I love watermelon! It is my favorite summer fruit. I love to go to Detweiler’s Farm Market and pick up containers of their cubed watermelon, it is sooo good. Ron doesn’t like watermelon so there is no sense in buying a whole watermelon, so it’s worth it to me to buy the pre-cut variety.

5 Watermelon Appetizer Recipes

• Perfect for entertaining, these Watermelon Skewers with Prosciutto from Recipes from a Pantry, are a perfect blend of sweet and salty.
• This Crab Meat Cocktail with Watermelon, Mango, and Avocado from Savor the Best is a fresh twist on a classic appetizer.
• My Chilled and Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Mint was the beginning of my watermelon/Feta addiction!
• My Pure Plants brings us another twist on a classic with her Cold Watermelon Gazpacho Soup.
• This Watermelon Cheesecake Dip from Dancing Through the Rain looks like a watermelon…but it doesn’t taste like one!

12 Watermelon Beverages

• According to Drugstore Divas, their Watermelon Lemonade is perfect for a Tiki Party!
• This Pick Me Up Juice from Attachment Mummy is said to be a great vitality shot with zing!
• My dad would have loved this Watermelon Slammer from Joy Filled Eats.
• Recipes from a Pantry shares this vegan, low carb, gluten free Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie recipe.
• Looking for a refreshing summer vegan milkshake? Look no further than this Watermelon Milkshake from Mom Foodie.
• This Watermeon Slushie from Flavours Treat is vegan, gluten free, and refined sugars free.
• I love a refreshing aqua fresca on a warm summer day! I can’t wait to try this Watermelon Aqua Fresca from Happy Mothering.
• The Gifted Gabber shares her Spicy Watermelon Lemonade recipe.
• Orchids and Sweet Tea says her son loves her Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Mint Juice on a hot summer day.
• Why have I never thought to pair watermelon and strawberry? They are 2 of my favorite fruits! I guess I need to make this Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie from Little Sunny Kitchen.
• Do you link some heat in your summer drinks? This Hot Watermelon Cooler from The Flying Couponer has hot green chilies in it!
• This Watermelon Mint Lemonade from Everyday Delicious sounds amazing!

3 Watermelon Condiments

I’ve never thought of making watermelon condiments, have you? Well, 3 awesome bloggers have so enjoy these creative recipes.

• Don’t want to waste your watermelon rinds? Whip up a batch of this Watermelon Rind Relish from Attainable Sustainable.
• I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of seed butter until I read this recipe for Sprouted Watermelon Seed Butter from Moon and Spoon and Yum. Have you?
• This Watermelon Jam from Melanie Cooks sounds amazing! She also says it’s the easiest on the internet so, give it a try.

Watermelon Crafts and Activities

• I am absolutely in love with this Dip Dye Watermelon Skirt from Cutesy Crafts! If I ever have a granddaughter I’m making this for her!
• These Fruit Painted Terra Cotta Pots from Smart Fun DIY are cute and rather easy to make.
• Here is a fun summer science project from Little Bins for Little Hands! Make an Exploding Watermelon Volcano with the kids!
• This beautiful Floral Centerpiece Basket with Watermelon Design comes from Across the Boulevard.
• These Watermelon Painted Napkins from Ann’s Entitled Life would look great on any summer table.

11 Watermelon Desserts

• These Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats from Crayons and Cravings don’t taste like watermelon, but they sure do look like watermelon!
• Moon and Spoon and Yum shares this Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan Papaya Watermelon Nice Cream Smoothie Bowl.
• The Coconut Watermelon Popsicles from Raia’s Recipes are delicious
  dairy free, egg free, nut free, refined sugar free, kid-friendly snacks.
• Yum! This homemade Watermelon Gelatin from A Girl Worth Saving sounds like a refreshing summer snack.
• Another adorable watermelon look alike dessert is this Watermelon Donut from Shrimp Salad Circus.
• These Watermelon Popsicles from Little Sunny Kitchen are 100% natural, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, low carb, vegan and absolutely delicious. A wonderful summer treat that kids and adults love!
• Ok, I know these Watermelon Lime Protein Gummies from Snacking in Sneakers aren’t really a dessert but I couldn’t figure out what category they did fit in!
• These Watermelon Gelatin Pops from Oh, The Things We’ll Make sound so refreshing and creamy. I cannot wait to try this recipe.
• We still talk about this Watermelon Cake I made for my mom’s birthday 5 years ago!
• Cookies that look and taste like watermelon? Ann’s Entitled Life uses watermelon flavoring in her Watermelon Cookies Recipe.
• Here is a refreshing Paleo, Dairy Free, Vegan Watermelon Ice Cream from Oh, The Things We’ll Make.

