Backyard bowling

Bowling is always fun, but who wants to be cooped up in a bowling alley when it’s gorgeous outside? Bowl right in your backyard for a fun time with your family. Pick up an outdoor bowling set at most stores where toys are sold or easily make your own. Collect 10 2-liter bottles and use them for your pins. Use any ball you have as your bowling ball. Put a few inches of water at the bottom of each bottle for weight. If you want to get fancy, make a family project out of painting the bottles, either to resemble actual bowling pins or with any design you like.

Check out backyard games to keep kids entertained >>

Sprinkler dash

Set up several sprinklers across the yard, and have one person try to run across the yard without getting hit with water. Let players who aren’t the runner operate the sprinklers, turning them off and on, while the runner tries to surprise them with their direction. The winner is the person who can go the longest without getting wet.

Flashlight tag

It’s always fun and exciting for kids to play outside when it’s dark. Indulge them with a game of flashlight tag. One person is designated as "It" and given a flashlight. "It" then closes his eyes and counts to a predetermined number while everyone else hides. Once he arrives at the number, "It" takes off in search of everyone else and tries to shine the flashlight on anyone he finds. The first person to find themselves in the beam of the flashlight becomes the next "It."

8 Fun outdoor games for kids >>

Blind obstacle course

Set up several large objects across your yard. Anything works -- try patio furniture, lawn chairs, big buckets, wheelbarrows, outside toys and anything else you can find. Once everything is scattered, bring everyone outside to study the obstacle course you created. One by one, blindfold each player and let them try to cross the yard without bumping into an obstacle. The player to get the farthest is the winner.

Water Limbo

Everyone knows how to play Limbo. This is the same game, but with water instead of a Limbo stick. Play some fun music and get everyone dancing. Then have one player hold a water hose. Adjust the spray so you have a straight stream, and hold it at about shoulder-level for most of the players. Keep getting lower and lower, until the last dry player remains. The game probably won’t last very long on a hot day, because you’ll find many of the players are hitting the water on purpose to cool off.

7 Great ways to cool off on hot summer days >>

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Add fruit

If you feel that the cocktail is a little bland, why not add some fresh fruit as a garnish? Add a ripe strawberry and a slice of bright kiwi to a strawberry daiquiri, a bit of mint to a mojito or a skewer of pineapple and maraschino cherry to a pina colada.

Not only will it make the drink look more appealing, the fruit will add some flavor.

Add some alcohol

Everyone has different tastes, and the ready-made cocktails may not be strong enough for you. These cocktails generally have less alcohol in them than those you would buy at a bar or make at home. That’s easily remedied by adding rum to taste to any of the classic cocktails. You might also want to try flavored rum -- for example, coconut rum in the pina colada.

Mix in a little flavor

Since the Bacardi Classic cocktails and other brands often contain fruit juice, adding a bit more will intensify the flavor. For a more complex drink, consider adding complementary flavors of juice or even chocolate syrup -- or a splash of creme de cacao.

• Ruby red grapefruit juice to a mojito
• Muddle a few ripe blackberries in the bottom of the glass before pouring in the mojito cocktail
• Key lime juice to a strawberry daiquiri -- you won’t need much
• Chocolate syrup to pina colada
• Mango to a pina colada

One of the main criticisms about any ready-made cocktail is that they tend to be too sweet. You can balance all of that sweetness by adding a little lime or lemon juice to taste.

Change the texture

Slushy drinks are a delicious way to cool off after a long, hot summer day. You can make your classic cocktail into a frozen, slushy libation by blending it with ice in a blender -- or partially freezing the cocktail and then blending it.

If you choose to blend it up with the ice, you will probably need to add a bit of rum, juice or fruit for flavor because the ice will dilute the strength of the cocktail.

Of course you can always change the texture of your drinks by creating Jell-O shots or frozen pop-tails with them. Cocktails served in these forms are extremely trendy this summer. They are easy to make and you can find recipes all over the internet.

Add flavor to the rim

When you add ingredients like salt to the rim of a glass, you add both eye-appeal and flavor. With each sip you’ll get taste mixed with the drink. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon or lime wedge, or a bit of flavored liqueur. Put your garnish in a flat dish. Now, holding the glass parallel to the counter, dip the rim in the garnish, turning the glass until the entire rim is covered.

• Kosher salt
• Grated chocolate
• Cayenne pepper
• Sugar crystals
• Cookie crumbs
• Cocoa
• Sprinkles

Classic cocktails can make your entertaining much simpler. Knowing how to add your own spin will add personality to your party.

