If you're like me...messes are something that drive you crazy! The thought of ooey gooey slimy pumpkin guts all over my kitchen makes my anxiety level rocket! However, Jamie doesn't mind the gooey pumpkin guts but her girls won't have anything to do with the slime. Solution- PAINT your pumpkins! This project is great because your itty bitty toddlers really shouldn't be carving with knives and sharp tools anyway. Here is what you will need: Mini pumpkins (or big ones if you want) Craft paint Paint brushes Kids eager to decorate for Halloween Bowl of water to rinse brushes Step 1: Clean off any excess dirt from your pumpkins Step 2: Paint shirts!!! They're a must. Step 3: Paint away, and have fun doing it. Step 4: Hose down the kiddos Step 5: Let dry (however we learned that a hairdryer makes this step go waaaaaaaaaaaay faster! Do you paint or carve your pumpkins? Why? … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2011
Moms never get sick days
I was thinking to myself, as I wallowed in my own pity, that moms never get sick days. When I say moms, I mean moms, Mr. moms, nannies, etc. My darling daughter shared her cough with me this past week, and for some reason I got a hefty dose of blech with it! Coughing up a storm, low grade fever and a totally hot and sexy raspy voice to boot. Now, I'm not complaining because I know I have the best job in the world, but how come when I get sick the world keeps moving (and sometimes even faster than before)? How come when my husband is sick the world seems to halt for him? (photo from Sun Dazed) Moms never get sick days! Why is that? Where in the job description does it say "PTO not available?" If I could create a job description for moms, Mr moms and nannies it would say: I am the CEO of a family, a full time maid, chef, personal assistant, nanny, gardener, nurse, vegetable pusher, taxi cab driver, teacher, interior designer, personal shopper, milk maker, book keeper, … [Read more...]
How To Make an "I Spy" Bottle
Do you want an activity that will entertain your kids for a while and keep them quiet? Make an "I Spy" bottle! It's super simple to make, and is good for kids of all ages (my husband loves it as much as my 2 and 5 year old!) Use the "I Spy" bottle for long car rides, laying low when your kids are sick, or keeping your little monsters busy when you need to clean. Here's what you'll need: A bunch of objects that are small enough to fit into a water bottle. An empty, completely dry water bottle without the label. Paper and pen Funnel (or a piece of paper to roll into a funnel) White rice Glue String, yarn, or ribbon Clear contact paper or laminating paper (optional) Now how to make it: Step 1) Have your kids help you hunt all over the house, garage, and outside for things to put in your bottle. Make sure to write on your paper everything you collect. Coins, nails/screws, Barbie or Polly Pocket accessories, Legos, hair stuff, rocks, office … [Read more...]
Make Your Own Treasure Hunt
When I was younger my mom used to surprise my sister and me with treasure maps. We would get so excited when she would pull them out and we would have to gallivant all over the yard to find the hidden treasure. As we got older, my sister and I made maps for each other, our mom, and our friends. It was just as much fun to make the maps as it was to follow them! Obviously this activity with your kids requires some planning ahead on your part. You'll need to make the map and hide the treasure without your kids knowing. As far as the map goes, you can get as simple or as complicated as you want. It somewhat depends on the age of your kids. In the above map I made my girls walk, skip, run, or hop during different sections. You could simply count the steps or combine counting with skipping and hopping...it's totally up to you! Make it colored or just draw in pen. It makes no difference. As an added touch to your map, crinkle up the paper then burn the edges and some holes … [Read more...]
Activities to do with your baby in the fall
Hello Readers! My name is Ann and I blog over at BusyLittleBaby.com. Your [Twin Cities] Guide to Keeping Busy with your Baby. Not from the Twin Cities? No problem! I often write about things you can do at your home or in any city with your baby. Today I want to share 5 activities to do with your baby in the fall. Some activities are simple, some to get you OUT of the house and some to keep you entertained at home! [1] Go to Apple Picking or to a Pumpkin Patch Why not start a fun family fall tradition by going to a local apple orchard or a pumpkin patch. Babies thrive when they can experience a variety of sensations. Let them grab at the apples and play on top of the big pumpkins. A lot of orchards also have family friendly activities like hay rides and petting zoos. And bonus: there will be ample opportunities for great photos! [2] Photo Shoot in the Leaves Turn a boring weekend chore like raking the leaves into another fun photo opportunity for your baby. Rake … [Read more...]
Nature’s Hand Granola
We are pleased to share with our fabulous readers a little about Nature’s Hand Granola. Nature’s Hand was founded in 1971 in Burnsville, Minnesota (about half way between our houses!). They only use premium, all-natural ingredients--no artificial colors or flavors; no preservatives; no sodium and no trans fats. Lindsi and her family are granola freaks and Jamie is a granola newbie. We were excited when we were contacted to write a review for Nature’s Hand. We each received two flavors of our choice along with a surprise money saving coupon for Greek yogurt and a super cool glass bowl with a lid. Both Lindsi and Jamie chose Maple Pecan (great minds think alike) while our second choices were Cinnamon Apple and Vanilla Almond respectively. Initial thoughts: The boldly colored packaging for this granola are great! Each bag is resealable (which is good for granola because if left to air it will get “soggy”) and has a see through window to give you a sneak peek of what is … [Read more...]
