ML Interest Tag: glitter-glue

We Heart New York: Valentine’s Day Gifts & Activities

by Lambeth Hochwald

Looking for ways to show your Valentine/s some love? Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, looking for something to do together or need an idea for a special activity, we can help! Read on for gifts from local shops and makers, as well cooking and craft projects you can do together (or make as a surprise gift)! And if you’re looking to do some major candy purchases, we can help with our list of the best candy stores in NYC.

But First: Free Chocolate

GODIVA

Valentine’s Day is obviously a big deal at GODIVA. In celebration of the holiday the chocolatier will have two larger-than-life installations of its Gold Ballotin and Goldmark Heart boxes pop up in NYC on February 8 in Herald Square and February 9 in Flatiron Plaza. And yes, they will be giving away chocolate!

(We're guessing they'll be hard to miss but you can keep an eye on GODIVA’s official Instagram for the exact location.) 

See "Bloom" in Times Square

iStock

Wander among fluctuating heart-shaped shadows cast by "Bloom", the winner of the 14th annual Love in Times Square Design Competition. From afar, Bloom resembles a pavilion — a circular roof supported by a series of interlocked red and white PVC pipes, but its appearance changes with your perspective, above, below, etc. Designed by architecture and urban design practice Habitat Workshop, "Bloom" is presented in partnership with The Museum of Arts and Design and will be on view in Duffy Square from February 9 to March 9.

Feb. 9 - Mar. 9
46th & Broadway
Times Square
Online: timessquarenyc.org

Get Cooking

Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen

Make an adorable Valentine's Love Shack with Taste Buds Kitchen, either in your home or at its culinary studio in Chelsea. The in-person workshop, recommended for kids ages 3 to 8 is on Feb. 13. Prices start at $79 for one child and caregiver. Click here to register. Another option: order up a Love Shack ($75) to pick up or be delivered for a $20 fee. Click here to buy.

Taste Buds is also offering an in-person class for kids and caregivers making Valentine's Day Pop-Tarts on Feb. 12. (Starting at $50)

Freshmade NYC

Angela Pham via Unsplash

Freshmade NYC is offering several Valentine's Day cooking projects to take part in live, via Zoom on Feb. 12 & 13. Make sweet or savory palmiers, heart-shaped bagels with berry cream cheese, or make an enjoy fondue together. Classes are $25.

Click here for class details, dates & times

Dig In!

Milk Bar Red Velvet Cake & More

Milk Bar

If the ones you love are red velvet fans, get thee to a Milk Bar, stat! The American-style bakery from chef Christina Tosi with bakery locations all over NYC is serving up some very serious RV treats for Valentine's Day. Choose from red velvet cake, red velvet truffles and even red velvet soft serve! 

Get a cake for $59, a dozen truffles for $29, or a combo pack for $84. 

Online: milkbarstore.com

Dylan's Candy Bar Valentine Variety Tackle Box

Dylan's Candy Bar

This 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Tackle Box ($28) is a chic collection that includes sour gummy triple hearts, cherry taffy, Valentine marshmallows, milk chocolate hearts and more. Pick it up at Dylan's Candy Bar in Hudson Yards, or order it online.

20 Hudson Yards. 4th fl.
34th St. between 10th and 11th Avenues 
Hudson Yards
Online: dylanscandybar.com

Get Creative

Make a Gift at The Painted Pot

Chastity M. via Yelp

Make a special something for mom or dad at The Painted Pot, where you can paint-your-own pottery or acrylic piece. (Pottery needs to be fired and picked up later, acrylic can be taken with you the day you craft.) 

Cost for pieces and studio time is usually about $20-$30. Space is limited due to Covid-19 protocols, and you must book time in advance. 

Still another option is The Painted Pot's art projects to go. 

229 Smith St. 
Cobble Hill
718-222-0334
Online: paintedpot.com

200 7th Ave. 
Park Slope 
718-768-8379

Family Art Project at Wave Hill: Love for Woodland Friends

Joshua Bright

Head to Wave Hill in the Bronx for crafting or birding. Family Art Project: Love for Woodland Friends 

The art project celebrates the ways we care for each other by creating woodland-creature sock puppets. Kids can give a puppet as a heartwarming gift, or keep it to remind them of our local woodland friends. 

For families with older kids, go on a guided birding excursion. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodland with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitat. Birders of all levels are welcome. Please (Bring your own binoculars. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.)

