VKZ Magazine October 2024 - Teen 'Tober

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VKZ Magazine

Morethan $175in ideals nside!

IN 1 YEAR, TEEN AUTHOR ANGELINA AGASI GREW HER SOLO VENTURE INTO A PUBLISHING POWERHOUSE

TEEN SHARES WHY THERAPY IS UNDERRATED

BEHIND THE SCENES OF LOCAL PLAY SHOWS SPIRIT OF STRETCHING YOUR SKILLSET

TEENS CAN VOLUNTEER AT CAT CAFE, SAVING LIVES WITH CUTTING-EDGE TREATMENT

FROM TEEN HANGOUTS TO FUN FINDS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Wantyourbusinesstobeincluded

Lookingforsomethingway beyondyourusualmarket? Withsomuchtoofferfor kids,parents,andtheentire community,theOctober19 VKZFallFamilyFunFair andTrunkorTreatisa can’t-misseventforanyone lookingtocelebratefallina fun,engaging,and meaningfulway!

TrunkorTreat

KidpreneurMarket

HomeschoolResources CostumeContest&Pet Parade

LocalFamily-Focused Vendors

InteractiveGames& Prizes

Publisher’s Note

Teenschangeeverything!Originally,thisissuewasmeantto beawrapupoftheVKZMagazine’sfirstyearinpublication andalltheinspiringstoriesandhiddengemsthatbrought inabountyofemailsfromfreshfans

Butthesubjectofourcoverstorychangedthat Ifirstmet AngelinaAgasiattheinauguralVKZKidpreneurMarketin June2023.Shehadaprofessionaldisplayofher atthe time threeself-publishedbooks,“PawsofLove”Children’s Series,thatshehadstartedwritingatage12,just4years earlier.Iwassurprisedwhenshelatersaiditwashersecond marketever!ShejoinedtheVKZKidpreneurClub,wherewe hadopportunitiestotalkabouthowtogrowherbusiness anddevelopherideas. Withinsixmonths,sheranthefirst VKZWritingContest,createdathrivingVKZWritingClub, FictionWritingDigestandVKZVerbalVelocity She’snow layingthegroundworkforherownproductioncompany Herstoryonpage16isoneofcreativity,grit,andthe determinationtocarveoutherownpath

Don’tunderestimateAlainaSanchez,ournewVKZJunior Journalist Sherecentlytookaleapandauditionedforaroleon stage,embracingthethrillandvulnerabilitythatcomewith performing.It’satestamenttothebraveryittakestostepoutof yourcomfortzoneandchallengeyourselfinnewways.

currently taking applications for writers and artists. Fill out the form here or email Kim@Vegaskidszone.com.

Alocalteenwhostruggledwithnegativethoughtsshares howtheyovercameafearoftherapytofindasenseof peaceandpurpose.Theirstoryonpage9isareminderof theimportanceofmentalhealthandthecourageittakesto seekhelpandembracegrowth.

Thesearejustafewoftheremarkablestorieswe’rehonored tosharewithyouinthisissue Theseteensaren’tjustthe future they’remakingadifferencenow Readonand celebratetheircreativity,courage,andthewaysthey’re shapingtheircommunitiesforthebetter

VKZKIDPRENEUR MAGAZINE

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Each birthday kid receives a free b-day kit & is entered to win a $25 gift card! Get 15% off at Simply Kimberly Confectionary Celebrate in style with a FREE Birthday Kit

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You’re Not Alone

A Teen's Honest Take on Mental Health and Asking for Help

HighschoolfreshmanNickH. navigatedanxietyanduncertainty afteratoughyearandamovetoLas Vegas.Nickworriedaboutwhat othersmightthinkifheaskedforhelp especiallysincetherapywasn’ta topichisfamilydiscussed.Despitehis fearsofbeingjudged,hebegan weeklytherapysessions,which helpedhimfindclarityandrelief. Nick'sstoryisareminderthatit'sokay toaskforhelpandthattherapycan beapowerfultoolforteens.

The Weight of Expectations

The biggest surprise that really helped me was realizing I was putting a lot of pressure on myself I think teens face alot of pressure to succeed. After my family left our hometown, I felt this pressure to be the best at everything. I didn’t even know I was feeling that i was mad all the time but I thought I wasn’t showing it. There are days when I feel like no matter how hard I try, I’m not doing enough It’s exhausting, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

It’s not always easy to find a balance.

