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13 Fun and Healthy Apple Snacks for Kids

June 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on healthy apple snacks for kids.  So, finding healthy snacks that kids will eat can be daunting.  My granddaughter loves green apples.  She will eat red apples, but Granny Smith green apples are her favorite for sure.  Personally, I love Honey Crisp.

Unfortunately, kids can find food boring.  As a result, I try to make fun food.  I’m not an artistic person, so I look for healthy and happy foods that I can make without too trouble. Feel free to modify them, I do.

 

 

apple snacks for kids

 

 

Here’s my Healthy Apple Snacks:

 

Pair these healthy apple snacks for kids with my A is for Apple activities.  They’re a great way to entertain the kids this summer, and keep their education going.

 

 

apple snack ideas

 

 

Apple Crab –  First, that apple crab is adorable.  Unfortunately, there was no link associated with it.  It doesn’t look difficult.  Slice a red apple in half.  Insert 2 chocolate chips or attach 2 raisins with peanut butter.  Slice the other half of the apple to make the legs.

 

kids apple snacks

 

Apple Snail – Unfortunately, the apple snail didn’t have a link associated with it either.  It does contain the directions on the Pinterest picture.  It looks like the most difficult task will be the design on the apple.

 

apple snacks for kids

 

Apple Ladybugs – Next, this apple is healthy and cute.  Red apples, pretzel sticks, raisins and peanut butter will have you on your way to creating this healthy apple snacks.

 

apple snacks for kids

 

 


Apple Boats – So, these boats are the perfect apple snacks for kids.  Apples, peanut butter, a cheese sail and a Rice Krispies boat is are all you need to turn snack time into fun time.

 

 

apple snacks for kids

 

 

 

Wise Ole Owl  –  Who wouldn’t want to eat this apple owl to help generate some brain power.  Furthermore, the green apples, a pretzel rod, marshmallows, chocolate chips and either cheese or oranges for the feet and beak are the ingredients for this adorable snack.

 

 

apple snacks for kids

 

 


Chocolate Covered Apples – So, these chocolate covered apples look yummy.  You can cover them with nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy.  Use your imagine to make these healthy apple snacks for kids.

 

 

apple snacks for kids

 


Apple Cookies – My granddaughter loves green apples and peanut butter, so they will go on my snack list.  Add chocolate chips or raisins to the apples and peanut butter and you are good to go.

 

apple snacks for kids

 


Ant Apple – Ant Apple I think?  Whatever it is, it’s adorable.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a link for it.  It doesn’t look difficult to make.  Red and green apples for the body and wings and creativity for the eyes.  Large candy eyes would be perfect and black licorice for the mouth.

 

healthy snacks for kids

 

 

Peanut Butter Frogs –  So, what’s a summer vacation with an apple snack frog.  Easy to make too, green apples, peanut butter, raisins and a slice of strawberry.

 

apple snacks for kids

 

Ninja Turtle Apples –  Fun and easy to make.  My granddaughter is a big Ninja Turtle fan.  Ralph who wears the red mask is her favorite.  You can get the large candy eyes here (affiliate link).  Walmart has a great selection of Betty rocker’s Fruit by the Foot in Different colors.  I’ve seen purple, red, blue.  Not sure about the orange.

apple snacks for kids

Caramel Apples –  Try this caramel apple snacks for kids.   You can use red or green apples, caramel and nuts to make this yummy treat.  Reminds me of the carnival in my small home town during the summer.

 

apple snacks for kids

 

 

Cinnamon Apple Snacks –  If healthy snacks are high on your list, you kids will love these baked cinnamon apple slices.  Great snack ideas for big kids too.

 

apple snacks

Apple Nachos –  Who said nachos have to consist of chips and cheese?  These apple nachos are covered with peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate chips.

We hope that you find a few healthy snacks for your kids.  Be sure to check out our A is for Apple Activities too.

 

 

Filed Under: Meal Time, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , , ,

17 Kid’s Spring Crafts

May 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

kid's spring crafts

craft ideas, spring craft ideas

 

 

Spring has arrived finally.  Most kids will want to get outside and enjoy the warm weather and fresh air.  However, spring brings rainy days.  All is not lost, rainy days are perfect for doing crafts with the kids.  We have rounded-up 17 kid’s spring crafts to occupy them on rainy days this spring.   Our round up contains crafts for all ages:

Hand Print Book Marks   – This one of my favorite crafts.  The handprints will make perfect mementos for Mother’s Day.  Also, they’re perfect for holding their place in books on their summer reading list.

