Showing posts sorted by date for query nature. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query nature. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query nature. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query nature. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Read YA Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter 8

YA Fiction Online


Have you been reading free books online? We're sharing our YA fiction novel online. We recommend this novel for ages 13 yrs. and up. If you're new, start here- Moon Magic Chapter One.  As always, this material is copyrighted and not meant to be published on any other website or platform. It will be published in full once completed. Click here for Moon Magic Chapter SevenEnjoy!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

This is the last free chapter of the YA Metaphysical Novel. The book is now published on Amazon. 



Read YA Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter 8



Online YA Fiction Novel


Moon Magic
Copyright 2017

Chapter Eight : Serenity’s Story


Serenity’s ability to ignore the past had come to an end. As she drifted in and out of cerebral consciousness, she relived the past in 4D. Highly aware of the comings and goings in her hospital room, she was frozen and unable to see or to speak. Wide open, her mouth drew deafening gasps of air into her lungs as she stayed mostly in a lucid dream-like state.


Friends and family saw a broken human fighting for oxygen and struggling for survival, but within the inner workings of Serenity’s system, she was still very much alive. Every spoken word interrupted and confused her thoughts.


Able to concentrate and change the outcome of her dreams she spent many hours trying to manipulate the past. However, her thoughts drifted to the things she couldn’t change, at least not in this current state of being.


In the summer of 1988, Serenity graduated from high school. Keeping with family traditions she had spent her first summer as a so-called ‘adult’ living on a reservation in Oklahoma. The Creek Indians on the reservation still practiced ritualistic ceremonies and young girls were expected to attend while they were still pure.


In those days, keeping one’s virginity intact until the eighteenth birthday was quite a feat. Serenity’s parents were strict but not religious. Their morals were strong, outdated, and politically incorrect. Needless to say, she didn’t always agree with them. But, when the time came for her initiation into the ‘tribe’ she knew she’d be ready.

Her parents had never kept secrets about their heritage. She’d poured over books soaking up every detail of the Creek culture. The oneness with nature exhibited by her ancestors held tight. Growing up in the bible belt was difficult. She had to keep so many secrets. Many Christians believed Indians who practiced rituals to the Great Spirit were against God. Even though, the Creek believed that God and the Great Spirit were one in the same.


Back then, every time she shut her eyes, the ancestors had revealed their ancestral memories. Now, her eyes stayed permanently closed. Her DNA was imprinted with years of struggle, and the ancestors were delighted to have so much time to reveal their stories day in and day out.  


When Serenity was younger her parents had poo-pooed the night terrors. It was nothing, just a dream. But, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, they finally opened Pandora’s Box and admitted that they too had these memories. Growing up without that knowledge had been a lonely existence. When the time came, she vowed not to do that to her own child.


In an effort to protect her only daughter, Serenity’s mother had kept secrets. “It’s for the best, baby doll. The less you know the easier your life will be.” She’d comfort Serenity after a nightmare by saying, “There’s no such thing as ghosts, now go back to sleep.” She had deceived her daughter only to hide the inevitable truth. The plan wasn’t meant to hurt or hinder only to protect her little girl from night terrors, worldly injustice, and a lifetime of prejudice.


When Serenity turned eighteen her mother said, “I know you are aware that spirits exists. That ghostly creatures follow you. You were so young when it started, I did not want to frighten you. Most of us never remember the night terrors as children. We have no knowledge of the after-life but you did. I see them too. I’ve talked to many spirits, many relatives, lost souls- friend and foe. I’ve seen visions of things I cannot explain. It’s the Creek way, we are connected to the earth, eternally.


As a child, the beings only came to me in the form of beloved pets. Something my young mind could handle. They comforted me. They told me they loved me. As an adult, I instinctively came to know that they had been my ancestral grandmothers guiding me. I trusted them. Later, they were stronger more vivid and harder to forget. With nowhere to run, I often cowered under my coverings. I shared with no one- not even your father. I knew he would think I was a crazy lady.


Many Christians believe that only God knows our destiny. They think visions are sent by the Devil. I see things before they happen. I don’t know our destiny, but if I can decipher the dreams, I can often help in some way. It’s a fine line. When I can’t  help or when I realize the event has already taken place, I have night sweats.


