July Calendar of Special Days and Holidays for Curriculum Planning

Plan lots of Fun Activities with this July Calendar of Special Days and Holidays 2016

Don't let summer break get boring. Change it up by celebrating each and every special day. Did you know July is the National month for Blueberries, Hot Dogs, and Ice Cream? It is also National Anti-Boredom Month. Who could get bored in July? Idk, it gets pretty hot here in Indiana. So, a lot of kids probably stay inside and play video games  Minecraft. Check back here each year for an updated version of our free printable July calendar of special days and holidays. Enjoy!

Plan lots of Fun Activities with this July Calendar of Special Days and Holidays 2016.

July calendar of special days and holidays free editable, downloadable printable

Free printable July Calendar for Classroom.

This 2016 July calendar of holidays is a Google Doc. Print it out as is or make changes as you see fit. Each year, we edit the calendar to make sure the dates are accurate. Some holiday dates change each year.


July Holidays

1 International Joke Day. Whether you say Ha-ha, lol, or lolz, tell a joke to get a belly laugh out of a friend today.

1 CANADA Day. Here are some activities for Canada Day. I also rounded up some posts from the Kid Blogger Network. Oh my, my favorite, is this post on Canadian Peg Dolls. 

Canadian Mounted Police Peg Dolls from Clothespins by East Coast Mommy.

• Canada Activities
• Canada Crafts and Activities Round Up
• Fun Facts about Canada
• Snacks and Desserts for Canada Day
• Top 10 Reasons to Love Canada

2 World UFO Day. Roswell July 2, 1947. No aliens here, perhaps these futuristic activities for kids will help you celebrate.

3 Compliment your Mirror Day. I don't know about this day. Shouldn't this be everyday? Anyway, maybe let the kiddos choose what they want to wear today- no matter what it is? You can do it, Mom. Build self-esteem with self-expression.

4 Independence Day. Here are some Firework Safety Tips and Fourth of July Activities from Pinterest.

6 National Fried Chicken Day.  

10 Teddy Bear Picnic Day. Celebrate today with teddy bear activities. Maybe your teddy bear would like a purse or a hat or a cookie?

14 Bastille Day (French National Day).  What is Bastille Day? I got nothin' except this post on how to make French Toast. So, eat some while you read up on this French holiday.

15 Cow Appreciation Day! From our friends at Chick-Fil-A. How about celebrating with a cow coloring sheet?

20 National Ice Cream Day (Third Sunday) Ice cream is awesome on a hot July day, even better, Ice Cream Snowmen.

23 National Hot Dog Day. Only in America, right? Angie has a yummy recipe for Chicago-style Hot Dog Pizza Bites.

24 Ameila Earhart Day. So... I've got a groundhog flying an airplane coloring page. It can be your catalyst for a discussion on the history of Ameila Earhart.

24 Cousins Day. I've got some cousins, but not here on the blog. How can you celebrate? Tell them, "Happy Cousins Day" on Facebook. Wait. I am so virtual. Meet a cousin for lunch today! (That's better.)

30 National Cheesecake Day. Hooray for Cheesecake! 



Recommended Reading:

July and August Monthly Idea Book from Scholastic*

Happy Fourth of July Coloring Book: For Kid's Ages 4 to 9 Years Old*














ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Why I Choose to Homeschool: Homeschooling with Online Classes through Connections Academy (INCA)

Why Homeschool? Should You Homeschool? 

Have you been considering homeschooling? Should you homeschool? Is homeschooling bad or good? Why homeschool? Have you considered free online public school? It's completely free and totally easy! We struggled with the decision whether or not to homeschool. Then, I saw a commercial on television for Connections Academy, so we did that for awhile and then we used what we learned to do homeschool on our own. Enjoy!

With Online Homeschool, there is plenty of time for field trips and extracurricular learning.
We visited an orchard and picked beautiful blue plums off the tree.

