Glow your own way with recipes that combine science and a wow-worthy special effect. The magic ingredient? Under ultraviolet light, the quinine in tonic water shines bright blue. See the magic for yourself with one of the three glow-in-the-dark food ideas below that are sure to steal the spotlight.
Jessie Oleson Moore of Craftsy
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Buttercream
Ready to revolutionize your cakes? All you need is this glow-in-the-dark buttercream from the Craftsy blog. Under your average lamp, it looks like a nice, classic frosting—whip out a black light, and it turns any dessert into a glowing good time. Get the recipe here.
2. Black Light Lemonade
Give your fave refreshing drink a cool twist! With the help of tonic water, this lemonade takes on a spooky glow that’s sure to amaze kids and grown-ups alike. Perfect for Halloween or any ol’ Tuesday. Find out how to make your own batch at Girl Loves Glam.
Hoosier Homemade
3.Glow in the Dark Cupcakes
There’s no doubt about it—this glow in the dark recipe from Hoosier Homemade takes the cake. The glowing effect of these awesome cupcakes is easy to pull off, and the result is perfect for any party spread. Hint: Besides tonic water, the secret ingredient is JELL-O!
It’s time for some spooky Starbucks fun, courtesy of Disneyland! The magical theme park is celebrating Halloween with two new Sbucks’ menu items, and you won’t want to miss either one.
Forget about the Unicorn or Tie Dye Frappuccino. Disney has a Maleficent version that’s purple and green whipped cream-topped goodness. If you’re not into the sweet, sweet taste of this Starbucks soon-to-be fave, park-goers can cool down with the chai iced tea and lemonade layered Dr. Facilier Elixir.
Maleficent and frapp fans can sip on the vanilla bean créme-based drink and if you’re wondering where the purplish-blue color comes from, it’s the vanilla bean that’s blended with blueberry juice and diced dragronfruit. The gooey green topping is a tuft of matcha whipped cream!
The drinks are available for a limited time at Disneyland’s Market House on Main Street U.S.A. and Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure Starbucks locations.
Hello Kitty has arrived in Las Vegas! The Sanrio star has opened up shop in the desert and the newest spot has plenty of pink treats and sweets, all served open-air style from a Vegas-themed bright cafe.
The Hello Kitty Cafe can be found at The Park in Las Vegas, between New York, New York and Park MGM. So what can you expect to find at Nevada’s newest pop-up eatery?
The cafe is stocked with plenty of refreshments like coffee, espresso, lemonade, and iced tea. You can also get your fill of Hello Kitty donuts, ice cream, cakes and cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Did we mention you can also nosh on Keroppi-shaped macarons?
The weather is warming up so it’s the perfect time to cool off with the newest Starbucks Happy Hour offer! Starting at 3 p.m. today (Jun. 27) until close, when you purchase any grande size or larger iced drink using the Starbucks app you can get another one of equal size or smaller for free!
The offer includes any handcrafted iced drink such as iced teas, iced tea lemonades, iced espresso beverages, cold brew, iced coffee and Starbucks Refreshers beverage. (Bottled drinks and frappucinos are not included in this Happy Hour deal.)
The offer must be redeemed using the Starbucks app, which is free to use and only requires that you set up an account (also free). Once you’re set up, you’ll find the offer in your account inbox and it’s as simple as placing your order!
Your summer is about to get that much better. Even though some serious vaycay time is still a month or so away, Costco is getting ready for the season with boozy wine-infused ice pops!
The perfect-for-summer pops were first spotted by Instagrammer @thecostcoconnoisseur at a Washington D.C. Costco. We can only hope the warehouse retailer brings the goodness to stores nationwide.
This isn’t the first time Costco has treated us to adult-flavored frozen treats. Last summer’s Slim Chillers pops were a hit that’s making a rumored return this year. Unlike these vodka-based pops, Claffey’s Frozen Cocktails are pops made with wine.
The pops come in 12-count boxes and include apple, cherry, lemonade, blue raspberry, mango and grape flavors. The slushy summer treat is six percent alcohol by volume, making them about as strong as an average beer.
According to the recent IG post, Costco is selling the pops for $17.99. But, as of now, the delish summer treats aren’t available at all stores. If your Costco doesn’t sell the wine pops, visit Claffey’s Frozen Cocktails website for more buying info.
The news that Texas has just passed a law legalizing lemonade stands might have you asking, are lemonade stands illegal? The answer, apparently, is yes, they are—but at least they aren’t in Texas anymore!
A new bill just passed in the Lone Star state making it legal for kids under 18 to sell lemonade (or any other non-alcoholic beverages) in their front yard. Prior to the bill’s passing, those lemonade stands were actually violated state law.
photo: iStock
Texas isn’t the only state where the legality of lemonade has been in question. Earlier this month, a similar bill was adopted in Colorado and just last summer lemonade manufacturer Country Time ran a campaign offering legal protection to kids across the country running lemonade stands.
