Playdates for Playgroups

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:59:00 +0000

Why use playdates and playgroups for your children?
Playdates are great for kids! They learn how to interact with other kids, they learn how to share, and just how to get along in general. And it gives parents a great opportunity to connect with other adults to talk about parenting, but also to talk about things totally unrelated to being a parent, which is refreshing.”

Using a playdate as an opportunity for parents and children alike is important, experts say. But before you get out your calendar and start making calls to other parents, it's important to understand playdate etiquette. Remember that there’s more to it than just scheduling a time, date, and place to meet. Age, frequency, and location are just a few of the important factors to take into consideration when you’re planning your little one's social calendar.

Use the links on the right to search topics such as Holidays, Seasons, Handprint Art, Little Learners, Lil' Chefs...etc. I have been a playgroup organizer for over 3 years now, my daughters are 4 this year. I love every minutes of it. Hosting fun and imaginative playdates for the moms in my group lets me find the inner Martha Stewart...even though I have no creatvie skill I can follow Family Fun's directions no problem! We have regular park playdates, fieldtrips, and no theme in home playdates as well.

I've posted the descriptions of past playdates for all to use. Please modify them to suite your group! If your looking for a playdate idea, have questions on how to start one, or have something to add....Leave a Comment! I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I Love Comments!

Yay! Featured Blog of the Week!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Join me at Feed Me Friday for this fun Blog Hop! I have found the BEST blogs from this hop...come by and check it out and join up, I'd love to see what your writing about!

Network Blogs Facebook Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:19:00 +0000

Let's get a little Facebook luv to our Pages! Please share the luv and follow as many network blogs as you can and get a little karma and follow back!

This is my first Linky so forgive me if its not done right! Feel free to grab my Network Blog Hop button to post on your blog as well....Link Up!

Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Thanksgiving Feast with Friends and Family Playdate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 07:37:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a time

For reviewing what we treasure,

The people we hold dear,

Who give us so much pleasure.

Without you as my friend,

Life would be a bore;

Having you in my life

Is what I’m thankful for.

By Joanna Fuchs

This group has been such a joy to my family. I would love to celebrate this wonderful holiday of giving thanks with all of our fabulous friends we have made. Bring your family and please come celebrate with us.

Turkey will be our main course and supplied by the hostess. Please RSVP with how many people and what side dish you will be bringing to share. Feel free to bring what you are famous for in your family or something you have always wanted to make, but you couldn't because you had to bring what you are famous for! This is a great trial run for a new recipe as well....we'll happily be your guinea pigs!

*And if you do not cook, you can always bring a cooler with ice, some waters or juice boxes, 2 liters of pop or even some rolls!

We'll have crafts for the kids and holiday music to boogie down to.

Keepsake Craft to do with the kids in the group:

Use paint to make this handprint turkey instead of tracing. Add a few details to the turkey and some fall leaves and you have a beautiful work of art to display at Thanksgiving time.

Supplies:
Paint (various colors)
Foam paint brushes for each color
Paper
Markers
Colored paper for leaves
Glue stick

Instructions:

Paint your child's hand with different paint colors. I used brown for the "head and body" (thumb and palm). Use different colors for the "feathers."
Let the child stamp their handprint on the paper before the paint dries.
Repeat with the other hand.
Add details such as legs and a beak with markers.
Write the child's name at the top of the paper.
Cut out leaves from colored paper.
Use a glue stick to attach leaves to the paper.
Hang and enjoy!

Pinecone Turkey Craft

This fun and easy Thanksgiving craft is the perfect thing for kids to do while waiting for dinner at your Thanksgiving feast with a few inexpensive materials and some pinecones from the back yard. Your guests will have a blast gathering the pinecones and then turning them into these little turkeys to show off to friends.

Materials:
• pinecone turkey craft pattern
• pinecone
• red tissue paper
• yellow tissue paper
• orange tissue paper
• yellow card stock or construction paper
• brown card stock or construction paper
• glue
• scissors
• wiggly eyes

Instructions:

1. Using the pattern as a guide, cut 3 triangles from each color of tissue paper, using the attached pattern, or create your own. When you’re done you should have 9 triangles total.

2. Gather the base (long side) of the triangle together so that it leaves a point on the other end to form a tail “feather.”

3. Put a dot of glue on the gathered end of the tissue paper.

4. Gather the base of another triangle together (use a different color to alternate colors in the tail). Stick the base of this tail feather into the spot of glue you put on the first tissue paper feather, so the gathered ends overlap and are stuck together by the glue.

5. Repeat the process until you have all 9 feathers fanned out in a half circle, all attached together at the base.

6. Spread some glue on the base of the tail feathers where they’re all overlapping, and press the base into the wide end of a pine cone (see photos). Set the body-tail assembly aside to let the glue dry.