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A lot happens between lunch and dinner, and you shouldn't be hungry when it's happening. We know you're busy, but do what you can to fit in an afternoon snack. It'll give you the energy boost you need to make it through that afternoon crash and keep you from overeating at dinner.

Prepare ahead

Preparing a snack can be time consuming, so don't try to do it when you're the busiest. Instead, work your snack preparation into your schedule wherever it fits. Get up in the morning and prepare all of your snacks for the day, or make tomorrow's snacks at night before you go to bed. You can even prepare a week's worth of snacks on the weekends.

Find how Smart snacking is good for your waistline >>

Make it portable

You may not have time to sit down for a snack, but you still need to eat. Prepare snacks that you can eat on the go. Choose pretzels, cut-up fruits and veggies, cheese cubes and anything else you can stick in a baggie or covered bowl for later.

Keep it clean

You barely have time to eat, so you definitely don't have time to clean up a mess. Avoid any food that makes a mess , and do what you can to avoid any dirty dishes, silverware or pots and pans. You'll be a lot more likely to work in a snack if you know your kitchen won't be a disaster area because of it.

Check out Snacks that satisfy >>

Buy prepackaged snacks

Prepackaged snacks get a bad rap, and sometimes it's for no reason. Not every prepackaged food you find is bad for you. Stock up on boxed raisins, cheese sticks, granola bars and individual serving yogurt cups. You'll be much more likely to find time for a healthy snack if you can just grab it and go, no preparation required.

Smart snack tips for busy moms >>

Stick with fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are naturally portable and always good for you. Grab some the next time you're running out the door — you'll be glad to have this quick and easy snack when your belly starts growling!

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After-school activities and sports have many advantages for children — they expand a child's interests, help them discover new talents, build their confidence and social skills, and provide physical activity and exercise that's vital to health. Moms with several kids know it can be a big challenge to schedule and manage activities to make sure that each child has the equipment or supplies they need, get to the venue on time, pick them up afterwards and still manage to hold down a job or run a busy household. It's a juggling act!

Talk it out

Multiple kids means multiple activities. From football to ballet lessons, science club to cheerleading, kids have varied interests to explore, and it's great to have them engaged in an activity that inspires and excites them. They also have other needs and responsibilities, and it's the parent's job to guide them and make sure that the child isn't overextended. Consider that each child will have home chores and school homework, will need a good night's sleep and should still have some free time to play and be part of family activities. Sit down with your kids to discuss and decide how many activities are manageable for your family. Many families let the children choose one extracurricular activity each season. This allows the child to concentrate on the sport or activity and teaches them to make decisions.

For families with several children, scheduling activities for each quickly fills up free time. Ideally, your kids' schedules will allow an open evening for the entire family to simply kick back and relax together!

Organize

A chart will be helpful in organizing activities for multiple kids. Write out a schedule so it's clear which child has an activity — include times, locations, carpool or transportation details and so on. It's important that parents and kids are clear on where each child will be at any time, transportation to and from the activity and when the child is expected to return home. If your child is on an athletic team, post a schedule of the games and matches. Parents and siblings will want to attend these whenever possible to cheer the child on, but talk about schedule conflicts ahead of time so your athlete understands why if you can't always be there.

Have a designated spot for each child to store the equipment and supplies they need for their activity. It will save time and stress when it's time to go — no frantic searches for ballet shoes, football gear or other necessities. Each child should be responsible for returning their things to the designated space so everything's ready to grab and go.

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There are all kinds of liquids that can be used to infuse skewers, but for really unique flavor combinations consider using your favorite Bacardi classic cocktails as the infusing liquid. The cocktails will add a pop of flavor to grilled chicken and fish or a skewer of ripe summer fruit. Be sure to allow the ingredients to be on the skewers for about two hours before serving to give the flavor time to be absorbed.

How to make infused skewers

Ingredients:

• Wooden skewers
• 1/2 cup of your favorite classic cocktail flavor
• 2 tablespoons of safflower or other light oil
• Pinch of ancho, garlic or other seasoning as desired

Directions:

1. Rinse the skewers and put them in a rectangular baking dish.
2. Mix the cocktail, oil and seasonings, and pour over the skewers.
3. Cover and soak overnight or at least two hours.
4. Drain the skewer thoroughly.
5. Thread your ingredients on the skewer and grill as directed in your recipe.

Choosing flavors

It can be a little unnerving to combine the classic cocktails with your protein course at first. After all, does mojito really complement pork? Be confident and remember that the infused skewers will give off a delicate flavor, not an overwhelming one.