Social Media’s Impact

I missed my friends and kids weren’t really friendly. All I wanted to do all day every day was just get on my phone and talk to my friends I didn’t want them to see how sad I was so I acted happy. It made it worse.

IComparing myself to others, trying to look like what I thought they wanted me to look like, it made me sadder, not happier

I felt like my time with my friends online was more important than what was happening around me Social media only shows the highlights it doesn’t show the struggles everyone is going through behind the scenes. And we all are going through something.

The Importance of Connection

What helped me manage anxiety is realizing the importance of connection Talking to friends or people who I can trust around me, who will give me good advice and feedback about what I’m going through, really makes a difference. I cut back on all that time online so I could make friends in person It’s not easy At all I’m still working on that, but I’m hopeful

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling. For me, just having someone who will listen without judgment has been really powerful I feel like I can handle the sadness better turn it around by talking and not hiding behind a smile.

ULTIMATE THR

SPORTSENTERTAINMENT

As the NBA Summer League completes its 20th season, it’s hard to imagine that it started with just six teams. It has grown into an event featuring all 30 teams, where fans can see the latest draft picks. At the heart of this evolution is Jim Lambright, a dedicated figure who has played a pivotal role for 17 of those years

Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Wisconsin, Jim's journey into the world of sports entertainment began at the young age of 22 when he took on a role with an arena football team in Augusta, Georgia His move to Las Vegas was driven by the city’s focus on entertainment

Working in event production is no easy feat. Jim emphasizes that the biggest challenge lies in the communication between all involved.

“Event production is about managing countless small details that must work seamlessly together,” he notes. “If the staff isn’t clear on their roles, it creates hesitation and a lack of confidence”

Clarityandconfidenceamonghisteamareessential

“When the team knows what to do, they can jump right in and create an unforgettable experience for the fans” Safety is another crucial aspect of his job “Keeping everyone safe is a priority,” he adds with a laugh. “You’d be surprised how often people trip over electrical cords!”

“Basketball is unique in that it combines fashion, music, and art,” Jim notes, adding that he works with younger trendsetters to keep the Summer League fresh “Our DJs need to be in tune with the latest hits and social climate It’s all about keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged”

The ultimate thrill? Overtime

“It’swhenthecrowdismostenergetic,”hesaid,, “andit’smyjobtokeepthatmomentumgoing.”

Jim is deeply committed to community outreach. As the Executive Director of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, he manages initiatives that honor those who have made significant impacts in the region.

“We provide scholarships and recognize youth coaches for what they’ve done in the community,” he explains

Jim recently oversaw the distribution of around $25,000 in scholarships and grants

“It’s essential to support youth sports because they teach life lessons that extend beyond the court,” he reflects. “Learning to listen to coaches and work as a team is invaluable.”

Jim plans to continue to be a trailblazer in the world of sports entertainment while making a difference in the community.

VKZ Junior Journalist Kingstyn with sports executive Jim Lambright.

Multi Sport, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Flag Football, Soccer, Cheerleading and Tennis youth sports leagues for kids ages 3 and up in Las Vegas. Homeschool classes and programs, too!

Whether it’s a funny misunderstanding or a heartwarming comment, these moments are pure gold for parents and grandparents alike. Send your little’s sweet sayings to Kim@Vegaskidszone.com.

Sweet Sayings and Original Observations from Littles

Kids have an amazing way of seeing the world through their own unique lens, and sometimes their words are so unexpectedly sweet or hilarious that they stick with us forever. Whether it’s a funny misunderstanding or a heartwarming comment, these moments are pure gold for parents and grandparents alike A few locals shared these sweet moments.

1 2 3 4

"I’m going to marry my teddy bear"

Shared by Grandma Carol

"When I grow up, I’m going to be a dinosaur."

Shared by Dad Greg

"The moon is following me!"

Shared by Grandma Janet

"Can we give the clouds a hug? They look sad."

Shared by Grandpa Mike

Dream Vacations

Personalized experience to get the most value on your next cruise vacation.

Beautiful

Attitude

My creativity, passion, and positivity are just some of the things that you will experience in my chair. Can’t wait to meet you!

ProjectHER

To equip women with the tools and resources they need

to cultivate holistic well-being, increase confidence and leadership potential.

Sylvan TutoringSW

... ...

JoAnn goes above and beyond just tutoring; she's like a superhero championing every child's victory!

Yellow Rose

Beauty

Shelly takes the time to help kids have the most comfortable hair-cutting experience!

