Lemonade Sensory Bin

This hands on activity is perfect for engaging the senses while serving up an awesome opportunity dramatic play for preschoolers.

Harper and I both love lemons. We like the way they smell and taste. The last time I sliced up a few lemons for my eating pleasures (yes, I eat lemons like oranges!) Harp was intrigued by the seeds. She sweetly demanded  asked to pick out all of the seeds. 

There are worse things a girl of her age could be interested in doing, and an idea was born. I knew we could throw together a really easy lemonade bin that would keep her happy all afternoon. 

Supplies:
A Knife
Clear Plastic Bin
Water
Ice
Lemons
Serving Spoons
Cups
Dishes

Directions:

Pour several cups of ice and water into the plastic bin.

Slice a lemon or two and float the slices in the water.

Add spoons, tongs, cups and bowls for instant fun.

Invite your little ones to make lemonade.
They will want to touch, maybe taste and definitely smell things in here!

This is the perfect way to spend a hot day. Let the kids splash, squeeze and dish up cool spring refreshment!

If you liked this sensory play idea, keep scrolling babe, cause I have so many fun ideas for sensory play!

Reader favorites include:
Easy button sensory bags
Birthday Cake Sensory Bin

Absolutely YUM Christmas Spice Fruit Cake

 To me, nothing says Christmas louder than a warm kitchen wafting smells of baking. With Christmas just around the corner, I have been trying out recipes for Christmas dinner feast. In addition to the traditional options, I was looking for an alcohol free version of fruitcake that I could serve to my younger guests and by Jove, I think I’ve found it!!! After trying several variations to the recipe, I’m absolutely stoked to share the recipe of this absolutely delicious spiced fruit cake. This is an ideal cake for Christmas, loaded with fruit, nuts, and spices that pack this cake with deliciousness! I have made it twice and it has been polished off both times before it has even had time to cool properly.

I have made a few minor tweaks to the original recipe by Omana Paul. I got it from a friend who called it “plum cake” which wasn’t fair since this recipe has no plums in it. It comes together quickly and tastes divine. One tip before you begin though, I had to throw out an entire batch because I cracked an egg directly in my batter and the egg was bad. Always crack your eggs in a separate bowl, or do the egg float test to check for freshness before you start a recipe.

The recipe yields one 6″ cake. Happy Baking!

YOU WILL NEED:

For the cake:

white sugar 3/4 cup

room temperature butter 2/3 cup

eggs 3

Plain flour 1 cup

chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or walnuts) 1/2 cup

black raisins 1/4 cup

mixed dried fruit (dates, cherries, orange peels) 1/2 cup

cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp

clove powder 1/4 tsp

baking powder 1 tsp

vanilla extract 1 tsp

Salt 1/8 tsp

For the syrup:

white sugar 1/2 cup

WHAT TO DO:

Make the syrup. Melt half a cup of sugar in a pan on low heat till it turns into a dark caramel colour. Don’t let it burn. But make sure you don’t let it burn. Turn off heat and add about 1/4 cup water. The sugar will crystallize and harden. Put it back on the heat for about 10 minutes or until the sugar crystals dissolve. Cool and set aside.

Pre-heat oven to 350F / 180C.

Mix 3 tbsp. flour to the dry fruits and nuts. Dredge completely to coat them. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking. Put aside.

In a separate bowl mix remaining flour with the baking powder, spices, and salt.

Whip the butter together with the 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla and one egg into the batter.

Then mix in a bit of the flour mixture. Then add another egg. Repeat alternating between the eggs and flour till they are all used up.

Add in the cool caramel and fruits and gently fold in.

Pour into a greased cake pan and bake until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out with dry crumbs, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Dust with icing sugar after the cake has cooled.

Enjoy!!!

12 Homemade Soda Recipes

Spring is near and I am ready to get outside, work in my yard and of course, entertain friends with style! This year I am skipping the ordinary bottled drinks in favor of one of a kind indulgences with these soda recipes you can make at home!

