Fun 4th of July Magic Fireworks Activity for Kids

 

   If you’re looking for a fun 4th of July activity to do with your little ones, check out this easy but entertaining firework magic trick! All you need are just a few supplies: markers, paper towels, scissors, and a container filled with water. 

   Cut pieces of paper towel and fold it over onto itself. Have your little ones draw a simple Star on the front of the paper towel, using black ink. On the underside of the paper towel, have them draw “fireworks” using red and blue ink. Fold the top back over the bottom. Once each piece of paper towel is ready, drop them into the water, star side up, and watch the fireworks “explode”! It happens fast so make sure they’re watching! This activity is fun and simple but little ones love the magic of it!!

Little Gingerbread People Paper Craft For Kids

 

      Making Crafts during the season of Christmas, is so much fun! 

   An easy one for your little ones, is to make these fun Gingerbread People! For older children, they can draw their own gingerbread, but for younger, you can print off a pre shaped gingerbread character to trace. Use either brown construction paper, a paper store bag, or the packing paper Amazon delivers their gifts in (basically any brown paper you can use for this, but bonus points for repurposing!) and cut out little gingerbread guys. Have them draw designs with white paint or marker, and give them facial features with markers, stickers, beads, glitter ect. This project is so versatile! There are many options you could do to bring the craft to life. 

   Once the front of the gingerbread is dry, flip it over and glue cotton balls on and add glue to the sides, then place another piece of gingerbread cutout on top and smoosh it all together for a puffy gingerbread man! Another option would be to punch holes around the gingerbread siding and have them lace string through the holes to close it up. And if you want to make this activity even more fun, pair it with a good book about Gingerbread men! You could also stuff the gingerbread with little treats or candies, instead of cotton balls… the options are endless and it will look so cute any way they do it!

How To Hide A Turkey - Kids Book And Craft Ideas

 

   Thanksgiving will be here soon, it’s time to read all the turkey books and do fun crafts with your little ones! This book by Scholastic “How To Hide A Turkey” is an adorable story about showing kindness to all, building friendships, and helping a Turkey find his way home. The illustrations are so cute and the sing song rhyming makes it so entertaining! 

   The book even includes craft ideas and instructions on how to disguise yourself as a Turkey, that kids will enjoy making and it will bring so much laughter and fun! I also recommend this printable, so your little ones can make their own disguised turkeys! This book is excellent in teaching too, as it gives little facts about turkeys, as well as the history of Thanksgiving and why we celebrate.

 Definitely check it out! You can find “How To Hide A Turkey” available for purchase on Amazon or in a book store near you.

   

Having Fun While Learning With Financial Games For Kids

 

   When it comes to learning, it goes a lot further if you make it fun too, and with Mortgage Calculators long list of Free Financial Video games for kids, you can find just that! They have over 150 online games to play, that teach lessons on debt and money saving, the economy, how to manage a business, and so much more! There are games that appeal to many interests, such as painting, landscaping, real estate, construction, farming, shopping, ect. so every child can find something they like, and will learn something new along the way. 

   They even have games of trade, like Harbor Operator where you can guide ships for them to unload their freight at the port, and then you direct them where they need to go, making sure they do not crash into the other incoming/outgoing boats. You match each ship to their designated color and steer them in the direction to go when it's time to leave. This game is fun and can be sped up or slowed down to fit the players interest.

 

   If your child is into coding, they have an adorable game called Code Panda where you insert the directions for the panda to move on the grid, with new moves becoming available after each level. Once you have the correct directions in place, you click -run- for the panda to reach the bamboo to eat. You can choose which level to start at, each one getting harder to compose but it's enjoyable and challenging all in one. 

   Another interesting game is Twin the Bin, where you have to catch the specific recyclables they tell you to, receiving points for catching each one that is right, and losing points when you catch the wrong thing. There is also Sort the Trash, it's similar to Twin the Bin, going faster with each level, but it tells you what items are and aren't recyclable, which is great to teach children the difference of what is what and where it goes, when they are sorting through their used items in real life. 

   I find myself really enjoying the hidden object games, like the game What's Grandma Hiding. You read along on the conversation with grandma, and other people you chat with, so it's like reading a story as you go, but it also becomes very challenging, trying to find all the objects requested. The different room options you get to choose from to search through, are all so beautifully illustrated and the calming music that plays is so relaxing. 

