April Fools Meal Ideas

Source

I just realized that April Fools is Sunday! Why have I not been planning already? Luckily, thanks to Pinterest, I have my April Fools Board, and dinner is planned. We will be enjoying Cat Poop Cake and Pizza Bundt Cake. I am so excited! Last year we had Chicken nuggets (oreo's covered in peanut butter rolled in smashed Special K cereal) carrots and corn (Startbursts) and mashed potatoes (vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce and a yellow Starburst). For dessert we had meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting. I really enjoyed making the meal. This year, I'm even more excited since the prank will also be on my parents. Make sure to follow me on Pinterest, because all today, I will be getting plenty of April Fools ideas!


Here is a list of meals to prank your family with:
Cat Poop Cake
Mini Burgers
Chicken Nuggets
KFC Fried Chicken Bucket
Meatloaf Cupcakes
Fried Eggs
Grilled Cheese
Mashed Potato Sundae
Fish Sticks
Sushi
French Fries
Corn on the Cob
Pizza Bundt Cake
Spaghetti Cupcakes

Thanks to Clean & Scentsible, here is a list of other fun pranks to play with the kids!

• Fill half a bowl of cereal with milk and freeze overnight.  In the morning add a little cereal and milk on top and watch the kids try to figure out what's wrong.
• After the kids are asleep, switch around their dresser drawers.  {I have also heard of a people swapping their kids in their beds but I don't think that would work around here!}
• Bunch up toilet paper and stuff it in the kids' shoes.
• Make a "milk shake" with chocolate syrup, baking soda, and water.  It looks like a tasty chocolate milkshake!  
• Let your kids have backwards day with their clothing - wear their clothes backwards, inside out, or however they please!  My son did this with his preschool and had a great time coming up with crazy ideas! {You might want to save this one if you are heading out somewhere important for the day!}  It might also be fun for Mom and Dad to dress up in backwards clothing and see what the kids say.
• Write a bathroom message.  Using a permanent marker, write a message on some toilet paper and place in the toilet.  This would work especially well for little boys that stand up to do their thing! {use longer toilet paper so the edges of the paper actually touch the rim of the toilet}
• Set various alarms and timers throughout the house so one goes off every few minutes.  The kids will have fun running around trying to figure out where all of the beeping is coming from.
• Switch the inner bags of cereal in their boxes.  I think an All Bran and Fruit Loops switch would work well!
• Add dry yeast to a box of pancake mix and have your kids help your make breakfast.  The pancakes will keep growing and growing!

Have fun, and please please please share any other ideas you have!

Nikon Coolpix S8200 Review

 

 I haven't had a nice digital camera since I can't remember. My last one broke sometime in November, it just quit working one day, and of course isn't under warranty anymore. Well, before we went to Utah I was telling hubby how its breaking my heart that I'm missing out on so many pictures of the boys and that we needed to buy a camera. After debating between a nikon and a canon, I picked up the Nikon Coolpix s8200 to waste time waiting for hubby, knowing it was about $30+tax more then we wanted to spend. Isn't there a rule about not looking at something you know you can't afford? I fell in love, it had features that we both liked. I had to give up some zoom but that's a small price to pay. This camera is awesome! My old camera gave me blinking pictures of my children all the time. All of Brody's pictures he either is "camera sleeping" or "camera drunk" I don't have many good pictures of him till now. No more blinking pictures. The shutter speed is quick enough that I get good pictures before they are gone. I love the micro mode, I'm getting the most beautiful close up pictures of clovers (my favorite). The video is awesome, and I'm not one to normally take videos, but I can hear them clearly and the picture is crisp. I can go on and on about how much I love this camera and about how awesome it truly is. I love the features, I love the way the pictures turn out, I love everything about it. If it's out of your price range...either save some more money or make the splurge to get it, it's worth every penny!
(I have not been asked to do this review, these are my own true opinions on the camera)

Here is info from the manufacturer that I got off of amazon.com:

 Catch those summer evening shots around the bonfire, or freeze the action of the winning goal. Fast, responsive and boasting an incredible 14x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, the Nikon COOLPIX S8200 will help you capture images you may previously have missed. Its 16.1-MP CMOS sensor crisply renders your view of the world—whether low light, far off fast action or sweeping panoramas. Capture sharp, clear photos and Full HD (1080p) movies using Nikon's incredible optics. Spice up stills and movies with special effects, and view everything on a 3-inch, ultra-high resolution (921,000 dot) display. 

