The Dancing Grapes Experiment

Not enough time on your hands to think of scientific experiments your child can do? Think that most require lots of shopping? Actually, you’ll find most of what you need to conduct meaningful experiments right in your kitchen. The challenge, however, is knowing what to do. Science is all about discovering how things work and trying to solve problems. Simple, hands-on experiments... Read More
Glass-Bead Picture Frame

This craft is one that kids can easily make…just in time for Grandparents’ Day on September 9. Really make Nana and Grandpa’s day special and let the kids put a photo of themselves into this colorful frame for a unique, personal gift. Materials you will need: Wooden picture frame (craft store) or old framed mirror. Make sure frame has a flat surface and is wide enough to... Read More
Back to School “WOW” Board

With the end of summer vacation (sigh…) comes the start of a new school year. Soon your child will be working on new projects and accomplishing new things. But instead of just hanging your child’s important academic, artistic, and sporting accomplishments with a standard, run-of-the-mill refrigerator magnet, why not feature these milestones on a personal WOW Board made with... Read More
Old Fashioned Taffy Pull

Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons corn starch 1 cup light corn syrup 2 teaspoons glycerin (optional) ¾ cup water 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt ¼ to 1 teaspoon flavoring (vanilla, lemon, banana, coconut) 3 drops food coloring (optional) Mix together first 7 ingredients in a 3-4 Qt. sauce pan. Place sauce pan over medium heat and stir with a bamboo spoon until sugar... Read More
Beach Treat Cups

INGREDIENTS: 1 Box of Blue Gelatin Mix (3oz box makes 4) Clear, Small Plastic Cups Graham Crackers Gummy Fish Paper Parasols DIRECTIONS: Prepare half a batch of the blue gelatin mix per package instructions and fill each plastic cup halfway. Place in refrigerator until thickened. Place gummy fish on top of mixture. Prepare the remainder of gelatin mix and fill each cup to the... Read More
Popsicle Delights!

Your kids will feel COOL eating these scrumptious juice pops. You will need: 1 cup of Strawberry /Kiwi Juice 1 cup of Orange Juice 1 cup of Lemonade 1/2 of a 3 oz. pack of Strawberry Jello 1/2 of a 3 oz. pack of Orange Jello 1/2 of a 3 oz. pack of Lemon Jello Popsicle Sticks & Trays Optional – you can add real fresh fruit to the juice blends prior to freezing. Do you... Read More
Simple Science: Air Pressure Experiments

Hey kids (and parents)! Ever wonder about the term “air pressure?” With a couple of simple experiments, we can demonstrate that air wants to travel from high pressure to low pressure. There is an old saying that “Nature dislikes a vacuum.” Of course, this does not mean a vacuum cleaner, but rather refers to a lack of air. What is “pressure?” Air pressure is basically... Read More
Playing with Your Food Can be Good for You

What’s better than pizza and ice cream? Pizza, ice cream, and watermelon…of course! Summertime means plenty of play time; so, why not play with your food? Finding creative ways to enjoy healthy foods like watermelon is a great way to encourage the whole family to eat well and have fun while doing it. Here are two ways you can get the whole family in on some fun and healthy eating: Watermelon... Read More
Bird’s Nest Cookies

One of the most anticipated aspects of Spring is the fresh, bright colors seen in newly planted annuals or in the adorable designs on a little’s girl’s Easter dress. Bird’s nest cookies, made with pastel, hard-shell chocolate eggs, are another perfect, yummy way to celebrate the season. They are no-bake, easy-to-make, and a holiday treat that my son loves to help prepare. Children... Read More
Lucky Leprechaun Pie

Sure ‘n begorrah! It’s St. Paddy’s Day and you’ve been wearing the requisite green clothing and speaking with an Irish brogue all day. You may not be dining on corned beef and cabbage tonight, but there’s no reason not to cap the evening meal off with a slice of Lucky Leprechaun Pie. It’s so simple to make that even your little elves can help. We think St. Patrick... Read More
Chalkboard Herbal Pots

