You guys know that I am all about easy recipes and treats.  I am a busy mama and I do not have time to sit down and prepare a 5 course meal.  Desserts I can handle because most of those you can put in the oven and walk away.  Even better if it’s no bake and I can make it, store it and put it aside.  This easy 4th of July treat will take you 5 minutes to make!  And yes, I totally cheated.

All you need to make these yummy treats are pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats (gasp!), white chocolate melts and patriotic M&Ms (found mine at Wal-mart).

So yes…I cheated.  I used pre-packaged Rice Krispies.  To be perfectly honest, every time I have attempted to make them myself they have turned out horribly.  Like as in, not edible.  To save everyone from gagging and me from losing my sanity, I cheated.

Unwrap all of the Rice Krispie Treats and set aside.  Next comes the semi-tedious part.  I dumped all of the Patriotic M&Ms into a bowl and separated out the white ones (since I was using white chocolate melts).  Basically you just wanted the blue and red ones.

Next, you are going to melt the white chocolate wafers in the microwave according to the directions on the bag.  Remember to stir between each increment of microwaving.

I decided to make it extra fun by adding some colorful straws.  Food is more fun on a stick, right?!  Simply stab the straw through the bottom of the Rice Krispie Treat.

Now you are going to dip the other end of the Rice Krispie Treat into the melted white chocolate.

Now for a warning…

Do not attempt to dip the white chocolate coated Rice Krispie treat into the M&M bowl.  This will cause clumped up M&Ms in a bowl.  It doesn’t work.  They are too heavy.

Simply place the M&Ms onto the chocolate dipped end of the Rice Krispie Treat.  Allow them time to dry on some wax or parchment paper.  Add sprinkles and you are all done!!

The chocolate combined with the marshmallow-y goodness of the Rice Krispies tastes like s’mores!!  They are delicious!  Plus they are the perfect little patriotic treat for your 4th of July celebration!

Store in an air tight container and these will keep for a couple of days! You can make these Dipped Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time!

Click HERE to see more amazing recipes!

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I LOVE strawberries!  They are one of my favorite foods.  I could eat them all day long and not think a thing of it.  To me, strawberries are the flavor of summer.  The best part?  They are WW friendly and only 2 points!

 Ingredients:

Angel food cake mix

Strawberries

Reddi Whip

Wooden skewers

These are so much fun to make!  Start by grabbing a box of your favorite angel food cake mix.  Follow the directions on the box to prepare.  I used a non-stick  mini cupcake pan to bake these little puffs of angelic goodness.  I used my cookie scooper and put a scoop in each cupcake form.  I wanted the outside to be golden brown so I did NOT use cupcake liners.  Bake for 17-18 minutes.  Allow them about 15 minutes to cool before removing from the pan.  I was able to get 72 mini cupcakes from one mix!

Next, slice up your strawberries.  Now you are ready to assemble!

For parties, I found it easiest to create a kabob station.  Simply set out a bowl of sliced strawberries, a basket of angel food mini cupcakes, some Reddi Whip and wooden skewers.

Assembly is super easy too!  Angel food cupcake, whipped cream, strawberry – or whatever order you want!

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs Yields – 36 kabobs

And ONLY 2 WW points!!

Do you have a favorite strawberry recipe?  I’d love to hear it!  Stop by and share on Facebook!

The post Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs appeared first on Create Craft Love.

Charcuterie boards continue to be all the craze. Not only can they be customized for ANY occasion, holiday or event, but they look pretty too!

Keys to a Patriotic Charcuterie Board

1. Make it festive and add some red, white and blue by using seasonal fruit.
2. Offer a variety of foods and textures. Some may go for a dessert only board but a true charcuterie board includes meat, cheese, sweet and savory additions and crackers. Again, you can get creative here and even use colored tortilla chips depending on the occasion.
3. Keep it simple and keep your guests in mind! If you’re feeding a crowd of foodies, it’s perfectly safe to break out fancier meats and cheeses. But if kids are going to be at your party, cater to their tastes! Better yet – make two separate boards if needed!

These bloggers have knocked the Patriotic Charcuterie Boards out of the park! Check out some of these boards for more inspiration!

As always, please pin from the original source!

