Fun Free Stuff to do with my Kiddlet! (updated)

Okay moms out there! I know you all have a favorite fun free thing to do with your kiddlets and with summer approaching I would love for you to share your ideas.


Today I was poking around on the internet and found that our public library is having a magician, storyteller, and the zoo tour around town all throughout the summer. Also, they have weekly story times for all ages of kiddlet! If you haven't participated in the past the summer reading programs are great (there is even a program for adults). Just fill out the required paperwork and pick up your prize at the end of the summer! One other really cool thing they do is the "Children's Festival of Reading" at the beginning of summer. This year the event is planned for May 30th from 10-3pm. We didn't make it last year, but I am excited about taking Ethan this year.
Free Movies! Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. Around Knoxville you can see movies at: Knoxville Center Mall, West Town Mall, and Turkey Creek. Movies this summer include the "Pirates that Don't Do Anything", "Kung-Fu Panda", and "Horton Hears a Who". It looks like there is a different PG and G movie every week so the selection is huge! I have never attended these and I wonder how early you should get there to guarantee a seat, or if it is worth going because of all the noise/distractions. Let me know if you like (or dislike) going to these!



Of course parks and splash pads are always fun to visit. I know last year when I was in Stroller Strides the splash pad a Carl Cowan would be totally empty in the morning. I'm excited that this year Ethan is old enough to visit and have fun at such places.

Every Wednesday (11-2) and Saturday (9-2) from May to November our Market Square will be hosting a Farmer's Market. We are trying to eat more locally since I am reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" so this market can really help!

Other things I could think of are:

• World's Fair Park Fountains
• Tour of Mayfield Dairy
• Books and Blooms at the UT gardens (Thursday morning crafts and story time)
• Sunflower Project - send off to get a free packet of information and sunflower seeds
  

Here is a link to an article that has more "free things to do in Knoxville" listed.

So, what is your favorite free thing to do during the summer? Leave a comment so that we can all enjoy it!

LaSource 60 Second Fix Manicure Set

Sometime late last year a friend and I were walking in the mall and she said, "Oh, we have to go into Crabtree & Evelyn to get our hands massaged!" Once we were there we walked over to the sink and first scrubbed our dry hands with the Hand Recovery repair treatment. When they were good and scrubbed we washed the treatment off and wow! It makes your hands so soft! This is great to use during the winter or even the summer when you are washing your hands a lot from being outside, changing diapers, etc. Then after you scrub there is an amazing Hand Therapy moisturizer that is not too oily or too fragrant like most lotions.

I've been a believer/user of this product ever since then. In the 60 second fix kit is a tube of the scrub that exfoliates and then a bottle of the lotion to seal in the softness! The great thing about this, is that the mini-kit is only $10.00! That makes it a great gift for teachers during this time of year! The fragrance is rather mild so I would bet that even the pickiest teacher would enjoy this kit.

There is also a gardener's version that just has a different "herbal" scent. I bought a bottle of the hand soap and it smells great. Not to strong, but great to wash your hands in after a long day outside in the dirt or after a soak with some dirty dishes!

Great tip: all of the LaSource products (and some others) are buy one get one half off right now!

Chicken Quesadillas and Simple Sopapillas

This is one of my favorite meals to cook because it really helps me use up various leftover ingredients, and my family loves it! This week I had leftover shredded cheddar (from soft tacos last week), left over chicken (from power cooking) and an extra onion (also from power cooking).
Chicken Quesadillas (ingredients in italics)

Start off by cooking one onion in a little bit of olive oil until sweet and tender. Then cook chicken (I used three breasts) in saute pan by using my favorite method or tonight I just used my grill pan and grill press. Let the chicken rest and prepare a pan with a tablespoon or so of olive oil on medium low heat. After the chicken is sliced up throw a flour tortilla down in the pan and on one side of the tortilla sprinkle cheese, chicken and onions. Fold remaining side over. Let the first side brown for about a minute or so and the flip. Brown sides until desired color is reached and serve with sour cream. Like I said before, what is so great about this meal is that the only thing I had to purchase was the tortillas. I already had the rest of the ingredients on hand.

Dessert: Simple Sopapillas

So, I don't know about your family, but we have a hard time finishing an entire package of flour tortillas. This method is from a friend and it is a great way to use up those extras! In the same skillet you used before pour about a quarter of an inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium high to high heat. You will know the oil is ready when a piece of tortilla immediately begins to bubble. Fry your tortilla on both sides (they will puff up but that is okay) and then transfer to paper towel on wire rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and enjoy! I know it is traditional to add honey on these as well, but I was so eager to eat these that I forgot. I also forgot to take a picture!

Power Cooking

I love power cooking and I've been meaning to write a post about it, but Betsy already has so I'll just link to hers!