Butterfly Snack Bag – Next, I think these snack bags are so cute.  I’ve made these for my grandchildren and one of my nieces.  Pretzels and cheese are a favorite and apple slices and grapes make great snacks too.  I actually purchased colored clothes pin, chenille pipe cleaners and wiggly eyes from the dollar store.

Sheep Craft – This adorable sheep is perfect a rainy day.  White card stock and cotton balls are the stars.  Add a little bow and a face and she’s good to go.

Paper Bag Butterfly – Save a few lunch bags for this craft.  In addition to the lunch bags, you will need heart shaped doilies from the Dollar Store and Do A Dot Markers.

Plastic Fork Tulips –  Additionally, these fork tulips are so cute and one of my favorite kid’s crafts.  They would make a great Mother’s Day gift too.  White plastic forks from the dollar store, paint, green construction paper and your creativity is all you need.

DIY Easter Button Egg – This DIY button egg is so cute.  Let the kids pick out the craft buttons in their favorite colors and than start gluing.  The blogger provides an egg template.  Note: This craft calls for a hot glue gun, so it is not recommended for small children unless you will be using craft glue.

Tissue Paper Butterfly – This tissue paper butterfly is budget friendly and easy to make.  Purchase supplies from your local Dollar Tree.

Handprint Bouquet –  This handprint craft is so cute.  Also, this is a great Mother’s Day or birthday gift for grandma, Auntie, a God Mother or a just I love you gift.  I love the pastel colors used in the crafts

Mason Jar Picture Frame – Mason Jars aren’t just for canning foods.  They’re perfect for drinks and crafts.  This picture vase is a great gift idea for Mother’s day or a birthday gift.  Furthermore, why not paint it red for a Christmas gift.  Use your imagination for the color of the jar.  Also, I’ve seen the frames at the Dollar Store.

Tulip Potato Prints –   So, who knew that potatoes could be used to make beautiful art.  Potatoes were used to make this adorable tulip bouquet.  I’ll be trying this one with my granddaughter for sure.  We’ll be making bouquets for all the ladies in the family.

Plastic Bottle Planters – What a great way to recycle plastic bottles.  It’s also a great way to introduce children to growing plants or flowers.  It could lead them to wanting to plant vegetables and herbs.  Petunias, parsley, marigolds are few suggestions for the planter.

Toilet Paper Roll Bunnies –  Save a few of your toilet paper rolls for this craft.  Add in white paint, construction paper, a black marker and buttons.  Your on your way to making these cute little bunnies.

Cupcake Liner Birds – Cupcake liners are the stars in craft project.  Pick up a pack at your local dollar store.

Pom Pom Chicks – These puffy little pompoms make cute little baby chicks.  They would be great on a card, and with a little help a perfect craft for toddlers.

Paper Plate Whale – This paper plate whale is one of my favorite kid’s spring crafts.  It’s a nice break from the flower bouquets and handprints.  So, sit your so or grandson down and put him to work.  I’m already picturing it on grandma’s refrigerator.

Kid’s Egg Carton Art –  Cardboard egg cartons make great kid’s spring crafts like these beautiful flower bouquets.  Save a few and help your kids make these flower bouquet for grandma or an aunt.  Some paint, chenille pipe cleaners, buttons, and a ribbon can be purchased from the Dollar Tree.

Egg Carton Flowers – Here’s another egg carton craft.  Again, egg cartons are great for gardening and crafts.  Save your cardboard egg cartons to make these cute egg carton flowers.  They will make a perfect Mother’s Day  or any day gift.

Finally, we hope that you like a few of our kid’s spring crafts, and you will spend time on a rainy day making them.

 

 

Filed Under: Crafts, Spring

Easy Interior Update Ideas For Your Home

January 17, 2018 by 1 Comment

 

Interior Update Ideas

A dated interior can drag down your property value.  Furthermore, it can make your home less than enjoyable.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the funds to do a full remodel.  If you need to make some changes on a tight budget, then you’ll want to get a little creative with your solutions.  Here are a few nifty interior update ideas for your home that won’t break the bank.

