As the kids head back to school, one last end of summer bash is in order. Yes, as parents, we may be SO SAD (sarcasm) to see our kids get back into a routine and maintain a semblance of order, but one last hurrah will help them get back on track.
Every month, I receive a shipment of unique and sometimes new-to-market foods from Degustabox, a surprise food subscription box. For $19.99 (including shipping), you receive 10-15 different snacks, ingredients and treats. I love that some of these are popular in other countries but haven’t made the mainstream market here in the US.
This month’s box included Sir Kensington’s Chipotle Mayo (perfect for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a kick), ALO drink (aloe vera juice!), Cheddar & Sour Cream Popchips (delish), Mini Cow Tails (remember those? kinda addictive), White Grape Seed Wheat Flour Blend (healthy alternative to white flour), Honey Bunches of Oats with Strawberries (excellent breakfast for quick mornings), Oregon Chai (hello FALL!), Loacker Rose-Shaped Hazelnut Chocolates (hide these for yourself), Vermont Mini Meat Sticks (perfect on-the-go protein), and Goya Maria Cookies (my obsession when I lived in Spain- I ate a sleeve of these every day).
For our End of Summer Bash, I decided to plan an outdoor movie night for the kids with a camping theme! We have a pocket projector from Brookstone that plugs into my iPhone (or iPad, or laptop, you get the idea) and we pop a sheet on the garage- instant movie theater. This projector is only $149 with free shipping, and there is a buy one, get one half off sale right now…so partner up with someone and grab a great discount. They have more advanced wireless projectors as well for $399- well worth the money.
The Setting: You can put down blankets and pillows on the grass for the kids, or have them bring sleeping bags. If you have younger kids who can’t stay up late enough for the sun to set, drape a sheet over a rope to create a “tent” that they can watch the movie in!
The Snacks: S’mores! What camping adventure would be complete without this summer staple? Instead of graham crackers, I used the Goya Maria Cookies I received in my August Degustabox– they are a perfect fit for round marshmallows!
Make individual treats in the oven if you don’t have a fire pit. Place 1 layer of Goya Maria Cookies on a cookie sheet, add a square of chocolate and a marshmallow to each. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 3-5 minutes until the marshmallows are gooey and browned. Top with another cookie and serve immediately.
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| photo: NYAM food |
The Show: There are a number of great family-friendly camping-themed movies to choose from.
The Parent Trap (G)RV (PG)The Great Outdoors (PG)Heavyweights (PG)The Muppet Movie (G)
Pretty simple evening, and the kids will stay entertained while you organize your calendar for the upcoming school year and crack open a bottle of wine. Yep, our job never ends but at least we can create a fun atmosphere for our work!
If you are interested in subscribing to Degustabox, check it out here! It is well worth the $19.99, and the value of the contents always is greater then the price. Enjoy!
Disclosure: I received a Degustabox for review purposes; all opinions are honest and my own.