7. Using the pattern as a guide, cut out the turkey’s head from brown card stock.

8. Using the pattern as a guide, cut out the turkey’s beak from yellow card stock.

9. Glue two wiggly eyes onto the top of the head to for the turkey’s face.

10. Fold the beak in half, and glue it on the head, below the eyes with a small dot of glue.

11. Tear off a small piece of red tissue paper and use it to make the gobbler by gluing it around the turkey’s beak.

12. Glue the head to the pine cone. Allow to dry.

Amazing Mom’s Tip:
Let your children help you make these ahead of time and insert a name card between the scales on the pine cone. They can be place holders at the dinner table, and the kids can each take one home for a party favor.

Scarecrow Craft Playdate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:50:00 +0000

Join us for a fun-filled fall morning! The playdate will be outside so we can enjoy the gorgeous weather and have fun with our friends!

The kiddos will color scarecrow coloring pages, make a fun scarecrow to take home and burn off some energy running around the park.

Our hostess will provide everything we need for the craft.

The playdate is limited to 10 kiddos so please be sure to RSVP for the number of children attending.
1 Child= RSVP+0 guests;
2 Children= RSVP+1 guest...

We will have mini deli sandwiches, fresh fruit, sweet tea and lemonade, but please remember to bring your little ones sippy cup!

Also please bring a todder friendly snack to share, and indicate what you're bringing in the comment section of your RSVP so we don't have duplicates.

Scarecrow Necklace for Autumn Playdate

How to make this craft

His job is to scare the birds and fill their hearts with dread. But your job is easier, to choose which to eat first: his arms, legs, or head.

INGREDIENTS
Wrapped round taffy or caramel (head)
2 Tootsie Flavor Roll Twisties (arms)
2 rolls of colorful candies (legs); we used Sprees; Smarties work too
1/2-ounce box of raisins (body)
Low-temperature glue gun
Ruler
Scissors
Small bundle of raffia

DIRECTIONS
1. Keep the wrapping on all of the candies and glue the head, arms, and legs to the raisin box body. Parents may want to supervise use of glue gun...you can use regular glue but it just wont stay together for a long time.

2. Cut five 4-inch pieces of raffia. Tie four pieces into a bunch by knotting the fifth piece around the center of the bundle. Glue the knot to the top of the body at the base of the head as shown. Trim the raffia if you like.

3. Cut a piece of raffia long enough to fit over your child's head. Glue the center of the strand to the back of the box. Tie the ends together, and your edible neckwear is ready.

How to make this craft

There are a lot of steps but my almost 3 year old breezed through it, we talked about the shapes, and each body part as we added them . You will notice that my shapes are way less than perfect, but if they are clearly recognizable you are golden. Time is short for anyone caring for young kids, don’t fret over your shapes being perfect!

Gather your materials. You will need 5 different color pieces of construction paper ( you can use scrap if you want for all but one) we used orange, green, yellow, neutral and light blue , 2 large googly eyes, a marker, scissors and a glue stick.

Start by drawing a scarecrow head and mouth. Cut out.

Next cut out ( or have your child cut out) a triangle hat and rectangle shirt and arms from the green paper.

Cut out many smaller rectangles from the yellow paper for hair.

Cut out a orange triangle for the nose and 3 orange circles for the buttons.

Start gluing. Now you can just let them at it but to me this isn’t a creative project at all, it’s too structured for that, to me this is a shape lesson really. Here is what I do. Show your child the shapes and ask them what they look like. I help up the large rectangle and asked my son if he thought this was the scarecrow’s head, ” no it’s his belly!” Glue it on. Don’t forget to ask what each shape is or label the shape for them.

Next add the head… I suggested this was an arm. Don’t forget to have fun!

Keep labeling, and adding the shapes to build your scarecrow. Here he is adding the hair.
Add the arms.

If you are doing this with young toddlers don’t forget to label the colors as well! Add your hat!

Add the eyes and nose.

Add your buttons.

Let dry!

Toddler Sign Language Playdate/Learning Date

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:36:00 +0000

ASL Learning Playdate!

These Learning Playdates are a bit different then our usual free play playdates! Please see the lesson plan below to see if you child is at a level where they will grasp at least half of the lesson. Since all children develop at differently we will not be putting an age requirement on these. Just use your best judgment for your children.

Please list what snack you will be bringing for our snack time and list any allergies as well.

Lesson Plan Idea

Spring Rain Lesson Plan
Sign Language: Spring Rain, Flowers colors
Developmental concept: Pincer grasp, Pre-writing, color recognition, matching

Free Play:
• Bag Kite activity - tie the plastic bag handles together with a string then allow for a longer string for the child to hold onto while running. Usually 2 feet works fine.

