Home & Family--Party edition

Let’s Party TOGETHER

Backyard

BASH

THE PARTY ISSUE

3213 74TH STE B LUBBOCK, TX 79423 806.543.8682 EDITOR IN CHIEF Melody Dawes EDITORIAL STAFF Nicole Molter PRINT DESIGN Hasitha C. Jagoda WEB DESIGN Connected

Let’s Party TOGETHER

Backyard

BASH

THE PARTY ISSUE

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Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Home & Family Magazine articles and other information on the website are up to date and as accurate as possible, at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by Home & Family Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, Home & Family Magazine takes no responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this publication. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Home & Family Magazine.

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HAVE YOU FOUND YOURS?

THE BLUE ENVELOPE

Welcome to the Family!

Will contain family-oriented prizes ranging from $20-$500 in value!

2 | HOME & FAMILY MAGAZINE 2015

BE ON THE LOOKOUT

CONTENTS

12 10 12 17 19 20 23

29 34 38 42 45 46

Editor’s Letter Let’s Party Together Party Games Backyard Bash Let’s Go to the Movies Right at Home 10 Lawn Games Perfect for Beautiful Weather Shoo, Don’t Bother Me Make Your Pool Party an Even Bigger Splash Keep Your Party Cool and Drinks Cooler Walking Tacos Put a Twist on a Cheesy Classic Showered with Love When Buying Your First House Top 10 Must-Have Kitchen Tools

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47 50 51 52 54

Stocking Your Pantry for the First Time The Health Benefits of Sex Too Late to Go Back to School?

Cool Gadgets for 2015 Under $50 Easy as 1-2-3 Party Desserts

Contributors WRITERS

Nicole Molter Melody Dawes

THE PARTY ISSUE

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EDITOR’S LETTER Oh, how we all love parties! Welcome to

the Party Issue of Home & Family Magazine!

There’s just enough summer left to celebrate the long days and the warm nights. Already take your vacation and not sure how to spend the rest of the summer? Then you have come to the right place. Ideas, inspiration, and great tips await you between these pages.

Do you love hanging out with your couple friends? We have found some great sources for you involving games and food that will make your evening entertaining and relaxing. Want to include the kids in the mix? There are ideas for that as well.

As the magazine began to come together with a plethora of information, I was totally inspired to spend some time with my own friends. We enjoyed games, pizza, and some great dessert.

All it took to get that evening started was reading about it and deciding to plan my own little party. I think that’s all it will take for you, too.

We would love to hear from you. Drop us a note at editor@jordawpublishing.com. We love your opinions, ideas, and feedback.

Melody Dawes Editor in Chief

?

What party idea from the party issue do you want to try?

Since I love games and I love desserts, those are the two articles that inspired me to have an impromptu party on a random Friday night. - Melody Dawes

I want to experiment with the mosquito and fly remedies, and see which ones work best. Spending the rest of the summer with no more itchy mosquito bites would be awesome!

- Nicole Molter 10

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Nicole Molter

ThE FiG &FLoWER,co

Find us: 2019 Broadway Call us: 806-712-0384

Let’s Party TOGETHER

By Nicole Molter

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When planning a party, you may want to think about ways to make the event enjoyable for adults and their kids for those that have them. This way parents don’t have to worry with a babysitter, and everyone can have go have a good time!

The menu is definitely an important part of throwing an adult and kid friendly party. Of course, there could be alcohol for the adults and then juice or sodas for those under the age of 21. Kids may not enjoy jalapeno poppers or brie cheese. A macaroni bar would be a solid option for both adults and younger guests. To take this macaroni out of ordinary and into spectacular party fare, give guests the option of various toppings – broccoli, cracker crumbles, more cheese, or BACON! Choose a venue that is suitable for adults as well as their children. A banquet hall with breakable vases and slick floors is probably not the most family friendly setting. An outdoor venue allows kids to run around and be kids. Create a nice seating area for the adults to sit and catch up with their friends. Supply a couple of easy outdoor games for the kids.

Even better--games can be both enjoyable for adults and kids alike! A beanbag toss game and ladder golf are both so fun. Almost any simple outdoor game can be played by both generations and the memories created in casual settings such as this are priceless.

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EFFORTLESS

ENTERTAINMENT

By Nicole Molter

Introduce some new games at your next party at little to no cost at all! The best place to play most of these is outside – a great way to catch some sun and burn lots of energy!

Coconut Bowling

A coconut has to have some sort of use. How about for bowling? Fill six water bottles with water (add food coloring if you like) for bowling pins. Set up a starting line and the pins. All you need is a few coconuts!

Ring Toss

Ring toss is another fun game using water bottles. Using the same formation from coconut bowling, throw plastic rings and try to catch them on the bottles.

Balloon Tennis

For this game you need a balloon and paper plate paddles.

To create the paddles, glue popsicle sticks on the back of paper plates. The goal is to keep the balloon up in the air using the paddles for as long as you can!

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The Human Knot

The human knot is a game sure to tie up time at a party. A group of six or larger is best for this game. Have everyone stand in a circle and grab someone’s hand across from where they stand (no one should hold both hands of the same person). The group should look like a jumbled bowl of spaghetti. Next, they have to untangle themselves while still keeping hold of their partners’ hands. In the end, the group should open up into a circle. A well-rounded trust game!

