Ziggity Zoom Parents

Quick, Easy and Inexpensive Gifts You Can Make for Friends and Family

2008-12-04T10:16:15-06:00

Do you need to figure out a affordable gift to give to your friends or family members without breaking the bank? Want something they can use and that you are happy to give them? We have a handful of easy to make gifts that cost you next to nothing to make and give to loved ones.&

Make a Wine Tasting Party Bag or Wine Placecard Table Settings

Do you have a friend or family member that loves wine? Well if you are a wine drinker you probably have old corks in a drawer or you could go to a local wine shop and ask if they have used corks you can have. Take 6-8 wine corks and exacto blade and cut off the a think strip of the length of each of the corks (approximately 1/10 of the cork)-just enough to get the cork to sit flat on the table. Now cut a thin v shape groove across the length of the top of the corks (just big enough to fit a piece of paper in the groove). For Wine Placecard Table Settings, put the cut wine corks in a cute box or bag, along with small blank placecards and a nice note about the Placecard Holders.

If you want to give a Wine Tasting Set- put the wine corks, placecards, or square notecards, along with a set of pens and 8 notepads in a lined box or a bag with instructions for hosting a Wine Tasting Party. Another option is to include 4 wine covers and stencil a number on the cover that go above the label of the wine to hide what type of wine it is, but most people can vote and comment on each wine, even if they see the label. RedEnvelop sells a nice Wine Tasting Set but it is $70.00!!!!

Make Wine Charms

Wine Charms are very easy to make and they are very affordable. You will need to purchase beads and wire rings.

www.beadland.com/wine.htm - $16.00 for 144 Wine charm Rings

www.etsy.com and search wine charm rings - $18.50 for 100 Wine Charm Rings

You will need to purchase the beads online or at a local store but you can probably buy the rings and beads all for under $25.00 and you can make tons of gifts (sets of 6 or 8) for friends and family or for a Holiday Party Favor.

If Baking is more up your alley, why not bake decadent treats for family and friends that they will go crazy for!
Seriously, would to rather a wonderful treat or get something you may not even need or want anyways. I'd rather get a wonderful goodie I would never make for myself.

Sugary Spice Pecans or Almonds

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&...

Pecan Sticky Rolls

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&...
Wholewheat Apple Scones

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&...

English Royalty Chocolate Chip Scones

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/English-Royalty-Chocolate-Chip-Scones/Detai...

Easy, Fun and Free Activities to Make Christmas More Magical- Track Santa's Sleigh, Make Reindeer Food and More

2008-12-04T09:25:19-06:00

Track Santa's Sleigh Online on Christmas Eve

Want to get your kids to bed on Christmas Eve? Go to www.noradsanta.org There are a few things you can read ahead of time, but the real action takes place on Christmas Eve when you can go online and see where Santa's Sleigh is at.

Write Santa a Letter and Receive a Letter From Santa

Have Your Kids write Santa a Letter and either Mail it or you can take it to Macy's where there is a special Mailbox for Santa. You can even get Santa to send your kid/s a letter either by going online and paying around $8.00 for a letter from www.santaletterz.com or you could just send your child a letter from Santa yourself.

Make Reindeer Food for Santa's Reindeer

Let your kids make Reindeer food on Christmas Eve. You mix oatmeal with ,strong>colored sprinkles (can can add crushed candy canes or glitter-but those are a little bit messier)and put in a bowl or plastic bag. Before it gets dark, let your kids sprinkle your front or back porch with the Reindeer Food. Let them know it will help the Reindeer see your house from up in the sky.

You can also give the reindeer food as a little party favor for kids before Christmas. Mix up the Reindeer Food and put it in little snack baggies with a ribbon and tag, or you can use the small colored drawstring bags. Attach a tag that says:

On Christmas Eve, sprinkle the Reindeer Food by the entrance to your home.

The shiny sugar will sparkle in the moonlight and the smell of oats will guide the Reindeer to your home.

Merry Christmas to all!