Clean up transition song - use bring your favorite one to share!
Story Time:
• Welcome Song
• Introduce signs: Bugs, Colors, Rainbow, Rain, Windy, Clouds, Sun, Flowers, Warm

• Read ‘’Bugs, Bugs, Bugs’

Music & Movement:
Play cd and introduce rain stick

Transition song or activity to craft

Craft:
• Flowers

• Give each child flowers

• Use glue stick on flower, have child take tissue paper, crumple and place on flower

• Focus on requesting , pincer grasp, etc.

Wash hands

Snack time
Show signs for: Eat, Hungry, Cracker, Drink
Focus on requesting and turn taking

Closing Circle
(Filler) Read book again or have each child try out the rainstick again
Goodbye song: Goodbye____, Goodbye________, Goodbye________,
We’re sad to see you go!

Since we are doing colours this week we discussed the Spanish words for each colour as well as the ASL sign for them as well:

Yellow - amarillo

ASL The sign for "yellow" is made by forming the letter "y" with your right hand. Shake your hand from the wrist, and move it to the right.

Green - verde

The sign for "green" is made by forming the letter "g" with your right hand. Shake your hand from the wrist, and move it to the right.

Blue - azul

The sign for "blue" is made by forming the letter "b" with your right hand. Twist/shake your hand from the elbow (the wrist doesn't bend on this sign).

Purple - morado

Shake a "P" twice. Use a movement that pivots from the elbow.

Red - rojo

The sign for "red" is made by stroking your lips one time with the tip of your index finger.

Flowers - morado

Touch a "squished O-hand" to your cheek on one side of your nose and then the other.

Mom - mamá

Make the sign for "Mother" by placing the thumb of your right hand against your chin. Your hand should be open.

Grandma - la abuela

The sign for "grandmother" is made by touching your chin with the thumb of your dominant hand, as when signing "mother." The dominant hand should be open. Move your hand forward in two small arches.
Note: Many people just move the hand forward without the arches.

Family - la familia

FAMILY: The hands trace the shape of a circle. As if representing a family sitting around a dinner table.

Love - el amor

The sign for "love" is made by crossing both hands over your heart.

(Middle of your chest.) Your hands may be closed or open, but the palm side should face toward you.

Winter Bird Feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Winter is right around the corner and I wanted to do some things to help the birds along through this hard season. Gather up your kids and playgroup friend to make this super easy and very tasty bird treat!

Feed the Birds (tune of Row Row)

Feed, feed, feed the birds

In the wintertime

When the days are dark and cold

Food is hard to find

Feed, feed, feed the birds

Till the spring has come

Scatter birdseed on the snow

Feeding birds is fun.

Living in Las Vegas makes finding pine cones a little harder then when I lived in Seattle! All three girls and I set out to find some regardless. We found tons of neat nature things to put in the bottom of Little Misses stroller. By the time we got back to the house I had 12 pine cones, a small bucket full of dandelions, several rocks, and a couple cherry blossoms.

They were happy to take a nap after we got home so I set all the goodies out in our backyard in hopes in bugs would wonder out and off our nature findings. I don't want to trap some poor spider in his home with peanut butter!

Once the ladies all awoke from slumber we started our craft:

How to make a Pinecone Bird FeederHave all your supplies ready:

Pinecone

Birdseed *I bought ours at the Dollar Store

Yarn

Scissors

Creamy Peanut Butter

Shallow Bowl

Cookie Sheet

I set out a cookie sheet so both my girls could cover the pinecone with peanutbutter easily. We did this outside on the grass which would have made a mess without the cookie sheet.

Using your shallow bowl, fill with bird seeds. Let your child(ren) roll the pine cone in the seeds. GG thought she's lick some peanut butter of her fingers and was very upset with the amount of bird seeds now stuck in her teeth! It took a couple flushings before she was satisfied they were all gone.

*I used a fresh jar of peanutbutter only to realize half way through: Eew, they are dipping a spoon several times into a fresh jar of peanut butter and smearing it onto a dirty pinecone. Not the best plan. Next time I'll put some in a tupperware container for them!

Cut off some string, I made ours 2 feet long to give me plenty of string to tie. Wrap the string around the top of the pinecone, then to a tree branch. All done! This took us from start to finish 15 minutes.

Spring Flowers Hand Print and Foot Print playdate!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 23:49:00 +0000

Hand and Foot Print Flowers for Spring!

Finished Project

Spring will be pretty.

Just give it a week, When flowers are blooming down by the creek.

Bees will be buzzing as trees start to bud,

But for the moment I'm covered with mud.

Snow has been melting, since winter is through,

Replacing the whiteness with puddles of goo.

