ChildFun Updates

Valentine Heart Basket - February 10, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Valentine Heart Basket

Make this beautiful basket for a friend, neighbor or relative to show them how much you love them.

Provided by Heidi Ott.

Materials:

Paper or Ribbon ( 6" each of: red 2" wide, white 2" wide, red 1/4 " wide)

Scissors

Glue

Instructions:

1. Click here to print the pattern pieces (red piece and handle). Cut the pattern pieces along outer edge. Using the red piece as a guide, cut out a white piece. You should now have a red piece, a white piece and a red handle. Stack the red and white pieces together and fold along the fold line. Cutting through both pieces, cut the center slit as shown on the red pattern piece. Separate the two pieces and refold each separately.

2. Hold both pieces at an angle as shown in Fig. 1.

3. Take the top red strip and slip it through the top white strip (Fig. 2).

4. Open the top red strip and slip the bottom white strip through the red strip (Fig. 3).

5. Open the bottom red strip and slip the top white strip through it (Fig. 4).

6. Open the bottom white strip and slip the bottom red strip through it (Fig. 5).

7. Glue the ends of the handle piece to the heart to form a basket (Fig. 6).

Ribbon hearts

Cut one 2" wide red ribbon 6" long. Fold in half. Cut the raw edges so they are rounded. Starting at the center of the folded edge, cut a 2" slit going towards the curved edge. Repeat with 2" white ribbon. To weave the basket follow directions 2-7 of the paper basket.

Fill with small treats and give to family and friends.

Save on Valentine Flowers - February 10, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Save on Valentine Flowers

Reflect on that flower purchase. If you’re sure your special someone will be devastated without the gift of flowers, then you probably should get some. But once again, you don’t have to follow the herd. Everyone opts for roses at this time of year, but there are plenty of other gorgeous and neglected (i.e., less expensive) flower varieties to choose from. And red isn’t your only option, either. You also could choose peach, pink or yellow. What’s more, if you place your flower order early, you stand to save as much as 15 percent on your purchase. And here’s another detail to consider: Does your partner love to garden and work in the yard? If so, a beautiful outdoor plant that will keep on living might be more appropriate than cut flowers that will quickly fade.

Heart Flowers - February 9, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Heart Flowers

Makes a great party favor or centerpiece. This is an easy daycare or class project.

Materials:

Red, pink and green construction paper
Glue
Scissors
Tongue depressors
Markers

Directions:

Cut out hearts (either red or pink) for the flower. Cut out two smaller green hearts for the leaves. Glue the flower to the top of the tongue depressor and the leaves to the middle of the tongue depressor. Draw a face on the flower and give as a gift to your favorite valentine! You can also collect all the hearts and place them in a vase for a centerpiece for a Valentine's Day party. When the party is over, the children may take their heart flowers home.

You can also use a small photo of the kids. Make a bouquet and send them to grandma!

Low Cost Valentine's Food - February 9, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Low Cost Valentine's Food

Have low-cost fun with food on Feb. 14. You can pull out the cookie cutters and make heart-shaped cookies and even cut your lunch sandwiches into hearts. You also can make heart-shaped cupcakes by placing a marble inside each muffin tin on the outside of the paper cupcake cup.

Valentine Crown - February 8, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Valentine Crown

As featured at The Family Corner.com

You will need:

Construction paper (white and red)
scissors
glue

1. Cut a 2 inch wide strip of red paper long enough to fit around your head. Tape the ends together. Cut two more strips of paper, each 1inch wide and 12 inches long.

2. Fold one strip in half and make a 2 inch cut in the center. Glue that strip from one side of the headband to the other.

3. Glue the second strip on so that the band is divided into quarters. Tuck and glue the center of the second strip into the cut of the first. Cut a heart and glue into the center.

4. Decorate the crown with hearts cut from white paper.

Organize Your Jewelry - February 8,2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

A New Way to Organize Jewelry

A thin wooden dowel mounted inside a closet or cabinet door using cup hooks is the foundation of a simply chic jewelry hanger.

courtesy of marthastewart.com

Candy Candles - February 7, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Candy Candles

Provided by Heidi Ott.

Materials:

York Peppermint Pattie

Lifesavers

Hershey Kiss

Bow

Other candies and ribbon for decorating

Cellophane tape

Instructions:

For the base, take the Peppermint Pattie and wrap it in foil or fold the corners under and tape. Glue a bow to the top of the Peppermint patty. Cut out the center loop of the bow.
Take the outer wrapping off the Lifesavers roll. Don't remove the foil wrap. Tape a Hershey Kiss to the end of the Lifesaver roll. This will create a candle. You can use other types of rolled candy such as Mentos, Rolos, Spree etc. Tape the bottom of the candle into the bow where the center loop was removed.
You can decorate the candle with ribbon or stickers. We used ribbon criss-crossed around the candy and to the red candle we added a chocolate heart candy.

Valentine Music on a Budget - February 7, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Valentine Music on a Budget

See some live music. Check to see whether a university or college in your area is offering any potentially enjoyable concerts on Feb. 14. Performances by the college music department would likely be free or cost a fraction of the price charged by professional orchestras and opera houses.

Valentine Bunny - February 6, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Valentine Bunny

This easy to make craft makes a great gift for mom or grandma!

Materials:

Baby food jars
Cotton balls
Construction paper
Glue
Scissors
Picture of child

Directions:

Fill jars with cotton balls. Cut out 1 large heart, which is just a little taller and wider than the front of the jar. Cut out a medium size heart, which is about 1 inch larger than the base of the jar. Cut out 2 small hearts (about the size of a penny or dime). Glue large heart to the face of the jar so that the top of the heart extends beyond the top of the jar (gives the appearance of ears). Glue medium heart to the base of the jar so that the top of the heart extends beyond the bottom of the jar (top of heart sticking out from the base will look like feet). Glue small hearts on the sides of the jar in the middle (looks like hands). Glue a cotton ball to the back of the jar (looks like a cottontail). Have kids draw the face on the large heart before gluing.

Take a Long Valentine Weekend - February 6, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Take a Long Valentine Weekend

Play hooky. OK, do NOT follow this tip if your job or your partner’s job is hanging in the balance. But if you’ve racked up some vacation time, or if your employer allows you to take personal days from time to time, why not see if you can take Friday, Feb. 10 or Monday, Feb. 13 off and turn Valentine's Day weekend into a three-day weekend for the two of you? Depending on where you live, the two of you could stroll through a park, walk on a beach, go snow-shoeing, take a rowboat or paddleboat out on a lake, or catch a matinee movie. You also could drive to a small town near your home or through neighborhoods you’ve never visited before and search for small, out-of-the-way places to eat or find public parks and open spaces for walks. You could do this at home, of course, or you could plan a short getaway that isn’t prohibitively expensive.