   You can spend hours of entertainment on this site, no matter your age, there will be a game for you to enjoy! Due to the amount of opportunity and the way each game teaches something new, I think this is an excellent addition to your homeschool curriculum or after school fun. If you're child is going to have screen time, it might as well be with something worthwhile! 

   Visit mortgagecalculators.com to check out their ever growing list of amazing online games to play. The games are free and provides hours of fun and learning! 

Hours of Fun and Entertainment with Culinary Schools Gaming For Kids

 

      As a long term Foodie, I of course love all things food and food related, that includes playing games that have edible concepts to them, like serving delicious drinks in a cafe or stacking up pancakes to see how many you can pile up before they fall! Culinary Schools has a multitude of games for kids, but there are even some great ones adults will enjoy too. 

   I have really been enjoying the We Bare Bears Chocolate Artist Game, where you have to serve each customer their requested cup of chocolate, based on the squiggle design in the foam. If you serve multiple customers at once, you receive combos where you score even more points! With every new level, the requests get harder and more intense so your mind has to really start working to keep up with it all. I love this kind of challenge for your mind, because I believe it helps keep your brain fresh and healthy. 

   Another game I've been enjoying is Penguin Cafe. It's a game where you play as a penguin waitressing to serve all of the guests that visit. You heave to seat them at their table, take their order, deliver their food, and clean up to receive your money when they leave, and you must make sure to get it all done quick enough as to not upset them. You can really spend a lot of time in this game, trying to level up and earn more coins to buy items you need, such as ice skates to move even faster. It's really a lot of fun and the graphics are adorable! 

   If you want an easier game that just kind of passes time yet you will find it enjoyable, check out the Pancake Pileup, where you literally just pile up the pancakes as high as they can go before they tumble over. If you catch them quick enough, you might even be able to smooth out the pancake tower by placing pancakes on the edges before it topples! This game is simple but so entertaining, and it really leaves you wanting to indulge in some delicious homemade pancakes ;) 

   If none of those games sound intriguing, Culinary Schools has more than just foodie type games. They have Sim style games where you can have a business to care for, styled around a hobby you enjoy. They have puzzles and platform games, instrument simulators, word searches, holiday themed fun, and so much more!! There are hundreds of games to sift through, each one being so much fun and hold hours of entertainment. I like that so many of them are great for the mind, and also hold teaching capabilities too. As a former homeschool teacher, I think there are several great games you could add in to your curriculum, to give your children an entertaining and enjoyable way of learning. And as I mentioned before, these games can be great for any age, so if you don't have children or they think they're too grown to play, you could even find some games you would enjoy! I know I did :) 

   Check out CulinarySchools.org and browse through their large collection of games to find the ones you most enjoy. The games are free to play and will allow you to explore a variety of opportunity. This site also has guides to help children understand more about the culinary world, recipes, craft ideas, resources for conversions calculators, future careers and more! 

Kids' Interactive Baking Play Set by Pillowfort

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own. 

 If you and your kids love play food, then you will LOVE this adorable Interactive Baking Play Set by Pillowfort. 

 

   It comes with six different cookies from around the world, as well as an informational card explaining each cookie- it's name, describing the taste, where it originated from, and when it's often used. 

 

  The box, which happens to resemble an actual cookie or donut box, also contains a cloth pan to "cook" the cookies in, a spatula for serving, and a pot holder.

 

  Not only is this set cute and fun, but it can also be used to teach your little ones about different cookie cultures. Children everywhere will love it. 

I know I do!

Find this Fun Pillowfort Baking Set and other awesome items available at your local Target.

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

 

Making Leaf Creatures A Fun Fall Activity

   

   Here's a fun Fall activity to do with your little ones! Go for a walk, collect lots of fun different colored leaves, then paint little faces on them. You can make each one look like Owl Leaf Creatures with big eyes and little beaks, or any other animal or monster you desire. Let your kids have lots of fun choosing different shapes and designing their leaf pets. If your leaves are wet, be sure to let them dry out before painting, but just be warned, the leaves will shrivel and fold on you so be quick to paint them :) I just love how they turned out though, so cute and cheery. A perfect Fall craft to do before it rains!