If God didn’t want me to help why would he grant me this power? Maybe everyone has the ability but others avoid it because they fear God or the Devil? I don't know. I only know that I work to find the answers. I pray to the Great Spirit, God Almighty, and I know that they are one in the same.

My night terrors and sweats can be erased when I rely on my abilities to affect change. The difficulty comes when knowing when to let go and let God and when to act as his servant. This comes with practice and training from the Sages. It is a great gift. It is your choice to look away and choose your own destiny or face humanity and listen to your past. The decision will come after your lessons on the reservation. Only after you know your truth, are you capable of making the right choice.”

Serenity’s grandfather was the most enthusiastic about the night terrors. “The ancestors like you, Serenity. They share their strife with you. You must listen loudly to understand. When you listen, your ancestors and the Great Spirit will guide you. Do what they say and you will make modern miracles. Embrace your dreams. Do not ignore or discount them- you must embrace and harness the power.”

After that, he encouraged her parents to send her to a future Sage Camp. Right. What would her friends think of that? She had told them she was spending the summer visiting relatives in Oklahoma. It was the truth, she didn’t even have to lie.



Recommended:

Moon Magic Starts Here

Cool Stylish Backpacks for Teen Girls


Homeschool Lessons and Activities




Find out what happens to Aurora: Allegedly Mystic.




Read Free Books Online: Moon Magic Chapter 7

Moon Magic: YA Fiction Novel Online


Do you have an eReader or Kindle? Do you read free books online? We've been sharing our YA fiction book online. If you're new, start here- Moon Magic Chapter One. If you've been reading the story, the last chapter published was chapter six. Eventually, this will be published as an eBook. Remember this material is copyrighted and not meant to be published on any other website or platform. Moon Magic is a young adult fiction novel with suspense and historical fiction sprinkles. Enjoy!


This post contains Amazon affiliate links.




Read Free Books Online: Moon Magic Chapter 7


This post contains affiliate links.

Read YA Adult Fiction Online


Moon Magic
Copyright 2017


Chapter Seven 
A History Lesson


You can’t protect your children from everything. Serenity had learned that long ago. She lived in constant fear for her daughter’s safety, so she homeschooled until the third grade when Auri had begged to ride a school bus like the ‘normal’ kids. It went well until everyone hit puberty in the fifth grade

Well, almost everyone. 

Puberty wasn’t typical. Nothing was typical with Aurora, so it took a little longer for the complete transformation. By seventh grade, it was nearly impossible to keep the big secret from her daughter, but Serenity did. At least that’s what Aurora let her think.

It was humiliating to talk to her mom (or anyone for that matter) about her period, hairy underarms, legs, and other hairy places. Difficult, but not impossible. Aurora kept secrets too. It was impossible to strike up a conversation about sanity. “Hey, Mom, I think I might be insane. Yep, I was fine until I hit puberty and then I started making people do crazy things. I don’t do anything really. I just feel. I keep trying not to feel, but this hormone thing makes that really difficult. If I could just feel happy all of the time everything would be fine. Everyone would be fine.” That conversation was never going to happen. Her mother would have her committed.

An awkward afternoon was spent hashing out the school day. Serenity had a series of safe actions in place to help keep an eye on Aurora. Every morning before school she’d ask, “Do you notice anything different or unusual today?” Aurora always had a smart aleck response, “I still haven’t started my period. Don’t worry, you’ll be the second to know.” 

After a snack of cream cheese and jelly sandwiches, Serenity felt energized to push a little harder. As soon as Aurora stuffed the first bite into her mouth, Serenity asked, “Did anything odd happen at school today? Did you feel funny when other people were around?” Did you notice any strange animals following you? 

 “Strange animals?” Aurora gulped down the last bite and shook her head back and forth.

If someone else had had a hand in her child rearing… Well, Aurora couldn’t help but think that she’d be normal. At least a little more close to normal. Environment can make or break a person. Aurora was broken. Her head filled with a scream, but she smiled instead. It was Serenity who needed psychotherapy. Aurora knew she wasn’t like the other kids- she just didn’t know how different. It was her mother who was obviously different. That much she knew for sure. 

