Military Archives - For the Love of Food

Veterans Day Printable Sign and Card

Nicole Hood — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 16:28:52 +0000

Happy Veterans Day!

On this day we honor and thank all service members past and present for serving our country.

Download my free printable Veterans Day card and sign to display or give.

Ava signed her card for her Dad.

“I’m thankful for you!”

Such a sweet girl!

Some of the past Veterans Day parades and ceremonies we’ve attended as a family.

We are so grateful for the men and women of the Armed services, including my Army husband, and always remember that freedom isn’t free.

Download the printable card here.

Download the printable sign here.

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Wine Cork American Flag Painting Craft

Nicole Hood — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:00:00 +0000

When I came across this fun patriotic kid craft, I knew I had to share it!

My kiddos love painting and being crafty during the holidays. This project is perfect to make and share for the 4th of July.

What you need:

Red Paint
Blue Paint
White Paper
White Sticky Side Foam Stars (Walmart)
Wine Corks

Directions:

Pour the red and blue paint out onto a plate.
Dip one wine cork into the blue paint and create a blue square in the upper right corner.
Dip the other wine cork into the red paint and create red flag stripes.
Let the flag painting dry for several minutes and then stick the star stickers to the blue section of the flag.

All you need for this craft is red and blue paint, white paper, star stickers, and wine corks.

Pour the red and blue paint on a paper plate.

Dip one wine cork into the blue paint .

Create a blue square in the upper right corner.

Dip the other wine cork into the red paint and create red flag stripes.

Let the flag painting dry for several minutes and stick the star stickers to the blue section of the flag.

Happy 4th of July!

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Bomb Pop Tropical Mocktail

Nicole Hood — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 12:30:00 +0000

This frosty treat is a fun mocktail for the whole family to enjoy this summer.

My kids and I love Bomb Pop Popsicles and they are what inspired this frozen slushie. We made it red, white, and blue for 4th of July and it is our new favorite summer drink.

Stella loved her frozen drink, minus the Popsicle, as a breakfast slushie!

We love this refreshing drink during these hot summer months.

Happy July 4th!

Bomb Pop Tropical Mocktail

Makes 2 large drinks

Ingredients

2 Bomb Pop Popsicles
5 oz can cream of coconut
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup pineapple juice frozen {in ice cube tray)
2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup ice

Instructions

In a blender, add strawberries, sugar, water, and ice. Blend until smooth.
Pour into 2 large glasses and fill halfway.
Rinse out the blender and then add pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple juice cubes. You could also do regular ice cubes instead of frozen pineapple juice.
Blend until smooth and pour into both glasses, filling almost to the top.
Now gently add a patriotic Bomb Pop Popsicle, with the stick up, into each glass.
Top with a straw and enjoy your frosty treat!

For the photos I used a large chilled mason jar.

But this recipe is perfect for 2 large drinking glasses too.

In a blender, add strawberries, sugar, water, and ice.

Blend until smooth.

Pour into 2 large glasses and fill halfway.

I used 1 small can pineapple juice to fill 1 ice cube tray the night before.

You could also do regular ice cubes instead of frozen pineapple juice.

Rinse out the blender and then add pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple juice cubes {1 ice cube tray full}..

Blend until smooth.

Blend until smooth and pour into both glasses, filling almost to the top.

So pretty already!

Now gently add a patriotic Bomb Pop Popsicle, with the stick up, into each glass.

Top with a straw and enjoy your frosty treat!

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40+ Family Friendly Patriotic Punches & Dazzling Drinks

Nicole Hood — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Patriotic drinks are fun to make and super easy, usually made in just minutes!
Today I have gathered over 40 Family Friendly Patriotic Punches & Dazzling Drinks for you to find the perfect recipe to mix up for your 4th of July summertime parties and picnics!