As it turns out, many states and cities have laws against selling food and beverages without a license. While those laws are in place to protect the health of consumers, they also put a dampener on the pure childhood fun—as well as the entrepreneurial skills—that come with running a lemonade stand. Here’s hoping more states follow suit to let their kids have their lemonade and sell it, too!
Horses appeal to even the littlest adventurers so it’s pretty lucky there are plenty of places around LA for little cowboys and cowgirls to get close to them all year long. Scroll below for all the places your kid can horse ride their way through Los Angeles.
Griffith Park Pony Rides If there’s a one time-honored tradition LA is known for, it’s the Griffith Park pony rides. Located next to a ride-a-long train, little cowpokes ages 1 and up can choose from a variety of different rides depending on their comfort level. From a gentle pony sweep where you ride in a circle, slow ponies with an easy walking pace, medium ponies with a trot to big ponies that do more of a fast jog, there’s something for everyone.
Hours: Tues.-Sun.; 10 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Cost: $5 per ride.
The Gentle Barn As a majestic sanctuary for abused animals, this Santa Clarita gem will not only be a fun-filled day trip for your little ones but even more importantly, a life lesson in compassion and kindness for all living creatures.
On Sun., the Gentle Barn opens its heart and doors to families who’d like to feed and groom their rescue horses, snuggle with some goats and even give pigs a belly rub or two. Hungry tikes can also check out the snack shop for vegan pizza and cupcakes to keep their blood sugar up for all those hugs they’ll be doling out.
Good to Know: Reserve tickets in advance to avoid being turned away at the door.
Hours:Every Sun. 10 a.m.—2 p.m.
Cost: A $10 for kids, $20 for adults donation is suggested for admittance.
Will Rogers Polo Club Looking for a chance to dress your kiddos in fancy floppy hats while they sip lemonade with their pinkies out? Um hello, who isn’t?! As the only remaining polo field in LA, Will Rogers Polo Club gives tiny tots a chance to be the posh people they were always meant to be (you know, under all that drool and dirt).
Wooden mallets swish through the fresh summer air as colorful horses thunder across the field, thrilling even the smallest equine enthusiasts. In between matches, kids often have a chance to meet players and pet the four-legged stars of the show. Check the schedule for up-to-date matches.
Hours: Sat. 2 p.m.—5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.—1 p.m. Cost: Free to watch but parking cost $12 per car
Will Rogers Trail Rides
If watching the horses isn’t enough for your eight-and-overs and they want to ride a real horse, head up the hill to Will Rogers Trail Rides where expert guides will lead you on a 50-minute tour through Will Rogers State Park. At the top, on clear days, you can see across the Los Angeles basin to Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and Malibu.
Hours: Tues.-Sun.; holiday Mon.; On the weekends, they run every hour, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $75 per rider plus $12 per car for parking
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Seabiscuit made history at this very racetrack. Now, if your kids are clueless as to who that is, just tell them he starred in a movie with Spiderman and they’ll instantly get on board. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is well worth the almost two-hour trek down from LA (we promise) and offers your pint-sized jockeys plenty to do.
Since they’re not quite old enough to wager on their favorite fillies, Del Mar’s family-themed days may be the best time to go. Check their website for specific family events and ticket prices.
Get your sip on this summer with thirst-quenching mocktails that are anything but boring. From slushies and fancy lemonades to Italian sodas, these delicious drinks are easy to whip up and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
For a big dose of nostalgia, go for the classic Shirley Temple! The kids will love this cherry treat—especially if you use mason jars as glasses. You can even add lime for an extra kick! Get the recipe from Kitchen Happiness.
Nix the sugary soda and instead opt for a natural fruit drink from The View from Great Island. It's fresh squeezed, updated with a vivid berry puree, and the perfect pitcher for a party! Score the colorful recipe by clicking here.
This one goes out to all those strawberry fans! Thanks to Lola's Cocina, you'll have a new fave summer drink. It's a 3-ingredient cinch, kid-friendly, and great for a summer day. Get the recipe here.
Psst! This super delicious slush from Damn Delicious is a must for any summer to-do list. It couldn't be any easier to make (only 3 ingredients!) or more refreshing. Get your watermelon on and grab the recipe here.
Ready to punch it up? This punch, courtesy of Dinner at the Zoo, only has 5 ingredients and a boatload of fresh flavor. It's great for a summer day...or, you know, a Tuesday. Click on over here for the recipe.
When the temperature drops, there's nothing like a batch of these sweet refreshments--sans bourbon. And here's a quick tip if you think the kiddos won’t go for the “muddled” leaves of mint, just use a batch of mint tea (iced) instead and use the mint as garnish. Get the recipe here.
Make use of fresh clementines with this fab recipe from How Sweet It Is. The homemade soda base becomes extra special when you top it off with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. To find out how it’s made, click here.
Make use of the best fruit summer has to offer by whipping up this quick slushie from Paleo Running Momma. With no refined sugar, it’s a drink you can feel good about serving up to your whole fam. To get the recipe, click here.
