Everyone loves cookies, right? To show your love on Valentine's Day, make an edible giant heart-shaped cookie pie with this super easy, delicious Valentine's Recipe. It's a cookie, its a pie, it's a new twist on a festive Valentine's Day dessert with only 3 ingredients. Enjoy!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lipton. The opinions and text are all mine.
Refreshing iced tea is the perfect accompaniment to a meaningful mealtime with family and friends. Bring your family together to make a fun meal and take a break from the hustle and bustle the holidays. Slow down, and laugh together over a bottle of Lipton Peach Tea Flavored Iced Tea and these ravioli recipes with a creative twist. Enjoy!
This HomemadeReese Cup DessertCupcake Recipe combines chocolate and peanut butter in a fun new way. A chocolate cake cupcake contains a hidden surprise of a mini Reese's cup. In this Reese Cup Recipe, peanut butter buttercream and chopped Reese cups top the cupcakes. You can make them from scratch or use a box cake mix. Enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links for you convenience.*
If you're planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you want tips and tricks to make your trip less hectic and less expensive. We've got some simple Disney tips and tricks that will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Disney World! Enjoy!
As a member of the media, I received two media passes from Walt Disney World.*
Disney Tips and Tricks.
I wanted to take pictures of, It's a Small World, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean, but I forgot. Thank goodness! Instead, I got to enjoy the rides! Good news, YouTube is here for you! I'm sharing some of the best Disney World and Epcot rides through the eyes of popular YouTubers.
Important Notes:
Everyone gets FastPasses with their regular admission ticket.
Disney Dining Passes are only for guests staying in the hotels.
Tip #1
First tip... go to Epcot first. In the morning, everyone is rushing to the Magic Kingdom. Rush to Epcot. The lines will be shorter in the morning. The longest line we waited in was the security line to get into the park. We drove the car and parked it in the front lot, near the bus stop, just a short hop to the restrooms and then to Spaceship Earth!
Tip #2 This way, you can take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and make a grand entrance while enjoying the view.
Tip #3 If you have a complaint, be sure to let guest services know asap. They'll solve it- they want to make sure everyone is smiling, because it is the happiest place on Earth! My youngest was over waiting in the security line when we headed to guest services to pick up some passes. She was frowning! The rep asked her name, and then gave her a pass to go to the front of any line of her choice. That made her smile. Happy, happy, happy!
Tip #4
Split, then split it! If you have picky eaters, maybe don't plan on eating at Epcot. There's tons of food choices - too many. But, the kids were starving and we couldn't agree on one. We finally decided to splurge on French Food- the priciest food in the park. I was running out of money fast, and with my food allergies, and the picky eaters, I wasn't sure what to order. We split a chicken dinner. It was more than enough for the two of us. Chicken, veggies, bread, and dessert. The littlest one had a kid's meal.
What's great about this? Everyone is French! The chef came to assure me, I'd be okay. He was obviously very busy. It makes me uncomfortable when they do this... You can tell you are interrupting their work. I wasn't assured that I'd be okay, however, because he didn't stick around long enough to talk -- make sure you know your food allergies and steer clear. Mine are impossible to avoid, so I chuckled when he said, "You'll be fine." We could only hope.
We didn't visit the dome this time. I've been there before. There was a very long line, and I knew we'd visit Space Mountain which is a similar dome-y experience. If you want to do it, use your FastPass here. FastPass Tips from Mousehints.
Tip #5 While you are in Epcot, don't miss the Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions. From the outside, it looks like a boring building, but it is a great place to cool off and relax. There is a lot for young children to do. My tweens loved designing their own ride in 4D. They wanted to immediately do it again, but it was our first ride and there was so much more to experience.
You'll get a card to visit Raytheon online.
Tip #6 When I visited Epcot as a teenager, Figment was my favorite part. Mostly, I think it was because he was a purple dinosaur with a rainbow. I don't know. It was an interesting experience.
I say, if you are short on time, skip this one. Unless, you love smell-o-vision. There are skunk and other smells pumped into the air for your enjoyment. When the ride is over, there is a fun, interactive, hands-on section for kids. We also liked that it was an air-conditioned wait in line.