Pina Colada

Pina Colada will add a mellow, tropical flavor to a variety of ingredients.

• Shrimp
• Chicken
• Pork
• Salmon
• Mahi mahi
• Pineapple
• Banana
• Mango
• Peaches

Mojito

Mojito has a fresh, sharp flavor from the mint and lime. It is delicious with any of the following ingredients:

• Pork
• Shrimp
• Chicken
• Beef
• Firm-fleshed fish
• Scallops
• Strawberries
• Pineapple

Strawberry daiquiri

Strawberry daiquiri has a fresh, fruity flavor that brings sweetness to almost anything.

• Chicken
• Pork
• Shrimp
• Strawberries
• Kiwi
• Banana

For a quick dessert, alternate strawberries and cubes of angel food cake on the strawberry infused skewers.

Strawberry daiquiri shrimp skewer appetizer

Yields 12 appetizers

While this recipe chills in the refrigerator, the flavor from the skewers seeps into the ingredients. This flavor is intensified by a fresh dipping sauce made with the strawberry daiquiri. If you will be serving to the under-21 crowd, you can bring the daiquiri to a boil and then let it cool before using it. The alcohol will dissipate.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and cooked
• 1 cup peeled cucumber, diced
• 1 cup onion, cut in large chunks to fit on the skewer
• 1/2 pound strawberries, stemmed
• 12 wooden skewers, marinated in Bacardi Classic Cocktails Strawberry Daiquiri

Dipping sauce:

• 1/4 cup strawberry daiquiri
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapenos, optional
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Place the shrimp, onion, cucumber and strawberries on the skewers attractively.
2. Refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, mix the ingredients for the sauce, cover and refrigerate.
4. Serve the skewers with the dipping sauce.

Grilling tips

• Don't be afraid to try new flavor combinations. If something doesn't work, then just try it again with another flavor.
• Brush the ingredients with olive oil before placing on the grill.
• When you are going to be grilling shrimp, thread the shrimp onto two parallel skewers. This will keep the shrimp from rotating as you grill.
• Don't reuse the skewers. It may be great for the environment, but it can be terrible for your health.
• Separate ingredients that cook quickly from those that take a bit longer. Add the quick cooking foods carefully to the skewer when the rest of the ingredients are almost done.

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Think ahead

Sure, you can head to the snack aisle of your local grocery store and buy portioned packets of snacks, but you can do the same thing yourself with 15 minutes, some plastic sandwich bags and the snack of your choice. It's a cheap and often healthier option than eating right out of the box. Plus, you have the added benefit of portion control. On an off day, head to the grocery store for peanuts, candy-coated chocolates, raisins, mixed nuts and more to make your own trail mix. Then, mix all of the ingredients and pour half-cup portions into plastic bags. For the rest of the week, you’ll have a tasty, quick, protein-rich treat that will keep up your energy without compromising too many calories.

Utilize the purse pocket

When you've just had breakfast and are getting ready to head out the door to start the day, odds are you aren't thinking about lunch. After all, you're super full now. How hungry could you be later? The answer is very. If you're planning on skipping lunch due to a big deadline, be prepared by sneaking a granola bar or another desk-friendly snack that can be eaten without too much effort. Always keep a snack on hand. Those sudden moments of hunger pangs lead to overeating if at some point in the day you're confronted with a coworker's birthday cake or a six-foot office submarine sandwich.

Stash 'em in the car

During those hot summer months, it might seem impossible to store food in the car, but healthy alternatives like almonds and dried fruit do well in heat. Stash them in your glove compartment for quick eats that will tide you over until your next meal. Best of all, it helps you avoid those convenient but calorie-heavy stops at the local fast food joint.

Find a microwave go-to

Sometimes you need something a bit more substantial than fruit and nuts. Head to the freezer aisle and do some inspection of nutrition labels. While many quick, easy, microwavable snacks are packed with calories and sodium, others are healthy options if eaten in small doses. Look for something that can be cooked in the microwave in fewer than five minutes that's easy to carry on the go. Chicken sandwiches are a good option, and some organic microwavable burritos might be a good option for starving on-the-go teenagers.

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Race car art

Kids love this one because they’re playing with cars and getting crafty at the same time!

Things you’ll need:

• Paper plates
• Washable paint
• Toy cars
• Large pieces of paper
• Bucket
• Dish soap

Set out several paper plates, and squirt a different color of washable paint on each plate . Run your toy cars through the paint, and then over the paper. The wheel tracks the car makes will serve as the art. Leave them out in the sun to dry. If you want the kids to help with the clean-up, set out a bucket of soapy water and ask the kids to take the cars through the "car wash" when they’re done painting.