Recycled Box Picture Frame - February 3, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Recycled Box Picture Frame

Use any small box, like this Valentine candy box or a jewelry box. Makes a great gift for Mom or Grandma!

Small Box Top or Bottom

Paint (Optional)

Cord

Photo

Silk Flowers

Low Temp Glue Gun or Tacky Glue & Clothes Pins

Instructions:

Paint box if desired. We painted a small red valentine candy box with a pink paint marker so it wouldn't look so much like a Valentine box.

Cut photo to fit inside the box. Glue a piece of cord to the back for a hanger. Glue flowers around the outside. If you are using tacky glue, you can use clothes pins to hold the flowers in place while they dry.

Valentine Ambiance on a Budget - February 3, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Valentine Ambiance on a Budget

Enjoy a little ambiance. If you both really want to go out on the town together, you could have coffee or a drink and dessert at an expensive café, restaurant or romantic bistro. This is a way to savor the atmosphere — and your date — without emptying your wallet.

Heart Brooch - February 2, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Heart Brooch

Use the following recipe for play dough to make a heart shaped brooch.

Make the dough - then shape into hearts. Before the heart is dry press pins into back of hearts. When the heart is completely dry, paint with valentine

colors.

Recipe:

1 cup flour

1 cup warm water

2 teaspoons cream of tarter

1 teaspoon oil

¹ cup salt

Food coloring

Directions:

Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from the pan and knead until blended smooth. Leftovers can be placed in an airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time..

Frugal Valentine's Dinner - February 2, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Frugal Valentine's Dinner

1. Get creative when it comes to dinner. You really don’t have to spend $85 to $250 on a romantic dinner at a restaurant. Why not have a nice candlelit dinner at home? You could even get all dressed up for it. If you know you’re going to be too tired to cook after work on Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Thursday this year, order a special meal ahead of time and pick it up on your way home.

Valentine Heart Mouse - February 1, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

From Crafts for Valentine's Day by Kathy Ross
Used by permission of the Millbrook Press

Materials:

Red and pink construction paper
Scissors
Stapler
Black marker
Glue
Flat lollipop

Directions:

1. Fold a piece of red construction paper and cut a half heart about 3 inches high on the fold. Leave the heart folded to form the body of the mouse.

2. Cut a smaller heart from the red paper for the head of the mouse. Cut a slit about halfway up from the point of the heart. Wrap the two sides of the slit around to form a cone nose and staple them in place. Use a black marker to draw eyes and a nose. Staple the head to the pointed end of the heart body. Staple the rounded end of the body so that it forms a pocket.

3. Cut a tiny heart from red paper. Write PULL on the heart and glue it to the stick end of the lollipop. Write your valentine message on this heart and glue it over the wrapper. Tuck the lollipop into the body of the mouse so that the stick end is sticking out to form the tail of the mouse.

A Kitchen Made for Kids - February 1,2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

A Kitchen Made for Kids

Teach your kids where everything goes by designating a low drawer in the kitchen for your children's plastic dishes. To remind them of what goes where, paint and label a silhouette of each dish.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Groundhog Puppets - January 31, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Groundhog Day is February 2

Groundhog Puppets

Use felt-tip markers to draw groundhog faces on the top halves of tongue depressors. Give them each a small paper cup with a slit in the bottom. Have them push the bottoms of their tongue depressors through the slits in their cups. Show them how to move their sticks up & down to make their groundhogs appear & disappear.

Warming Winter Tea Recipe - January 31, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Warming Winter Tea Recipe

Ingredients:
• 4 cups spring or bottled water
• 1/2 teaspoon dried gingerroot
• 2 teaspoons roasted dandelion root
•1/2 teaspoon star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon bark
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Milk to taste
• Nutmeg to taste
• Cardamom pods (bark removed)

1. Slowly heat the water in a noncorrodible saucepan.

2. Put the herbs into a mortar and crush slightly (or put them in a blender and run it briefly—just enough to release some of the aromas from the herbs).

3. Add the herbs to the warming water.

4. Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Strain the liquid into two large mugs.

6. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a splash of milk to each mug.

7. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and offer a toast to a great winter!

Courtesy of herbcompanion.com

Mr. Groundhog - January 30, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Mr. Groundhog

Let the children take turns being Mr. Groundhog popping out of his hole (a larger cardboard box). Arrange room so that you can create or take away a shadow. Overhead lights would eliminate a shadow & a low light aimed directly at the "groundhog" would create a shadow.

Frostbite - January 30, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Frostbite

To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually. Wrap the area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. If no warm wrappings are available, place frostbitten hands under the armpits or use your body to cover the affected area. Seek medical attention immediately.

Do not rub frostbitten areas; the friction can damage the tissue. Do not apply snow to frostbitten areas. Because its temperature is below freezing, snow will aggravate the condition.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Brown Playdough - January 27, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Brown Playdough

Mix up a batch of brown playdough & sculpt groundhogs.

Healthy Egg Nog Recipe - January 27, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Healthy Egg Nog Recipe

Ingredients:

6 cups of coconut milk (about 3 cans)

6 egg yolks

1/4 cup (or more) spiced rum or brandy (optional)

1 tablespoon of vanilla

1/4 cup honey or cane sugar or a few drops of stevia extract (optional)

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

How To Make (Easy Version)

Put all ingredients except alcohol in Vitamix or high powered blender and blend until smooth.

SLOWLY bring up to low heat in a medium saucepan, being careful not to let it boil. When it is warmed and barely starting to thicken, it is ready.

Chill in fridge for a few hours or overnight and whisk alcohol in just before serving.

How To Make (Traditional Way)

Heat coconut milk and vanilla until warm in medium saucepan.

Whisk or blend the egg yolks, sugar and spices in a blender.

Slowly add in about half of the coconut mixture to the egg yolks to warm it and then add the whole mixture back into the saucepan.

Bring up to low heat and whisk until barely starting to thicken.

Stir in rum or brandy and serve hot or cold.

Enjoy!

