Harry Potter’s kidsafe Butterbeer Recipe!

If I had a child old enough for a Harry Potter themed birthday party this year… you better believe I’d be serving up some Butterbeer!!

And with Universal Studios opening the Harry Potter Theme Park this summer, there is extra buzz around this frothy and up until now fictional drink!

I think this would be such a fun thing to make for a Harry Potter viewing party, or just as a treat! Although there are several recipes floating around the web, the Butterbeer recipe below comes from Muggle.net and is based on the taste of the Butterbeer approved by JK Rowling at Universal’s Harry Potter theme Park.

Let me know if you like it!

~BUTTERBEER RECIPE~

Ingredients:

• * 1 cup (8 oz) club soda or cream soda
• * ½ cup (4 oz) butterscotch syrup (ice cream topping)
• * ½ tablespoon butter
• *(optional) Heavy Cream

Directions:

Step 1: Measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup (16 oz) glass. Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely incorporated.

Step 2: Stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in club soda. Mixture will fizz quite a bit.

Step 3: Whip Heavy Cream using an electric mixer until thickened, but not completely stiff (about 2 minutes) Spoon over drinks.

Serve in two coffee mugs or small glasses; a perfectly warm Hogwarts treat for two!

*According to a Universal spokeman up to 50% of all the people that come through The Wizarding world of Harry Potter – try a Butterbeer before they leave! For those of you not “in the know” the drink is non-alcoholic, and is imbibed by the characters in Harry Potter frequently when they visit “The Three Broomsticks” and “Hog’s Head pub” in the books.

For more Recipes: http://milkandcuddles.com/

DFW Attractions: The VIP Cowboy Stadium Tour!

Since I only have my Chevy Malibu for a few days, I’m trying to have as much fun in it as possible!

So I took my dad to a VIP tour of The Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium in Arlington, TX! Even though I’m not a huge football watcher, this place is IMPRESSIVE! If you are local- you have got to make time to see this place up close and personal.

You get to hear some amazing facts about the largest dome structure in the world as well as see the players locker rooms, VIP suites, The Team Owners private box, play ball on the field and more! My dad and I really loved it.

Here is a video of the highlights of our visit!

Going to Cowboys Stadium in Chevy Malibu!

For more ideas:http://milkandcuddles.com/

Make your own Play Dough!

 

I recently made this easy play dough recipe for my toddler to play with. I had as much fun as she did! I was sculpting babies for her and flowers and showing her how to mush it up! We had a blast! Thought I’d share the recipe for anyone else that wants to try it this summer!

~Homemade Play dough Recipe~

Ingredient List

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
Food Coloring of your choice

Directions

Step 1) Mix flour, salt and oil, and slowly add the water, cooking over medium heat.

Step 2) Keep stirring until dough becomes stiff.

Step 3) Turn out onto wax paper and let cool. Knead the playdough with your hands until of proper consistency.

Step 4)Use as is, or divide into balls and add a few drops of food coloring to make green, red, yellow and blue. For no mess- mix in a ziplock bag.

Enjoy your play dough!

PS. Be sure to store in airtight container:)

For other ideas:http://milkandcuddles.com/

Learn how to make Bacon & Cheese Quiche in two minutes!

I was recently looking for a good breakfast or brunch recipe – I asked around and got some great recipes! So I thought I’d share a few with you all!

This Bacon & cheese Quiche, is simple to make and super tasty! It would be a great summer recipe as a breakfast for company or as a light dinner with a side salad.

Hope you enjoy the video, I enjoyed making it!

For other Recipes and Videos visit – MilkandCuddles.com!

How to make your very own Watercolor Paints!

This is a great simple recipe for making non-toxic watercolor paints. It would also be a fun way to teach kids about what colors can be mixed – to create other colors. Super easy, and super cheap crafting idea!

Below you will find a short video I made showing you how to make the watercolors, and below that the written directions!

Have fun!

 

Ingredients:

* Baking soda
* White vinegar
* Light corn syrup
* Cornstarch
* Half-dozen egg carton (or another container of your choice)
* Assorted food coloring 4-pack

 

Watercolor Paint Directions:

 

1. In a mixing bowl, mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons vinegar until fizzing stops. Add 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Mix until a uniform consistency.

 

2. Pour the mixture into individual egg carton cups, filling each about a third to halfway.

 

3. Add five to 10 drops of food coloring to each cup, mixing in thoroughly, to reach desired colors. The more color you add the more vibrant.

4. Allow paints to set overnight. Use paints on watercolor paper with a wet paintbrush.

Have fun painting with your new watercolors!

For more ideas go to:http://milkandcuddles.com/

Baby Leash? Or Baby Safety Harness?

So, I’ve been thinking lately about how our Pumpkin is getting to the stage where she really wants to be out of the stroller when we go somewhere now. And as much as I’d like to give her some freedom, I worry about her letting go of my hand and dashing into a dangerous situation.

I’ve seen other parents using “safety leashes” with toddlers, and I have to admit I have mixed feelings about it.

Before I had a child of my own, I thought the baby on a leash concept was crazy! A child is not a pet and shouldn’t be treated as such – that was my line of thinking. But now that I have an independent toddler I can see the genius of the leash. It would allow the child a bit of independence to explore while still ensuring that they are within arms reach of the parent. Not that I think a parent should ever rely on a leash to keep their child safe- a parents still has to watch the baby every second. It just seems like having the tether between your child and you would eliminate those scary moments when a child dashed towards a road or into a crowd.