Tasty Oven

Amanda’s Cookin’

Jennifer Maune

Hungry Couple NYC

Urban Bliss Life

Kara’s Party Ideas

Reluctant Entertainer

Snowflakes and Coffeecakes

The Delicious Life

Diary of a Debutante

Life by Leanna

Leigh Anne Wilkes

Fashionable Hostess

Number 2 Pencil

Eat Yourself Skinny

Scrambled Chefs

Dance Around the Kitchen

Damn Delicious

Whitney Rife

Plays Well with Butter

Now how is that for some Patriotic Charcuterie Board Ideas and inspiration? I can’t decide how I want to make our board for the 4th of July this year! Maybe I’ll add my American Flag Dipped Pretzels!

What’s your favorite way to style a charcuterie board? So many options and I’d love to hear your ideas! Head over to Facebook and tell us!

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If you are looking for a unique and special Caribbean experience, Sandals Ochi is it! This adults only destination resort is an activity-packed get away but that doesn’t mean that you have to stay busy. This resort is all about the R&R as well! Like to lounge by the pool? This will be your new paradise!

The Pools at Sandals Ochi

WOW! You’ll find 7 stunning outdoor pools scattered across the Sandals property in Ochi Rios — including several swim-up bars that are just begging you to spend the day soaking in the sun and the beautiful resort surroundings.

You’ll find both quiet and more social swimming pool options. On top of that, many of the rooms have their own private pool decks. And on top of that, you have the beautiful beach!

The Beach at Sandals Ochi in Jamaica

Sandals Ochi has its own private cove beach that will feel like you’ve truly found paradise! Lounge on the beach for a bit while Sandals hosts bring out your favorite drinks and then take a break for one of the many free non-motorized water sports that are included for every guest. It all happens right down by the water. Grab a kayak, try snorkeling or paddleboarding, or even have one of their experts take you out for a quick sail around the waterfront. If you love vacation life by the water, then Sandals Ochi if for you!

Dining Options at Sandals Ochi

I can promise you this: you will NOT go hungry at Sandals Ochi. With 17 restaurants and 11 bars, there is simply no end to the incredible food and drink options: Gourmet French cuisine, authentic Jamaican jerk, Italian classics, Japanese flavors, beachfront dining with ocean views, and a poolside pizzeria are all waiting for you.

We personally loved The Jerk Shack (you can’t go wrong there!) and the sushi at Soy was amazing – so many options! The breakfast buffets are incredible and true to Sandals service, you can order almost anything to be delivered right to your room!

Our favorite part? Every single bite is included — no reservations fees, no surprise charges, and NO tipping allowed. You’ll also find the friendliest servers and chefs around!

The Rabbit Hole at Sandals Ochi Rios

Do not miss The Rabbit Hole — a hidden gem that just might be the coolest bar we’ve seen! And it’s hidden kind of in plain sight! This unique speakeasy bar offers incredible drinks, dancing and some amazing live entertainment that will blow your mind. The fun Alice in Wonderland inspired atmosphere combined with fun waitstaff and entertainment make The Rabbit Hole an experience to remember!

The Red Lane Spa at Sandals Ochi Rios

The Red Lane Spa on property offers massages, facials, body scrubs, couples treatments, and so much more for those days when pure relaxation is the only agenda!

The Upton Estate Golf & Country Club

If golf is your game, then you’ll love to know that your stay at Sandals Ochi includes complimentary green fees at the stunning nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, a Golf Digest four-star rated par-72 course perched in the hills with breathtaking ocean views!!

And Then There’s All of Ocho Rios Waiting Outside the Resort!

Positioned just minutes from some of Jamaica’s most iconic attractions, this resort really does give you access to so many of Jamaica’s finest activites and sights to see. The famous Dunn’s River Falls is a breathtaking 600-foot waterfall cascading into the Caribbean Sea and it’s just a short 10-minute drive away. Dunn River Falls includes the Blue Hole, river tubing, bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae, zip lining through the jungle, and so much more are all easily accessible right from the resort.

Ocho Rios is one of the most adventurous and beautiful corners of Jamaica, and Sandals Ochi puts you right in the middle of all of the action.

