Shrimp Rustica Recipe

Rustica Shrimp Pasta Recipe


This Shrimp Pasta Rustica Recipe is a kid pleaser because it tastes awesome (as my son put it). It's a mom pleaser because it is easy and healthy. In this easy weeknight dinner recipe, shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach are combined in a simple rustic sauce and served over pasta. Enjoy!



Shrimp Rustica Recipe


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How to Make Shrimp Rustica Recipe


Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 c. chopped tomatoes
1/2 c. white cooking wine (or water)
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1 T. butter
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. pasta, such as linguine or vermicelli
1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
1 t. Moroccan seasoning (Cajun seasoning would work)
1/2 c. frozen spinach, thawed

Directions:
1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic; stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and wine. Cover and cooking 15 min., stirring frequently. Add the mushrooms. Cook and additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add small amounts of additional water if necessary. Add the butter; season with salt and pepper.
2.  While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions.
3.  While the sauce and pasta are cooking, season the shrimp with Moroccan or Cajun seasoning.
4.  Add the shrimp and spinach to the sauce. Cook, stirring constantly until shrimp turns pink, approx. 5 minutes.
5.  Serve shrimp and sauce over prepared pasta.


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Rustica Shrimp Pasta Recipe




Math App for Kindergarten: Zap Zap Math

Fun Learning Game App for Math


This post was sponsored by Zap Zap Math, but all opinions are our own.

Zap Zap Math app for kids in K-6 has a new app just for kindergarten. As homeschoolers, we're always looking for new ways to learn mathematics. The kids always have a tablet, phone, or laptop at their fingertips. And, they are always playing a game. Zap Zap math combines math with fun learning games. The math games are easy to play, full of repetition, and a great way to supplement in the classroom or use for students who need some extra practice. Enjoy!






This post may contain affiliate links.


We've been using Zap Zap Math with Mayhem who struggles with math principles. She hates math, but she's actually pretty good at it. She doesn't want to practice or get started. "I already know how to do it." Well, sort of, Mayhem. But math isn't something you learn with one lesson and then move on to something new. Practice makes perfect. So, an educational, fun math app is the perfect solution!

The younger they start, the more fun they have with apps. This little one is addicted to smartphone apps! So, she loves Zap Zap Math for Kindergarten.




Zap Zap Math has been around for awhile. You can get the K-6 math app for free. The latest math game app for kindergartners is only $2.99. This is a fun way to introduce younger children to math concepts. The intergalactic math games are fun to play and full of repetition.

The first time you sign in to Zap Zap Math for Kindergarten, you'll probably have to walk your child through it. The instructions for playing aren't clear and although there is some text that pops up to explain how to play- well, if you can't read, you probably won't be able to play the first game. The next level has a mini tutorial - so kids should be able to figure it out on their own.

As math game play continues, you work to reach new levels. Once you master the concept, reaching new math levels is rather rapid. So, it doesn't get boring like some other math apps for kids.

Our take: The Zap Zap Math app for kindergarten is fast-paced and fun for everyone. With a little help from an adult, preschoolers will enjoy this math app it too!


Recommended:

Tens and Ones Games for Early Elementary

Online Multiplication Games

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Fun Learning Game App for Math homeschool classroom resource







3 Tips to Stay Hydrated this Summer

On the Go Tips to Stay Hydrated in Summer 



KCC is a member of the Mom it Forward Influencer Network. This post is sponsored by BODYARMOR. However, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Our kids are active and always on the go. They love team sports. So, we're always looking for ways to stay hydrated in the summer heat. This summer, we tried a new sports drink with electrolytes and the kids loved it! We've got some tips to help active kids stay hydrated in the summer while playing football, baseball, soccer, or even swimming. Keep reading for tips to stay hydrated this summer and a fun giveaway. Enjoy!


sports drink with electrolytes on the go snacks snack ideas for football team baseball team


This post may contain affiliate links.


The kids can't get enough soccer, basketball, football, swimming, and running. Whatever team sport they do, we love watching them play. One of the things we talk a lot about is how to stay hydrated without adding a lot of junk ingredients.

To keep their team hydrated, the coaches encourage sports drinks as a way to restore and balance electrolytes. While we agree with that goal, we don't always love the ingredient list on some of the popular sport drinks.


Ways to Stay Hydrated this Summer


Tip #1

  • Topping our list of cool ways to stay hydrated this summer is BODYARMOR sports drink. We're delighted to see a new sports drink with electrolytes that contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners. BODYARMOR SuperDrink smells divine and is a great tasting, premium sport drink that is low in sodium and includes coconut water.