How to plan a messy art day for your preschooler >>

Sand painting

This is a fun way for kids to play with their sand when building sand castles get old. If you don’t have a sandbox, use large tubs or pans filled with a few inches of sand.

Things you’ll need:

• Sand
• Spray bottles
• Food coloring

Fill your spray bottles with water, and then add enough food coloring to each bottle to make a vibrant shade. It’s best to let the adults handle this step because food coloring isn’t the easiest thing in the world to clean up. Let the kids use the spray bottle to spray color onto the sand, creating whatever they please. If they want to start over, simply stir the sand around for a clean slate.

Check out four summer crafts and activities kids will love >>

Fruit paint

You’ve always told your kids not to play with their food, but this fun craft is a great exception. Make sure to have them wear old clothes or bathing suits, because this mess may not come out of clothing.

Things you’ll need:

• Big bowls
• Fruit
• Fork or other utensil
• Paper

Choose any fruit with a color you like -- any variety of berry works great -- and mash it up in a bowl with a fork or spoon. Let your kids help with this process -- it's half the fun for the little ones. Once you have a nice puree, let your kids use it as finger paint. You’ll have a sweet-smelling work of art when they’re finished.

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Chalk self-portraits

Sidewalk chalk is great for outdoor crafts because all you need for clean-up is a water hose or a good rain. These works of art won’t last long, so take a picture if you want to preserve them.

Things you’ll need:

• Sidewalk chalk

Have your kids lie down on a sidewalk or driveway and trace their outlines with sidewalk chalk. Once you’re done, let them get up and hand them the chalk. Let them have fun drawing in clothing, accessories, a face and hair.

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Tyson® Mini Chicken Sandwiches

These aren't your average frozen chicken sandwiches! The Mini Chicken Sandwiches are delicious, and they work great as a snack or a meal. They only take a minute and a half in the microwave to prepare, and you'd never know they were nuked by the way they taste. The chicken comes out crisp, not soggy, and the bread is soft and tasty, nothing like you might expect from bread that's been cooked in the microwave.

You can pick the Mini Chicken Sandwiches up plain or already topped with cheese, but don't let that stop you from adding extra toppings! Open the bun and smear on mustard or mayo, add bacon, more cheese, lettuce, tomato or anything else you like on your chicken.

To make it a meal, serve with a side of fries or chips, along with a vegetable or side salad.

These sandwiches come wrapped in groups of two, the perfect amount for an adult-sized appetite, but a child would probably only eat one, especially if you're serving sides. If you're just serving them as a snack, one will be enough for everyone. You'll find that one of these minis is enough to curb your hunger in the afternoon, but not enough to spoil your dinner.

Tyson® Stuffed Mini Bread Bowls

The Stuffed Mini Bread Bowls are perfect for any meal. They offer a bacon, egg and cheese variety that provides a hearty meal to start the day, and they're ready in the time it would take you to heat up a pan. Just pop them in the microwave and breakfast is served in fewer than two minutes.

If you're looking for lunch, dinner or an afternoon snack, go for the other flavor varieties, including Chicken Bacon Club or Chicken Broccoli and Cheese. Both would make a great snack on their own, or make a filling meal if you serve them with one or two healthy sides.

Check out these 7 Healthy midnight snacks >>

The most surprising factor about these bowls is the bread. Even though it's been cooked in the microwave, it's not chewy or overdone. The bread bowl actually ends up perfectly soft and reveals much more filling than you would normally expect to find in a frozen meal.

These come two in a plastic sleeve as well. One will likely be more than enough for a small child, but the average adult could easily devour both.

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Chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches

Start these delicious sandwiches off with your favorite chocolate chip cookie. You can use store-bought or homemade, but a soft, chewy cookie works best.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate chips or sprinkles

Directions:

1. Lay one cookie with the bottom facing up and spread a scoop of ice cream on the cookie.
2. Place a second cookie on top of the ice cream to complete the sandwich.
3. If you like, roll the sandwich in chocolate chips or sprinkles on its side, so the sprinkles stick to the ice cream.