I stepped off the sidewalk and into the ooze.

Next thing I knew, I stepped out of my shoes!

Mud on my ankles and mud on my clothes.

I stumbled face-first and got mud up my nose.

Spring will be pretty, but I must confess,

The first days of spring are a muckety mess!

Let's get messy!

Bring your kids over to our house and dip their

feet and hands in paint to make a keepsake for Spring!

RSVP as usual - only plus 1 if your bringing 2 kids and so on. Please list any allergies in your rsvp. Directions will be emailed the night before to all Yes rsvp's.

Craft Directions:

These are super easy to do, I was even able to get both of my 3 year olds hands and feet onto the SAME piece of paper! Granted it was a large piece of construction paper, but they fit none the less. I had to settle for a new piece of paper to get my 11month olds flowers done but that eased my fears of her turning her flowers into a finger painting project which would "ruin" the twins prints.

8-Oz. Color Splash! Washable Tempera Paint (Pack of 12) Using Washable Tempura Paints make this project an easy one to clean up after.

Supplies:

Washable Tempura Paints

Paint brushes

Wipes or a wet hand towel

Paper to apply prints onto

Step 1: Choose your colors for the flowers, my girls actually chose different colors! I thought we'd have our usual purple and pink but they surprised me and I think they turned out great! Place your hand and foot prints as shown. I use regular baby wipes to clean off the paint but a wash rag would be far more economical.

Step 2: Draw in your stems. I used a regular foam paint brush. I buy mine at Michaels but have seen them at Target and Walmart. Make sure to wash these out ASAP, even just soaking them will make them last longer. They may be cheap to buy but having to run to the store Just to buy paint brushes aren't in my plans for the day.

11month old's project

Step 3: Paint on leaves and add the name and date to either a stem or on an empty part of the paper.

Tutu Fabulous - Virtual Event

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:57:00 +0000

Tutus have become very popular for little girls to dress up in, to wear while they play and dance around, and why not? What could be more fun than a fabulous, frothy tutu to wear while you twirl?

Tutus can be made in your little one's favourite colours for dress up fun, to embellish her Halloween costume, or even worn over pants. Tutu much fun!!

Boutiques sell toddler tutus from $30 to more than $60 each, but I will show you how to make one just as cute and frou-frou for less than $10!!

What is a Virtual Event?

A virtual event or a VE is an event posted on the calendar that you do not have to leave your home to attend. They can be anything from a recipe that is within a theme that is sent out weekly to Yes rsvp's to lesson plans to be done at home with your kids when you can. These are relaxed events, when you rsvp Yes to them you will get a reminder and instructions if not already listed (or the recipe/lesson plan). Please feel free to share with the group how your VE went!

Make your own tutu

Supplies:
Ruler

Scissors

3 yards of 1 1/2" wide satin ribbon

4 yards of tulle (this amount varies as to how full you want your tutu
to be but this is a good start point!)

The tulle should be folded in half already, now fold in half again, and again until it looks like a long tube - make sure to not get any wrinkle in there! Cut off one end to make sure you have a straight edge. Cut in 3-4" strips. It doesn't have to be exact but its good to keep it consistant. then just keep going down the long piece until there is no more tulle left to cut.

If you are using ribbon you will need to make two knots (I was able to measure my daughters and where the ribbon met, that is where I tied it off. If you do not have a live model you will need their waist measurements. It seems that 20" is pretty basic. Find the mid point, say their waist is 20 inches, the mid point would be 10 so you would tie the ribbon off at five inches from each side of the mid point.) You do this so the tulle stays in place. Have an additional 20"s of ribbon on each side of your measured waist knots for tieing your tutu later.

Starting at one knot we will now tie the pieces on to the ribbon. You are going to do a basic loop knot so you should have one side of the tulle open
Place your hand through the loop part of the tulle and grab the remaining tulle and pull through
Pull to tighten into a knot, but don't pull too hard or you will tear the tulle
Scrunch the tulle pieces together as tight as you would like, the tighter you scrunch them the fuller the skirt.

Just keep tying the tulle on until you reach the other knot. At that point if it is scrunched enough for you then you are done, if not scrunch the pieces together more and keep tying. I like to scrunch them just a little bit, that way as the girls grow the mom can undo on of the ribbon knots and unscrunch the tulle so it can grow with her.

You can add to this whatever you want. If using elastic you will need to make it a few inches smaller than the actual waste size and just sew the ends together then start applying the tulle.

Video Instructions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7aSPMEn7S0

Handprint Leaf - Craft for babies to school aged kids!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Fall into Autumn by Creating a Creative Keepsake!

Leaves

by Elsie N. Brady

How silently they tumble down

And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,

Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.

Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow.

