Archives for December 2016

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #105

Sunday's Best Linkup

Welcome to Week 105 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  The Sunday’s Best team wishes each of you a Blessed and Happy New Year. We’re continuing our It’s A New Year theme.  Parties, new resolutions, resets, new goals, and renewed hopes are dreams are part of a new year.  Share party ideas, recipes, cocktails and more. Moms will be looking for new decorating ideas, recipes, shopping tips, organization tips, craft ideas and more.  I’m looking forward to 2017.  The Sunday’s Best team wishes each of you a blessed and prosperous New Year.  

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Kim M. selected Breakfast Pinwheel from Lazy Gastronome

breakfast recipes

Rhonda selected Weekly Saving Plan from Life In a House of Testosterone

 How to save money

Kim U. selected Baked Haddock from Life in a House of Testosterone

Haddock recipes

The Post with the Most Clicks

Bacon Apple Grilled Cheese from Lazy Gastronome

     grilled cheese recipes

                                                                                                     

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  It’s a New Year:

New Years Roast Pork from House In a House of Testosterone

roast pork recipes


Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choo
se a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


Brieftons Chopper Review

This post contains affiliate links.  If a purchase is made, I made be compensated.  I was offered this Brieftons QuickPull Food Chopper, Blender, Slicer & GraterSonic Triple Bristle in exchange for an honest review.

 

chopper reviews

 

This is my second chopper.  I’ve had my first chopper for years, so it was nice to review this Brieftons chopper. It was much larger than I expected.  A feature that I love.  I make home tomato sauce from my summer garden, so a twin cup chopper is perfect.  It also comes in handy when making homemade cookies during the holiday.  There’s a lot of chopping going on during those times for chocolate chip walnut cookies.  Using both cups make the needed ingredients a breeze to make.

My first chopper is electric, but this chopper is manual.  The white lever shown below is used to chop the ingredients. It was very easy to pull, and chopped the nuts to the desired consistency in no time.

 

chopper reviews

 

Another great feature is that this chopper also grates and slices.  When using the chopper, it has two cups. Both contain blades, which doubles the amount of food that you can chop.  I love this idea for recipes that call for multiple chopped ingredients like onion and celery.  Making homemade salsa can be a chore.  My recipe requires chopped peppers, onions, and garlic.  This twin chopper is going to be a welcome asset in my kitchen during canning season.

If you need a Mandoline slicer look no further.  They are great for potato dishes, slicing onion and cucumbers, or orange and lemon slices.  It also grates fresh cheese.

While using the chopper, it remained in position. It’s a quality item that should last for quite a while.  The only safety concern that I have is the chopper blades.  Somehow I cut my finger while lifting one of the blades to wash them.  I have no idea how.  Thankfully, it was minor.

The system is easy to wash.  I simply hand washed in soapy water.  Last, I recommend the Brieftons QuickPull Food Chopper.  Head over and make a purchase today.

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #104

 

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Welcome to Week 104 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We hope each of you had a Merry and Blessed Christmas.  We’re posting a few days late because we wanted to relax and spend time with family.  We’re back and starting our It’s A New Year theme.  Parties, new resolutions, resets, new goals, and renewed hopes are dreams are part of a new year.  Share party ideas, recipes, cocktails and more. Moms will be looking for new decorating ideas, recipes, shopping tips, organization tips, craft ideas and more.  I’m looking forward to 2017.  The Sunday’s Best team wishes each of you a blessed and prosperous New Year.  

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Kim U. selected Simple Gift for a Friend from My Life From Home 

 

gifts ideas for friends

Rhonda selected Using Wine Clouds from Garden Matters     

 wine gift ideas

Kim M. selected Peppermint Chocolate Martini from Simply Darrling

holiday cocktails

The Post with the Most Clicks

Preparing Our Boys for the Holiday and Baby Brother’s Arrival from Embellishments

     tips to prepare for a new baby

                                                                                                     

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season:

Spiked Butterscotch Hot Chocolate from Dizzy Busy and Hungry

holiday cocktails

 

and

Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Recipe Home Cooking Memories

 candy bar wrappers ideas

and

Mistletoe Mocktail Recipes for Children from 3 Boys and a Dog  

holiday drinks for children

and

Reindeer Donut Holes from Clean and Scentsible

holiday food idea

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


Tips When Choosing Camps For Kids

Sending kids to camp can be a hard decision to make. There are pros and cons, but in truth, some parents don’t have a choice.  For working or single parents, a camp can be the best option for summer. The good news is that camps can be a fantastic experience for your child.  So, treat your child with respect and involve them in decisions. After all, they will be spending lots of time there.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on choosing camps for kids.  

