Summer 2011: The Colemans’ “Summer of Fun”

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The summer of 2010 was crazy.  I definitely worked too much and played too little.  Instead of being refreshed, I was exhausted by the end of August.  It actually took me the rest of the year to fully recuperate.  That will not be happening again this year in regards to things that I have some degree of control over.  Of course that does not mean that life will be all play and no work.  Rather, I have noted where thing went wrong last year and I am adjusting accordingly.  In fact, my family has dubbed Summer 2011 as “The Summer of Fun (with the people that we love).

When school ended last week, our family gathered in our planning spot (the bed in Reggie and my room) and we wrote down all of the things that we wanted to do over the summer.  We’re not going on any major trips, since our travel budget was used up earlier this year with the cruise and the trip to Walt Disney World.  That’s totally fine though, because there are so many fun (and free!) summer activities for kids in NYC.

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Triple berry, blueberry and watermelon summer smoothie recipes

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I love the summer for so many reasons including more daylight hours and fun outdoor activities. Perhaps my favorite thing about summer is the access that I have to delicious seasonal fruits such as fresh blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and watermelon. Since the heat is currently raging in the city, I have been seeking refuge by enjoying light and refreshing fruit-based smoothies. Instead of just adding fruit and ice, I have been experimenting with various fresh herbs like rosemary and mint as well as with adding flax seeds and light sweeteners (like almond extract and honey) to compliment the healthy, natural flavors from the fruit. I hope that you enjoy these three refreshing fruit smoothies as you stay cool and healthy this summer.

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Cars 2 RIDEMAKERZ Line

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Have you seen Cars 2 yet? We haven’t, but it’s definitely on the boys summer “To Do” list. They are especially looking forward to seeing the movie after RIDEMAKERZ invited my family to a Toys “R” Us event to celebrate … Read More

He Looks Good In Orange

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Today was very special, because Michael received his orange belt in karate. Michael is becoming quite the karate kid and says that he wants to be a Sensei (karate teacher) when he grows up. Actually, he wants to own a … Read More

How to host a sweet, British-themed Wimbledon 2011 party

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Post image for How To Host A Sweet, British-Themed Wimbledon 2011 Party

The Wimbledon Championships are being broadcast through July 3rd, so there is still time to pull together a celebration party. The London Candy Company party that I attended earlier this week was actually a combination launch of their Knock-Offs cake line and a celebration of the start of Wimbledon. Since Wimbledon has its origins in England, I really liked the ideas of a British-themed party. Below are five takeaways that can be applied to your own home party.

1. Food: Platters of tasty finger sandwiches were put out for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Along with the hors d’ oeuvres, The London Company’s new “Knock-Offs” cakes were served. (Alice’s Tea Cup also has some great sandwiches and desserts on their menu that you could replicate at home. Their cookbook actually contains the recipes for some of their top sellers.)

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The London Candy Company Candy launches “Knock-Offs” cake line

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Post image for The London Candy Company Candy Launches Their “Knock-Offs” Cake LineI’m coming down from a sugar high after last night’s launch party of The London Candy Company’s Knock-Offs cake line. The cakes will debut in the New York store today. Thankfully, there were also some savory food treats at the party to (somewhat) neutralize all of the delicious cake samples! 

The new line of British candy bar-flavored cakes was inspired by those prepared by the mother of the shop’s owner Jig Patel when he was a young child. When I first read the descriptions, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy them. (I have simple tastes.) However, I was pleasantly surprised that the ones that I tasted were amazing! Cake highlights from pastry chef Khahlidra Levister include the following:

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