The weather is changing and the leaves are falling!

Bring your little ones over to our house for a keepsake craft you

can give as gifts for Thanksgiving or keep for yourself!

Please bring a tile that will fit your child's hand, bring a big one

if you'd like to do more then 1 hand print.

*The Dollar Store has some plates with a leaf pattern if you'd prefer to do this on a plate.

This playdate is potluck as usual, please list any allergies in your rsvp as well was what Autumn themed snack you'll be sharing with your friends.

Directions will be sent out the night before the event to all Yes rsvp's.

We have a small dog and outdoor kitty.

I had my 18 month old do this handprint, it took a couple tries but she finally lost interest in squishing her fingers on the tiles slick surface. Thankfully I have a box of baby wipes next to me to quickly wipe off the "mistakes" and re-apply the paint to her hands. Yes, we did take a shower afterwards since she puts her hands in her hair immediately.

We used the washable Crayola tempura paint; Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red. I painted her hand with the lighter colors first then dabbed on the darker colors. I wanted the leaf to look as if it was laying down or falling so I had the tile diagonal when I placed her hand down. As usual I painted my fingers a bit so when I took her hand I didn't take any of her paint off - oddly enough, if my hand isn't painted a little as well I seem to be concerned with getting some on me. This is weird since I'm covered in paint or glue most of my day anyway but if you ever find yourself hesitating due to not wanting to get paint on yourself - PUT it on yourself and you'll be able to grasp your child's hand and move her fingers however you wish!

After her handprint dried I used the back end of the paint brush to paint on some leave veins. I let that dry then outlined the hand print in a leaf shape with gold glitter glue. This is at our Dollar Store almost year round so I use it often!

After its all finished I sprayed it with an enamel to seal it.

LadyBug Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 07:27:00 +0000

You are invited to our Ladybug Festival 2010

Everyone loves ladybugs! Kids love them because they are colorful and easy to catch. Gardeners and farmers love them because they eat aphids which destroy crops.

Come to our house for a fun Ladybug Playdate!! We will be reading a ladybug story, eating ladybug cupcakes, and making a ladybug craft! Please wear RED!!

Five Little Ladybugs

Five little ladybugs climbing up a door,

One flew away and then there were four.

Four little ladybugs sitting on a tree,

One flew away and then there were three.

Three little ladybugs landed on a shoe,

One flew away and then there were two.

Two little ladybugs looking for some fun,

One flew away and then there was one.

One little ladybug sitting in the sun,

She flew away and then there were none.

Please post what Ladybug theme'd snack you will be
bringing in your RSVP!

November 3rd is Sandwich Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 07:13:00 +0000

One of the greatest food-related innovations of all-time occurred -- according to legend -- when gambling enthusiast and Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, ordered his roast beef dinner be placed

between two slices of bread in 1762.

Ta-da! The sandwich was born!

Today we "celebrate" National Sandwich Day!

It doesn't matter what kind of sandwich you like...

Chicken Salad, PB & J, Ham & Cheese or even a Chocolate Sandwich!

No question about it, we all love sandwiches!

So today, bring a sample tray of your favorite sandwich

and we'll all celebrate together!

Space is limited, so please only RSVP for yourself.

Also, remember to bring your lil one's sippy cup.

Please list what kind of sandwich you will bring in the comments,

so we don't have duplicates.

25 Questions of Christmas - Moms game

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 06:56:00 +0000

If your group has a website meeting page or is on Facebook, this is a great way for the moms to get to know each other and have some fun! Post this on your message board requesting each member copies the questions and answers them...very easy and is fun to do:
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

2. Real tree or Artificial?

3. When do you put up the tree?

4. When do you take the tree down?

5. Do you like eggnog?

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

8. The hardest person to buy for?

9. Easiest person to buy for?

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

17. Favorite Christmas song?

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Snow Dough Playdate!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 06:43:00 +0000

Let's Make Snow Dough!!!

Let's make snow dough and celebrate winter together! The kids will enjoy playing with snow dough while making snow shapes and creations.

Create with us! If your child isn't old enough to play with snow dough, come hang out with us any way.

One little snowflake with nothing to do.

Along came another and

Then there were two.

Two little snowflakes laughing with me.

Along came another, and

Then there were three.

Three little snowflakes looking for some more.

Along came another, and

Then there were four.

Four little snowflakes dancing a jive.

Along came another, and

Then there were five.

Five little snowflakes having so much fun.

Out came the sun, and

Then there were none!

Link to Family Fun Recipe

Your kids don't have to wait for an actual snow day to have some wintry fun. Just whip up a batch of this sparkling white play dough. Younger tots will enjoy squishing the clay, while older siblings might like using small twigs, dried beans, and tiny carrot sticks to create Frosty and pals. Other useful props: cupcake wrappers, colorful beads, paper drink umbrellas, egg carton cups, and snowflake cookie cutters.