These all promise to be incredible. From Cranberry Soda to Pink Italian Cream Sodas, there is something on this list for everyone. I love that the ingredients are all simple and you know what you are serving to your loved ones.

 Homemade Pomegranate Soda by 52 Kitchen Adventures
Cranberry Sodas by Ginger Casa
Ginger Lime Soda by Tastes of Lizzy T
Homemade Cream Soda by Shaken Together Life
Strawberry Soda Syrup by Ginger Casa
DIY Italian Cream Soda by Dukes and Duchesses
Raspberry Italian Cream Soda by Housewife Eclectic
Pink Italian Cream Soda by Creative Southern Home
Homemade Orange Soda by What Rose Knows
Meyer Lemon Blueberry Soda by Chicken Scratch NY
Homemade Strawberry Soda by Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Blood Orange Soda by 52 Kitchen Adventures

Which of these homemade soda recipes will you try first? I think the Italian Cream Sodas all sound awesome and I love oranges so I would want to make myself the Blood Orange Soda or Homemade Orange Soda first!

Here are some of my favorite homemade soda syrup recipes:

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup

Mulberry Lime Soda

Strawberry Peach Soda 

Blueberry Lime Soda

I love to serve floats to friends. You might want to check out a few of my favorite float recipes.

Strawberry Shortcake Floats
Chocolate Cherry Floats
Strawberry Cheesecake Floats
Chocolate Cherry 7 Up Floats
Blackberry Cheesecake Floats

How To Choose Must-Have Products For Your Little One

First time parents are always anxious and overwhelmed. They don’t have the correct information as to what products to buy, for their precious bundle of joy. Don’t get confused. First, make a list of basic yet important stuff.

Kids need lots of stuff. Categorizing items into must-haves is crucial. There are some things which make your job, as a new parent, quite easy. Be sure to have these products ready at home, when you bring your little one.

Clothing

Baby clothes range in age, usually. But that’s not the case with every brand. Some brands make their clothes according to size as well. Since babies grow quickly, buying clothes in larger sizes can be a good idea.

Also, buying second-hand clothes or accepting hand-me-downs can prove to be great, since the material is worn before so it's super soft and you get more options to choose from. Always look for clothes that are made from breathable material and are durable.

Diapering

Firstly, you need to know that your baby will go through 10 to 12 diapers in a day. So, choose carefully whether you want to buy cloth, disposable or another kind of diaper.

You can buy all kinds of diaper creams, diaper bags, and other essentials as well. A reliable diaper pail will make sure your house smells amazing all day.

A changing table can always go a long way in providing you comfort since you are going to change diapers most of the day.

Baby Gear

There is a new addition to your family. You have to make sure that you feel comfortable at all times, in his new home. Wearing your baby in a sling or a carrier means you can snuggle close to your little one. It will also give you two free hands to work on something.

Choosing the right stroller can make your life a whole lot easier since you can carry your baby in and out of the house carefully and conveniently.

You can buy a play yard. A play yard can come in handy in all possible situations. It can be a safe, contained space for your baby to play, either at home or while traveling.

Bathing

A good bathtub will make bathing time for your baby fun and easy. Always look for tear free baby shampoo and soap that are soft on the baby’s skin and eyes.

If you don’t want harsh baby products, don’t go for products that list fragrance as an ingredient. Make sure you buy towels that are hooded and completely soft so that your baby can be wrapped in them, and dry properly.

You can encourage your baby to indulge in some fun activity with toys that can float around in bathtubs.

Conclusion

Being a new parent comes with a ton of responsibilities but the joy that your baby brings is unmatched. As a parent, you have to be positive that your kid is completely comfortable as the beginning phase is very crucial for a baby to grow in the right manner.

Keep all the things handy as you never know what product you would need next. Having a stash in the house is always preferable to running out to the store every time your baby needs something.