Art Project: Sat. Feb. 12 & Sun., Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - Noon
Free with admission to the grounds 
Wave Hill House
675 West 252nd St.
Bronx
Online:wavehill.org

Birding: Sun. Feb. 13, 9:30–11 a.m.
$15, including admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Get Moving

Zoom With Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner is performing two special "Valentine's Day" LIVE Virtual Family Concerts on Sunday, February 13 at Noon and 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The shows will feature songs about love such as "A Hug From My Mama," "I Love You Daddy" and "My Family," along with some of her greatest hits, including "We Are The Dinosaurs," "Victor Vito," "Pig On Her Head" and "Rocketship Run."  A family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams.

Tickets: $20
Online: live.laurieberkner.com

Get Comfy!

Love-ly Throw Pillows

Alexandra Ferguson

Sometimes you need to make a statement and have it live on your living room furniture every single day. Just ask Alexandra Ferguson, who is all about the love (we’re partial to her ‘Love Lives Here’ pillow for sure), and has been designing recycled felt pillows featuring fun and sassy phrases using die-cut letters sewn in her Brooklyn warehouse for the last 12 year. To order, visit her website or her Etsy shop. Prices start at $64.

Online: etsy.com/shop/alexandraferguson

Arranging Box DIY Flowers

Arranging Box

Anyone can grab roses from a corner bodega and arrive home with a smile and a stunning dozen, but Arranging Box curates fresh blooms and help you expertly style them. Make an arrangement for your beloved, or gift them the kit if that's up their alley. All kits come with fresh flowers, a flower recipe box and step-by-step designing tutorials created by the company’s founder, a savvy floral designer who pivoted to create this company during the pandemic. $59 and up.

Online: arrangingbox.com

Get Fancy 

Glitter Heart Slides From Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

Maybe these are for your little valentine, maybe they are for you. Either way, they're fab. Pick some up ($14) at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store in Brooklyn or online. 

Fifth Ave. 
Park Slope
232-522-9848
Online: blueribbongeneralstore.com

Get Zapped!

Forever Bracelets at Catbird

Catbird

Nothing says forever like...forever. Catbird will zap (i.e., weld) a dainty bracelet on a wrist to be a constant reminder of love. (Of course, you can take them off if you really need to.) Get one for someone special, get a matching pair, etc. Prices start at $98. Minimum age is 10. Weldings are by appointment only a the Soho location. 

253 Centre St. 
Soho
718-599-34576
Online: catbirdnyc.com

 

 

Get Weird!

Name a Bronx Zoo Cockroach

A little pinch of perfect

Can you love a cockroach? The Bronx Zoo says "yes!" and this Valentine’s Day you can name one of the Zoo’s Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The full package comes with roach beanie, a pair of roach socks, a printed certificate with your roach’s name and a very crawly Virtual Encounter with one—and a surprise animal guest too. From $15.

Online: bronxzoo.com

—Lambeth Hochwald & Mimi O’Connor

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5 Clever Ways to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety

By Nina Meehan

It’s August and school is upon us! Last year was just about the weirdest year ever for our kids, so this fall might feel a little intimidating or scary for some little ones. The good news? Kids are resilient and strong, but it makes total sense that they might have a lot of big feelings associated with being back in the classroom. Here are five creative ideas that might be helpful to ease the back-to-school transition:

1. Act It Out
If kids are nervous about going back to school, try roll play! First, act out what the first day of school might actually be like, then try the OTT version (Over the Top) where everything is silly and exaggerated. Try switching rolls. You can be the teacher and your child can be the student and then switch!

2. Draw It Out
Help kids feel ownership of their back-to-school process with an art project to decorate a new lunch box or a backpack. Using glitter glue pens or fabric markers give kids the freedom to go to town on an item they will be bringing with them to school. This gives them a sense of control and helps them bring their own unique perspective and artistic voice into an otherwise unfamiliar situation.

3. Play It Out
Kids need practice reading other people’s emotions—particularly with masks. Remind them of the importance of using their eyes to express and read emotions. Practice “HAPPY” “SAD” “ANGRY” and “SILLY” eyes. Make it into a game and see if you can guess each other’s emotions.  

4. Talk It Out
Let your story be their school super power. Tell them the story of your first day of school or a memorable moment from your childhood at school with this framework:  

A LONG TIME AGO, WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE, I HAD A HARD TIME WITH ___________ .  

I FELT ___________ WHEN I WAS GOING TO ___________.  

I TOOK MY DEEP BREATHS AND I __________.  

IT WAS SCARY AT FIRST, BUT THEN I REALIZED ______________.  

5. Dance It Out
Do you walk to school? How about dancing to school instead? Take turns leading different silly dance moves as you walk. Bonus: play some fun music on your phone as you go! Not walking, but driving? No problem, use arm-dancing that you can do SAFELY while driving!