Courtesy of Wellness Mama

Groundhog Mask - January 26, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Groundhog Day is February 2

Groundhog Mask

Have children color a paper plate brown & then cut out holes for the children's eyes. Cut a nose & mouth from construction paper & glue on plate. Punch a hole on each side of the plate & attach yarn. Tie around child's head.

Loosen a Jar Lid - January 26, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Loosen a Jar Lid

Try breaking the seal by running the jar under hot water for up to a minute (tilt jar down so the water can reach the underside of the lid). Giving the lid a few wacks with a butter knife while doing this can also help speed up the process. You can also put the jar upside down in a bowl of hot water (just an inch or so deep to cover the lid edge) and leaving for up to a minute before trying again.

Courtesy of TipNut

Groundhog Puppets - January 25, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Groundhog Day is February 2

Groundhog Puppets

Using brown construction paper, cut groundhog faces about 1 1/2 in across. Spread glue on face and attach thin whisps of cotton to represent fur. Glue on paper eyes, nose and mouth. Attach to a popsicle stick. Cut a slit in the bottom of a small paper cup & have the children push the bottom of the stick into it. Show the children how to make the groundhog appear & disappear. Using these puppets, sing this song & have the children act out the movements.

Stranded While Driving in Winter - January 25, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Stranded While Driving in Winter

Call 911. Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.

Stay in your vehicle.

Avoid overexertion.

Calm down and think.

Keep fresh air in your vehicle.

Don't run the engine-unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects.

Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs.

Don't expect to be comfortable.

Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.

Read more at: http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=snowandice/winterTips&sid=about

Groundhog's Home - January 24, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Groundhog Day is February 2

Make a groundhog's home

Find a box large enough for a child to crawl in & let them decorate it like a groundhog's home. Paint it , draw trees on it, etc.. Then let them pretend to be groundhog's crawling in & out of their "hole".

Violet Wellness Tonic - January 24, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Violet Wellness Tonic

Violet's action as a bronchial remedy stands out. The flowers, leaves, and root of the plant contain saponin, known to encourage expectoration. Violet works internally as a treatment for respiratory-tract troubles such as excess mucus, coughs, cold symptoms, and inflammation, making it a valuable companion as we head into the cold and flu season.

1. Fill a quart-size mason jar with clean, freshly picked violet leaves or 6 teaspoons dried violet (available at herb stores or online).

2. Add boiling water and cover.

3. Let sit overnight.

4. Strain and discard leaves.

5. Drink at room temperature throughout the following day.

Receipe by Rosemary Gladstar; courtesy of marthastewart.com

Paper Plate Penguins - January 23, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Paper Plate Penguins

Color or sponge paint the head and flippers black, the feet and beak orange-yellow, and the bow tie any color or design. Cut out these pieces. Glue the head to the back of a six inch paper plate. Glue the flippers near the head, before attaching the feet. Attach the beak and two eye cutouts. Glue on the bow tie cutout. Use a black crayon to color a narrow strip around the exposed plate rim except where it meets the penguins feet. These penguins make an eye catching bulletin board when they are stacked in a pyramid configuration.

Hypothermia - January 23, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Hypothermia

Signs of hypothermia include forgetfulness, drowsiness, slurred speech, change in appearance (e.g., puffy face), weak pulse, slow heartbeat, and very slow and shallow breathing. If the body temperature drops to or below 86 degrees, a person may slip into a coma or have a death-like appearance.

If you notice these symptoms in a person, take his or her temperature. If it is 95 degrees or below, call a doctor or ambulance or take the victim directly to a hospital. To prevent further heat loss, wrap the patient in a warm blanket. A hot water bottle or electric heating pad (set on low) can by applied to the person's stomach. If the victim is alert, give small quantities of warm food or drink.

There are several things you should not do to a hypothermia victim. Do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not give a hot shower or bath, since it could cause shock. Generally, do not try to treat hypothermia at home. The condition should be treated in a hospital.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Penguins - January 20, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Penguins

Materials
6" X 9" white and black construction paper, one of each per child
Black and yellow markers
Scissors
Glue or stapler
What to do:
Trace the child's shoe on the white paper and have the child cut out, helping if necessary. This will be Penguin's body. Fold the black paper in half so it measures 6 X 4.5". Trace the child's hand with wrist on the fold. Cut out. these will be the wings. Glue or staple the black wings (folded lengthwise) around the penguins body on each side (kinda over the top of the head and down the sides). Draw eyes and beak with black and yellow markers.
More to do: Glue the penguin on blue paper and use finger tips to print with white paint to create snow all around the penguin.

Natural Moth Repellant - January 20, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Natural Moth Repellant

Mothballs are made from paradichlorobenzene and can cause all kinds of health problems including damage to liver and kidneys. They’re especially hazardous to children if swallowed–and they don’t smell all that good either.

You can make sachets to stash in drawers, trunks or hang in closets out of pretty cotton fabrics, plain cheesecloth, muslin, linen or clean nylons (knee highs or cut pantyhose).

Sachet Recipes

50/50 rosemary and mint

1 part dried lavender, 1 part rosemary, 1/2 part dried lemon peel, 1 TBS cloves

1 part whole cloves, 1 part whole peppercorns, 2 – 4 cinnamon sticks broken in pieces

1 part dried lavender, 1 part dried lemon peel, 1 broken cinnamon stick

1 part cedar shavings, 1 part thyme

1 part peppermint, 1 part spearmint, 1 part rosemary, 1/2 part thyme

You can mix and match your own recipes, or just use 100% one ingredient if you like.

Courtesy of TipNut

Penguin Costume - January 19, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Penguin Costume

Use a grocery bag and orange construction paper to turn into a penguin! Slit the front of the bag from top to bottom. Cut a neck hole in the bottom of the bag. Cut wing shaped flaps in the sides. Color the bag black and white to resemble a penguin. Form a cone from a triangular piece of orange construction paper. Staple it together and punch a hole in each side. Tie a 12 inch piece of string through each hole. Place the cone over your nose like a beak and tie the strings together at the back of your head. Now put on the bag and have a Penguin Parade!

Mole & Mice Repellant - January 19, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Mole & Mice Repellant

2 TBS Castor oil
6 TBS liquid dish washing soap
1 tsp Tabasco
1 minced garlic clove
1 quart water

Directions: Mix a fresh batch before use, pour around the rodent hole.

Reapply after each rain.

Source: Natural Alternatives for You and Your Home by Casey Kellar.

Penguin Shapes - January 18, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Penguin Shapes

Cut out penguin shapes from black paper. Paint with Epsom Salts diluted in water. It makes the penguin look frosty.