Capture the Flag

Capture the flag can be adapted to younger groups of children as well as young adults. For younger children, a front yard divided by cones is the perfect size to play. Using a larger area is more fun for teenagers. There are two territories, and the group splits into two teams. Each team ties different colors of racer tape around their waists. They can’t try to be sneaky and hide the tape under their shirts!

The groups each hide a flag or bandana no higher off the ground than the shortest person playing. The goal is to find the other teams flag while keeping your own flag safe! If you pull off someone’s racer tap or have yours pulled off, you go to jail on the enemy team’s side until someone from your team rescues you.

Closing out summer with these games will give your family years of stories to tell on one another. Don’t let the moment pass1

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SWITCH UP A SOUTHERN FAVORITE

By Nicole Molter

In the South, we love our sweet tea. Here are a few recipes to expand your sweet tea palette. There’s nothing better in the summer time!

Five Minute Raspberry Iced Tea 2 Lipton Cold-brewed Iced Tea Bags 8 cups of cold water 6 ounces raspberries

Directions: Add 8 cups of cold water to a pitcher. Next comes the iced tea bags. However many you use really depends on how strong you like your tea. Mash up the raspberries and add them to the mixture, too. Let your tea set and soak up the flavor of the raspberries. Strain the tea to catch the seeds and tah-dah!

Starbuck’s Iced Green Tea

Water 5 Tazo “Zen” green tea bags 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw honey or ¼ cup raw sugar Directions: Fill a 2 quart pan 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil.

Remove pan from heat, and add 5 tea bags. Let tea bags steep in water for about an hour, or until cooled down to a lukewarm temperature. Once the tea steeps, remove the tea bags and pour the strong tea mixture into a 2 quart pitcher. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with cold water and stir. Add in honey or sugar if desired. Refrigerate until cold. Taste exactly like Starbuck’s?

Copycat Sonic Peach Tea Peach Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 2 to 3 sliced peaches Tea: 3 tea bags 6 cups of water

Directions: Bring syrup ingredients to a boil in a pan, then reduce heat to medium. Crush peach slices as you stir the pan to dissolve sugars. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for about 30 minutes. Boil water and brew tea bags in a pitcher, letting the tea steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and refrigerate pitcher. Strain peach syrup through a fine strainer to remove peach skin or fruit pieces. Add syrup to tea and pour your friends a glass!

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PARTY GAMES Introduce some new games at your next party at little to no cost at all! The best place to play most of these is outside – a great way to catch some sun and burn lots of energy!

By Nicole Molter

Coconut Bowling

A coconut has to have some sort of use. How about for bowling? Fill six water bottles with water (add food coloring if you like) for bowling pins.

Set up a starting line and the pins. All you need is a few coconuts!

The Human Knot

Ring toss is another fun game using water bottles. Using the same formation from coconut bowling, throw plastic rings and try to catch them on the bottles.

The human knot is a game sure to tie up time at a party. A group of six or larger is best for this game. Have everyone stand in a circle and grab someone’s hand across from where they stand (no one should hold both hands of the same person). The group should look like a jumbled bowl of spaghetti. Next, they have to untangle themselves while still keeping hold of their partners’ hands. In the end, the group should open up into a circle. A well-rounded trust game!

Balloon Tennis

Capture the Flag

Ring Toss

For this game you need a balloon and paper plate paddles. To create the paddles, glue popsicle sticks on the back of paper plates. The goal is to keep the balloon up in the air using the paddles for as long as you can!

Capture the flag can be adapted to younger groups of children as well as young adults. For younger children, a front yard divided by cones is the perfect size to play. Using a larger area is more fun for teenagers. There are

two territories, and the group splits into two teams. Each team ties different colors of racer tape around their waists. They can’t try to be sneaky and hide the tape under their shirts!

The groups each hide a flag or bandana no higher off the ground than the shortest person playing. The goal is to find the other teams flag while keeping your own flag safe! If you pull off someone’s racer tap or have yours pulled off, you go to jail on the enemy team’s side until someone from your team rescues you.

Closing out summer with these games will give your family years of stories to tell on one another. Don’t let the moment pass1

HOME & FAMILY MAGAZINE

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Backyard

BASH

By Nicole Molter

SOME GREAT MEMORIES ARE MADE AT BACKYARD PARTIES! IF YOU’RE HOSTING AN UPCOMING BACKYARD PARTY, YOU WANT IT TO GO AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE, RIGHT?

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Some great memories are made at

backyard parties! If you’re hosting an upcoming backyard party, you want it to go as smooth as possible, right?

There are a few tricks to prepare a day or two in advance, so you aren’t stressed the day of. Wrap your utensils in napkins, so the little bundles are ready to go. This also makes it easier for guests to grab what they need to eat.

Would you guess you can prepare ice cream in advance? Pre-scoop ice cream into balls on a cookie sheet and freeze. When you bring out the dessert at the party, the ice cream won’t melt as quickly and will speed up the serving process. Ice cream sundae or root beer float, anyone?

You don’t want a fly or bumble bee sharing a drink with you. The solution – use mason jars as drinking glasses and put cupcake liners over the top with a hole for a straw. Tah-dah!

The day of the party is the time to start preparing the food and drinks. Set up lemonade of different flavors with ice and fresh strawberries or raspberries. Another nice addition is to have a small bowl of fresh mint leaves available. Not only do these look colorful on the table, but they add a great twist to a refreshing glass of lemonade. This will be the perfect “wet your whistle” station for your party guests!

If you’re serving buffet style, organize your table with chips and salsa in the

beginning then fruit and meat at the end. People tend to fill up their plates towards the beginning, so they’ll get less of those food items at the end of the table. Hopefully those barbecue ribs will last a little longer on the plate.