Check out this classic chocolate chip cookie recipe >>

Fast fried ice cream

Fried ice cream is a special treat. The combination of hot and cold makes this dessert hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cinnamon cereal, slightly crushed
• Chocolate syrup

Directions:

1. Using a large ice cream scoop, scoop ice cream onto a cookie sheet. Make one scoop for each treat you need.
2. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 10 minutes, just until the scoops firm up.
3. While you’re waiting, crush the cereal.
4. Remove the scoops from the freezer and coat them in cereal. It’s not easy to roll the scoops, so you’ll probably have to pat the cereal into the scoops with your hands.
5. Once you’ve covered all the scoops in cereal, put them back into the freezer to harden up again.
6. When you’re ready to serve them, place them under a broiler for just 30 seconds, and then remove them from the oven. Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.

Chocolaty root beer float

There’s nothing wrong with a standard root beer float, but this one adds a touch of chocolate for an unexpected twist.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Root beer
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sprinkles

Directions:

1. Place a few scoops of ice cream into a tall glass and add a generous amount of chocolate syrup .
2. Fill the glass with root bear.
3. Top it with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles . Serve immediately.

Try this real root beer recipe >>

Peanut butter brownie ice cream cake

No two flavors are more fitted for each other than chocolate and peanut butter. This frozen treat takes those two flavors and adds delicious vanilla ice cream, making it even better.

Ingredients:

• Two batches of brownies
• Peanut butter
• Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Make two batches of your favorite brownies. It doesn’t matter what size pan you use, but both batches need to be exactly the same size.
2. Take one batch out of the pan by gently loosening the edges with a spatula, then placing a cooling rack over the pan and flipping it over.
3. Leave that batch upside down on the rack and cover the bottom of the brownies with a layer of peanut butter. Set the peanut butter brownies aside.
4. Spread vanilla ice cream on the batch of brownies that is still in the pan. For easier spreading, place the brownies in the freezer for 20 minutes before spreading, and let the ice cream soften slightly.
5. Hold the peanut butter brownie over the ice cream brownie, and carefully flip it over, placing the peanut butter layer against the ice cream layer.
6. Press gently to make sure the layers stick, and place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Learn how to make the best brownies >>

Ice cream cupcakes

We all love cake and ice cream. This simple dessert saves a step by keeping them together from the start.

Ingredients:

• Cupcakes without icing
• Ice cream, any flavor

Directions:

1. Use a large ice cream scoop to get nice, round scoops of ice cream and place them directly on top of the un-iced cupcakes.
2. Serve immediately with a spoon.

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Skip the oven

Healthy snacks often don't require any cooking, microwaving or preparation at all. At the beginning of the week, head to the grocery store and pick up large cases of peanuts, raisins, candy-coated chocolates and more to mix up a great trail mix. Trail mix is healthy and provides quick energy for your kids to get the boost they need to do their homework after school. Whipping up your own granola with honey, oats and the dried fruit of your choice will have the same effect. Taking care of snacks early in the week makes sure you're prepared for the moments when even lifting a knife sounds painstaking. Plus, mooching off the snacks you prepared yourself will help boost your own energy level.

Head to the freezer aisle

We know what you're thinking. “But there's a ton of junk food in the freezer aisle!” There is, sure, but many frozen brands offer healthy, protein-rich options like frozen all-natural chicken fingers or small frozen meals that require little more than popping the snack in the microwave or oven. Take a look at the meal's sodium content before buying. Often, freezer brands pack in salt as a preservative, but there are many reasonable brands on the market. Use your best judgment by looking at the nutritional information before you buy.

Think healthy, be lazy

There are plenty of products specifically designed for the wiped out mom. For example, around summertime you'll find that stores carry plastic containers with sticks made for creating your own ice pops. Thinking ahead of time at the beginning of the week, fill the molds with pudding, yogurt, fruit, juice and more for fun, portion-controlled snacks that keep kids cool in the summer months.

Dole out the duties

Older kids can make their own snacks, so dole out the duties as part of their chores. Have them create their own fun ice pop concoctions, mix up some trail mix or heat up frozen treats for the younger ones. Utilize all of the work power you have around you.

Watch: Making a protein-packed trail mix

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How to tell when fruit is ripe

We pinch, punch and pluck fruits to determine whether they're ripe, but there are more accurate ways to tell when your favorite fruit is at its sweetest.

Nothing compares to the flavor and texture of a perfectly ripe piece of fruit. That's why it's worth the effort to learn how to tell when fruit is at its peak.

Two types of fruit

Chris Mittelstaedt, founder and CEO of The FruitGuys, explains that fruits fall into one of two categories:

• Climacteric fruits: These are fruits that can ripen after being harvested. This category includes pears, peaches, apples and bananas, for example. You may have to ripen them at home.
• Non-climacteric fruits: These fruits — such as citrus and some berries — need to stay on the plant to get their full dose of sugar. They should be ready to eat when you buy them.