No encouragement was needed. Serenity burst into a history lesson. “Did you know your great, great, great grandfather was a Native American Shaman. I think somehow our DNA is imprinted with the memories of our ancestors. I think maybe we see and feel things others don’t. The Creek Indians fought hard and most of them died battling for their land. The mess that followed, ‘The Trail of Tears,’ played havoc with our ancestors. The Creeks that stayed behind crossed over the Cumberland River and joined forces with the Cherokees and blended to stay on their land. They learned English and got along with the White man. They civilized to stay alive. Most shunned all of their ancestral beliefs.”

“That’s awesome, Mom. Can I go now?” Aurora jumped up to leave but was pushed back into her seat by the palm of her mother's hand. “Aurora, listen to me, this is important. Our white ancestors feared the Creek. Our Creek family was shunned and mistreated. The Creek Indians had a reputations of evil! To survive, they had to give up all that they were, all that they lived for, asking forgiveness wasn’t enough because so much prejudice remained. The Cherokee were good people, but there connections weren’t as strong. She stopped, gave her daughter the side-eye, and then screeched. "Aurora, do you know what I’m saying?” Aurora snapped back, “A bunch of boring crap, is there a point?”

Taking a deep breath, Serenity leaned in resting her elbows on the counter and and holding her chin in her hands. “The point is, Aurora, the Cherokee danced for Mother Nature but they didn’t know how to fully harness her powers like the Creek did.” Then, she looked over at Aurora and smiled awaiting a response.

“That’s nice, Mother, or should I say, Your Supreme Weirdness. And, big fat no! I haven’t seen any flying monkey or pigs following me home from school.


*     *     *

Aurora wished she hadn’t always been so rude to her mother. What if her mother never woke up? She’d be all alone and she’d never know the whole truth about her ancestry. 

Now, she longed to discover her true genetic makeup. As a teenager with no job or money and a lame arm, the best she could do was research online and with microfiche at the public library. Believe it or not, they still had microfiche machines in the basement.

She needed to get a DNA test. Todd Lowder, her mother’s boyfriend and her Social Studies teacher, had gotten one done. Apparently, he’d been told that he was part Cherokee. Isn’t everyone? Born mixed, half black and half white, he was anxious to find out if he were more African American or Native American or just another European hodge podge. 

Todd circulated a copy of the complicated graphs around the classroom. The results showed that he was mostly from some sect of people in Siberia. That could mean anything, based on current genealogy theory. It seems nothing is simply black and white, not even the color of one’s skin.

The oral traditions in Kentucky were strong. Aurora wanted black and white proof of her ancestry. Was she Cherokee? Creek? Everyone seemed to be part Native American of some sort, but no one had any proof. Serenity Waters had named her daughter Aurora Waters. Strange, but not illogical. However, Aurora might as well have been named Merry Christmas. Names seem to fit the traditions of the people. The only tradition this Waters family had was celebrating Christmas every year. Well, Halloween too, but Happy Halloween didn’t sound like a real name.

That wasn’t all. Aurora had been giving her mother grief. She wasn’t completely sure what Serenity was getting at when she had asked, “Do you feel anything unusual?” She did feel something, but what if her mother was talking about something else? She didn’t want to risk freaking her out with the wrong unusual feeling. Everything was unusual when you were a teenager. Then, there was the big, white, feral cat. He kept popping up all over the place. Outside the band room. At the bus stop. Whenever she felt overwhelmed, he appeared, but he wouldn’t let anyone touch him. He’d look up at Aurora, blink his eyes, purr, wiggle his tail and then disappear. Sometimes, she thought he was beckoning her to follow him.

When everything was deafeningly quiet chaos broke out in Aurora's head. She was fairly certain that she’d heard the so called Great Spirit calling her and positive that whispers from the ancestors tortured her. Maybe other people had the same thing but never took the time to pay attention? It was hard to be certain. What if those were just voices in her head, the kind that make you crazy? No way could she confess. If she feared she might be insane, what would everyone else think?  

If she did hear the Great Spirit what would people think? Buddha, God, the Great Spirit. Jesus, Zeus, didn’t they all have something in common? Human Spirit. Right vs. Wrong. Buddha and Jesus had both walked the Earth as men sent down by a higher power. Religion made Aurora uncomfortable. Other people called it different things, but Aurora’s mother had always taught her that God and the Great Spirit were one in the same. Serenity's bedtime stories had detailed how he watched over his people and sent down his helpers to guide them. Apparently, the Native American’s had learned to harness the powers that guided them. Maybe that was the big secret her mother was hiding.