Quick Fixes for Old Sheetrock

Cracked walls are a hassle, and repairing them can be both messy and expensive.  However, if you know that the damage is just cosmetic cover it over with fabric.  Furthermore, lightweight fabric that has been dipped in liquid starch will cling neatly to your wall.  Begin by removing the baseboards first so that you can run the fabric behind them.  Next, put some crown molding or a basic trim around the ceiling to help secure it. The luxurious finish will float right over most imperfections so that you can have a new look without worrying about the cracks.

Enclosed Radiators

If you have radiators in your home, then turn them into useful storage space.  By using some wood and painted pierced-metal panels, you can enclose them. The enclosures can be built to slide in and out of position for servicing the appliance. You’ll add a little valuable storage space to the room too.  You’ll also prevent little ones from hurting themselves on the radiator.

Colored Stain

If you have quality wood furniture that has a tired finish, then it’s time to update it with some fresh colors. You can make plain wood furniture look great by refinishing it with a black, white, or even red stain.  Some of the wood grain will still shine through, but you’ll have an updated piece that’s sure to look amazing.

Floor to Ceiling

Make your windows look bigger by stretching out your window treatments.  Hang the rod one to two feet above the window frame to make it look more impressive. You can also stretch out the sides and visually expand a small window by covering more of the wall on either side of the window. In addition, you can instantly transform a room and make it feel more luxurious by replacing the color of your lighting.

New Hardware

Other interior update ideas is your home’s hardware.  Update the look of almost any space with new hardware. Simply adding new pulls and handles can make your kitchen feel more current.  In the bathroom, look for new towel racks.  Also, consider replacing the doorknobs throughout your home to finish the upgrade.

Kitchen Gallery

Turn the kitchen into an art gallery by hanging some pieces above the cabinets or on open walls. It’s a great way to add color to the space and make it more visually appealing.  If you have vaulted ceilings in the kitchen, then you can use crown molding in areas to create a nice little shelf for the artwork.

With a little creativity, you can update your home without spending a small fortune with our interior update ideas. The little details can make a huge difference in how your property looks and feels. When you’re working with a tight budget, these clever ideas may be the answers you’ve been looking for.

Author bio: Jeff E. Brown is a freelance writer and a self-taught handy man with a knack for lifehacking and DIY projects. Based out of his home office where his two dogs keep him company while he types, Jeff loves writing about home improvement topics, teaching others all the tips and tricks he has learned since he moved out of an apartment and into a house. When he’s not writing, he loves organizing barbecue parties in his garden. You can contact Jeff via his landing page.

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

7 Christmas Items You Can Recycle

December 23, 2017 by 5 Comments

The holidays are upon us.  Today, I’m sharing tips on Christmas items you can recycle.  There’s food, music, carols, lights, Santa and reindeer. We spend hours trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and preparing to entertain family and friends. Also, we spend days reading Christmas cards from family and friends and finding the perfect spot to display them.

Finally, Christmas day arrives! We find a mountain of ripped gift wrap and bows in the middle of the floor. The kitchen is filled with empty wine bottles and corks from the gathering, and you realize that you purchased too many candy canes for the kids. Not to worry, don’t throw any of it away. There’s tons of ideas to recycle all of it.

 

 

Christmas Items You Can Recycle

 

Check out our tips on Christmas Items You Can Recycle:

Christmas Cards – First, Christmas cards have beautiful scenery on them.  You can recycle and use them as gift tags, frame them for a vignette, or donate them to your local school.

Candy Canes –   Next, candy canes can be used as stirrers for hot chocolate.  Kids love them.  Also, they can be pulverized and used in sugar scrubs or cookies and brownie recipes.

Wrapping Paper –  So, piles of wrapping paper are sitting in your living room. A 33 gallon garbage bag should be big enough to hold it.  But, don’t throw it away.  Wrapping paper can used for crafts, book covers, scrapbooking, shreds, puzzles for kids and more.  Save the best pieces and get creative.

Wine Bottles and Corks – Paint the wine bottles and use them as vases or for seasonal messages on mantel.  Joy or Peace can painted on them for Christmas or BOO for Halloween.  The wine bottles are perfect for ring toss games.  Additionally, turn corks into wreaths, ornaments or other crafts.

