How to Make Edible Fingerpaint: Dad’s Awesome Book of Recipes

Edible Finger Paint

A few years ago Mike Adamick wrote Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments and we loved it. In fact, last year (brag alert) Clare won the blue ribbon at her school science fair inspired by the book’s Balloon Rockets project. So Mike, if your book wasn’t already award winning, you can now say it is, ok?

Now Mike Adamick is back with Dad’s Book of Awesome Recipes, just in time for Father’s Day. I’m envisioning all of the quality together time Rick and the kids will spend together in the kitchen making delicious dishes like Crispy, crunchy Bottom-of-the-Bucket Drumsticks and Cheesy Rice–Stuffed Tomatoes. I can see it right now, them having a wonderful time cooking, me setting down my cold lemonade to glance up from the sofa where I am reading a magazine to see what has made them giggle. It’s a glorious vision. So you are understanding why you need this book, right?

Dads book of Awesome recipes

Read on for a full project from the book: How to Make Edible Finger Paint, and more about Dad’s Book of Awesome Recipes.

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Upcycle Any T-shirt Into a Sundress This Summer

T-Shirt Into SundressIt’s that time of year again, when you are cleaning house (goodbye old t-shirts) and putting the heat-friendly (hello sundresses) wardrobe into rotation.

So take a cue from one of our most popular dress tutorials of all time and recycle and old adult t-shirt into a girls’ sundress. Get the simple tutorial here: How to Turn Any T-Shirt into a Sundress. Scarlet is sporting an LA Dodgers shirt, but in a much cuter fashion than you can buy at the stadium. This tutorial takes about 30 minutes to execute and will be worn for years to come, as the tie-shoulders allow it to size up and up as they grow.

And, if you need a fun activity to do with the kids, you can replicate Scarlet’s easy-peasy sparkle bow necklace with this tutorial: DIY No-Sew Glitter Bow Necklace
DIY Glitter Bow Necklace

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Port Style: Mexican Modern Decor

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Jacinda and I had such a blast on our last Carnival cruise. We made two stops in Mexico and collected some great little pieces to bring home to our casas. The port at Costa Maya, pictured above, features a huge marketplace with artisans of every type selling their wares. Check out some of the pieces we snagged and get inspired.

In Costa Maya, Jacinda snagged this lovely woven tapestry. I wasn’t quite sure how this was going to fit into her modern home, but it looks amazing hung in her girls’ bedroom above their settee, doesn’t it?

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One piece of furniture you’ll find at many restaurants in Cozumel (and off the island as well) are Equipale chairs. Now, I couldn’t fit these in my carryon, but I’ve always wanted a set for my patio.

Equipale Chairs (img src). Find them at DirectfromMexico.com.

Otomi fabric is utterly beautiful. I used Otomi to create my DIY headboard tutorial. Search this at more upscale shops along your route.

You can get the look at home with a couple Otomi pillows.

I have a bench I’ve been wanting to cover in a Mexican serape forever. Imagine my joy when Jacinda found me on the ship, and gave me one she had purchased for me in Costa Maya! I can’t wait to recover my bench, I hope it looks as great as this one, which is actually covered in a Mexican Falsa blanket.

Find Mexican falsas and serapes at any Mexico stop on your cruise, or score some from ElChamaco. Img src.

My favorite find from the cruise is a simple woven basket that I snagged in Costa Maya. I’ve been using it for picnics, but it would make great modern storage or wall decor.

Img src. Find yours here.

So, as you can see, a cruise is prime time for shopping and gathering little trinkets from around the world that can have a big impact in your home. So don’t forget to bring an extra bag (or maybe buy one?) on your next Carnival cruise.

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind. Head on over.

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Pretty Prudent Steals and Deals for Father’s Day

It’s that time of year when we let the men folk know just how much we appreciate them and so Jaime and I have rounded up a few of our favorite gift ideas for dad-types this year. Of course there are a few bargains in the mix, plus options at Under , Under & Under , and a few of our favorite splurges.

Under : Let’s jump in with The Very Embarrassing Book of Dad Jokes: Because Your Dad Thinks He’s Hilarious You will need to buy this one used to get your hands on a copy.

Under $10: SomeEcards rarely disappoints, especially in the slightly inappropriate boozy pint glass category. Try to guess which one I REALLY wanted to show.

Under $20: The jury is still out on whether a YETI cooler is worth the splurge, but I can personally speak for the YETI Rambler Mug. It keeps not only a first icy drink cold, but subsequent refills.

Under $20: Chocolate donut pool toy: Doh! The dad who needs a well-deserves a break will love a day of pool relaxation in a donut-shaped floatie. No sprinkles in the pool! ha.

Under $20: When Jaime and I were discussing what would make a great Dad gift, we learned that BOTH of our husbands received these Bear Paw Meat Handlers last Christmas. While they seem like just another gadget, they make tasks like shredding carnitas easy and crazy fun. 2 Prudent dads approve!