Lots of Disney Movie "professors" and their experiments here.
Weebo.
While in Epcot, we also visted The Seas area and the Finding Nemo ride. If you have plenty of time, do it. The Seas have a nice ocean exhibit that includes rescued Manatees. If you are short on time, skip it. The line was long, and the ride was less than spectacular.
Tip #7
Remember that happy pass my daughter got for frowning? We used it at the Chevrolet Test Track. This was our favorite ride in Epcot. There's a little surprise at the end. We all wanted this ride to keep going. So much fun! Use your FASTPASS here!!!
When the ride ended, we spent an hour enjoying the interactive exhibit areas.
There is so much to see and do in Epcot! It was pouring down the rain, and a terrible storm was on the way, so we hurried through Epcot to have more time in the Magic Kingdom. You really do need a day or more to see everything in each park.
Since a storm was brewing, we didn't take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Instead, we drove the car back to the hotel to take cover. Don't worry, Disney doesn't let a silly little storm spoil the fun. Everything keeps going... rain and all!
We rested longer than we'd planned. Because beds. Because Disney Television. Because free wifi. Because vacation!
Then, we walked out to the main entry of Disney's Pop Century Resort and took a WDW bus to the Magic Kingdom.
Tip #8 Don't take a bus in the rain. People aren't happy on the bus. There are long lines. You might end up standing the twenty minute drive to whatever park you choose to visit next. The bus drives a little faster than you might expect. Park in one of the parks and leave the car for the day. Take the monorail between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Parking was $20. You decide if that is too pricey. I think it was worth it.
I couldn't help worrying that everyone with a backpack was a terrorist. I've seen too many CSI's and Criminal Minds. There is no security check to get on the buses. Bus was my least favorite. So much so, that while riding the bus, I remembered I had ridden before and hated it then too. Apparently, I had blocked it.
Also, I just have to mention this, but I am hyperprotective. When we left the Magic Kingdom it was late. Some teenage girls were chatting up the bus attendants. I caught the older bus attendants (old men) making inappropriate remarks and letting their eyes wander.
Then, they caught my eye. Oops! Yep, remind your kids that, though it is WDW, you still have to remember about stranger danger. Seems like they just wanted to look and not touch...
Oh, that's not very happy. Just remember, we have to be aware of our surroundings and if we see something, say something.
On to the happiest place on Earth. There is nothing like the Magic Kingdom, even in the rain. Some things are better in the rain, because lots of people melt in the rain and go home.
What will you do first? It is so hard to decide!
Tip #9 Head to the furthest point in the park first and work your way back. Review the FastPass Tips above for the best rides to use with your FastPass. We planned to use it on It's a Small World, but we didn't need to and then somehow we lost our last FastPass option when we tried to delete it at the last minute.
Use it for Peter Pan! The lines are always long. Waiting until the last minute didn't help.
Sure, some things are outdated but still have charm. Other things are so cool, you don't want to miss out!
Laugh Floor
Are youa Monster's Inc. fan? Don't miss the Laugh Floor! The line wasn't too unbearable. Once inside, you'll sit in a comfy seat and enjoy an innovative show. The technology is super cool.
Stitch's Great Escape
More Smell-o-Vision here. Cute. Shorter lines and it is a very unexpected experience.
People Mover
I love the People Mover. No stairs, no escalators- just moving ramps to a sit down ride. This is a low key ride that gives you a great view of Tomorrowland. You even get a sneak peek at Space Mountain.
Tip #10
Here's a BIG TIP! While everyone else is watching the fireworks, catch as many rides as you can! We rode Pirates, Flying Carpets, and Jungle Cruise with no waiting!
Cinderella's Castle in the rain, just before the fireworks.
I'm not a big fan of Splash Mountain. It is similar to water roller coasters at other parks. To me, the line isn't worth it. If you want to ride it, be sure to use your FastPass. I think it is a glorified log ride.
