Jello Finger Paints

Now this one isn't my favorite but I have not tried it out yet so I will have to give a better review after I try it.

What you need for this on is a package of any flavored jello and boiling water. You will mix them together until you get it to a goo consistency that is good for finger painting. You can use any materials that you would normally use to finger paint on.

It seems that kids would love the feel and the smells from this finger paint so try it out and let me know how it goes, that is if I don't do it before you do.

Kool-Aid Finger Paint

Here is another alternative to the expensive finger paints that you buy in the store that you cannot be 100% sure that they are non-toxic.

What you will need is 2 cups of flour, 2 packs of unsweetened Kool-Aid, 1/2 cup of salt, 3 cups of boiling water, and 3 tablespoons of oil. You will simply mix the dry into the wet and then when you are done you will have your own homemade finger paint.

It is very simple and not as costly as the stuff you buy in the store because most people usually have some of these ingredients, if not all of them.

I hope you and your children have some fun with this! Also if your children always want to help you in the kitchen they can always help you mix this all up, just be careful of the boiling water!

Homemade Edible Peanut Butter Play Doh!

This recipe isn't right for everyone, for instance for children who cannot have honey or peanut butter. This is very easy to make & much cheaper then buying play doh, whice you have to keep a close eye on your kids so they don't eat it.

For this you will need 1 c. of peanut butter, 1/2 c. of honey, and 1 & 1/2 c. of powdered milk. The next steps are very easy, mix all ingredients together and then form into balls. That's it. Now tell me that isn't easy enough for you to do so your child(ren) can have some fun, and you won't have to worry about them eating it.

This also can be used as a great 'candy' when you use peanut butter and powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

Homemade Glitter!

Art supplies don't have to be so expensive. My next few post will be a series of how to save money on art supplies for home by making them yourselves.

To make Homemade Glitter all you need is some liquid food coloring and a 1/2 c of table salt. You will use 5-6 drops of food coloring, you will mix it into the salt. Then you will cook it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. After it is done in the microwave you will need to spread it out over wax paper and let it air dry. After it is dry put it in an airtight container for storage.

See, very simple and a super easy way to save money for your little artist. Plus this way you can make sure if they end up eating some of it that you will know that it is 100% non-toxic.

Homemade Butter in 5 Minutes!

No need to spend hours churning butter to have wonderful tasting homemade butter. Plus it is healthier than the kind you buy in stores.

All you need to make this butter is 16 oz of heavy cream(chilled), 1/2 tsp of salt, and a mixer(preferably a standing mixer but a hand mixer will work, the standing ones are just easier since you don't have to hold it).

Put the ingredients in your mixer and turn the mixer on to high. You will be going a step past whipped cream, the process will take about 3 minutes. It will then deflate and start to look like scrambled eggs. You will keep beating for a few more seconds and you will notice water start to separate from the butter(this is actually buttermilk and can be saved for later use if you want it).

Once the buttermilk has formed stop mixing. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fill the bowl with cold, running water. With your hands, squeeze the butter to form a ball. Keep massaging the ball under the cold water until the water runs clear. This insures that all the buttermilk has been removed, that way the butter will stay fresh longer.

Once your water runs clear wrap in parchment paper, or put into a small serving dish and cover it up. Then put it in the fridge. This is great tasting butter and it is fast to make. I highly recommend this butter!

Homemade Baby Wipes

Baby wipes can get expensive BUT you can make your own. You can even keep some of these in your car for sticky fingers.

To make homemade wipes you will need a roll of sturdy paper towels, baby oil, baby wash, and a deep Tupperware container. First you will need to cut the roll of paper towels in half. Then fill the Tupperware container half way with the baby oil and baby wash(make sure you don't put to much of either in, half of each should do). Then place the paper towels on top of the mixture and put the lid on the Tupperware container. Lastly, you will turn the Tupperware container over so it is upside-down so the mixture can soak down into the paper towels.

Tada!!! You have homemade paper towels.

Teething Biscuits

So we all know how challenging teething is. It breaks our hearts to see our babies in pain, knowing there is only so much we can do about it. Teething biscuits can get to be expensive and you can never be 100% sure that everything in them is safe for your baby. Truth is, any bread that has been hardened can be used as a teething "biscuit". I have also found a healthy recipe as an alternative to the expensive teething biscuits you buy in stores.

Ingredients:

• 1 beaten egg yolk
• 3 tbsp maple syrup or molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1.5 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp uncooked oatmeal
• 1 cup flour (white, wheat, or combo)
  
• 1 tbsp soy flour
• 1 tbsp wheat germ
• 1 tbsp nonfat dry milk

Directions:

Blend wet ingredients, add dry ingredients. Dough will be stiff. Roll dough thin and cut into strips and shape to your desired shape. Bake at 350 degree's for 15 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Though the last three ingredients are not needed, they add to the nutritional value.


If you would like additional recipes please comment and let me know, or watch the blog as I will update with more in the future (I have about 6 more).

For your Relaxation

Well with our busy life styles we all need to relax every now and then. How about you treat yourself to a homemade facial?

Soothing Oatmeal Mask

Ingredients:

• 6 or 8 oz plain yogurt
• 1/4 or 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 2 tsp beeswax or honey

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients.
• Apply a thin layer to your face.
• The honey will help the mask on your face long enough for the oatmeal to work.
• For optimum results keep the mask on your face for at least 20 minutes.

Benefits from the Ingredients:

Oatmeal

• Soothing powers
• Purifying and softening effect

Beeswax/honey

• Emulsifying powers
• Helps in adhering to skin

Homemade Ice Cream In a Bag

This is a personal favorite of mine. You can do this with your children or by yourself:D.

What you will need:

• 1 Tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 c. Milk or Half & Half
• 1/4 Tsp. Vanilla
• 6 Tbsp rock salt
• 1 pint-sized plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
• 1 gallon-sized plastic food storage bag
• Ice cubes

How to make it:

1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and the rock salt. Seal the bag.
2. Put the milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
3. Place the small bag inside of the large bag, seal the large bag again carefully.
4. Shake until the mixture is Ice Cream, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
5. Wipe of the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!

Tip:

• A 1/2 cup of Milk will make about a scoop of ice cream, so double the Ice Cream if you want more. But don't increase the portions more than that - it will weigh to much for the kids to pick up and successfully shake it up.