1. Patriotic Punch – For the Love of Food

2. Red, White & Blue Captain America Kids Drink – A Worthey Read

3. Kid Friendly Patriotic Punch – Mom Endeavors

4. Red, White, & Blue Layered Drinks – Around My Family Table

5. Patriotic Summer Drinks – Natural Beach Living

6. Patriotic Punch – Passion for Savings

7. Red White & Blue Non-Alcoholic Cocktail – Baking Beauty

8. Patriotic Layered Smoothie – A Moms Take

9. Berry Patriotic Soda – Mama Cheaps

10. Red White & Blue Virgin White Sangria – The Kitchen is My Playground

11. Patriotic Polka Dot Milkshakes – The Decorated Cookie

12. Red, White & Blue Jell-O Ice Cubes (that don’t melt!) – Shaken Together Life

13. Frosting Coated 4th of July Milkshake – Love the Day

14. Patriotic Fruit Sipper with Berry Ice – For the Love of Food

15. Red White & Blue Cat in the Hat Mocktail – 3 Boys and a Dog

16. Triple Berry Frozen Smoothies – In Katrina’s Kitchen

17. Strawberry Banana 4th of July Smoothie – Your Cup of Cake

18. Berries & Cream Tie Dye Fruit Smoothie Recipe – Hot Beauty Health

19. Red White & Blue Protein Smoothie – Dashing Dish

20. Firecracker Root Beer Float – For the Love of Food

21. Red White & Blue Sparkling Cider – Around My Family Table

22. Patriotic Ice Cream Sodas – Simply Sated

23. Red, White & Blue Layered Jello Shooters for Kids – Artsy Momma

24. Cool Blue Pool Punch – Mandy’s Recipe Box Blog

25. Red, White & Blue Sparkling Drink with Star Shaped Fruit – Mama Cheaps

26. Red, White & Blue Mocktail – The Merry Thought

27. Red, White & Blue Lemonade Mocktail – Giggles Gobbles and Gulps

28. Chilled 4th of July Layered Red White & Blue Mocktail – The Pin Junkie

29. Red White & Blue Bomb Pop Captain America Drink – Sunny Sweet Days

30. Patriotic Tonic: Fruit Infused Sparkling Water – Oh My Sugar High

31. Easy Virgin Strawberry Margarita – The Banana Diaries

32. 4th Of July Virgin Daiquiri – Recipe This

33. 4th of July Fruit Juice Splash – Faith Filled Food for Moms

34. Bomb Pop Tropical Mocktail – For the Love of Food

35. Fresh Fruit Star Ice Cubes – Oh My Creative

36. Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Mocktail – Domestikated Life

37. Patriotic Layered Fruit Punch – Mama Cheaps

38. Patriotic Drink with Strawberries – The Country Chic Cottage

39. The Perfect Layered Red, White & Blue Drink – Eating on a Dime

40. Frosty Patriotic Punch – Spend with Pennies

41. 4th of July Sprinkle Milkshakes – Pint Sized Baker

42. Jell-O Slushy – Some of This and That

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Patriotic Punch for 4th of July!

Nicole Hood — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 13:30:00 +0000

As a military family we enjoying making and serving patriotic dishes throughout the year. However, 4th of July is our favorite our great nation and the men and women who serve. So I have created a few new colorful patriotic drinks and treats to serve up this summer. This family friendly drink that I call Patriotic Punch is fun and fruity and made with just 3 simple ingredients.

My little patriotic cuties!

This drink is so simple to make and tastes great.
Ava certainly enjoyed her drink!Photo Session by Red, White, and You Photography

Patriotic Punch for 4th of July

Ingredients

20 oz Sprite
32 oz red colored Soda {I used Cherry Limeade}
32 oz blue Powerade
ice
blue food coloring optional

Instructions

Fill your glass 2/3 full with ice cubes.
Start with the drink that has the most sugar since it is the heaviest.
I used a red colored soda { you could also use fruit punch}. Fill 1/3 full with red soda.
Next add your white or clear drink to another 1/3 of the glass. To get it to sit on top of the red and not fully mix in you need to pour on the back of a spoon or slowly at an angle on the ice.
I added a few drops of blue food coloring to my blue Powerade before adding it to the glass so it would be a brighter color. This is optional.
Finally repeat the slow pouring on the spoon for the blue layer into the glass, all the way to the top.
Add a festive straw and enjoy!

All you need are 3 simple drinks added together for this festive punch!

Fill your glass 2/3 full with ice cubes.

Fill your glass 1/3 full with red soda.

I found these cute plastic 4th of July themed glasses at Walmart.

Next add your white or clear drink to another 1/3 of the glass. To get it to sit on top of the red and not fully mix in you need to pour on the back of a spoon or slowly at an angle on the ice.