Tip #12
Don't miss Space Mountain. I'm certain, if this were an outdoor roller coaster, seen in the light of day, that I would NEVER ride it! Thank goodness everything is in the dark. It feels rickety. That's part of the charm.
The first time I rode it at sixteen years old, I held my breath and kept my eyes shut. The next time I rode it, I kept my eyes shut for just a second. This time, my nine-year-old kept her eyes shut the whole time. I think she held her breath too. She says she will never ride it again. I said that too.
It is pretty terrifying and pretty awesome. I didn't want my eleven-year-old son to miss out. I didn't want him to ride by himself... Confession, I really didn't want to ride it again. Ever. Funny, how much better it is when you keep your eyes open and breathe!
You can do it! It only lasts a few seconds, and you will never forget it! They've changed the line experience too. Though it is long, there is a lot to do along the way. There's not a better way to end your Disney experience.
So long, Magic Kingdom. We only had one day to explore. Don't worry, we'll be back for more.
Tip #13
It is expensive, but heed all warnings that you need more time. Four days should do it. Take advanatage of those multiple day passes. This year, we didn't make it to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. There are awesome things to see at both places. Toy Story, Cars, and now, Star Wars, await you at the Studios.
On the way out, don't miss the Mickey Mouse confections at the Main Street Bakery. If you've spent all your money, at least pop in to take a gander.
We stopped on Mainstreet to watch the parade. Again, more than enough to share at Casey's Corner. We spent about $9 on a combo meal that was more than enough food for two. They even shared with me!
Everywhere you go, there are friendly ducks! They want food. Don't feed them. How will they fly? Bread is bad for ducks.
Resting in the rain, sharing mini corndogs and fries from Casey's Corner.
The Parade
Last photo op on Mainstreet.
Tip #14
Single parent with kids of the opposite sex? Send the kid's into the restrooms while you wait outside and listen or pop in as needed. Then, when they return, have them sit together near the entrance. There's safety in numbers.
The Pop Century Hotel is just as fun as the park... almost.
Yes, you can have a cupcake for breakfast!
The food is really good. Whenever they can, they make Mickey ears. It was expensive, but get a kid's meal with fruit and some ala carte items. There are lots of ways to be frugal.
Fun aracade inside the hotel lobby.
Cool interactive games.
Get your rock star on.
So, you saw the awesome pool pics above. We were too tired to swim. The rooms were small, but nice. The Mickey details are awesome! There is even a safe inside the room. We had a fridge but no microwave, that seemed weird. Read more about the room here: Universal vs. Disney.
Have a Happy Disney Trip!
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! :)
Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from layers of phyllo dough and chopped nuts. It's a lot of work and can be quite costly, depending on the type of nuts chosen. This easy mock Baklava recipe allows you to make a baklava-inspired dessert more easily using inexpensive ingredients. If peanut allergies prohibit the use of peanut butter, other nut butters can be substituted. Enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*
1. Bake biscuits at 350 degrees F until no longer doughy but not golden brown. If the tops get hard, you can just discard the top layer later. Allow the biscuits to cool. Leave the oven hot.
2. While the biscuits are baking, start to prepare the syrup:
a. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
b. Turn the stove to medium. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
c. Continue to heat with occasional stirring until the syrup reaches 225 degrees F, or until the syrup thickens.
d. Remove the syrup from the heat.
3. Prepare the filling:
a. Melt the butter in a small bowl in a microwave at low power.
b. Stir in the peanut butter, cinnamon, and extra peanuts, if desired.
4. Prepare the baklava:
a. Lightly grease a small baking dish. I used a 6" x 6" square dish.
b. Peel about half of the biscuits into layers. Cut them in half if using a square dish.
c. Put a layer of biscuits in the bottom of the pan. Be sure to fill up the edges of the pan so the syrup doesn't pool at the edges later.
d. Spread a thin layer of filling on top of the biscuits.
e. Continue to alternate biscuit layers and filling until the filling is consumed, layering more biscuits if needed. End with a layer of biscuits. I did not use the whole container.
f. Pour the syrup on the baklava.
