Holiday celebrations are so much fun! I know my kids love the freedom to play, run, and snack with friends and family. My youngest son would happily eat his share (and more!) of chips, hot dogs, and cole-slaw, so preparing easy, appealing, and healthy snacks is important. State and county fairs caught on long ago…ALL food is […]
10 Beginning Chapter Book Series for Kids
June 4, 2015 by
This year my oldest son began venturing to a new section of the library because he now has the ability to read and enjoy chapter books independently. Watching him read on the couch, on his bed, or in the car is a beautiful, beautiful thing! I can’t help but smile when he suddenly giggles or sounds […]
Composting with Kids
April 7, 2015 by
Composting is an earth-friendly method of adding nutrient-rich humus back to depleted soil. Compost consists of decomposed organic matter from both the yard and kitchen. Teaching children the why and how behind composting helps them to become responsible, caring environmental stewards. Plus, it’s fun! Here is a simple guide to getting started with composting with kids: The Why Plants need […]
Slime Sensory Play
March 1, 2015 by
There are so many ways to play with slime! Slime Sensory Play is full of fun, from blowing slime bubbles to creating “slime showers,” slime an awesome boredom buster and home science experiment for kids. My boys love to use slime in imaginative play. “Bad Guys” spray it to prevent superheroes from foiling their evil plans—mwahaha! But occasionally, […]
Valentine Spritz Cookies
January 27, 2015 by
A classic Christmas cookie originated from Germany, Spritz Cookies are simple, buttery, and absolutely delicious. My kids and I enjoy them very much and see no reason why we can’t bake them year round! Shared below is a recipe for our favorite Valentine Spritz Cookies. They are the perfect sweet treat for lunch boxes, school parties, or afternoon snacks. Disclosure: This post contains […]
Italian Dressing Mix
January 5, 2015 by
Homemade spice mixes are a super easy and thoughtful gift to share with neighbors, party hosts, or friends. Shared below is a recipe for Italian Dressing Mix that can be used to make salad dressing or marinate meat. I bet you have all of the ingredients in your cupboard already! Packaged in a mason jar with a handwritten […]
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
November 6, 2014 by
Whether you are topping a slice of warm of apple crisp, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet dessert, homemade vanilla ice cream is perfect for the occasion. A healthier alternative to store-bought ice cream, homemade vanilla ice cream is creamy, delicious, and chemical-free! This post contains affiliate links. Opinions are my own. My love […]
Apple Cinnamon Stick Bubble Wands
September 16, 2014 by
Last fall, one of the most popular crafts shared on my blog, Fireflies and Mud Pies, were the Halloween Bubble Wands my children and I created from wire, cookie cutters, and cinnamon sticks. I thought it would be fun to recreate that craft for the apple harvest season. Shared below is how my boys and I […]
Patriotic Parade Craft to Make for the Kids
July 3, 2014 by
4th of July is around the corner and perhaps your family is planning to attend a local parade! Parades are a great way to teach children about holidays, music, community, and patriotism. Shared below are directions to a bright red, white, and blue Patriotic Parade Craft that children will enjoy shaking, swaying, and holding during the parade […]
Life Skills for Kids: Sandwich Making
June 9, 2014 by
Developing life skills for kids is a great way to encourage independence, practice fine-motor skills, and foster self-confidence. Kids can do so much if only given the chance! Sandwich Making is an important life skill that children as young as 3 can do with assistance. Once mastered, kids will enjoy feeling the success of making their own […]
End of the School Year Treat: Peanut-Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats
June 6, 2014 by
Celebrate the end of the school year with a cool, sweet treat! My mom used to make these Peanut-Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats for my siblings and I and boy, did they make the kitchen smell incredible! I just know you’ll love them too! A word of warning though: Do not prepare these Rice Krispie Treats around […]
Dinner and a Movie: Ratatouille
April 30, 2014 by
After school every Friday, my family enjoys a traditional Family Movie Night. Our feature begins promptly at 4:30, and it’s the one night of the week we let the boys eat in front of the television. It’s super special to them, and I get several hours of snuggles out of the deal, so I don’t […]
15 Books for Learning About and Celebrating Earth Day
April 20, 2014 by
Annually celebrated on April 22, Earth Day is a day to celebrate the planet and raise awareness about environmental concerns. Listed below are many high quality children’s books that can help initiate conversations within your family about preserving our planet. Books About Gardening Franklin Plants a Tree by Paulette BourgeoisThe Ultimate Step-by-Step Kids’ First Gardening Book […]
Learning with Lego Bricks
March 24, 2014 by
For generations, Lego Bricks have been applauded by teachers and parents as one of the best toys for learning, building creativity, and strengthening fine-motor skills. Lego Bricks are an open-ended toy, meaning they can become just about anything a child or adult imagines, including an educational tool. Listed below are 3 creative ways to use […]
10 Books for Early Readers
March 16, 2014 by
Reading with your child is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Listed below are 10 enjoyable books for early readers! Books for Early Readers Let’s Go for a Drive! by Mo WillemsFirst the Egg by Laura Vaccaro SeegerFrog and Toad Storybook Treasury by Arnold LobelHenry and Mudge Ready to Read Value Pack […]
Invitation to Learn: Valentine Patterning
February 3, 2014 by
Whether studying cultural traditions or origin, manipulating food, toys, or other festive trinkets, holidays are brimming with learning opportunities for children. In this post, I will share how to arrange a simple invitation to learn that uses festive Valentine M&Ms to learn about patterning. What is an Invitation to Learn? An invitation to learn is […]
Books about Animals in Winter
January 15, 2014 by
Does your child want to learn more about animals in winter? Reading is a wonderful way to obtain new information and encourage children to use their imagination. Here are ten of our favorite children’s books about animals in winter. Books about Animals in Winter Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean […]
Birds in Winter
January 13, 2014 by
Last weekend, our region experienced extreme sub-zero temperatures. While outside watching bubbles freeze, my youngest son noticed a fluffy bird shivering on our neighbor’s air conditioner. “Mommy,” he began, “I feel so bad for that little bird! It must be cold!” His empathy and curiosity led him to a series of excellent questions: How do […]