Whatever you choose to do, keep in mind that the more creative play and imagination you can bring to the back to school process, the more your kids will have opportunities for laughter and joy! Laughter is proven to reduce anxiety and stress and, I think we all could use a little of that this fall. 

RELATED STORIES:
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This post originally appeared on Piedmont Post.

Nina Meehan is CEO and Founder Bay Area Children's Theatre and the host of the Creative Parenting Podcast. An internationally recognized expert in youth development through the arts, Nina nurtures innovation by fostering creative thinking. She is mom to Toby (13), Robby (10) and Meadow (5).  

   

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The Valentine’s Day Gift That No Kid Wants

By Sonal Patel

Ah, Valentine’s Day: is there any other holiday besides Halloween more closely linked with candy, dessert, flowers and jewelry? Read on for some tips to make this holiday a safe one for those you love the most, both at home and at school.

How to Have a Valentine’s Day at School

Exchanging Valentines has been a fun tradition in schools for many years. Because Valentine’s Day is also associated with chocolate and sweets, it is important to have a plan to ensure that children with food allergies can safely take part in the holiday festivities. If your child’s school celebrates Valentine’s Day, here are some tips for ensuring that it is safe and fun for everyone.

Parents, talk with the teacher in advance about having a safe and inclusive celebration. Start this conversation early and with a written plan. Talk with your child and remind them of what they cannot eat. Helpful rules include having your child check with you or her teacher  before eating any food and not sharing foods.

Teachers, please do not allow children with food allergies to share food. Foods from others may be a source of unintended allergen exposure. The CDC recommends the use of non-food rewards when possible. The easiest way to ensure all children are safely included at school is to keep Valentine celebrations food-free. This promotes inclusiveness in the classroom while also descreasing the risk that a student could be exposed to an allergen.

Celebrating without sugary, high-fat food and sweets is also healthier and consistent with the wellness policies in place in many schools.

Other Valentine rewards, crafts and activities:

  • Exchange Valentine-themed pencils, stickers, pencil sharpeners and other trinkets.
  • Allow children to design and create handmade Valentines for classmates, teachers and family using construction paper, glitter, glue, stickers, lace and other craft materials.
  • Make paper flowers from tissue paper and pipe cleaners.
  • Cut out paper hearts and attach to string to make garland for the classroom.
  • Allow children to decorate a mailbox or paper bag to use to collect their Valentines.
  • Have the class work together to decorate a bulletin board or the room door for Valentine’s Day.
  • Make friendship bracelets for classmates to share.
  • Create thumb or hand print Valentines. 

How to Have a Safe Valentine’s Day at Home

Valentine’s Day is the perfect reason to make time to be together and to show your loved ones how much you care for them.  

Yum! But wait. Most people know that those with peanut allergies can have severe allergic reactions to anything that nuts touch. But the most common food allergens also include eggs, milk, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. If you’re baking or cooking for February 14th, make sure your sweetheart is okay with the ingredients. Remember to check all labels to ensure foods are safe for your child. Be aware that holiday candy may be manufactured in a different facility than their regular-sized versions or may use different ingredients.

If you’ll be dining out at a special restaurant—especially one you’ve never been to before—call ahead to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. You’ll be a romantic hero for the night.

Pass on the perfume. Some people have a response to strong fragrances—think grandma’s perfume and your old uncle’s cologne. It is generally a reaction to odors created by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and maybe that’s a gift you should avoid this year.

A Red Rose. How romantic! Nothing says Valentine’s Day like red roses. And for those allergic to plant pollen, it turns out that roses and some other plants produce very little or no pollen. Other “allergy-friendly” plants include begonia, cactus, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil and geraniums.

You shouldn’t have! Really. Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Nickel is found in many metal products, such as jewelry, zippers and buttons. Even chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that can irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Pucker up with care. Believe it or not, there’s something called a “kissing allergy,” most commonly found in people who have food or medication allergies. Symptoms include swelling of the lips or throat, rash, hives, itching and wheezing. So what’s a lovebird to do? Allergists recommend that the non-allergic partner brush his or her teeth, rinse his or her mouth and avoid the offending food for 16 to 24 hours before smooching.

Whatever your choices for wooing your loved one or celebrating your little one this Valentine’s Day, make sure it’s a gift that’s safe and allergy-free.

Dr. Patel is an allergist in Pasadena California. She is board-certified in Allergy-Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. She is the co-author of The Mommy MD guides to Twins Triplets and More! She understands that parenting is the hardest and most fulfilling job you can have. You can find her @TMommyMD.