We can’t get enough watermelon all summer long, and this recipe from Build Your Bite is the perfect way to get more of the good stuff into our diet. Kiddos will love the fizziness provided by the sparkling water, too. To see the recipe, click here.
Get inspired by Green Healthy Cooking and make a yummy batch of horchata. This variation uses a mixture of milk, rice, cinnamon, maple syrup and vanilla to create an instant family fave. To grab the recipe, click here.
Transport yourself to the tropics by making this super refreshing drink from How Sweet It Is. The whole family will love the vibrant color and thirst-quenching flavor. To get the recipe, click here.
Take a cue from the Italians and whip up a refreshing drink inspired by the Wright Family Table. They’re pretty easy to pull off using a citrusy simple syrup topped off with soda water and half & half. To get the full recipe, click here.
Take your lemonade stand (or your backyard barbecue) to the next level with this amazing recipe from Kiwi & Carrot. The bright mix of flavors is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. To get the recipe, click here.
Get a little fancy with this yummy sparkling mix from The Pretty Life Girls. The recipe uses premade lemonade as a starting point, so you don’t have to worry about juicing bunches of lemons. Get the full recipe by clicking here.
The heat wave won’t seem so daunting once you’ve got a cup of Build Your Bite’s watermelon lime cooler in your hand. Fresh watermelon is blended with a splash of lime juice to top it all off. Grab the full recipe by clicking here.
The recent announcement that America’s most beloved toy store is filing for bankruptcy has probably left the Toys”R”Us kids in your family a little bummed. The company is turning lemons into lemonade, however, and is about to change everything you thought you knew about big box retail shopping.
If you grew up a Toys”R”Us kid yourself, then you’ll no doubt remember the company’s famous jingle that promised “a million toys at Toys”R”Us that I can play with.” Pretty soon kids really could be playing with toys right in the store if the idea to change the retail chain’s storefronts goes as planned. According to a report by USA Today, Toys”R”Us is taking this bankruptcy as a cue that changes are needed to stay competitive. The company plans to invest over $200 million over the next four years to overhaul their stores. They will be converting all of their locations into combo stores with Babies”R”Us and transforming them into new interactive spaces.
“Toys”R”Us stores will be interactive spaces with rooms to use for parties, live product demonstrations put on by trained employees, and the freedom for employees to remove products from boxes to let kids play with the latest toys,” CEO David Brandon said in court papers according to USA Today. Just imagine getting the chance to check out that got-to-have-it toy hands-on before you take it home and discover your kids are happier playing wit the cardboard box it came in. The company already began testing this concept over a year ago with prototype stores in California and Florida that featured some of these enhancements.
The company will also be creating an augmented reality game that can be downloaded to customers phones and played while they shop, as well as upgrading their website for better online shopping. They also teased the idea that Babies”R”Us would be transformed into a lifestyle brand. No word on what that means exactly, but the future isn’t looking so bad for Geoffrey after all.
Would you be excited to shop at an interactive toy store? Share your thoughts on these changes in the comments below.
Great news! Summertime’s favorite drink also comes in cupcake form. These sweet and just-a-bit tart cupcakes are perfect for summer birthdays, BBQs or any time you want to treat the littles. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh raspberries and a tiny straw to get that uber-cute vibe right before you stuff them into your mouth. Scroll down to see our editor’s secrets to making the perfect batch.
*You can also use red food coloring, about 3 drops, but reduce flour to 1 cup only
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Grease a 12-cupcake pan (or line with cupcake liners).
Step 3: Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Set aside.
Step 4: Whisk together egg whites, lemonade concentrate, oil, and lemon juice. Add milk. (Adding the lemon mix to the milk may cause curdling, which is okay because most recipes call for buttermilk. Adding the milk last helps cut down on this a bit). Add lemon zest.
Step 5: In a stand mixer alternate the wet mix and dry mix until well blended. (About 1 minute on medium speed).
Step 6: Add raspberry puree and blend for 2 minutes at medium speed until batter is smooth.
Step 7: Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (or until cupcake tops spring back when touched lightly)
Step 8: Make the frosting while the cupcakes cool.
The frosting:
Use the recipe found here, but add:
1 tbsp. lemon zest
1/8 tsp. lemon extract
1 tbsp. raspberry puree* or 2 drops red food coloring
*You may need to add a little bit of extra powdered sugar to thicken the frosting once you’ve added the puree.
Step 9: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost each cupcake. If you want it to look fancy, use a piping bag or Ziplock bag to add the frosting in a spiral. Or invest in a cupcake decorating tip-set, so you can look like you know what you are doing!
Step 10: Garnish with lemon wedges, sprinkles or a single raspberry and/or a small straw (just cut a paper straw in half) to make it look more “lemonade-y.”
Step 11: Eat a cupcake! Great job!
What’s your go-to lemon cake recipe? Tell us in a comment below.