4x4 Vehicles - January 18, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

4x4 Vehicles

Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that, if you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won't help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction.

Courtesy of Massachussetts Dept. of Transportation

Hibernating Bear - January 17, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Hibernating Bear

Materials needed:
1 small paper cup
1 brown pom-pom
1 piece stiff paper (about 3x5)
cotton balls
glue

Directions:
The cup is the cave. Have children tear a small half circle piece off of the cup starting at the cup rim. This is the opening to the cave. Glue pom-pom in center of stiff paper piece. This is the bear. Put glue on the rim of the cup and place it on the stiff paper with the pom-pom inside. Spread glue on the outside of the cup and the stiff paper around the cup. Pull cotton balls to stretch the fiber to look fluffy. Place this on the glue that is on and around the cup. This is snow. Your project will now look like a bear curled up in a cave to hibernate for the winter.
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Spiced Hot Dark Chocolate- January 17, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Spiced Hot Dark Chocolate

According to Ayurvedic medicine, warming spices such as cinnamon and cardamom can help boost energy. And by swapping soy milk for regular, you ensure that dark chocolate's antioxidants will be more fully absorbed.

Ingredients

1 quart soy milk

6 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and whisk over medium-low heat until the chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is steaming hot, about 5 minutes. Serve.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Snowflakes - January 16, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Snowflakes

materials needed:
wax paper
glue
q-tips
glitter

Put a quarter size dab of glue on wax paper and then give the child 8 q-tips to lay in the glue (ends that is) and then let the child sprinkle with glue and then let dry for a day. Then peel off the wax paper and hang on the window or hang from the ceiling.

How to Treat a Cold - January 16, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

How to Treat a Cold

The best way to treat a cold is to take a mild pain reliever, avoid unnecessary activity, get as much bed rest as possible and drink plenty of fluids, especially fruit juices. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may relieve some of the symptoms, but they will not prevent, cure or even shorten the course of the illness.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Improve Traction - January 13, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Improve Traction

During winter keep two bags of sand or kitty litter in your car's trunk, one over each of the back wheels. The extra weight will help your vehicle keep traction in wintry driving conditions. If your car gets stuck in the snow, you can pour the sand or kitty litter behind the wheels to gain traction.

Snow Scenes - January 13, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Snow Scenes

The children can use white chalk on black paper to create snow scenes.

Self-Sticking Snowflake - January 12, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

A "Self-sticking" Snowflake

Supplies
a snowflake pattern
dimensional fabric paint (the kind that squeezes out of a bottle)
Ziploc baggie
glitter

Put the snowflake pattern in the plastic baggie and zip closed. On the outside of the baggie trace
over the snowflake pattern with the fabric paint. My mom makes me wear old clothes or a craft apron to do this part because it's easy to get some paint on your clothes. While the snowflake is still wet sprinkle glitter over the paint. Carefully shake off any excess glitter. Let dry. When completely dry peel off the baggy and put it up somewhere where every one can see it!

NO Aspirin for Chickenpox Relief - January 12, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

NO Aspirin for Chickenpox Relief

What not to do: Do not give aspirin to a child with chickenpox since this can increase the risk of Reye’s Syndrome.

Courtesy of TipNut

Ice Painting - January 11, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Ice Painting

Materials:
Ice Cubes
Craft Sticks
Tempera Paint powder, Several Colors
Spoon
Heavy paper

To make an ice cube paintbrush poke craft sticks into partially frozen ice cubes. Then continue to freeze solid. Take an Ice cube paintbrush by its handle and rub it back and forth over the powdered color on the paper. Try putting small amounts of other colors on your paper and rubbing those with another ice cube paintbrush. Let dry.

"Cruising" through Winter - January 11, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

"Cruising Through Winter"

Don't use the "cruise control" option driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Courtesy of Massachussetts Dept. of Transportation

Three Dimensional Snowmen - January 10, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Three Dimensional Snowmen
Materials:
Blue construction paper
white paint
sponge
glitter
button eyes
pompoms
popcorn
pipe cleaners
black beans

Sponge paint the snowman shape. Poke two holes to thread yarn through. Cut mittens from folded construction paper and glue to the ends of the yarn. Use construction paper scraps or found objects (buttons, cloth, beans, beads, popcorn) to create a face, hat buttons for snowman. Cut cloth and pompom for a hat, glue triangle out for a nose, pipe cleaner arms, button eyes, black bean mouth, popcorn buttons.

Natural Cough-Control Tea - January 10, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Natural Cough-Control Tea

For natural, reliable cough relief, try a tea recipe featuring thyme, which alleviates chest congestion and supports respiratory function, along with throat-soothing honey, sage, and vitamin-C-rich lemon.

1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. (Dried or fresh herbs can be used.)

2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Strain tea, then add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.

4. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Sparkle Snow Paint - January 9, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Sparkle Snow Paint
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup water

Mix together and put in a squeeze bottle. Squeeze doughy paint out on to black construction paper. Make anything snowy, snowflakes, snowmen, - we made snow covered mountains
with the moon and northern lights. Let dry thoroughly and it will sparkle. May also be painted (when dry) and allowed to dry again. This is a great 3 dimensional effect for snow.

Avoid Catching a Cold - January 9, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Avoid Catching a Cold

While there is no vaccine to protect you from catching a cold, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep up your natural resistance through good nutrition and getting enough sleep and exercise. Turn your thermostat down and keep the humidity up in your home. Dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Avoid direct contact with those who have colds and wash your hands frequently.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Borax Crystal Snowflake - January 6, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Borax Crystal Snowflake
You will need
string
wide mouth jar
white pipe cleaners
blue food coloring (optional)
boiling water (with adult help)
borax (available at grocery stores in the laundry soap section)
pencil

With a little kitchen science you can create long lasting snowflakes as sparkly as the real ones.
Cut a white pipe cleaner into 3 equal sections. Twist the sections together in the center so that you have a "six-sided" star shape. If your points are not even, trim the pipe-cleaner sections to the same length. Now attach string along the outer edges to form a snowflake pattern. Attach a piece of string to the top of one of the pipe cleaners and tie the other end to a pencil (this is to hang it from). Fill a wide mouth jar with boiling water. Mix borax into the water one tablespoon at a time. Use 3 tablespoons of borax per cup of water. Stir until dissolved, (don't worry if there is powder settling on the bottom of the jar). If you want you can add a little blue food coloring now to give the snowflake a bluish hue. Insert your pipe cleaner snowflake into the jar so that the pencil is resting on the lip of the jar and the snowflake is freely suspended in the borax solution. Wait overnight and by morning the snowflake will be covered with shiny crystals. Hang in a window as a sun-catcher or use as a wintertime decoration.

