So after years of being a Nanny I have finally determined that the favorite toys are not the ones we buy. They are the ones we create. So why are we all still buying so many plastic room clutter-ers? Here are a few of my favorite ideas that I had the opportunity to share with Mathew Blades on Mix 96.9 the other day!
Homemade Playdough- This is so much fun and so easy to make. The ingredients are oober cheap and probably things you already have in the pantry. Here is my favorite website for playdough recipes. Tell me what you think, but I even believe that if you packaged this adorable and special it could be a great gift to bring to the next kiddo b-day party!
1 cup flour
1 tbs alum
1 cup water
1 tbs of oil
1/2 cup of salt
2 tbs of vanilla
food coloring
Mix dry ingredients together first. Add liquids and stir over medium heat until it is mash potato consistency.
Remove from heat. Let cool and add food coloring. If consistency isn’t right add flour, water, or oil accordingly.
Water Painting- Ok now, I know this seems too simple; but I swear by this one!! One of the best tricks I have up my sleeve when the kids come to our place is to pull out a bowl of water and paint brushes and let them run free on the back patio. The cutest thing is they really feel like this is such a treat and it is virtually mess free. When their little creative hearts are tired the canvas magically cleans itself up! You have got to try this out- I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love it.
Mud Pies and Backyard Stew- Getting back to basics and living a healthy, happy, conscientious life is what Reclaimed is all bout. What says back to the kid basics better than a good ol’ fashioned mud pie! Send the kids out with your old kitchen utensils and let them be creative. Think how much fun they would have with a colander, muffin tin, wooden spoons, oh and a flour sifter!! FUN.
Backyard Stew is so fun to make and serve to your family and friends.
Don’t forget the Chips and Dip!
Let the kids go all out and practice setting the table for their guests. Having fun with the kids
while pretending to sip pine needle tea, and chatting over dandelion upside-down cake, will make
memories that last a lifetime.
Inspiring our kids is the most important thing we can do for them. We inspire them to to create and one day be able to come up with ideas of their own. This vintage book was cherished by my sister and I. It’s mud stained pages hold many memories. I looked online and there are still copies available! Click on the Mud Pies and Other Recipes book below to purchase.