They can always go back and get seconds!

Bubbles are a simple and fun party activity for kids. Set up a bubble blowing base in the backyard with different size wands and lots of sudsy soap. You can make good bubble soap with one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid per one cup of water. For deluxe bubble recipes, go take a look at page _____!

Paper plates are great for easy clean up, but sometimes they’re not sturdy enough to hold all the tasty food.

Melamine dishes aren’t fragile like chinaware, but still look great, and are sturdy enough to hold a hearty meal. The Smarty had a Party brand has plastic plates and utensils that look like china and nice flatware, but everything is plastic!

HOME & FAMILY MAGAZINE

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LET’S GO TO THE

MOVIES RIGHT AT HOME

By Nicole Molter

Movie nights are a great laid-back source of fun for families and friends. Best part? They can be hosted in the comforts of home!

If you’re really trying to bring the movie theatre to your house, set up a “Now Showing” sign. You could even print off your own tickets to pass out and turn in before the show starts.

Being comfy sets the mood for the movie. Grab plenty of bean bags, pillows, blankets, and even stuffed animal friends.

Popcorn is a must when showing a movie. Set up a popcorn bar with different flavors of popcorn or with different toppings. Parmesan cheese and butter sound good! M&M candies or mini Snickers are also a great combo with popcorn.

The backyard also makes an awesome theatre! Check with your library about renting a movie projector. A white sheet works perfect for the screen. Then---as is sung in the musical movie “Annie,” let’s go to the movies!

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10Lawn GAMES PERFECT FOR

BEAUTIFUL

WEATHER

By Nicole Molter

Lawn games get everybody moving…outside! These games or supplies can be purchased at your local athletic supply or big box store. There is nothing better to enjoy summer evenings when the temperature is just perfect.

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Horse Shoes

2 pegs in the ground about 30 to 40 feet apart, 4 horseshoes 2 teams of 1 person or more The goal is to “ring” the horseshoe on the peg. Both ends of the horseshoe must clear the stake. Ringers are 3 points. If the horseshoe is leaning on the stake, the “leaner” is worth 2 points.

Washers

make this yourself!

King Pin (1): 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 13 Koob Blocks (8): 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 6 Sticks (6 or 12): 1 x 1 x 12 dowels Range of 2 to 12 players Set up corner posts with koob blocks in between on either end of the playing field. The King pin goes in the middle. The goal is to knock down your opponents koobs, so you can go after the king block to win!

2 washer boards with 3 holes top to bottom about 25 feet apart, 6 washers 2 teams of 1 person or more The goal is to score the 21 points first. If you score over the set amount of points in the last turn, you “bust,” and have to start back at 10 points. When you throw, your stance shouldn’t pass the front of the washer board. The bottom hole is 1 point, the middle hole is 3 points, and the top hole is 5 points. A washer bouncing onto the board doesn’t count!

Lawn Twister

Croquet

Corn Hole

croquet sets typically come with 6 balls, 6 mallets, 9 wickets, and 2 hardwood stakes Up to 6 players The goal is to get your bowl through each wicket set up in the course and into the wooden stake at the end. You get extra points by knocking someone else’s ball out of the way with your ball.

a stencil made from a piece of cardboard and a paper plate, spray paint Spray paint 6 circles by 4 circles to make the Twister game on the lawn.

The goal is not to fall as you reach for the different colors named off on the spinner!

Frisbee All you need is a Frisbee and a group to throw it back and forth!

A simple game guaranteed to be fun and get everyone moving outside!

2 teams of at least one person The goal is to be the team to score 21 points first. Your stance shouldn’t pass the front of the cornhole board.

If your beanbag ends up on the corn hole board, your team gets 1 point. If your beanbag goes into the corn hole, you get 3 points.

Kickball

bases set up in a diamond and a soccer/medium bouncy ball Two teams of at least three people The goal is to score the most points in 9 innings with the rules similar to baseball. Leave the gloves and cleats to the Texas Rangers!

Ladder Golf

ladder set 15 feet apart and 4 bolos Two teams of two people The goal is to score 21 points first.

Your stance shouldn’t pass the ladder.

The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle is worth 2 points, and the bottom is worth 1 point.

corn hole boards set up 27 feet apart, 4 beanbags for each team

Tether Ball

tetherball pole with tetherball on a string No limit to number of players Goal: Each player hits the ball taking opposite directions. As the ball twirls around the pole, the second player must try to hit the ball to make the swing go the other way. A game is won when the string is wrapped entirely around the pole. Generally, each match will consist of three games. A match is won with the best two out of three games.

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SPRUCE-UP

YOUR BACKYARD SPACE

By Nicole Molter

Do you want to spruce up your backyard for an upcoming outdoor party? Taking on this project doesn’t have to break the bank or take a lot of time. The end result will be worth throwing the party!

String Lights

String lights aren’t just for Christmas! Drape them across your fence or hang them under your patio roof to create some romantic ambiance and keep the party lit up into the night.

Plants

Add some color and maybe even perfume to your backyard with some new plants. All it takes is some soil, water, and maybe one afternoon of planting.

Geraniums come in several bright colors and have a sweet smell. You’ll have the perfect place to party!

All-Weather Art

Repurpose an old shower curtain by turning it into art. Cut out your favorite rectangles of the pattern and fold them over canvases. Staple them securely with a staple gun. Hang them up with a hammer and nails or Command Velcro strips.