Book YOUR Sandals Ochi Adventure With Best Day Ever Vacations!

With so much to experience and so many incredible options to choose from, having an expert in your corner makes everything SO much better!! If you are ready to start YOUR next BEST vacation, fill out this quick form and an expert from Best Day Ever Vacations with reach out to you. No high pressure sales. Easy peasy and the best way to get started!

Best Day Ever Vacations specializes in helping couples plan their perfect Sandals getaway — completely FREE of charge!!

With over 1,800 five-star Google reviews, their team will make sure every detail of your Sandals Ochi trip is absolutely perfect from the very first conversation!!👉 Get your FREE Sandals Ochi quote from Best Day Ever Vacations today — just fill out a quick request form and a travel expert will reach out right away to start building your dream Jamaica getaway!! No pressure, no obligations, just real and genuine help from people who love to travel as much as you do!! ✨

The post The BEST All-Inclusive Resort: Sandals Ochi in Jamaica appeared first on Create Craft Love.

I’ve been blessed with a work schedule that has allowed me to help in my son’s classroom this year.  I can say unequivocally that it takes a special person to corral a bunch of kindergartners.  Reed’s teacher goes above and beyond to communicate with parents to keep them up to date on their child’s progress.  It’s been so much fun as a parent to watch these children learn and grow throughout the year.  I cannot imagine the hard work that goes into this day to day.  I have a greater appreciation of teachers than ever now that I am a parent.

This year for teacher appreciation week, I encourage you to go the extra step for your child’s teacher.  Tell them thank you.  Offer your time.  Help them in any way you can.  I know they will appreciate it and thank you for it.  These Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas are just some of the ways to show the teachers how much you care about them!

As always, please pin from the original source!

To access a specific post in the gallery, click the title of the post which will open a new window with the instructions for that project.

[See image gallery at www.createcraftlove.com]

I honestly can’t decide which idea to choose!  They are all fantastic and I think any teacher would love receiving any of these gifts!  Handmade always seems to be best among moms and teachers.

 Do you do something special for your child’s teacher?   Better yet, do you have a special teacher that has touched YOUR life?  Share your ideas or give a shout out over at Facebook!

Share this image for Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas on Facebook!

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What Makes Royal Caribbean So Popular?

Royal Caribbean is consistently ranked among the very best cruise lines in the world — and for good reason!! Their ships are essentially floating resort cities, packed with things to do around every corner. Rock climbing walls, surf simulators, sky diving experiences, ice skating rinks, incredible waterslides, world-class restaurants, Broadway-style shows — and that’s before you even factor in the stunning destinations!! There is truly something for every single member of the family on a Royal Caribbean sailing!

Where Does Royal Caribbean Sail?

So many incredible places!! Royal Caribbean sails to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond — with itineraries ranging from quick three-night getaways to epic two-week adventures. Your Best Day Ever Vacations agent will help you match the right itinerary to your schedule, budget, and bucket list!

Is Royal Caribbean Good for Families With Kids?

Absolutely!! Royal Caribbean goes above and beyond for families, with dedicated kids’ programming for every age group, from toddlers all the way up to teens. Kids have their own clubs and activities while parents get to enjoy the incredible adult amenities the ship has to offer. It is genuinely one of those rare vacations where everyone in the family is equally thrilled from start to finish!!

What Ship Should I Book?

This is one of the most common Royal Caribbean questions — and honestly, the right answer is totally different for every family!! Some ships are newer and packed with the latest over-the-top features, while others are slightly smaller and perfect for a more relaxed experience.

This is exactly the kind of question your Best Day Ever Vacations agent is AMAZING at answering — they know every ship and will point you in exactly the right direction!

Why Book Royal Caribbean Through Best Day Ever Vacations?

Because navigating Royal Caribbean’s massive fleet, endless itineraries, and cabin categories is SO much easier with an expert by your side — and that expert help is completely FREE!!

Getting a FREE quote from Best Day Ever Vacations is a easy as filling out this quick 30 second form which will prompt one of their experienced agents to get back to you quickly.