Unused Luggage for Storage - January 6, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Unused Luggage for Storage

If you don’t travel regularly, fill your suitcases with off season clothing.

Courtesy of TipNut

Bird Treats- January 5, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Bird Treats

Make peanut butter cookie cutter treats for the birds. Take old bread slices and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Let them dry and harden enough to spread with peanut butter. Cover the peanut buttered shapes with black sunflower seeds and hang outdoors on trees or anywhere birds might come! Use a bird book to identify the birds.

Wreath Storage - January 5, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Wreath Storage

You can use a large box to store wreaths but if you don’t have the shelving space for it, another option is to wrap the wreath in plastic (or cover with a large garbage bag) and hang by a hook in an out of the way place (behind a door, storage room wall, etc.).

Courtesy of TipNut

MLK Bracelets- January 4, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

MLK Bracelets

Materials Needed:
supply of black and white beads
construction paper hearts (hole punched out in center)
yarn

Have each child to string some black and white beads and some construction paper hearts onto their piece of yarn (about 6 inches in length). Tie the ends of yarn together...thus making the bracelet. We wore our bracelets while we sang Happy Birthday to MLK!

Protect Infants During Winter - January 4, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Protect Infants During Winter

Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold room because they lose body heat more easily than adults. Unlike adults, infants are unable to make enough body heat by shivering.

Hands Around the Room - January 3, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Hands Around the Room

Cut several long strips on white shelf/butchers paper about 8" wide. Lay the paper on the floor or table. Pour different colors of tempera paint into a shallow container such as a pie pan. Set the paint near the paper. Have the children make pairs of hand prints along the strips, leaving space between the pairs to write each child's name. After the paints have dried, ask each child how they are nice to others and what they do to help others. Write each child's thoughts under their name. Hang the "Hands Around The Room" near the ceiling, at eye level or along the baseboard. When you take it down, cut each pair apart and let the children take them home.

Warm Grapefruit Tea - January 3, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Warm Grapefruit Tea

Grapefruit has a compound called naringenin that studies have shown can make our insulin more effective.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice (squeezed from 2 grapefruits)

2 to 4 tablespoons honey

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries

Directions

In a medium pot, combine juice, honey, cinnamon, allspice, and 1/2 cup water.

Bring to a boil over high heat; strain and discard solids.

Serve with a grapefruit segment or strip of zest.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Martin Luther King Jr: Peace Crown - January 2, 2012 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Peace Crown

White paper circle (size of frozen OJ lid)
Small paper plate, cut in half
With one of the half circles, cut again

The small circle is the dove's head, the half circle is the body, and the two quarter circle pieces are the wings.

Glue these together, add eyes and glitter and then staple them to headbands.

Tree Branches as Mulch - 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Use Christmas Tree Branches as Mulch

Before you throw away your real Christmas tree, you may want to remove small branches to use as mulch in the garden (or place the entire tree in a chipper-shredder to make a finer mulch).

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Toothpick Snowflakes - December 30, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Toothpick Snowflakes

Glue and arrange on black or dark blue paper. you could paint them white if desired.

Home Energy: Recessed Lighting - December 30, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Home Energy: Recessed Lighting

The Culprit:

Recessed lights.

The Fix:

These act like little chimneys, pumping air in and out of the space above. To stop this, buy covers that fit around your lights or replace them with LED retrofitted recessed lights.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

New Year's Punch - December29 , 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

New Year's Punch

6c. fruit juice
1 can frozen lemonade
2 cans of water
2c of frozen sherbet balls
Use a melon baller and have the children help make the sherbet balls. Place on cookie sheet and set in freezer. Mix juices and water, add sherbet.

13 Tips for Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions - December 29, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

13 Tips for Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions.

1. Be specific. Don’t resolve to “Make more friends” or “Strengthen friendships”; that’s too vague. To make more friends as part of my happiness project, I have several very concrete resolutions like: “Start a group,” “Say hello,” “Make plans,” “Show up,” and “No gossip.”

2. Write it down.

3. Review your resolution constantly. If your resolution is buzzing through your head, it’s easier to stick to it. I review my Resolutions Chart every night.

4. Hold yourself accountable. Tell other people about your resolution, join or form a like-minded group, score yourself on a chart (my method) -- whatever works for you to make yourself feel accountable for success and failure.

5. Think big. Maybe you need a big change, a big adventure – a trip to a foreign place, a break-up, a move, a new job. Let yourself imagine anything, and plan from there.

6. Think small. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that only radical change can make a difference. Just keeping your fridge cleared out could give you a real boost. Look close to home for ways to improve and grow.

7. Ask for help. Why is this so hard? But every time I ask for help, I’m amazed at how much easier my task becomes.

If you have an especially tough time keeping resolutions, if you have a pattern of making and breaking them, try these strategies:

8. Consider making only pleasant resolutions. We can make our lives happier in many ways. If you're struggling to keep your resolutions, try resolving to “Go to more movies,” "Find more time to read," or whatever resolutions you’d find fun to keep. Often, having more fun in our lives makes it easier to do tough things. Seeing more movies might make it easier to keep going to the gym.

9. Consider giving up a resolution. If you keep making and breaking a resolution, consider whether you should relinquish it entirely. Put your energy toward changes that are both realistic and helpful. Don't let an unfulfilled resolution to lose twenty pounds or to overhaul your overgrown yard block you from making other, smaller resolutions that might give you a big happiness boost.

10. Keep your resolution every day. Weirdly, it’s often easier to do something every day (exercise, post to a blog, deal with the mail, do laundry) than every few days.

11. Set a deadline.

12. Don’t give up if something interferes with your deadline.

13. “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” Thank you, Voltaire. Instead of starting your new exercise routine by training for the marathon, aim for a 20-minute walk each day. Instead of cleaning out the attic, tackle one bureau drawer. If you break your resolution today, try again tomorrow.

Courtesy of The Happiness Project

New Year Noisemakers - December 28, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

New Year Noisemakers

There are variety of noisemakers you can make with sounds that are loud and blaring (yelling through an paper towel roll) to gentle (rice in a toilet paper roll) Save your plastic cocktail glasses from your noon count down party and let the children add colored beads, rice or buttons to one of them and then place another cup on top and tape together with colorful tape.