Finally repeat the slow pouring on the spoon for the blue layer into the glass, all the way to the top.

Add a festive straw and enjoy!

Happy 4th of July from our patriotic family to yours!

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Military Dad Father’s Day Gift Guide

Nicole Hood — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 13:00:00 +0000

This post contains affiliate links.

Happy June y’all! I have been searching on Amazon for gifts for a month now, both for Father’s Day and for my birthday this month. My family and I, including my parents, my husband and my kids, like to make Amazon gift lists since we are all Amazon Prime members. So every holiday and birthday we simply log in and pick a gift and have it shipped. I love it because you know you are getting something that they really want and it’s more personal than a gift card.
I had my husband, who is in the Army, make a Father’s Day gift list and most of his choices were military themed. I decided to add a few of my gift ideas to the list and share it with y’all today because I just love all the fun and patriotic presents we found!
This Military Dad Father’s Day Gift Guide makes finding a gift for your veteran husband, father, uncle, brother, or friend as easy as 1,2, 3. Check out our top 20 military themed gift items and let me know your favorite!

1. Tactical Molle Apron: this apron is a great gift for a dad who loves to grill! It even has pouches for condiments, a drink, phone, or grilling tools.

2. Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier: a practical, useful, stainless multi-tool that is useful in so many situations. It’s made so well and a perfect gift especially if you’re all out of gift ideas for dad.

3. ‘Merica Beer Belt: what better novelty gift for the summer?! This patriotic beverage holder has an adjustable belt and is perfect for the 4th of July or any other party you host this summer.

4. Black Rifle Coffee Kit: not only is this coffee gift set perfect for the military dad, it also comes with a variety of the very best coffee flavors and is an American, veteran owned brand. You can’t go wrong!

5. Wood Framed Prayer for Dad: a sweet and sentimental gift for the kids to give to dad this Father’s Day. It’s also an easy piece of decor that he can add onto his desk, dresser or nightstand.

6. Flag & Certificate Display Case: this is the most beautiful wooden case for a military dad to showcase all of his most prized possessions that he wants to remember the most! The top section is made for a flag, while you can display awards, pins and more in the bottom section.

7. Down the Pike Sgt Pryer Green Army Man Bottle Opener: this has to be the most unique bottle opener out there! And really, what dad wouldn’t love this?

8. U.S. Army “Proud Dad” Double Sided Collectible Challenge Pewter Coin: a great addition to any military dad’s coin collection or just for him to carry around daily in his wallet.

9. Multi-use Tactical Pen: EVERY dad needs a tactical pen in his life. This is not only a pen, but also a flashlight, bottle opener, window breaker and self defense tool. It’s the ultimate gift idea and another great option if you’re all out of ideas for Father’s Day!

10. Veteran, Myth, Legend ‘DAD’ T-Shirt: no matter how old your dad is, or if you’re shopping for something for your kids to give your husband, this is the sweetest t-shirt I’ve ever seen! It’s a must have and well under $20.

11. 50 Caliber Shot Glasses: this set of shot glasses are fun and something so different that he’ll love and most certainly doesn’t already have!

12. Protein Beef Jerky Snack Set: the perfect snack that all dads love, ready to be gifted in this gift box! We love this idea!

13. Flag Printed Diaper Bag: for the military dad with young kids, this is the ultimate gift! It has compartments for everything and is much more manly than any other diaper bag out there.

14. American Flag Challenge Coin Display: this wooden American flag display is incredibly made and has the flag engraved beautifully into the wood. It’s a perfect way for dad to display his challenge coins in the most patriotic way possible!

15. The Military Father: this is the ultimate book for any and every deployed dad out there. It’s a great read for every deployed serviceman and a must have for them.

16. American Flag Tumbler: dad can show his patriotism with this American flag printed tumbler! It’s great for keeping your drink cold (or hot!) all day long.

17. Military Veteran Flag Novelty Metal Sign: this Veteran’s Oath sign is the perfect decor piece for a Veteran’s favorite spot in the house, or can even be hung outside. It’s beautifully made and a gift he’ll cherish!

18. Military War Double Feature DVD Set: this set comes with two DVD movies – Lone Survivor and American Sniper. Two patriotic movies that the military dad no doubt already loves, or will love when he watches them!