Christmas Gift Bows and Ribbon – Furthermore, turn Christmas bows into wreaths or use them on next year’s gifts.  Save only those that are in good condition.

Cardboard Shipping Boxes –  Cardboard boxes make great craft material.

Gift Wrap Tubes – Last, these make tubes are sturdy and make great bases for kid’s crafts.

Finally, I hope that you will find Christmas items you can recycle.  So, if you’re a crafter put your creativity hat on and get to work next season.  You have plenty of time to find projects, and be sure to involve the kids!  You may also like: 7 Christmas Morning Tips You Need.

 

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: , ,

9 Halloween Food Ideas for Kids

October 26, 2017 by 1 Comment

Planning a Halloween party or just want to do something special for your kids?  You’ve come to the right place.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips and fun Halloween food ideas for kids.  Make them all or choose a few. 

 

 

 

Halloween Food Ideas

 

No matter, your children will love your creativity and devour these special treats.  Let us know which is your favorite in a comment.  I love the Bloody Fingers and Eyeball Cupcakes.  Disgusting!

 

 

Witch Fingers

Halloween Food Ideas

Pretzel Rods, candy melts, almonds, and black gel food coloring are the stars for these Witch’s Fingers.  The kids will love munching on these goodies.

 

Bloody Fingers

 

Halloween Food Ideas

There’s no recipe for the bloodied fingers.  Just remove a square of skin from the hot dog and place on a bed of bloodied hot dog bun.  My grandson and his friends are going to love these.

 

Spider Pizza

 

Halloween Food Ideas

This blogger used a Tombstone Pizza, black and green olives and pepperoni to create this master piece.  Hello, my grandchildren love the Totino’s Party Pizza.  So, this is the perfect treat in my household.  Also, if your children don’t like olives just make the pepperoni’s the star.

 

 

Spider Burger

 

Halloween Food

 

 

I love that this recipe is simple, and so cute.  A normal burger, a slice of cheese, raisins, and onion rings.  Perfect for lunch or dinner.

 

Halloween Potato Skin Pizzas

 

Halloween Food Ideas

 

Next, kids love pizza.  Here’s a twist on potatoes, turn them into pizza.  Yes, baking potatoes, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and olives is all you need along with a little creativity.  The kids will love them.

 

 

 

Bloodshot Eyeball Cupcakes

 

Halloween Food Ideas

 

Disgustingly delicious.  Furthermore, these Bloodshot Eyeball cupcakes are sure to bring Ewwwwk.  But, they are sure to be devoured too.

 

Halloween Ideas

 

 

 

Jack-O-Lantern Mac and Cheese Cups

 

 

Homemade Mac and Cheese will work great for this recipe.  If you’re in a pinch for time, microwavable mac and cheese can be used.  My grandchildren love homemade mac and cheese.  They would eat it everyday if allowed.  A slice of cucumber or celery will work for the stem.  Make this a family activity, let the kids decorate the cups with a Jack-O-Lantern face.

 

 

Honeydew Bats

 

Halloween Food

 

Last, a honeydew melon and a bat cookie cutter is all that is needed to make these delicious and nutritious treats.

Finally, we hope you like a few of our Halloween Food Ideas for Kids and will create a few for your children.  You may also like 9 Fall Snack Ideas for Kids.

 

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Meal Time Tagged With: , ,

6 Tips to Make Homework Fun for Children

September 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Homework Tips for Children

 

Your children may illicit moans and groans when you prod them to do homework. But focusing on reading, writing and math is important for kids academically. If you’re not up for the constant battle that comes with their studies, you may want to find a more positive approach. The following are 6 tips will make homework fun for children.

Create a Fun Environment

As you’ve probably noticed throughout your own career life, work can be mind-numbingly and boring at times. Even people with the most exciting of jobs can find it difficult to focus at times. If you’re looking to instill productivity in children after a long day of school, design a creative and fun setting for your kids to work in. Busy areas of the household may hold a variety of distractions, so you want to pick the right location.

You also want to set limits on the use of technology such as smartphones and television. Include your child in the process when you’re looking for a place. You may also want to paint the room an exciting color that instills brilliance and creativity. Prepare the environment with essentials your child will need to tackle their homework. This could include a calculator, pencils, paper, scissors, pens, crayons and a stapler. If your child is assigned books to read, find a cozy chair that is comfy enough for them to peruse the literature, but won’t promote falling asleep.

