Kids. Chores. Allowance. At some level we all know that these three things should go together in some way. But the how and why of it all sometimes gets lost in the sleep deprivation and “don’t do that’s” of parenthood. Let’s start with chores. The general school of thought is that kids should do chores. What those experts don’t tell us is how much work it is to make it happen! Yes, kids should do chores – for many reasons. But enforcing a chore system in your house can sometimes seem like more trouble than it’s worth. So let’s start with the benefits of chores: The positives for mom are pretty awesome - When the kids do chores, mom has a little bit less work to do – eventually. If our kids can ever get a handle on doing things like cleaning and laundry, then theoretically, our lives will get easier. The other benefit is a greater level of respect for all that Mom does and how hard she works to keep things running. The positives for kids are character rewards – … [Read more...]
Archives for 2012
Apple Painting
If you've been apple picking this fall, you probably have more apples than you know what to do with (unless you are a really good baker and can make super good apple pie or your own apple sauce). Let's turn those apples into some super fun crafts like apple painting! My daughter and her friend had a ton of fun painting with apples and there are a few different ways you can do it. Any way you decide, you'll need: Apples Paper Paints Toothpicks Paper towels A small towel Small cookie cutters (optional) Gummy worms (optional) Leaves (optional) Step 1) Cut your apples in half. If you cut the apples vertically, they will come out looking like an apple. If you cut the apples horizontally, They will come out looking round but with a star in the middle. Take the seeds out and set them aside for later. Optional step: Use cookie cutters to press shapes into the apples. (See the green apple above) You won't be able to cut out the shapes, but they will … [Read more...]
Banana Bread Crunch Muffins
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Right? Yup, they are yummy! Here's an easy recipe that will surly be a winner in your home. Combine: 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1 egg 1/2 vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Bake in a greased muffin tin (or one lined with paper liners). Fill about 1/2 way. In a separate bowl: 1/2 stick butter, melted 1 cup oats (oatmeal) 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup brown sugar Sprinkle oat mixture on top of each muffin and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. ENJOY! … [Read more...]
Minnesota Blogger Conference #2 Recap
This past Saturday, I attended the third annual Minnesota Blogger Conference. Lindsi and I went for the first time last year and it was fabulous, so I did not miss the chance to attend this year! Like last year, I was so busy socializing, tweeting (until my phone died) and paying attention to the speakers that I completely forgot to take photos! Unlike last year though, a LOT of people knew who I was (or at least had heard of Toys In The Dryer). It may have helped that we were on the Minnesota Blogger Conference website's front page for a Q&A about last year's conference. The funny thing though, is that I was most memorable for the logo t-shirts we wore to the conference last year. Everyone asked why I wasn't wearing my shirt. They also asked why my partner (Lindsi) wasn't with me. Unfortunately, for personal reasons, she was unable to attend. Photo is from our Plates In The Dryer event but it is a great shot of our shirts. Again, I gained a wealth of information at … [Read more...]
Book Pumpkin- Pinned It, Did It
Last year I saw, in a great magazine, the steps needed to make adorable Christmas trees out of old paperback books. I made about 3 or 4 of them and made sure they were different sizes too! I had such a blast making them and my kids like them too. This year when Fall came around (well, here at least) I found the best idea yet! Pumpkins made out of old paperback books! I just love it when I get to reuse something, or try a new twist on something. This pin made me run to my stack of old books and grab the necessary tools to make one for my fall decor. My oldest son really enjoyed watching me make it. It was pretty funny to hear him say after each piece "ooooh, a little closer mama!" Easy enough! All you need is a little pumpkin half shaped piece of paper and a craft knife or razor blade. Wanna know why I am showing you scissors? Pay attention to the later photos. Trace your half pumpkin shape on the first and last page of the book. Cut around 5-8 pages at a time, no more or your … [Read more...]
Lunch Box Notes
We all know that bento box lunches are the rage lately. Search the internet and you'll find all kinds of moms showing off how creative they can be with their kid's lunches. In fact, Lindsi has come up with some great bento lunches! I, however, am not that creative, nor do I feel I have the time to go crazy packing a lunch that my daughter may (or may not) scarf down in 10 minutes. I bet most of you feel the same (kudos to those who are more like Lindsi though!). So how do I make my daughter's lunch special? How do I compete with an awesome bento box? I put random notes in her lunch box! This is not a new idea. In fact, my mom used to put notes in my, my sister's, and even my dad's lunch box when I was growing up. From a simple, "I love you," to a longer heartfelt letter, I loved being surprised when I opened my lunch. I now pass the tradition on to Nutty and will continue it when Tottie is in school. Like my mom, I have no set schedule. Random notes are much more … [Read more...]