Why did I choose to homeschool?  

Why homeschool? There are so many things about public brick and mortar school I detest and dread. I hated the mean-spirited shaming I witnessed from one avid church-goer when my son mentioned he didn't really go/like to go church. It's true, he went sometimes, but I left him home with Daddy a lot (Daddy retired from church). This strikes me as ironic, because stereotypically many people believe "church people" or "religious extremists" homeschool. 

I go to church when the whim strikes me. I'm a bleeding heart, stuck somewhere between hippies and devout Christians. I guess, the remark hurt my feelings too.

I hated the complaints from my daughter of how much she hated recess. "There is nothing to do, no one to play with, and the teachers won't let me sit on the blacktop" Ah... memories. In early elementary, I walked around the edge of the blacktop waiting for the teacher to blow the whistle.

I hated picking my son up nearly every other day after lunch, because he had something with milk or dairy in it. I even had a note from the doctor, apparently, state law requires milk must be placed on EVERY child's tray! I sent in alternative beverages, but "Mommy, I just took a little sip of chocolate milk!" 

He'd have an asthmatic reaction, go to the nurse for his inhaler, and then... And then... poor nurse. Let's just say, it came out both ends.

Number one, the school bus! I hated leaving the safety of my kids to another person- someone I didn't know, no seatbelts on the bus, bullies on the bus, other dangerous drivers, etc. Just pulling into our neighborhood was a deathtrap. Waiting for the bus with the middle schoolers outside was too traumatic for Mommy. Well, it didn't seem right to me; my kids were just newly 5 when they started school.

They begged to ride the bus. I let my son ride a few times. The neighbor child had some problems. He was sort of a bully, but he was also bullied by the older kids. The nice, old man bus driver had him sit up front with my little one. My son came home with lots of amazing new life lessons. 

Then, the kid started causing trouble. The bus driver would pull over and wait it out. So, the bus was often late. No, thank you, we started driving the kids to school permanently once my daughter hit all-day kindergarten. She's a handful. I can't imagine she'd stay in her seat without a seatbelt. I didn't think the sweet, old man needed the added stress. 

I'd pick the kids up from school, have an after-school snack, try to squeeze in a little outdoor playtime, then it was time to make supper, get baths, do homework, and go to bed. 

Impossible.

I hated the homework! We'd be up late finishing projects for first and second grade! 

My son is gifted. We looked forward to a special program at the school, but it didn't start until third grade. In the meantime, he was placed in a class with high ability learners. Even so, the teacher felt there were problems. He understood concepts in ways other second graders couldn't- which led to arguments and frustrations. Since, we were planning to move, the teacher wondered if online school might work for him. This way, he could work at his own pace. I wasn't sold on the idea until...

The second lockdown at school. That's right, second. I shrugged off the first one. The second one was for the same reason, a bank robber near the school grounds and shots fired. I tried to get in the car line to pick up the kids, but the road was blocked by police cars. I called  a friend, Angie, she arrived a few minutes prior to me. She was told to get out of her car and head to them gym for safety. 

Yep, I was a mess.  

BUT... I can't homeschool. I don't have the patience. I'm not disciplined enough. My kids need socialization. I don't want other people to think we're freaks. 

WHATEVER.

It's just not like that anymore. I CAN (of course I can). We actually had LESS busy bookwork than regular school. The kids had online live lessons with their teachers and classmates. The teachers checked in regularly with emails and phone calls. As a learning coach, I was a big part of my kids academic experience, but not the teacher. So, I didn't have to worry about making major mistakes.

Indiana Connections Academy, Free School Online!

We homeschooled through INCA or Indiana Connections Academy. The supplies are completely free! This includes all textbooks, science supplies, art supplies, and companion DVD's and CDRom's for the online classes.

They took required state standardized tests in an university classroom. There are school sponsored field trips and local group gatherings. We met up with a local group of homeschoolers outside of INCA for recreation or SOCIALIZATION.

