Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Day 21: Keep 'Cool' With Homemade Popsicles (Second Edition)

Popsicles are such a festive way to keep cool during the summer months.  Why not get creative and make your own?  All it takes is a few ingredients and a mold of your choice.  You don't have to use an actual popsicle mold to enjoy a good popsicle, either!  Even a dixie cup with a stick will make a good, cold treat.

Keep cool in this last stretch of summer!

View part one of our popsicle recipe here.



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Monday, August 20, 2012

Day 20: Homemade Play Dough


The break in the weather the last couple of days has been refreshing.  Don't get me wrong--the sunshine and the month of August, especially, goes a long way for us here in the rainy state.  But there is something about a good cool off to refresh the landscape, the garden, and those of us who have been parched by the sun with all of the outdoor activity.  Today's craft is perfect for days like these.


Homemade Play Dough
makes about 2.5 Cups

1 1/2 cups of flour
3/4 cups of salt
1 1/2 cups water
1 TB vegetable oil
1/2 TB cream of tarter
*food coloring - I used Wilton for deep hues

Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients into a saucepan.  Children can help with this step

Adults only:
Set your stove top to medium-low (about a 2.5 on a glass top stove). Stand by the pan and stir occasionally. When the batter look is gone and the ingredients start staying together when you stir (5-8 minutes), remove the pan from the heat. Scoop dough into four sections and lay place onto wax paper. Use a toothpick to add food coloring to each section and knead.  Make sure you check for heat!  Don't burn yourself.  If you choose to knead the food coloring like I did, it may STAIN your hands a bit.  Another option would be to put dough into a mixer and add food coloring that way.  Knead or mix dough until it has become smooth and ready for use. 

Store play dough in an air tight container or zip block bags for future use.  Home made play dough makes great gifts, too!


A post you may have missed--

Recipe via Art Nest

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Saturday, August 18, 2012

Day 17, 18 and 19: The Falls, Picnics and Games Outdoors

It's the weekend!  With the heat at its peak for the summer thus far, I hope you are staying cool and hydrated! 

Day 17:  Visit the falls in the area and take advantage of the naturally cooler climate.  Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls are each a beautiful site and experience for both visitors and locals. 

Multnomah Falls, a 611 foot waterfall provides an amazing site each time you visit, and trails leading to spectacular views from the top of the falls and overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.  No Northwest Forest Pass required.

Silver Falls, nestled near the base of the Cascade mountain range, offers the nationally recognized Trail of 10 Falls and the Canyon Trail, with a rain forest-like landscape, covered in moss, ferns, wildflowers and trees.  Daily day use: $5.

Did you miss Dr. Marc's list of favorite hikes?  Many of them include waterfalls and draw much less traffic than the large falls listed above. 


Day 18:  Picnic in the Park, city, on the waters edge or in your backyard.  Preparing a picnic lunch is a great way to change up the scenery, and you can do it fairly hassle-free and on the cheap!  Check out the New York Times' list of 101 Picnic Dishes for food inspiration!


Day 19:  Coordinate an evening of games.  Invite your friends out to the park or your backyard to enjoy frisbee, a game of volleyball, capture the flag or croquet!  Or string up some outdoor lights and move your card and board games outdoors.  Games with friends outdoors is a great way to make summer memories.

Enjoy your weekend!

Did you miss some posts?




images 1, 2, 3

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Health Disclaimer

This information on this web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting Dr. Marc, your pediatrician or family doctor.

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