From Teen Author to Media Mogul

Q&A with author Angelina Agasi, 17

You may recognize this teen entrepreneur from her many local appearances at craft markets as well as on TV and as the cover of last year’s Winter VKZ Magazine In just one year, she has transformed from a budding writer into a powerhouse advocate for young creatives With a passion for storytelling and a drive to make a difference, she has launched several incredible programs designed to help local young writers explore their passions and find their unique voices. From workshops to mentorships, her initiatives are empowering the next generation of authors, offering them a platform to grow, connect and express themselves Today, we catch up with her inspiring journey and the remarkable impact she's made on her community.

AQWhen did you take the leap into starting your own business?

I started my business ARA Creations and Beyond in June 2023 with no social media, a small selection of my artwork, and three published books My nerves had been at an all time high, the fear of failure and embarrassment constantly washing over me with each customer passing by. What has changed since you first vended at a VKZ Kidpreneur Market in June 2023?

Q

A

Mybusinesshasnowbecomequite successful.IhaveFacebookandInstagram accountsforallthreesidesofARACreations (Artwork,Children'sbooks,Adultbooks).I amnowworkingonmakingcardpayments availabletocustomers Anothernew developmentismywebsite(comingsoon!) MyconfidenceisatitspeakasInowgoto multiplemarketsamonth,runawriting clubandteachpublicspeakingclass,as CreativeProjectCoordinatorforVegasKids Zone.Ialsohadtheopportunitytobe interviewedbackinFebruarybyKCLVNews.

WhatwastheimpetusbehindtheVKZ WritingClubandVerbalVelocity?

Theoriginalintentforwritingclubhadbeen toquenchmythirsttoconnectwithfellow writersandsharemystories,receiving feedback.Onlynow,ithastakenupamuch moremeaningfulpurpose.Igettoruna clubwhereanyonewiththesmallestdesire towrite,canfreelydosowithoutjudgement, whilealsoconstantlyimprovingtheirskills andimplementingtheirowncritical thinkingskillsintotheirfeedback.

AsforVerbalVelocity,Ihavealwaysloved publicspeaking,andIhadnoticedhow quietandtothemselvespeoplemyage werenowadays,andIwantedtobeanoutlet forthemtoeffectivelylearnhowtoeasily speakinpublicwiththeutmostconfidence! Q A

I began both writing and painting when I was 12 years old. Painting has always been an enjoyable pastime. But writing, well, writing soon became my passion It all started with an idea which was inspired by one of my favorite book series at the time, The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn. The idea I got was for a story about sisters traveling to Australia, one of whom meets a guy.

Of course, as a hopeless romantic, I wanted them to fall in love That idea became a reality as I wrote a five-book series titled “The Australian Love Story Series.” Although, looking back, I have realized that my grand series only made up the size of a novel on the shorter end of the spectrum. While “The Australian Love Story Series” never came to be a published piece, I am still proud to have finished writing it, never giving up on the project I'm happy to say it will forever be my first writing project, THE project which sparked my interest in writing and grew my passion for storytelling.

I went on to write short stories for fun to exercise my skills. At age 14, I started writing my book, “Paws of Love: Dogs” which took only five days to write Editing, on the other hand, was a hassle After months of editing, my book finally published in April 2022. The rest of the books in the series took longer to write but were edited sooner.

I published my second, “Paws of Love: Cats,” in May 2022; “Paws of Love: Rabbits” in December 2022; “Paws of Love: Tortoises” in September 2023; and the final book in the Paws of Love: Children's Series, “Paws of Love: Summer Break” in February 2024.

In October 2021, I was inspired by multiple songs, TV shows and books, which contributed to the idea for my new novel (coming soon) At the time, I had gotten the idea and just started writing I made it to chapter 14 before getting stuck I was simultaneously writing my second book (Paws of Love: Cats). I had realized that it was more fun writing adult fiction, so I decided to focus on the children's books and finish up the series before continuing the novel

This turned out to be for the best, because I spent the next two and a half years developing the story in my head, making it go from a standalone title, to a trilogy, to a larger, ongoing series. In January 2024, I started writing the new and improved version of the story that had held such a

Cultural and Educational

Virgin Valley Heritage Museum

Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery

Peaceful Valley Donkey Museum

Lost City Museum

Mesquite Works Steam Center

MESQUITE DAY TRIP

Mesquite’s charm lies in its blend of small-town hospitality, scenic beauty, and a wide variety of activities for families The combination of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and easy-going family-fun makes Mesquite an excellent choice for your next family adventure.