My favorite part? They’ll give you the very best deals, very best options and they make the whole process SO easy! But I’m not the only one who thinks so:

With over 1,800 five-star Google reviews and a genuine passion for helping families travel better, Best Day Ever Vacations is hands down the easiest and smartest way to book your Royal Caribbean adventure!

👉 Get your FREE Royal Caribbean quote from Best Day Ever Vacations today — fill out a quick request form and a travel expert will reach out right away! No pressure, no obligations, just real guidance from people who truly love helping families set sail on the vacation of their dreams!! ✨

The post Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise Today!! (You’ll be GLAD you did!) appeared first on Create Craft Love.

The Darice Core’dinations paper line features NO white core!  The papers are embossed with patterns that can be sanded down to reveal different colors!  It is seriously one of the coolest things ever!  {And I am NOT just saying that because this is sponsored!}  It reminds me of Hypercolor t-shirts from the 90s!

Here’s an example of how it works…

The paper is available in 6×6 and 12×12 cardstock.  I chose the Spotted 12×12 papers to make the Paper Succulents.  Using the Sand It Set, I sanded the paper down to reveal the lighter green polkadots.  The dust buddy came in handy to clear away all the paper dust.

Check out the before and after!

How cool is that?!

Darice graciously provided me with a variation of greens to use for my Paper Succulents.

I of course also used my Cricut for this project, as you know .. it’s one of my very favorite things!

To create the three different Paper Succulents I made for the vertical wall planter, I used a couple of different pre-made designs available in the new Cricut Design Space.  

Design Space Images:

#M3DF4F from Image Set: Flower Shoppe

#M46E00 from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

#M4429A from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

#M45516 from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

#M457B8 from Image Set: Mother’s Day Bouquet

I simply adjusted the image sizes and nested them as I built my own design on the canvas.

The paper cut BEAUTIFULLY with the new machine and I have to say I was quite impressed!  No ripping or tearing, even on the smaller images!

All in all, I cut and glued together 32 Paper Succulents!

I added the little pink blossoms to add a pop of extra color from the Botanical Core’dinations paper collection!

To mount the Paper Succulents, I used an old window with the screen intact.  I punched out 1 inch circles from the left over paper and hot glued them together around the screen.

It’s like having my own botanical garden in my craft room!  And the best part?  I CAN’T KILL IT!  hee hee

I’d LOVE for you to pin this image!

Share this image on Facebook!

The post Vertical Wall Planter with Paper Succulents appeared first on Create Craft Love.

I swoon every time I look at that picture!  My husband kept rolling his eyes at me because I was so excited with how they turned out.  Flamingos make me happy.  They are grand and beautiful.  Best of all, they are pink!  These adorable little guys pair well with some pom pom trim and add a touch of whimsy for your summer gathering.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Materials needed for Flamingo Pom Pom Garland

Cricut Explore or Maker
Pink cardstock
Light grip mat
Basic tool set
Fine point blade
Pink yarn
Small pom pom maker
Hot glue gun
Twine or ribbon

Images used in Design Space

Flamingo #M54ADA

Begin by creating the pom poms for the flamingo bodies.  I use this clover pom pom maker.  It’s available at Michael’s and is so easy to use.

Start wrapping the yarn around both arms on one side of the pom pom maker.  When you reach the end, extend the yarn to the arms on the other side and continue wrapping.

Carefully cut the yarn down the middle between the two arms.  Repeat on the other side.

Next take a 6 inch piece of yarn and tie around the middle of the cut yarn.  Carefully remove the pom pom maker to reveal your completed pom pom.  Trim any long edges for a more uniform looking pom pom.

Now, open Design Space and the flamingo image listed above.  Hide one entire flamingo (by clicking on the eyeball next to each layer) and the wings of the other flamingo.  All you are cutting is the body.  Size to 2.5 inches wide.  Adhere pink cardstock to light grip mat.  Send image to cut.  Load mat into machine and follow on screen directions for completing the cut.

You will multiple flamingo bodies laying around by now.  LOL

Cut the neck close to the body and the legs (leaving a little at the top to use to glue into place).

See how I left some extra to apply the glue?  Add hot glue and stick into the pom pom.  Repeat above process for each flamingo on your garland.

Finally, string together with twine or ribbon.

How cute is this Flamingo Pom Pom Garland?!

