Hello to all of Skip to my Lou’s friends!

I’m Ruthie from Whats Cooking with Ruthie.com .

Summer weather has finally come to stay around our neck of the woods.

So, I thought it’d be fun share a refreshing summer treat for the Summer Craft Camp that you and your kids will have lots of fun in the kitchen making together!

Strawberry Soup with Angel Food Cake Croutons 

* Want to learn a quick and easy way to slice strawberries?  Here’s a video from my Kitchen Tip Series that shows you how! 

Strawberry Soup with Angel Food Cake Croutons is a fun recipe to make in the kitchen with the kids this summer!

They’ll be thrilled to help with cooking something that turns out so lovely and delicious too

While we’re thinking about fun summertime recipes to make with the kiddos- here are a couple of others to enjoy…

 Watermelon Stars Appetizer 

Nutella Cupcake Pops

 Crispy Ice Cream Bars

Thanks so much for letting me visit with you today!  I hope your summer is filled with lots of fun memories and that you’ll have fun with these kid friendly recipes

I’d LOVE to have you stop by and visit with me anytime at www.whatscookingwithruthie.com

or connect with me on on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!

Happy Cooking! xoxo~ Ruthie

Don’t miss these other fun summer crafts to keep you kids busy all summer long!Over 30 craft bloggers are sharing their best ideas for kids crafts and activities!

This is a great sauce for chicken, steak and our favorite pork steaks! It is enough sauce for about 5 large pork steaks.

Balsamic BBQ Sauce

1 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and mix well. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Season the meat with salt and pepper. Lightly coat meat with the BBQ sauce. Place the meat on the grill. Set remaining BBQ sauce aside to use for basting.

Cook the chicken about 8 minutes per side, steaks starting at about 4 minutes per side and pork steaks about  until a meat thermometer reads the desired temperature Continually brush the meat with BBQ sauce every few minutes. Remove the meat from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Baste remaining  BBQ sauce on meat and serve.

Alternately, the chicken can be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken skin side up in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce all over the top of the chicken. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.

Delicious!

Hello Skip to my Lou readers!  I’m Becky, one of the 5 Crafting Chicks!  I’m excited to share a quick little project that your kids are sure to love!

The Water Blob by U Create Crafts and Summer Sponge Bombs by Whipperberry

PVC Sprinkler Water toy by Instructables and Ice Boats on a tin foil river by Reading Confetti

DIY Water Wall by Handmade Charlotte and PVC Car wash by How Does She

Hello Crafty Campers! Heather here from The Sewing Loft and I’m excited to be your counselor for the day at this years craft camp.

Today, I’m sharing a quick craft to keep the kiddo’s engaged during those long summer days.

Materials:

• felt in assorted colors
• embroidery floss
• stuffing (or cotton balls)
• 1/4″ wide ribbon
• swivel lobster clasp closures
• googly eyes
• template or child’s drawing

Tools:

• scissors
• hand sewing needle & matching thread
• clear drying glue
• freezer paper & iron are optional

Basic Instructions:

1.  Trace your shape onto paper side of freezer paper.  Using a low temp iron, iron shiny side of paper face down to felt. This will bond the paper to the felt and making cutting easy for little hands.  Bonus- no small pins!  Repeat to cut 2 shapes.

2.With needle and thread stitch a mouth on front shape.  Next loop swivel clasp through your ribbon and fold in half.  Position on the inside top of back shape and sew in place. *It is important to secure this piece well.

3. Layer front and back pieces together. Thread needle with embroidery floss and a small knot at the end, starting at the bottom of shape, sew pieces together with a simple running stitch all along the outside edge.  Leave a small opening and lightly fill with stuffing.  Finish sewing shape closed.  As I mentioned under materials, cotton balls work well in a pinch.

4. Glue googly eyes in place and let dry.  Once dry, your Buckle Buddy is all set and ready to travel with you all summer long.

This summer we are road tripping it and our buddies are coming for the ride.  That’s right, they will travel with us and be part of fun photos along the way.  Think of the possibilities with this… I am creating a game for the girls that includes whacky pictures, strange places, miles traveled and more.  I’m thinking their summer scrap books are going to be interesting!

