Savings for Summer Camp Digital Media Academy #CreateTheNext #ad

* I am participating in a USFamilyGuide blogger campaign and this is a sponsored post #ad

Over the last few years I have learned about the need for kids to have S.T.E.M. knowledge. I have seen great DVDs for little ones to help them grasp Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and taking a class would build on their knowledge. My son is a year shy of the age group for the S.T.E.M. classes but your child may not be. Digital Media Academy is a summer camp that offers an educational program for kids ages 6 to 17 while still having fun. There are classes that involve engineering with Legos, designing a video game with same tools and technique that professional use, digital filmmaking and acting, iPhone programming, robotics, app development & more. Help your child learn and have a memorable summer by finding the right camp and programs for their interests.

Students launching a Rocket 

 Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child's confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

Students learning outside of the classroom

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more. 



Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!

Apple Fruit Galette Recipe

I can see that making fruit galettes could easily become my passion. What I love about them is that they are rustic looking, taste so delicious, and look like they are much more difficult to make than they really are.

I discovered this recipe for the delicious crust from one of my favorite magazines, Cottage Living. Unfortunately, the magazine folded a few years ago, but I have held onto every old issue, and recently ran across the recipe.

I guarantee you will adore this apple galette, and it could become your go-to dessert for a delicious dessert at home, or to bring to a picnic, or to someone you really like.

There is no worrying about making a perfect pie crust with a galette, and you can use differ kinds of fruit, or a combination.

It totally impressed my family, and there wasn't a crumb left over.


Recipe for Apple Fruit Galette

Ingredients:

For pastry crust:

 2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons ice-cold milk

1 egg
2 tablespoons water


Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk together egg yolk and milk, pour into flour mixture, stirring just until dough starts to form a ball.
Press together with lightly floured hands, and form into a flat round. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

For fruit filling:

2 pounds apples (4-5) Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Peel and core apples; cut each in to 8 wedges. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. When butter is foamy, add apples and stir frequently until they are slightly softened, about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over apples. Stir into fruit, and continue cooking about 5 minutes, until liquid is syrupy and bubbling.

Remove dough from refrigerator. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into an approximate
10-inch round. Place on a large, lightly greased baking sheet. Scoop fruit mixture into center of round.
Fold about 1 inch of dough all the way around to form a rim. Combine egg and water, brush outside of tart with the egg wash.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on pan 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Makes about 6 servings.

*I've made this galette many times, and in fact, I'm making it today for my grandson's end of the year preschool party. I wanted to share the recipe again with everyone. If making a pie is a little intimidating to you, try the free formed galette, I bet you'll love it!!

Sweet as Honey: Maya the Bee Movie and Giveaway

Disclosure: I received complimentary items to facilitate my review. No other compensation has been provided, and all opinions are 100% my own.

Watching a movie at the end of the day is a family fun night we do several times a month. We curl up on the couch, have some snacks and get lost in a world outside our own for an hour or so. Over the weekend we watched and fell in love with Maya the Bee. This wonderful movie that will definitely be on our Summer Movie list. This movie shows kids how to "bee" true to their own heart, be loyal to friends and celebrate diversity. Maya learns about the bugs outside her hive as she explores the world around her. I think I like Maya because she reminds me of my own child, he questions the norm and has a zest for seeing what is out in world. She is a spunky little Bee that kids will adore.


Movie Summary:

Maya the Bee, based on the children’s novel beloved by generations, is now buzzing with new excitement as this fantastically funny and family-friendly film!

Maya is a little bee with a big heart. While most bees believe that other insects should be feared, Maya can’t help but make friends with Flip the violin-playing grasshopper, Kurt the dung beetle and even Sting, a young hornet. This group of “fearsome” friends causes some bees to avoid Maya. But when the Queen’s royal jelly is stolen, it will take Maya and all of her bug buddies to figure out who did it and how to save the day!




My son thought Maya was cute and brave. His favorite character is the violin playing grasshopper Flip. I love this little song they sing to "bee" yourself. Movies with a positive family friendly topic are always a great find to add to our movie collection. My son loves to watch a movie over and over like most kids do, that means it needs to be a movie that I agree with him hearing the message. Maya the Bee has the Dove.org seal of approval for all ages family friendly.

After watching a movie that my son enjoys I like to find ways to share learning with him on a topic he may not know about. I have so many ideas to celebrate all things "bee" autiful about bees for my son. We can learn about honey, pollinating and hive life. I see many crafts and recipes on Pinterest that can help my plans and Shout Factory has provided a few as well.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a copy of Maya the Bee Movie on DVD

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 19, 2015 and ends on June 1, 2015 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.

Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con is Coming! Ticket Giveaway #conlife #wizardworld

I must admit I have never attended a Comic Con, YIKES! Sad I know but this year things are different. We have wanted to attend one for years and I feel like my son being 5 this is the perfect time to go. He loves super heroes, Nintendo, Disney and more. His Dad and I have been gamers and cartoon fans for years and love sharing those interest with our son. What can be more fun then attending an event where we can all dress up, meet cool celebrities and buy stuff for our collections. If you are new to attending Wizard World Comic Con shows like us you can watch this video to see more of what it is about.

The Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con will be at the Sacramento Convention Center June 19 thru 21st. Each day has different speakers and activities so be sure to check the schedule and get your tickets here to plan your experience at Sac Comic Con.

Here are a few of the celebrities I am looking forward to meeting, Patrick Warburton who plays Joe Swanson on Family Guy and was David Puddy on Seinfeld ( I want to ask him if he does the voice on the Skylanders Swap Force game because it sure does sound like him), Danny Trejo was in Spy Kids movies and Muppets Most Wanted says he loves to play the bad guy in movies so the youth can see bad guys never win, The Blue and Green Rangers from the TV show Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers and WWE Superstars Dave Batista and Diva Eva Marie.

photo by: Wizard World

Being the HUGE Simpsons fans we are I am also looking forward to meeting animator Phil Ortiz, he also has worked on Smurfs and He-Man. I want my son to see the variety of artists that work to make his cool characters he knows and loves.

GIVEAWAY

To kick off the 36 Day countdown till Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con arrives I am hosting a giveaway for a 4 pack of tickets to attend Sunday June 21st. Sunday the event is from 11 am to 5 pm with the Kid's Costume Contest that day too. The tickets are for adults and kids over 10, children 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult (Limit 2 kids Per Paid Adult Admission)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 14, 2015 and ends on June 15, 2015 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I will be provided tickets to event for this post.

Salami Pasta Salad Recipe

My family and I recently found a new beach near our house, one that is uncrowded and really lovely. The white sand, piles of logs and driftwood, and beautiful blue water make it the perfect beach for sharing family time.

I know we'll be spending lots of time there this summer with the kids, and I'm really looking forward to it. Those times will include lunches and dinners, so I'm always looking for foods that can be packed up and easily transported.

Pasta salads are the perfect beach and picnic food, and the variety of recipes available is amazing. You can make a pasta salad as a side dish, or with the addition of heartier ingredients, make one as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

This recipe for Salami Pasta Salad has recently become a big family favorite. I added some big slices of warm, buttered French bread and it made a great make-ahead, easy dinner.

And one thing I do love about pasta salads is that they really are make-ahead recipes. And a recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd when you are entertaining. It's really delicious, and might just become a family favorite in your house too.


Recipe for Salami Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked white and green rotini pasta
1 - 10oz. can of RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1 cup diced Italian dry salami
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For dressing:
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the tomatoes and chilies, salami, cheese and onion.
In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.