I adore this!  It looks super cute with the pom pom trim.

Check out more summer pool party posts like our Pool Noodle Luminaries!

The post Flamingo Pom Pom Garland for Summer appeared first on Create Craft Love.

This No Bake Aztec Chocolate Ice Cream Parfait is the perfect cool no bake summer recipe!  

No Bake Aztec Chocolate Ice Cream Parfait

We love to turn the heat up with some great south of the border recipes in the summer!  But what you need is a great no bake dessert to give you a break from the oppressive heat of the oven!  

This recipe was inspired by the Central American flavors of dark chocolate, coffee and chili powder.  With some Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate Morsels, it’s easy to make your plain old chocolate ice cream into a gourmet dessert worthy of your local chocolate bar!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
• 5 tbsp white sugar
• 5 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp coffee extract
• 2 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 package Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate Morsels
• Chocolate ice cream

How to Make Aztec Chocolate Ice Cream Parfait

1. Pour heavy whipping cream into the mixer and turn on to slow speed.  Add white sugar.
2. Slowly add the cocoa powder.  Increase speed to medium and add vanilla and coffee extracts.
3. At this point, you may need to stop and scrape the sides with a spatula to ensure the cocoa solids get into the mixture.
4. Add softened cream cheese.  This will act as a stabilizer.
5. Whip on high until light and fluffy.  This will take roughly one minute.
6. To assemble, begin with chocolate ice cream.
7. Next, add the dark chocolate morsel layer.  The Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate morsels add texture and a deeper flavor.  They are made with 53% cacao real dark chocolate.  And the best part is there are no artificial colors or flavors!
8. Add the chocolate whipped cream and top with more dark chocolate chips.
9. Place the assembled desserts in the freezer to chill.

If you’re looking for more no bake summer recipe inspiration, here are more of our favorite no-bake recipes: 

• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
• No Bake Strawberry Jell-O Pie
• Bumblebee Oreo No Bake Cookies
• Dipped Rice Krispie Treats
• Reese’s Stuffed Dark Chocolate Oreo Cookies

The post No Bake Aztec Chocolate Ice Cream Parfait appeared first on Create Craft Love.

If you asked me my favorite fruit, strawberry would be the answer. My mom used to cut them up, pour sugar on them and let them sit in the fridge. They developed the most delicious juice and it immediately makes me think of summer. They are just a versatile fruit and the pairings are endless!

As always, please pin from the original source.

Strawberry Poke Cake from Mama Loves Food

Fresh Strawberry Mousse from An Italian in My Kitchen

Strawberry Crumb Bars from Flavor Mosaic

Strawberry Trifle with Pound Cake from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Strawberry Brownies from Fantabulosity

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Strawberry Sorbet from Mom on Timeout

Strawberry Cupcakes from Grandbaby Cakes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies from Simply Happy Foodie

Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies from OMG Chocolate Desserts

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes from Semi Homemade Recipes

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs from Create.Craft.Love

Strawberry Cool Whip Pie from Flour on my Fingers

Strawberry Pie from Just So Tasty

Strawberry Delight from The Best Blog Recipes

Strawberry Pound Cake from Grandbaby Cakes

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries from Lil Luna

Strawberry Pretzel Salad from Little Sweet Baker

Strawberry Muffin Recipe from Wandercooks

Strawberry Buttermilk Donuts with Strawberry Glaze from Style Me Pretty

Strawberry Fudge Poke Cake from Inside Bru Crew Life

Strawberry Brownie Skewers from One Little Project

Strawberry Napoleons from Life Love and Sugar

Fresh Strawberry Cobbler from I Am Baker

Strawberry Cream Puffs from Yummiest Food

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars from The Seaside Baker

Strawberry Angel Food Cake from Salty Side Dish

Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Strawberry Whipped Cream from The First Year Blog

Strawberry Pound Cake from Yellow Bliss Road

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars from Well Plated

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake from Life Love and Sugar

I seriously plan on trying all of these strawberry dessert recipes! The Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos are calling my name!

Which is your favorite strawberry dessert? Share with us on Facebook!

The post Strawberry Dessert Recipes for Summer Parties appeared first on Create Craft Love.