Bananas

Is your banana ripe? "Color is really the key," says Mittelstaedt, "but your taste buds hold the final say." There are six classified levels of banana ripening, Mittelstaedt adds:

• Stages 1-4 : "Too astringent to eat."
• Stage 5 : "Yellow with green tips will provide the eater with a balance of both sugar and starch."
• Stage 6 : "Considered fully ripe."

"Once the banana starts to get brown spots, you'll notice that the skin thins as more starch is converted to sugar," Mittelstaedt adds. It's up to the eater to determine what color, texture and taste he or she likes best.

Recipe: Frozen banana bites >>

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Quick chicken protein

There are plenty of freezer meals that can be quickly heated up, but health and calorie content are something to consider. Quick chicken snacks like protein-rich sandwiches and chicken fingers are great ways to get protein and keep you and the kids moving. Best of all, they can be eaten in the car without leaving a huge mess in their wake.

All-juice ice pops

When you're getting in and out of hot cars during the summer, nothing sounds more refreshing than something cold and juicy. Head to your local big box store and pick up a reusable plastic container to make ice pops. They already come with plastic sticks, so you'll never have to buy wooden sticks again. Simply wash and reuse. Add chopped fruit, juice, yogurt and more for a cool treat that's not too heavy and always satisfies.

Warm pita and hummus

Hummus is a delicious alternative to traditional dips. Made with garbanzo beans, this Middle Eastern treat is tasty and packed with low-calorie nutrition. Pair with veggies like broccoli, carrots or celery for a cold option, or heat up some pita for a warm, comforting option that will fill the bellies of moms, dads and kids alike.

Frozen fruit

Getting your kids to eat healthy might seem like a chore, but frozen fruit has the same sweet, refreshing quality as an ice pop or ice cream. Try dipping bananas in chocolate and then freezing them until the chocolate becomes solid. It's a healthy, delicious snack that keeps kids packed with potassium and healthy energy. Plus, it's a great way to indulge in a little chocolate without going overboard. Frozen grapes are another great option. They're firm but totally chewable and a great, low-calorie way to cool kids down and give them their daily servings of fruit.

Popcorn

Toss it in the microwave and be on your way! Popcorn — especially low-butter and low-salt varieties — fills tummies for a quick, easy and car-friendly snack that won't leave a mess behind. Mix with peanuts, dried fruit, chocolate candies and more for a fun alternative to trail mix.

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Summer is full of opportunities to entertain friends and family, and serving icy-cold food and drink is always part of the equation. Delight the inner child -- and the outer adult -- in everyone by serving pop-tails: classic cocktails frozen in Popsicle molds. They are unique, delicious and -- most of all -- they’re fun!

If you are having a large party or don’t feel like buying the molds, you can freeze the pop-tails in small paper cups. Freeze until slushy, and then add a Popsicle stick. Then freeze until solid. Popsicle sticks are available at many baking supply and craft stores.

Rather than taking the time to mix up a pitcher of your favorite libations with which to make the pop-tails, use a pre-made cocktail like Bacardi’s Classic Cocktails. They come in a variety of flavors and the alcohol content is low enough the pop-tails freeze without too much trouble. For the best results, you will want to freeze them for at least 24 hours.

The instructions are basically the same, no matter which flavor you are making.

How to make pop-tails

You'll need:

• One or more bottles of ready-made cocktails in your favorite flavors
• Popsicle molds, enough to make Popsicles for all of your guests
• Fruit, mint and other additions

Instructions:

1. Simply pour the cocktails into the molds.
2. Add fruit or other garnishes.
3. Freeze for about an hour or until the Popsicle is slushy and will hold the stick upright. If the garnishes have floated to the top of the mold, you may need to push them down with a toothpick.
4. Add the stick and allow the Popsicles to finish freezing.
5. To remove the pop-tail from the mold, just run hot water over the outside of the mold for three seconds and gently pull the stick to remove each pop-tail.

Making layered pop-tails

You can create two or three layers of flavor by freezing your Popsicles a little at a time. When choosing flavors, you'll want to consider how well they will work together in the finished pop.

1. Pour your first flavor in the mold until it fills the mold about a third of the way.
2. Freeze until slushy. Add the stick.
3. Add the next flavor, filling the mold up until it is two-thirds of the way filled.
4. Freeze and then add the last flavor.

When the pops are unmolded, you will have three distinct layers of color and flavor.