Ways to keep kids hydrated in summer.

We've already started football practice and this 15-pack of BODYARMOR provides quick recovery and hydration for these hot, summer practices. It will be a regular drink at practices and games throughout the season. Here's why:

  • BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins – and has no artificial flavors or sweeteners
  • BODYARMOR provides superior hydration and comes in 9-great tasting flavors: fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana, tropical punch, blackout berry, mixed berry, grape, watermelon strawberry and lemonade.
  • BODYARMOR is a better alternative to traditional sports drinks, because it contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners and has potassium packed electrolytes, vitamins and coconut water. 

We've been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and spending lots of time outside and at the pool and the kids are thrilled when BODYARMOR is a part of their healthy snack break. What a super drink for active kids! You can get yours at Sam's Club.




Our kids love the flavors they've tried. We love that it contains potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins. It's an awesome and healthier alternative to traditional sport drinks while still providing the needed benefits for hard working, sweaty kids! If they aren't drinking enough water, the kids will stay hydrated with BODYARMOR. 

Your little athletes are sure to love BODYARMOR too. You can feel great about giving it to them! Kids Creative Chaos kids and moms approve.

Some Facts about BODYARMOR Sports Drink

  • Premium sports drink with no artificial flavors or sweeteners
  • Healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks
  • BODYARMOR provides your body with Superior Hydration
  • Potassium-packed electrolytes
  • Coconut water
  • Vitamins
  • High in potassium, low in sodium
  • Available now to purchase at Sam’s Club 

On sale $12.98 (save $3.00) till July 16th, 2017. Is your young athlete working to be the best? Check out how your athlete can become the next BODYARMOR athlete.

























Tips to Stay Hydrated this Summer


Tip #2

  • Another yummy way to stay hydrated is with YOGURT ICE CUBES. Pop them in your ice chest for a quick on the go snack while you're sitting on the sidelines. You'll be the most popular mom on the bleachers when the athletes taste this healthy hydrating snack.

healthy hydrating snack yogurt ice cubes how to make
Hydrate with yogurt ice cubes.

Tip #3

  • You need to stay cool to stay hydrated. So, even if you're drinking hydrating sports drink and eating yogurt ice cubes, the best tip is to cool off, drink lots of water, and rest in the shade. The United States Department of Labor suggests water, rest, and shade to stay hydrated in summer heat.




GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a BODYARMOR cooler and a Sam’s Club membership. To enter, hop over to our Kids Creative Chaos Instagram profile and comment on the BODYARMOR post. Contest ends Midnight EST July 12, 2017









Get Social with BODYARMOR

Facebook     
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#Switch2BODYARMOR #BringIt




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Happy Fourth of July Posters to Share

Share these Independence Day Posters

Whether you call it Fourth of July or Independence Day, we've got a square image poster for you to share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Share these Happy Fourth quote posters to celebrate with your friends. Enjoy!


Happy Fourth of July Posters to Share



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America celebrates Independence Day on July 4th! We're lazy and we'd rather wish you a Happy Fourth of July than a Happy Independence Day. America declared her Independence from Great Britain in 1776. So, toot your horn, raise your sparklers, and celebrate freedom!




Share these Independence Day Posters




What will you choose? Traditional red, white, and blue? Uncle Sam? Eagles? Firecrackers? Rockets bursting in air? The American Flag? All of these are symbols of America's most fun summer holiday! These fun image posters will wish your friends a happy fourth of July on your social media pages.


Fourth of July Image Poster to Share Social Media



We hope you have an awesome Independence Day with friends and family. Take it easy, you deserve a break. Happy Fourth of July, America!

Independence Day poster image to share Facebook




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Fun Patriotic Party Ideas and Activities

Red, White, and Blue Party Decor for Fourth of July


Red, white, and blue decorations make these fun patriotic party ideas and activities special! If you are looking for simple party decor for an indoor or outdoor party, these star spangled holiday decorations fit the bill. We found gorgeous Fourth of July bunting and more from Oriental Trading. Read on for ideas and activities for a patriotic theme party that works for birthdays, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Labor Day, or Independence Day celebrations and backyard barbecues. Enjoy!


Fun Patriotic Party Ideas and Activities


This post contains affiliate links and was sponsored by OTC.


Oriental Trading gave us our choice of products for review for this party post. The kids have summer birthdays just before and after the Fourth of July. American flag theme decor decorates our rustic country living and dining room, so these items are a welcome compliment to the decor. With the great prices at OTC, you will be ready to celebrate a party or backyard barbecue without breaking your budget.