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Move Over Slime: It’s DIY Booger Time

by Melissa Heckscher

Snot, baby! It’s everywhere. From playgrounds to backpacks across America, the DIY slime craze has taken the under 12 crowd by storm. One-up ’em and make some boogers you can call your own. This gross but cool science experiment will thrill your kiddos! Read on for this easy science project.

snot-supplies

What you’ll need:

Borax

Glue gel (we used purple glitter)

Green and/or yellow food coloring

Water

Cups/ spoons/ chopstick for mixing and stirring

Measuring cup and spoon

snot-step1

(Shhhh: This isn’t just a gross recipe; it’s science! Your young chemists will discover that mixing borax solution and glue triggers a real chemical reaction that changes both solutions into a gloriously gross goo.)
Step One: Make a borax solution
Mix two tablespoons of borax with one cup of water and stir until dissolved. Parental note: Borox powder can irritate the lungs if inhaled in powder form. Be sure to keep the box away from kids and do the pouring/scooping for younger tots who might spill. 

snot-step2

Step Two: Make a watery glue ooze
Mix three tablespoon of water with two tablespoons of glue (we used this glitter glue, just because we wanted our snot to sparkle) and stir to combine.

snot-step4

Step Three: Make it green
Let your little one be a color mixologist! Drop just enough green and yellow food coloring (a few drops is all you need!) into your ooze to make it a nice, Ogre-green color. But you can also get creative and do red, blue, black or even purple goop.

snot-step6

Step Four: Make the yucky magic happen!
This is the fun part: Add one tablespoon of the borax solution to your glue ooze and stir. Watch as the concoction quickly turns into a gooey clump. Add more borax solution if you want to thin out your ooze; less to keep it more like a jelly-snot. Ours turned out more solid than liquid, but our little chemists were happy with that.

snot-step7

Step Five: Trick your friends!
You’ve made your snot; now, what to do with it? Let your kiddos try these fun tricks:

Put your boogers into a tissue and go, “Ah-choo!” Then, show off the goods to anyone who wants to look.

Leave some stuck across the bathroom door handle.

Break off some pieces and make some yucky chunks to “pick” out of your nose. If you can do this before your kids do, you are going to earn some serious cred.

snot-booger

 

— all photos and copy by Melissa Heckscher

 

 

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12 Easy Wind Chimes Kids Can Make at Home

by Nikki Walsh

Looking for a way to harness the wind? From upcycled plastic lids and egg cartons to tin cans and seashells, check out these 12 unique wind chimes you can make at home. Not only will it give your kids something to do, but it also makes for sweet backyard decor. Scroll down, our how to make wind chimes crafts will blow you away!

Recycled Plastic Lid Wind Chimes

Fun Family Crafts

Recycle! Parents can help out on this wind chime project. Recycling plastic lids and pretty beads (or anything you can put on a string) makes for this colorful wind chime. We love the tutorial over at Crafts by Amanda, so head over for the deets. Then it’s time to get crafty.

Eggs-tra Easy

Bar Rucci via ArtBar

The sky’s the limit when your little artist reuses egg cartons to make these pretty pastel wind chimes. This project is a breeze to put together with a few supplies: egg cartons, watercolor paint, beads, bells and yarn. Get instructions for this eggs-ellent idea from Barbara over at ArtBar.

Ocean in the Air

Jessica via Let's Do Something Crafty

Shell we make some wind chimes today? Grab shells, glitter, glue gun and string, then follow Jessica Amey’s simple directions at Let’s Do Something Crafty, and you’ve got new backyard décor. When you're done, tie it up and let the wind do its thing.

Tea Bottle Wind Chimes

Amy Latta Creations

From colorful paper mâché and glitter paint, your little crafter will enjoy this DIY wind chime project. The best part is the tinkering sound the lids make when done. For a complete how-to head over to Amy Latte Creations and get started today!

Hanging Hearts

Allison via No Time for Flashcards

It's heart to resist this sweet wind chime made with care over at No Time for Flashcards. Little hands will need a little help (it's worth the effort!) melting these pretty red and white hearts. You’ll need pony beads, string, a piece of wood and silicone holders. You can get the 4-1-1 from Allison over at No Time for Flashcards.

Macrame Wind Chimes

Crafts Unleashed

If your little crafter is keen on making friendship bracelets, then these DIY macrame wind chimes are perfect. For what to get and how to make these wind chimes head over to Crafts Unleased. When done, hand them up and listen to the music in the wind.

Creature Chime

Chelsey via Buggy and Buddy

Paperclips? Check. Plastic cup? Check. Add string, googly eyes and bells, and you’ve got the makings of a wind chime inspired by Chelsey over at Buggy and Buddy. Go here for the step-by-step. When done, sit back and hear the bells.