See whats possible
 Capture what most cameras cannot If your old camera never quite captured the moment, the S8200 will! It boasts a high-resolution, 16.1-MP CMOS sensor so you get superb image quality—even in low light. With fast, versatile, continuous shooting modes, you can capture those spontaneous moments shot after shot. Then show family and friends your movies and still creations on the 3-inch ultra-high resolution (921,000 dot) display. Stylish and compact, the S8200 tucks into a pocket but packs brilliant performance and advanced features.

 From macro to mountains
  14x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens Despite a slim profile of approximately 1.3-inches, the S8200 delivers amazing versatility with an incredible 14x zoom (25mm to 350mm equivalent). Imagine creating macro images of a bumblebee in a spring flower, then zooming out to frame a mountain range for a panorama. With the S8200, you can go from wide-angle to telephoto to macro/close-up views in an instant, preserving photos or movies of most everything from grandstand crowds to a stage performer's smile.


 Put your memories in motion 
 Full HD (1080p) movies with stereo sound A single photo may not always be enough to recreate the moment; sometimes memories are best shared with a movie. Portable and ready when important things happen, the COOLPIX S8200 lets you create stunning Full HD (1080p) movies with stereo sound at the touch of a button. You'll love its ability to zoom in and out at will—while keeping subjects in focus. Stylize your story with one of various special effects or by recording in 15, 60 or 120 fps for fast/motion effects. Life doesn't stand still; neither should your memories.


 Automated versatility Easy Panorama, Night Modes, HDR and more! 
 Maybe you've wanted to create panoramic photos but thought they were too difficult. Maybe you've tried shooting photos at night but they never turn out. The S8200 takes the guesswork out of shots like these and more with handy Scene Modes at the ready. For sweeping panoramas, simply pan the camera and let it detect and automatically combine images to build a gorgeous vista. Going out at night? The S8200 takes great low-light photos. You can even create amazing HDR shots in-camera. The S8200 does the work.

 Discover your inner artist 
 In-camera effects for unique results Let the artist in you go from ordinary to extraordinary! With a variety of in-camera effects, such as Low Key, High Key, Hard Monochrome, Nostalgia Sepia or Selective Color, your world takes on a new dimension. The S8200 provides you the tools to fashion photos and movies with more than just your great eye—just select an effect and go! For your still photography, bring out your creative side with a fisheye, miniature or even an artistic look. Finally, you can make the kinds of photos and movies you've always wanted to make.



 High-speed continuous shooting 
 You'll never miss a shot with the S8200 because it starts right up, has a quick autofocus and shoots five shots in approximately one second at full resolution.

Strength in numbers 
 You'll always get a great shot with Nikon's Best Shot Selector. Press the shutter once, and the S8200 takes up to ten shots and then selects and saves only the sharpest image.

Summer Frozen Fun

 

Want to find a way to keep the little dudes happy for a while? Even if it's really hot outside, this is a perfect way to keep those busy hands busy. Thank you to Counting Coconuts for the idea. I can imagine Neacel digging at this forever, Brody I don't think would care about much other then the feel of the ice, but that's OK. Still keeps them busy!

She freezes everything in layers and then gave her son different tools to try and break/melt the ice. (sugar, sand, hammer,  salt, warm water etc. I'm sure you have somethings around the house) So not only are they having fun, but learning from it too. You could do random toys or themed. The one pictured is water creatures and some gems. I would think you could spend $5 at the dollar store and have a ton. You could do this in a bowls, cups, plastic tubs...any size is perfect. I saw one comment on the post said she froze a few in cups and put them in the bathtub and they pretended they were icebergs! Genius for a rainy day fun....

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

 

Spring time is pounding on the door, and I love the sound. Today I've spent at least an hour outside with the boys. Just running around and enjoying the 80 degree weather here in Ohio. Being from Ohio, I know this isn't normal, but that's no reason to ignore it, you soak up every second and pray snow doesn't show up in May! One thing I want to do with the boys (which I know might make the neighbors upset but that's OK) is to make some sidewalk chalk paint and let them go to town with it. We live in town homes, its a small complex but our one set of neighbors aren't fans of kids. I didn't know it was possible to not enjoy the sounds of them laughing and playing but oh well. Anyways, I wanted to share a fun and easy way to make it. Thanks to Apartment Therapy, this is quick, simple and easy to clean up, a moms dream. I'm excited to see how many hours my boys spend doing this!

