly represents every black girl’s stylish locks.

Kenya

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Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set with Live Cup of Caterpillars Habitat

Watching the butterfly life cycle up close is more fun than ever with the Butterfly Garden Gift Set with live cup of caterpillars. Exciting butterfly-themed bonus items make this butterfly-raising kit the perfect gift! feed and observe your very own beautiful butterflies for a few days before releasing them into the wild! the entire transformation takes about three weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity in your area. There is no need to feed your caterpillars; all the nutritious food they require to become beautiful butterflies is included in their cozy cup.

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Project MC Perfume Maker

Project Mc2 is a team of super-smart and seriously cool girls who use their love of science and their spy skills as they go on missions for secret organization, NOV8 (that’s “innovate”!). They’re real girls with real skills ready to take on anything. Watch new episodes of the Project Mc2 original series, only on Netflix!
Adrienne Attoms’ next mission is to use her cosmetic chemistry skills to formulate the perfect look for saving the world. Formulate your own perfumes with Project Mc2 Perfume Maker. Now you can perform this same cool S.T.E.A.M. experiment at home using just household items again and again. Pretty brilliant!

Perfume - Hot Toys

Shifu Orboot

An award-winning educational toy, Orboot is a no-borders globe that connects with the fun and interactive Orboot app. Explore the world with 400+ highlights and 1000+ cool facts across 6 categories – cultures, cuisines, monuments, inventions, animals and maps (national and state boundaries of countries). A STEM toy that sparks the imagination and creativity, Orboot encourages the little ones to explore and discover on their own. It builds knowledge as well as develops linguistic and cognitive abilities in the process.

Shifu Orboot

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Treehouse

Enjoy imaginative pirate adventures with this LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Treehouse Treasures set, featuring a 3-level pirate ship treehouse with a ship deck, ship’s wheel, treasure chest hideaway function, bowsprit with flag and teddy bear, crow’s nest, tire swing and an upper-level den. Pirate accessories include a hat, telescope and 2 swords. This 3in1 model rebuilds into a Pirate Ship or a Skull Cave for more pirating fun, and includes 2 minifigures rigged out for pirate adventures, plus a scary spider figure.

Lego Hot Toyrs

BrickHeadz Luke Skywalker™ and Yoda™

These LEGO® BrickHeadz™ Luke Skywalker™ & Yoda™ construction characters are fun to build using LEGO bricks that recreate all their iconic details, including Luke’s Lightsaber™ and Yoda’s pointy ears and cane. The master and apprentice each stand on a buildable collector’s baseplate for easy display in your home, office or any planet you like. Buildable Luke Skywalker™ & Yoda™ LEGO® BrickHeadz™ construction characters feature decorated eyes and authentic details from the original blockbuster Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back movie, including Luke’s Lightsaber™ and Yoda’s pointy ears and cane.

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Snap Circuits Bric Structures

Combine SNAP CIRCUITS with ordinary building bricks and make endless combinations of construction and circuitry. With Bric-2-Snap technology, kids can wire up their brick builds with SNAP CIRCUITS lights, sounds, moving parts and 3-D circuits to invent almost anything and make it go! Instead of just building a structure, learn how to build the circuit that makes the lights in a skyscraper illuminate or that makes the gears on a drawbridge move! There’s no limit to what kids can create.

Bric Hot Toys

HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro

It’s robot fighting time! Modeled after television’s hit series BattleBots, comes the HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro. With over 100 possible configurations, BattleBots fans can experience the excitement that comes with engineering your very own fighting robot. This set includes one arena and two customizable Build Your Own BattleBots.

Hot Toys

Tudor Games Deluxe Electric Football Game

Set your plays and watch your teams do battle on this 32″ x 16″ SpeedTurf metal vibrating NFL gridiron with the Deluxe Electric Football Game! The PlayAction remote control places the fate of your offense in the palm of your hand, with its on-board variable speed control. Both offensive and defensive players are outfitted with all new Invisibase Cleat technology, sending your players where you want them to go. The all new PlayAction remote control places the fate of your offense in the palm of your hand, with its on-board variable speed control. Offense? Set! Defense? Set! Slow down the play with your PlayAction remote to see your blockers in action as the play develops. Got a man wide open downfield? Gaping hole in the defensive line? Shift into high speed and accelerate your team to victory!

Deluxe Electric Football

Dynacraft Realtree 24V UTV

Your little one will love zipping around the neighborhood on this Dynacraft Realtree 24 V UTV, which features working headlights and suspension springs for a smooth ride. The dual seats make it easy to bring a friend along, and a built-in rack offers convenient storage space. A working steering wheel and foot pedal allow realistic use, and an MP3 input makes it easy to enjoy songs and music during the ride.

 

Realtree UTV Hot Toy

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