Take Your Kids to See Santa for Free

If you want to avoid the crowded mall and expensive photo with Santa, check to see if you church or a nearby church has a visit with Santa planned or if a community center is offering Breakfast or a photo opportunity with Santa. Our Church does a breakfast with Santa every year and it is a great time for the kids, a great breakfast and a bake sale.

Great Activities for Kids in the Winter- Things and Places Our Family Goes near Christmas that are Free or Inexpensive

2008-12-01T10:35:18-06:00

Ice Skating at an Outdoor Rink
We took the kids Ice Skating one evening last week. We had a blast and the kids are begging to go again. Even our 2 year old son, loved going around the rink with us. I enjoyed going in the evening because all the Holiday Lights are on and it feels a little more festive. We will definitely be going back several times this season with the kids. This is a great family activity that your kids will remember and it is great exercise and time outside. Instead of going to the movies, try ice skating!

Go to a Holiday Lights Show or Display

In many areas there are drive through Holiday Lights Shows and the cost is usually $5 or $7.00 per carload. It is fun for the kids and inexpensive. If you do not have a Light Show around, plan a night to pile the kids in the car with a snack and go in search of the best Holiday Lights at a house or Building. It can be lots of fun and keep kids looking around other evenings in search of a great house to come back to.

Go to a Holiday or Church Play

At this time of year, there are many plays about Christmas or Church Plays about Baby Jesus. Many are free or cost a minimal amount. What a great way to spend an evening together. Do something a little different and have a great time!

Go Caroling or Sing Around the Fire
Kids love to sing Holiday Songs or Christmas Carols. Pull out a song book or print your favorite songs from the internet and go around to your neighbors houses (you might want to ask them ahead of time), or go to a senior home, or sing together with snacks and drinks in front of the fireplace or near the tree. Or put on Christmas Music and sing to the music.

Have an Indoor Camp Out

If it is too cold to go outside and have a campfire, with smores, bring a camp out inside. Set up a Camp Circle in a Room, Make Smores and sing or talk in a circle. Put up a small tent for the kids to play in or other camping inspired items.

Decorate Your Tree as a Family

Make decorating the tree a family event. One way to enjoy the season, is to turn tasks (decorating for the Holidays) an event. Turn on the Holiday Music, make popcorn or put out snacks and hot chocolate, and let everyone in the family help decorate the tree.

Read a Classic Christmas Story at Night as a Family

Encourage family time, and reading at the same time. Read a classic or favorite Christmas or Holiday Story while sitting near the tree.

Help or Spend time with those in need: Need of clothing, food, gifts or companionship

There is no better way to spend your time over the Holidays, thinking of others and it is a great time to involve kids in helping others and thinking of others. You could invite an elderly neighbor over or go for a visit, buy gifts for those in need, bring food to the food bank or food drive, or any other giving service or gesture. Just remember to give and show your kids that the spirit of the season is about giving to others.

Great Educational Gifts for Kids- Top Toys that Encourage Critical Thinking and Observation Skills

2008-11-25T12:22:04-06:00

It is that time of year when many parents start to think about the toys their kids want versus what we would like to get our kids. I look around and see so many toys in our house and I cannot imagine bringing in anymore of the same types of toys. That is why I try and find toys and kid products that will encourage my children to use their imagination, stretch their thinking skills and observation skills and even get them excited about science, animals, or art.

Of course, there is a place for my kids' Holiday wish list, but I try and keep those items to a real minimum and let Santa surprise them with gifts they will enjoy but would have never seen a commercial for these toys.

I have selected some toys and kid products that I know would interest my kids and that are educational. Many of them help kids develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, or observation and exploration.

I encourage you to think about buying your kids, or a niece or nephew or grandchild, a great gift that will teach them to explore their world and, through play, help them build life long skills.