Materials

1 cup flour
1 cup water

1/2 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 tablespoons white tempera paint
1 tablespoon white or iridescent glitter

A few drops of peppermint extract (optional)

Instructions
To make a batch, combine all of the ingredients except the peppermint extract (if using) in a medium-size pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture holds together, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Turn the play dough onto a waxed paper–lined counter to cool, about 15 minutes. If you like, knead in peppermint extract for a festive holiday scent. Store the cooled play dough in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

New Years at Noon Preschooler and Toddler Playdate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 06:11:00 +0000

Join us on December 30th for.....

Rock in the New Year together while the kids are still awake!!!

We will celebrate the coming New Year WITH our kiddos as we wear funny hats and break out the noisemakers!

Countdown at noon, followed by apple cider & juice to toast in the New Year!

Create your own noisemaker, decorate a party hat, make your New Year’s resolution, and participate in our “count down to noon” with hugs, noisy celebration, and don't miss the colorful balloon drop at noon!

You won't want to miss this very special celebration!

Countdown at 11:59 a.m.

As the year comes to an end, lets send off 2010 the best way possible and ring in 2011 the family way with a potluck lunch, music, dancing, and a craft.

This night may belong to the adults, but the day belongs to the kids!

*How to Make a Balloon Drop

Make Your Own Noise Maker:

Plastic Cup Noise Maker

This New Year's party noise maker is a lot of fun because it is loud and you can see inside of it. For this party noise maker you will need tape, 2 clear plastic cups, beads, pennies, and confetti.

Simply add the fun noise making items to the inside of the first cup and stack the second cup on top. Tape the cups together securely and shake it up. This fun New Year's party noise maker is a great party favor, and you can add little toys or trinkets to the inside to add to the noise making and the fun of these party noise makers for New Year's.

Gingerbread Man Playdate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:58:00 +0000

Run, Run, as fast as you can, you can't catch me...

I'm the Gingerbread Man!

The hostess will have the cookies made and ready to be decorated. Just bring a something you would like to add to your cookies. We will have extra for the kids to bring home and leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Some ideas for decorating:

M&M's

Reese pieces

Tube Frosting...PLEASE include the color in yor RSVP.

Red Hots

Wafers(Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry)

Licorice

This will be lots of fun! I hope you can come!

Create Your Own Advent Calendar Playdate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:36:00 +0000

An advent calendar contains reminders each day that Christmas is coming. Advent is a term from the Latin word adventur which means "arrival". The advent officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

Each December, families begin to decorate their homes, inside and out. They get out the special Christmas dishes to use during the holidays. The Christmas photo album is proudly displayed for all to enjoy. The favorite Christmas stories and books are set out.

An advent calendar begins the time of anticipation. The house is filled with Christmas music and the sweet smell of baking. It is truly a time of preparation and joy.

Your hostess will have Santa Advent calendars for the kids to color and decorate. The kiddos will take home their calendars along with cotton balls to fill in their calendar. After they are done with their craft its time to PLAY!

The hostess will provide some snacks but feel free to bring something to share along with your little ones sippy cup.

Space is limited so RSVP for yourself and include how many kiddos will be attending in the comment portion of your RSVP.

Activity: Santa Craft Advent Calendar

The second version of the craft (print template 1a with calendar days December 1 to 25) is a Christmas Activity Calendar and
(print template 2a - with 24 days for an Advent calendar)

These calendar versions offer the opportunity to write and plan family, child care, and preschool activities for each day and
write them under the day number.

The calendar is a great way to preserve what happened during the holidays. It also makes a cute gift for children to make for friends and family. For a simpler activity for toddlers (18 months and older) it can also be used to simply glue a cotton ball on each day as Christmas approaches.

Below are some examples of 2-3 word activities that can be written and fit in the limited space and adults can help the children plan and write them:

Bake cookies, call Grandma/pa, wrap presents, skating or skiing day, snowman fun, make paper snowflakes, sing Xmas songs, play group day, show & tell day, Xmas video night, read ___(Title of a book), etc.

Kid's Christmas Card Exchange - Virtual Event

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:22:00 +0000

I know my kiddos light up when they receive a letter or package in the mail.

What little one doesn't?

It's time to do our annual Kid's Christmas Card Exchange. If you would like to participate all you have to do is RSVP "Yes" and email your mailing

address to the hostess.

In the first week of December the hostess will send all the participants a list of the kids and their addresses.

Once you get the list, help your little one fill out Christmas cards for their friends and drop

them in the mail!

Please do not RSVP Yes unless you are committed to sending Christmas cards to all the participants.