I’d love it if you stop by to visit me on my site for easy sewing projects and plenty of tips.  Plus, you can find me on Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Google +

It’s my goal this summer to teach my son to bake, cook or create something in the kitchen at least once a week. It’s important that kids know their way around the kitchen for obvious reasons, but it also builds confidence and it’s one less thing to worry about once they head out into the big big world. It’s certainly a life skill that is usually taught at home.

I was recently walking down the Cake Decorating isle in my local craft store.  I don’t decorate cakes, but I often dream of being able to use all those fancy tools.  So much eye candy all in one place.  Then I saw them! I saw these molds for candy melts, but they’re meant for Oreo’s! Maybe they’re old news to you, but I have never seen them and may have squealed right there and then because this looked like something I could do with minimal skill.  It was also something I could do with my son.  Every boy must know how to make dipped Oreo’s, right?

Gather your supplies.

I thought I’d pretend I knew what I was doing and painted the bottom so I would hopefully have a two toned flower.  I initially was painting just the center with pink and suddenly realized it may end up looking like a nipple and really………who wants a dipped oreo that looks like a nipple, especially if your 14 year old son is helping. I quickly diverted that disaster and decided to paint the pink candy melts on the entire bottom of the flower mold. (Whew! …..)

Melt your white candy melts and scoop into the mold.

Place your Oreo directly on top of the full mold. Press slowly and you’ll soon have the melted candy oozing up over the top. 

After you’ve covered the oreo with the excess melted candy, smooth it over so it’s flat. Let it set for at least an hour.  Or place in the fridge. I only waited 30 min and that’s why they ended up with pock marks.

Now you’ve got yourself a yummy no bake treat and now my son knows how to make a yummy no bake treat.  My work is done!

You’ll have to check out my sunflower ones I made too! Visit Today’s Creative Blog.

Time to get in the kitchen with your kiddos!  What’s the favorite thing YOU like to make with them?

…as in you’re not gonna believe it when you see it?

YES- it’s true! We are about to make one VERY LUCKY family VERY HAPPY!! We’ve joined forces with some amazing bloggers and sponsors to give one family THE ABSOLUTE BEST prize package! 

Are you ready for this? {You might want to sit down}

INTRODUCING…

Yep, you read that right. 

We are giving away a COMPLETE FAMILY VACATION!

That’s over a $3500 value!!!

Can you believe it?! I know, I can’t either. But it’s true! And it’s time to introduce EVERYTHING that this FABULOUS vacation includes!

DETAILS:

1. One lucky family will be flown into Branson, Missouri!

Now if you’ve never been to Branson- you are missing out! A vacation mecca, Branson is one of the most family friendly resorts in America. With 53 theaters and 100+ shows, it is known as the live entertainment capital of the world! (In fact, there are more theater seats in Branson than there are on Broadway!) Branson is also home to an international award-winning theme park, as well as a variety of attractions from outdoor adventures to one of a kind museums. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, you’ll be blown away with its beauty.

2. You’ll stay as guests at The Dutton Inn for 5 nights!

The Dutton Inn offers fine lodging in the heart of Branson’s theater district- within easy walking distance to dozens of Branson’s finest shows, restaurants, and shopping locations. Enjoy the new luxury beds and wake up to a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. Oh, and this is no wimpy breakfast- we’re talkin’ scrambled eggs, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, sausage, fruit, cereal, oatmeal, bagels, toast, English muffins, juices, coffee, tea, & hot chocolate! Yummmmy!

But that’s not all…

Upon arrival at the Inn, you will be given tickets for your family to attend FOUR Best of Branson shows and THREE top attractions!

Aren’t you just dying over this prize??

3. Your family will get tickets to The Dutton Family Theater

4. Your family will get free one-day admission to the world-class Silver Dollar City Theme Park

Are your kiddos going to flip or what?

Americas Best Theme Park premieres the Worlds Most Daring Wood Coaster Outlaw Run! Discover amazing adventures with 30 additional rides and attractions, 40 live shows, 100 demonstrating craftsmen, 60 shops, 17 award-winning restaurants, and the Midwest Living Culinary & Craft School. The 1880s theme park also hosts America’s Biggest KidsFest with non-stop rides during Summer’s Moonlight Madness.