 

 

camps for kids

 

 

Talk It Through With the Kids 

Have an open conversation about camp with your child.  Approach the subject by asking them how they feel about going to a camp. Don’t try to sway them either way, just listen to their answer.  Be honest and explain that it will make beneficial for both of you.  Both of you may be able to come to an agreement together.  Keep the conversation open throughout the process.  You will want to absorb the pros and cons if your child has any.  Furthermore, you will need to weigh them so you can ensure your child is on board with the idea.  If your child is opposed, another alternative may be better.

Choose the Right Camp 

Choosing the right camp is essential to ensuring your child has a good time.  If they have a good time, they’re more likely to want to go again next summer.  Focus on your child’s hobby when coming to a decision.  Sending a child that is more intellectual and sensitive child to a sports camp would be an obvious mistake!  There are so many camps to choose from.  As a result, finding one to suit your child should not be difficult. Various companies can help you get an idea of what’s available.  Search our summer camp directory and others like it to see options for your next summer camp location.  Again, keep your children involved in the decision process.  Discuss the activities that are offered by the camp and be sure to get their opinion.  Show them the website and any pictures available. Get them excited.

camps for kidsPixabay Image

Generate Excitement  

After you have selected a camp, go on a shopping trip.  Talk to them often about the fun things they’ll be able to do. Buying things for the camp is another way to build excitement. Buy books and clothes specifically for camp.  You can use them as an incentive to look forward to camp.

Finally, we hope our Tips for choosing a camp for kids will help in assisting you and your child with choosing a camp.  If it’s their first time, they are bound to have reservations.  Talking them through fears will help ensure that they have something to look forward to.

How to Honor the Memory of Family Pets

 

 

family pets

 

Choosing a family pet, whatever it may be, is a wonderful experience for anyone. You just know that the companionship you can get from a dog or a cat is priceless.  Many people treat their pets as part of the family, and I can understand why.  They are there for you when you wake, and when you get home. It is like having an extension to your family. So when the worst happens, and you lose a pet through death or even your pets escaping, it can be  devastating.  I think all pet owners are faced with that one question, How to honor the memory of family pets?

This has brought me to the topic of discussion today. There are many ways we can honor the memory of family pets.  I thought I would explore some of them today.  I hope it offers you comfort in a sad time if you happen to be a pet owner or you are currently grieving the loss of your pet.

Burying a beloved pet

You never know when you are going to be faced with a loss of a pet.  It may be due to illness and expected over time.  However, it could be incredibly sudden.  Whatever the situation, you may want to think about burying your pet.   For example, you can bury them somewhere that reminds you of them. Some people choose to do this in their garden or even a pet cemetery.  You could even consider a headstone with your pets name and date of birth.  It’s a common way to honor the memory of your beloved pet.

Having a piece of jewelry made in their memory

Another way you can honor the memory of your pet is to consider having a piece of jewelry.  Perhaps buying a necklace or a bracelet.  Charm bracelets and necklaces are particularly popular.  You could use the opportunity to add an existing item or you can have a piece of jewelry made.  Having a diamond created from the ashes of your pet.  Your diamond would be a consistent reminder of the memory of your beloved pet.  For more information, check out companies like DNA 2 Diamonds.

 

family pets

 

Hold a memorial service

Many people consider their pets as part of the family.  So, it should be no surprise that other members of your family will feel exactly the same way when a loss occurs.  Seeking support from friends and family in laying them to rest is a wonderful way to say goodbye.  Furthermore, you have everyone can share stories from your pet’s life and mourn the loss together. A memorial service can be a great reminder that you’re not going through this pain alone.

Create a scrapbook

Every parent makes some sort of keepsake for their child, either digitally or in a book format. So, why not consider something similar for your pet? Collect pictures and add them to a scrapbook.  It’s always something you can look back on in the future.

