Smells so good, you'll want to eat it too! But don't!!!! Hot Chocolate Playdoh DIY

/

I love playdoh and I always let my kids make a mess and have fun with it. It really keeps them entertained for so long and just seeing them being creative and "in the zone" really inspires me. 

This season I wanted to do something fun for them!

I was at a tree trimming party with my daughter and they were serving hot cocoa in these adorable glass mugs. When we got home, it hit me, why don't we make this out of playdoh!

Here's how we created this fun and nostalgic holiday season drink; marshmallows included!

Here is what you'll need:

  • Flour, Salt, Cream of Tarter, Food Dye, Vegetable oil, Essential oil or natural scent, small glass mugs, glitter (optional), hot water
  • Combine:
  1. 2 cups flour
  2. 1 cup salt
  3. teaspoon cream of tarter
  4. tablespoon vegetable oil
  • In a separate bowl, combine:
  1. 1 cup of hot water
  2. 20 drops of essential oil or natural scent
  3. 1/8 teaspoon - 1/2 teaspoon food dye (add as much as needed for desired color)
  • Pour the liquid into the flour mixture and combine (add more scent and/or color as desired)
  • Stir and kneed dough until totally combined 
  • Do this in seperate bowls for the chocolate and the marshmellow
  • *Add a few shakes of glitter to the marshmallow dough
  • Layer the chocolate scented dough into the small mug or jar
  • Then top with a small amount of the marshmallow dough 
  • Cover and store (this will last up to 2 months if covered properly or for ultimate freshness store in the refrigerator)

We wanted our chocolate dough to smell really super chocolatey so we added a few more drops of the essential oil! Add as much or little as you like!

To finish, add a holiday ribbon and label for a cute little gift for friends! The kids will love playing with this.. watch their faces light up when they open and smell the sweet scents. I know a lot of kids love to eat playdoh so make sure they don't eat it! It doesn't taste as good as it smells... Trust me! 

Candy Necklaces

/

I know this is technically a food, I mean we all eat candy, but I think this is more of a DIY project than a DIY Food... 

So lets get started!!

1. Pick candy that has a large center ring opening. I bought so many options so the children had an assortment to pick from. Here is what we used: Gummy Lifesavers, Sour Gummy Lifesavers, Gummy Ring Pop candy, Twizzler Rainbow, Red Vines and Sour Peach Gummies. You could also use hard lifesavers (my kids just prefer gummy). My daughter also decided it would be fun to add the Halloween Rings we bought for fun to incorporate in her necklace. But make sure your children don't eat them though!

All of this candy is from Michael's or Target. 

2. Buy a sturdy plastic cord/string to use. I found these Stretch Magic Silkies rubber necklaces from Michael's and they were so easy to use because they came with a built in clasp. The children didn't need any help getting started or finished!

3. To start on the necklaces, remind the little ones to pinch one end so the candy doesn't fall of. Let the kids enjoy creating a beautiful edible and wearable masterpiece! 

Try this at your next playdate or Halloween Party and I'm sure it will be a smash!

Leave comments or questions below.

candy necklaces 3.jpg

Fall Fun DIY Bobbing for Apples

/

When that summer heat turns to crisp cool air, you know that fall has arrived. And this year September may be a little chillier than normal in NYC but we can still spend afternoons outside before the real cold winter weather hits. 

Here is a great way to use up all those apples you've all picked from the local apple orchard (see my post on Warwick, NY Apple Orchards)... Once you've made apple pie, apple crumble and apple whatever else you can think of to use up all those apples! Try this amazing and fun way to gather on a fall afternoon! Have the kids invite a friend or two over and get started. 

All you need:

  • 1 large bucket or plastic tub
  • warm water
  • towels
  • approximately 30 small/medium size apples
  • aprons to protect from the water *If you have them, but not necessary

Have fun and enjoy! Also, the kids get a yummy healthy snack afterward:)

***Please note that the children's shirts and hair may get wet so let their parents know in advance that their children may come home a little soggy. Or ask them for a dry shirt to change into before coming over. 

Cheers to a happy fall & I hope you enjoyed this post. What are some of your favorite fall fun activities?! 

"Frozen" DIY Ice Queen Playdoh - Best No Bake Recipe

/

As the temperates cool down outside we will be spending more and more time indoors. This "Frozen" themed DIY no cook playdoh will sure be a hit amongst the little ones. This icey blue playdoh mix will wow even the biggest Frozen fan and let their imaginations run wild!

In a large bowl add:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • Icy Blue food coloring 
  • Silver Sparkle Glitter
  • Lastly add 1 cup of warm water

Combine all ingredients. Knead dough until it's no longer sticky.

*I like to leave the color not totally combined. It gives the kids more to do and they'll love watching it change before their eyes. 

To save dough, place in a tupperware or plastic baggie and refrigerate. But don't eat even though it does looks delicious!!

DIY Kids Photo Session

/

Save yourself hundreds of dollars and give yourself some credit. Who says you need to hire a professional to get that professional looking shot of the kids?

You probably take dozens of photos of them on a daily bases (I actually checked my phone and I did take almost 2 dozens picture of the kids yesterday)... and believe it or not but in the bunch there are at least two great pictures. Now add some natural lighting and a perfect backdrop and you have yourself that amazing picture you've been desiring. 

Like this one I recently took using the backdrop I bought at backdropoutlet.com for Brent's first birthday. I also included the bigger kids in some and wound up with so many amazing pictures I don't even know what to do with them. I wound up printing a bunch and using them as decorations for his birthday party. 

Not to mention we had the best time taking all sorts of pictures and poses. Sometimes the best pictures are the ones that aren't staged or orchestrated. 

We had so much fun together too!!! 

DIY Signature Plate

/

Let me save you a ton of money on this idea!
Check out this 1st Birthday Signature plate that we made ourselves at home for Brent's 1st birthday party. These same plates sell for $30 or more online. But by simply doing it yourself can save you a ton! Plus it's way more fun. 

Here is what you'll need:

  • 1 ceramic white plate about 10" round (Michaels makes this amazing kit)
  • Acrylic Paint (Crayola) or use colors from the kit
  • soft medium size paint brush or a sponge will work too
  • 1 paper plate
  • wet paper towel
  • Sharpie Marker (Don't let the kids get there hands on this!!)

How to:

  • Make sure the plate is clean and dry
  • put a small amount of paint on a paper plate
  • brush the paint on the kids hands or feet (it tickles a little!)
  • place their hands/feet directly onto the plate (may smear a little but it's ok!!)
  • put the plate somewhere safe to dry
  • wash the hands/feet immediately with the wet towel

This is so simple and personalized! Everyone will be excited to sign it and your child will have this amazing keep sake forever. Share your party ideas below or tag us in your next DIY signature plate post!