Yep, next to giving birth... homeschooling is the best idea I've ever had. I have more time to spend with my kids, hone my novel writing skills, and work as a freelancer.  

In case you're wondering, my kids were offered the opportunity to attend regular school year. They both declined with a resounding, "No way!"

Now, that we are experienced homeschoolers, we go it alone! I create online lessons and share them here on the blog. The kids do math with Kahn Academy, and we supplement with Brainpop. We love homeschooling. 

We get up when we want, go to bed when we want, study what we want, and have the freedom to supplement with field trips whenever we want. We are members of several clubs for homeschoolers and meet up with our friends at least once per week.


Recommended Reading:


Homeschooling 101: A Guide to Getting Started.*

The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas*

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ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Preschool Sensory Play Activities: How it all got started!

Sensory Messy Play and Preschool Activities

We've had many great years teaching messy play and preschool classes for The Play Connection and hope the future will send even more blessings our way. Here are our top sensory and messy play preschool activities from 2013. What a blast from the past!

This post contains affiliate links.

Here is a listing of our top posts of 2013. Many offer great ideas for fun, preschool activities, clip art, and lots of fun for kids! Enjoy!

1. Christmas Eye Candy: Photos of Christmas Trees in Snow Clipart
2. Angie's Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe
3. New Year Preschool Party Ideas and Activities for Kids
4. Lots of Snowmen and Marshmallows Christmas Crafts and Activities for Kids
5. Fun for Kids with Phineas and Ferb Printables
6. Lots of photos of Bread Clipart
7. Cute Valentine Clipart and Free Printables for Kids Classroom Valentines
8. 9 New Year Activities for Kids with games for kids too
9. Marshmallows: Fun for kids SENSORY game great for preschoolers
10. The Tooth Fairy Sagas: Free Toothfairy clipart and true Mommy Drama
11. Activities for Kids: Make your own snow for Sensory play fun for kids
12. Birthday Party games for Kids and Moms on a budget
13. Our new Series Made the cut! Creative Country Sayings and Inspirational Quotes

Memories from 2008 - 2012.

Here's my favorite Homeschool Lesson from 2013.

Primary and Complementary Color Homeschool Art and Science Lesson.

Jake's Journey in Homeschool Art Lessons and Projects for Kids

(Pre K to Elementary)

There are many Homeschool Lessons in this series, so make sure you click the labels under each post. (Still Life, Water Coloring for Kids, Weaving, Self-Portrait activities, Building Models for Science, Christmas Gingerbread House how to diy, Color Theory Lessons, Primary Colors, and even some History  along the way - it's art to me how we've designed our lives throughout the years. I hope you will follow along on the journey.)

We published a Kitchen Kids Cookbook with mix and make recipes for kids. We helped fund raise for Santa's Elves of Indy, we started Homeschooling through INCA (Indiana Connections Academy,) and we moved to a house in the country. 

2013 holds many dreams as we look forward to gardening, raising chickens, goats, and hopefully bunnies and alpacas, get that YA novel published, and share a few of the many stage plays and skits for kids I've written over the years. Bring it! I am excited to get started :-) 

What does your future hold? Leave a comment and let us know.

Follow us on Pinterest (Kids Creative Chaos and Pin it! Online Scavenger Hunt for Pre school Curriculum) and Google +  Can't find us on Twitter? Check the right sidebar for a link we're @playconnection. 


Recommended Reading:

Fun with Messy Play: Ideas and Activities for Children with Special Needs

Play Out: How to develop your outside space for learning and play

Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps Recipe like P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang Cloned Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Angie's Recipes: Lettuce Wraps Recipe a great way for diabetics to save on carbs. These vegetarian lettuce wraps are made with tofu. Enjoy!

P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wrap Clone Recipe.

