Chocolate Cherry Floats

I have a recipe for a Chocolate Cherry Float that is so good that even on the coldest fall day, it will appeal to your taste buds!

I love to serve ice cream floats to friends and family. They are easy to make and while it seems like a pretty simple thing, an ice cream float can be as complex and creative as you desire. The combinations for yum are endless.

In this Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Float recipe, you will find I went with basic ingredients you might already have in the kitchen. If you have them, get ready to dash in and make one of these!

You will need:

Dr. Pepper

Chocolate Ice Cream

Chocolate Syrup

Maraschino Cherries

Begin by drizzling chocolate syrup around the inner rim of your glass so that it dribbles down the sides.

Next, add 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream into the glass

Top with Dr. Pepper.

Drop a cherry in and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

This is completely delicious. If you like chocolate and cherry, this is one easy yet delicious float recipe you won't want to miss.

You might also enjoy this Lazy Affogato Recipe.

Blackberry Cheesecake Floats are a reader favorite you will love too!

Find all of my favorite ice cream floats here

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookie Recipe

A classic cookie get a delicious deep flavor with this recipe for brown sugar sugar cookies! This cookie is perfect for a fall day. Make a batch to savor over coffee with a friend, or as the ultimate after school snack for the kids. The entire family is sure to love this easy cookie.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Cookie Ingredients:

2 ⅓ cup flour

1 stick of softened butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup of sugar

1 large egg

⅓ cup of maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoon maple extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

Icing Ingredients:

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons of milk

2 teaspoons of maple extract

Directions:

Cream butter and both sugars together. Beat for 2 minutes.

Add egg, continue to mix for 1 minute and then add maple syrup.

As you are mixing add the vanilla and maple extracts.

Begin adding the flour, baking soda, salt. During this step I like to switch from my mixer to a mixing spoon to stir as the dough will be very creamy and soft and a little sticky.

Chill in the refrigerator for 90 minutes.

When you remove the dough from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Use a cookie scooper to form balls of dough and place them on a cookie sheet, 2” apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

I added a basic drizzle to our cookies to give them a little extra sweetness and they looked even yummier!

Serve these with milk or coffee. 

You can bake them ahead of time and freeze them, or you can freeze the dough if you like, and then you can bake them as needed. I

If you plan to freeze before baking, scoop your cookie dough out, freeze on a cookie sheet then transfer to a zipper seal bag.

Mark the flavor, baking time and temp with a permanent marker. I always set 6 cookies aside for baking later, you NEVER know when a cookie craving is going to strike HA!

You can find more yummy recipes here.

Mint Chocolate Chip S'mores

Nashville Hot Chicken Fried Potatoes

Strawberry Syrup

Letter B Worksheet for Preschoolers

Print this free letter B worksheet for preschoolers or pin it or later.

My daughter is starting kindergarten this fall, so we are working hard on our letters and numbers!

I have been making letter recognition worksheets for Harper to practice her letter finding skills.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase I will earn a small advertising fee at no additional expense to you.

You can have your child circle the letters with a crayon or marker, or if you have a bingo marker, that is fun too! You can print as many of these as you need. Share them with a friend, or keep a few on hand for future reference.

Below you will find more preschool resources. Keep checking back as I will be sharing worksheets for the entire alphabet over the coming weeks.

Print the Letter B Worksheet

Find more preschool resources here

Letter A Coloring Page

Letter A Recognition Worksheet

Apple Dot a Dot Printable

Letter B Coloring Page

10 Things That Make Pigeon Forge the Ideal Vacation Spot for Families

 

Pigeon Forge is more than just a town; it's a gateway to creating beautiful family memories. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this vibrant town offers a unique combination of natural beauty and family-friendly entertainment. From thrilling theme parks to tranquil nature trails, Pigeon Forge provides a diverse range of experiences that are both fun and affordable for families looking to spend quality time together.

Planning and Budgeting for Your Trip

A successful family trip to Pigeon Forge starts with smart planning and budgeting. Fortunately, this destination offers options for every budget. Families can save by visiting free attractions like the Patriot Park or enjoy discounted rates at many attractions with combo tickets. Planning ahead for meals, setting a souvenir budget, and looking for package deals on attractions can help families manage expenses without missing out on the fun. The key is to balance paid activities with the abundance of natural beauty and free entertainment options the area offers.

