Monday Pink Day Crafts

PINK PINK PINK 

Well today is wear pink day. Kids need to stop being bullied.  So try to wear something pink today!  Now Lets get crafting!

Flowers can be very expensive this time of year, so why not brighten your house will some paper flowers.

Sometimes switching up from regular construction paper to Scrapbook Paper makes things so much fun. Cut out pink hearts, Cut out Strips, get glue, and a white canvas or paper to make it POP!  Make your own or use this Flower Pot Link:  http://flowers-kid.com/flower-pot-template.htm

Here is craft number two. Paper Flowers.  Material used: construction paper, or any fun paper you want to use. Cut out a lot of hearts, and Popsicle sticks. Put them in a vase at home, add some pink ribbon and spray a bit of perfume or body spray to make them seem more real.  
Check out this template for more flower ideas.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tatalina/217320039/in/set-72157594238627911/

Please teach your kids about bullying and that you're always there for them to support them in any bad situation.  Have your kids back, they need it. 
Hope you enjoyed today's PINK Day Craftz!

XO
JEN

Gaming Wednesday: Happy Valentines and Family Day

With Valentine's Day and Family Day Long Weekend around the corner, I decided to change up this Blog Post a bit by giving you some fun games to play during this long weekend. (As if your mind isn't already on your Saturday and Monday plans)

Here are some games to play at home around the house. (Or maybe even at Grandma's or Grandpa's)

On Thursday: I'm thinking of Family Member edition
It is similar to twenty questions, for those that are familiar with that game.  Have a family member in your head and go around and see who can get it right, and get them to ask you questions or you can give hints. Ex. (Dad) He is Tall, he is Handsome, and mommy loves him.  Who am I thinking of?  In the end give them a "HUG" prize, or something that suits your child best. 

On Friday: send some Heart Messages.
Cut out a stack of hearts from pink, red, and white paper, write some little messages on them.  Put them in the Lunch Bags, or in unexpected places such as; their pillow, by the night stand, in their shoe/boot, jacket pocket, in cereal bowls, tucked into pajamas.  So fun finding a loving message.

On Saturday, here are a few ideas. 

Valentine's Day Draw Something 
What You Need: 1) A drawing easel, or paper  2) Pens, crayons or markers 3) A timer 4) Small strips of paper for the words and phrases (Use below or your own)
For young children: heart, love letter, candy, box of chocolates, roses, balloons, broken heart, friend, sweet, flowers, pink, red, chocolate, honey
For older children: Cupid’s arrow, Valentine’s Day card, heartache, blow me a kiss, conversation hearts, a dozen roses, romance, be mine, sweetheart

Valentine Heart Airplanes  
Whip up a few of these for a craft and then have the kids fly them to see who can hit a heart target across the room. Hearts will be flying!

Giant Heart Tic Tac Toe 

Create a tic tac toe game board with a red or white poster and cut out two different coloured hearts. Playing a larger scale version makes it more fun!

On Sunday: Why I Love You. 
What I Love About You is an esteem-boosting game which can be played at the dinner table or during bed time routine. Great for Valentine's Day, or even a once a week routine to remind each other the importance of love and family.

I'm going to end this with a little story about the importance of Hugs.  My 4-6 year olds in my class this week were having a really hard time getting along.  I stopped what they were doing and explained that the importance of playing games is to have fun; not to boss each other around or to get upset.  I asked them all to stand up, and hold someones shoulder on the right and on the left of them, making it one big "hug circle".  I said, " in here we are all friends and now we are in one big group hug."  They all smiled and one little boy said, "wow, this is nice. I feel better already".  In that moment, it reminded me how a simple hug can change the way we feel. 

Happy Love Day.

XO
JEN

Monday: Valentines Treats to make at home

Valentine's Day is a good excuse to eat a yummy treat.  So why not have a yummy treat without the extra guilt. Here are some ideas that you can make at home.