 

Encourage Your Kids to Clean with a DIY Cleaning Bottle

   

   A fun way to get your kids interested in helping clean, is to let them make their very own all purpose cleaning solution bottle! Take a spray bottle and cut a piece of paper to fit its size, give your kids some markets or crayons and let them create a "label" for their cleaning solution* bottle. I did this years ago with my son, and he really enjoyed it. He drew a photo of Deadpool and completed it with giving his bottle a brand, designing specific details, and even adding its own barcode. Once his art for the label was ready, we used clear packing tape across the entire thing, to keep it protected, and then some to tape the label on. It has withstood use after use, and I think it looks so cute too! 

   *For the all purpose cleaning solution, we made up a mix of vinegar, water, and essential oils. This is great for allowing your kids to clean their bathroom counters all on their own! Or anything else really. It encourages your little ones to keep things clean, and also teaches them how to do so! This is a fantastic project for any age! 

Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Craft

 

    Fall is a great time for crafting up all the pumpkin, leaf, and cozy things... So why not make this adorable little Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Head! It's easy for all ages and adds an extra cute touch to your Fall decor.

 To make this craft, you need the following supplies:

Glue

Big Googly Eyes

Orange Popsicle Sticks (at least 5)

Green Popsicle Stick (or other item) for the stem

 

Design your pumpkin head and glue all the pieces in place, let dry, and admire its cuteness!

 

 

 

 

Edible Peanut Butter Playdough + Recipe

 

   A fun fall activity for all ages, Edible Peanut Butter Playdough! I remember making this as a kid and loved it! So when I realized I had all the ingredients on hand, I decided I needed to make it! 

 

To make Edible Peanut Butter Playdough, you need to following ingredients:

1 Cup of Creamy Peanut Butter

2 Cups of Powdered Sugar

About 1/4 Cup of Honey 

(give or take to help it stick together) 

And your choice of (optional) spice. I like to use All Spice or Cinnamon for an extra Fall-like touch :)

   Mix all the ingredients together and begin kneading to form the dough. If it's too sticky, add in a little more powdered sugar, if it's too dry, add in a little bit more honey. Once the dough is perfectly moldable and just right (you will know), it's ready to be played with! Your little ones will love playing with it, and you don't have you worry about if they try to eat it, because it's delicious! 

This fun Peanut Butter Playdough makes excellent little Acorn Treats when you add in extra pieces, such as cereal, pretzels, sprinkles, ect. It's the perfect Fall Fun and Treat all in one!

 

 

Making Butterflies with Popsicle Sticks

   Looking for a fun craft to do with your kids this summer? Check out this super easy and adorable Popsicle Stick Butterfly! All you need are some Googly Eyes, Pipe Cleaners, and Popsicle Sticks! Then maybe some slivers of black tape, paper or sticker to use for the antennae. 

   To begin, you start wrapping the pipe cleaner around the Popsicle stick to form its wings. I used 2 pipe cleaners for my wings that you see, but you could try out different options and use multiple colors. Once the wings are set to their liking, glue the googly eyes on and place on the antennae, and your cute little butterfly is done. 

   You can add in some extra fun by allowing your lil one to paint the butterfly body or add stickers to it. Make multiple little butterflies and plant them around a fairy garden or hang them from the trees!

Easy and Adorable DIY Popsicle Stick Shelf

Looking for something fun to do with Popsicle Sticks?  

   Make a cute little shelf! 

   It can be of any shape and size you want, hexagon, square, house, ect. I chose to do mine in the shape of a house. I glued the Popsicle sticks together with hot glue, then spray painted it white, which looks great against tan colored walls.  

   I think the house shelf turned out super cute and it can hold multiple little treasures and trinkets!

Think Legos, knick knacks, mini stuffed animals...    

You can do this craft with your kids or enjoy it just for yourself! 

Hole Punch Stickers and Constellation Art

   A great way to get extra use from stickers, is to take a fun shaped hole puncher and punch out shapes from the sticker backing, that would otherwise be tossed. We did this today, using a star shaped puncher, to make fun constellation art. After reading about different constellations in Science, this activity made an entertaining project to complete our lesson. This craft is great for all ages and is so easy to do with the supplies you have on hand!

