It's Summer Time!!!!

It's summer time!

And you know what that means....plenty of time to do the things I neglect to do during the school year.

The life of a teacher can be pretty hectic during the school year but the summer gives me time to create, read and spend time with my family.

This summer I'll be doing a lot of reading. Some for fun, some for information.

We recently got 2 puppies and I need to read up on how to train them.

My daughter,Sophia, and I joined the Hurst Summer Reading program and are logging our hours for book bucks. Here's their website.

Sophia and I visited the Girl Scout store in Southlake and picked up some books to help guide us independently to earn badges over the summer. It gives you activity choices, things to discuss and take action on. In each package, they come with 4-5 different badge activities and they were only $4 for the package. Here's their on-line store. Tomorrow we'll begin working on her painting badge by going to an art museum.

And I finally have time to print out all those recipes from Facebook and Pinterest that I've been dying to try but forgot all about. We tried this really good soup recipe. If you like Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup, you'll love this recipe.

And of course, what would the summer be without planning Sophia's birthday in June. I can't believe she's turning 8!!!

And last but not least, I'll have time to add items to my Etsy Shop, Kaminski's Creations.

Use coupon code FREESHIP2016 to receive free shipping on all orders.

Homemade Applesauce

I don't usually put recipes on here but Sophia really loves this homemade applesauce so I thought I'd share it. 

I used granny smith apples the first time and have since switched to gala (per Sophia's request). I used about 5 or 6 apples. I cored them.

Then I sliced them up (leaving the skins on).

I used about 2 cups of this apple juice that has less sugar (this last time I used an all natural, freshly pressed apple juice with no artificial or regular sugar added. It has no preservatives). Of course you could just use all water and add white or brown sugar.

I filled the rest of the pot with water and sprinkled a little cinnamon on there. I also added a 1/4 of honey. Next time, I'm going to try all water and 1/2 cup of honey.

I boiled the apples for about 20 minutes.

Then I used the ninja (just use whatever food processor or blender you have), to puree it.

I allowed it to cool and dished it up into individual servings. I put some in the freezer.

The first time I made it, Sophia wasn't a big fan. But recently they'd been studying Johnny Appleseed at school and requested I make it again. She went to Target and helped me pick out the apples (they had taste tested a variety of apples at school and she picked out gala apples). And she helped me add the ingredients and anxiously watched me puree it. She LOVED it!

I have a feeling we'll be making this again soon. 

And another bonus, it made our house smell heavenly!