Have the Best Patriotic Party with these Ideas from Oriental Trading


What says Independence Day more than red, white, and blue bunting? Okay, fireworks do, but the second best answer is definitely bunting. We found several kinds of bunting for decorating for a patriotic party. Below, the flag bunting is durable and outdoor friendly. Tie knots every few feet to give it and old-fashioned flair.


Outdoor red, white, and blue bunting for Fourth of July party decor.


Have the Best Patriotic Party with these Ideas
Hang bunting in a twisted swag for a simple outdoor holiday decoration.


Galvanized buckets make a festive flatware caddy.
Galvanized buckets make a festive flatware caddy.


Traditional Fourth of July bunting
Traditional Fourth of July bunting used as a window valance.



Rustic American flag burlap table runner.
Rustic American flag burlap table runner.

Americana dining room with red, white, and blue holiday party decorations.
Americana dining room with red, white, and blue holiday party decorations.



Celebrate Independence Day with Fun Activities like these:


Most Independence Day parties involve fun outdoor activities. We found patriotic inflatable pool noodles (perfect for pool jousting) and inflatable USA boxing gloves. Mayhem is ready to rumble.


Inflatables for fun Fourth of July party activities.
Inflatables for fun Fourth of July party activities.


Fun, inflatable boxing gloves from Oriental Trading.
Fun, inflatable boxing gloves from Oriental Trading.

No outdoor party is complete without a bounce house. You can purchase small ones for the backyard from OTC or go all out with a big bouncy castle like this one from Moonwalk Madness in Plainfield, Indiana.











Oriental Trading (affiliate)




Trip Ideas: Terre Haute Indiana 10 Things to Do

Field Trip or Vacation 10 Things to Do in Terre Haute


Planning a trip to Terre Haute, Indiana? Perhaps, you are or have a student attending Indiana State University, Rose Hulman, or Saint Mary of the Woods. Terre Haute is full of secret treasures for your field trip, one tank trip, or vacation to Terre Haute, Indiana. We've compiled a list of 10 trip ideas and things to do while in Terre Haute. Enjoy!


Trip Ideas: Terre Haute Indiana Things to Do

This post contains affiliate links.

Here's a list of Trip Ideas Terre Haute


Clabber Girl Baking Company Museum and Bake Shop
This is a great place for a sandwich and a cup of coffee. The museum is free and tours are self-guided. The Hulman Company owned the Clabber Girl Baking Company. You may be familiar with the Hulman name, they own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They are also the Hulman name behind Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.




Clabber Girl  Baking Company Cafe, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Clabber Girl  Baking Company Cafe, Terre Haute, Indiana.


Fun photo op at Clabber Girl Museum.

Coffee Bean car in the cafe.


When you sit in the second dining room, you'll see this car decorated with coffee beans. You can also watch coffee grinders at work. The seating areas are full of memorabilia- like a mini-museum.


Clabber Girl Museum, Saloon. 



Smith Labyrinth
The Smith Labyrinth is located in Hawthorn Park. It's a floor plan of an actual labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France. This one is surrounded by a wildflower garden and hiking trails. Jake walked the labyrinth while we sat in a swing and watched. 






Be sure to check the time on the sun dial.



Candles Holocaust Museum
Candles Holocaust Museum was founded by Eva Kors, a Holocaust survivor. This is a very small museum tucked away in the heart of Terre Haute. At first glance, it doesn't seem like much but it is full of history! Eva was recently the Grand Marshal of the Indianapolis 500 parade.



Eva Kor's Candles Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute.
Eva Kor's Candles Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute.


During the Holocaust, twins were used in cruel experiments. Eva had a twin sister. The focus of the museum is Eva's experience as an Eugenics Twin. This would make an excellent topic for a homeschool research paper.



Eugenic twins, Eva and Miriam Mozes.
Eugenic twins, Eva and Miriam Mozes.


Eva and other holocaust survivors worked with Steven Spielberg to record their story. These stories were filmed at different angles with state of the art technology. This process allows you to talk to a holocaust survivor. You can ask them a question and the computer generated image will answer it as if you were sitting together.


Talk with a Holocaust survivor hologram.
Talk with a Holocaust survivor hologram.

Eva Kors on set, filming her oral history story.

More Field Trip Ideas and Things to do in Terre Haute
Swope Art Museum
See an original Edward Hopper or Grant Wood painting at Swope Art Museum. The museum is also downtown Terre Haute.