Stepping Stones Make a stepping stone path to add dimension to your backyard. Stepping stones are fairly inexpensive and come in different shapes. You can even spray paint them to add some more color!

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SHOO,

DON’T

BOTHER ME

By Nicole Molter

When the warm weather arrives, so do flies and mosquitoes. No doubt, they will show up uninvited to your family dinners and barbecue parties inside or out. There are ways to tell them “shoo!” without constant swatting!

Growing certain plants in your garden will naturally ward off these pests. Basil, bay leaf, lavender, tansy, chives, nasturtiums, rosemary, mint, wormwood, citronella grass, and lemon balm are a few plants that flies hate. Mosquitoes detest rosemary, catnip, marigolds, horsemint, ageratum and agastache.

One neat trick to get rid of flies involves a few items you probably have in your house right now. Fill a glass with water and drop a few pennies in. Place them around your food or any other fly-prone spots. For whatever unknown reason, this is said to work!

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A mixture of half Pinesol and half water is another fly repelling concoction. You can clean up grease and stains as well as flies all with the same product!

Standing water and tall grass make happy places for mosquitoes to call home. When those May showers come, keep everything trimmed and clean. This will ensure flowers and not more mosquitoes!

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HOME & FAMILY MAGAZINE 2015 | 35

MAKE YOUR POOL PARTY

AN EVEN BIGGER SPLASH

By Nicole Molter

Kiddy Pool Cooler

Throw the kiddos in a pool, and why not the drinks too? Get a small hard side or blow up kiddy pool and fill it up with ice. You could even do a “deep end” pool for adult beverages. Let your favorite drinks take a dip and stay cool.

Towels Galore

If a lot of kiddos have come to the party, make sure enough towels also make it to the party. Keep extra towels on hand in case someone forgets theirs or it accidentally gets thrown into the pool.

Throw ‘Em for a Hoop

Take an obstacle course to the water!

Tie rubber weights with nylon rope to hula hoops and set them up in various patterns in the pool. You could even have the the kids hunt for pennies or

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diving sticks as part of the obstacle course.

Just Keep Afloat

There are some cool gadgets adults would appreciate for the pool. Floating coolers, a floating basketball net, or waterproof speakers that take music to the waves through a blue tooth connection are just a few.

Food that Makes a Splash Since the activities are focused around the swimming pool, so should the food! Cut hotdogs into squids, or put Swedish Fish candy into your ocean blue jell-o. There’s even a recipe for sand pudding on page ____using graham crackers, Oreos, and vanilla pudding – yum!

Night Swim

Continue the pool party into the night

by throwing some glow sticks into the water. Not only do they look awesome, but this is another thing the kids can dive for but still see in the dark.

KEEP YOUR PARTY COOL AND

DRINKS COOLER

By Nicole Molter

What’s one of the biggest obstacles at an outdoor summer party aside from the mosquitoes? Keeping drinks cold. Little may you know, there are several COOL (haha, get it?) decorative options to do just that.

Use what you might already have in your backyard. A wheelbarrow, kiddy pool, or flower box can be repurposed with a couple bags of ice and some of your favorite drinks.

A little red wooden wagon can also be turned into a really cute mobile cooler. Put a plastic tub in the bottom, fill with ice, and you’re ready to go!

Rub a dub, dub; drinks in your tub! An old bathtub can be reused as an outdoor cooler, and is great for lots of people and their drinks! Galvanized tubs are a smaller option that works just as great.

If you have an engineer friend, build a drink cooler right into your outdoor table. This way there’s always a drink handy!

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Walking Tacos

By Nicole Molter

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey • ½ cup diced onion • 1 (1 ounce) taco seasoning packet (or this homemade taco seasoning) • 6-8 snack sized bags of Fritos or Doritos

Suggested Toppings:

• black beans • lettuce • tomato • shredded cheese • sour cream • guacamole • ranch/salsa mixture (1:1 ratio prepared with ranch dressing and your favorite salsa)

Directions:

Brown the meat and drain the fat. Add the onion to the meat and sauté for a few minutes until the onions are soft. Next, add the taco seasoning along with a half a cup of water and simmer until the water is absorbed.

If you are serving immediately, pour the meat into a bowl with the black beans. Another option is to keep them warm in a slow cooker. Take your bag of Fritos or Doritos and crush the chips in the bag with your hands, then open your bag. Add whatever toppings you like (maybe even some yummy guacamole), and eat with a fork as you are on the go! Ole!

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CREATING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARTY PLAYLIST

By Nicole Molter

Music is a great addition to any party, but if children are present you want to make sure the selection is appropriate for younger ears. There is some great family-friendly music out there!

Movie or musical soundtracks are loads fun for everyone to listen to, especially if they know the words to sing along. The Lion King or Wizard of Oz definitely have some fun tracks!

Spotify is a great resource for family playlists, and using this online service is free! Other Spotify users have created their own lists to share. Just search whatever you are looking for, and you will likely find it!

If you’re uneasy about using someone else’s playlist or want to create a larger variety of party music, create your own playlist! This way everyone’s favorite songs can be included, and you’ll rest assured the music is suitable for all ages.

