American Pizza

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Love this idea, make a pizza flag!

Pizza flag

6 oz. part skim mozzarella cheese slices

1 Tbsp. Country Crock Spread or butter

2 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry

1 frozen pizza dough, thawed

1 cup prepared pizza sauce

2 plum tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise and cut into slices or 1 sliced red bell pepper or a mixture of the two

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

 

Here's how:

Take two slices of mozzarella cheese and stack together. Use kitchen scissors or small knife to cut a few star shapes out of the cheese. Slice remaining cheese slices into 1-inch strips.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Melt butter or margarine in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Stretch pizza dough to fit a rectangular pan. Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough. Sprinkle spinach over top left corner of dough. Place stars on the spinach. Lay tomatoes (or peppers) and cheese strips in alternating strips on rest of the pizza.

Bake 10 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to turn golden and crust is starting to brown. Remove from oven and serve with crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Serves 8.

— Adapted from a recipe from Country Crock

Staycation in Northeast Ohio: Fun Places to Visit

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Live in or visiting Ohio? Here are a bunch of fun places to visit this summer! 
 
Cedar Point- one of our fave places to visit! Awesome rides, shows, family friendly fun, on Lake Erie. And don't forget to visit Soak City too!
 
We love going to the Indians games! Lots of deals are available for our NE Ohio Ball teams.  Cheer on the Cleveland Indians and more! Look for bonuses like freebie giveaways, fireworks nights, kids’ activities, “Dollar Dog” nights and more.  Kids can run the bases (for free!) after Sunday afternoon Cleveland Indians games, and the Akron RubberDucks have tons of promos for family fun. 
 
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Greater Cleveland residents (those with 440, 441, 442 or 443 zip codes with ID) receive a discount admission of $18 (reg. $22).  Seniors/military: $17, Children ages 9-12:$13, Children 8 and under: FREE 
 
 
great lakes science
Great Lakes Science Center: Tons of fun and educational science exhibits the whole family will enjoy.  General admission $14 for adults, $12 youth 2-13.  Omnimax movie and the William G Mather Steamship are additional costs. $1 discounts for seniors and students with a valid ID.  Bank of America cardholders get one FREE admission the first Saturday of each month. Cam loves going to the Science Center.

 

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Non-holiday Mondays are FREE for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township.  Regular admission is $12.25 for ages 12+ and $8.25 for ages 3-11. How can you miss out on seeing all the cute animals? Also be sure to check out the Rainforest, especially over the winter.

 

cleveland aquarium

 

Greater Cleveland Aquarium: Located in the historic First Energy Powerhouse, this aquarium is home to many native Ohio species, as well as sea creatures from around the world.  Admission: $19.95, Children $13.95, Seniors $17.75.  Military discount saves $2 for adults & children.

Cleveland Botanical Garden: FREE Daily Activities in the Hershey Children’s Garden with paid admission to the Garden.  Regular admission for Adults is $11, Children (ages 3-12) is $6 and FREE for under 3. 

 

 

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: The Bike Aboard! program offers $3 train rides back to your starting point to cyclists along the Towpath Trail–just flag down the train.  All day train rides through the Cuyhahoga Valley National Park with the option to hop off and explore Akron or Peninsula: Prices vary, but are reasonable!  Watch for special deals from trains departing from the Canton Lincoln Highway station in June, July and August. 

 

 Beeck Creek Gardens: (Near Alliance) FREE Admission to Visitor Center, Amazing Garden with educational displays and model train, and hiking trails. Admission to Butterfly House $3 per person (ages 3+).  Butterfly Garden opens June 24, other exhibits open year-round.  One of our family’s favorite places to go! 

 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festivities: FREE activities include the Balloon Classic/Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks (July 18-20 at KSU Stark/Stark State Campuses), Concert and Fireworks Downtown July 26, Community Parade July 27, Ribs Burnoff July 30-August 1, First Play 2014 July 31, and the Grand Parade August 2.

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Geauga Lake Wildwater Kingdom: Look for coupons, or check on discount tickets at AAA.  Admission $25.99 (online) over 48?, $15.99 under 48? or over age 62, 2 & under FREE. Groups of 15+, $21.50 over 48?, $15.99 under 48? or over age 62.

 

Akron Fossils

 

Akron Fossils & Science Center: See fossils and other natural wonders, along with a fun kids’ play area.  Admission includes a guided tour of the museum, one zip line ride, and one round of mini golf.  Adults $9, Children $7, 2 & under FREE, Max. family admission $35.  Pastors and Teachers get in FREE every Friday

 

 

Kelly's Island: The Kelleys Island Chamber & Visitor Bureau website provides information regarding lodging, dining, shopping, andactivities including fishing charters, and 2014 Events that will make your stay on Kelleys Island most enjoyable! See ourVisitor's Directory for a complete list of island businesses and services. A complete set of Island Maps and a 2014 Visitor's Guide are also available to guide you around Kelleys Island.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flag Rice Krispie Treats

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What you’ll need:

Crispy rice treats 
Airheads® Cherry bars 
Airheads® White Mystery bars 
Airheads® Blue Raspberry bars 
Small kitchen knife or scissors 
Small star-shaped cookie cutter (optional)

Directions:
Cut crispy rice treats into rectangles. Cut part of an Airheads® Blue Raspberry bar to make the upper blue corner of the flag. Cut alternating strips of Airheads® Cherry and White Mystery to make the flag’s stripes. Arrange pieces on crispy rice treat. Trim to fit. Using either a star-shaped cookie cutter, or by hand, cut out a star shape from an Airheads® White Mystery bar. Place star on the blue square. And you’re done!

Lawn Stars

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Lawn stars

This Fourth of July, let a few lawn stars brighten up your celebration. They're ideal alongside a walkway or next to your picnic table.

1. Use a craft knife and a metal ruler to cut a star-shaped stencil out of a large piece of chipboard or cardboard.

2. Mist the patch of grass with a spray bottle of water.

3. Place the stencil on the grass and, using a sifter or large strainer, sprinkle a very small amount of white flour into the stencil.

4. Carefully remove the stencil and dispose of the excess flour. For a longer-lasting star that can be walked on, use spray or marking chalk. To find suppliers, search the Web using the key words "spray chalk."