Indiana State University
ISU is located in downtown Terre Haute. Stop by to get a picture with their most famous Alumnus, Larry Bird. Click for a virtual tour of Indiana State University.






Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Visit the beautiful campus just outside the city limits.

Dobbs Park Nature Center
Learn about Indiana wildlife, and check them out in the wildlife viewing center. There's also a Native American Museum here.

Clark-Lansdbaum Holly Arboretum in Deming Park
When you visit the 177 acre Deming Park, you'll find awesome playgrounds, an Arboretum, a golf-course, and tennis and basketball courts.

Terre Haute Children's Museum
This children's museum is full of interactive exhibits about science and technology.

500 Museum of Wheels
This car museum is located in an old auto parts store in the heart of downtown Terre Haute. Thirty-five cars and other race memorabilia are on display.




Field Trip or Vacation Things to Do in Terre Haute
Field Trip or Vacation Things to Do in Terre Haute.


Recycle Wax Candle Science Fair: Babybel Wrappers

Science Fair Project: Make Candles from Recycled Wax

Need an idea for a school science experiment worthy of the Science Fair? This recycled wax project makes a cool 4H project too. If you like to tinker and experiment with different ways of doing the same old thing, recycle wax from Babybel Cheese wrappers into candles! Just imagine- the power goes out and you've got plenty of cheese, but no candles. No worries. We've got you covered. You can make candles from scratch at home. Enjoy!



Recycle Wax Candle Science Fair: Babybel Wrappers Experiment


This post contains affiliate links.


Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe

Sugar Free Smoothie Recipe: Salted Strawberry Banana

Are you a fan of the Salted Caramel Recipe Trend? Why should Caramel get all of the love? Sea Salt your smoothies for a delicious dish! This Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe is sugar free and gluten free. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a low cal dessert. Enjoy!


Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe
Salted Strawberry Smoothie with Banana Recipe.


This post contains affiliate links.

Tater Tot Nachos Recipe Parmesan Tatchos

Parmesan Tatchos Recipe = Tater Tot Nachos


Tatchos are trending. What are they? Tater tots dressed up like nachos. And, most important, they are really yummy. So, why not try an Italian spin on the Tater Tot Nachos theme with this Tatchos Parmesan Recipe, made from sweet potato tater tots. This Tater Tot Nachos Recipe is super easy. Enjoy!


Tater Tot Nachos Recipe Parmesan Tatchos
Tater Tot Nachos Recipe Parmesan Tatchos.

Teenage Birthday Party Ideas Indianapolis: Tweens Too!

Birthday Party Ideas  for Teens in Indy


Planning a unique birthday party for a tween (soon to be teen) or teenager is difficult. When they're younger, there are so many options- plus they don't even remember most of them! By the time they become teenagers, you're running on empty. Here's a list of Teenage Birthday Party Ideas in Indianapolis, your tween will love them too. Enjoy!

Teenage Birthday Party Ideas Indianapolis: Tweens Too!


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YA Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter Six

Moon Magic Chapter Six: Online Fiction for Teens


Teen Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter Six. Haven't been following along? Start here: Moon Magic starts here. In Chapter Five, Aurora got some bad news. What happens next? Enjoy!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Get the Published YA Novel, Allegedly Mystic.


YA Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter Six


This post contains affiliate links.




Moon Magic: Unfulfilled Wishes


By Lora Langston

_____________________________________________________

The material is not in the public domain. It is copyrighted. Do not share it on other sites or reproduce in any way. 
           __________________________________________________


Copyright 2017

Moon Magic: Chapter Six



Pain meds have a way of making the mundane insane. Aurora’s days in the hospital had melded together into one blurred, boring vision. She had been confined to a bed for four weeks, but time stood still.

Television was constantly blaring in the background, but she didn’t pay it any attention. The t.v. was just another fixture in the room- a companion of sorts. The only thing Aurora was able to accomplish was sleep. Even food wasn’t important. The meds gave it all a metallic taste.

When she was finally able to get out of bed, Aurora stayed at her mother’s bed-side flipping through Herbal Remedy Magazine. All the while, she was really trying to make telepathic contact. She didn’t want any of the doctors or nurses to catch on to her psychic experiment. If only some inherent natural instinct would surface. She tried everything that she’d seen in the movies.

Nothing worked.

During these visits, Aurora kept her constant companion tuned to Entertainment Today. Serenity liked to refer to it as, ‘watching the news,’ which had always made Aurora laugh. Serenity knew who was dating who in Hollywood, as well as, what herbs would enrich their lives. It seemed out of character, but, watching and learning about the rich and famous had always given Serenity a sense of hope.

