'SCM' makes everything better.

It has been one hot mutha in the Lou already.  Around here with the heat comes sno-cones {aka snow balls, snowcones, snow cones, etc}.

Last year we bought an ice shaver.  It makes the ice fine enough to make our own version.  We have since collected lots of syrups {mostly from Target}, and sometimes do toppings like sprinkles, whipped cream, cherries, etc. 

We are all kind of obsessed with the 'cream tops' that most of the New Orleans style sno-cone stands offer around here.  I was thinking it wasn't attainable at home, and mostly had just decided it was something we could only get at our favorite local stand.

BUT...

with a little research and testing, we can now add it to our own 'options' list when we make them ourselves.

Enter the lead player: Sweetened Condensed Milk {SCM}

From what I understand, this is mainly a southern thing.  But, rest assured...once you give it a try, it will become a 'wherever-you-live' thing.

You can spoon it on top straight out of the can if you like, but we like it best mixed with a little milk.  I would guess I put about 2 TBSP. of milk to one can of SCM.

I just whisk it up...

and VOILA! 

After you make your sno-cone to your liking, you just spoon the SCM mixture on top.  That's it!  To make it extra fun, you can serve it in fun cups or paper cones with even cuter spoons or straws.

This time I did even more experimenting and tried a 'Viatnamese Coffee' sno-cone.  All I did was take Pioneer Woman Iced Coffee concentrate, pour it over the shaved ice, and added the cream top. 

So, so good!

I think next time, I may try just freezing some strong coffee in an ice cube tray, and actually shaving that, but it was still really good.  Definitely worth giving it a try.

Enjoy!

spoons: Sucre Shop

cups: {new old stock} Paper Treats

cones: Target

Summer Bucket List.

Progress on our summer list is not going well.

We've only done a couple of things on it.

Yet, I feel like we've done tons of other stuff.

What's the point of a list then?

In the next two weeks we WILL do the following:

1. Make custom bleach t-shirts


2. Have a lemonade stand


3. Paint 'hot' rocks


4. Turn in our summer reading logs to the library


5. Make cardboard tube bracelets


6. Have an English muffin pizza buffet

Am I the only one this is happening to?

How's your summer list going?

Because I like it...

Cousins: Betsy {5}, Kate {5}, & Rosie {3}

I'm...

baaaaa-aaaaaack!

And, let's just say that I'm refueled, fired-up, and ready for summer 

and whatever it throws my way!

We had a great time on our yearly getaway at YMCA Trout Lodge.

While on the beach, I've been thinking up some good posts in my lil' ole head,

and will definately be posting photos from our trip.

I, also, read a fantastic book while the kids splashed away & dug in the sand.

If you have a summer reading list,

I highly recommend adding 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett to it.

Alrighty,

I've got to get back to Photoshop.

It's a love/hate relationship.

Nighty-night!

Summertime.

This summer, I'm gonna try and chill.

Starting with,

SLOWLY giving the blog a little make-over.

Teaching myself along the way.

I've decided simpler is better.

Bigger photos, less other 'stuff'.

We'll be playing more,

which means less time for me on the world wide web.

I'll still try and post every day.

Hopefully, before everyone wakes up.

Minus Betsy.

She likes to get up at 5:30 or so.

Although, I'd like to run before everyone wakes up, too,

and, obviously, before Jake leaves for work.

So, we'll see.

I think I've spread myself too thin already.

Geesh!

I really need to find the balance.

Today's plan...

homemade sno-cones,

sprinklers,

blow-up pools,

hot dogs,

sidewalk paint.

No big pool, yet.

I have a kickin' summer cold,

and do not have the energy to take 4 kids by my lonesome.

Here's to beautiful summer days!

Oh, and I know some of you email me, and since my 'contact' is currently disabled...

here you go:

oddgirloutblog{at}aol{dot}com.

The link bar is my first project.

Hopefully, it will be restored soon.

School's out for summer...

I got some great ideas for 'year-end' teacher gifts from here. {eighteen25 blog}

I wish I had some great summer time activities to do with the kids, too.

They'd have to appeal to a 9, 7, 5, and 3-year-old. 

That's tough.

Aside from a couple of summer enrichment classes
{Jake is taking CSI & kickball, Pete; golfing & cooking},
and the pool...we are kickin' it old school:

sidewalk chalk, water balloons, bikes, sprinklers, paint, the ice cream truck, BBQs, books, fun.

On a side note...I think the photos are grainy because I just noticed my ISO was on 1600 from last night. 

Oops! 

I'm always a work in progress.

2 trumps 7.

those two ladies, below,

have mastered taking 7 kids,

all ages 8 and under (8, almost 7, 6 1/2, almost 5, 4 1/2, 2, and 1 1/2),

to the pool.

that's right.

those two beautiful mommas

had complete control.

those two wonder women said,

"sit in the chairs for a picture."

and, they did.

they actually did!

it was as if they were hypnotized, yesterday.

they were all so good!

who needs those stinky daddies?

well, for the pool anyway. ;)

it was a GREAT day!

green deliciousness.

Pistachio ice cream...how I love thee?

With your beautiful green creaminess.

Your sweet, unique flavor.

In a cone, in a bowl, with a little honey.

No matter.

You rock my world.

Unfortunately, my love,

you make my butt AND my gut

fatty-ginormous!

But,

for better or worse,

you're the only ice cream for me.

Forever.

Ice cream + summer=heaven on earth

buckets and bubbles.

I challenge all of you to do your summer on the cheap. There is really no reason to do it any other way. A vintage summer. A summer full of kool-aid popsicles, bubbles, buckets of water & paint brushes, sprinklers, and root-beer floats. Seriously. Kids love it, and really need nothing more!

ps congrats to

bryan & tammy

on baby isla!