What do you think? I am still caught between thinking that a baby leash would be a great tool, but also feeling like it might be somewhat demeaning to my daughter to have a leash not unlike a pet dog. And if I’m honest I’m also a bit afraid of the looks I might get. I remember all too well how I thought I knew how to be a great parent…all before I actually was one! And Lord knows I had some serious judgment when I saw a toddler on a leash in those days!!

What do you all think? Has anyone had experience with safety leashes? I’d love to know what other people think when they see a baby on a leash?!?

For other ridiculous queries visit:http://milkandcuddles.com/

The Ft. Worth Botanic Garden

My daughter and I recently visited  The Fort Worth Botanic Garden!

It was a lovely sunny day, and we really enjoyed looking at all the theme gardens and butterfly watching! If you live in the DFW area, I really recommend taking a day trip there.

There were lot’s of stations along the trails for children explore. In fact, the pictures above are of Molly playing in a “log” with rubber insides. It had holes all along it so kids could pretend they were a Forrest creature in their own little log home! Molly loved it.

As the trees begin to change color, I’m sure we will be making many more trips to The Botanic Garden. It’s a lot of fun, and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Hope you enjoy our pictures!

More reasons to Breastfeed…

As many of you know, I have treasured my experience breast feeding my daughter as much as any experience of my life!

I know not everyone has circumstances that make breastfeeding easy to do, or even possible. And to moms who for whatever reason are not able to nurse their babies, please know I am not judging you in any way – your baby feels your love in a million other ways! But for moms who really want to breastfeed, and are struggling with it- a new study just came out that may really give you some encouragement!

You can read about the study HERE.

But, the basic conclusion of the study is that… the lives of nearly 900 babies could be saved each year, along with billions of dollars, if 90 percent of U.S. women breast-fed their babies for the first six months of life!

The American Academy of Pediatrics has said that “The health care system has got to be made aware that breast-feeding makes a profound difference.” And the study findings suggest that there are hundreds of deaths, and many more costly illnesses each year from health problems that breast-feeding may help prevent.

Some of these illnesses include stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, juvenile diabetes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and even childhood leukemia! The study also goes on to talk about the billions of dollars that could be saved by breastfeeding becoming even more main stream.

So many people think of breastfeeding as a lifestyle choice, or what “hippy” moms do – but in reality it’s a public health issue. Not to mention an OUTSTANDING way to snuggle and bond with your baby during the day:)

If you haven’t read the study – I really encourage too! It’s good stuff!

Find more at:http://milkandcuddles.com/

Beauty Live- at The Galleria in Dallas!

Kay Dallas & Fort Worth ladies- have you heard the Galleria in Dallas is going to be ground zero for all things this April 9th-11th?

Umm, yeah – they are pulling out all the stops people. You can rub elbows with with Industry professionals and celebrity experts – and take part in beauty demonstrations, giveaways, make-overs!

Did I mention the cost? Free people! Hallelujah for things being free in this economy, eh?

I am not a make up person really, I wear it…sometimes. But when I find a product I like- I am EXCITED. I become a serious fan. So the idea that industry professionals are camped out in my backyard is great, because I do not have the time or money to try every new thing. But I do have an afternoon to get the industry short hand on what works great.

On a personal note- I really cannot wait to check out Kyan Douglas. Do you all remember him from “Queer eye for the straight guy” – it used to be on Bravo? He was totally my favorite on that show!

Some of the other Industry professionals that will be there include…

(Kim Kardashian)

(Carmindy – from TLC’s, What Not to Wear)

(Dr. Rey- from Dr. 90210 on E!)

Here are all the Vitals:

WHAT: Beauty Live

WHEN: April 9-11, 2010

WHERE: Galleria Dallas

13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240

COST: Free and open to the public

PUBLIC INFO: 972.702.7100 | www.galleriadallas.com

Just thought you might want to know!

For more info check out…
http://milkandcuddles.com/

Tie Dye Cupcakes!

My husband has a small stash of tie dye shirts in his closet. He mostly just wears them to bed, or on the weekend – but he really loves them! So as a special Valentine treat for him this year, I figured out how to make him cupcakes – with a tie dye theme!

They came out totally colorful and delicious. So I just had to pass on the recipe! I’m also making a mental note to pull this recipe out again when my daughter is a bit older. It would be a super homeschooling lesson on what primary colors, make other colors when mixed!  Plus, it’s totally yummy- and totally groovy! Why do I suddenly have the song ” Age of Aquarius” in my head??? Happy baking y’all!

YOU NEED:
- One box of white cake mix
- 4 egg whites
-vegatable oil
-a box of food coloring
- Frosting (if you desire)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare box of cake mix as directed. But substitute the three eggs it calls for to 4 egg whites instead. (This is to keep the mix very white. If it turns yellow because you use whole eggs, keep in mind that when you add food coloring they will be mixing into yellow. Thus blue food coloring will make green cake, and so on.)

2.After cake mix is ready, separate it into 4 bowls or mugs. Add different colored food coloring to each. Stir well. Keep adding color, until you get the vibrancy of color you desire.

3.Put cupcake liners in cupcake tin. Each liner will hold about 5 spoons of cupcake mix. Take turns putting a spoon of each color into each liner. It doesn’t need to be neat – in fact the more haphazardly you do this the better! Once every liner has every color in it, you can mix remaining cake mix into another color. I mixed the left over red and blue- and made purple to top cupcake liners off with.

4. Take a toothpick and swirl the colors on top for pretty tie dye marbling effect. It wont mix the colors underneath much. But it does make the top very pretty. An especially important step if you choose not to frost the cupcakes.

If anyone else tries to make these, I’d love to know how it goes! Feel free to post a link to your cupcakes below, or on my main blog!

http://www.milkandcuddles.com/

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