Finally, I hope this helps you deal with the pain of losing a pet, and finding a way to honor the memory of your family pets.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #103

Sunday's Best Linkup

Welcome to Week 103 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We are continuing our Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season theme this week.  Christmas is around the corner.  Christmas trees will go up next week.  Moms will be looking for decorating ideas, recipes, shopping tips, tablescapes, craft ideas and more.  It’s the most wonderful time of year, and we want you to celebrate with us. 

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Kim U. selected Egg Carton Flower Garland from Garden Matter

Christmas Decorating Ideas

 

Rhonda selected Mitten Art with Buttons from Virginia Sweet Pea    

 winter crafts

Kim M. selected Merry and Bright Holiday Home Tour Part 2 from Wife In Progress

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

The Post with the Most Clicks

Peppermint Christmas Tree Toppers from A Thoughtful Place

 

     Christmas Tree Decorations

                                                                                                     and

Animal Prints from J Touch of Style

 

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season:

Snowman Pull Apart Rice Krispies Treats from Frugal Foodie Mama

Holiday Cookie Ideas

and

Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Recipe Home Cooking Memories

 holiday cocktails

and

Mug of Hot Chocolate Ornament from Growing Up Gable 

handmade ornament ideas

and

5 Secrets to a Cozy Christmas Porch from Worthing Court Blog

Christmas Decorating Ideas

 

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


How To Keep Your Home Tidy and Save You Time

 

 

house cleaning tips

Having a hard time managing everything in your life?  You’ve likely got a family to run, a job, pets to walk, cooking, and at this time of year rushing around gift shopping.  After all, everyone wants to ensure Christmas lands with a bang.  The list goes on and on.  So, how do you balance everything?  If finances allow, hire external experts to do the job for you. They can help bring balance into your life and make the that you need.  Your home can benefit from their expertise and they can save you valuable time. Here are some great outsourcing options you should consider to make your life easier:

Hire A Window Cleaner

Cleaning the windows is a time consuming process.  Furthermore, sometimes getting to the upper floor windows is almost impossible. You can hire a local cleaning service for a monthly fee.  However, if you just want a one time cleaning, it is best to pay a one time payment.  This way your windows will be fine for the season, especially the top ones.  You can find window cleaners here.

Hire Someone To Cut The Lawn

It’s fairly easy to get a teenager or someone similar to cut the lawn.  For those of us who are proud of our yards and gardens, having the lawn cut incorrectly is not acceptable. If you are particular, you should consider professional lawn care. This will allow you to enjoy a cared for lawn, and gives you one less thing to worry about.

 

An Entry with a Beautiful Lawn and Colorful Garden

Source

 

Use Professional Power Washing Services

A professional power washer can make your home, patio and drive area look new again.  Power washing your home will remove dirt, mold, and mildew.  It also helps to preserve your driveway, walkway, porch and patio. It’s especially effective if you have color in your drive and it can save you a good day’s worth of work. You’ll only need it done once or twice a year, depending on how dirty it gets. When they’re there you could also ask the operative to give your car a quick wash, the power of the jet wash can remove grime missed in a car wash.

Employ Professional Cleaners

Hiring home cleaners can be extremely beneficial. Cleaning the house is what takes the most time. Usually families tend to have a big clean before Christmas so the house is ready for the decorations and scores of visiting friends and family.   If you have a hectic work schedule then this can be a great benefit to .  Decide if you want to make it a weekly thing.  If you don’t want the added expense you could consider doing it when you really need a break or more time.

Check around for the best prices, and work whatever service you need into your budget. Keeping your home tidy will free up time and give you a little energy for other things. It’s less expensive than you think.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #102

Sunday's Best Linkup

Welcome to Week 102 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We are continuing our Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season theme this week.  Christmas is around the corner.  Christmas trees will go up next week.  Moms will be looking for decorating ideas, recipes, shopping tips, tablescapes, craft ideas and more.  It’s the most wonderful time of year, and we want you to celebrate with us. 

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!