Stress Free Kids New Year's Tips - December 28, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Stress Free Kids New Year’s Tips

by Lori Lite

When you have kids New Year’s Eve takes on a whole new meaning. How about this year trying something new and different? At the same time you can enjoy your evening and the kids will too, try one of these Stress Free New Year’s Eve Tips!

Stress Free New Years Tips:

Think of your child’s age and schedule age appropriate celebrations for them. If they are young think about turning the clock back by 2 or 3 hours. Celebrate New Year’s at 9:00 p.m. with your kids, put them to bed, then continue your party with the adults to truly celebrate the Midnight Hour.

Replace making a New Year’s resolution with a New Year reflection! Have each family member speak about 1 or 2 accomplishments or goals they have reached this past year. For example a 5 year old may have just learned to read, your teenager may have learned to drive. Focus on the positive from the past instead of making promises to stop something in the future.

Instead of focusing on breaking out the champagne bubbly, how about celebrating by blowing bubbles with the whole family. Get a bunch of bubble blowing bottles and head outside and blow all your stress, lack, and resentments away. Imagine filling new bubbles with new hopes!

Commit to adding balance and good health to each and every day. Sprinkle your life with moments of relaxation in the coming year by introducing your family to calming music and stress management techniques. Show your family that you care enough to schedule downtime, unwind, and take care of yourself. Set the tone for your family!

Lunch Time Countdown - December 27, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

LUNCH TIME COUNTDOWN

Instead of counting down the new year at midnight have a lunchtime countdown and celebrate with a glass of new year’s punch at noon.

Stale Room Odor Buster - December 27, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Stale Room Odor Buster

Simply fill small bowls half way with household vinegar and place them in areas that are out of the way and won’t be spilled. The vinegar will clear the room of stale odors and freshen the room. You could also use bowls of baking soda with dried herbs or flowers mixed in for extra fragrance.

New Year Time Capsule - December 26, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

New Year Time Capsule

Children trace their hand on the paper and write their name. Teacher sits with the child and talks with them, writing notes along all the fingers such as :
* their age
* something about their family
* friends' names
* pets
* favorite activity
* favorite color
* and what ever else is important to the child

Children draw a picture and teacher writes what the child says about the picture. We store them in a box and get them out at the end of the year. At the end of the year, we give it back to the child. The children get excited to see how they used to draw and how much their hands have grown. Parents enjoy it too and it's a simple way to see their child's progress throughout the year. Most of our parents keep them as a treasured memory.

Safe Ornament Storage - December 26, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Safe Ornament Storage

Martha Stewart Living, January 2004

Protect your dearest ornaments from damage as you pack up after the holiday this year. Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard to line the bottom of a plastic storage bin. Then use a hot-glue gun to attach paper cups to the cardboard. Wrap ornaments in tissue paper, and place in cups. Then stack cardboard-and-cup flats inside the container. Store smaller ornaments in egg cartons.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Whipped Soap Snowman - December 23, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Whipped Soap Snowman

Empty two to three cups of Ivory Soap in a large bowl. Gradually add just enough boiling water to soap to make it thick and creamy. Make a picture using the whipped soap.

Home Energy: The Attic Hatch - December 23, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Home Energy: The Attic Hatch

The Culprit:

The attic hatch.

The Fix:

To prevent heat from leaking out of an access hatch, use a weather-stripping kit. For pull-down stairs, purchase insulated attic-stair covers.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Tasty Menorahs - December 22, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Tasty Menorahs

Bread, cream cheese or butter, carrot sticks, pretzel sticks, raisins

Spread bread with cream cheese or butter, arrange 8 pretzels as candles and carrot stick as large candle in center. Use raisins as flames at ends of carrot and pretzel sticks.

Christmas Tongue Twisters - December 22, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Can you say these three times... fast?

1. Ten tiny tin trains toot ten times.

2. Santa stuffs Stephie's striped stocking.

3. Comet cuddles cute Christmas kittens carefully.

Footprint Angel - December 21, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Footprint Angel

We use that new "foamy board" stuff, but used just poster board before that was available. Trace each of your children's foot once, using white (for dress) and both hands (using yellow for wings). Cut out each part (Make sure they're labeled who they belong to on back). Let the children glitter and glue the hands to make wings sparkle. Take each child's picture focusing on their head and face. Help the children glue hands (wings) to the feet (body). Cut their face from picture and glue to body. Add string to make it hang. Add a piece of the sparkly pipe cleaner for a halo. Using a paint pen, date the bottom
The tag reads as follows:
This little angel is special you see;
Because she is a part of me!!
Her wings are my hands,
Her body my feet!

And on our tree she'll look very sweet!!!!

Sparkling New Year's Setting - December 21, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Sparkling Setting

Martha Stewart Living, January

A New Year's Eve celebration wouldn't be complete without a glass of Champagne, so bubbly is a perfect theme for end-of-the-year festivities. Ball-shaped ornaments displayed in glass flutes mimic the rising bubbles. (We mixed vintage balls with clear ones.) Gather flutes in varying styles, and cluster them on a cake stand to craft a truly effervescent centerpiece.

Santa - December 20, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Santa

(fill with candy or what ever you want) Wrap a baby food jar in red felt, put on some black eyes (you can make it as fancy as you want) made out of felt. The beard can be made out of white felt or you can use cotton. The pattern I use has the moustache and the beard together. I just use elmers glue but you can use what ever you want. For the hat take some red felt cut it into a triangle, glue it together, put a cotton ball on the tip and glue on a white piece of felt for the band.

Vanilla & Cloves Air Freshener - December 20, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Vanilla & Cloves Air Freshener

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup household vinegar
1 TBS vanilla extract
1 tsp cloves

Directions

Bring all ingredients to a boil then simmer over medium heat for two minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Strain cloves then pour liquid into spray bottle, shake and use as needed.

Note: You can increase/decrease the vanilla & cloves amounts to your preference.

Courtesy of TipNut.com

Glitter Bells - December 19 , 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Glitter Bells

Light weight cardboard (cereal box), glue, glitter, ribbon or yarn, misc craft items (fabric scraps, beads, ect.) Cut bell shapes out of light weight cardboard. Put the glitter in a plastic sandwich bag. Paint the bell shape with glue, put it in the bag with the glitter and shake until it is coated. Make as many as you want. Let the bells dry. Poke a hole in the top and tie bells together, letting each one hang down about 5-6 inches. You can also decorate with misc. craft items.

