Search Results for: blog corn crafts with preschoolers

What Do Kids Do At Home Based Preschool?

One thing that is often on the mind of parents of toddlers is preschool. After all, once a toddler is no longer a toddler, he becomes part of the “preschoolers” age group whether or not he actually attends preschool. I am not sure why that is, and this morning when I was talking with my husband about it he agreed that it seems a bit odd to define an entire age group by something that not every child does. Perhaps the reason that it seems odd to us is that our soon – to – be preschooler is unlikely to … Continue reading →

Maximize the Mini

I love, love mini pumpkins. Not only are they adorable, versatile and portable, they are also quite affordable. You can purchase a small pail full of mini pumpkins for less than it would cost to buy a single full-sized gourd. What’s more, the decorating possibilities using several mini pumpkins versus one large one are virtually limitless. If you are considering experimenting with mini pumpkins this fall try out these simple projects that will turn your little gourds into major masterpieces: Mini Pumpkin Candle Holders: These natural candle holders made from mini pumpkins will enhance any fall-themed design. All you need … Continue reading →

Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Fun

History is being made in Chicago right now. It’s the first time ever that the mercury has hit 84 degrees on St. Patrick’s Day. Talk about lucky. Who needs four-leaf clovers, rainbows and pots of gold when you’ve got record-breaking spring temperatures? What’s more, the Windy City is not the only place where Mother Nature is confusing March for June. Unusually high temperatures are being recorded from coast-to-coast. Forget about slaving over a hot stove making Corned Beef and Cabbage. Rather, break out the brats, heat up the grill and make this festive green pasta salad to dine al fresco: … Continue reading →

Sham-rockin’ St. Patrick’s Day Fun

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. While many will be spending the day celebrating the luck of the Irish at their corner pub, if you have your own band of little leprechauns at home, then you might benefit from the following kid-friendly holiday activities: HOMEMADE POT OF GOLD Materials: Markers or Crayons Paper plate Scissors Gold glitter Glue Directions: Gently fold the paper plate in half, trying not to crease it tightly. Draw a capital letter “D” on the plate, using the light crease line as starting point for the back of the “D.” You should have about … Continue reading →

Making Fall Memories

As a single mom I’m always trying to find fun things to do with my daughter on a very limited budget. Fall is the perfect time to get outside. Nature walks are fun and educational. Let your little ones collect leaves and pine cones and other things they find. When you get home you can research the leaves on the internet and find out what kind of leaves they are and find some fun facts about that type of tree. Once you are finished learning all you can about your find let the kids make a collage with the treasures … Continue reading →

Making Clean-Up Fun for Kids

My 7-year-old loves to help. I’ve seen her practically jump out of her skin when asked by her teacher for volunteers to vacuum the story corner rug. I’ve also witnessed as she put away board games and puzzles, without being prompted to do so, prior to pick-up at summer day camp. Both times I nearly fainted on the spot. My kid abhors cleaning, so when I inquired why she was so willing to lend a hand to others, she matter-of-factly replied: “Because it’s fun.” Clearly, the fun factor is missing in our home or I would have clean carpets and … Continue reading →

Frugal St. Patrick’s Day Fun

My 6-year-old is down to party anytime, anywhere, for any reason. Fortunately, I don’t have to hire caterers, a band and petting zoo animals for her to have a good time. As long as the celebration involves balloons and cake, she’s good to go. Fortunately, I have those items and a few more inexpensive goodies to make our St. Patrick’s Day party a fun and frugal affair. Given that March 17th isn’t a major holiday in the United States, the celebration doesn’t have to be complicated, fussy or extravagant. However, since we are Irish, we certainly can’t let the day … Continue reading →

How to Make Kids Smile on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, but don’t look for me to be heading out to the bars to put away pints of Guinness on March 17th. Rather, I will be spending the day partaking in far more kid-friendly fare, including making a bunch of green treats and sharing a holiday smile with my 6-year-old. If you are searching for ways to make your kid smile on the upcoming holiday, consider tickling his funny bone with the following riddles: Q: Why do frogs like St. Patrick’s Day? A: Because they’re always wearing green Q: When is an Irish … Continue reading →

Personalized Valentine’s Day Gifts

I will never reveal how I know this (it was an accident… really), but according to Playboy king Hugh Hefner, the best gift he ever received was a replica of his boyhood home. Former Playmate and Hef lover Holly Madison paid big bucks to hire a woman named Betty Eberhart to create a miniature house that is a carbon copy of the 84-year-old’s childhood abode in Chicago right down to the teeny tiny comic books he used to draw as a kid. Hef couldn’t say enough about Holly’s thoughtful gift. It was a touching moment in reality TV and it … Continue reading →

Simple Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

You don’t have to cook corned beef and cabbage for a busload of guests or paint your house green to show that you have St. Patrick’s Day pride. Instead, you can celebrate the holiday in a more low-key fashion by completing some of these simple projects: 1. Bake Glazed Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies Ingredients for Brownies: 3/4 cup Cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted and divided 1/2 cup boiling water 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) Mint Chocolate Chips Ingredients for … Continue reading →