Two Watermelon Entrees

• I need to borrow and Instant Pot from one of my kids so I can make this Instant Pot Watermelon Baby Back Ribs recipe from This Old Gal.
• A Watermelon Pizza like this one from The Gifted Gabber is a perfect summertime lunch.

6 Watermelon Salads

• Watermelon and Feta is a favorite combination of mine. The salty Fest pairs so well with the sweet watermelon. That is why this Watermelon Salad from Bacon is Magic is so delicious!
• Mix that combo up a bit with this Watermelon Feta Salad with Blueberries from Happy Kitchen.
• The Anthony Kitchen shares their take on a Watermelon, Strawberry, Avocado Salad.
• Here’s a new and different summer treat for you – Pickled Watermelon from Melanie Cooks.  Not just the rinds, but the whole slice – it’s a mouthwatering, refreshing combination of sweet and salty crunchiness. 
• This Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad from Bacon is Magic is the perfect taste of summer.
• This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Mint from Know Your Produce is a perfect poolside treat.

I hope you enjoy all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. I hope you share them on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

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Rainbows and Pots of Gold

Rainbow Jar Craft from Drugstore Divas
Preschool Rainbow Collage from Happy Healthy Thrifty Family
Hanging Rainbow Craft from Crayons and Cravings
Pot ‘O Gold Slime from MomDot
St Patrick’s Day Treat Bucket from Tales of a Ranting Ginger
In my teenage bedroom, my dad and I painted a rainbow on the wall, with billboard paints. It was still there, bright and shiny when my mom moved out last year, 27 years after we painted it. I hope there is a rainbow lover in the family who bought it.

Leprechauns

Under the Rainbow Leprechaun Trap from Fun Money Mom
Leprechaun Hat Treat Cups from Honey and Lime
Leprechaun Trap and Book from Cuddles and Chaos
Leprechaun Photo Magnet from Thrifty Jinxy
Simple Leprechaun Trap from Busy Creating Memories
St Patrick’s Day Craft and Game from LalyMom
St Patrick’s Day Snack Cups from Cooking Whiz Cafe
Leprechaun House from A Mother Thing
How have I never heard of Leprechaun Traps before now? These are so much fun!

Shamrocks

Hammered Shamrock Prints from The Things We’ll Make
Button Shamrock from Carrie Elle
Shamrock Stained Glass from Honey and Lime
Shamrock Headband from DIY Candy
St Patrick’s Day Calming Bottle from My Home Based Life
St Patrick’s Day Wreath from Carrie Elle
The St Patrick’s Day Calming Bottle is so pretty. I love that you can DIY a tool with your kids that they can later use during times of stress or upset.

St Patrick’s Day

Lucky Charms Wreath from DIY Candy
St Patrick’s Day Cupcake Topper Printable from This West Coast Mommy
St Patrick’s Day Shrinky Dink Jewelry from Merriment Design
DIY Fabric Hair Flowers for St Patrick’s Day from Busy Creating Memories
Lucky Charms Bracelet from Mod Podge Rocks Blog
St Patrick’s Day Sensory Rice Table from Must Have Mom
I MUST make the Lucky Charms Wreath!! I better buy 2 boxes of cereal though because I know I will eat too many of the marshmallows while I am crafting.

Have fun with these St Patrick’s Day crafts and activities. Make sure you pin this post so that you don’t lose all these fun crafts!

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Using this sugar scrub at home is like bringing a piece of the spa home with you. I love using sugar scrubs to really exfoliate and clean my skin. The peppermint oil has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties so they are added bonuses to this scrub in addition to making it smell amazing!

Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Makes 4 jelly jars of scrub.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Organic Coconut Oil
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
• 4-6 drops Young Living Peppermint Vitality Oil
• 4 Jelly Jars
• Scraps of decorative fabric

Directions

1. In a medium metal bowl, mix all of the ingredients together.
2. Divide into 4 jelly jars.
3. Insert fabric scraps between jar lid and band.
4. Seal tightly.

When stored in a well sealed glass container this scrub should last about 6 months.

As you can see, this scrub is simple to make and would easily be doubled or tripled. You can make this for teacher gifts, Mother’s Day or birthday gifts any woman would love to receive this scrub. It would also be a great craft for a group of girls to make for themselves or for their moms.

I hope you enjoy this sugar scrub recipe!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

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Last year in my post 4 Ways to Dye Beautiful Easter Eggs without a Kit, one of the ways I highlighted was to make marbled Easter eggs. Well, we were intrigued enough with the look of those eggs, we decided to try it ourselves. Here is how we did it and our thoughts about this project.