Farm Floor Puzzle
-$28.50- Kids 12 months and up

My Pattern Puzzles
- $13.95 for kids 18 months and up

Green Toys Tea Set
- $22.95

Jungle Croquet
-$47.50

Wedgits$29.95-Kids 3 and up

Lonpos 303 Puzzle Game-$19.95

Pattern Play Colored Blocks-$23.95- Kids 2and up

Lego Crazy Action Contraptions-Ages 7 and Up-$18.95

Gearbotics Sonic T-Rex Robot Set-5 and Up-$36.95

Gearbotics Robot Kit-Kids 6 and Up-$61.95

I found many of these products at: www.discoverthis.com , www.babyclassroom.com,and www.newhorizontoys.com and www.amazon.com. Depending on the age of the children you are buying gifts for, you may find more appropriate gifts for them. They have My First Microscope and Bug Finding Kits at www.discoverthis.com as well as Robotic Kits and Science Kits for kids 8 and 10 and Up. They have some great science and educational kids' products.

If you click any of the products above you should be able to go to the site where I found the product listed.

Top Toys for Kids- Best Christmas Gifts- Our Top Picks

2008-11-19T14:35:53-06:00

At Mommie 911 we try to find some of the most fun and unique toys that children will really enjoy and actually use. We all know about those toys that get the initial excitement and never get played with.

Here are our Christmas 2008 Picks.

KIDIJAMZ STUDIO
by Vtech

Here's an interactive music station where the kids can record their own songs and then play the music back on a detachable music player. Lots of musical instrument sounds and digital voice effects. Musical scratching disc and light-up keyboard to be play DJ.
GLOW STATION
by Crayola can create with Light!

This unique Glow Station lets kids draw with an innovative light wand in dark spaces. So cool and it rolls up for easy storage. Lots of creative playtime guaranteed.

KOTA TRICERATOPS DINOSAUR
by Playskool

This animatronic, life-size baby dinosaur stands over 3 feet tall. Realistic sounds and motion. Responds to voice with roaring & laughing sounds. Holds child up to 60 lbs.
MUSICAL TUTU DRESSUP COSTUME
by Acting Out

This motion-activated outfit plays the Swan Lake when the little ballerina begins to twirl. What a fun gift for any little girl. Who wouldn't want this outfit! Choices of musical costumes available.

ANIMAL SCRAMBLE
by Wild Planet

A great game for preschool kids. Both fun and educational. We know ... it looks too cute to be educational but kids play as the giraffe calls out animal names, beginning letters and characteristics of the animals.

Fisher-Price Transportation System GeoAir High-Flyin' Airport

Expanding on the original geotrax system, here is a great little aiport with a RC plane that clips onto the flexible geoair track. Plane can fly around the entire set.

WEDGiTS Purple Set
WEDGITS
by Wedgits

Available is different colors and sets of varying number of pieces, these unique building blocks provide endless possibilities. Wedgits encourage complex thinking, experimentation and construction. They develop abstract thinking and spacial relationships.

ANIMAL CHALKBOARDS
from Uncommon Goods

Kids will have a fun time drawing and learning on these giant sized chalkboards for their room. A big Giraffe or Alligator to choose from. Alligator is 31 inches long, Giraffe is 48 inches high.

ThinkFun ZingoThis is a great game- easy for younger kids, but a game they will play again and again with older siblings!

Little Tikes Fold Away ClimberHow great- a small playground your little one can use indoor or out. Perfect for baby or a toddler to explore and move around!

Playskool Glide to Ride Bike This is a great starter bike as kids first learn to balance and glide the bike just with their feet. Then when they seem to have the balance issue down, just add the pedals and off they go. Available in Pink or Blue.

Vtech - Pull and Learn Car CarrierThis is a great gift for little ones. They will love playing with the little cars and putting them on the big vehicle. Great for Christmas or a Birthday!

Mini Bilibo Game-$28.00

This is a colorful, fun, and imaginative game. So many ways to play with the Bilibos!

Mindscope Flexfoam 42 ct. Building SytemWe love toys that allow kids to be imaginative and these flexible foam building pieces allow your kids to stretch their mind and creative lots of fun creations!

If you have a little chef living in your house, you will love these fun products. Kids always want to be a part of everything and cooking is no different.

Here are a few ideas for some fun buys for your kids that enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
Fiesta Head Chefs Silicone Measuring Cup, Pink

KIDS COOKING TOOLS $9.95 each
Professional quality, silicone kitchen tools for kids. Suction feet so cute, colorful kitchen characters can stand on their own.