Learn More

The Mindful Momma Women’s Holistic Health

I am a Biomedical Engineer (Go Vols!) and a certified full spectrum doula from the South with a passion for helping women reconnect with the majesty of just how truly remarkable the female body is. My journey into women’s holistic health started over 10 years ago with the experience of my own pregnancy and birthing. Since then, I have taken many trainings from pre-natal and postpartum doula trainings to herbalism and becoming a certified prenatal yoga instructor equipping me with a multifaceted toolkit that I take great joy in sharing with others.

Holistic health is a practice that acknowledges that all facets of a person, physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual, are interconnected and contribute to one’s overall wellness. In women’s health, this perspective is especially important as women face unique health challenges as they grow through different phases of life and can greatly benefit from a practice that seeks out the root cause(s) of issues.

Holistic wellness practices aim to treat the whole person and may incorporate nutrition, stress management, mindfulness, exercise and spiritual practice, among other things. Herbal remedies and alternative therapies are also sometimes used.

As we continue to curate the lives that we desire, it’s imperative that we acknowledge and have tools to facilitate wellness in every part of ourselves.

Join our community and engage in open discussion on Holistic Women’s Health. We will have workshops, spa days and opportunities where we discuss the state of women’s health and share tools with one another that have helped restore balance in our lives.

About the Author

Antoinnette Majors is the owner of Momma Mindframe, a prenatal mindset coaching practice that helps expecting mothers access their innate power and intuition so that they are empowered to create the birthing experience they desire.

As we continue to curate the lives that we desire, it’s imperative that we acknowledge and have tools to facilitate wellness in every part of ourselves.

HOMESCHOOL CALENDAR

OCTOBER2024

How to Homeschool in Las Vegas Click Here

Teen hangouts, writing club, science, art and Spanish classes, dance programs and more! Plug into the thriving and welcoming homeschool community with Vegas Kids Zone, your source for local homeschool info, resources, help, classes and meetups!

Have a class, meetup, field trip or event? Submit it here!

Relax, sit back and sample the month’s kidfriendly recipes, grab your Disney printables, kids’ monthly almanac and some of the best deals online for your homeschool.

Homeschool

Events in the Valley

Click Here!

Get access to deals, meals and helpful products here

THE WRITE STUFF

TeensWin withWords

The inaugural VKZ Fiction Writing Contest has officially wrapped up, and we are thrilled to announce that the winners will be included in the upcoming VKZ Aunnual Anthology and entrants have been published in the Writer's Digest, published by VKZ This contest was designed to inspire young minds, giving kids a platform to develop their writing skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of seeing their work in print.

Local authors kindly took on the task of judging and meticulously poured over the entries and chose the winners for each division.

We believe in nurturing creativity and offering opportunities for young writers to grow, and we are proud of the talent showcased in this year's competition.

VKZ WRITING CONTEST

The VKZ Fiction Writing Contest was a beaming success as the children of Las Vegas submitted outstanding short stories to be judged by local authors. Two of the judges came out to Paintdrops Studios for the Announcement Ceremony to share words of encouragement with the contestants!

WINNING WAYS

Contestants, Aria Goodson, Mia Rice, and Emily A. were over the moon when announced as the first place winners in their age divisions. All contestants however, were in high spirits at the announcement ceremony, when being called up to retrieve their personalized certificates.

4FallIdeas

For Grandparents To Do with Kids in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers plenty of fun activities for grandparents and kids to enjoy together beyond the typical attractions Whether you’re looking for indoor adventures, outdoor explorations or educational experiences, the city has something for everyone.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The Bellagio Conservatory is a favorite among families for its seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year. Grandparents and kids alike can marvel at the intricate, nature-inspired exhibits, which feature flowers, plants and trees arranged in imaginative designs It’s a peaceful and colorful escape from the busy Las Vegas Strip Download this FREE scavenger hunt and coloring pages to use at home or at the free attraction!

Atomic Golf

If they are into drones, then Atomic Golf is going to be your new favorite place. Experience the magic of technology under the starlit sky of Las Vegas! Atomic Golf is excited to announce Free Drone Shows every Thursday night. Watch as a fleet of drones lights up the night sky, performing a symphony of movement and color. Each show is a unique spectacle, a blend of art and technology that’s sure to captivate spectators of all ages

The shows start each Thursday night at 9 pm and 10 pm, but we recommend arriving early to secure a good viewing spot Parking is free at Atomic Golf!

Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet

Have you explored all there is to do and see at an indoor swap meet?! It was one of our favorite things to do when the kids were little and we just needed to get out of the house and look We always went home with things we didn’t know we needed but had to have at that price! It’s also fun when the kids start earning money. Let them loose at one of the local swap meets and watch them light up. And it’s free!

They have everything, I mean, seriously. Grab a goodie and take your time to stroll around and check out everything from clothing to shoes, collectibles, vintage and more Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet has expanded, and there is even more to explore while spending just a few dollars Have kids complete some chores around your home and earn money to spend at the market!

Pinspiration

Local craft opportunities have exploded, and Pinspiration has one of the best selections of choices to create gifts. It’s not just painting pottery or putting scrapbook pages together. You can paint a canvas (and they even show you how so that you walk away all proud about your very own masterpiece!), or you can knit or create a beautiful wood piece of décor or outdoor art. Get some friends together or enjoy a rainy afternoon with your teens at a local craft store with a paint room where you use paint guns to pepper canvases and each other with color!

Click here for more ideas and discount days for grandparents!

New Hope for Pet Owners Groundbreaking Treatment Saves Cat’s Life

At only 6 months old, Minnie the tabby should be running around like other kittens. But she can barely lift her head to nibble at the fresh food her foster parent offers to get her strength up for what’s to come. At the scheduled time, Minnie looked up at her foster parent with trust and acceptance as she gave herself to the first of many injections that day. Minnie was ready to feel better.

Minnie has FIP, feline infectious peritonitis aka feline coronavirus, a mutation of the feline coronavirus. This deadly disease infects more than 30 % of house cats and 80% of shelter cats a year. It was considered almost a death sentence with no legal treatment in the United States as recently as June when the FDA approved a new medicine.

“Minnie originally came to our rescue as a bottle baby, at 3 to 4 weeks old,” Hearts Alive Village feline program coordinator Brittany Rutledge said Minnie stood out from the typical rambunctious kittens at the shelter.

FIP can be hard to diagnose, but the team at the HAV Cat Cafe recognized it could be the dreaded disease based on the cat’s achingly swollen belly, lethargy and lack of appetite.

“We’ve had a lot come in with wet FIP and look like they are pregnant,” Rutledge said. They tested the tiny tabby’s abdominal fluid to test for FIP, which is the best way to test for this silent killer The results can take up to a week, time Rutledge and her team knew may be too long for Minnie.

“We treated her right away,” Rutledge said, “hoping that the results would be negative and we would be able to stop treatment”

The current medication, GS, is available only through vet pharmacies as an injection or pills. The lengthy treatment takes 84 days with another 84 days of observation Rutledge and her team are experienced with this cutting-edge treatment, “We have participated in the trial a few times,” Rutledge said.

Minnie endured six weeks of injections followed by six weeks of pills given orally, something any cat owner knows isn’t exactly easy. The 5-pound ball of fluff also tolerated a round of blood work every 2-4 weeks

“It was quicker for her to do the injections first, and luckily, we had (medication) on hand from a previous one I treated,” Rutledge said

As the team worked ‘round the clock, Minnie slowly began to respond. She became more playful and alert but her fur was feeling Rutledge

Minnie was treated for a fungal infection that caused fur loss She was a champ through the added topical ringworm treatment as well as the intense FIP cure.

Minnie is thriving, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Cat Café team She was adopted as an only kitty by someone who adores her. The healthy tabby is a hopeful story, but there are many other cats who need this treatment, which can cost upward of $5,000

While she is essentially immunocompromised, Minnie is back to her playful and energetic self, living comfortably in her forever home

Minnie has many more years of cuddling with her human and chasing mouse toys ahead of her. The Hearts Allive Village Cat Cafe is always in need of volunteers and teens can sign up here

Join forces with Vegas Kids Zone and make a BIG impact in our community!

WHY JOIN FORCES WITH US?

Community Impact

Help us bring families together with valuable resources and fun!

Visibility

Showcase your business at our popular events and in VKZ Magazine.

Networking

Connect with other local businesses and community leaders.

Get Involved Today! Ready to make a difference? Contact us at 702-3269953 or email Kim@vegaskidszone.com to learn more about partnership opportunities. Let's create unforgettable experiences together! Join Vegas Kids Zone - Where Community and Fun Come Together! Click to join forces!