Fruit and flavor combinations

Adding a little fruit not only adds a little extra flavor, it makes the pop-tails pretty. Almost any fruit can be used.

• Pina colada with pineapple or mango
• Rum Island Iced Tea with chopped orange
• Bahama Mama with diced peaches
• Strawberry daiquiri with a few slices of perfectly ripe strawberry

Do a trial run

Before you make the pop-tails for the first time, do a trial run with just one or two Popsicles. Different brands may have different amounts of alcohol. If there is too much alcohol in the mix your pops won’t freeze, but you can remedy the problem if you know about it.

If you find that you end up with slush after 24 hours, try making another batch but add some soda, club soda or juice to the prepared mix. This should cut down the ratio of alcohol to other ingredients enough to allow the pop-tails to freeze firmly.

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When a child's body is fueled with the right foods and plenty of water, it can do amazing things! Kids who eat right have an easier time concentrating, have increased energy and are able to perform better both mentally and physically. With busy school days and extracurricular activities and sports, it's crucial that kids eat smart to learn well and play hard.

The wrong foods can slow kids down and make them feel tired. There's also a growing concern about childhood obesity and diabetes that relates to poor eating habits. Better nutrition helps mental development while building strong bones and lean muscle. It all starts with a good breakfast, and no child should skip this meal! Fruits and grains like oatmeal fuel kids for the busy day ahead.

Sugary snacks between meals don't make the grade. They can spike energy temporarily, but have little nutritional value. Fruits, veggies and nutrient-rich foods are the right choices. Granola bars, apple wedges, string cheese, lean chicken, fruit smoothies and similar choices help keep energy and attention spans up. A combination of proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables release their energy more slowly than pure sugar, so energy levels are consistent.

Snack time

For most children, the right formula means that the body is fueled regularly to avoid energy slumps. Aim for three meals a day plus healthy snacks midmorning, in the middle of the afternoon and following strenuous activity like playing soccer or riding bikes. Eating a high-carbohydrate snack within an hour of the physical activity will speed up energy recovery. Fruit with protein like cheese or meat, or a cereal bar, are good options after strenuous exercise.

Pack it up

Make it easy for your kids to snack smart. Prepare some snacks that are easy to grab and go when kids head out the door for sports and other activities. Small bottles of water are a must to keep them hydrated and quench thirst. Baggies of precut vegetable wedges — cucumber, peppers, carrots, broccoli — can be munched to satisfy hunger. Fill a small container with fruit sections, slices of cheese and some wheat crackers for bite-sized snacks. Granola bars can be tucked in a pocket to pull out when energy lags. Make sure that you provide a mini-meal with good nutritional value. Whenever possible, choose fresh seasonal produce: fruits and vegetables that taste great and provide the vitamins and minerals growing little bodies crave. It's a great way to add variety to daily snacks, too — crisp apples, juicy pears, oranges, apricots, peaches and an abundant selection of colorful veggies. Mix up a smoothie with fresh berries and low-fat milk, or offer up a chunky chicken salad with zest from grapes and celery chunks to spread on pita chips.

Watch: Making healthy after-school snacks

More tips

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How to tell when veggies are ripe

It is a lot easier to get your family to eat their veggies when they're fresh and ripe.

Each delicious garden veggie has its own ripeness indicators, but there are some general rules of thumb that apply to most vegetables:

1. Identify harvest times. Find out when farmers harvest their crops and buy vegetables based on what should be in season.
2. Seek the aroma. "Use your strong sense of smell first," says nutrition and health expert Jackie Keller, author of Body After Baby. "Fresh fruits and vegetables tend to be very fragrant." A fresh tomato, for example, will smell like a garden.
3. Look for color. Ripe vegetables display vibrant colors — dark red beets, deep green asparagus and rich purple eggplants are just a few examples. Over-ripe veggies may appear dull or have bruises, blemishes or brown spots.
4. Feel your way. Peppers should have smooth, not wrinkly, skin. Eggplants should feel firm, not squishy. Broccoli should not feel rubbery when bent and beans should crack crisply.
5. Take note of shape. Fresh, ripe vegetables are tightly formed — cabbage and lettuce heads form compact balls, stalks of celery form a tight bundle, and asparagus leaves fit snugly on their globe.

Produce: What to buy and what to avoid >>

Armed with that knowledge, look for some of your favorite veggies using these specific ripeness tips:

Read more about fruits and veggies

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Loving your greens
Picking fresh fruits

You've finally found a rockin' swimsuit for the beach. Get your beautiful body ready for it with these fab skin care finds.