5. Your family will get tickets to Ride the Ducks land and water sight-seeing tour

Your trip to Branson would not be complete without a trip on Ride The Ducks- one of the most unique sightseeing tours around. They’ll tell you all about the area, show you some amazing sights, splash into Table Rock Lake, and they’ll even let you drive the Duck on the water. They’ll also give you free Quackers when you’re boarding. (Oh, and you’ll be able to use your Quackers to save money at different locations for the rest of your vacation.)

6. Your family will get tickets to the famous George Dyer show

Bringing his world-class, award-winning tenor voice and showmanship to the Branson stage, George Dyer wows his audiences with an array of hits from Broadway, Disney, Power Ballads, Opera, Love Songs, Gospel and classic standards, as well as contemporary favorites. Spotlighting his gifted family throughout, George takes you on a mesmerizing musical journey that is inspiring audiences to enthusiastic ovations. If you like Josh Groban, Mario Lanza or Michael Buble, you’ll love George Dyer.

7. Your family will get tickets to The Brett Family “Celebrate” show

Having appeared on worldwide television and in more than 3500 live performances around the globe, The Bretts celebrate their 15th anniversary in Branson, Missouri with the all-new THE BRETTS CELEBRATE SHOW. Don’t miss the fun, the energy, and the inspiration in this fast-paced, high-energy family entertainment experience, this is the best Bretts show yet!

8. Your family will get free admission to the Titanic Museum

You’ll get to visit the permanent Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. and see one of the worlds largest collections of rare and personal Titanic artifacts.  Experience authentic interiors, view a first-class suite, third-class cabin, and the Captains Bridge. Walk the Grand Staircase, sit in a lifeboat, and hear real passengers stories. Interactive adventures are around every corner.

Personal passenger and crew stories come alive through talented crew members as you explore each room in this ship-shaped adventure. This unforgettable adventure will capture the hearts of all ages. Journey back to the Edwardian era and experience life on board as an actual Titanic passenger.

9. Your family will get tickets to The Hughes Brothers “It” Show

Over 50 amazing singers, dancers, and musicians combine their astonishing scope of talents to create “it.”With everything from Broadway to country to comedy to patriotic to gospel to rock-n-roll, you’ll feel the energy & emotion of over-the top production numbers with brilliant lighting & sound. “it”delivers everything you want in a Branson show…and more.

How’s THAT for one fun-filled, jam-packed family vacation?! Imagine the memories you could make!

FINE PRINT:Included airfare, show, and attraction tickets are for a family of five. If your family is larger, you may pay the difference. Airfare is provided solely from within the Continental US (international winners must arrange own travel to a state within the Continental US). Prize package must be used before November 31, 2013.  Dates subject to availability. 

HOW TO ENTER:

Time to get your “click” on & follow all of the websites who made this giveaway possible. One word, you guessed it,PINTEREST!!! We all LOVE Pinterest & ALL of these talented bloggers have their own Pinterest boards that you should definitely be following!!

JUST THINK OF THE AMAZING THINGS ALL OF THESE BLOGGERS PIN EVERY DAY!!! Sheesh, inspiration overload… at it’s best!!

There are just TWO {2} steps to enter the giveaway…

#1)Click on each image {or name} below to follow each fabulous website on Pinterest!

Follow All	Follow All	Follow All
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#2)And THEN, fill out the form below. Voila, you’re done!!

*This promotion is sponsored and administered by The Duttons and is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Pinterest. We hereby release Pinterest of any liability.  This Giveaway will run for two weeks starting Tuesday, June 11th at 5:00 AM PST and ending Tuesday, June 25th at midnight PST. Once the giveaway ends, the winner will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by email. This post will be updated with the winner’s name once we’ve heard back from them. Winners will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. This “Family Summer Vacation Giveaway” contest is open worldwide, except in Puerto Rico and everywhere else where prohibited by law. Winners must be of full legal age in the jurisdiction in which they live. Airfare is provided solely from within the Continental US (international winners must arrange own travel to a state within the Continental US).

Father’s Day Candy Bar Wrapper by The Idea Room and Free Tool Box Printable Coupons by Kiki and Company

Pop Fizz Printable by Whipperberry and Free Printable  Ten Reasons We Love Dad at Somewhat Simple

Super Hero Dad by Lil Luna and Father’s Day Tie Envelopes by Bits of Everything