Can I Have Some Apple Dippers?

Last weekend, I went to Super Walmart. I was there for what seemed like 3 eternities, scouring the Valentine’s clearance, finding every Wilton product on clearance in the store, which I was able to score some good deals.  After my what felt like 6 years in Walmart, I was famished. There is a McDonald’s in that particular Walmart so I decided to get a snack. Now, before all the Mickey D haters come out of the wood work, I eat it in moderation.  I got a cheeseburger and a small fry. I had sworn McDonald’s off for a month after coming home from my best friend Brandy’s house in New Hampshire; this was well after that time period was up, so I figured it’s OK.  I had to get Noah something too; I mean that would be mean not to, right? So, I order him some Apple Dippers.  The manager informs me that they discontinued the caramel cup.  At first I was like no big deal, because my son doesn’t eat that part.  It dawned on me, while watching my fries cook that I ate that part.  I wanted to cry, that was the best part. I ate it with a spoon. That was my special treat, and now it is gone.

The more I think about it, I wonder why. Sure it’s got sugar in it, really all it is sugar, but what is like 2 teaspoons of caramel going to do? You get three dips out of it and it’s gone. Let’s do some McMath shall we? There are approximately ten apples in a package and you get three dips. So ten minus three equals seven, that is seven apples without caramel.  I wonder what pack of angry parents threw a fit about a little caramel; it isn’t like the ratio of caramel to apples was outrageous. I wished the cups were bigger, but never complained that it was bad. It really makes me flabbergasted that it was that big of a deal.  Last I checked, and I have had plenty of Apple Dippers in my life, that it is in a separate cup, not poured over like molten lava. I need to buy some caramel and apples now.  Parents could have said please no caramel or not let their child have it. Maybe a better solution would be asked would you like the caramel cup? So, it’s not wasteful when they order their happy meals.  Let’s face it; it’s still healthier than fries.  I mean remember it is two teaspoons full.   I highly doubt that could do any harm. Maybe if you filled a bathtub full of it, but its moderation folks.

So, once again, an angry parent mob, more than likely has ruined something I love, because they are on a warpath.  Rest in Peace Apple Dippers. You are just now sliced apples in a bag.

Kids Shell Collection Craft

Most kids love shells. I know Noah thinks they are the coolest thing ever. He loves going on mud walks with my mom and finding shells anywhere he can.  We have a million of them.  My mom has been collecting them for years and years.  We went to the Saint Petersburg Shell Show today, it was a lot of fun and they had an absolutely brilliant craft idea that I had to share with you guys.   Most kids don’t really know the difference between the different shells. There are hundreds maybe thousands of different types of shells.  Instead of gluing shell bits on paper, or whatever easy craft they could have provided for kids, they decided to do something different.  They obviously put a lot of time and work in to the craft provided. They also offered a couple coloring sheets for those who weren’t interested in the main craft, but Noah was thrilled. He was so excited, it was so cool to see how shell smart he is.

This craft would be perfect for kids that just got home from the beach with a bunch of shells.

Kid’s Shell Collection

Supplies:

Shells you found at the beach- Different types

A clean egg carton

6 cotton balls

Two pieces of construction paper

School Glue

Thin Labels

Shell identifying book or the internet

Directions:

Cut out two shapes that will fit the outside and inside lid of the egg carton, make sure you cut a hole for the ridge of the inside of the egg carton lid. On the piece of paper with the hole draw 12 boxes.

Glue the pieces of construction paper to the top of the lid and the inside of the lid.

Take the 6 cotton balls and rip them in half so you have 12 cotton ball pieces

Put a small dab of glue in each egg spot and press in a cotton ball

Choose your shells and identify them

Write the name of the shell on the label and put it in the corresponding hole.  Place the label on the inside lid of the egg carton and Voila you have your very own shell collection.

How cool is that? Noah loved it.  I am sure if you have a shell you can’t identify you can email me and Noah and I can figure it out for you.

A special thanks to the St. Pete Shell Club for sharing this craft idea with us, and of course making my son’s week for loving shells as much as he does.

My Dream Backyard

In almost every house I have lived in has always had a deck. One of the houses I lived in growing up had a deck with a built in hot tub.  We never used the hot tub because it was broken, which was sad because I love hot tubs.  In the house I live in now, there isn’t really room for a deck because the yard is kind of on a hill and there are also trees in odd places. I would never cut a tree down, in fear of my five year old tree hugger yelling at me to “Save our trees”.  In my next house I would love to design my dream backyard. I would want a huge deck with a spot for a hot tub. I would be able to splurge on a hot tub with some good research of composite deck prices.  Did you know that if you have a hot tub, they have specific requirements for the place of the hot tub?  I found that out when my old best friend bought one and they couldn’t deliver it.  That way I can relax every night and look up at the stars on my beautiful deck.

It is also really important to have good railing so you don’t have to worry about falling off the deck. When I was 14 I was babysitting and the family didn’t have very safe railing on their deck and I fell off the deck. I didn’t break anything thankfully; I just ended up with a few cuts and bruises.  I was thankful that it wasn’t the child I was babysitting.  I still remember that day and so I am very careful when it comes to decks now. Not only am I careful about the construction, but the composite railing prices. I wouldn't want to skimp when safety is a concern.  I would hate for Noah or anyone for that matter to fall off a deck like I did.  It would be very dangerous and could cause serious injury.

I would also love to have a big fence. I like privacy and I would want to keep animals like dogs and raccoons out of my yard. I also like the added security that a fence provides my family. I always thought that a big fence would be more expensive than a short one. Composite fencing pricing is comparable to other types of fencing. After visiting my friend Brandy in NH, I really want a pug. I don’t really like the idea of chaining up a dog outside, but of course you can’t let them roam free. That means a fence would be a must, if I ever want to get the pug I want some day.

I would also love to have an outdoor heater, a fire pit, and possibly an outdoor kitchen.

What would be in your dream backyard? I look forward to hearing your ideas.