Over the Rainbow

Jackie Curry via Happy Hooligans

Wood-n’t you like to make this colorful chime? There are a few more steps to this project, but the result is worth it. Props to Jackie at Happy Hooligans, who came up with this cool craft that starts with a nature walk. Find the how-to here.

Fairy Fabulous

Lori via Beneath the Rowan Tree

Who doesn’t love to believe in fairy tales? These cute little wind chimes make a sweet tinkering sound that your own fabulous fairy will love. There are quite a few (but do-able) steps: you'll need beads, small jingle bells, wire and miniature flower pots. Lori over at Beneath the Rowan Tree gives us detailed steps.

Awesome Upcycle

Natalie Kramer via Homemade Charlotte

We try to set a good example for our kids by picking up trash from the environment. Well, Natalie over at Handmade Charlotte took this task up a notch when she made these whimsical wind chimes. You’ll need a plastic lid, ice cream spoons, bells, feathers and several other items. Get the full scoop, here.

Do the Can-Can

Kimbo via A girl with a glue gun

When kids are done playing “kick the can” they can paint them to make this bright and bold can craft. A nod to Kim who came up with this cool idea that’s easy for kiddos to do. All you need is an old lampshade wire (or something similar), cans, paint, string, hammer (adult supervision, please) and nails. Grab the directions here.

—Nikki Walsh

 

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25 Parenting Hacks You Need in Your Life

by Allison Sutcliffe

There’s a reason why everyone says being a parent is the toughest job you’ll ever love. Because it’s true! But it doesn’t have to be. Lighten the load of your tough job with creative life hacks for moms and dads. You can thank us later.

Get the “Right” Foot Every Time

Allison Sutcliffe

Ah, sweet children. It’s a wonder their feet aren’t warped from shoes forever being put on the wrong foot. Help your little ones determine left from right with stickers. Cut one in half and place each half inside the soles of your kiddo’s shoes, so that when they’re paired correctly, the sticker looks whole. We love the simplicity of this visual aid.

Tie It Once

Pixabay

Getting shoes on the right feet is just the first hurdle. Getting kids to tie them quickly is the second. Sure, you could take the Velcro route, but you don’t need to if you replace your kid’s original sneaker laces with elastic ones. Here’s the best part: when you’ve got time to spare, kids can still practice their skills. But when you don’t, they can just slip them on. It’s almost too easy!

File It, Baby

Allison Sutcliffe

Between all the squirming and the fear of accidentally taking off the tip of your kid’s finger, using clippers to cut baby fingernails is pretty much madness. Take the pressure off by using a nail file instead. This hack lets you breathe easy.

Change Into Jammies after Swimming

Jason via flickr

Summer is still a little while away, but if you’ve got little swimmers in the fam, pool time is all the time. Changing out of swimwear can be difficult, which is why we suggest getting it over with right after your kids get out of the water. Keep an extra set of jammies in their swim bag or in the car so they can change ASAP after pool time is done.

Enjoy a Quiet Meal

saritarobinson via flickr

Sure, there will be a time where you’re desperate to get your tween to talk to you over a meal, but for now, peace and quiet during the breakfast rush is your goal. Turn on a family-friendly podcast over eggs and cereal to calm the chaos before school. We’ve got a few suggestions that are great for families, so everyone’s ears are happy.

Carabiner Hair Tie Holder

Jennie Rosenbaum via flickr

Every parent has experienced that constant search for hair ties. No matter how many packs you buy, eventually they’ll all be gone, and you’ll be back at the drugstore buying more. With this cool hack, you can save yourself headaches and money. All you need is a carabiner—open the clasp to store hair ties, and close it create the ultimate hair tie holder.

Sweep Your Kid's Room for Favors and Gifts

Jenn Durfey via flickr

With all of the awesome parties, fairs and fads for kids, yours have probably started to collect a gazillion random things. So, how do you keep your house clean with all of this stuff? We recommend doing a sweep of your little one's rooms when they're at school to get rid of the extra party favors, stray stickers and play dough clumps that are constantly multiplying in every corner of your house.

Frozen Sponge Ice Pack

The Best Hobbies Blog via Instructables

Packing lunch for your kids is usually part of the morning routine, and one of the most important items you need is an ice pack. Save money by skipping the blue plastic inserts, and use a frozen sponge to keep your youngsters’ lunches nice and frosty, instead. Put a wet sponge in a plastic bag and freeze: this technique will give you the perfect DIY ice pack.

