Kid Crafts! Painting Three Ways

Are you wallowing in the doldrums of summer like me? Summer is starting to wind down here and school will be starting up for my kids pretty soon. Here are a couple of fun painting activities to help abate the boredom and fighting that just might be permeating your atmosphere.

Freezer Paper Stencils

I've been hearing about using freezer paper as a stencil for a while, but never quite understood what the deal was and how it worked. So I bought some to try out. I love it!  It is really great for letters, simple designs, or silhouettes. Freezer paper can be found at most grocers in the aisle with wax paper and plastic wrap. It has a waxy side and a paper side. You can cut a design out of the paper and iron it, waxy side down, onto any fabric and it sticks really well. Use fabric paint to paint inside your design, and then just peel the paper off. It leaves no residue and is super easy.

I needed some summer pajamas for my boys, so we decided to make some some night shirts by stenciling animals on T-shirts I bought at the dollar store. First I cut the freezer paper to a size to fit in my printer: 8.5 x 11 inches. I used this animal font and let my children choose their animals. We kept it simple and picked one animal for each shirt. After printing them out on the paper side of the freezer paper, I cut them out with scissors and let my oldest help iron the freezer paper onto the shirts. Then they each painted their shirts with two coats of fabric paint. They love their shirts and were so excited to wear them for bed!

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Mix up some paint for the sidewalks by mixing 1 cup water with 1 cup cornstarch. After pouring some in each cup of a muffin pan,  add food coloring and mix well. Set a cup full of water in one of the muffin cups for rinsing brushes. This paint is so fun; when it dries it has a raised texture that looks like royal icing. It washes off easily with water.

3. Footprint Animals

Have you seen all of the animals that can be created from a childs' hand or footprint? Sooo cute. We took some cardstock and paint and stamped kid and baby feet in different colors. After the prints were dry, we decorated them. We ended up with frogs, penguins, fish, birds, and a couple of hand print lions. My kids loved this activity so much, and now I have some great artwork that I'm going to frame and put up in the kids' bathroom.

Favorite Things: EPA/DHA

I realize that the title of this blog doesn't offer a "must read" excitement at the onset, but just wait until you actually hear about the amazing benefits of EPA and DHA and then you'll feel like skipping down to your local health food store to pick some up.

The benefits of DHA and EPA are well known and range from improving heart function and skin conditions to metabolism enhancement.  But the main focus of interest to me are the benefits to the brain.  They're AMAZING!!  Some conditions that benefit from  EPA/DHA are ADHD (I've seen this improvement first hand), depression, memory function, anxiety, focus, PMS and even seizures.   I'm certain that it could help improve many if not most brain conditions.  (The brain is so fatty.  The Omega 3 fatty acids are such a significant fuel for the brain.  It's seriously brain food.)

So my fabulous friend  (a fancy Chiropractor in Las Vegas) turned me on the the most amazing EPA/DHA product .   Since my cute little family suffers from all sorts of funky mental ills, I started spooning it out like candy.   My husband and I have seen such amazing improvements that now I'm on the "Everybody needs to get this stuff!" kick.

One day, after my family had been taking the EPA/DHA for 2 weeks,  I was doing my youngest daughters hair and I noticed that she had about 1.5 inches of super shiny hair from the scalp.  I thought that I hadn't washed the conditioner out well enough.  Then the my next daughter climbed up on my chair to get her hair done and I noticed the EXACT same thing. What the?!  It wasn't till I pulled a third child up on my chair to do her hair that I again noticed  a 1.5 inch strip around her scalp of shiny hair that it occurred to me what was going on.  It was the Omega 3's!  This was the first physical  sign I saw of the improvements that were going on inside our bodies.  By week 4 of taking the EPA/DHA, all of our hair was shiny all the way from root to tip.  It just made it's way down the hair shaft.  It was so cool.  Shiny hair just looks so healthy.  I also loved the fact that the oil was indeed going DIRECTLY to the head which is just where I was hoping it would go.

The next sign I had was that my PMS symptoms (which admittedly are usually quite severe) were hardly a bump in the road at my next cycle.  I felt so much more in control of my mood.   (Okay, really, it ROCKED.  So awesome!)

 The next thing I noticed was the lessening of anxiety for one of my "littles".  Her anxiety was getting to the point  that she was unable to eat breakfast (she would get grossed out and stress about her food) and she was having some meld downs at school (like crumpling up test papers cause she didn't know an answer).  But after taking the oil for 3-ish weeks, she was less stressed and was easily able to reason herself through the anxiety.   YAY!