Everyday, after-school, Todd popped in to the hospital for a quick visit. Todd. Aurora wasn’t a fan. He wasn’t just her mother’s current significant other. Nope. Nothing is ever as simple as that. Todd was also Aurora's teacher. Sophomore History. He had tried to comfort Aurora, but she refused to befriend him... again.

*    *     *

Thanksgiving was a bust. Lucas’s Mother had saved the holiday by bringing in homemade, Caramel Apple Crisp. The aroma had reminded Aurora of helping her Grandmother in the kitchen. Happy times. Wondering if her father had similar experiences, Aurora tried to re-imagine the memory with her father in the picture, but she always drew a blank. No amount of cinnamon and caramel could make him magically reappear.

Dec. 2
Thanksgiving came and went. I described the hospital’s savory turkey and gravy tray to my mother- she’s a captive audience. More like, a captured prisoner. Thankfully, Lucas’s mom, brought dessert.

*        *        *

At sixteen, it’s got to be a parental crime to make your kid ride the bus. Isn’t their some kind of law against cruelty to teenagers? But, Aurora had to grin and bear it, otherwise the truancy officer would be up her butt. The whirr of the fat rumbling tires and the rhythmic bumping of the green pleather seat against the window, lulled Aurora to sleep. ‘Joe,’ the bus-driver, liked to make chit-chat. Sleeping all the way home was a convenient way to get out of conversing.

“Blarp!” The bus horn sounded like a cow in labor. No chance of sleeping through that.

“Hey Lightning, wake up, it’ your stop.” shouted Joe.

Grumbling, Aurora tossed her book bag over her right shoulder. Her left arm wore a navy-blue sling to remind her not to use it. It also served as a reminder to everyone else of what had happened on Halloween.

“It’s true, eh, you really the kid that got struck by lightning?” asked Joe. You’d think he was talking to a celebrity.

Aurora wiggled her sling around to show him. “Yep, that’s me; the walking miracle.”

“Well, good luck at school today, I sure hope your mother gets well soon.” chimed Joe.

Nothing better than free advertising. Aurora was a walking pity party. Maybe Scary Girl would be touched too. With that thought, Aurora skipped off the bus anxious to walk the halls and try out her new social status. From invisible to enigma- this might get interesting. Hopefully, Todd would honor her wishes and pretend like he didn’t know her outside of class.

Dec. 5
School... I couldn’t have been more wrong. Well, I sure wasn’t invisible. People saw me. They pointed, whispered, and stared. Some of them even trashed me to my face, “Look at the freak!” or “That’s what you get for playing witch in the woods on Halloween.” and  “Hope you got the hint, skank.”

Oddly, Scary Girl never came near me. I overheard some kids on the bus saying she wasn’t going to mess with that voodoo witch. Whatever. I hate school!

And.. Somehow, everyone knows Mr. Lowder is dating my mother! I’ll be sleeping in the bathtub tonight.

*     *     *

After a week of battling the bus and the halls at school, Joanie a.k.a. Ruby Red, helped Aurora withdraw from school. Lucas’s mother had offered up homeschooling. At sixteen, Aurora could legally quit anyway, but Red had encouraged her to continue.


It wasn’t new. Aurora had been homeschooled until the third grade. She and Serenity were always running from one thing or another. To be fair, Serenity would say they were chasing dreams. They never stayed in one place long enough to settle down and register for public school. Aurora never caught sight of any dreams.

Red had become an excellent surrogate Mother. Aurora had confessed her troubles at school and Red decided they could kill two birds with one stone. This way, she could remain at her mother’s bedside during the day and avoid the ripping from relentless teenagers.

“I think this will be easier on you,” encouraged Joanie.

“Are you kidding? I was hoping Ralinda would take my tray up for me.” Aurora winced, “You just want me to become a full-blown recluse! Don’t you think I’m eccentric enough already? I was struck by lightning and survived; do you know  how cool that is?” she shouted.

Joanie grabbed her clipboard and stuck a pencil behind her ear. “I do, Shoog. I’m just not certain that you do.”



You might like, Young Adult Fiction.










Best Homeschool Organization Tips

Homeschool Families Get Organized Tips


Homeschooling! Whether you are just starting out, or you've been at it for awhile, you know the importance of getting your homeschool family organized. You've got curriculum to store, ideas to keep track of, assignments, art work, transcripts, oh my! What's a busy homeschool parent to do? Kids, you need to stay organized too! We've scoured the web and our favorite homeschool blogs to find the best homeschool organization tips. Enjoy!


Best Homeschool Organization Tips


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