Happy 4th of July!
Another beautiful summer month has arrived and The Swan Princess would like to say "Happy 4th of July" to all of the fans celebrating the holiday this month!
If you are in a Kingdom that doesn't commemorate 4th of July, you might be spending time having picnics, reading in the sunshine, or playing with your friends. Whether you are hosting a July 4th BBQ or simply enjoying the sun, we hope that you have a SWANderful summer and wish you lots of SWANtastic fun ahead!
Keep reading for some SWANtastic 4th of July fun!
SWANtastic Summer Fun!
Enjoy some fun in the sun with a SWANtastic game that everyone will love! Plus, with 4th of July right around the corner, it's a great game to add to the day!
This "Toss to Target" beach towel is great for any number of players - whether you're playing on your own or with family and friends, this fun game is a sure way to some SWANtastic fun!
With one side of numbers and another with the alphabet, there's no end to the number of SWANtastic games you can come up with. You could try throwing the bean bags on the numbers to get the highest score or challenge yourself to throw a beanbag on each letter in alphabet order.
You can use this for an activity full of fun or to help young children learn their numbers, alphabet and even spelling- why not ask them to spell a word by tossing a bean bag onto each letter in order (you could start with the word "swan").
Not only made for fun and games, this SWANderful gift also doubles as a beach towel! When you're not playing this SWANtastic game, you can lounge away in the sun reading one of your favorite books!
Click here to purchase yours today!
Congratulations to the winners of the fan art contest Elizabeth and Soeren!
We loved their art pieces so much we simply couldn't pick one winner! All of the submissions were SWANtastic and we love seeing all of your creativity!
You can see all of the SWANderful entries here!
Fun Flying Fourth July Fireworks
Fireworks are often used to celebrate occasions like the 4th of July. Some people even use them for birthdays - just like Derek when he planned a display for his Mother, Queen Uberta.
This craft is a great way to enjoy some firework fun without the actual fireworks - which is especially useful if you have pets in your home or neighborhood! Make sure to look after your furry friends if there are fireworks near you and give them extra love and cuddles too!
You Will Need:
Foam Tube/Pipe Insulator (approx. 6-8 inches - you can cut it to size)
Ribbon (as long as you like)
1 Rubber Band
2 Zip Ties
3-4 strands of yarn (approx. 20 inch per strand)
Red Acrylic Paint
White Acrylic Paint
Blue Acrylic Paint
Anything else you would like to use to decorate your fireworks (stars, glitter, stickers, crayons, pom poms, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Firstly, paint the tubes in three sections - red, white and blue. You might need several layers of paint and need to wait for a layer of paint to dry and add another in order to cover the tube.
2. When the red, white and blue paint has dried, add any other patterns that you like - you could add some stars to the side or a 4th of July message!
3. Fold your ribbon in half (you can use as many strands as you like) and wrap the loop(s) over the middle of one of the zip ties and pull the tails of the ribbon through the rip (or you can just tie them to the zip tie).
4. Attach the rubber band to the same zip tie by folding it over the zip tie and pulling one end of the band through the center of the rubber band.
5. Thread your ribbon through the center of the tube so that the rubber band on the other end sticks out the top.
6. Now take your other zip tie and fasten it to the bottom of the rubber band (where it sticks out of the tube). Pull it as tight as you can so that the ribbon/rubber band doesn't detach from the tube.
7. Now you're ready to fire your rockets - hold your arm out in front of you and your index finger vertically with the rubber band looped on at the top of your finger and use your other hand to pull the firework back using the ribbons. When you feel enough tension, keep your rubber band hand where it is and release the ribbon to watch your firework launch!
Brilliant Bubble Wand
Create your own wonderful wand at home so you can make brilliant bubbles fly around you. You can use red, white and blue straws for a 4th of July twist or your favorite colors!
This craft is SWANtastically simple and great for the sunny weather - why not try and make the biggest bubble you can! JeanBob, Speed and Puffin even had a bubble race and saw which bubble would reach the top of a tree first (JeanBob still says that his bubbles are royal so are bound to win!). Odette had great fun making bubbles herself and seeing the light catch each one of them as she watched them fly around the gardens and flowers!
You Will Need:
Seven Paper Straws
Washi Tape
Scissors
Dish Soap
Sugar
Instructions:
1. Firstly, arrange six of your paper straws into a hexagon (you might need to trim the straws depending how big you want the shape to be).
2. Secure the ends with washi tape, leaving a small space in one "join" so that you can add the handle.
3. Use washi tape to secure the seventh straw to the hexagon (where you left the space) to create a handle for your wand and join the shape up - make sure the end of the handle does not overlap with the center of the hexagon.