Accommodation Options

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a family vacation, and Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals offers a delightful solution. These cabins provide a cozy, home-like atmosphere that is ideal for families. A key highlight is their location, as they are among the cabins near Dollywood, providing easy access to many of Pigeon Forge's popular attractions. The cabins come in various sizes, ensuring that whether you have a small family or a large one, there's a perfect fit for you. With amenities like fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, and scenic mountain views, these cabins offer a comfortable and memorable stay. The relaxing surroundings not only offer a peaceful retreat but also keep you close to the bustling activities of Pigeon Forge.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Pigeon Forge is a treasure trove of attractions that are sure to delight every member of the family. The star attraction, Dollywood, is a must-visit for its thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and insight into the local culture. The Island in Pigeon Forge is another popular spot, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and amusement rides, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which offers stunning views. For a more educational experience, the Titanic Museum offers an interactive way to learn about history. These attractions, combined with numerous others, ensure that every day in Pigeon Forge is filled with new and exciting adventures for the entire family.

Outdoor Adventures

Pigeon Forge is a haven for those who love the great outdoors. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Families can embark on hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, suitable for all ages. These trails often lead to breathtaking waterfalls and offer glimpses of wildlife. For a bit of thrill, consider a family-friendly zip-lining adventure or a horseback ride through scenic trails. These activities not only bring fun but also offer a unique way to connect with nature and each other.

Educational Opportunities

The town is not just about thrill and adventure; it also offers a range of educational experiences. The Titanic Museum, for instance, provides a fascinating journey into the past, where families can learn about the historic ship and its passengers. Another great spot is WonderWorks, an amusement park for the mind, blending education and entertainment through interactive exhibits. These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities while keeping the fun and engagement levels high, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Dining and Cuisine

No family vacation is complete without good food, and Pigeon Forge delivers on this front. The town boasts a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and diets. From classic American diners serving burgers and fries to local barbecue joints offering Southern specialties, there's something for everyone. Many restaurants in Pigeon Forge are family-friendly, providing relaxed atmospheres and menus that appeal to both kids and adults. Exploring the local cuisine is not just about eating; it's about experiencing the culture and warmth of this welcoming town.

Local Culture and Heritage

Pigeon Forge is steeped in rich Appalachian culture and heritage. Families can experience this first-hand by visiting local craft shops, watching live bluegrass music performances, or attending cultural festivals. The town's history is showcased in various attractions and museums, providing insight into the region's past and its people. These cultural experiences offer a deeper understanding of the area and enrich the vacation experience, making it about more than just fun and relaxation.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Pigeon Forge hosts a variety of events and festivals that are perfect for families. These range from the springtime Wildflower Pilgrimage to the fall’s Harvest Festival and winter’s enchanting Christmas celebrations. Each event is unique, offering activities and experiences that reflect the season's spirit. These festivals are a great way to immerse in the local community, enjoy seasonal decorations, and participate in special activities that aren't available year-round.

Fun for All Ages

Pigeon Forge is welcoming to visitors of all ages, including the very young and the elderly. The town's attractions, such as miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, and interactive museums, offer enjoyable experiences for all age groups. Facilities like wide, stroller-friendly walkways and senior-friendly seating areas make it comfortable for every family member to enjoy their time. This inclusivity ensures that no one feels left out, making the vacation enjoyable for everyone.

Shopping and Souvenirs

For families who enjoy shopping, Pigeon Forge won't disappoint. The town boasts a variety of shops ranging from local crafts to popular brand outlets. You can find unique souvenirs and artisan crafts and even indulge in some fashion shopping. Exploring the shops is a delightful experience in itself, as many stores offer a glimpse into local artistry and culture. Shopping in Pigeon Forge can be a leisurely, enjoyable family activity, offering something special for everyone to bring home as a memento.

Wrapping Up

Pigeon Forge is a destination that truly offers something for every family member. Its combination of natural beauty, exciting attractions, educational experiences, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and festive events makes it an ideal spot for a family vacation. Whether you’re seeking adventure or just looking to relax and enjoy some quality time together, Pigeon Forge provides an array of options to create lasting memories. It’s a place where each visit can be a new experience, yet it always feels like coming home.