19. Novelty Grenade Mug: a perfect novelty mug that dad’s will LOVE to drink their coffee out of!

20. LED Flag Net Lights: believe it or not, this flag is made from lights! It’s perfect to hang outdoors and enjoy all summer long, or even in a basement or garage. Perfect for the patriotic dad!

New for 2021:

21. Beef Jerky Flower Bouquet : this one of a kind gift from Manly Man Co. is made with a dozen beef jerky designed flowers arranged in a pint glass.

Check out this awesome veteran owned company for so many fun gift ideas!

22. Folding Camping Chair Stool Backpack : this handy camo printed backpack is also a chair, stool, and an insulated cooler bag

23. Men’s Folding Pocket Comb : a wooden comb with a leather travel case printed with a skull design screams “Dad gift” !

This post contains affiliate links.

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Memorial Day Poppy Kids Craft

Nicole Hood — Mon, 20 May 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Next Monday we celebrate Memorial Day.

Some see it as the unofficial start to summer but there is a much more important meaning. On Memorial Day we remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. We made a family craft this week in honor of Memorial Day and I love how it turned out.

Scroll down to read about the meaning of poppies on Memorial Day and the instructions for our simple Poppy Kids Craft.

Why are poppies a symbol of Memorial Day?

The red poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance of the service and sacrifice of those who died in service to our nation. Poppies were one of the only plants to grow on the barren battlefields after WWI and the red flowers are also a metaphor for spilled blood on the battlefield.

Members of The American Legion Auxiliary have been helping the nation to remember by distributing the remembrance poppy to the public for one hundred years. We donate and receive poppies every year from them.

From the American Legion website.

What You Need:

6 large popsicle sticks
6 white cupcake liners
red. green, and black markers {or any color desired}
glue

Directions:

Using the red markers, flatten the liners then color them all over on one side.
Using the black marker, draw a center in each colored flower.
Add glue to the top of each stick and press on colored flowers.
Color the bottom visible part of the stick green.
Now you can glue to cardstock, or place in a display or vase for Memorial Day.

Using the red markers, flatten the liners then color them all over on one side.

Ashton even made poppies with his girls.

Using the black marker, draw a center in each colored flower.

Add glue to the top of each stick and press on colored flowers.

Color the bottom visible part of the stick green.

Stella’s beautiful rainbow flower!

Ava’s beautiful poppy creation!

Ava wanted to make more and more!

Poppies are red but the kids can use any color of the rainbow if they desire!

Now you can glue to cardstock, or place in a display or vase for Memorial Day.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you, from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,

In Flanders fields.

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Military PCS Photos: Lost in the Woods Moving Announcement

Nicole Hood — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:00:00 +0000

It’s moving time again!

Military life isn’t easy and moving is something I seriously dread. But we have to take the good and the bad and stay positive! Part of being a military family means supporting your service member and understanding that not every duty station is the best. We had hoped for Germany or Georgia or even Colorado. But alas the Army wanted Ashton somewhere else. So after just one year in San Antonio {which I loved} we got orders to Missouri. I wasn’t excited to say the least and honestly I shed quite a few tears but in the end I put on my big girl pants and made the best of it.

We took these tongue in cheek moving announcement photos with the wonderful Jeni Marie Studios to tell our friends and family we got orders to Ft Leonardwood, Missouri aka Ft Lost in the Woods. Check them out along with our fun {and oh so tasty} cookies by my favorite Keichel Cookies.

Military Family: Courage, Strength, Sacrifice.

There were two small businesses that helped me out a ton with this photo shoot. The first was our photographer Jeni Marie Studios. Always the professional she is not only talented but fast and thorough. She has the cutest themes and props and amazing low prices {mini sessions starts at just $20}! She covers San Antonio and the surrounding areas and has fall and Christmas mini sessions coming up!

Let her capture some of life’s special moments for you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenimariestudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenimariestudios/

Here’s a hometown favorite and another small business I want to give a shout out too!

Keichel Cookies offers custom decorated cookies for all occasions and seriously y’all she is the BEST. I have ordered her cookies for so many of my celebrations I have lost count! She can do all designs, her rates are super affordable, and her cookies are also the best tasting and longest lasting of any cookie I have ever had.

https://www.facebook.com/KeichelCookies/

Without further ado here are our Lost in the Woods photos!

Please comment below and let me know what you think.