4. Combine two cups of water with the dish soap and sugar to make a bubble solution.
5. Pour the solution into a tray that you can fit your wand into.
6. Dip your wand into the solution and gently blow on the wand or run around holding the wand to spread some bubble magic all around.
Fabulously Fun 4th July Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream in the summer is a tasty way to cool down - Odette and Derek love to sit in the palace gardens with some delicious ice cream on SWANderful sunny days!
This ice cream cake is sure to be a hit during the 4th of July celebrations with its red, white and blue layers - why not try other colors to make your own variation of this cool cake!
Ingredients:
For the Blue Cake Layer:
• 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup salted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp (15ml) water
• Blue gel icing color
For the Ice Cream Layer:
• 2.5 liters (approx.) vanilla ice cream
• Red gel icing color
For the Whipped Cream:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 480ml heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Red gel icing color
• Sprinkles
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/176°C.
2. Next, prepare an 8 inch cake tin by placing a circle of parchment paper in the bottom and greasing the sides.
3. Now we can make the cake batter. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Take the sour cream and vanilla extract and add it to your sugar mix - stir until fully incorporated.
5. Next, add the egg whites to your mixture and stir until combined.
6. In another bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder.
7. Carefully add half of your dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir well until fully combined.
8. Now add the milk and water and stir well.
9. Take the other half of your dry ingredients and add it to the mixture. Stir until fully combined.
10. Carefully pour the cake batter into your prepared tin, smoothing out the top layer so it is even.
11. Place your cake in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes (until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean).
12. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool.
13. After the cake has cooled, line two 8 inch cake tins with clear wrap/cling film so that the bottom and sides of the tin are covered - allow some of the wrap to hang over the sides.
14. Remove the blue cake from the tin and carefully cut the top of the cake so it is level.
15. Place the blue cake layer into one of the prepared tins.
16. Allow the ice cream to sit to one side for 15 minutes so that it softens then add all but a quarter to a large bowl - this will make the next step easier.
17. Stir the ice cream well with a rubber spatula until it forms a "soft serve" texture.
18. Take half of your soft serve ice cream and place it in another bowl and allow it to set in the freezer whilst you work on the next step.
19. Take the other half of the ice cream (that you didn't put in the freezer) and evenly spread it over the top of the blue cake before placing it in the freezer until frozen.
20. Now take the ice cream that you put in the freezer earlier and color it by mixing it with a few drops of red coloring.
21. Add the red ice cream to the other prepared tin and spread into an even layer before placing this one into the freezer.
22. When both layers are completely frozen, remove the blue cake ice cream section from the tin and place on your chosen serving plate (one that can be placed in the freezer).
23. Now remove the red layer from the tin and carefully place it on top of the white ice cream layer.
24. Place the cake into the freezer.
25. Whilst the cake is freezing, you can make the whipped cream. Add the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract to a large bowl and whisk well until stiff peaks form.
26. Remove the cake from the freezer and use the whipped cream to frost the outside of the cake, making sure to leave 1/3 cup of the cream to one side.
26. Place the cake back in the freezer for 15 minutes or until firm.
27. Use the red coloring to color the rest of the whipped cream.
28. When the cake is firm, remove it from the freezer and add the sprinkles all over the cake - make sure to gently press them down so they stay.
29. Pipe the red whipped cream around the top edge of the cake (or in your desired pattern).
30. Return the cake to the freezer until ready to serve.
This month we're celebrating Bromely's birthday! This makes his astrological sign Cancer and his birthstone the ruby.
Cancer signs are very sensitive and sentimental. Their heart rules over their head. Better in small groups, Cancer signs are known for being fiercely loyal friends and for their quirky sense of humor.
Because they are so deeply feeling, large groups and stress can overwhelm cancer signs and make them moody and snappy. Because of their quick wit, however, those snappy moods are seen as funny by others who misinterpret their mood.
Cancer signs tend to be homebodies. They like their peaceful space where they can control what kind of energies enter into it.
Cancer signs are loyal to the core and will always show up for their friends and no matter what family comes first for them.
The ruby symbolizes nobility, purity, and passion. This passion is shown in their devotion to the friends and family they love so dearly.
Is your birthday in July or do you just love the color red?
Purchase your own ruby gemstone locket here!
About The Swan Princess
The Swan Princess is based upon the folk tale and ballet, Swan Lake. The story is transformed into a playfully fun adventure with exciting music, lovable forest friends, and of course, the handsome Prince Derek. The Swan Princess, Odette, has stayed true to the original fairy tale princess with her kindness, grace, and loyalty.
Three reasons you should follow us on Facebook 1) Get a behind-the-scenes look as Princess Odette and Prince Derek continue their adventures 2) Be one of the first to be notified when new products are released and 3) Share your Swan Princess stories and tales with other die-hard fans.