Under $30: Paper Log Maker – Turn scrap paper into kindling in this Paper Log Maker. Why recycle when you can toast marshmallows instead!

Under $30: Horse Head Mask – No more needs to be said. Every dad needs a horse head mask.

HEAD Graphene Radical MP Tennis Racquet – I would love to lure my husband onto the tennis court this year. This sport could only be more fun if he was willing to play with me! If your man (or dad!) is a tennis fan, this racquet, loved my many great players for it’s balance of power and accuracy, would be a great gift for Dad Day. My own tennis pro says it’s his racquet of choice!

Sock of the month club – Jaime’s father-in-law has recently requested a second year sock subscription to Sock Fancy. As a bonus to keeping her favorite FIL’s tootsies toasty, she is treated to a cute pic of his new socks every month.

Pendleton Blanket – A classic Pendleton blanket on sale, lays the groundwork for an epic Father’s Day picnic, and will be treasures for years to come.

Glerup slippers – And lastly a little lux splurge. We are all obsessed with Glerup slippers. Their thick wool keeps tootsies warm but not hot. They are the ultimate in cozy Sunday footwear and come with either a leather or rubber sole for all of dad’s newspaper reading, and/or post-surfing brunch needs.

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Pretty Prudent Summer Camp: 5 Minute DIY Sit-Upon

Tomorrow is the last day of school for Clare and Quinn in Texas and Scarlet in California too. While there is a little anxiety about how to keep the kids amused and inspired all day every day, I think we both agree that the next few months promise tons of adventure, creativity, and yes, a little bit of learnin’, and we are pretty giddy about all of that. Because we worked in marketing for all those years (it’s how we met!) we can’t help but theme even our plans for Summer vaca. We’re calling it Pretty Prudent Summer Camp. We made a logo so there’s no backing out now…

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Summer Camp will be filled with kid-friendly DIYs, crafts and games that travel well for road trips, books to read, inspiring Summer spaces, easy warm weather snacks and meals, and tips and itineraries for general Summer awesomeness.

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First up we have our own version of the classic sit-upon. I remember weaving newspaper with my Girl Scout troop to make a little pad to keep my tush dry around the campfire. With this being Clare’s first Summer as a scout, I had to continue the tradition… (more…)

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How to Do Norway The Family Way

It’s been a while, but I finally got around to editing together this video of our family trip to Norway last year. I hope you are inspired to consider Norway for a trip of your own! If you have any “Frozen” obsessed kids, this is the place to take them. Balestrand, Norway by Pretty Prudent Learn the details of our Norway Itinerary for Families:
A Norway Itinerary for Families – Part 1: Oslo and Akershus
A Norway Itinerary for Families – Part 2: The Fjords
A Norway Itinerary for Families – Part 3: Bergen
Bergen, Norway | Pretty Prudent Flam, Norway | Pretty Prudent It’s a beautiful thing.

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Toast Tuesday: Avocado, Pepper Flake & Pea Shoot

Toast Tuesday | Avocado, Red Pepper & Pea Shoot “Girrrrl, you gotta eat breakfast.” I hear this all the time, from everyone I know, including my doctor. So this summer I am making a strong effort at this breakfast endeavor. I try to eat “real food” and keep my carbohydrates fairly low, so one of my favorite go-to’s is a piece of whole grain toast loaded up with yummy goodness. As we ease into summer here on the Pretty Prudent home front, I thought I’d take Tuesdays as a chance to share my latest toast creations.

Today I’m starting with half a ripe avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of red pepper flakes, and a handful of pea shoots. It feels indulgent and satisfying, but at least avocado and olive oil are heart-healthy fats. The pea shoots at a bit of freshness and crunch, while they red pepper gives it a kick. This combo will definitely be repeated. If I’m super hungry, I might add a fried egg or maybe even a chopped hard boiled egg white.

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Jaime & Jacinda are Coming to Chicago’s Land of Nod!

Pretty Prudent Home Land of Nod

LADIES! Come see us in Chicago and Oakbrook next week! We will be signing books and teaching you how to gold leaf in Oakbrook on Thursday, June 11th; and then in the Windy City on Friday, June 12th. Come join us for gilding and giggles! We are excited to see you, see each other, and drool over all the Land of Nod goodness for Summer. We had so much fun at our Seattle event…

Pretty Prudent Home Land of NodPretty Prudent Home Land of Nod

At Pretty Prudent we have always loved working with our friends at Land of Nod so when we were writing Pretty Prudent Home, we begged Land of Nod Creative Director, Danielle Kurtz, to contribute a brilliant tip list about Organizing Kid’s Toys. It’s seriously awesome.

Pretty Prudent Home Land of Nod

Speaking of which, I better go back for a refresher course, but first crafting. Let’s meet up in Illinois for some fun!
How to Gold Leaf Land of nod seattle

RSVP for either our Oakbrook or Chicago event by emailing nodevents(at)landofnod(dot)com. We can’t wait to give you hugs!

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