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Here’s a top 10 list: 1. Hey Mama by Mat Kearney 2. Happy by Pharrell Williams 3. Let it Go by Idina Menzel 4. Shake it Off by Taylor Swift 5. Hakuna Matata from The Lion King 6. YMCA 7. You Gonna Fly by Keith Urban 8. Better Together by Jack Johnson 9. Haven’t Met You Yet by Michael Buble 10. Check Yes or No by George Straight

Beat the Summer Heat with a Game

By Nicole Molter

On a hot day, there is nothing better for kiddos to do than go outside and play in cool water. All you need is kids, a game, and just add water!

Water Gun Tag

Kids love to play with water guns!

Give them a game to play by using the rules of freeze tag. If someone gets soaked by the person who’s it, then they freeze until someone else comes along and shoots water at them to unfreeze!

Drip, drip, dunk

Drip, drip, dunk is similar to duck, duck, goose. All you need is a cup of water and a hose or water bucket to refill. Whoever is walking around the circle carries a cup and drips a little water on each person’s head. Whoever he or she wants to run from, water is dumped on that person’s head. You could even make the mush pot a kiddy pool to add more splash!

Water Balloon Challenge

For this game, you need a strainer and water balloons. Everyone needs to partner up, or split into teams if there are lots of people playing. The goal is to throw the water balloons into the strainer. If the balloons pop, that is still a point. The game can be played as relay if you want. Each person has to catch a balloon in the strainer before the next person takes a turn. Whoever has the most points, wins!

Water Balloon Newcomb Volleyball

For this game you will need a volleyball setup and water balloons. The rules for this game will be similar to necomb volleyball. Someone serves the balloon by tossing it, then the

team members toss the balloon and try to safely get it over the net. If the balloon pops on that other side, the team opposite gets a point. Then start again with a new water balloon!

Water Olympics

You’re invited to show your stealth, skill, and strength in the Water Olympics! Set up a variety of events involving water. A water balloon toss or water bucket relay are two ideas.

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OUTDOOR ORNAMENTS Outdoor ornaments give your yard personality, but these crafts are also fun to make and occupy kiddos during the summer and weekends. They also make great decorations for the holidays!

By Nicole Molter

Wind chimes

Lots of things can be turned into wind chimes. Unused silverware, old keys, painted CDs, or the hundreds of seashells your kids picked up at the beach. Tie them with ribbon or twine to a coat hanger or metal ring, and hang it up! Depending on the materials used, each wind chime makes a different type of noise – neato!

Sun catchers

Sun catchers are a great way to add color to your windows. You probably have the supplies to make one just laying around your house. Take a clear lid and glue colorful glass beads to it. Next, add a string and a suction window hanger. Another option is

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to take a paper plate or paper frame and cover the back in plastic wrap.

Decorate the plastic wrap with sharpie markers or tissue paper.

Wind socks

Wind socks are so fun to watch dance in the breeze. Take a coffee can and drill a hole or two in the top to hang it up. Next drill holes around the rim to tie ribbon. Hot glue would probably work, too. Paint the coffee can and add stickers if you want!

Whirligigs Whirligigs are other cool decorations that respond to windy weather.

A water bottle is an easy thing to recycle and make a whirligig. Leaving the lid attached, cut the bottle into a

spiral shape from top to bottom. You could even use Sprite bottles to get green whirligigs. Add beads, bells, or paint, and poke a hole in the lid to hang up your project!

Step stones

Stepping stones are not only a personal yard decoration, but they can also record the growth of your kiddos.

You will need concrete for this project as well as a wooden or metal frame to keep the stone in its shape. First, pour the concrete into your chosen frame. Next, decorate the stone with river rocks, seashells, glass beads, and handprints. These special stones are great to look back on and compare the sizes of growing hands!

CARING FOR POTTED FRIENDS OF THE

SUCCULENT TYPE

By Nicole Molter

What is a succulent? Any variety of plant with a waxy, thick, fleshy water storage organs.

Succulents come in all shapes and sizes. Another thing that is likeable about them is these little plants are incredibly versatile and easy to care for. They make super cute coffee table centerpieces and patio décor! However, when beginning your succulents you want to make sure you start off right.

Water

A common problem with succulents is that people overwater them. Believe it or not, succulents need to be watered only about once a week, except for winter when they are dormant.

During this season, their watering regimen is only about once a month.

Pay attention if the succulents become crusty or if the soil is still damp. The soil should almost completely dry out between waterings.

Fahrenheit and nighttime lows of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They are more cold tolerant than people think similar to their desert dwelling relatives, cacti.

Desert temperatures can be quite extreme from day to night.

Soil

Succulents need soil that drains well, so regular potting soil is not the best choice. They like soil that is about one third regular soil, one third gravel, and one third course sand (not from the sandbox because it contains salt). There is soil specifically made for succulents if you’ll hunt around a little!

Fertilizer

Succulents can be over fertilized, which isn’t good! Choose to use a low nitrogen fertilizer and half the recommended rate. There is also fertilizer specifically made for succulents.

Light

Succulents like bright, indirect sunlight. If the leaves look bleached or the little plant is bending towards the sun, called etiolation, then your little friend needs some shade. If new growth is light green and elongated, then the succulent needs more light.

Temperature Succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees HOME & FAMILY MAGAZINE

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PUT A TWIST ON A CHEESY CLASSIC Lasagna grilled cheese • 4 slices of your favorite bread • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with a dash of olive oil • ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil salt and pepper to taste • 1 14-ounce can cherry tomatoes (may not use them all) • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese • extra salt and pepper; season to your taste Directions (makes 2 sandwiches) Get your bread ready. In a medium skillet or nonstick pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir ricotta, basil, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Top each slice of bread with some mozzarella cheese. Top two of the bread slices with a few smashed cherry tomatoes.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. On the other two slices of bread, spread ricotta cheese. Combine sandwich halves and place in warmed skillet. Grill until golden! Next, let cool and eat – yum!

