Apple Turkeys.

Years ago, before we ever had kids, my dear friend Shannon had us over for a fall-ish meal

then had us channel our inner child and taught us how to make Apple Turkeys.

When I finally did have kids, we passed on the tradition and its now something they look forward to every year.

I'm always game for something quick and easy that the kids can get excited about, especially as the weather is changing when we have some cooped up days...

What you'll need:

Red delicious apples

Tooth picks

Chocolate Tootsie Pops

An assortment of colorful candy that can be strung on a toothpick

My kids like to eat theirs right away... especially the lollipop with all the goodies on it!

Halloween Crowns.

I know it's a little late to be posting about Halloween, especially since we are only four days away from Thanksgiving, BUT my kids had too much fun making these crowns. 

Plus, they could really be made for any occasion. 

My Luci and I were trying to think of something fun to do with her play group of four 4-year-old girls on a wet and dreary day, 

so we raided my craft supplies and dreamed up these super fast and easy Halloween crowns.

All you will need is: 

2-3 pipe cleaners

aluminum foil

a hot glue gun

an assortment of stickers and embellishments

 

Attach two pipe cleaners together by twisting them at the ends and fit it to the child's head.
Wrap it in foil. Then get creative making different crown shapes by wrapping more pipe cleaner in foil and attaching it to the front of your crown.
Then embellish away using your glue gun.
Done. Seriously a ten minute craft.

 

 

 

Rainy Day Schedule:: Duct Tape and Cardboard.

it was rainy all day.

but nothing a little neon duct tape can't handle.

 

 

a cardboard village kept the kids happy and gave me enough time to get some work done ☺

Valentine, You Color my World.

I love Valentine's Day. ...and I love it enough to finally do a blog post.

The kids and I whipped up some cute, cheap and original Valentines over the weekend. 

They had so much fun painting their favorite colors... 

but once they discovered the rainbow technique, there was no going back!

They're going to love handing these Valentines out at school, 

especially because they will be so proud of their very own original artwork!

 

 Valentine, You Color My World template.

You can buy the mini paint palettes at party stores, or find them here.

Happy Valentining!!!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Happy Valentine's Day for CRAYON out loud!

Making rainbow crayons was the next activity in line out of the 

I'm Bored Jar. 

Then I happened upon a Valentine's addition on pinterest, so we had to copy and make them for Cason's preschool class. He was very pleased with them.

 

If you haven't made your Valentine's yet, this is so fast.

And the best part for me... I already had everything on hand!

Chop up a bunch of crayons and arrange them in an oven-safe mold. 

  

 Bake 230 for 15-17 minutes. 

Let them thoroughly cool before removing from the mold.

Print off a Valentine and stick crayons on with Glue Dots. 

Wrap them up, and DONE.

Happy crafting, and 

Happy Valentine's Day!
(for crayon out loud)

Apple Cupcakes.

So I know it looks weird.

That's because my kids made it.
BUT, its actually quite delicious
AND you can bank on half of an apple sittin' pretty
in a tiny tummy in no time flat (thanks to Nutella!).
I'm always looking for healthy and easy snacks around here; this one's the latest.
Cha-ching! Success.

Apple "Cupcakes"
(makes 2)
Wash and core an apple.
Slice it in half, horizontally.
Then put a thin layer of almond butter or PB then Nutella for flavor and deceit (I learned that from Jessica Seinfeld).
Let the kids go to town with sprinkles, granola, peanuts, raisins, M&Ms, whatever.
Last, call it a cupcake, and they are bound to at least try it.
But they won't stop because how can you stop eating anything
smothered in Nutella and sprinkles?

I told you they liked 'em.

CitiBlocs.

These came just in time for snowy weather and indoor play.

My dad was so generous and sent a box for each of the kids.
They have already provided hours upon hours of entertainment, we are ALL loving them.
Here I go getting all excited again, but seriously these blocks are the best!
They are so pretty and they totally appeal to my need for order.
Plus, they're just wood! (I prefer those over cheapy plastic toys)
All I'm saying is that this would make a great Christmas gift, even for adults.

Let me show you what I mean-- here are just some of our creations:
Yes, it's that exciting!