It was time to eat crow. Aurora needed a plan. Unfortunately, Todd was  in the best position to help. She assumed Serenity probably hadn’t confessed to all of the weirdness in their lives. But, perhaps, she had told him about the Indian heritage and Shaman bloodline.

Todd had been Aurora’s favorite teacher up until he’d called her Mom about a quiz she’d failed. That opened the door for her Mother to ask about her school life and they'd swapped horror stories over dinner one night. The rest, of course, was history. He wasn’t Aurora’s favorite person. Odd Todd. “Easy ‘A,’ my ass, the idiots didn’t know what they were talking about." But, she was thankful for homeschooling, even if Todd had to help out. At least, she didn’t have to live with the constant snickers and glares from the other kids. Anyway, Todd would know how to track these Native American ancestors- that made him worth something.




Recommended:







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.


Quotes About Maple Syrup: Pancakes Make it Socially Acceptable

Pancake Syrup Quote and Maple Syrup Recipes


Do you love pancake syrup? Without pancakes we have little excuse to eat it. Some people dip sausages in syrup, while others mix it in with their oatmeal, but let's face it, pancakes were invented to make eating gallons of maple syrup socially acceptable. We've designed this shareable quote for Facebook- just in time for Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday is February 28, 2017 and IHOP Pancake Day is March 7, 2017). Keep scrolling for related maple syrup breakfast recipes and things to do with maple syrup. Enjoy!


This post contains affiliate links for your convenience*



8 Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas

8 Fall Play Ideas

As the weather cools and we move toward winter, it is tempting to stay inside on the warm, comfy couch. It is important to stay active in the cooler months. Sure, you can go to an indoor facility like a bounce park, bowling alley, or indoor swimming, but fresh air and sunshine are just as important in autumn and winter months. There are plenty of ways to play outdoors. We're sharing a few ways that we get out and play with these 8 Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas for families. Enjoy!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin  “This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play.”






Indiana State Fair Experience Budget Tips and Tricks

Tips for the Indiana State Fair

So, we earned an entry (free ticket) to the Indiana State Fair with a 4H Exhibit on Small Engines. What's to do at the State Fair? Well there's lots of things to do at the Fair. It isn't just all amusement rides and games. There are so many things to do that you could spend all day there... if you could stand the heat or the walking and had a pocket full of cash! If you have lots of one dollar bills, you can ride the train every time you needed to get somewhere. Well, you could, if you could find a seat. You can enjoy the State Fair on a budget with these Indiana State Fair tips and tricksEnjoy!


Cat Toys DIY Ideas for Homemade Fun

DIY Homemade Cat Toy Ideas

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyPetMyStar #CollectiveBias

Cats! No matter their age, cats like to play. Even lazy, fat cats and old cats like to play. You just need to find their comfort level. We've been making our own homemade cat toys for awhile. We particularly like to use objects found in nature or the home environment. These cat toys are DIY and so easy to make at home. When your Kitties play with them, they'll know how much you love them. Enjoy!




Cat Toys DIY Ideas for homemade fun
Make diy, fun cat toys from natural objects.

We currently have three furry cat friends living in the house. Our cats range in age from about three-years-old to about sixteen-years-old. Each one has their own set of limitations. So, we adapt the way we interact with each one. For the cats, everyday is star treatment day. After all, they are cats. Cats are divas. If you treat them like anything less, they'll demand more from you.

Be sure to avoid cat stank face at all costs. Tidy Cats®  now features guaranteed TidyLock™ Protection that locks away the odors that can lead to Stank Face. What is stank face? Take a look at Tigger! How can he enjoy playing with his new homemade cat toys when the litter box smells?


Tigger's Stank Face Cat
Tigger's Stank Face.

Tidy Cats® litter solutions offers the antidote to poor Tigger's Stank Face. Tidy Cats’ wide range of products means never having to see another cat's Stank Face again. When the odor is gone everyone is happier!

