Monthly Archives: March 2017

5 posts

DIY DISNEY: Recipe for Grey Stuff

My three year old is really into crafting right now, and so when we ran across the recipe for “grey stuff” we knew we HAD to try it! Cooking and Crafting with your toddlers is such a fun and rewarding experience, one I highly recommend! 

Ingredients*: 
Instructions:
  1. Make Vanilla Pudding, as per the instructions
  2. Smash the Oreo Cookies into small pieces
  3. Mix cookies into the Vanilla pudding
  4. Add Cool Whip
  5.  Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of Chocolate pudding powder
  6. Chill before serving
Optional:
  • Put onto brownies 
This recipe was super easy and fun to make. I think if I were to make it again, I would just use cookies and cream pudding instead of mixing cookies into the vanilla pudding.  As far as making it with a toddler, this was great! It was great for my three year old to practice some skills. 

Teachable Moments:
  • Discuss utensils used
  • Read together
  • Gross Motor Skills 
    • Mixing
    • Pouring
PIN FOR LATER 

More Disney DIY
*this post contains affiliate links, it costs nothing extra to you but I do receive a small amount if you make a purchase.
Here is the post where I originally found the recipe for “grey stuff”, check her channel out and give her some support. 


DIY Disney: Moana Necklace

I fear we are a little late on the whole Moana craze. To be honest, I didn’t know much about it, and we didn’t see it until we rented it a few days after it released on DVD. So please forgive me if the love of Moana is old news, but…we LOVED Moana! It’s so nice to have some great non-princess movies for our girls to like.

Our oldest daughter has recently been really into crafting, and her younger sister wants to do anything and everything her big sister does. So, I’m always on the hunt for quick and easy crafts that both a 1 and 3 year old can do.

Crafting with toddlers can feel overwhelming, but as a mom of three young ones I am here to tell you – it doesn’t have to be! This craft can be done in about 5-10 minutes and requires very few supplies, set up and clean up.

Supplies

  • Green construction paper
  • markers (or crayons)
  • glitter glue
  • Ribbon 
  • scissors 
The Process
  • Have your children draw several circles on the green paper
  • cut into the shape of “The Heart of Te Fiti”
  • add glitter
  • add ribbon
My girls spent the rest of the afternoon pretending to be Moana together. So, the next time you need a quick easy craft that shows a little bit of your Disney Side, consider our heart of Te Fiti necklace!

2 Ingredient Carpet Refresher (Budget Friendly)

Over the last two years I have been diving into the world of essential oils.  It was around the time I had given birth to our second daughter, and I wanted to reduce my use of cleaners with heavy fumes or toxins.

I’d spent a lot of time on Pinterest searching for DIY cleaning recipes and today I thought i’d take a moment to share two ways I’ve used essential oils on my carpets.

Both ways are simple, budget friendly and have been tested by me.

This first only requires a cotton ball, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

Supplies: 

  • Cotton Ball
  • Essential Oils 
    • I’ve used both lavender and orange 

Instructions: 

  • Put the EO’s on a cotton ball
  • Vacuum the cotton ball 
  • Vacuum as per usual 
What to expect: 
As you vacuum, the essential oils leave a nice subtle hint. I liked to use the Orange when I would vacuum in the day time because it seemed to lift my spirits, and feel clean. I’ve also used the lavender when vacuuming bedrooms,  to give a calming fragrance. 
Now for the second method.

Supplies: 

  • Baking Soda 
  • Essential Oils
  • Empty Parmesan Cheese container
Instructions:
  • Fill empty container with baking soda
  • drop 8-10 drops of essential oils
    • give it a good shake to combine
  • sprinkle the mixture all over the carpets and let sit for a few minutes
  • vacuum as per usual
What to expect:
The baking soda and essential oils work together to eliminate and remove odors from your carpets. I like to use this method when potty training. I just sprinkle the mixture over the accident, place a towel over top and once the baking soda has soaked in all the urine, vacuum it away! 
These are just two quick, easy and kid friendly ways I use essential oils in my home. 
If you are looking to purchase high quality essential oils or learn more, please pass by my moms Doterra website

Fit Mom: Hip Hop Abs Program

We are approaching the end of my hip hop abs program, and although my six pack abs never showed up, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about the program.

The Trainer

I love Shawn T.

He’s upbeat personality helped this momma push play over and over again. I really enjoyed his personality, and had a lot of fun with the workouts, and am looking forward to doing another program with Shawn T.

The Workouts

The first week I was completely lost, I didn’t know my left from my right. However, that’s not anything about the workout. That’s just I’m not exactly coordinated. 😉

I appreciated that the workouts were fast moving, and had very limited floor time. If you read my why I ditched Piyo post, you understand why.

These workouts can be adapted for any fitness level, and any age. My 1 year old loved to dance with mom!

The Results
I still have another week on the program, and to be honest. My nutrition has been pretty rough lately, so I am not expecting any big results this time around. I will be sure to post them once I take them though.

What program should I try next, should I do another round of the 21 day fix and try to destroy the Sugar Monster?

Motherhood Diary: Tummy Time

When you marry the son of a physical therapist, expect to be given more information that you ever knew you needed on the importance of tummy time. On top of my MIL’s (Mother in Law) advice and information on tummy time, I read far too many articles on the importance of allowing your babies time on their tummy.

Just a few benefits…

  • Increases neck strength and stability
  • helps with core strength
  • helps relieve reflux and gas 
  • gives them opportunity to explore their world 
Well, we are at 5 months with our youngest and thanks to lots and lots of tummy time, she can officially roll both ways and belly crawl / scoot to wherever she wants to be. 
INDEPENDENCE. 
She’s reaching a point in her life where she can start to show her independence a little bit and make decisions for herself. She can decide if she wants to go for the toys her sister is playing with or hang out with her Nemo toy for a bit. 
I’m so proud of her.
She’s proving to be just as determined and strong willed as both her sisters, and although it can be difficult to parent a strong willed toddler (or three), I am thankful for the opportunity. These girls will change the world, and it’s a big responsibility to guide them. 
Question of the day: Who can you show kindess to today?