Labeled Serving Dishes - December 19, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Labeled Serving Dishes

When deciding on which dishes to use, set out an assortment of pieces to determine which go best with the food being served as well as with the rest of your table setting. Place a slip of paper on each, noting its assigned role, and add the proper utensils. The labels will assist any host's helpers in carrying out the plans, too.

<<< >>>

< 1 of 14 >

Storing Christmas Lights

Next year, don't spend a minute sorting through tangled webs of holiday decorations. Keep lights organized by winding each strand around a piece of cardboard cut to fit inside a plastic bin.

Learn More

Organized Holiday Shopping
<<< >>>

< 2 of 14 >

Organized Holiday Shopping

A few minutes saved here and there can add up. Follow our guide for organized holiday shopping.

Learn More

Install a Gift-Wrapping Station
<<< >>>

< 3 of 14 >

Install a Gift-Wrapping Station

A dry-erase calendar in a convenient place, such as the back of a pantry door, gives you quick reminders of birthdays, anniversaries, and other gift-giving occasions; wrapping supplies hang neatly below.

Learn More

Storing Wrapping Paper Photo: KirstenStrecker
<<< >>>

< 4 of 14 >

Storing Wrapping Paper

Keep the old cardboard tubes that gift-wrap comes wound around to store large, loose sheets of paper.

Learn More

Organizing Wrapping Supplies Photo: Simon Upton
<<< >>>

< 5 of 14 >

Organizing Wrapping Supplies

Martha's favorite containers for everything except the paper are shoebox-size stackable plastic or metal bins; they are ideal for scissors and pinking shears, tape, hole punches, labels, cards, rubber stamps, embossers, pens, and cellophane bags.

Learn More

Bows for Everything Photo: Anna Williams
<<< >>>

< 6 of 14 >

Bows for Everything

Ribbon card holders descend from extra-large tuxedo bows, bound tightly in the middle for a billowing effect; cards slide into "pockets."

Learn More

Displaying Christmas Cards
<<< >>>

< 7 of 14 >

Displaying Christmas Cards

Hanging like ornaments from an arrangement of graceful branches, Christmas cards look wonderful.

Learn More

Card Garland
<<< >>>

< 8 of 14 >

Card Garland

Save scraps of holiday gift wrap, and put them to work in a festive greeting-card display.

Learn More

Kindling Keeper
<<< >>>

< 9 of 14 >

Kindling Keeper

Good-looking garden planters don't have to hibernate all winter. Arrange along a hearth with supplies for the fire.

Learn More

Firewood Carrier
<<< >>>

< 10 of 14 >

Firewood Carrier

Fashion a compact firewood tote from a piece of canvas, and collect firewood easily throughout the winter.

Learn More

Twine Dispenser
<<< >>>

< 11 of 14 >

Twine Dispenser

Keep unruly balls of twine in line with big aluminum funnels. Twine makes a great alternative to ribbon on wrapped gifts.

Dispenser How-To

<<< >>>

< 12 of 14 >

Safe Ornament Storage

Protect your dearest ornaments from damage as you pack up after the holiday this year.

Storage How-To

<<< >>>

< 13 of 14 >

Candle Protectors

Loose candles can get damaged easily when stored in drawers. Use paper-towel tubes -- the perfect size and shape -- to protect them.

Storage How-To

Frosty Winter Scene - December 16, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Frosty Winter scene

Color a scene with crayons, press hard, then paint with white paint. The paint won't stick to the crayons. sprinkle with clear glitter while paint is still wet.

Home Energy: Air Ducts - December 16, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Home Energy: Air Ducts

The Culprit:

Ducts in unfinished basements, garages, and crawl spaces.

The Fix:

Turn up your fan and hold a lit piece of incense next to the ducts; if smoke begins to blow, air is escaping. Cover duct cracks with Mastic, or hire a contractor.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Candle Puppets - December 15, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Candle puppets

Toilet paper rolls, popsicle sticks, foil, glue, scissors, markers, yellow construction paper

Cover toilet paper roll with foil. Cut a flame shape out of paper and draw a face on it. Glue flame on end of the popsicle stick. Insert stick in roll, hold roll with one hand, make flame dance with other.

Christmas Tongue Twisters - December 15, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Can you say these three times... fast?

1. Two trains travel together to Toyland.

2. Eleven elves licked eleven little licorice lollipops.

3. Santa's sack sags slightly.

Pasta Angel - December 14, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Pasta Angel

Rigatoni pasta
elbow pasta
wood ball (I have heard you can use a lima bean?)
small star/alphabet noodles --very small for hair
bow tie pasta-for wings
white spray paint

Glue the wood ball on top of rigatoni. Glue the tiny pasta on the wood ball (I used tacky glue). Glue two elbow pastas for arms coming toward each other in front of angel. Add bow pasta in back for wings. Paint white. Can add facial features if desired. Can add a gold halo of various materials.

MP3 Player Fabric Swing - December 14, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

MP3 Player Fabric Sling

Materials:
Fabric
Hook and Eye tape
Sewing machine
Thread

Instructions:

Measure around deck of your treadmill (or any exercise machine for that matter). Add about two inches to your measurement to allow for overlap and seam allowances.

Cut two pieces of fabric the length of your measurement by a 4" width.

Cut one piece of fabric for the pocket, measuring 4" x 4".

Lay your two long pieces of fabric, right sides facing and sew around three sides, leaving one of the short sides open.

Turn out pieces and iron flat. Fold the open end in 1/4" and press.

Top stitch around the entire strip.

Press all four edges of your pocket square a 1/4" under. Sew around it to create a finished edge.

Place pocket onto middle of long fabric strip and sew the pocket on. Be sure to leave one of the short edges open at the top for the pocket.

Attach hook and tape to the ends of the long strip.

Attach sling to treadmill, place MP3 player into it. Exercise away.

Santa Hat - December13 , 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Santa Hat

Red Construction Paper, Glue, Cotton Balls

Cut out a large triangle out of red construction paper. Glue on the cotton balls to make a white ball on one of the triangle tips, & glue cotton balls along the bottom edge to form the brim. You can also cut out two triangles & tape or staple them together to make a hat to fit the child's head.

Simmering Spices, Herbs & Citrus Peels - December 13, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Simmering Spices, Herbs & Citrus Peels:

This is a lovely way to make your home smell warm and inviting. Just fill a pot with water, add your favorite ingredients and simmer all day. This also helps humidify the home a bit.