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Jalapeno popper grilled cheese • 4 large jalapeno peppers • 3-4 ounces cream cheese, softened • 4-5 green onions, minced • black pepper to suit your taste • 4 slices Colby jack or cheddar cheese • 4 slices sourdough bread butter Directions (makes 2 sandwiches) In an oven at 450 degrees or on a barbecue grill, char the jalapenos for 10 to 15 minutes. Place charred peppers in a bag to steam them for about 10 minutes, then peel off the skin. Slice the tops and throw them away. (You might want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the spiciness of the peppers.) Slice open the pepper and remove the seeds and ribs. Preheat griddle to 375 degrees. Combine cream cheese, minced green onion, and black pepper in a bowl.

Spread your perfect amount of cream cheese on a slice of bread then layer with jalapenos and cheese. Spread butter on the outside of each piece of bread. Grill until crispy and golden perfection. and place in warmed skillet. Grill until golden! Next, let cool and eat – yum!

California Grilled Cheese

• 6 slices of bacon • 1 jalapeno or bell pepper diced • 2 slices cheddar or American cheese • 2 slices Swiss cheese • ½ avocado smashed with a fork • 2 slices tomato • 4 slices whole grain or whole wheat bread butter

Directions (makes 2 sandwiches) First, cook bacon until crispy; keep the grease in pan. Put the jalapeno or bell pepper in bacon grease and sauté until the peppers are soft. Drain on a paper towel. Take a slice of bread and layer cheddar cheese, peppers, tomato, bacon, Swiss cheese, and second piece of bread that is spread with smashed avocado (say that five times fast).

Turn stove on low. Put a teaspoon of butter on the pan. Swirl melted butter in the pan to cover the bottom and in goes your sandwich.

Cook for 1 to 2 minutes; check to make sure the sandwich isn’t burning. Put more butter on the other side if you wish and flip the sandwich with a spatula. Cook until golden brown and cheese is nice and oozy.

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Cranberry and Brie grilled cheese • 4 thick slices of multigrain baguette • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 ounces Brie cheese • 2 ounces of your favorite dark chocolate; break into pieces • ½ cup smashed raspberries • Directions (makes 2 sandwiches): Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Slice Brie and spread on unbuttered sides of bread. Add smashed raspberries and dark chocolate then top with remaining slices of buttered bread. Heat the skilled over medium-high heat and put in the sandwiches. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes to melt the chocolate. Uncover and carefully flip the sandwich. Reduce heat to medium and grill for a few more minutes. The sandwich should come out golden brown, chocolately, and delicious!

Donut grilled cheese • 1 tablespoon grapeseed/olive oil for frying • 1 glazed doughnut • 1 tablespoon softened butter • 1-2 slices cheddar cheese or use shred • • ded cheese to avoid the donut hole salt to taste

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Directions (makes 1 sandwich) Heat oil in frying pan over medium-low heat.

Slice the doughnut in half, so you have two circles. Spread the halves with softened butter (yes, so healthy!). Sprinkle doughnut halves with salt. Place cheese on one of the halves. Allow doughnuts to brown and get warm. The glaze will melt with the cheese, and it’s magical. Then close the sandwich, press down gently with a spatula, and continue cooking until the cheese fully melts. Flip sandwich to brown other side a little more. Let cool and eat that doughnut grilled cheese up!

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Love

SHOWERED WITH

By Nicole Molter

Families love to participate in weddings together. Aside from the actual wedding celebration, there are a few more opportunities to celebrate the bride and groom. A couple’s shower is a recent trend that includes both the bride and her groom.

Hosting a couple’s shower is the perfect opportunity

to give some special attention to your niece that is getting married, or to bring together the families in a casual way before the actual wedding. It can be simple, fun, and a treat for everyone.

Games are a great way to bring both men and women together. Have a “Recipe for Love” game where each guest writes down advice for the new couple on wooden spoons.

Another fun game would be to have guests answer questions about the bride and groom. How well do you think you know them?

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Include the guests on a personalized gift for the couple.

They could all make a donation in the bride and groom’s name or create a piece of art with their thumbprints during the party. It does not have to be expensive, just make it memorable!

Even the kids can get involved in the party. Let the kids help serve or even emcee some of the activities. They will love watching the interaction of the couple with each other and how family and friends relate to one another in transitional seasons.

BALANCING

COLLEGE AND MARRIAGE

By Nicole Molter

Sometimes college students obtain an M.R.S. or M.R. degree before walking the stage to get a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, as long as the intentions are pure and the couple is ready for the commitment, there shouldn’t be anything preventing “I do.”

Consider the commitment. Mar-

riage is serious, not just romantic.

How long has the relationship lasted?

Is the relationship mature enough to take on the good as well as the bad that comes with marriage? People mature at different speeds, but if high school sweethearts are truly committed to tying the knot, go for it.

Planning a wedding and also being married is like having another job.

There are many details that need to be taken care of. Those should be

balanced with work and homework, so designate time for each.

Consider finances. If the two of you have already been supporting yourselves for a while and know how to manage money, then you’re probably ready to take on marriage. You may even qualify for more financial aid based on your independent financial status.

Make time for each other as a married couple. Finishing school is definitely a

priority, but so should being the best husband or wife you can be.