Kids in the Kitchen Little Monkey Apron

Kid's Apron (T-Rex)
KIDS APRONS - $9.95
100% cotton Monkey & T-Rex aprons for kids.

CRUST CUTTERS - 2 for $6.98
Kids can turn any sandwich or pancake into a culinary wonder. Set of two includes heart shape and dinosaur.

DINOSAUR sandwich crust CUTTER kid's School LUNCH NEW

SweetBytes-Heart Crust Cutter (Random Color)

Turkey Cranberry White Bean Soup- Perfect Fall Meal or After Thanksgiving Soup

2008-11-17T07:16:10-06:00

Need a great new soup recipe? Well this one is perfect for Fall and Winter. The best time to try it out is after Thanksgiving when you are left with a little turkey, a little cranberry sauce, and other odds and ends. This Soup is easy, takes less than 30 minutes to make and cook.

Even my kids LOVE this SOUP! It is truly light, refreshing, yet hearty all at the same time. It is a new twist and step up on a traditional turkey or chicken soup. Yum!

To make the Turkey Cranberry White Bean Soup with a hint of Orange you will need:

Ingredients:

1 tsp Olive Oil
2 Garlic Cloves-minced
1/4 White Onion-diced
64 oz Chicken Broth or Turkey
2 Cups Cooked Turkey Meat (can be more or less)
1 cup Water
1 can Cranberry Sauce diced (less if fine)
1 can White Beans with Liquid (Nothern Beans)
1/2 tsp. Basil
1/2 tsp. Coariander
1/2 tsp. Poultry or Stuffing Seasoning or Sage
1/4 tsp. Oregano
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
Pepper to Taste
1/4 tsp Juice of Orange or 1/8 Orange Juice (optional)-adds a hint of citrus- think Heffenweizer with an Orange)

In a Large Stock Pot add 1 tsp Olive Oil over Medium Heat. Add garlic and onions and cook until soft (approx. 5-10 min). Add turkey broth,water, and diced turkey, and all seasonings. Then add beans and cranberry sauce and juice of orange (optional). Let simmer on Med-Low Heat until ready to serve. Or make the night ahead and reheat the next day once flavors have time to marry.

Serve warm with crusty bread! Enjoy!

For Vegetarians: Make this soup but replace broth with Vegetable Broth and Turkey with Crumbled Tofu- it is Amazing!

Quick, Healthy Dinner Your Kids will Love-Salmon Cakes with a Salad or Vegetable

2008-10-19T14:03:55-05:00

I have several ways I cook Salmon and a few recipes I work with when I am serving Salmon. The first way I love to use Salmon is to make Homemade Salmon Cakes with a Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce. Salmon Cakes are a favorite in my house and friends request I make these for them. They are much tastier (and different) from crab cakes, which I do enjoy.

Ingredients for Homemade Salmon Cakes

8 oz of cooked Salmon (cook it, or use leftovers or from a can/pouch)

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

¼ cup of Reduced Fat Mayonnaise

¼ tsp thyme

¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper

¼ tsp Oregano

¼ tsp Basil

Sprinkle of Salt and Pepper

1 tsp of lemon juice

1 Tbs Olive Oil or Butter

Ingredients for the Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce

½ cup reduced fat Sour Cream (or regular)

¼ cup Honey Mustard Dip/Dressing (I use Ken's)

1-2 tsp of hot sauce (like Texas Pete) or you could try 1 tsp of horseradish or cayenne pepper instead which will work

1-2 Tbs of Brown Sugar

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Time to make: 25 minutes. 10 to prepare cakes, 5-10 to cook, and 5 to prepare the sauce

To make the Homemade Salmon Cakes with a Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce- take a fork and break apart your Salmon if it is still in filets. Then add ¼ of the breadcrumbs (half of what the recipe calls for) and your egg, and the mayonnaise and stir together. Next add the spices a little at a time (you can leave out a spice or substitute a spice for something else if you enjoy a particular spice or dislike one I suggest) and lemon juice and stir. Now make small patties out of the mix (you will have approx. 4 patties or 3 large patties).