 

1. Chocolate covered strawberries
You may not have a fondue set, but you don't need one.
 
How to melt Chocolate:
Bring about an inch of water to a simmer in your saucepan. Set the heatproof bowl at the top of the pot. (making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.) Stir chocolate occasionally as it softens. When you have just a few small unmelted chunks, remove bowl from heat (residual heat will melt the rest). 
Then dunk the strawberries.
MMMMmmmmMMMmmmm.....

2. Rice crispy, melt chocolate swirl with strawberries.
Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine                             
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Dark chocolate squares or chips (Melting instructions are above)                 
• Strawberries  

Directions

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using butter spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into desired shapes.

4. Decorate with melted chocolate and strawberries. Best if served the same day.

 

3. No chocolate idea

1. Cut up fruit in different shapes, ex heart watermelon, cantaloupe / bow and arrow orange slices, strawberries or grapes. Make them into cute kebabs.
2.  Jell-O can be made into hearts once its cooled and solid
3. Yogurt covered fruit (below)
4. Apples cut into heart shapes and peanut butter spread on top for a sticky snack

Enjoy,

XO

Jen

Wednesday Valentine's Day Craftz

Valentines Day is coming up, so if you're anything like me, I like to be prepared.  Here are some kid friendly facts to get your kids excited about this festive day!

• The first box of chocolates for made for Valentine’s Day was made by Richard Cadbury in the 1800’s.

• Over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent worldwide every year.

• Millions of heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are bought every year for Valentine’s Day. (So make sure they tell their mom or dad to get you one)

• Did you know that Groundhog’s Day was originally held on February 14th? (Ya me either) THANKS! http://www.kidsplayandcreate.com/funvalentines-day-facts-for-kids/

OK LETS GET CRAFTING!!

How cute is this:

Save a Toilet Paper Roll, fold in a bend into it to make a heart shape. Tape it together. Put a blob of paint and get stamping!!! TOOOOO CUTE!  If you make a Valentines Day card or Post Card with this, please send me the pictures! XO

Again, a Toilet Paper Roll, a Egg Carton, and Pipe-Cleaners. Easy-Peasy! Get decorating with crayons, markers, glitter, beads ETC. Put them all together anyway you like. These flowers will surely brighten your day.

 Butterfly, Hearts, Bees..whatever artistic abilities you have, create the shape and decorate.  Instead of buying a generic Superhero Card, or Princess Card, Make them.  Add in a peanut free treat if you're allowed, or a pencil to make their friends feel extra special.  (Most schools only allow, To: My friend, and don't forget the teachers! 

Play-dough is so fun, even for us adults. This will take you ten minutes to make, which is even faster then going to the store to buy some. 

Materials: 

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour.

Mix together with food colouring.  I used green, but maybe use Red for Valentine's Day :) 

That's it Folks!

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

XO
JEN

Gaming Friday and Snacking Monday

Two in one special.  Friday I was suppose to submit a fun game idea for you all to enjoy over the weekend, but I was not feeling well.  Now that I am better you get a two-in-one.  So first, lets catch up from Friday by giving you my gaming ideas. 

So here in Toronto, there's a lotttt of snow.  Some here are some snow day ideas to do with the family.

First: Go outside.
Put on some leg warmers and boots and whatever else you need and go clean the snow together. Seems like a choir so put some music on and dance and sing while you shovel.  Get the kids involved. Children love snow and being outside. Then build a path for them so they can run around.
Best part is coming in and making hot chocolate together.
Second: Play a board game.
Some people think that board games and puzzles are the old school way of playing.  Well wipe the dust off and break out that monopoly or 200 piece puzzle you always wanted to do.  
These may not seem like an idea that seems to be so spectacular, but it is an idea that is suppose to remind you that simple is more and that you learn more from your children by playing with them and letting loose.  Snow days are the perfect time to just have some fun!

Here is a snack idea for you and your hungry children to munch on while vegging inside on a cold day.  Do you still have your sandwich maker?  Well if you do then put some Nutella OR Peanut Butter with bananas inside and grill that bad boy.  So tasty! (Putting it in the pan does the trick too, but looks more fun in a sandwich maker) Enjoy!

XO
Jen