summer Archives - Spindles Designs by Mary and Mags

Watermelon Cupcakes

January 11, 2016 by Margaret 5 Comments

I have Spring Fever!

January’s dreary cold days are hard for me. There isn’t much to look forward too and I even have a birthday coming up. The hard part about January birthdays is – What do you want for your birthday? I never know, because we just had Christmas. Could you please ask me in July, because by then I have a whole long list for you. Another icky part of January birthdays is it snows and usually on my birthday. Now this would be great if I was in to skiing – but I’m not. The older I get the less I like the snow. Unless its for Christmas, but please melt right after. I know, I know I can’t have it both ways. Okay enough whining. This is my solution to this years dreary days of January. I’m having Springy, yummy, watermelon cupcakes.

These watermelon cupcakes are not watermelon flavored they just look like watermelons. I didn’t go too crazy. I made the cupcakes with Betty Crocker’s Strawberry Cake mix and topped them with my favorite buttercream frosting.

Watermelon Cupcakes

Strawberry Cake Mix

Mini Chocolate Chips

Green Buttercream Frosting

Green Cupcake Liners

Muffin Pan

Mix Strawberry Cake Mix together following directions on the box. Place Green Cupcake Liners in Muffin Pan. Fill each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle a few Mini Chocolate Chips into cake batter.

Bake following box instructions.

Stay warm everyone and enjoy a little summery treat!

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Keep Kids Busy on Vacation

July 9, 2013 by Margaret Leave a Comment

Its almost vacation time for our family. One of my main tasks in getting ready has been, “what are the kids going to do during down time.” I’ve collected a few things in hopes of keeping my kids happy at the campground. I tried to keep things small so they are easily carried by little people.

new little toy
water bottle
bubbles
color books
stickers
activity book
glow sticks
magnets/cookie sheet
and a bag to put it all in.

I’m really excited about my other purchases. I found a Toss and Catch game at Old Navy. Now we have a set to add to Grandma and Grandpa’s game. I’m hoping this will be fun for the whole family. I also finally bought sewing cards. I’ve been wanting these for a long time. These are made of wood so they should survive camping. I found them on Amazon.com – aren’t Melissa & Doug Toys the greatest. I hope the kids like my surprise.

We also picked a campground with a playground and pool. Hoping to stave off any boredom. The kids have been a big focus in our planning. We want them to have a good experience on their first camping trip. If the kids are happy the greater the chance that Mom’s and Dad’s will be happy too.

Happy Vacation!
Mags

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Citrus Ice

June 7, 2013 by Margaret 7 Comments

This cool delicious summer treat is so refreshing on a hot day. But don’t eat too fast, or you will get brain freeze.

Citrus Ice

3 cups sugar
4 cups water
5 or 6 ripe bananas, mashed
1 46 oz pineapple juice
1 12 oz can frozen lemonade (undiluted)
1 12 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate (undiluted)
2 quarts water
1 15 oz can crushed pineapple (optional)
1 2 liter bottle Fresca

In a large sauce pan, bring to a boil sugar and 4 cups water. Let cool. In a very large bowl mix all ingredients. Divide between two two empty 5 quart ice cream containers. Place in freezer for about four hours, stir and scrap edges. Repeat every 2 hours until frozen to a slushy consistency. To serve, thaw for 20-30 minutes and spoon into glasses. Pour Fresca over slush. Enjoy!

Mary Ellen