Put your additional ¼ cup of breadcrumbs in a bowl and coat each patty with the breadcrumbs. Now, heat your olive oil or butter in a frying/sauce pan and once warm place your Salmon Cakes in the Pan to cook over Medium to Medium-High Heat for several minutes on each side. Once the cakes are browned remove and set aside.

Before you cook the Salmon cakes you can prepare the sauce. Mix the Sour Cream, Honey Mustard, Hot sauce, Brown sugar and salt and pepper and stir. Serve a dollop of the sauce beside each Salmon Cake. Serve a Garden salad or garlic asparagus with the Salmon cakes- a great dinner or lunch any day of the week!

Bunbun Book Giveaway Contest- Reading to Your Kids Encourages Early Literacy Skills and a Love of Learning

2008-10-19T10:41:34-05:00

Here at ZiggityZoom.com we want to encourage parents to read to their kids every day! We want kids to get excited about listening to stories, learning to read, and telling stories. We want kids to connect to stories and the characters they read about.

To enter our Bunbun Book Giveaway Contest Sign up and leave a comment about our site for this post!

All entrants will receive a printable ZiggityZoom coloring book by email! Your information is not shared or given to anyone.
Contest runs from October 19, 2008 and ends November 5, 2008. Giveaway is OVER-WInner will be contacted Nov 10-12th.

We have tons of reading and early literacy activities and tools on our site.

Check out our online interactive stories at:Check out our Interactive Stories-here

Or let your child draw a picture or a picture and a sentence if they are a bit older using our Tell a Story Template

In order to leave a comment you must sign up by providing a user name and valid email address. 5 entrants will WIN: Bunbun at Bedtime and Bunbun the Middle One.

If you have any problems registering for our site and posting a comment please email us at info@ziggityzoom.com

Check out lots of giveaways at BloggyGiveaways.com

Today's Activity-Toys, Games, Puzzles, Costumes You Can Make for Free and A Easy, Quick Dinner Recipe

2008-10-16T20:05:36-05:00

Today's Activity- a Great Activity for Every Day of the Week
At Ziggity Zoom we have lots of activities, games, coloring pages, fitness and searching games and educational worksheets. We also have great ideas for easy dinners and snacks.
Come check out our daily tips, ideas and activity every day for a new idea to inspire you to have fun and teach your kids new things!

We will focus on providing ideas for play, games and worksheets that help your kids grow (by having fun of course) through observation and experiments, and games that improve listening skills and some ideas that are about having fun and family time. And ideas for healthy living and getting your kids up and moving which is so important for kids to do.

With Today's economy, parents are looking for ways to save money and still keep their kids busy and entertained. We want to give you a few ideas to keep your kids busy and have fun too!

Fun Toy to Make for Free

Sock Puppet Toy-Dog
To Make a Sock Puppetgather a few socks, spare material or paper and glue and make this cute dog puppet and a few your child can play with.

Pretend Play and Dress Up

Knight Costume-Dress Up
Make this Knight Costume for Halloween or for pretend play and dress up. We also have many other easy, fast costumes you can make with a pillowcase, such as, Hula Girl, and Princess.

Family Fun- Free Games and Toys

Mermaid Puzzle
Make this Mermaid Puzzle-it is a perfect activity to keep your kids busy one afternoon that helps their hand-eye coordination and logical thinking skills. We also have a Pirate, Dragon,Robot, Surfer, Goodie Twoshoes Puzzles for your family to enjoy and for Free!

Food Tidbit of the Day:

Want a Quick Meal for Dinner that is All Wrapped Up in 5 minutes?
Make a Bean and Veggie Burrito

Make this Bean and Veggie Whole Wheat Wrap in 5-10 minutes and serve with fruit for a healthy, balanced meal.

Check back daily to see new ideas and activities for you and your kids. Bookmark our site and sign up for our newsletter to get great acitivities, articles and tips from ZiggityZoom.com

To see our Activity from Oct 3-Halloween Stickers, Leap Frog Lily Pad Kids' Game, Whole Wheat White Pizza Dinner

To see our Activity from October 2- Halloween Place Mat, Look and Find Backyard and Dinnertime Game Ideas

Today's Activity-Free Games and Toys, Sock Puppet, Mermaid Puzzle, Knight Dress Up Costume, Bean and Veggie Wrap

2008-10-11T18:31:22-05:00

Fun Toy to Make for Free

Sock Puppet Toy-Dog
To Make a Sock Puppetgather a few socks, spare material or paper and glue and make this cute dog puppet and a few your child can play with.