5. Bake in 350 degrees F oven for 10 minutes.
6. Allow the baklava to cool completely. ut the baklava into desired shapes.
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! :)
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias. Inc. and its advertisers. All opinions are mine alone. #GameDayGlory #CollectiveBias
Are you having guests for the Big Game? We've got recipes that will be a touch down. These TOSTITOS® Scoops Appetizer Recipes are the perfect food for a big party. Get everything in party size so there is plenty to go around. We came up with some delicious baked appetizer recipes that use some of your favorites- SNICKERS® and TOSTITOS® Scoops. Enjoy!
Supreme Baked TOSTITOS® Scoops recipe for a big game party.
SNICKERS® Scoop Mini Pies.
Don't miss out on the Game Day Glory sweepstakes! Are you a super fan? Do you deck the table out with a Snack Stadium?
We'd love to see it on Instagram, be sure to share it with us with #gamedayglorysweepstakes and enter to win a $100 Walmart gift card or an Xbox One!
You can vote for yourself or your favorite Snack Stadium by clicking the Game Day Glory link at the bottom of this post.
Walmart is just a skip away, so we always pop in to make some purchases before a big party.
The Big Game requires lots of goodies, so we filled the cart with Pepsi™, SNICKERS®, TOSTITOS®, and Skittles® and then went home to create theawesome recipes below.
Supreme Baked TOSTITOS® Scoops Recipe
First down, you need to gather supplies.
1 Avocado
1/2 C. TOSTITOS® Chunky Salsa (Medium)
1/2 Bar Cream Cheese
1/2 C. Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Cheese
1 Bell Pepper, Chopped (Optional)
Grab your favorite Pepsi™ to drink, while you cook!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. No need to spray pan. Then, place 24 TOSTITOS® Scoops on baking tray (we used a mini cupcake pan).
Peel avocado and remove the pit.
No need to chop it up, place it in a bowl and mash it with a spoon.
Slice the Cream Cheese bar in half. Add to avocado mixture.
Mash avocado and cream cheese together.
Mix together. If mixing is difficult, mash together with a fork.
Add in 1/2 C. TOSTITOS® Chunky Salsa.
Now, you have cream cheese avocado dip. Taste it, it's delicious!
With a large spoon, spoon dip into scoops- filling to the top. Then, sprinkle with shredded cheese. Try one, they're even better than the dip by itself! Mmm... so good; wash it down with a Pepsi™.
Place in preheated oven for 5 minutes or less. Depending on your oven, these only need to bake until the cheese melts. So, watch them closely. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped pepper, and serve immediately.
Touch Down! This is what your Game Day Scoops look like when served with peppers sprinkled on top.
Baked TOSTITOS® Scoops cheesy avocado appetizer.
Every salty savory needs a companion. So, make SNICKERS®
Scoop Mini Pies for dessert.
Get the SNICKERS® variety pack.
To Make SNICKERS® Scoop Mini Pies Recipe
35 oz. Variety bag of SNICKERS®
1/2 Bar of Cream Cheese
24 TOSTITOS® Scoops
Whipped Topping
Skittles® (Optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
SNICKERS® Scoop Mini Pies.
Chop the SNICKERS® into 3-4 small slices.
Tear off a pinch of cream cheese, and place it into each Scoop.
Then, add 1 slice of SNICKERS® into each scoop.
Place in preheated oven for 5-8 minutes- just until melted. Remove from oven, and smash the candy and cream cheese together. Let cool slightly and then add a dollop of whipped cream. To dress them up, place 1 Skittles® on top.
Don't forget to taste just one before serving, you deserve it!
Serve the Scoops to your party guests. Make it a rule: whenever your team gets a touch down, you get to eat a SNICKERS® Scoop Mini Pie and Skittles® . Mmm... perfect with Pepsi™.
Now, it's your turn to play- what is your favorite appetizer for Game Day? Share it in the comments. Don't forget to enter the Game Day Glory Sweepstakes below.
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! :)
Cardboard Toilet Tubes turned Holiday Hats How many rolls of toilet paper do you go though each month? We've got to recycle that ca...
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