Homemade water colors

My little ones love to paint, and I love all of their creations, but I wanted to come up with a cheaper alternative since my little one seems to waste more than her share of paint. I came up with a very simple recipe.

I use old styrofoam egg cartons but any container would work. Even a mini muffin tin. I fill each space about 1/2 with water then I add a couple drops of food coloring and stir. This has been a very fun and washable solution to keep my kids entertained! I close the lid on the egg carton and store these for several days if they don't get used right away.

Have fun with your little ones this summer!!

Blessings,
Brandi

I'm Back

After taking ALOT of time off from blogging, due to a hectic few months, I am glad to say I am back! I enjoy blogging and reading your comments and blogs so don't forget to drop me a line!
Blessings,
Brandi

Ideas to keep your little ones happy this summer

We all have days where we can't think of anything new to keep our children occupied so I thought I would compile a list of a few ideas that may be new to you!

1. Watercolors-fill small container with water, add a few drops of food color and let them paint! This also works well as a water activity. They enjoy tinting the water using the watercolors and a spoon or small medicine dropper.

2. Flashlight Safari- we enjoy this game alot. Hide their stuffed things around the house and then search for them with a flashlight. Kids love flashlights!

3. Footprint detective-my little one loves this game. The older one loves to set it up for her. Cut out small footprint shapes. Using poster tac or painters tape attach the footprints to the floor in a walking pattern to lead them to a surprise. I use stuffed animal or sometimes snacks for the surprise.

4. Have a picnic-indoor or outdoor kids don't care!!

5. Make a fort- on sheet washing day we frequently throw a few sheets over the dining table and make our own indoor tent complete with flashlights and sleepings bags !

6. Put on a show- we use books that have the reader do several actions or make specific noises so our 2 year old can participate in a family talent show. My 8 year old does not need much direction-she includes jokes, songs, poems, stories and dances. We always end up laughing and having a great time!

7. Go to a near by park-even out here in no where land we have several nice parks close by. It gets us out of the house and helps get rid of some of that extra energy I wish I had!!

8. Surprise Daddy when he gets home. My children watch with anticipation for Daddy's car then they hide behind the couch so they can leap out and scream "Surprise!". Okay-it is not s surprise to him anymore but the kids really look forward to it.

9. Visit a farmers market- kids really seem to enjoy seeing where food comes from. Some markets even have baby chicks or goats to pet. Once again, it gets us out of the house and breaks the monotony of the day.

10. Go for a nature walk-even young children enjoy going on a walk to see birds or whatever happens to be the wildlife in your area. We often spot turkey, cows and deer as well as neighboring cats and dogs. You can have older ones keep a journal and even include leaves or flowers they find along the way.

Have a great summer with your little ones!!

Blessings,
Brandi

What about Soap Nuts??

Okay. I finally have come across a great, all natural FRUGAL alternative for laundry soap. I have made my own laundry soap for years. It is cheaper and I avoided store detergents because I always felt I was paying for more water than actual detergents. I still have not been crazy about the ingredients in the homemade version. There are warnings on the Borax and Superwashing Soda boxes about it being caustic and to wear gloves when you handle it. So I have been researching better options.

I think I found the perfect solution! You'd never guess laundry soap can grow on trees! It is called Soap Nuts. It is the dried fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree which has been used for many years in Asian countries to safely clean laundry. When you mix these "nuts" with warm water they make an all natural, chemical free, hypoallergenic soap that leaves your laundry fresh and soft! No more fabric softener required. They also seem to help keep my clothes from getting to hard when I line dry them(you know what I mean!!We HATE scratchy towels!). I have been using these for some time and I love them!

The cheapest and highest quality I found was NaturOli Soap Nuts . I bought the biggest quantity (5 lbs or an estimated 800+ loads for $48.95)and estimate it will last me 2 1/2 to 3 years. After doing the math it works out to .05-.08 cents per load when purchased this way. There are also trial sizes available if you want to go that route.

If you find them cheaper just be sure you are not paying for leaves and twig bits added into the Soap Nuts. As I was researching, this was the only complaint I could find. My order of Soap Nuts contained only Soap Nuts-no trash bits. LOVE IT!!

Do you wash cloth diapers? Soap Nuts are great at getting them clean with no detergent build up that can lead to reduced absorption and leaks.

Give it a try!!.

Also, think about all the detergent bottles and packaging you won't be throwing away over the next 2 or 3 years if you use the soap nuts. These are good for the Earth and your pocket book!

Don't forget to check out other Frugal Friday tips!

Blessings,

Brandi

Fruit Soup

Are you tired of trying to think up interesting, healthy meal or snack ideas for your picky little one? I came up with an idea that has both of my children eating healthy and loving it!

We call it "Fruit Soup". It is so simple you won't even have to write it down. Are you ready?

1. Get a cereal bowl
2. Add fresh fruit
3. Top with yogurt
4. Add some pecans if your little one likes them
5. Serve!.

I always add whatever fruit I have on hand. I also use homemade yogurt when I have it (Super easy recipe to come soon!), organic if I have to buy it. I think the kids like the catchy name. They have never had a "dessert" soup before. Even my VERY picky child cleans her bowl!

Thanks for visiting! Come back soon!

Blessings,
Brandi

Amolyn Turns 2!!!

My baby has turned 2!! I still wonder where all the time has gone! We had a few family and friends over to celebrate this day with us. We fried some fish Otto caught and I made a Teddy Bear cake for the birthday girl.We celebrated outside on our covered porch. The kids had fun jumping on the trampoline. Kenna helped with opening the gifts. Amolyn didn't really understand everything that was going on but she enjoyed ripping the paper and blowing out the candles on her cake! What a big girl! Every birthday I am reminded what a gift each year is. She is a miracle from heaven and we love her!!

Blessings,

Brandi