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Add a mysterious smoky element to your cocktails with grilled pineapple .

Grilled pineapple crush

The natural sugars of the pineapple will caramelize to create picture-perfect grill marks.

Ingredients:

• 3 fresh pineapple wedges
• 2 dashes pure vanilla extract
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces white rum
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• Crushed ice
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Grill the pineapple wedges over low heat.
2. In a glass, muddle two wedges with vanilla and simple syrup.
3. In a shaker, combine rum, lime juice and ice. Shake.
4. Strain into cocktail glass.
5. Dip remaining pineapple wedge in black pepper and add as a garnish.
6. Serve immediately.

How to grill fresh fruit >>

Grilled backyard swizzle

Grilled pineapple and pear puree combine to make an unbeatable summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce pear puree
• 1-1/2 ounces tequila
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 2 small slices Thai chili peppers
• 4 to 5 grilled pineapple chunks

Directions:

1. Make pear puree by pureeing two pears, 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons water in blender. Strain.
2. Add pear puree, tequila, lemon juice and crushed ice to pilsner glass and stir.
3. Garnish with chili pepper and grilled pineapple.
4. Serve immediately.

Fruit and vegetable recipes for the grill >>

Grilled pineapple mai tai

Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with pineapple kebabs: one dessert kebab works alone, with a side of ice cream or added to a mai tai.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, cut into eight wedges, then cut into fourths
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup no-pulp orange juice

Directions:

1. Preheat grill.
2. Mix rum, brown sugar, honey and orange juice until sugar is dissolved.
3. Thread pineapple slices onto skewers.
4. Place skewers on grill and baste with rum sauce.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, turning and basting occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and cool.
7. Add pineapple chunks to mai tais, other cocktails or ice cream -- or eat 'em right off the skewer!
8. Kick back and enjoy!

Coconut grilled pineapple recipe >>

Grilled pineapple Blue Hawaii

Add a smoky pineapple surprise to a traditional Blue Hawaii.

Ingredients:

• 1 can frozen BACARDI Mixers Pina Colada mix
• 1/2 cup rum
• 5 cups crushed ice
• Blue curacao to taste
• Grilled pineapple slices for garnish

Directions:

1. Grill pineapple until grill marks appear. Set aside.
2. Combine pina colada mix, rum and ice. Blend for one minute or until a uniform consistency is reached.
3. Pour into glasses -- top with blue curacao.
4. Garnish each glass with a grilled pineapple slice.
5. Serve with a little umbrella!

BACARDI Mixers InstantParty drink mix recipes >>

More super summer drink ideas:

Cocktail party pizzazz: Fruit-filled ice and glamorous garnishes
Garden party cocktails
Low-carb summer drinks

Chocolate sprinkles, banana slices and hot fudge -- oh my! When it comes to ice cream sundaes, you can go through an endless number of scrumptious combinations to savor. Stock up on the tastiest toppings and get creative with the perfect table decor. Head on over to Pinterest for more sundae bar inspiration!

Create a signature sundae

Showcase your family’s signature sundae. Write up the key ingredients and post them on a tent card near the sundae. Encourage family members to add additional toppings and ingredients for variations of your family staple.

Get the right tools

The right tools can make all the difference in setting up an organized family sundae bar. Display classic sundae glasses, cones, decorative bowls, long spoons, easy-to-use ice cream scoopers and napkins. Set your ice cream containers in a galvanized tub full of ice to keep them properly chilled. Be sure to have one scooper per ice cream flavor so you don’t have to wash it between flavors.

Set the menu

Now for the fun part! During your next family dinner or game night, find out which toppings your family would like to see at the next family sundae bar. Jot the ideas down and add them to your next grocery list.

Start with the basics:

• Vanilla and chocolate ice cream
• Sugar cones
• Whipped cream
• Chopped nuts
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate syrup
• Maraschino cherries
• Hot fudge sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Fruit
• Crushed candies
• Crushed brownies
• Crushed cookies
• Marshmallows
• Gummy candies

Type up cute signage with the name of each topping, just like this ice cream station. Set tiny plastic spoons inside each topping container so toppings don’t get mixed together.

Sundaes with a twist

Then, add on some creative extras. For starters, present a platter of warm chocolate-chip cookies. Family members can add these to their sundaes for an additional topping, or use them to make their own ice-cream sandwich.

Another fun, refreshing option? Serve bottles of root beer on ice for family members to create their own root beer float! Add the bottles to your tub of ice cream to simplify your table.

Enjoy!

More sundae ideas

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