Be Productive Together

It can be challenging for your child to focus on homework when you’re busy running all over the place handling laundry and other household chores. According to a maid service out of Atlanta, you can enjoy having a germ-free and spotless home every day by leaving it in the hands of the pros and still be free to work beside your child. Whether your time is spent catching up on work, personal emails, bills or planning a vacation, this time together makes it easier for your child to concentrate.

Enrich the Senses

Fidget spinners are a popular tool that engages your child’s sense of touch. It’s also a method that can ease stress and help them focus. If you’re looking to enrich your child’s other senses through learning, stress balls and white noise machines are essentials for stimulating their sense of hearing and touch. Baking cookies or a cake is another learning tool that helps hone a child’s math skills through measuring ingredients. It also engages the sense of smell. You can make learning about the body’s senses fun by placing a silk scarf over your child’s eyes and finding objects that they can touch, taste and smell. Reward them with stickers or a treat when they guess correctly.

Designate Office Hours

Your child may need assistance with their homework. While you may want to hover as they sift through their book work, set up allotted times your children can come to you with questions. This method may sound regimented, but it can prevent you from taking over their homework. It also allows them the self-esteem children need to do their own work. You can model good academic behavior by teaching them the importance of reading a book instead of watching T.V. or listening to the radio while your child studies.

Use Visual Aids

Children are visual learners, so you want them to see their progress.  Another way to make homework fun for children is to set up bulletin boards.  Yocan display work assignments and when they are due. Place encouraging messages or posters that instill positivity. Post graded work assignments both good and bad. If the homework received a good grade, this can encourage them to keep up the good work. If they received poor marks, find ways to lift their spirits, so they will do better next time.  Silly jokes and anecdotes can ease tension if your child is stressed over a test or finals.

Prepare Smart Snacks

If your child is hungry, they may be tired, unmotivated and cranky. You can provide your child with the energy they need to focus on their homework by preparing smart snacks. Allow your child to help in the preparation and choose from a list of healthy foods. Apples with nut butters provide energy. Your child may also benefit from healthy grains such as whole-grain crackers and cheese cubes or baked tortilla chips and salsa.

After your child has spent the entire day at school, motivating them to do their homework can be a difficult feat. But don’t sweat their lack of motivation. Using the above 6 strategies, you’ll be able to transform their math or vocabulary lessons into a fun adventure.  Make homework fun for children!

Filed Under: Education, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Spending Quality Time With Your Kids

April 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

spending quality time with kids

 

When you’re a parent, the days can seem repetitive. It’s like Groundhog Day, with deja vu cropping up at every turn. It’s not good – it can feel like you’re losing your mind!  However, you just need to embrace some new things and take another direction in order to mix things up a little.  Spending quality time with your kids is imperative.  Before you know it, they will be grown up and off to college.  Here are a few tips in getting you to spend quality time with your kids:

Start to Craft

Children love to craft at any age. It’s something about the combination of mess and creativity that blossoms into something beautiful  that intrigues them.  The pride that you see on your child’s face when they’ve finished a craft is something can’t be bottled up and brought.  Furthermore, there are so many crafts that are available on Pinterest.  Kids are happy with a piece of paper and some paint.  If you’re unable to run to the craft store, you can purchase craft items online at sites like www.hyglossproducts.com.  Making things like cards, posters and portraits for people that they love is personal, and you can’t buy in any shop.

Begin to Sing

Think you know all of the children’s nursery rhymes and children’s songs?  You’re wrong! Nobody knows them all, and it’s always fun to learn new ones.  Singing and spending quality time with your kids can put a bright spot in your day.  It helps break up the monotony of singing the same thing over and over.  And in more scientific terms it also benefits your child’s memory. Familiar rhymes and songs will help your children to connect.  It also helps them socialize at different events where they are being sung.  When they’re confident that they know the nursery or song, it helps them to be a part of the activity.  Check out www.YouTube.com and other video sites for children’s songs.  Have a sing along with your child.

Learn a Dance

With songs come dances! There are probably dances to some of the songs that you don’t know about.  If you can’t find any, make them up yourself. Not only do children love to express themselves with their voice, but they thrive off of being able to move their bodies to the beat.