Food Tidbit of the Day:

Want a Quick Meal for Dinner that is All Wrapped Up in 5 minutes?
Make a Bean and Veggie Burrito

Make this Bean and Veggie Whole Wheat Wrap in 5-10 minutes and serve with fruit for a healthy, balanced meal.

Check back daily to see new ideas and activities for you and your kids. Bookmark our site and sign up for our newsletter to get great acitivities, articles and tips from ZiggityZoom.com

Fast, Easy, and Healthy Family Meal- Make a Bean and Veggie Whole Wheat Wrap in 5 Minutes

2008-10-10T14:24:44-05:00

Healthy Bean and Vegetable Whole Wheat Wrap

Do you need an idea for a quick, easy meal that does not require cooking? Well these wraps are super nutritious and easy as 1-2-3 to put together and get on the table. My kids love wraps and this one is definitely healthy and filling.

Ingredients

1 can Vegetarian Refried Beans (Low fat)
1 10 pack of Low fat Whole Wheat Tortillas
1 Tomato (diced)
2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese(Lowfat)
1 Avocado (chopped)
Shredded Romaine Lettuce
1 bunch Cilantro (optional)

How to Make:

Warm refried beans of med. heat and then remove or microwave them (optional- heat your burrito at the end instead). Next, take a tortilla (warm if desired) and lay out flat on a large plate. Now spread a layer of beans on the tortilla and then add vegetables (I put the veggies I know my child will eat and maybe a little bit of something new). Last I will add the cheese and wrap it up (either use a paper towel to wrap it or a toothpick if it will not stay closed). You can either serve or warm up burrito in microwave for 10-30 seconds.

Serve with a side of fruit and you will have a meal that is healthy, and has protein, fiber, whole grains, vegetables and fruit! And you get a healthy 1 dish meal your family will love without cooking a thing! This has become a favorite lunch or dinner at my house.

When you first serve this, if your kids are not used to this type of food, I would recommend trying it with only lettuce or a vegetable he/she likes and if you need to put just a bit of a low-fat salad dressing on top to give it a little more flavor that they are used to eating.

Today's Activity-Make a Monkey Bank, Teach Your Kids How to Save Money, Play Hide and Seek, and Fast Black Bean Soup

2008-10-10T08:41:33-05:00

Teach Your Kids to Save Money

Monkey Bank
Now more than ever is a perfect time to teach your kids about saving money. Make this great Monkey bank with your preschooler or prek student.

Money Matters- Lessons to Teach your Kids about Money- Saving, Spending and Donating
This is a great article to help parents teach kids about saving money, donating to charity, and allocating money for spending.

Fun Kids Game

Hide and Seek Kids Game
Let your kids have fun while learning their numbers-let your kids play hide and seek with Zoomer.

Food Tip of the Day:

Need a Quick Recipe for Dinner?
Yummy Black Bean Soup- Fast and Kids Love It!

Need a quick and nutritious dinner idea? Make this Black Bean Soup and serve with a salad- Dinner in 15 minutes!

Check back daily to see new ideas and activities for you and your kids. Bookmark our site and sign up for our newsletter to get great acitivities, articles and tips from ZiggityZoom.com

To see our Activity from Oct 5-Halloween Monkey Mask,Hopscotch Fit Mat,Food Veggie and Fruit Castle-click here

To see our Activity from Oct 3-Halloween Stickers, Leap Frog Lily Pad Kids' Game, Whole Wheat White Pizza Dinner

To see our Activity from October 2- Halloween Place Mat, Look and Find Backyard and Dinnertime Game Ideas

Fast and Easy, Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipe- Black Bean an Salsa Soup

2008-10-09T13:27:09-05:00

Black Bean and Salsa Soup

Are you looking for a fast meal to make tonight? This Black Bean and Salsa Soup is a favorite in my house!. My 2, 4, and 6 year olds all love this soup!