A Stroll At The Kingwood Center

As a family, we love to visit The Kingwood Center in Mansfield several times a year. My husband and I love the flowers and plants. The kids love the statues and we all love the exercise! It is easy to spend an hour strolling the paths with the kids.

The Kingwood was one of the first places Adam and I visited when we moved to Mansfield, pre-kids. Over the years we moved, but we make a point to visit The Kingwood several times a year with the kids, not only for the experience but also to revisit our roots in a way.

The Kingwood Center is a 47 acre estate that is open to the public. The grounds are compromised of gardens that are breathtaking. Kingwood Center Gardens develops and displays exemplary gardens on the former estate of Charles Kelley King for the pleasure and education of its constituents.  While admission is free there is a parking charge. It is minimal and helps to support the operation of this amazing place in Ohio.

If you visit, plan to stop by the greenhouses. It is easy to get swept away in the fun of the outdoor experience, but the greenhouse offers many gems including a fantastic banana tree. We seem to make a purchase of a plant on each visit.

This is a great place to snap some awesome photos of your family. The flowers are awesome in the spring and summer, in the fall the leaves add a lot to the experience.

Be sure to bring quarters to buy a few handfuls of food for the ducks! If you pay attention you may see the peacocks. They were nesting on eggs on our last month so we really hope to make it back this summer to see babies!

Do you have a favorite public garden? I would love to hear about it!

Strawberry Ghosts

Trying to eat a little healthier this fall? You are in luck! With this simple recipe you can make a serving of candy coated fruit to satisfy your cravings.

I am always trying to make fruits and veggies more appealing to my kids. This recipe is a sure way to get kids excited about strawberries, while giving them a little of the candy they desire.

Supplies:

Strawberries

White candy melts

Candy eyes

Parchment or wax paper

Directions:

Wash the berries and dry them on a paper towel.

It is very important that you remove all the exterior moisture before you dip into the chocolate.

If there is still water/moisture on the berries when you dip into the chocolate; it will clump up fast.

When the berries are dry melt the white chocolate/almond bark according to the directions on the packaging.

Dip the berries into the melted chocolate, working fast.

Place the berries on the wax paper.

Before the chocolate has a chance to harden, drop 2 candy eyes on each berry.

When all of the berries have eyes, you can place them in the fridge to help the chocolate harden.

You can enjoy these within 15 minutes or so.

These are perfect for sharing at a Halloween party! What a sweet little spooky ghost!

I bet you can't eat just one!

These are delicious, easy to make, and while they do have a candy coating, they are so much healthier than some of the options Halloween is best known for!

Make a batch and stop by to share a little BOO! with a friend or neighbor!

Or maybe just eat them all by yourself! 

 You can find all of my Halloween ideas here

Reader favorites include:

DIY Halloween Tree

Pumpkin Face Window Clings

Play Doh Ghost Ornaments

Mummy Pretzel Snacks

Paper Plate Spiders

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Reclaimed Wood Black Cats

Teton Sports Celsius Jr Sleeping Bag Review

My husband loves the great outdoors. He is athletic and adventurous. He loves hiking, fishing, swimming and camping. I am an indoor girl. I appreciate the beauty of nature and I am not afraid to go out and get dirty from time to time, which makes things work well. I don't always want to tag along on Adam's great adventures, but I will go along when the timing is right.

When we found out we were going to be the proud parents of a little boy, my husband had a twinkle in his eye. He instantly started talking about taking him on a camping trip. When Rolf was 6 weeks old, my husband was ready to go camping... 

Well, as you will probably guess, the camping adventure didn't take place at that time. I have honestly been less than ready to send my little boy out to sleep under the stars. I know I tend to get a sore throat when I camp, and without a proper sleeping bag, I knew the same would happen to my son.

Teton Sports sent my son a Celsius Jr Sleeping Bag. This is a fantastic sleeping bag! I expected it to be much shorter than it is. It was in all honesty the ideal size for me to use. I am only 5'2" tall and I swim in the standard size sleeping bag.

My husband knows outdoor gear, and he was most impressed with the quality, function and portability of  this sleeping bag. It weighs about 2 and a half pounds, so it isn't too heavy for carrying to a campsite. The zipper is durable and easy for little hands to pull up and down. We loved the design of the sleeping bag, it has a very attractive pattern. My favorite feature is that you can unzip at the bottom for sticking your toes out if you get too toasty. This appeals to both my son and myself. Neither of us like to have our feet covered while we sleep.