Keep Cupholders Clean

Allison Sutcliffe

If you’ve ever wondered where lost Minifigs go, we’re pretty sure they’re all hiding inside your kid’s car seat base, refugees from closed cup holders of day’s past. Keep your Minifigs safe, and simplify cleaning car seat cup holders by using cupcake liners. They easily lift out when too many crumbs or leftover Cheerios fill them up, or forgotten toys need rescuing. It’s an easy clean solution.

Always Have Birthday Gifts

Erik Przekop via flickr

Birthday parties for kids are awesome! But, every parent has experienced the panic of being invited to the last minute birthday party or forgetting about a shindig your little ones are attending. We suggest ordering birthday gifts as soon as you RSVP or keeping a stash of gender-neutral gifts handy just in case!

Give Kids a Helping Hand

Pixabay

Your little ones want to get in on the game, but fanning cards can be so tough for little hands. The next time you sit down to family game night and your kids need a cardholder, use a modified egg carton to make one. Use an X-Acto knife to cut a slit in the top of each egg well on an upside down egg carton. The kids can slide in their cards lickety-split, and it’s time to play!

Barbie Organizer

A Girl and a Glue Gun

If you're looking for a creative way to organize your kiddos' dolls we've found an awesome hack just for you. Follow this unique tutorial from A Girl and a Glue Gun to create a Barbie organizer that's similar to an over-the-door shoe organizer, but it is customized to fit the height and width of each doll. It does require sewing skills, but you'll have an amazing storage system that's guaranteed to save you serious cleaning headaches. 

Let Them Cut Cake

Pixabay

Your toddler is all about being independent and doing it himself. And you’re totally on board … unless he’s wielding your incredibly sharp knives. Keep little fingers safe and still build their confidence when you let kids use a pizza cutter to cut up quesadillas, grilled cheese, pancakes, whatever foods need to be cut “just right.” What a great way to practice life skills!

Hooks to Secure Your Fridge Door

ytdk

With a bunch of little tykes running around, safety is every parent's number one concern. One of our favorite life hacks for moms and dads is using a rubber bracelet and a pair of command hooks to secure your fridge door. Put one large command hook on the door and one on the body of the fridge. Then hook the bracelet around those two hooks, and you’ve got an awesome kiddie-proof fridge door that will keep everyone safe. Want other kitchen hacks? Click here. 

Key Ketchup Placement

Pixabay

When it comes to dressing up your kids' hot dogs, a mess is inevitable. Ketchup squirting out the back end while simultaneously ending up on their face. It’s like a horror show of a different variety. That’s why we love this ingenious hack—put the ketchup under the hot dog, not on top and definitely not on the side. With nowhere to go the ketchup stays put, and you’ve got less mess.

Keep a Donation Bag in Your Closet

Howard Lake via flickr

Cleaning out the closet is everyone’s spring cleaning nightmare. But, there’s a simple way to make the process a little smoother. One of our favorite life hacks is to keep a donation bag in the closet where you can put all of the items you’re planning to donate. It'll make it a lot easier to organize and separate when you’re ready to refresh your closet.

Chore Baskets

Margo via Joyful Homemaking

When your kids get a little older, having them help with chores around the house is important. This cool life hack for moms makes it easy for everyone to help out. From Joyful Homemaking, all you really need are plastic shower caddies, zip ties and a printer. The goal is to put all of the cleaning supplies each person needs in their basket and put a little list on the outside of it, so everyone knows which chores they need to complete.

Pick it up Quick

Allison Sutcliffe

If you cringe when your kid mentions glitter, we’re right there with you. But rather than feeling like you live in a fairy wonderland every time you craft with this seemingly impossible-to-cleanup substance, do what we do. Use a lint roller to get on top of it when craft time is over. We bet you’ll find less of the sparkly residue in your sink, on your floors and in crevices you didn’t even know existed after you use this simple hack.

Keep Birthday Cards on Hand

Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine Follow via flickr

We talked about gifts, but don’t forget about the cards. Birthday cards are sweet keepsakes for kids, and it’s always nice to include them with gifts. Since they’re so small, it’s easy to keep a selection of gender neutral cards on hand for those last minute invites.

Plastic Bins for Toy Storage

Mike Mozart via flickr

We know every household needs storage. With all of the toys, sports gear and dress-up costumes lying around the house, finding a place to put everything is a daily struggle. One of our favorite parent hacks is using dollar store plastic bins to store toys. These inexpensive containers are a life saver especially when it comes to storing tiny things like LEGO, doll clothes and toy cars. See our other favorite toy storage hacks by clicking here. 