Kim U. selected Christmas Tree Braid from Oh My Creative 

Christmas hair tips

Rhonda selected Lambrusco Sangria  from The Kitchen   

cocktail recipes

Kim M. selected Crab Imperial from A Dish of Daily Life

  crab recpes

The Post with the Most Clicks

In Defense of the Potato from Heathy Helper Blog

benefits of potatoes

    

                                                                                                     and

Animal Prints from J Touch of Style

 

fashion for older women

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season:

Handwritten Family Recipe Tea Towel from Garden Matters

 Christmas gift ideas

 

and

Glass Jar Snow Globes from Refresh Living    

 Christmas Decorating Ideas

 

and

 

Christmas Mantel from Clean and Scentsible

 

Christmas Decor

 

and

Ugly Sweater Gift Tags from Oh My Creative

Christmas tag ideas

 

and

Vinyl Record Tree Skirt from Rain on a Tin Roof

Christmas decorating ideas

 

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


Kindergarten Christmas Craft: Christmas Lights

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Kindergarten Christmas Craft ideas.  This finger print Christmas lights artwork is sure to be a hit.  The project is easy, fun and messy, which your child will love, with a bright and colorful end.  It’s the perfect way to capture memories of those precious little fingers. Tis the season and Fa La La La!  So, lets get those little ones in the holiday spirit.

 

 

kindergarten Christmas craft

 

 

Kindergarten Christmas Crafts

 

Here’s what you will need:

  • Washable paints of various colors  (I purchased mine from Michaels).
  • black marker to make the dots on the lights and wire
  • wet paper towels or a towel for cleaning messy fingers
  • White cardstock

 

Be sure to have plenty of wet paper towels or an old wet cloth on hand.  You will want to wipe the child’s fingers before dipping them in the next shade of paint.  Lets get this project started:

  1. – Dust off those adorable little fingers.
  2. – Next, have the children dip their index finger(s) into the paint.
  3. – Press their index finger onto the white paper.
  4. – Repeat Step 3 until you have a string of lights  as shown.
  5. – Be sure to allow the paint to dry thoroughly before you proceed.
  6. – Make dots on each of the lights with the black marker.  (Place several places of paper under your sheet before you use the black marker to avoid bleeding on your table or work area.)  Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way.
  7. – Use a pencil and lightly draw a curved line to connect the dots.  Also, write the child’s name on the paper.  Allow them to trace it with a crayon.
  8. – If you have older children allow them to trace the curved lines with the black marker.  Otherwise, you can complete the project or help the smaller children with this step.

We hope you enjoy this colorful kindergarten Christmas craft.   You may also like our Kindergarten Christmas Tree Card.

 

 

 

 

Kid’s Christmas Craft: Christmas Tree

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on a kid’s Christmas crafts.  It’s easy and would be perfect for little hands.  It makes a beautiful Christmas card for parents or grandparents.  Furthermore, it is also a great project for first or second grade students. 

 

Kid’s Christmas craft:

 

 

kindergarten Christmas crafts

 

  • Cardstock or construction paper  (I purchased a pack of construction paper from Dollar Tree)
  • green washable paint  (I purchased the paint from Michaels)
  • brown washable paint
  • glitter (optional)
  • gold or silver star

 

Kindergarten Christmas crafts

 

 

Step 1 – Fold your stock card in half.  Use any color that will make your days jolly and bright.  Just make sure that you Christmas tree will show well on whatever color you choose.

Step 2 – Next place a few dots of brown paint on a paper plate.  Add green paint to your plate as well.  Instead of making a circle, you will need to form a straight line on the plate.  You will be dipping the toothbrush in the green paint, so you will need the line long enough so you can cover the toothbrush bristles.

Step 3 – For your information, I found it easier to draw the tree truck on the cardstock in pencil.  It’s easier for the kids to try to paint inside established lines rather than trying to paint the tree truck freehand.  You can sharpen the outline of the tree truck with a small brush once the kids finish painting it.

Step 4 – Allow the tree trunk to dry completely before you proceed.  It should take approximately 10  – 15 minutes.

Step 5 – Once the trunk has dried, dip the toothbrush into the green paint.  Help the children move the toothbrush up the paper to make strokes for the tree branches.  Dip the brush back into the green paint and move the toothbrush down the opposite side of the card to make a branch.

 


 

 

Step 6 – Repeat Step 5 until the tree is complete.  Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 7 – Once the tree is dry, add a star to the top.  (This step is optional).

Step 8 – Add glitter to the branches (This step is also optional).

 

We hope our kid’s Christmas craft will be a fun family activity.  Last older children can write a message inside the Christmas card wishing mommy and daddy or their grandparents a Merry Christmas.  Let the smaller children write a message or their name as well.  Most importantly, they will be sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face.