Okay, first I will let you know I found this "Clone" Recipe on-line after craving these for over a week. To give credit where credit is due, I found this on the website Food.com. I did change a few things after reading the reviews and looking at the ingredient list to find Oyster Sauce ( I chose to omit to make it actually a vegetarian dish). This was an easy dish to make and pass off to the family.

The family fell in love with the chicken version of the lettuce wraps when I introduced them to the restaurant and after making several dishes with tofu; the family fell in love with that too. So no one in my house was going to complain about this dish! Score one for mom. :-)

P.F. CHANG'S VEGETARIAN LETTUCE WRAPS 

(copycat recipe)

(4 servings; you can double recipe for 8)

Tip: When buying bamboo shoots, get the strips. This cuts down on prep time, all you have to do is dice them.

I've also included a sauce for adding to the individual wraps after cooking (just like in the restaurant!) I like my sauce spicy so you may want to experiment with the ingredients for a milder version.

FOR THE COOKING SAUCE:
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
2 tablespoon. water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoon cornstarch

FOR THE MARINADE:
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon dry sherry
2 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoon water

FOR THE TOFU MIXTURE:
1 cup baked tofu with 1 T Chinese Five Spice added before baking, diced
2 tablespoon peanut oil plus 1 Tbsp. sesame oil, mixed
1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
1 Tbsp. Chinese chili sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, minced
1/2 small or 1/4 large red onion, minced
1/2 can bamboo shoots, diced
1/2 can water chestnuts, diced
TO SERVE:
Cellophane noodles, prepared according to package directions
Iceberg or green leaf lettuce
Spicy Sauce (optional, recipe follows)

TO MAKE THE COOKING SAUCE:
Mix the cooking sauce in a bowl and set aside.

TO MAKE THE MARINADE:
In medium bowl, combine sherry, soy sauce, chili sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Mix well.

TO PREPARE THE TOFU:
Stir tofu into the marinade. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mixed oil and stir fry tofu for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Add the ginger, garlic and onion; stir-fry for about a minute.
Add bamboo shoots and water chestnuts; stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Return tofu to wok/skillet. Add cooking sauce and cook until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Combine  mint, cilantro and lemon juice to taste at the end to tofu mixture

TO SERVE:
Place prepared cellophane noodles onto a platter. Pour tofu mixture over them and serve with lettuce and Spicy Sauce.

SPICY SAUCE
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard (e.g., Coleman's)
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon Chinese chili sauce
In small dish, mix the dry mustard and water until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Recommended Reading:


Meatless: More Than 200 of the Very Best Vegetarian Recipes*

Kids Creative Chaos Recipes



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Counting Blessings on Mother's Day

Angie's Corner

A Wonderful Mother's Day

I managed to have a very blessed Mother's Day this year and I am very grateful.  Don't get me wrong, I have cherished all of the Mother's Days past but this one was special, by the end of the week I received good news on top of good news.

First call was for a potential job that I had initially interviewed for but didn't get but by a strange turn of events the position was open again. I find out more info at the end of this week. My second good news event was my husband, we will call B, won a drawing to get $5 off a frozen yogurt from  Orange Leaf (a new frozen yogurt business in our town) which can be a bit pricey for a family of four. Then came the flowers from my very special Mother-in-law and my daughter Chick-a-Bitty, a wonderful breakfast, and my two guys B and Bugs grilling dinner.

Wonderful flowers that were delivered

Book Review: My Big Bottom Blessing by Teasi Cannon

Angie's Corner                                               Book Review: Teasi (pronounced Tee See) Cannon has a master's degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty Theological Seminary and is a sought-after speaker who loves to help women remember who they are in Christ. "My Big Bottom Blessing" is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble in paperback or for your Kindle or Nook.