Happy Holidays!

*What is a Virtual Event?

These are events that have no meeting time or place. They occur in your own home at a time you choose. When you RSVP Yes you are saying your going to do it, its like your own little reminder. Once finished, share your experience with the group!

Christmas Sticker Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:50:00 +0000

Let's celebrate with stickers!

Meet for a fun afternoon of holiday sticker swapping and playtime! Everyone needs to bring some of their favorite Christmas stickers to share with their friends!

Each child will have a sticker book to collect their favorites in. When you RSVP, include your little one(s) name so that the book can be personalized just for them!

Stickers and playtime - what else can we do? Oh yes, please bring a snack to share with all. Don't forget sippy cups for the kiddos! Please post in your RSVP the snack you will be bringing & any allergies.

Join us for a *STICKY* good time!

For the hostess:
You can buy sticker books at Dollar Stores or 99cent Stores. These are also easy to make on your own using basic white paper and wrapping paper covers.

Personalizing can be as easy as writing with a Sharpie or you can buy alphabet stickers.

COOKIES FOR SANTA - Decorate Your Own Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Let's decorate cookies for Santa! The hostess will provide the cookies, all you have to do is pick an item below to help with the decorating! All the kids can enjoy a cookie or for their snack and be able to bring home a couple to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Before and after we can play!

Some ideas for decorating:

M&M's

Reese pieces

Tube Frosting...PLEASE include the color in your RSVP.

Red Hots

Wafers(Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry)

Licorice

Plastic baggies for taking home for Santa

This will be lots of fun! I hope you can come!

If making cookies is something you love to do, then this event is for YOU! You can make them or we can also purchase plain baked sugar cookies from the grocery store for the kids to decorate.

Please contact our groups organizer to you pick the time and date that works best for your family...as well as how many children you would like to have over.

Hostess's are taken on a first come basis, Thank you in advance for opening your home to us to come and play!

Lied Discovery Children's Museum - Family Membership Give Away!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:46:00 +0000

To all my Vegas momma's here's a screaming deal!

VegasFamilyEvents.com is giving away one Family Membership to Lieds Discovery Children's Museum! We love this place and are excited to extend this offer to my readers as well! Of course I've entered since our membership lapsed a few months ago. Click on the logo to go straigh to the website!

Vegas Family Events is offering a Family Membership to Lied Discovery Children's Museum to their readers!
The mission of Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is to provide a vibrant and engaging experience, through exhibits and programs, where children from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds actively participate in playful learning experiences that ignite a love of lifelong learning.
To enter to win please follow these steps:
1. "Like" us on Facebook. *If you already "Like" us, then we thank you! Skip to #2 please.
2. Leave a comment on Facebook letting us know that you've entered to win the Family Membership.
3. Subscribe to our Weekly E-Newsletter.
Extra Entries:
Blog or comment on your Facebook wall about this offer =
2 entries per comment/posting
*Make sure to Email me your link if you blog it.

The winner will be selected at random and announced on our Facebook page as well as Home Page on Friday, November 12th, 2010

Good Luck!

What to do with pumpkins after Halloween pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:11:00 +0000

At Playdates and Playgroups we say waste not, want not! So, we've come up with this great list of not only useful, but yummy ideas to help you utilize and recycle the pumpkins you used to decorate for the Fall holidays.

Try these out with your playgroup, they can be super fun and made into a great learning date as well!

1. Bake the Pumpkin Seeds
2. Grow New Pumpkins with the Seeds
3. Use it as a Pumpkin Planter
4. Use it as a Pumpkin Cooler or Bowl
5. Create a Pumpkin Bird Feeder
6. Compost That Pumpkin
7. Pumpkin Potpouri
8. Make Pumpkin Baby Food
9. Baked Pumpkin
10. Baked Stuffed Pumpkin
11. Beef and Pumpkin Stew
12. Black Bean and Roasted Pumpkin Salad
13. Cereal Pumpkin Bread
14. Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
15. Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding
16. Creamy Pumpkin Soup
17. Glazed Pumpkin Cookies
18. Honey Pumpkin Pie
19. Pumpkin Cake
20. Pumpkin Cheesecake
21. Pumpkin Chili
22. Pumpkin Curry
23. Pumpkin Fudge
24. Pumpkin Gingerbread
25. Pumpkin Mincemeat Pie
26. Pumpkin Muffins
27. Pumpkin Pancakes
28. Pumpkin Pie
29. Pumpkin Soup
30. Pumpkin Waffles
31. Stuffed Pumpkin

Lastly, if you can't do any of these, just give it away to someone who will!

Orange you glad we compiled this list of PUMPKIN Recycle ideas?