Write a Book

Finally, sit down together and write down your memories.  Or create a story for yourself with all of the things that you love together.  It could be a magical tale of fairies and woodland creatures, or maybe you’d just like to detail down your daily walk together.  Additionally, a trip to a friends or family member will make a good story too. There are sites online that will help you to design a book.  Also, they’re very good at just jotting down thoughts and ideas to use at a later stage in the development of your project.  Spending quality time with your kids will create wonderful memories to look back on when they’re older!

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Amazing Tips For Decorating Your Child’s Bedroom

April 25, 2016 by 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on decorating your child’s bedroom.   Decorating can be complicated if you don’t have a plan.  Aside from filling it with toys, you have to consider many factors in designing their personal place for play and sleep.

First, toddlers spend a huge part of their lives in bed. The National Sleep Foundation recommends toddlers sleep for 11-14 hours. Older children will need less. Quality sleep is important to their mental and emotional development. One way to make sure they get adequate slumber is by designing a room that suits their need for sleep and play.

Likewise, their room should not only be a place where they get sufficient sleep, but also a venue for playing, learning and developing intimacy with their parents and siblings.

 

 

decorating kids rooms tips

 

Tips for Decorating Your Child’s Bedroom:

 

Ensure safety of your child

Also, your toddler is just starting to develop their motor skills.  As a result, they are prone to injuries.  There are toys and other things inside their room that are dangerous.  Additionally, some can be health hazards. Aside from being toxic, these things might also choke them. Make sure your toddler’s room protects them from harm, and not the other way around.

 

Be cozy

Next, the bedroom should be designed to make sleep come easy.  While decorating your child’s bedroom, the furniture and accessories should be placed in a way that they can sleep comfortably. Likewise, the walls and furniture should be painted with calming colors. Another thing to consider is to buy the most comfortable mattress for them. A Gel Memory Foam Mattress is recommended for comfort.

 

Spark creativity

Bedtime stories fuel your kid’s creativity.  So, make their room a part of their dreamland. Their bedroom should be a venue to fuel their personal fantasy. If they like astronomy and space explorations, stuff their room with glow in the dark stars and spaceships.

 

 

decorating kids bedrooms

 

 

Encourage learning

Besides enhancing their creative flair, your child’s room should help boost their intellect. Books and art can stimulate their desire to read and learn. Art can stimulate their desire to draw, color and paint.

 

Include play area

Another thing to consider when decorating your child’s bedroom is providing a play area.  Play is very important in a child’s development both mentally and physically.  Playing allows children to build better behavior, become team players, grow as active adults, boost learning, and increase their happiness.

 

Empower your child’s talents and interests

By age 2 to 3, your toddler is showing signs of their talents and interests. You can help them nourish their gifts. One way to do this is by designing their room to cultivate their interests.

 

Make Your Kid’s Bedroom a Venue to Learn

Aside from developing the talents of your child, you can also influence them to become an achiever and succeed in life through their room. Design their room so that it will improve their self-responsibility and self-esteem.  One way to do this is to provide storage boxes to place their toys after playing. Through this method, teaching them how to tidy up and to organize their things will help them become responsible and help with self-esteem.

 

Be Creative in Setting Up Your Kid’s Room

 Additionally, listen and watch your toddler so you can learn what they like.

 

Keep Their Bed Free From Clutter

By now you should teach your child the value of sleep by making sure that their beds are free of clutter. If possible, set aside an area to play, watch TV or eat away from their bed.

Toddlers and kids learn best by experiencing their environment.  So, consider our suggestions when decorating your child’s bedroom.  Provide a room designed to enhance their growth and development.

 

Note: Ethan Wright is a health enthusiast who believes every great day begins with a good night sleep. He is currently a researcher and writer for Bedding Stock. When not wearing his writing hat, you will see him traveling to places with his journal.

 

 

Filed Under: Parenting Tips Tagged With: ,

How To Host A Great Baby Shower

June 29, 2015 by

Thinking of hosting a baby shower for a relative or friend, but you don’t know where to start.  Today, I’m sharing tips on hosting a baby shower.  Furthermore, are you not sure of the proper etiquette on how to host the event?  Taking on the responsibility of hostess requires time, energy and creativity.  It can become stressful if you’re not organized or plan effectively.  So, we’re going to help you be a great baby shower hostess.  Be sure to check out our other parenting tips before you go. 