Then my husband comes to me and says "Man!  My memory is so much better since I've been taking the oil.  I can't even believe the stuff I'm able to remember for work.  It's so cool."  I didn't even know he was having a problem.  (Should I have been concerned?)

We haven't been taking the oil very long but studies show that improvement goes beyond 6 months and that omega 3's build in your system over time.  I'm so excited to see what the next 6 months will bring.  Maybe my house will clean itself and dinner will make itself.  That'd be SOME oil!

The brand that my awesome friend turned me onto is Pure Encapsulations and you can get it here for $31.90 with free shipping.  This would be a 40 days supply for an adult and and 80 day supply for a child.   The reason I recommend this brand specifically is because of 2 reasons.  1) I hate, no,  DESPISE the flavor of fish and this product doesn't have a fishy taste or fishy burps.  (Occasionally there is a "would it, could it be a hint of fishy flavor maybe?."  but seriously nothing to even wince about.)  It's lemon flavored and really palatable.  My kids take it without a problem.  Right from the spoon, 1,2,3,4 & 5.  And 2) the EPA/DHA quantities are OFF THE CHART AMAZING!  The EPA comes in at 740- 825 per serving and the DHA comes in at 460-550 per serving.  See…incredible!

I also love that this oil is micro-filtered for impurities.  (I wonder if that's why there really isn't a fishy taste?)

Anyway, go get this amazing oil!  If not this brand, get one comparable.  You will not be sorry when your shiny hair and beautiful nails scream "I'm so healthy!"

Strawberries & Cream Pudding Push-ups

Have you seen the clear push-up pops that you can buy and fill? I saw these and immediately had one of those "gotta-have-it" moments. They have so many possibilities--fill 'em with frozen desserts, candy, or even layer cake and frosting. Two mini cupcakes fit perfectly in a push-up pop. And they can be decorated to add to the cuteness.

I decided to try some pudding pops in my push-ups. This recipe is so tasty, and turns out a very pretty push-up with the layers and swirls. How fun would it be to bring some of these to your 4th of July party?!?!

Strawberries & Cream Pudding Push-up Pops

Pudding:

1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 C milk
6 oz plain or vanilla yogurt

Strawberry puree:
12 medium strawberries, washed and quartered (can use frozen)
2 T sugar

In a blender combine pudding mix, yogurt, and milk. In a food processor or chopper, puree strawberries and sugar until smooth. Layer or swirl pudding mix and strawberry mixture in push-up pops or popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

I got my push-up pops here. If you only want a dozen or so, you can find them here.

Push-ups were one of my favorite desserts as a kid. How about you?

Ticket To Ride!

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I LOVE LOVE LOVE the game Ticket to Ride!  If you're looking for a fun thing to do at night while your husband's TV shows (like Deadly Catch or Top Gear) play in the background,  Ticket to Ride is the game for you.  Of course you could play with your whole family at the kitchen table (I prefer UNO or Phase 10) but I absolutely recommend the online version due to it's sheer speed and the ability to enjoy the comfort of my own bed.

The premise of this game is to connect your trains to a series of destinations all having their own point value.  If you are unable to connect to one of your locations, you get the negative value of that destination.  If you have the most trains in a row, you get bonus points.  The winner is the lucky one with the highest point value at the end of the game.

The online version, which you can get here, sells for $9.99 for regular computers or $6.99 for the ipad.  For an additional $4.99, you can get the 1910 edition.  The 1910 version is my particular favorite.

If you've played this board game already, be prepared to sell it on ebay for $24.00 after playing the online version.  (That's what I got for mine.  Really.)  You'll never be able to play the slow board game version again!

Now go get yourself registered for Ticket to Ride online and never watch another entire episode of Top Shot again!  Yay!

(Beware: it can be addicting.)

Patriotic Cupcake Krispies

 Raise your hand if you like Rice Krispy Treats.

 

Anybody? I've never met anyone who didn't like a good Rice Krispy Treat once in a while. For me, the thicker and softer they are, the better. How about a cupcake-shaped treat with frosting and sprinkles, perfect for a Fourth of July party?  In my family growing up, we called it "Rice Krispy Candy", but I've never heard anyone else in the world call them that! Go figure: I also pronounce the word coupons "Q-pons" instead of "coo-pons: I was lucky that way--don't be jealous.  