These handy herbal pots are not only fun to make, but will also let your kids get involved in making a healthy meal. Once the plants are thriving nicely in their own adorable pot, let your little helper-bees select an appropriate sprig from the plant to be used as you prepare your next meal. When it’s time to plant a new herb in one of the pplanters, simply erase and write the... Read More
Chocolate Covered Cherries

Sweets for your sweetie! If you like chocolate covered cherries, you will LOVE these. They are better than store bought and made with love! Make a batch for your Valentine. 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream 1 tsp. almond extract 4 cups powdered sugar 60-65 maraschino cherries with stems 12 squares almond bark Beat butter until creamy. Add marshmallow... Read More
Lovey-Dovey Bird Houses

These are great gifts to make for teachers and special friends. Use an inexpensive pre-made bird house from craft stores, and all you have to do is paint it with “heart”felt designs! Note: this bird house can be customized for any holiday. Supplies needed: Pre-made bird house from craft store Acrylic paints – red, pinks, and white Paint brushes Stiff paper for making heart... Read More
Turn Up the Heat: 6 Glorious Reasons to Start an Affair with Your Slow Cooker

Slow cookers have been around for decades, and while many get stuffed in the back of a cabinet or a dark garage, this handy kitchen appliance has made a comeback in recent years. If yours is collecting dust and feeling neglected and alone, here are six scrumptious reasons to dust it off and rekindle an old flame: It is a slow, but steady friend. In a world of live chats, text... Read More
Handy Snowmen Ornaments

These cutie-patootie snowmen are so easy to make and they won’t melt into a puddle after the cool holiday season has passed. You will need: Solid color glass ornaments that will fit in your child’s hand Acrylic washable paint – white, black, orange, and red Small paint brushes and fine tip markers Empty egg carton Thin white ribbon Brush your child’s hand with a thin... Read More
PUMPKIN COOKIES

Don’t tell the kids, but these moist, decadent, pumpkin cookies will provide a serving of vegetables and your little “cookie monsters” will be so busy enjoying the chocolate chips, they won’t even notice. Ingredients: 1 cup shortening (Crisco) 1 cup sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin (Libby’s) 1 egg 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ginger 1 ½... Read More
Glittery Harvest Centerpiece

Add a festive focal point to your tablescape before the turkey even leaves the oven! No matter who is in charge of baking the pumpkin pie or carving the bird, the whole family can contribute to the spread by creating a holiday centerpiece. It’s tradition with a shimmery new twist! Supplies & Tools: Twig cornucopia & pumpkin Faux gourds & pumpkins Autumn berry garland Burlap... Read More
Host A Thanksmas* Celebration?

What’s Thankmas, you ask? It’s a little breather from the holiday chaos to be enjoyed somewhere between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Try it and let us know if it brings a few satisfying moments to your holiday schedule. As the mother of five small kids, I know how crazy holidays can get. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, dressing up, traveling, rushing, and going into debt... Read More
Bandages are for Mummies!

We don’t want to deal with real blood on Halloween, right? So let’s take a minute and review these pumpkin-carving safety tips…it just may save a trip to the ER for some stitches in grown-up, as well as little fingers! When my son, Matt, was younger, I recall my husband and I wondering just how much pumpkin carving could Matt safely do. A kid’s manual dexterity gets better... Read More
Marshmallow Ghosts

Why not scare up some culinary fun in the kitchen? These boo-tiful treats will get you in the mood for trick-or-treating Makes 14 (3 inch) ghosts 1 cup cold water, divided into two ½ cups each 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin weighing ¼ ounce each 2 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup ½ teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract or imitation extract Ghost cookie cutter (We... Read More
Ghostly Ghouls

Make these cheerful Halloween ghosties and your trick or treating will be fearfully fun What you’ll need: Tissue paper or cheesecloth Round balloons Drinking glass (to use as stands) White craft glue Water Bowl Paintbrush Large wiggle eyes Battery operated tea lights (found in craft store) Scissors How to make it: Partially blow up balloons, (water balloons size works well)... Read More