Binder Clip as a Sponge Stand

Horia Varlan via flickr

One of the most popular places for bacteria to hang out in your kitchen is on your sponge. How does this happen? The biggest culprit is moisture. The sponge collects dirt and grime and stays sopping wet for a long time. One way to avoid the extra moisture all together is by putting a binder clip at the bottom of the sponge and using it as a makeshift stand. This allows the sponge dry out, so it stays free of bacteria.

Cookie Cutter Cabinet Locks

Kara Aycoth

If you're a new parent, and especially if you have toddlers running around, baby-proofing the house is a must. One of the most common items you need to secure is all of your cabinets, but there's no need to invest in expensive cabinet locks. Use this awesome hack from Kara Aycoth: Take cookie cutters and slide them over both handles to create fun and super cute locks.

Keep a Box for Kiddie Art

Gverds via flickr

If you have a creative child, you're always surrounded by kiddie art. But, what happens when there are drawings covering the walls, fridge and tables? We recommend keeping a box on hand to keep all of your favorite pieces.

Wine Rack for Craft Storage

Dean Wissing via flickr

We know you love your wine rack. But, with a few easy steps, you can transform it into a helpful craft corner for the kiddos. Take a few red plastic cups and place them at the same angle as a wine bottle inside the metal rungs. Use the cups to store everything from markers to glitter glue, tape and much more. 

Frozen Balloons

Brit Co

If you're heading to the beach this summer, you're definitely going to want to use this awesome hack from Brit & Co. Instead of putting loose ice in your cooler, try freezing water balloons in there instead. They double as ice packs to keep food and drinks cold, and you can use them for a pretty amazing water balloon fight at the end of the day. 

—Allison Sutcliffe & Natasha Davis

 

RELATED STORIES:

23 Life-Saving House Cleaning Hacks

10 Hacks to Keep Your Kitchen Organized

Top Hacks to Stay Clean & Organized Beyond Spring

19 Genius Toy Storage Hacks Because You Have WAY Too Many Toys

 

Featured photo: iStock

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Heart to Heart: Valentine’s Day Fun Around the District

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Glitter, glue and lace doilies; if you feel like Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to get crafty, there’s a historical reason for that! Penning a sweet note on Valentine’s day dates back to the 1400‘s and by the 1800‘s exchanging gifts and cards was the social norm. From handcrafting notes to dancing the night away, celebrate the little loves in your life with one of these ancient traditions.

Photo: Meg and Jeremy Fincher via Flickr

Love at the Library 
Why buy Valentine’s Day cards when you can make them for free at the library? All supplies will be provided and Petworth library will also be collecting hand made cards to donate to the Children’s National Medical Center.

Ages: 4 and up
Cost: Free
When: Feb. 6-7, 4:30 pm

4200 Kansas Ave. NW (Petworth)
Online: dclibrary.org

Valentine’s Day Baking
Want to impress your family in the kitchen this Valentine’s Day? Head over to Williams Sonoma on February 10th and learn how to make yummy V-Day treats to share with your peeps! Whip up some sweet heart-shaped creationsand enjoy them in class as well as home. 

Ages: 5-13
Cost: $30
When: Feb. 9, 10 am

4824 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
Online: williams-sonoma.com

My First Sweetheart Dance
This annual event is sure to become a treasured family tradition; held at the Philomont Community Center, this Sweetheart Dance is exclusively for families. Refreshments will be served (so dance up an appetite).

Ages: All
Cost: $20
When: Feb. 8 , 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

36592 Jeb Stuart Rd. (Philomont, VA)
Online: loudoun.gov

Skating and Hot Chocolate  
There’s nothing they’ll enjoy more on the day we celebrate love, than ice skating at the National Gallery of Art’s rink. And when everyone is cold (or tired of falling!), head to the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe for a sweet cup of hot cocoa. They even have fun flavors you can add like peppermint, caramel, and gingerbread. And best part for adults is that you can add peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s for an extra little pick me up.

4th & Constitution Ave., NW (National Mall)
Online: nga.gov

Valentine’s Day Hike
Bundle up and bring your valentine for a night-time stroll at the park the Valentine’s Day. During the 1-mile hike, you’ll look and listen for creatures that are most active at night. Crickets!

Ages: 8 and up
Cost: $6
When: Feb. 14, 6 pm-7 pm

20926 Lake Ridge Dr (Boyds, MD)
Online: montgomeryparks.org

Afternoon Tea At Lady Camellia
Give those pinkies a workout with afternoon tea on Valentine’s Day! Smack in the middle of Georgetown, Lady Caellia’s is the perfect option for a relaxed afternoon in the city. Lady Camellia’s is a pastry and tea room where family and friends can gather to relax, reconnect, and take a break from their busy lives. They have a lovely children’s tea with options such as Nutella and PB& J sandwiches. It’s truly a special place to celebrate life with tea and nibbles.