Opportunities for Collaboration: Resource Fairs: Showcase your services/products to families. Workshops: Lead workshops, like our VKZ Summer of Biz, and inspire young entrepreneurs. Sponsorships: Sponsor our monthly young entrepreneur markets or VKZ Birthday Bash. Magazine Contributions: Feature your business in VKZ Magazine with articles or ads.

BEHIND THE SCENES POV of aDramaKid

If you had told me three months ago that I would be in a musical, I would not have believed you one bit Me, the karatetournament-winning teen, in a play about vampires? Ha!

If you asked me about it now, however, I would tell you that musical theater is much more than I thought it would be This play changed my outlook on stage performance forever

This particular play, entitled "Dracula-La-La: A Musical With Bite!" was not what I expected it to be. Sure, I knew there would be choreography and choir, but not as much as this. It was like... being transported into a world of song and dance. The cast members were not who I thought they would be. I imagined they would know more about theater than I did, and that made me feel out of place The cast and director were so welcoming and kind They showed me the ropes, and I literally cannot thank them enough

If I had to name my favorite creative part of my experience, costumes would definitely be high up on the list The way they are designed and accessorized made me feel like I'm really the character I'm playing.

When I first heard about this play, I was immediately intrigued. I had been in school choirs before, but nothing like this. I did some research, and the next thing I knew, I was standing in front of my director-to-be, telling him why he should cast me in his play During the audition process, I was TERRIFIED Performing in front of people was not the issue I had already done that more than twice at karate tournaments

It was intimidating to be alone in my audition, but I put aside my fears and faced it head-on. I sang my heart out, and I acted the best I could. The next morning, I checked my emails, and... I had been cast.

I was completely shocked. Someone ACTUALLY thought I was good enough to be in their play? I would be on a stage and performing in front of hundreds of people! At first, I was ecstatic "Oh wow, I got a role!!" Then, reality came and slapped me in the face "Oh wow, I got a role?!"

I soon realized that I would need to memorize lines, lyrics, choreography, cues, costume changes, timing, and more It was not going to be easy, but with time, I got the hang of things

Finally, here I am, with just a few weeks before the show opens for the first time. Am I exceedingly excited? Yes. Am I downright panicked? Yes. But that's ok. It's ok to be nervous about being on a stage whether you are performing for the first time or the 50th time. Stage fright is normal and will get easier to deal with in time

So, this is where I leave you Now, what are you waiting for? Go out there, perform, and do the very best that you can! You got this!

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MAC& CHEESE

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Vote Here

Halloween

Rice Krispies Treats

These Halloween treats are easyto make and canbe changed upin so manyways.

When you corral kids into cooking with you in the kitchen, you create memories and build on their skillsets. Baking requires measuring and counting to create an exact combination of the right ingredients. As you add ingredients, talk to your kids about why they need to be measured and the cups and/or teaspoons counted correctly Discuss how the baking powder helps cookies rise, eggs act as a binder and other important pieces of cooking magic

Ingredients

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (half box)

5 tbs Butter

14 oz Marshmallows

8-10 Oreos, finely chopped

1 jar store-bought vanilla buttercream

1/4 cup black candy melts

1/4 cup orange candy melts

Paramount crystals or coconut oil or vegetable oil

Rice Krispies treats teach kids about volume, which is the amount of space a three-dimensional object takes up Volume is calculated by length and multiplied by its width and by its height

Directions

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt marshmallows and butter for 90 seconds

Go around the bowl with a rubber spatula, making sure the marshmallows aren’t sticking to the bowl

Add half of the crispy cereal and half of the crushed Oreos Mix well Add the remaining cereal and Oreos

Line the 13x9 dish with parchment paper (for easy removal when cutting)

Spray with nonstick spray

Add all of the rice cereal mix to the pan and mash down with a metal or plastic spatula (you can also just press it, but this makes it even).

Allow it to set 10-15 min before icing.

Icing

Add 1 tbsp of paramount crystals or coconut or vegetable oil and heat the candy melts in 30-second increments until melted.

Add chocolate to piping bags (or Ziploc bags) and cut a small tip in the end. Spread buttercream all over the top of the rice Krispy treats

In an alternating pattern, do a horizontal stripe of the orange and black chocolate

Run a skewer down and then back up to create the design on top

Allow to set for 60-90 minutes or until the chocolate is set

Lift up the parchment paper Slice treats into even sections and serve

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