Not Enough Water: You shouldn't feel any drag from the cornstarch, but it shouldn't be too liquidy either. There's a fine line that once you start mixing will become quickly obvious. We used a different color here than we did outside, but you get the idea right?

Perfect Consistency: It should pour off a spoon and not leave a layer of cornstarch sludge at the bottom of the bowl or cup. Once you mix up a few batches you'll soon know exactly what we're talking about!

Painting Tools: We used silicone basting brushes this time around, although in the past we've used foam brushes with far greater success. The silicone cleaned up in a snap and was ok for some things, but didn't provide quite enough drag (although that didn't stop us, fingers work just fine as well!).

Clean Up: The best part about the whole process is the easy clean up. It simply washes free of dishware and utensils, concrete will wash clean if left for up to a week (we've never tested it for longer than that), and most clothing shouldn't have a problem. Upon returning in, we usually rinse anything that obtained "paint" on it in the warmest water the fabric can handle or pre-treat with a stain fighter (we like Shout). We usually wear play clothes so it's never much of a worry to begin with!

Have Fun!: This is a great time for 1 or for 100. It can be used for everything from birthday get togethers, sleep overs, or signs painted on the driveway or street (Happy Birthday, Welcome Home, exc). It does also work on concrete and masonry walls, although it will need to be washed off with a hose and not left up to the rain to remove.

How to Make a Single Serving of Cake

Recipe for "3, 2, 1 Cake:"

Ingredients:

1 box - Angel Food Cake Mix
1 box - Cake Mix (Any Flavor)
2 Tbsp - Water

Directions:

In a zip-lock bag, combine the two cake mixes together and mix well.

For each individual cake serving, take out 3 Tablespoons of the cake mix combination and mix it with 2 Tablespoons of water in a small microwave-safe container.

Microwave on high for 1 minute, and voila - enough cake just for you.

Always remember, that one of the cake mixes MUST be Angel Food. The other can be any flavor. The Angel Food is the cake mix that has the eggs whites in it.

Yield: 1 serving

This recipe is called 3, 2, 1 Cake because all you need to remember is: 3 tablespoons mix,
2 tablespoons water, 1 minute in the microwave.

Via

Over 40 Ways to Tie a Scarf

Well, hey there! If you're looking for tips and tricks on how to tie a scarf, you're in the right place, my friend. It doesn't matter if you're stumped on how to tie an infinity scarf or if you're just looking for a resource to take your style full circle (pun intended), the Scarves Dot Net girls are here to help. Explore our Knot Library to learn how to tie neck scarves, how to wear skinny scarves, and everything in between. So sit down, explore the site, watch our scarf videos... and get all tied up with us!

People Manners

Neacel (my 3 year old) is a pretty good kid. He listens at times, and remembers his manners. Very smart and remembers a lot that we tell him. But there is one thing we have never needed to cover with him, comments about other people. With this being said, one of my worst nightmares happened yesterday with him.

Every Wednesday we go to Salvation Army to see what treasures we can find. It's in an interesting part of town, so you see interesting people. It is just part of it right? I have him in the cart and hubby is off with Brody looking at who knows what. We are walking towards the bathroom (because he if finally 100% potty trained!!) and there is a larger older lady that we are passing. As we get closer he points to her and says "Mom look at that fat lady with a big butt" I kept walking, knowing my face is turning every shade of red possible. I felt the heat on my face, I never in my life have been so embarrassed. I looked at him while walking and said "Neacel we never say things like that" he just kept starring at her. We got to the bathroom and I got in his face and repeated that we never ever ever say things like that too people. I could tell by him looking at the floor with a sad face that he felt bad, but then I realized we didn't say sorry or anything. I was in such a state of shock and panic that I had just kept walking.

After the bathroom I wanted to say sorry, I wanted him to actually, but I couldn't find her (being short makes it tough to find people in a store), and I didn't know if she even heard him. I should have looked harder to find her, I know I didn't give it my best effort but I will admit, I was scared. I felt horrible because I know if I was her, I would have been hurt. I couldn't believe that he had sad something like that about another person. I was angry, embarrassed and just felt sad for her because all we know is that she is a child of God, and that we all look our own special ways.I'm going to spend a day talking with Neacel about each of us look different and that we should never stare, make comments or anything other then smile at others. I pray this lesson sticks as well as others have!!!!

What would you do in that situation? I pray that I never ever have to deal with that again.