Book Review: My Big Bottom Blessing

My Big Bottom Blessing

How Hating My Body Led to Loving My Life

Published by Worthy Publishing~2012

I reviewed this book for Handlebar Marketing. Once I saw the title and what it was about I couldn't wait to read it. This was a very easy and thought provoking read. Ms. Cannon talks about her struggle with the self defeating thoughts she had dealing with her body image and weight while trying to live a Christian life.  It contaminated her everyday life because she chose to believe those thoughts. Then one day, while away at a Christian seminar with her husband, she was able to realize her actual true self worth and started fighting back at the self defeating thoughts, slowly diminishing them from her thought process.

While not everyone has to deal with weight issues, I feel a lot people have those same self defeating thoughts in their life about something; I know I do. This book asks the hard questions. At the end of each section is a questionnaire that gives you a process so you can start thinking more positively about yourself and start quieting those thoughts that can hold you back and contaminate your life. This will be a book I keep on hand for my daughter as she is reaching the age when she will start to compare herself to other girls and I want her to be able to accept what she looks like and how she is with a positive outlook instead of a negative one.

Futuristic Activities for Children: Kindergarten Field Trip to Outer Space

Take a Field Trip to Outer Space Futuristic Activities for Kids

From Angie's Corner: Field Trip to Challenger Learning Center to learn about Astronauts. This Futuristic Activity for Kids is perfect for a Homeschool Field Trip, it is located in Brownsburg, Indiana. Enjoy!

Futuristic Activity for Elementary Children: 
How Astronauts sit during take off of Shuttle.

I was lucky enough to be able to go along with Bug's Kindergarten class to the Challenger Learning Center (part of our school district) for their yearly field trip. At this very special place, they have different "missions" for the kids.  It is a very hands on place and the children get to learn and do scientific tasks just like real Astronauts. Each area of this place is geared to be age appropriate.  

Futuristic Architecture

On this day, each parent was given a station to man, to guide, and help out when needed while the children read and followed the instruction for the tasks they needed to complete.  I personally got to man the Magnetic station and the Magnifying Glass and Mirror stations. 

The children learned how two magnets can either attract each other or push away from each other. With Magnifying Glasses, they were able to see how to read tiny print and with Mirrors they were able to see how, if placed properly, the mirrors would show the other side of a half word or shape. 

This was a fabulous place to discover. Everyone that worked there was excited to have the children learn about not only space and science, but also teamwork.


Recommended Reading:

Space Stations: Base Camps to the Stars*

Personal Space Camp Activity and Idea Book*
















ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Losing my first tooth!

Losing a Tooth

What do you about the Tooth Fairy? How much money do you give? Is there a different amount for losing the first tooth? Angie shares her experience in this post about, Losing My First Tooth. Enjoy! 

If you want to read our Tooth fairy series, scroll to the bottom.

Finally lost my first tooth!

After a week's worth of trying, my Matt finally pulled his first tooth. Something he apparently felt he needed to do on his own, because he wouldn't let my husband or I try.  It had been loose for weeks and his adult tooth was already coming in behind it.  Just by chance, he got it out while we were at my parent's house for Easter Dinner with the family and his last day of Spring Break. So, it was able to go into his school journaling on Spring Break.

Proud moment.

The next day was the funniest though... after the Tooth Fairy came.  He was disappointed because rumor in Kindergarten is, you either get a two dollar bill or twenty (I want to meet this tooth fairy if that is the case) and all he got was one dollar. Then came this conversation with his sister.  

Matt:  "I wonder if mom and dad is the tooth fairy?"

Ally:  "No way! Trust me, I wake up anytime they come in my room and I don't hear anything when the tooth fairy comes." 

I heard this while eavesdropping from the other room. Panic quickly turned to relief and then a quiet, little laugh after he was quite happy with his older sister's response.  Now, he can't wait for another tooth to come out.

Recommended Reading:


 Tooth Fairy Series

Tale of The Tooth Fairy, Boy*

4M Tooth Fairy Keepsake Box*

Mock Baked Alaska Cake Recipe

Baked Alaska Recipe with Optional Fillings

How do you make Baked Alaska Cake? What is Baked Alaska? Try this Mock Baked Alaska Cake Recipe adapted from Pampered Chef. Enjoy!