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WHEN BUYING

YOUR FIRST

HOME

By Nicole Molter

Buying your first home is an exciting but daunting time. Everyone has their dreams of what they want in a house, but your first house is a time to learn and be realistic with your purchase.

First, find a good real estate agent.

Make sure he or she has your best interests in mind. Don’t let an agent talk you into spending any more than you have budgeted, so make it clear what your expectations and goals are.

Plan out the amount of monthly payments you can afford and stick to it!

Calculate your mortgage taking into account: a maximum monthly payment of 25 percent of your take-home pay and a maximum 15-year mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. You can plug in certain characteristics to an online calculator to figure out what you can afford. Avoid private mortgage insurance if you can help

it. This is what you’re required to pay if you don’t put down a big enough down payment (typically 20 percent of purchase price). Private mortgage insurance can be as much as 1 thousand dollars a year for every hundred thousand dollars. Save up your money before looking at houses, so you can avoid the private mortgage insurance and pay off your house more quickly!

Don’t settle on a house without having it inspected! There could be existing or impending damage that might end up costing you A LOT, so don’t take the risk. Often you can recoup the cost of an inspection by negotiating with the sellers based on what an inspector finds. Think about a house with room to start a family if that is in your plans.

More than likely, moving is not a task you want to undertake with every child that comes along. Think about your long range goals for family planning.

Finally, enjoy the process! Don’t let yourself stress over too many details.

Rooms can be painted. Fences can be changed. Cabinet door pulls can be traded out. Part of the adventure and the advantage of owning your own home is personalizing it to fit your needs and tastes.

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Top 10 Must Have Kitchen Tools

By Nicole Molter

So, you have all your ingredients ready to make a delicious crock-pot meal for you and your hubby. Whoops! Then you realize half the ingredients called for in the recipe are canned, and a can opener is nowhere to be seen.

Occasionally you don’t know you need a certain tool in the kitchen until you don’t have it. It happens! Creating a new kitchen space as newlyweds or after a move is a great time to fill all those needs you might have one day.

Kitchen tools:

1. can opener – One with a hand crank opens cans in one easy movement.

6. ice cream scoop – We all scream for ice cream! This scoop is also great for guacamole.

2. pizza cutter – Because who doesn’t love pizza! This tool is also great if you make a dessert pizza or for making a clean cut with dough.

7. peeler – Potatoes, and carrots, and yams – oh my!

3. bottle opener – For those bottles that don’t easily twist off.

4. cheese grater – Great for adding a finishing grate of cheese to a salad or some chalupas!

5. cheese slicer – If you like blocked cheese but want a smooth slice for your sandwich or burger.

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8. cork screw – Again, not everything is easily opened with a twist.

9. measuring cups and spoons – Sometimes, guesstimating isn’t best.

10. spatula – Metal and rubber both come in handy!

Stocking Your Pantry for the First Time

By Nicole Molter

Stocking your pantry in a new home can be overwhelming. Milk and cereal may cut it for the first couple of days, but so many more tasty meals can be created from basics kept in the pantry. Another great thing about these ingredients is they stay good for months!

Canned tomatoes Dried pasta Rice Peanut butter Honey Maple syrup Jelly

Corn meal Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce Mayonnaise Potatoes, onions, garlic Dried beans Stocks and broths Panko breadcrumbs

Baking ingredients: bulk-flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, baking soda, extracts, yeast Shortening Vegetable oil Chocolate chips Oatmeal Evaporated milk HOME & FAMILY MAGAZINE

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The Health Benefits of Sex Sex is meant to be enjoyable, but did you also know sex is actually mentally and physically healthy? Science and statistics have proven this to be true.

By Nicole Molter

Exercise

Sex is a moderate form of exercise.

Twenty-five minutes of sex burns about 100 calories for men and about 70 calories for women. An hour of sex burns about as many calories as a 30-minute jog. This isn’t to say sex should replace regular exercise, but it can help increase your heart rate and work out muscles.

Heart Health

Sex can actually increase your cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate. A study reported that men who had sex at least two times a week were 50 percent less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions. Another interesting statistic, 83 women with a migraine reported

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that they experienced relief after sex.

An upsurge of blood flow to the brain could be responsible for this reduction or eradication of headaches.

More Sleep, Less Sick

Studies have shown that both men and women report sleeping better after sex. The relaxation hormone called prolactin is released, which helps more quickly induce sleep. Individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30 percent higher levels of immunoglobulin antibodies, which are known to boost your immune system.

A Youthful Glow

The Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland conducted a study by viewing participants through a one-way mirror

and guessing their ages. Those who were having sex with a steady partner about four times a week were perceived as seven to twelve years younger than their real age. Hormones including testosterone and oestrogen are released during sex, which can keep the body younger looking, as well as the skin softer, and the hair shiny.

Reduced Stress

Research also revealed that couples who had sex at least once over two weeks managed stressful situations better. The “feel good” hormones, endorphins and oxytocin, are released during sex and activate pleasure centers in the brain leading to feelings of intimacy and relaxation.

TOO LATE TO GO BACK TO

SCHOOL? If you’re a parent looking to continue his or her education, go you! Going back to school can be a beneficial career move, but probably won’t be without stress or some difficulty.

Prior proper planning is the necessary key to success here. Balancing a family as well as an education may require the skill of a circus tightrope performer. The steadier you are with keeping things organized, the less stressed you will hopefully be. Plan meals for the week and have your spouse pick the kids up from school three times a week.