This is a great sleeping bag for spring, summer and fall camping. It will keep your kid toasty and looking stylish in the process. We didn't get to test it out in the great outdoors, but we did have a semi-camp out in the living room. We popped up our play tent and tossed the sleeping bag inside for a nap. It was comfortable, warm and a super fun way to rest for my son.

You can buy this sleeping bag on Amazon, it would make a great Holiday gift for a little adventurer on your shopping list.

13 Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Fall is here and I am craving all things pumpkin! Pies, breads and cakes are lovely but there is something amazing about a savory pumpkin dinner! I gathered 13 recipes from my favorite bloggers to share with you. These recipes are completely craveable! I still can't decide which I will make first!

Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Sausage by Food, Folks and Fun

Bacon and Pumpkin Pasta by Dizzy, Busy and Hungry

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls by Tastes of Lizzy T

Cheesy One Pot Pumpkin Pasta by Domestic Superhero

Beef and Cabbage Dinner in a Pumpkin by Over the Big Moon

Family Dinner in a Pumpkin by Capturing Joy

Vegan Pumpkin Nugget Tacos by Elephantastic Vegan

Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas by Tatertots & Jello

Pumpkin & Feta Empanadas by Amuse Your Bouche

Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Bread by Om Nom Ally

Pumpkin Sage Scones by Houseful of Handmade

One Pot Pumpkin Mac & Cheese by B Inspired Mama

Pumpkin Chili by Food, Folks and Fun

If you still need a pumpkin fix, check out these yummy pie recipes or these other pumpkin for dinner ideas.

Which of these savory pumpkin recipes will you make first?

'6 Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Parents In Their Senior Years

 With the elderly population steadily growing in most parts of planet Earth, we need to try and provide them with a quality living situation that will give them some sense of security and self-sufficiency. If you happen to love your parents very much and/or you spend a lot of time with them, then there are many things you can do to make their lives a bit easier and more fulfilling.

Image Credit

Here are some useful tidbits of advice on how to take care of your elderly parents:

1. Make sure that they have access to good, nutritious food at all times. 

If you can, try and figure out what type of food they like the most and then cook as much as you can in order to supply them with what they like. If your parents like canned food, then you should try and find out which brands are the best and buy those canned foods on a regular basis for them. Find out if anyone else in the family wants to chip in by buying certain types of canned foods that your parents might like.

2. Be sure to get the proper insurance and health care coverage. 

If your parent requires caregiving outside of your area of expertise, or simply more time that you can give due to work or childcare, then consider hiring a home health care provider. Caregivers can be scheduled to come to the home to take care of your parent through home health care software. It has useful features that caregivers can utilize for note-taking, relaying client details about your parent to other carers, and more. A home health care provider will hopefully create a bond with your parent, therefore giving them something to look forward to when they visit.

3. Make sure that the house is in good shape.

If your parents still live in their own home, then you should make sure that it is safe and secure. You can do this by checking electrical outlets to make sure there aren't any missing or bare wires, checking the insulation to make sure that there are no signs of water damage or mold growing inside any walls, etc. If you notice anything that doesn't seem right then, you should contact a good home repair professional and ask them to take a look at what's wrong with the house. You might like to invest in a good walking stick for old people.

Repairing faults you notice may be instrumental in preventing falls, one of the most common threats that older adults face. According to the CDC, an older adult (at least 65 years old) suffers a fall in America every second of every day, making it the foremost cause of injury and death among this demographic. Luckily, you can easily prevent falls by ensuring that all stairs and hallways are well-lit and clutter-free. Also, remove all loose rugs from your parent's home or tape them to the floor, so they don't move when walked on. If falls do occur, many personal alarms have emergency buttons for elderly people to help them get the assistance they need.

4. Make sure your parents have access to reliable transportation if they need it. 

If neither your parents nor anyone else in the family can drive a car, then they should seriously consider getting rid of their car and trying to limit themselves from going out as much as possible. However, if someone in the family is able to drive them around without causing an accident or anything like that, then perhaps they can keep their car in good working order and use it when they need to pick up groceries or visit a doctor. You can also look into getting an Uber account for your parents so that they have access to reliable transportation at any time of day or night.