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Mock Baked Alaska Cake Recipe with optional fillings.

How to Make Baked Alaska Cake 

• 1 package (18.25 oz) Devil's Food or Chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to make cake)

• 1 cup mini semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, divided

• 1 package (8 oz) Neufachtel Cheese or Cream Cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 container (16 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided.

Baked Alaska Recipe with Optional Fillings.

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 325° F. Grease and flour Classic Batter Bowl.

Prepare cake mix according to package directions; pour into batter bowl. Bake 1 hour, 10 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. 

Remove from oven to cooling rack; cool 15 minutes. Run spatula around outside of cake and gently turn out onto cooling rack, large end down.

Cool 3 hours. Using serrated bread knife, trim large end of cake to level. Place cake, large end down, onto cake plate. 

To slice cake into four equal layers, slice cake horizontally in half. Then, slice each half into two equal layers.

Chop 1/4 cup of the chocolate morsels using food chopper; set aside.  

Place remaining chocolate morsels in microwave, uncovered, on high 20-60 seconds or until melted and smooth, stirring after each 20-second interval. 

In clean Batter Bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth using stainless steel whisk. Add powdered sugar; whisk until smooth. 

Stir in melted chocolate; mix well. Fold 2 cups of the whipped topping and chopped chocolate into cream cheese mixture using spatula. 

Using spreader or butter knife, spread bottom layer of cake with about half of the filling, forming a 3/4-inch layer.

Repeat with remaining layers and filling, ending with the top layer of cake. Spread any remaining filling over outside of cake to create a smooth surface. 

Frost cake with remaining whipped topping.

*To form decorative peaks, press spreader into topping and pull away. Repeat over entire surface of cake. For easier slicing, refrigerate cake at least 30 minutes.  

To easily cut cake into servings, cut cake into eight wedges from top to bottom using utility knife. 

Carefully insert spatula horizontally into each wedge, dividing into two equal portions. 

Options for Filling:

Red Kool-Aid Strawberry Splash: Omit chocolate morsels. Add 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened strawberry drink mix powder to cream cheese mixture. Stir 1/4 cup chopped strawberries into cream cheese mixture. Proceed as recipe directs. Use strawberry flavored whip cream or regular with red food coloring.

Christmas Green Mint Splash: Omit 1/2 cup melted chocolate. Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and 3-4 drops green food coloring, if desired, to cream cheese mixture. Proceed as recipe directs.


Recommended:

Pampered Chef: Kids in the Kitchen

Baked Alaska Recipes

Angie's Recipes

Meet our Mommy Bloggers

Welcome to Kid's Creative Chaos, a resource for Classroom curriculum, Mommy ideas, and Fun activities. We post crafts, activities, recipes, and our musings on life. We post the mishaps, the fails, and the messes. No Fancy Nancy here. Think of it as a Test Kitchen for Kiddie Crafts, Home Chefs, and Mommy Chaos. We want our readers to say, 'Hey, I can do that!' or 'That looks fun!' or  'Do you have any advice?'
If you are an aspiring writer or a novelist chat with us here or on Facebook or Blog Frog or join our group Historical Fiction Books to interact with fellow writers.

Meet our Mommy Bloggers:

Lora Langston, Marketing Director at The Play Connection, Inc. and Owner of Kids Creative Chaos blog.

Contact info: lora@theplayconnection.com

In the real world, Lora teaches art, sensory play, and drama classes to kids age 18 months to 18 years old at area parks, schools, and special events. The kids present programs to retirement villages and schools. She also writes YA Fiction. And, of course, Lora loves to CREATE.   Lora is now a full-time freelance blogger and social media marketing manager! A lot can happen in a year :)

In another life, Lora studied Architecture and Theatre at Ball State University where she also did the (Tri Sigma) sorority thing. Currently, she is a SAHM with two elementary age children, one  two indoor cat (s), one cockatiel, one box turtle, a tank load of two fish, and two inherited outdoor cats. 