Our youngest cat, Buddi, has Epilepsy and now has some hind leg paralysis. This doesn't stop her from loving to play! She likes any kind of cat toys, but cat toys that look like tiny creatures are her favorite to pounce. For a week, we gave her the star treatment by carrying her to the food dish and even to the litter box which is filled with Tidy Cats® Lightweight Cat Litter.

This is the best cat litter for a tiny princess kitty because it protects her from Stank Face. That's right, stank face isn't just a human affliction. Poor little Buddi shares the litter box with two male cats. You should see her stank face! And, Tidy Cats® Lightweight offers the same strength Tidy Cats® strength customers love, without all the hassle of hauling around a heavy container of litter up a flight of stairs.


Buddi is happy because the litter doesn't smell anymore.



RePete, our oldest cat, recently lost his twin brother (Pete). He's been lying around feeling depressed lately, but this doesn't stop him from playing when prompted! He especially likes the homemade cat toys made from natural items found outdoors. As an outdoor cat, he didn't use to get much indoor time, but since his brother passed, we've let him share the spotlight indoors. He can't smell so stank face isn't a problem for him. Good thing, because he is the stankiest of all!


RePete playing with homemade diy cat toys.
RePete playing with homemade, diy cat toys.


Tigger, our middle cat, is like Garfield. He plays differently. So, we adapted the cat toy diy to his lazy ways. He loves to play as long as we are willing to do most of the work. Head diva always demands the most star treatment. Talk about stank face. Oh my. If the food is a day old, if the water is an hour old, if RePete has forgotten to bury his poo, Tigger makes certain we see his best stank face! #StopStankFace


Tigger "playing" with our homemade cat toys... okay, looking at our homemade cat toys.

Twig and Feathers Homemade Cat Toy DIY


Nothing could be easier than these twig and feather homemade cat toys, well, assuming you have access to twigs and feathers! We do. As much as we love cats, we love birds more. That's right, birds and cats! Everyone lives peacefully together. We have lots of spare feathers!


DIY Twig and Feather Cat Toy Tutorial.
DIY Twig and Feather Cat Toy Tutorial.


You will need:
1 long, skinny, twig approximately 12" in length.
Bird Feathers
Paperclips or Safety Pins
Bottle Cork

Step One: Attach one end of the paperclip to the bottle cork and the other end to the stick.

Step Two: Attach the feathers to the bottle cork with hot glue.

Step Three: Enjoy!


Homemade Pinecone Mice Cat Toy


We've got a variety of Pinecones from a large yard full of trees. For this homemade cat toy, you will need: tiny Pinecones, a leaf, and tiny bird feathers (the softer, the better).




Step One: Cover the Pinecone with glue, (hot glue works best).

Step Two: Cover the glue with feathers.

Step Three: Attach a long feather to the widest end of the Pinecone to form a tail.

Step Four: Cut out two tiny ears from the leaf and glue to the Pinecone's skinniest end.

Step Five: Let dry and then toss the homemade mouse cat toy across the floor!






Catnip Leaf Pouches DIY Cat Toy


Cats love Catnip. We have our very own patch of fresh Catnip growing amid our herb garden. If you don't grow your own Catnip (you should) you can purchase dried Catnip or even Catnip plants in most grocery stores. We picked up some dried Catnip when we were shopping for Tidy Cats® Lightweight at our local Kroger store.




You will need:
Catnip (fresh or dry)
A Large Leaf or Two
Kite String or Yarn
Hot Glue

Step One: Pour or place Catnip in the center of the leaf.

Step Two: If using one leaf, fold it up like an envelope and glue the ends down. If using two leaves, place one over the top and glue at edges.

Step Three: Tie the string to the stem of the leaf pouch.

Step Four: Sit the leaf in the middle of a wide open space and wait patiently.






Look at that stank face! We had to make a run for Tidy Cats® litter.

TidyLock™ is the latest innovation in litter featured in all Tidy Cats® litter varieties. TidyLock ™ is the new and improved formula that now better locks away odors that can lead to Stank Face. Don't let it happen to you. Stop the Stank.

For more fun, follow TidyCats on Facebook, Twitter: @TidyCats, and YouTube.