Courtesy of TipNut.com

Welcoming Bells - December 12, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Welcoming Bells

Greet visitors with the sound of bells by slipping this two-tone felt star over the knob on your front door. Older kids can handle the cutting and gluing; young ones will prefer gluing on buttons & sequins. Thin cardboard, pencil, scissors, 2 felt squares, small jingle bells, 1 yard ribbon, glue, buttons, sequins & glitter. Help child draw a five-point star (about eight inches across) on the cardboard and cut it out. Lay the star on a felt square, trace around it with a pencil, then cut it out. Using a drinking glass as a guide, trace, then cut a circle, large enough to fit over your doorknob, in the center of both stars. Once you are certain of the fit, glue the felt and cardboard stars together. From a different color of felt, cut out a star about a half inch smaller. This time, make the hole in the star's center about half the size of the one in the first star. Carefully cut small slits around the hole so that it will pass over the doorknob, then glue the smaller felt star to the larger one. Tie jingle bells to three 12-inch strands of ribbon and glue or sew the ends of the ribbons to the bottom of the star, as shown. Now, the decorating: glue buttons, sequins, or glitter onto the star. To hide the glued ends of the ribbons, cover them with a button or other decoration.

Coat Hook Fireplace Tool Holder - December 12, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Coat-Hook Fireplace Tool Holder

Coat hooks take on a new role when mounted sideways next to your fireplace: They can hold your fireplace tools upright. Look for ones that match the handles.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Three Dimensional Snowman - December 9, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Three Dimensional Snowman

Materials:
Blue construction paper
white paint
sponge
glitter
button eyes
pompoms
popcorn
pipe cleaners
black beans

Sponge paint the snowman shape. Poke two holes to thread yarn through. Cut mittens from folded construction paper and glue to the ends of the yarn. Use construction paper scraps or found objects (buttons, cloth, beans, beads, popcorn) to create a face, hat buttons for snowman. e.g.: cut cloth and pompom for a hat, glue triangle out for a nose, pipe cleaner arms, button eyes, black bean mouth, popcorn buttons.

Home Energy: Door Sweeps - December 9, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Home Energy: Door Sweeps

The Culprit:

Spaces under outside or basement doors.

The Fix:

If a door has an adjustable threshold, it should be snug with the rubber strip when the door is closed. Use a door sweep for gaps of a quarter inch or more.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Hanukkah Wrapping Paper - December 8, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Wrapping Paper

blue paint, large pieces of white paper, plastic margarine lids, small Hanukkah cookies cutters (or basic shapes)

Pour small amount of paint into margarine lids. Dip a cookie cutter into paint, stamp on paper, and then let paint dry.

Christmas Tongue Twisters - December 8, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Can you say these three times... fast?

1. Running reindeer romp 'round red wreaths.

2. Tiny Timmy trims the tall tree with tinsel.

3. Chilly chipper children cheerfully chant.

Clothespin Angel - December 7, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Clothespin Angel

1 4" peg clothespin
1 3/4" wooden ball for head
1 yd. 4" wide lace cut into 2 18" pieces
1/2 yd. 1 1/2-2" lace cut into 2 pieces
Place the 2 pieces of 4" wide lace on top of each other. Gather top, pull thread tight leaving a small hole. Knot. This is the dress. Slip dress onto round part of clothespin, glue. Glue ball on top. For the wings, join each piece of 1 1/2" lace with glue to make a tube. Overlap the 2 pieces in the center, gather up the middle, wrap thread around and tie tightly. Glue wings onto dress just below the head. Make a halo by forming a small circle from a piece of shiny pipe cleaner. Tie a piece of thread or ribbon through this for a hanger and then glue halo on to head. Decorate with ribbons, etc.

Recycle: Plastic Bag Holiday Wreath - December 7, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Recycle: Plastic Bag Holiday Wreath

You’ll need:

-wire hangers (the type you get with your dry cleaning at the laundromat)
-plastic bags (the type that you get with your dry cleaning at the laundromat)
-pliers

It’s very simple to make the wreath:

Step 1: Using a wire hanger, make a circle shape with the help of pliers).

Step 2: Cut the plastic bags in 1/2″ wide strips. You will be left with tons of plastic bag “rings”. Cut both ends of these rings.

Step 3: Fold strips in half. Cut the folded end. Fold the strips in half again. Cut the end. Repeat until you have strips that are 5-6″ long.

Step 4: Tie strips onto the wire. Tie the strips tightly together next to each other until you no longer see the wire.

Courtesy of DesignSponge.com

Santa Face - December 6, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Santa Face

Paint center of palm down to where the fingers start a flesh color. Paint from the center up toward the wrist and onto the thumb red. Paint the remaining four fingers white. Hand print with fingers pointing downward. Use fingertips to decorate the Santa face with black for eyes. White dots at the base of the red for the hat fuzz and a white dot on tip of the thumb.

Fragrance Bowls - December 6, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Fragrance Bowls

Fill large decorative bowls with clean sand then top with citrus peelings, homemade potpourri, cinnamon sticks and bunches of fresh herbs or fragrant flowers to fill a room with a pleasing, and natural, fragrance.

Courtesy of TipNut.com

Days 'Til Christmas Bell - December 5, 2011 - Quick and Easy Daily Crafts for Kids

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Days Till Christmas Bell

Use a smaller "Chinette" type paper bowl, turn the bowl upside down and paint the entire outside with red paint, or whatever color. Allow to dry. Cut strips of paper to make a paper chain. Have the children glue the strips together to make the paper chain for however many days are left till Christmas(reserve one strip to attach chain to bell).

Place the painted bowl upside down on the table. Bring two ends of a pipe cleaner together. Stick ends down through a hole in the center, bottom of the bowl, until half of pipe cleaner is below bottom of bowl and half is above. (you should have a loop on the top to hang your bowl(bell) with. To keep the pipe cleaner in that position, twist it on each side of the bottom of bowl. Squeeze a drop or two of glue between the pipe cleaner and hole in bowl to help keep in place. Add your paper chain to the top of the bell and they can tear one loop or chain off each day and count down the days to Christmas.

Candle Protectors - December 5, 2011 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Candle Protectors

Loose candles can get damaged easily when stored in drawers. Use paper-towel tubes -- the perfect size and shape -- to protect them. Wrap a pair of candles in tissue paper, then slip the package into a cardboard tube. Label each tube with the candles' color and length for quick identification.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com