 

baby shower ideas

 

I’ve hosted several baby showers over the years. Two for my daughter and several for family members.  I sure wish I had a few tips on how and when I should do various steps before I took on the responsibility. I put together a few tips for you on how to host a great baby shower. Here’s my tips:

Planning The Event:

  • A relative, co-worker or friend can host the shower. It’s considered improper for the parents to be to host their own shower.
  • Start planning the shower 2 – 3 months in advance. This should include selecting a location, theme, and your invitations. Your invitations should reflect the theme of the shower if possible. Your invitations will let guests know what to expect.
  • Send out invitations 6 – 8 weeks in advance. You should include the Hostess’ name, location, time and the guest of honor’s name. You can also ask your guests to RSVP.  Give an RSVP By Date and a Phone Number where they can call.
  • Plan activities for at least 2 hours. Most people prefer late afternoon or early evening showers.  It gives than an opportunity to do things at home or run a few errands before dedicating time for the shower.
  • About 4 – 6 weeks in advance of your shower select your party favors, colors, decorations, games etc. This is a good time frame, it will give you time to browse stores, google information and figure out other aspects of the event. Make a list of what you want to do and stick to it.
  • Decide on a menu about about 2 – 3 weeks before the shower. You can do finger foods, buffet or a sit down dinner. I love doing buffet style events.
  • Choose your center piece and decorations.  Diaper cakes are fun and practical gifts for mom.   (I made the Snoopy diaper cake above for a Snoopy Themed Shower).  This was one of my favorites.
  • Ask a friend or relative to assist with tracking the cards/gifts, food table, drinks and games. Turn the list of names and gifts over to the mom to be for thank you cards.
  • Capture the day in photos – Ask a friend who has great photography skills to take plenty of pictures of the mom to be, festivities and friends.
  • Select Door Prizes – Giving out door prizes is a great way to thank guests for participating

You planned and consulted with the mother to be about the menu, guest list and games if the shower isn’t a surprise and now the big day has finally arrived.  It’s time to take your place as the hostess of the event.

 

Hosting The Shower:

  • Greet all of your guests when they are arrive.
  • Next, once the shower gets under way, introduce the Mother to Be, and tell the guess how she is related to you or a funny story about her to break the ice.
  • Have each guest introduce themselves and state how they’re related or connected to the mother to be. This is a nice Ice Breaker and a fun way to make everyone comfortable.
  • Play the games that you have selected.  (Normally 2 – 3 are good).  Also, be sure to include a few door prizes throughout the event.
  • Serve your meal or appetizers and allow guests to mingle and chat for awhile.  Be sure guests are comfortable and have everything they need.
  • Have the mother to be open her gifts. You may also serve the cake during this time.
  • Have guests mingle, look at the gifts and take pictures with the mother to be.
  • Last, thank guests for coming and give out baby shower favors.

 

how to plan a baby shower, tips to host a baby shower, how to host a baby shower, baby shower tips, baby showers

 

 

 

Last these baby shower tips will eliminate stress and elevate your confidence in hosting a great baby shower.   Furthermore, I also suggest using a planner or notebook to keep track of ideas and where you are in planning the event.  Finally, be sure to leave a little time to relax and enjoy the event as well.

What hosting a baby shower tips can you add to make the hostess job a little easier?  Please leave a comment.  You may also like:  15 Door Prize Ideas For Baby Showers  and  Baby Shower Game Ideas

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , ,

18 Mother’s Day Crafts

April 25, 2015 by
18 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas For Kids

It is hard to believe that Mother’s Day is around the corner.  First, I’ve been searching for a few kid’s Mothers Day crafts to make with my grandchildren.  I think kid’s Mother’s Day crafts are the perfect gift for their mother and their other grandmother.   Fortunately, I found quite a few adorable Mother’s Day crafts that would be perfect gifts for this special occasion.

I always try to find a variety of craft ideas to offer the kids.  I never know what will inspire them.  One day they love markers and crayons, the next day it could be finger paints.  So, I look for projects that require materials that I have on hand or that I can purchase from the Dollar store.  You how much I love that store.