Our Turtle got blessed at Church.

Recently, her family purchased a new home (she plans to name it Redbud Ranch) taken right out of the movie "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase. Here, she will write from the window overlooking a Dogwood Tree, a row of Redbuds (her favorite tree), and a little pond full of fish while daydreaming of becoming an Andy Farmer-style, Martha Stewart. (Too young for the reference? Go watch the movie!) She also recommends the movie, "Stranger than Fiction", but only if you are a writing geek.

Angela Whitmire write recipes and Angie's Corner. She blogs about the active life of her outdoor and recreation loving family.

In the real world, Angie has two elementary age children, a couple of indoor cats, and keeps bunnies outdoors for 4H.

Tracey Thomas writes Tracey's Tempo. She blogs about her life with a large, blended-family, her passion for helping those in need through Santa's Elves of Indy, and fun activities for kids. Tracey has four children of her own and two step children.

In the real world, Tracey heads up Santa's Elves (a non-profit providing Christmas gifts to children in need), holds a Realtor's license, is an experienced photographer, and taxis her brood to sports and club activities.  http://www.santaselves.us/ In a past life, she headed up a Girl Scout Troop and ran an in-home Child-care. Tracey spends her spare time daydreaming of finding the time and resources for everything she needs to accomplish.

Life is crazy! Need some ideas to relax?  Grab a cup of coffee (okay, a soda) and stay awhile. We are always surfing for new crafty ideas that make life fun. And we love comments!  We'll check out your blog so be sure to leave a linky. Don't miss our updates be sure to subscribe to our posts on the right sidebar.


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Microwave Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Mircowave 

Angie's Corner: What could be better than a cake recipe you can microwave? Yes, please. This Strawberry Cheesecake CAKE recipe is microwavable. Enjoy!

Mircowavable Strawberry Cheeesecake Cake Recipe with garnish.

Microwave Strawberry Cheesecake 'Cake' Recipe.

Strawberry Cheesecake Microwave Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 strawberry cake mix (if you can't find strawberry- Pillsbury and Betty Crocker makes one you can use white, add red food color, (not much, like one drop) and add an extract tsp of strawberry extract.

The strawberry cake mix is prettier it has pink cake with red speckles, plus you're putting in the white chip is very pretty.

1 tsp. strawberry extract (only if you cannot find the strawberry cake mix)
½ cup white chocolate chips
1 (3 oz. box) cheesecake pudding mix
16 oz. sour cream
½ cup oil
3 eggs 

Garnish: whipped topping and fresh Strawberry Fans. 

• 1. Spray your Stoneware Fluted Pan or Deep Covered Baker lightly and dust with flour (works best with Baker's Joy).
• 2. Whisk eggs and pudding mix together in Classic Batter Bowl.
• 3. Add remaining ingredients, blending well with Mix N' Scraper.
• 4. Drop batter into Fluted pan and microwave on high 12-14 minutes. 
• 1. (Watch your cake after 10 minutes if you microwave runs hot.) Works best if your have a turntable in your microwave. If not, rotate every 4-5 minutes. 
• 5. Invert cakes immediately, but leave pan over the cake for 10 minutes. Cool. Garnish (Flour Sugar Shaker filled with powdered sugar, fresh strawberry fans made with your Egg Slicer Plus or Paring knife, fresh mints snipped with your Kitchen Shears) as desired.

How to Make Strawberry Fans:

To make the Strawberry fans gently slice a 3/4 of the way down and fan apart. Then with any leftover strawberries, put them in the Manual Food Processor and chop til desired sized and put in the center of cake, If using the fluted pan fill hole in center of cake first with leftover whipped topping before adding the strawberries. 

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