Thumbprint Critters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:17:00 +0000

Thumbprint Critters - Too Cute for Baby and Toddler Keepsake Clothes!

I cannot believe how easy these were to make! I saw a little boy at the park yesterday with this on and asked the mom where she bought it. She told me how she made hers and I rushed home and broke out my fabric paints! Unfortunately I had to wait for my baby to finish her nap before starting my new craft.

For the toddler t-shirt I dipped my babies thumb into yellow paint to make the baby ducks, then let it dry. After it was dry I painted her thumb green and made the froggie. Her part was DONE!

Next I drew in the legs and faces with a Sharpie - not recommended. It blurred after the 1st washing. Splurge on the fabric markers, its worth it. I used fabric paint for everything else and it hasn't had a single issue.

I was having so much fun with this that I had to make my favorite flower handprints too! She's always in a onsie so I grabbed one of her white onsies and began the thumb print process again. Once the duckies and frog was dry I painted her hand red and made a print high enough to draw a stem on. This fabric paint dries quickly so make it fast!

Both of these shirts are worn pretty regularly and I've had no fading and TONS of compliments! These are definitely keepsakes.

Special days to celebrate in September

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:47:00 +0000

The BEST list of Daily Observances, Weekly Observances, and Monthly Observances....Click HERE

September 1 is . . . . . Emma M. Nutt Day and Labor Day

September 2 is . . . . . National Beheading Day

September 3 is . . . . . Skyscraper Day

September 4 is . . . . . Newspaper Carrier Day

September 5 is . . . . . Be Late For Something Day & Cheese Pizza Day

September 6 is . . . . . Fight Procrastination Day & Read a Book Day

September 7 is . . . . . Neither Rain Nor Snow Day & Grandparents Day

September 8 is . . . . . National Date Nut Bread Day and Pardon Day

September 9 is . . . . . Teddy Bear Day

September 10 is . . . . Swap Ideas Day

September 11 is . . . . No News Is Good News Day & Patriot Day

September 12 is . . . . National Chocolate Milkshake Day & National Video Games Day -

September 13 is . . . . Defy Superstition Day & Fortune Cookie Day

September 14 is . . . . National Cream-filled Donut Day

September 15 is . . . . Make a Hat Day & Felt Hat Day

September 16 is . . . . National Play Doh Day and Collect Rocks Day

September 17 is . . . . National Apple Dumpling Day

September 18 is . . . . National Cheeseburger Day

September 19 is . . . . National Butterscotch Pudding Day & International Talk Like A Pirate Day

September 20 is . . . . National Punch Day

September 21 is . . . . National Women's Friendship Day and International Banana Festival

September 22 is . . . . Elephant Appreciation Day & 1st day of Autumn

September 23 is . . . . Checkers Day and Dogs In Politics Day

September 24 is . . . . Festival Of Latest Novelties

September 25 is . . . . National Comic Book Day

September 26 is . . . . National Good Neighbor Day and

National Pancake Day

September 27 is . . . . Crush A Can Day

September 28 is . . . . Ask A Stupid Question Day More Info on Stupid Questions

September 29 is . . . . Poisoned Blackberries Day

September 30 is . . . . National Mud Pack Day

Turn old jeans into a backpack just in time for the new school year!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:58:00 +0000

If you have an old pair of jeans lying around, you can sew a unique backpack for yourself in just a matter of minutes. Even for the homeschoolers, this is a great way to motivate your kids for the new school year!

Things You'll Need:
Old pair of jeans
Scissors
Sewing machine
Thread
Straight pins
Old bandanna or necktie
Trimmings (optional)

Step 1
Cut a pair of jeans off 2 inches below the crotch. Measure so that the jeans are the same length on both sides.

Step 2
Measure two long strips from the legs of the jeans. They should be the width you want doubled, plus 1 inch for a seam allowance. Cut each piece. Fold each strip wrong side together. Sew in a ½-inch seam. Turn right-side out.

Step 3
Turn the jeans wrong-side out. Pin one end of the strap on each side of the jeans. Stitch across the bottom. Remember to back stitch. For reinforcement, stitch the seam again.

Step 4
Pull the backpack and straps right-side out. Use a straight pin to gently ease out the corners.

Step 5
Pin the loose end of each strap on the inside after pulling them over the top of the jeans. Fit the backpack on your shoulders. Adjust the length of the strap, if necessary. Sew it in place with two rows of stitching.

Step 6
Thread an old bandanna through the belt loops to make the drawstring closure. Or, if you have an old necktie and would prefer to use it, that works as well. Purchase cording too, if you prefer.

Step 7
Add patches to personalize your backpack. Or, you can embroider your name on it. Another option is sewing trimmings on it. Yet another idea is using fabric paints to decorate your backpack.