Supplies

• 1 dozen white eggs
• liquid food coloring (we had trouble finding this-Target carries it)
• white vinegar
• 12 snack sized zip top bags (one for each egg)
• Water

Directions

Hard Boil the Eggs

1. Place the eggs in a large saucepan
2. Cover with cool water-by 1 inch
3. Slowly bring water to a boil over medium heat
4. When the water reaches a full boil cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 12 minutes.
5. Pour eggs into a colander and run under cool water until the eggs are cool to the touch.
6. Allow eggs to cool and dry an additional 30 minutes.

Coloring the Eggs

1. Roll the eggs on the table to gently crack them. Be careful-you need the shell to stay intact but you need the cracks to create the colored lines on the eggs.
2. Place 1 egg in a ziptop bag, add about 8 drops of the desired food coloring (or mix 2 colors to get more color choices).
3. Zip the bag closed and gently massage the color into the egg until it is completely covered.
4. Leave the egg in the bag for 30 minutes to allow dye to set.
5. Repeat the process with the rest of the eggs.
6. After the 30 minutes is up for the first 4 eggs place those eggs in a colander.
7. Rinse the eggs with cool water to wash off any excess dye.
8. Next pour a bit of vinegar over each egg to set the dye.
9. Repeat this rinsing process with the rest of the eggs.
10. Dry all of the eggs with paper towels.

Peeling the Eggs

1. Crack the shells and peel the eggs. This will reveal the beautiful net-like pattern.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

We had a lot of fun making these eggs. We did have a lot of trouble peeling the eggs. The 7yo didn’t have the patience to help peel the eggs and after a while neither did the adults. We pushed through and completed the task but it took us a very long time to carefully peel the eggs. Maybe we did something wrong when we cooked them, I don’t know but peeling was tedious and time-consuming. We chose to make deviled eggs for our family Easter celebration with the marbled Easter eggs. Some of our family thought the eggs looked too strange to eat but I sure liked them!

Have you ever made marbled Easter eggs? Will you give it a try this year?

Other Easter Posts You Might Like

5 Easter Crafts You Can Make

Sweet ‘n Salty Easter Treats

Easter Crafts with Hershey Chocolates

Easy Crockpot Ham Recipe

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Thankfully, there’s an exciting new product to help you quickly and easily get into (or back into) the creative projects you’ve been desperate to start. It’s called The Ultimate DIY Bundle, and it’s a collection of carefully curated DIY and crafting eBooks and eCourses from the world’s leading authors and bloggers in the industry.

For the crazy low price of just $34.95, you get access to a carefully curated DIY library of over 76 eBooks and eCourses. And let me reassure you that this really is great value: the Ultimate Bundles team (who produced the resource) has spent MONTHS seeking out the most respected experts in the industry and asking them to contribute their premium-quality eBooks and eCourses. These really are the best of the best when it comes to DIY and crafting advice and information.

Get 76 eBooks & Courses for $34.95 in the Ultimate DIY Bundle
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Topics in the bundle include:

• Home decor
• Furniture painting
• Photography
• Chalk pastels
• Handmade gifts
• Homemade skincare products
• Cake decorating
• Photography and photo-editing
• Paint colors and interior design
• …and a whole lot more (76 eBooks and eCourses in total) – to help you be inspired or get started with your next DIY or crafting project!

There’s no need to worry about information overload though: The Ultimate DIY Bundle comes with a complete guide to getting started, so that you can know exactly which resource to use for your specific crafting or DIY project and jump straight into it with confidence!

Hurry though! The Ultimate DIY Bundle will only be on sale for 6 days – from 8am EST on Wednesday, January 21 until 11.59pm EST on Monday, January 26.

You can buy with complete confidence because you’re covered by the Ultimate Bundles 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you have a full 30 days to enjoy all the eBooks and eCourses in the bundle, and if you don’t think they provided enough value, you’ll get a full refund.

Not only that, but The Ultimate DIY Bundle comes with 4 awesome bonuses, worth over $118. That’s 3x the price of the bundle alone! These include…

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Amidst all of the other wedding planning going on around here, I have begun to create the decorations for the reception. The plan is to create 3 different Mason Jars crafts, in miscellaneous sizes to place on each table. These will be accompanied by painted pallet slats and the photo frame/chalkboard table numbers. Today I am sharing how to make Glitter Mason Jars. You can do this with any color combination, we are doing silver on silver for the wedding.

How to Make a Glitter Mason Jar

Supplies

• Mason Jarsin your choice of size
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• Glitter in your choice of color
• Mod Podge-Gloss Finish
• 1″ Foam Paint Brush

Directions

This project is best done outside-at least the spray painting part.