3261 Prospect St., NW (Georgetown)
Online: ladycamellia.com

Valentines Heart Candy Box
At the Springfield Home Depot, build a heart shaped box for Valentine’s Day perfect as a gift for someone you love or to stash all your super sweet Valentine’s Day goodies and keepsakes. Once the heart is built, kiddo can customize it with paint and stickers.

Ages: 5-12
Cost: Free
When: Feb. 2 , 9 am-12 pm

6691 Frontier Rd. (Springfield, VA)
Online: workshops.homedepot.com

—Meghan Meyers and Ayren Jackson

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A Menorah You Can Make in One Afternoon

By Leah Singer

 

photo: Leah Singer

Hanukkah, Hanukkah, come light the menorah…or in this case, make one! We went ahead and started the celebration, with a craft that uses toilet paper rolls. Total win.

Here’s what you need:

9 toilet paper rolls (1 for the pattern and 8 for the candles)
1 paper towel roll (for the shamash)
blue and white construction paper
yellow felt or construction paper
gold glitter
glue gun

Here’s how to make it:

Cut out nine candle flames from the felt. Give your kids the important task of putting glue on each flame and dousing them with glitter. Messy, but fun!

Next, get your toilet paper and paper towel rolls ready. Cut a candle pattern with one of the rolls, like this.

Proceed to use this pattern to make candles out of the remaining toilet paper rolls. Do same with the shamash, but make it taller since it is the most important candle that lights the others. You can even go one step further and use the pattern on the blue and white construction paper to glue over the toilet paper candles.

If you have kids who are slightly older and can follow a pattern with scissors, by all means, have them do it! Once the candles were ready, use a glue gun to affix the flames.

Once the final task is complete, line up your menorah candles to admire your work. So there you have it—a fun Hanukkah craft for one of the eight crazy nights! Happy Hanukkah!

—Leah Singer

 

RELATED STORIES: 

14 Easy Hanukkah Crafts to Try This Year

Hanukkah-Themed Gifts for Your Holiday Wish Lists

Cauliflower Latkes Arrive at Trader Joe’s Just in Time for Hanukkah

Homemade Menorahs That’ll Light Up Their Lives

Leah Singer is a freelance writer who writes for Scary Mommy, Babble, The Huffington Post, BlogHer, and other publications. She blogs at Leah’s Thoughts, where she shares stories about the everyday nuances of life in San Diego as a mom (daughter + pets), bookworm, foodie, photo taker, and an introvert.

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5 Super Simple Paper Bag Crafts to Bust Out Today

by writerredtri

Need a few crafts in your arsenal in response to the “I’m bored” chant you’re bound to hear this summer? It doesn’t get simpler than a paper bag and these five crafts are inexpensive, clever and just time-consuming enough to stave off the summer doldrums. Scroll down to get started.

photo: Sophies World 

1. Easy-Peasy Kite
Save this craft from Sophie’s World for a windy day! The best part is that the kids can decorate it however they want whether it’s with markers, feathers, streamers, or stickers. They will be thrilled to see their creation floating in the wind for all the world to see.

 

photo: Easy Preschool Crafts for Kids 

2. Fish on the Fly
While the last craft soars in the sky, this craft from Easy Preschool Crafts for Kids swims in the sea! It smiles, it swims, it’s simple and it’s sparkly! Grab some markets, glitter, glue, and any other fun additions you have lying around your craft box to decorate your fish. What more could a kid ask for?

photo: Creative Jewish Mom

3. Simple Apple Tree
This craft involves a little bit of twist and a little bit of curl. And remember there are many fruits out there that you can jazz the branches up with. Maybe add a bird or a squirrel or two! Check out Creative Jewish Mom for the full low down on how to twist, curl, and create this fun paper bag craft.

photo: Fun Family Crafts

4. Funky Birds 
Your kiddos will love these friendly bird puppets from Fun Family Crafts because they are colorful and exotic. You will love them because they are easy! Plus: who doesn’t like feathers?

5. No-Heat Fireplace
This warm fireplace from Crafts by Amanda is a homey addition to a doll house or a kid’s room to make them feel like real grownups (without the fire hazard, of course!). It will be fun for the little ones to search out sticks in the woods or at your local park for their very own mini fire place! Thanks to Crafts by Amanda for this awesome idea!

 

Have you tired any of these cute paper bag crafts? Tell us in a comment below. 

—Parham B.

featured photo: Mark J. Sebastian via flickr

 

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