Anyway, I wanted to share my roundup of kid’s Mother’s Day crafts with you.  I hope that you will be inspired to make a few gifts with your children or grandchildren:

1.  Picture Flower Pot – The Daily Craziness.  So creative!  First, who would think to add pictures to a flower pot.  I love the thought of creating the flower pot as shown, and than placing a pot of tulips inside of it.  Also, the pot of tulips can be planted in the yard on or after Mother’s Day.  Furthermore, the pot can be used in the summer for herbs.  Mom and/or grandma can place it in the kitchen window.

2.  Button Bouquet –  Pinterest.  Sorry,  but I was unable to locate the craft on the site referenced. It seems pretty simple to make, so bring out that jar of buttons, make a pretty bow and a few stem.  Finally, start gluing. I think the kids will have fun placing the buttons to make the bouquet.

 3.  Heart House  –  Crafty Morning Great way to show mom how much you appreciate the home she has made for you.   A few craft sticks, buttons, cut out heart, some glue and you’re good to go.

4.  Hand Print Flower – Nifty Mom. Simple enough to make with a toddler, finger paints and some card stock.

 5.  Teacup –  Mr. Printables.  It’s actually an invitation for to a tea party.  But it was so adorable I thought it could be adapted as a Mother’s Day gift.  What’s better than a tea party invitation from your son or daughter.

 6.  Hand Print Vase –  Love Bugs and Post Cards.  Also, this could be a fun project.  Coming up with reasons why the kids love mom or grandma and tracing little hands can be a great way to start a Saturday.

7.  Watering Can Mother’s Day Card –  Crafty Morning.  This project is at the top of my list. I will be changing the blue hearts with water drops. This blogger has several other Mother’s Day projects on her site, so be sure to check them out.

8.   Mother’s Day Coupons –  Penny Pinching Mom. I love this idea. You print the coupons, color them, and than give them to mom. The coupons are for 1 breakfast in bed and 2 loads of folded laundry. How cute is that.

9.   Mom Deserves A Hand – Happy Home Fairy The card is a free printable. Head to Bath & Body and let the kids pick out their favorite scent for mom. Clever idea.

10.  Bottle Cap Flower –   Crafty Morning This is an easy craft to make in little time.  You will need to collect beer bottle caps, stock card, glue and a Sharpie. I saw this card on another site with a twist, the word MOM had been added to the top 3 caps for a personal touch.

11.  Love You Bunches   – Crafty Morning Next, this craft is perfect for toddlers. It requires finger paints, stock card, and the joy of sticking your thumb in the paint. I would suggest making dots on the stock card and using the dots as a guide for the shape.

12.  Folding Craft Stick Flowers –  Danielle’s Place  I loved the idea of the gift folding and being wrapped with a simple ribbon. My initial thought was to put a magnet on the back and stick it on the refrigerator after grandma or mom opens it or hang it with a pretty ribbon. Be creative.

13.  Fingerprint Flowers – Crafty Morning  Fortunately, we found a few crafts for adorable for little fingers,  And you don’t need a lot of materials to complete the project.  If you don’t have scrapbook paper, stock card or construction paper should work.

14.  Picture Monogram –  BHG   Mother’s Day crafts allow us to get creative.  So, creativity will help make this a great gift.  You can use either M for mom, G for Grandma or Gigi, or N for Nana.

15.  Lion Card –  Crafty Morning  This little card will be easy to make with a fork, marker, a piece of stock card.  And you can get the eyes from your local craft store.  I actually found a bag of eyes at the Dollar Tree for a buck.

16.  Love You To Pieces –  Clip Zine.   If you’re like me, there’s always a puzzle laying around with missing pieces?  Recycle it and make this adorable gift for mom or grandma.

17.  Hand Print Towel –  This Simple Home.  Cute!  This is a great idea for Mother’s Day, Christmas or a birthday present.

18.  Hand Print Bouquet –  Simply Sweet Teaching  Last, but not least.  I love the idea of using hand and foot prints in children’s art.  Also, hand and foot prints can be framed.  Furthermore, the prints can created on a background other than black. I do love adding the year to the print though.

Finally, we hope that you will think our kid’s Mother’s Day crafts will make great gifts too.   They’re actually quite inspirational.  Pick out one or two and start crafting with the kids.  Please leave me a comment and let me know your favorites.

Filed Under: Crafts, Spring Tagged With: , ,