5. Hire someone you trust to take care of the housework duties.

For example, your parents might need help cleaning the house when it's time to do laundry or when they want to vacuum the floors. You can hire a maid service, just get someone you know and trust to help out with these types of chores and it will definitely be much cheaper than putting your parents in an assisted living facility. If they do have to live in a nursing home, remember that there is a nursing home abuse attorney for hire should you ever need one.

6. Make sure your parents get to see the proper doctors on a regular basis.

This will allow you to get all of your parent's health issues taken care of in one appointment instead of forcing them to make multiple trips to receive different treatments for their various conditions. If your parents are able to drive themselves, then you should encourage them after they get home from the doctor's office to go out and pick up their prescriptions.

 7. Help them with their plans for the future

Understandably a difficult conversation, it is important to begin the discussion of the future and what your loved one’s wishes are for when the unfortunate time of passing comes. It may be hard, but planning for seniors is an important part of being able to enjoy your remaining years comfortably and stress free. Figuring out funeral plans and the financials surrounding it may seem an impossible conversation, but once had, provides a sense of relief for everyone in the family.

In Conclusion 

It's important that you help your parents out as much as possible during their senior years if they are going to continue living their life at home. If your parents end up having to go into a nursing home, then it will be harder for you to get them the care that they need on a regular basis.

Simple Ways To Use What You Love In Your Interior Design

Your home's interior design may occasionally change. It's bright and airy in the spring, helps your home stay cool in the summer, is warm and inviting in the fall, and you love to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in the winter. Overall, how you decorate your home speaks volumes about who you are and what you value most in life, but it can be challenging to know where to begin when coming up with decor ideas. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways to use your own likes and loves to create your ideal interior design. 

 

Photo by cottonbro

 

Focus On Your Favorite Colors 

What is your favorite color? No matter what it is, even if it’s something quite unusual, this is the color to use most in your home. After all, why would you ignore it or use a color you don’t particularly like? You’re the one who has to live in the house, so it should reflect your personal tastes, and color is the easiest place to start. 

 

So how can you use your favorite color? Put it to work as an accent against darker hues in the bedroom, as a focal point in the living room, or as a dash of color in the kitchen or bathroom. If you have a white carpet or some plain hardwood, put a rug in your favorite shade down on the floor, then add bursts of that color in the cushions on your sofa to spice up the space.

 

Have A Feature Wall

If you don't want your own personality to take over the whole house, a feature wall is a terrific way to show off the items you love. A feature wall is a great place to showcase your eccentric interests, whatever they might be. 

 

And since feature walls make excellent focal points, you can use any unused wall. Places like the back of the sofa, the wall behind the TV, and the wall next to the door are ideal for displaying unique and well-liked decor. Plus, the next time you have guests around, you'll have something interesting to talk about.

 

Speaking of guests, if you have a guest bedroom, this is somewhere you can really experiment with. Since it’s a little used room, you can try out various designs there and see what works. Make sure you have a good bed and mattress and there is some storage, and then you have free rein on the rest. 

 

Get The Family Involved 

You love your family more than anything else, which can help you decide how to decorate your home. After all, you can have the kids make you some art, have your partner put up some shelves, and get an idea from each of them about what to do with an empty corner or wall.

 

The way you decorate your home can also show how much you love your family and want peace there. Buy some family sculptures to put around or put up some quotes about family on the walls. Feeling loved at home is a great way to make sure everyone gets along, and it's nice to see that in your decor.

 

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces are perfect for hands on play on a fall day.

My kids want to carve a pumpkin or two every day. It becomes a whole thing. From the face, to the roasting of the seeds and then displaying. They really take things seriously at Halloween.

While I love to do pumpkins with them, I don't always have time to carve a pumpkin a day. This year I found a way to give them what they want anytime they want it with these play doh pumpkin faces!

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This is such an easy activity! All you need are 2 cans of play doh and a sheet of black paper and you are in business.

First, invite your child to cut out various shapes for the pumpkin face. Ovals, triangles, squares and creepy teeth are perfect.

Then invite your child to smash the orange play doh into the shape of a pumpkin.

Use green play doh if you desire a stem.

Now, let your child make as many faces as they want.

This is a fun way to keep them busy and happily making pumpkin faces for hours.

If you liked this Halloween activity, check out all of my Halloween ideas.

13+ Ghostly Crafts

DIY Pumpkin Window Clings