Strawberries & Cream Pudding Push-ups

Have you seen the clear push-up pops that you can buy and fill? I saw these and immediately had one of those "gotta-have-it" moments. They have so many possibilities--fill 'em with frozen desserts, candy, or even layer cake and frosting. Two mini cupcakes fit perfectly in a push-up pop. And they can be decorated to add to the cuteness.

I decided to try some pudding pops in my push-ups. This recipe is so tasty, and turns out a very pretty push-up with the layers and swirls. How fun would it be to bring some of these to your 4th of July party?!?!

Strawberries & Cream Pudding Push-up Pops

Pudding:

1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 C milk
6 oz plain or vanilla yogurt

Strawberry puree:
12 medium strawberries, washed and quartered (can use frozen)
2 T sugar

In a blender combine pudding mix, yogurt, and milk. In a food processor or chopper, puree strawberries and sugar until smooth. Layer or swirl pudding mix and strawberry mixture in push-up pops or popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

I got my push-up pops here. If you only want a dozen or so, you can find them here.

Push-ups were one of my favorite desserts as a kid. How about you?

Ticket To Ride!

                                                   Source

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the game Ticket to Ride!  If you're looking for a fun thing to do at night while your husband's TV shows (like Deadly Catch or Top Gear) play in the background,  Ticket to Ride is the game for you.  Of course you could play with your whole family at the kitchen table (I prefer UNO or Phase 10) but I absolutely recommend the online version due to it's sheer speed and the ability to enjoy the comfort of my own bed.

The premise of this game is to connect your trains to a series of destinations all having their own point value.  If you are unable to connect to one of your locations, you get the negative value of that destination.  If you have the most trains in a row, you get bonus points.  The winner is the lucky one with the highest point value at the end of the game.

The online version, which you can get here, sells for $9.99 for regular computers or $6.99 for the ipad.  For an additional $4.99, you can get the 1910 edition.  The 1910 version is my particular favorite.

If you've played this board game already, be prepared to sell it on ebay for $24.00 after playing the online version.  (That's what I got for mine.  Really.)  You'll never be able to play the slow board game version again!

Now go get yourself registered for Ticket to Ride online and never watch another entire episode of Top Shot again!  Yay!

(Beware: it can be addicting.)

Patriotic Cupcake Krispies

 Raise your hand if you like Rice Krispy Treats.

 

Anybody? I've never met anyone who didn't like a good Rice Krispy Treat once in a while. For me, the thicker and softer they are, the better. How about a cupcake-shaped treat with frosting and sprinkles, perfect for a Fourth of July party?  In my family growing up, we called it "Rice Krispy Candy", but I've never heard anyone else in the world call them that! Go figure: I also pronounce the word coupons "Q-pons" instead of "coo-pons: I was lucky that way--don't be jealous.  

Here's what you need for some fabulous cupcake krispies:

-A pan of cooled Rice Krispy Treats

-A cupcake-shaped cookie cutter (I like this one from Crate & Barrel)

-Frosting (homemade or store bought, I like this recipe)

-Sprinkles

-M&Ms candy

It's very simple to make these. First, use your cookie cutter to cut out the cupcake shapes. Eat all of the scraps before the kids find you. Warm the frosting in the microwave for just a few seconds to get it to a good dipping consistency, then dip the tops of the treats into the frosting. While it's still wet, sprinkle on the sprinkles and put a red M&M on top. Let cool.

These are so cute as favors wrapped in a little cellophane bag tied with some red and white baker's twine. And they are perfect for any occasion. Just change the frosting color and sprinkles to go with whatever you're celebrating.

Ice Block Treasure Hunt

 Summer's just beginning, and we're looking for fun things for the kids to do.  An ice block treasure hunt is a great outdoor activity that boys especially will enjoy. Just get some little toys and freeze them in a block of ice. I got a bunch of cheap toys and some foil containers at the dollar store. If your toys are lightweight and float to the top, fill the containers halfway with water and freeze. Then add another layer of water on top to seal up the treasures. When everything is frozen, give kids a hammer and some screwdrivers ("ice picks") and let them pound away. A spray bottle filled with water can help melt the ice, too.