 

Stretch Island Organic Fruit Strips and Bites

 Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own. 

   Stretch Island Organics Fruit Strips and Bites are tasty little snacks made with 100% real fruit ingredients! They are also Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, gluten free, and Certified USDA Organic. They make excellent snacks for any time of day, as they are delicious and healthy for you too!

   Awhile back, I received an awesome little kit of Stretch Island products to try. I really loved the blueberry fruit bites. They all have a great flavor but those are my favorite. They're fun to eat anytime, even on the go, but make sure you have wipes with you because they get sticky! 

   The strawberry fruit strips were my second favorite. These strips are sweet and chewy, making a fun little treat. The grape fruit strips were good also! These snacks are great to put in lunchboxes or to have as an after-school treat. Adults and children will love them. 🍓

Find more products and information at stretchislandfruit.com, as well as a location bar to see where to purchase their products.

  I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

International Haiku Poetry Day

Happy International Haiku Poetry Day! 

What a great day to write a Haiku Poem. So easy to do, just get those creative juices flowing and start by making a 3 line stanza: the first line 5 syllables, second line 7 syllables, and the third line 5 syllables. My son made a silly little Haiku I will share with you. We also made delicious lemon cake! 

 

Kids in The Kitchen With Won Ton Wraps

   Looking for an easy way to get your kids in the kitchen to help out with making meals? Won Ton Wraps are perfect for beginner lessons! You can fill the wraps with all kinds of different filling ideas... whether you make it sweet or savory, the options are endless! My son loves working with won ton wraps...Some of his favorite things to make are pizza squares, cheese balls, or meat filled egg-rolls. Prepare the filling ingredients and make a "buffet line" for easy work space. The great thing about these wraps is you can bake or fry them. I personally love them fried, but baking is less messy haha. Either way, they come out delicious!

What are some other quick easy meals, your kids enjoy helping with?

Easy DIY Easter Bunny Hair Clip

   With Easter being tomorrow, why not make a fun last second cutie Easter Bunny Hair Clip! 

   All you need for this project is some foam paper or other sturdy backing, Easter Stickers, Googly Eyes, a Hair Pin (I used bobby pins) and hot glue! 

   You start by making the background using foam paper, then adding the sticker onto that, (I used pre-cut foam sticker bunnies for my project). Then you add the googly eyes and glue everything together, let dry and it's ready to wear! These clips take next to no time to make, and you can let your lil girl choose how she wants to style hers! You can use all kinds of material for this, including beads, fabric, ribbons, and so much more! Make it fun and she will have adorable little hair clips to wear for Easter! 

(or really any time of year!)

Moop the Silly Chickadee Craft

   Using the supplies I have on hand, I came up with this cute little Chickadee craft, perfect to add to your Easter decor! To make the chickadee, I used the following supplies:

• Glue
• Googly Eyes
• Soft Feathers
• Styrofoam Balls
• A Yellow Balloon
• A Foam Sticker for the Beak 

   This is a really funny, challenging way to make the birds body, but we shoved some Styrofoam balls into the balloon and tied it shut. You could easily just blow up a small balloon, or fill the balloon with other items to create a body. Once the body was made, we used the orange foam sticker wrapped around the end of the balloon -where we tied it off at- and made this into the beak. Then we glued on some googly eyes and feathers, and that completed the craft! My son says his name is Moop haha. So there you have it... Meet Moop 🐤

Bunny Art Stamps Using Empty Toilet Paper Rolls

   April is here and that mean Easter is on its way! Here's an easy craft to enjoy with your little ones AND a way to use up those extra empty toilet paper roll tubes you will have on hand! ;)  Make adorable bunny shaped art!

   All you need is some construction paper, any color, but think Springy/Eastery colors, An empty toilet paper roll tube, paint, and something to put the paint on. 

   Cut 2 slices off of the toilet paper roll tube, for the bunny ears, and either attach with glue or tape, or let your little one do each piece one at a time. Make a paint puddle for them to dip the pieces in, and then press it against the paper to make adorable little bunny heads. You can leave it like this or add in extra details to complete the face and background! Maybe even add some googly eyes!

  

Enjoy!