Find a good time to study. If you have little ones, study while they take afternoon naps. If you have school-aged kids, study with them!

Don’t be afraid to ask for the help of others or even for financial aid. You may need a babysitter to watch the kids while you’re in class. Another aid might be scholarships and grants that you qualify for. For those that do a little research, there is definitely money out there for education.

If your plate is already full, don’t try to squeeze in an extra helping. Learn to say “no” to during this special time, so you will be able to fully focus on school. This will help you steer clear

By Nicole Molter

of unneeded stress. Nobody has time for that!

Online classes are a great option to continue your education. Several graduate school programs are now being offered through this method. If this interests you, check to see if your program of choice can be completed online. Your schedule will be more flexible this way!

There is never a bad time to pursue your education further. It is smart to stay on top of your field or industry by checking into educational possibilities all along the way. Your children will love watching you accomplish goals as you continue to learn.

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COOL

GADGETS FOR 2015 UNDER $50

By Nicole Molter

New technology is being released constantly and so are accessories to go with it. Here are a few ideas to satisfy your inner technology nerd or buy a gift for one you know.

JBL Clip ($39.95 at Dell)

For those who like to constantly play a soundtrack of their life, the JBL clip is the perfect device. The JBL Clip is a tiny, rechargeable, clip-on Bluetooth speaker, so you can take your ultimate playlist with you wherever you go.

Amazon Basics Bluetooth Keyboard ($25.99 at Amazon)

A touch-screen keyboard isn’t always the most efficient way to type. Sometimes the screen doesn’t pick up your touch, so “dessert” becomes “desert.” This Bluetooth keyboard connects wirelessly to any iPad, iPhone, or Bluetooth-enabled device.

Misfit Flash ($49.99 at Dell)

The Misfit Flash is an entry-level activity tracker for basic workout routines. This little gadget comes in a variety of colors to suit your athletic wardrobe taste.

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YubiKey NEO ($50 at Amazon)

Keeping up with all your passwords can be confusing and difficult, right? The YubiKey NEO creates and stores one-time passcodes for multiple sites with a touch of a finger, allowing extra security to every website or NFC-enabled device.

Quirky Pivot Power

The Quirky Pivot Power strip is a flexible source of power.

No really, it’s a power strip that bends and pivots to suit your power source needs!

Kingston Data Traveler microDuo USB Flash drive ($29.95 at Amazon)

This nifty little flash drive allows you to transfer information from your phone to your computer or vice versa. Phones serve as so much more nowadays than just making calls, so back up your files, upload, or download with this petite 32GB thumb drive fitted with USB and microUSB connections.

Quirky Pivot Power

The Quirky Pivot Power strip is a flexible source of power. No really, it’s a power strip that bends and pivots to suit your power source needs!

EASY AS

1-2-3

PARTY DESSERTS

Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

By Nicole Molter

For Fruit Salsa: • 2 kiwis, peeled and diced • 2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced • 8 ounces raspberries • 1 (16 oz) carton of strawberries, diced • 2 tablespoons white sugar • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor (Strawberry seems popular.)

• 10 (10 inch) flour tortillas (or use Stacy’s cinnamon chips) • melted butter or butter flavored cooking spray

A summer party meal wouldn’t be complete without dessert! You can easily make these recipes for your guests or easily whip them up to take to another summer party. Do any of these sound delicious?

S’mores Bars

Sand Pudding

• 3/4 of a stick of butter (6 tablespoons) • 10 oz bag of marshmallows (keep 1 1/2 cups separate) • 6 cups Golden Grahams Cereal • 1/2 cup mini Chocolate chips

• 1 pkg Vanilla Wafers • 3 or 4 Oreos • 8 oz Cream Cheese • 1/4 C Butter • 2/3 C powdered sugar • 2 small pkgs French Vanilla pudding mix • 2 3/4 C Milk • 12 oz Cool Whip

First, butter a 9x13 pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, melt butter in your microwave for 30 seconds. Keep one and a half cups of marshmallows separate, but dump the rest of the bag into the bowl. Put the mixture back in the microwave for two minutes on high. Next, mix the melted butter and oozy marshmallows together.

Stir in Golden Grahams cereal and the marshmallows you set aside. Mix everything together until well blended.

Pour everything out into the 9x13 pan and press into the bottom. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, then let cool. Enjoy!

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Instructions: Crush the Oreos and Vanilla Wafers in a food processor. In a separate bowl, add together softened 8 oz cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.

Mix those ingredients together with a mixer until creamy. In another bowl, mix pudding with milk. Next, add to cream cheese mixture, and fold in cool whip. To make this dessert really look sandy, layer the crushed cookie sand and pudding in a bucket. Serve with a shovel!

Cinnamon sugar: • 1 cup white sugar • 2 Tablespoons cinnamon Instructions: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves.

Cover and put in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. If you’re making your own cinnamon chips, coat one side of each flour tortilla with melted butter or butter flavored cooking spray. Cut each tortilla into wedges and the sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Spray again with cooking spray (not necessary if using melted butter). Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes, then serve with chilled fruit salsa. Sounds like the perfect summertime dessert!

GRANDPARENTS AS PARENTS PROGRAM Offering support to grandparents who serve as the primary caretaker for their grandchildren.

Services include: • Case management • Information and referral • Support groups • Assistance with legal issues • Workshops

Contact us at 806-792-0099 or dbearden@MCH.org.55 For more information, visit MCH.org.

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