Here's what you need for some fabulous cupcake krispies:

-A pan of cooled Rice Krispy Treats

-A cupcake-shaped cookie cutter (I like this one from Crate & Barrel)

-Frosting (homemade or store bought, I like this recipe)

-Sprinkles

-M&Ms candy

It's very simple to make these. First, use your cookie cutter to cut out the cupcake shapes. Eat all of the scraps before the kids find you. Warm the frosting in the microwave for just a few seconds to get it to a good dipping consistency, then dip the tops of the treats into the frosting. While it's still wet, sprinkle on the sprinkles and put a red M&M on top. Let cool.

These are so cute as favors wrapped in a little cellophane bag tied with some red and white baker's twine. And they are perfect for any occasion. Just change the frosting color and sprinkles to go with whatever you're celebrating.

Ice Block Treasure Hunt

 Summer's just beginning, and we're looking for fun things for the kids to do.  An ice block treasure hunt is a great outdoor activity that boys especially will enjoy. Just get some little toys and freeze them in a block of ice. I got a bunch of cheap toys and some foil containers at the dollar store. If your toys are lightweight and float to the top, fill the containers halfway with water and freeze. Then add another layer of water on top to seal up the treasures. When everything is frozen, give kids a hammer and some screwdrivers ("ice picks") and let them pound away. A spray bottle filled with water can help melt the ice, too.

Homemade Toothpaste

You may be asking yourself "Why make homemade toothpaste when you can buy it for such a low price or even get it free with coupons?"  Well making your own toothpaste, for me, is not about the price.  At least not entirely.  It's really about avoiding the yucky chemicals that are added to toothpaste.  For instance, Titanium Dioxide has recently been classified as a carcinogen (cancer causer).  AWESOME, RIGHT?  NOT!!   (And don't get me started on fluoride.)  Check out this article on Toxic Toothpaste.

We don't need no stinking Crest anyway!  Let's all make our own fabulous toothpaste!  It's so easy.

I put my toothpaste in a glass baby food jar.  (Since I don't have a baby, I bought bananas in the jar and made muffins out of them.)  I had the kids help me so they could choose their own flavor.  Some chose lemon, some chose a citrus blend and one chose wintergreen.   I personally prefer a strong peppermint for my oral scouring.

Let's talk texture…  There are a couple of options you could choose from.  One is to use vegetable glycerin as your base and one is to use organic virgin coconut oil as your base.  I found a random article somewhere that stated that while vegetable glycerin doesn't harm your teeth, it can cause a barrier between your teeth and the healthy stuff in your toothpaste (like xylitol) so you don't get the full benefits. Vegetable glycerin does aid in a creamy consistency so if you're a consistency person, use vegetable glycerin (found at your local health food store.)  I prefer organic virgin coconut oil.  It's healthy all the way around.  It's just a little stiffer in texture causing you to rake your tooth brush across your paste rather than dipping your toothpaste in the jar.  For me, it's no big deal but do what you think would be best for you.  All of the listed ingredients can be found at your local health food store (or on-line.)

Here's my recipe…


Homemade Toothpaste

3 T. baking soda (if you can find it without aluminum, it's the best.)
1-2 T. xylitol (a natural sweetener and some have even reported HEALING cavities with its use.  It's very strengthening for your teeth.)
2 T. organic virgin coconut oil
1/2 t. fractionated coconut oil (helps TREMENDOUSLY with the texture but it's not, ultimately, required.)
20-ish drops peppermint essential oil (I prefer 35-40 drops in mine.  You can also choose any flavoring you like. Vanilla, lemon, orange, cinnamon, clove, etc.)

Adult options:  (In my opinion, my kids don't need peroxide and they did not like the salt added)
1/4 t. hydrogen peroxide (as a whitener)
1/4 t. sea salt (as an abrasive.  I don't add this ingredient because I don't think my teeth need to be scratched, but it's an option none the less.)

Mix well before deciding to add more Coconut oil as the ingredients merge more and more as you mix.  It just takes a couple of minutes to incorporate the coconut oil.  Place in an airtight container and WHA LAH!  Toothpaste!!

Just to fancy up my jars a bit, I decoupaged the lids and put names on the front.

I hope you love your homemade toothpaste as much as I love mine!!