Make this dinner and it will fast become a Kid Favorite Dinner at your house! You can make this Soup in less than 10 minutes and it only requires 2 main ingredients!

Here's What You Need:

2 cans Black Beans (with liquid)
1 Cup Salsa
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1/8 tsp Garlic Powder

1 Garlic Clove (diced)-optional
1 tsp Olive Oil-optional
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper-optional
1 Tbs Fresh Cilantro-diced-optional

Here's How:

For Basic Recipe: Pour both cans of Black Beans with the liquid into a saucepan. Add Salsa to Black Beans. Use a Hand held Blender to puree black beans and salsa so most of the beans are pureed (the soup will still have some chunks). If you do not have a hand blender, use a potatoe masher to mash the bean mixture. Add the 1/2 tsp of Chili Powder and the 1/8 tsp of Garlic Powder. Cook on Medium Heat for 5 minutes until it starts to bubble. Remove Black Bean Mixture/Soup from Heat and Serve Immediately and if your family likes Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Reduced Fat Sour Cream and Chopped Green Onions add to the bowls of soup.

For Soup with a little more flavor- before adding the Black Beans to the Saucepan, add 1 tsp of Olive Oil and Heat over Medium Heat- added the diced Garlic to the pan and sautee for 1-2 minutes, then follow the steps above and add the the Cayenne Pepper and Diced Cilantro when you add the Chili Powder and Garlic Powder. You can Also add a little more Salsa for added flavor.

Serve this with a salad or a side of celery and carrot sticks to round off a quick and healthy meal.

Information about Black Beans-Black beans are such a healthy food that is also tasty and versatile. 1/2 cup serving of black beans provides 8g of Protein, 6g of Fiber and 105 of the Iron we need for a day. It is a great food to add to your family's diet.

Today's Activity- Halloween Monkey Mask, Hopscotch Mat, Food Castle

2008-10-09T09:22:56-05:00

Special Halloween Activity

Halloween Mask- Monkey
Print this great Monkey Mask, for your child to pretend to be a monkey or make a Monkey Halloween Costume.

Get Up and Get Moving Activity

Hopscotch Mat
Make this Hopscotch Mat for your kids to jump around and get some exercise while they learn their colors or numbers. You can play is game often and this is a perfect game for a rainy day. If you do not have a mat, you can do it with paper or do it outside with chalk.

Food Tip of the Day:

Get Your Kids to Eat More Veggies
Make this cool Food Castle

Want your kids to eat more vegetables and fruit? Do you want them to get excited about veggies? Make this Vegetable and Fruit Castle for your kids and they will eat their veggies. You can even let them help you!

Check back daily to see new ideas and activities for you and your kids. Bookmark our site and sign up for our newsletter to get great acitivities, articles and tips from ZiggityZoom.com

Today's Activities for Kids-Halloween Stickers, Leap Frog Fitness Game, and Kid Favorite Dinner- Whole Wheat Pizza

2008-10-05T10:37:05-05:00

Special Halloween Activity

Halloween Stickers
Print these cute Halloween Stickers, for your child, on sticker paper or on regular paper and tape or glue onto paper or decoration.

Get Up and Get Moving Activity

Leap Frog Lily Pad Game
Make these Lily Pads for your kids to jump around and get some exercise while they learn their colors or numbers. You can use these often and this is a perfect game for a rainy day.

Dinner Tonight

Tip of the Day for Meals
Try this Great Whole Wheat Pizza Crust- Make a Yummy White Pizza

If you and your family love Pizza but we all know that most fast food or frozen pizzas are not the best dinner option with the amount of fat and white flour. We wanted to share this great pizza idea with you that uses whole wheat flour and tastes wonderful.

Check back daily to see new ideas and activities for you and your kids. Bookmark our site and sign up for our newsletter to get great acitivities, articles and tips from ZiggityZoom.com

To see our Activity from October 2- Halloween Place Mat, Look and Find Backyard and Dinnertime Game Ideas