1. Cover your work space with newspaper.
2. Spray the neck of the jar, where the threads are. Let dry 10-15 minutes.

3. While the necks are drying, spray the rings and inserts.

4. Place your fingers inside the Mason Jar and spay the jar from 6-8″ away to coat evenly.

5. Place upside down on newspaper, spray the bottoms and allow to dry for 15-20 minutes.

6. Once the paint is dry. Paint on a coat of Mod Podge on the Mason Jar, wherever you want there to be glitter. You can cover the entie jar or you can create arbitrary lines, whatever works for you.

7. Sprinkle the glitter on all over the Mod Podge. Place upside down on newspaper an allow to dry for at least 45 minutes.

8. You will know the Mod Podge is dry enough to move to the next step when it is clear, no longer white.

9. Paint another THIN coat of Mod Podge over the glitter. This will seal the glitter in and prevent it from falling of all over your home. you don’t want this to be too thick or it won’t dry completely clear.

10. Let the last coat dry completely 45-60 minutes or until clear and no longer tacky feeling.

This is a pretty easy decorative craft you could make for lots of different decorating needs. It is easy enough kids ages 8+ could easily do this too. I need to go to the store and get more Mason Jars because I have a lot more jars to paint. We want to decorate the lids somehow, but we haven’t come up with the perfect idea yet. If you have a creative idea, please leave it in the comments, we need your help. I hope you found this tutorial fun and helpful!

The post How to Make Glitter Mason Jars-Wedding Wednesday appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Welcome back for another great week at The Happiness is Homemade Link Party!!

1. Peppermint Cheesecake Bars from Creative and Delicious

2. Owl Pattern from Audrey B

3. Sour Cream Cinnamon Coffee Cake from O Taste And See

4. Homemade Raspberry Marshmallows from Blue Crab Martini

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner but there is still time to do some crafting before the day of love arrives. When my kids were younger and we were homeschooling we often made crafts to decorate the house with. Today I have 10 craft ideas for you, some are for the kids and some are for the adults. There are a few here I can’t wait to try. I hope you find some that will fit your family.

Valentine Crafts for Kids

The Suburban Mom offers and easy tutorial for making these stained glass looking sun catchers that will brighten up any room of the house.

These easy-to-make Conversation Hearts can be found at Less Than Perfect Parents.

You and the kids will have fun making the Heart Soaps from Creative Party Themes.

The kids will have fun and get a little messy when they make this awesome Fingerprint Picture Frame from Mom On Timeout.

The whole family can have fun creating this sweet candy wreath from Carrie Elle.

Valentine Crafts for Big Kids and Adults

I cannot wait to make these Valentine Heart Treat Pockets from Craftiments.

I love these cone trees from I Gotta CreateI want to make several of these for next year!

Your child will have the coolest Valentine Mailbox in the class with this craft from Crafty Journal.

This Washi Tape Heart could be framed or turned into a card. The sky is the limit with this craft from Keeping It Simple Crafts.

This Washi Tape Tin from Confessions of an Over-worked Mom could be used many different ways as you celebrate Valentine’s Day.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to head to the craft store and pick up some supplies so we can have a craft day. If you would like more Valentine Ideas make sure you are following my Valentine’s Day board on Pinterest.

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Honestly, when you visit the shop tab on the website there is no place to order a single Doodle Roll and there are no stores local to me that carry the Doodle Roll. On the website the Trial Pack which includes one 4″ Doodle Roll and one 6″ Doodle Roll sells for $14.00, which seems rather pricey to me.

I brought the 4″ Doodle Roll to church one Wednesday night for the 3-5 year olds to color on before their class started. The Doodle Roll didn’t go over well with this age group. The children didn’t like sharing the paper and the crayons kept breaking and I had to quickly bring out our regular bucket of name brand crayons to save the project. The 4″ size was also too narrow for the young children to work on.

I gave the 6″ Doodle Roll to the K-2nd grade class. They fared a bit better but again I had to bring in the “good” crayons. This age had less trouble sharing the work space and were able to work together towards a common finished project, a banner for a teacher who had been away for a few weeks. When I asked the class if any of them would like a Doodle Roll of their own to take home, none of the girls raised their hands. When I asked them why they didn’t want one little B said she would rather color in her coloring books and S said she didn’t want to have to share with her brothers.

Unfortunately, the Doodle Roll wasn’t at big hit with the kids ages 3-8 that I tried it with, even if it has won some toy and creativity awards. What do you think? Would your kids like the Doodle Roll? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Disclosure: I received a 4″ and a 6″ Doodle Roll for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Also debuting in February is season two of the hit series featuring brand new music videos by The Never Land Pirate Band. Check out a sneak-peek of the new video “Gold Doubloons” and remember to tune in during the week February 20 for new episodes of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” airing daily at 8:30 a.m., ET/PT.

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