• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
• 1 cup shredded cheddar, plus more for topping
• Pepperoni (optional)

Roll out refrigerated pizza dough. Cut diagonal slits down one side extending from the edge to about a third of the width in. Repeat so sides are symmetrical.

Spread pizza sauce over middle section. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup cheddar. Top with pepperoni or other preferred topping, (fresh tomato, basil, mushroom, ground beef, peppers, etc).

Cross cut sections over middle section to form 'braid'. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes at 425º Fahrenheit.

Serve immediately plain, with marinara sauce, or ranch dressing! Enjoy!

The post Pizza gets a makeover appeared first on FamilyToday.

The baby shower is right around the corner and you can't wait to announce your little girl or boy. We've got your dessert plans sorted to let everyone know whether you're having a Henry or a Henrietta.

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 doz. cupcakes
• 1 doz. water balloons
• 2 cups frosting

Melt chocolate chips over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Remove chocolate from heat and let rest at room temperature.

Fill water balloons with tepid water and tie off. Using a spatula, carefully spread warm chocolate over the round end of the balloon. The coating should be thick and even. Set the balloons in a muffin tin and allow chocolate to harden at room temperature for about an hour.

Frost the cupcakes generously. With your fingertips, separate the chocolate 'bowl' from the balloon. Fill with pink or blue candies, center the cupcake over it, and flip the whole thing over.
Voíla! The color is hidden inside until it's time to break them open.

The post Baby gender reveal cupcakes appeared first on FamilyToday.

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Bug bites are as annoying as they are inevitable. Don't settle for scratching! Instead, try these time tested remedies:

Rub the bite with the inside of a banana peel

It is speculated that the sugars in the banana help draw out the fluid.

Apply a dab of peppermint toothpaste

Peppermint is the key. It causes a 'cooling' sensation that overwhelms the itch.

Squeeze some lemon juice onto the bite

As an antibacterial, lemon juice is a perfect alleviant.

Apply a paste of baking soda and water

Sodium bicarbonate eases itching by neutralizing the pH on your irritated skin.

Seal off the bite with a piece of tape

Depriving the bite of air helps stop the itching, as well as keeping you from scratching.

The post 5 ways to deal with itchy bugs appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. Drink water and take ibuprofen

It is important to hydrate. Chances are, if you've been exposed long enough to be burned, you're also dehydrated. The anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen reduces swelling and alleviates pain. Like any medication, Ibuprofen should only be taken according to the suggested dosage.

2. Cool your aloe lotion in ice

Aloe Vera possesses a multitude of vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin and boost the immune system. When cooled, aloe gel or lotion can reduce body temperature and release the heat of a burn.

3. Add oatmeal to your bath

The proteins in oatmeal are great for damaged skin. Soak 1-2 cups to a warm bath to help relieve your pains. Oatmeal also has fats that lock in moisture and curb itching.

4. Apply honey to the burn

Not only does it taste good, honey is made up of enzymes that heal the skin. Honey is also antibacterial, antimicrobial and thick enough to create a barrier like a bandage. For large burns, try diluting with apple cider vinegar and coating on like lotion.

5. Apply cold yogurt

A few tablespoons of cold yogurt can provide a lot of relief. The cold yogurt cools the skin, the probiotics help the skin repair itself and rumor has it the lactic acid absorbs dead skin cells. Leave yogurt on for ten minutes and wipe off three times on the same day of the burn, using aloe in between applications.

The post 5 easy home remedies for sunburns appeared first on FamilyToday.

We all want brighter smiles. Sadly, that often means harsh chemicals and expensive treatments. However, there is a way to naturally whiten your teeth with just one ingredient.

Rub the inside of a banana peel directly on teeth. (The fresher the banana the better). Leave the banana residue for ten minutes, avoiding touching it with your lips. Brush your teeth with water or toothpaste. The magnesium, manganese and potassium will absorb into your teeth and brighten them. There won't be obvious results after one application, but in a week or so, you should see a significant difference.

The post How to naturally whiten teeth appeared first on FamilyToday.

Ingredients

• Water
• 1 orange or lemon
• A few sprigs rosemary
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Fill a pot ¾ full with water. Add sliced orange, rosemary, and vanilla. Simmer on low. As the water evaporates, the scents will release into the air.

The post Want your house to smell amazing? Try this! appeared first on FamilyToday.

Ingredients

• White bread
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Butter

Directions

Cut crust off bread and flatten with a rolling pin. Place one slice cheddar cheese square on bread and gently roll until ends overlap. Place a frying pan over medium heat and slather with butter. Place grilled cheese rollers in pan and turn over when golden brown. Let cool and serve plain or with tomato soup.

The post Your kids will love these yummy grilled cheese rollers appeared first on FamilyToday.

Here's an improbably easy cake that takes notes from the piñata for an uncommon birthday dining experience.

Ingredients

• 2 boxes cake mix
• 2 cups frosting
• 1 bag M&M's or other candy

Directions

Prepare cake batter according to box instructions. Divide batter between 3 greased 9" round pans. Bake according to box instructions or until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool and remove from pans. Using a bread knife, cut a large circle from one cake. Frost and stack the cake with the hole on top of another. Fill the hole with M&M's, frost remaining edges, and place the last cake on top. Frost, decorate, and serve!

The post Take your birthday party to the next level by making this awesome piñata cake appeared first on FamilyToday.

Here is a simple and innovative way to clean your microwave using three common household items. All you need is:

• 1 glass jar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• (And a dirty microwave of course)

Pour the liquids in the jar and microwave on high for five minutes. Presto! The mess will wipe right off.

Happy cleaning!

The post This simple trick will change the way you clean your microwave forever appeared first on FamilyToday.