Recommended:

Make a Chef Hat for Your Cat 

Purina Cat Food Review


















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! :)


Homemade Pan Fried Fish and Chips

How to Make Pan Fried Fish and Chips

Did you catch up a mess of fish? Maybe you just found a great deal at the fish market, er, grocery store. Either way, you'll need an easy recipe for homemade fish and chips. We've got it! In this recipe, Lisa shares how to make pan fried fish and chips at home. Enjoy!

Spring Break! My son had the opportunity to clean his first fish this week. And, I got the opportunity to cook them. Two big firsts for our nature-enjoying, convenience-loving family. This pan fried fish recipe was a hit for the fresh, black crappie. It would be good with your store bought fish, too. The homemade chips round out the meal.

Homemade Fish and Chips Recipe.
Homemade Fish and Chips Recipe.

Spring Break Pan Fried Fish and Chips


Ingredients:
Fresh fish
almond flour (other flours may be used but all-purpose gets doughy)
Milk
Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Ground mustard
Salt and pepper
Olive oil for frying
Large potatoes
Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Cooking Spray


How to make fish and chips at home.
How to make fish and chips at home.


Chips
1.  Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
*2.  Microwave large potatoes about half on the microwave recommended time.  The potatoes should still be firm.
3.  While potatoes are in the microwave, mix 1/2 c. parmesan cheese and 1 t. Italian seasoning in a large bowl.
4.  After the potatoes have cooled to the touch, cut them into wedges.
5.  Coat the potato wedges with the cheese mixture and transfer to a baking sheet.  Spray with cooking spray.
6.  Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.  Turn the potatoes and continue baking another 10 minutes.


Pan Fried Fish Recipe.
Pan Fried Fish Recipe.


Fish:
1.  Prepare 3 shallow dishes as follows:
a.  Mix 1/2 c. almond (or other) flour, 1/2 t. salt, 1/4 t. pepper, and 1/2 t. ground mustard in one shallow dish. (Note: Depending on how much fish you have, you may need to make multiple batches.  Make multiple batches, however, instead of doubling the size of the batches because the breading can get doughy after awhile.)
b.  Add 1/4 c. milk to the second shallow dish.
c.  Add 1/2 c. seasoned break crumbs to the third shallow dish.
2.  Pour enough olive oil into a skillet to cover the bottom.  Apply medium heat.
3.  Coat each fish fillet in the flour mixture, followed by the milk, and finally the bread crumbs.
4.  Fry the fish about 5-10 minutes until golden brown, turning once to cook both sides.  Fish should flake easily.  Add additional oil as needed.​











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! :)

10 Fall Play Date Ideas

Keep Busy with Fun, Fall Play Date Ideas

It is fall, y'all. Fall is our favorite season of the year. No matter the season, we make time to get outside and play every day. Are you stuck inside? Bored? Get out and try some of these Fall Play Date Ideas. Enjoy!

Fall Play Date Ideas
Fall play date ideas don't have to be fancy... Just play!
The Voice of Play is an education and advocacy initiative of the non-profit membership association, IPEMA, formed to educate and promote the benefits of children’s free outdoor play and playgrounds. They encourage the scientifically proven physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of play.

Outdoor play is free! Once a week, we visit a different local park and have unstructured play dates with a local homeschool group.

We are fortunate in that we have been able to live our dream life on a beautifully wooded, five-acre property. Everyday, we go for a walk, visit the fish and ducks on our pond, take a paddle boat ride, check out the creatures of the creek, and just play in the yard.

The best part about fall, of course, is the changing leaves. What fun to scoop some up and let them flow through the air! Rake up a pile and jump. It is simple. It is sensory. And, it couldn't be more fun if it cost money.

We wanted to share some pictures of how we play at home. For more fall play date ideas, keep scrolling down.

Fall leaf play.
Little ones enjoy the sensory aspect of leaves. They crunch, they crumble, and crack.

She made the leaves disappear!
What happens when you put a leaf on a slide? Play = Preschool Science.
Go on a hike to collect leaves for a science project.
Hide and seek is always a hit.
Climbing trees is cool too.
Monkey see. Monkey do.
I dub the Sir Fall.
Raking leaves is good exercise.

Leaves = Happy Kid.
We need to build a tree house.



*This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play. All words and opinions are my own.  #YearRoundPlay 




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 Chitika, Google Adsense, Sverve, Izea, and Social Spark ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)