10 Ways to Play

Amy over at Let's Explore has started a monthly series called Ways to Play. Each month through the year she's posting "10 Ways to Play in ... [which] highlights 10 fun and simple ways to play and connect with your kids."

Visit her site to download the printable and then post it on your fridge or keep it somewhere handy when you need a fun easy activity to do with your kids. Some of them will need slightly more planning than others, but these are all simple activities you can execute in your home with materials on hand.

Go get 10 Ways to Play in February!

What a great idea - thanks Amy!

Valentine's Craftiness

Here are two cute ideas for Valentine festiveness.

1. I found this on Intentionally Katie, you can visit the link for her full blog post; but here's my take.Snap a picture or two of your kid or kiddo with something heart shaped. Younger kids use an small wooden heart, older kids you can use a heart cut out of paper. Any heart shaped object will do, and likely you already have one or can make one (see below) pretty easily. Then use the photo as valentine's for playmates, grandparents or simply frame as a decoration in your own home. I took several pics of my kids and came up with this collage - it will go in Jon's office at work, as the clients give him a hard time if he doesn't have recent photos!

2. Simple Heart Wreath
This one is from Prudent Baby. It was super easy to do (after borrowing some flower punches - thanks Dana!). I picked up a circular piece of foam and cut it to size. Covered it in felt. Arranged the flowers around it and stuck them with pins. Added some ribbon to hang, and voi-la - cute pretty heart decoration.

More Valentine Treats

Okay, so it has come to my attention that my crochet and crafting projects may have left out a whole other group of mommies. The bakers! So for all you who love to bake and create in the kitchen these ideas are for you! For forth prosper your families tummies! And just to make sure I don't leave anyone else out, there's also a couple of super easy, no baking, crafting, crocheting, sewing skills required ideas.

Many of you know, I'm a sucker for food on a stick! All good food comes on a stick: corndogs, lollipops, kabobs, Popsicle, chocolate dipped pineapple, cake pops... see where I'm going here? So of course I flipped for these Heart Rice Krispie Pops! Rice Kripie Treats on. a. stick! Super easy, tasty and I know your kids will love helping you make them. If you don't have the cool heart shaped pan, you could use a heart shaped cookie cutter (or other spring themed cookie cutters). Valentine's sprinkles look just as good on square or circle pops too!
Anyone looking for a special treat for your child's teacher? How about these? Valentine Candy Jar. I love the use of the baking cup under the lid!
And here's one more for your kids classmates, another cute use for baking cups!
Baking Cup Flower Valentines