One last note.  My kids were a little stand-offish for a day or two but adjusted to the new flavor quickly.  Letting them pick their own flavor helped.  Don't give up.  They will adapt in no time even if they are a little squeamish at first and the health benefits are totally worth it.

Trend Spy: Handheld Desserts

In:

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Macarons

(pronounced like "macaroni" without the i)

Five Minutes Ago:

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Whoopie Pies

Out:

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Cupcakes

Chore Sticks

I am a simple person requiring simple procedures to run my life.  Anything requiring too much of a time investment will flop at my house.  So after searching and searching for the perfect chore record, I found the perfect thing… Chore Sticks!

These sticks are awesome.  They are simple, fast and I can see from my kitchen which of my children still have chores to complete for the day.  With 5 kids to monitor, simplicity is the key.

The basic explanation is this…  Each stick has a chore that needs to be completed each day.   When the chore has been completed, the stick is flipped showing a different colored tip representing a finished job. The singular stick with the big flag on the top is attached with velcro and represents a weekly chore.  We call it "The Big Chore".  I exchange "the big chore" each week so nobody gets stuck taking out the trash or cleaning out the car for more than a week.

I wanted something cute and trendy since this would be in a public area in our home.  I first dyed the tongue depressor sticks with the colors from a discounted easter egg dying kit (it was cheap AND had all of the colors I needed), and then decoupaged matching scrapbook paper on both sides of the sticks leaving about an inch at each end for the telling "all done" color change.

Next, after observing my kids and walking through the disaster areas in my home, I printed out the most critical chores on a label with my label maker and applied them to the sticks.  These chores can include anything you want or need your "littles" to do.   Mine are pretty simple.  "Pick up room."  " Make Bed."  "Hang up coat and backpack."  "Brush Teeth."  See, super basic.  Then I created the weekly chores for each child.  They only have one weekly chore at a time.  My kids are pretty little so our chores needed to be manageable for one person or they were given a partner for harder tasks like "take out trash".  (One to hold the bag and one to dump the trash.)  Apply velcro and Wah Lah!  Chore sticks.

Motivation… A chore plan without a motivation is like a cookie without milk.  (Or dinner without dessert!)  So after much pondering, I came up with "moolah".  "What?"  You ask?  Money as a reward?!  What a novel concept.  Okay, I didn't get too creative.  Money just motivates, especially my kids.  So money it is.  The kids earn 2 moolah a day.   They earn one moolah for partial completion and they earn two for full completion.    If one or more of my children don't do ANY chores, that child/children won't get a dime (or a moolah)!   They start off the pay period (their pay period mirrors my husbands) with all their moolah for the two weeks. They can see it and count it since it stays in the accompanying "money" jar.  I take a moolah out when chores don't get done.  That way, they feel very motivated to keep ALL the moolah they have.  They hate seeing me take a moolah out.

I'm afraid we have some seriously basic moolah.  Construction paper and contact paper.  But hey, it works.  My 5 year old earns .50 cents a day (so .25 cents a moolah).  My 7 year old triplets earn .70 cents a day (.35 cents a moolah) and my 11 year old earns $1.00 a day (.50 cents a moola).

My favorite part of the chore sticks is "MOM'S CHOICE."  I use that one to my complete advantage and  it's use depends on what's going on at that exact moment.  Sometimes it's "clean a toilet" and sometimes it's "help a sibling with homework".  And sometimes it's even "give mom a kiss and hug!"  That one is everybody's favorite!  (Well, for me, it rivals toilet cleaning.)  8-)

Linking up to Tatertots & Jello

Girl Cups

My mother, sisters, and I loved opportunities to do special things together when we were growing up. Whenever the boys would go away for a camping trip, we’d get out our girl cups—fancy tea cups that were all unique and reflected our own personalities. Mine was pretty white china with a delicate pansy print that I’d received for my birthday one year. Usually we’d drink something non-tea-ish, such as punch, and celebrate our special bond as girls.

Do you have a girl cup tradition? Here are some more updated girl cups you might like if you’re thinking of starting this fun idea the next time your boys are away.

Cadiz mug from Anthropologie

Pretty modern butterfly design

Retro Scandinavian pattern cup

Hilarious whale cup and saucer on Etsy

New Beginnings

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Spring is a good time for new beginnings, and with that said, this blog is going to be a fun new beginning. We, Emily and I, look forward to sharing some nifty things with you.  We've got a stack of material just waiting to be shared.

Welcome to Martha and Lucille.   Follow us.  It'll be fun!