Stuffed Animal Storage

There is something about Spring that makes me want to get things organized, so I thought I would share this clever stuffed animal storage solution that I first saw here (at Come Together Kids) -- a bean bag chair cover filled with stuffies.  So clever!

I found my cover at the Dollar Store for only $3!  Then, I let my three year old fill it with stuffed animals.

It is a great storage solution, and a comfy place to cuddle up and read a book.  And it is great for sleeping too.  :-)

What is your biggest organizing challenge?  Maybe I can help.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

20 Ideas for Rainy Day Play

Every mom needs a survival plan when it is too wet to let the kids outside.... so here are 20 {easy, inexpensive, and fun} ideas to keep you and your little ones entertained on rainy days.

1)  Bake something - Add a little fun by making your own chef hats (which you can find here)... and if you are looking for something delicious to make, check out our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe here.

2)  Have a bath with bubbles and/or glow sticks - This is a simple idea... but it is lots of fun.

3)  Have a pirate adventure - Who doesn't love dressing up as a pirate?  And, if you are looking for some inspiration, you can find some easy and inexpensive ideas for pirate play here and here.

4)  Make a "life-size" self portrait - This is a simple activity that is sure to delight your little one.  All you need is a roll of paper and some crayons.  You can find the full tutorial here.

5)  Have an indoor concert or dance party -  Isn't singing and dancing a great way to spend an afternoon... and burn off some energy.  If you are looking for some great music for kids, you can read about some of our favorites here.

6)  Make some homemade finger paint - It is fun, it is messy, and you can find the super-easy recipe here.

7)  Have an indoor picnic - Nothing makes lunch more fun than eating it on a blanket in the living room.  You could add some extra fun by inviting some "stuffies" and having a Teddy Bear Picnic.  (You can find some ideas for hosting a teddy bear picnic here.)

8)  Have an "afternoon matinee" - Put on some PJs, pop some popcorn, cuddle up on the couch, and watch your favorite family movie.

9)  Set up your own cafe for lunch - Make your own placemats and menus, and turn your kitchen into your own personal restaurant.  You can check out how we did it here.

10) Play games - Get out your favorite board games, or make your own matching game using the easy tutorial you can find here.

11) Play dress up - Use costumes you have, or use your imagination to make your own.

12) Build with marshmallows - All you need are: marshmallows, toothpicks, and a little imagination.  The kids use the toothpicks to connect the marshmallows and "build" things.  Fun and simple!

13) Have a puppet show - For the puppet theatre, use a spring loaded curtain rod and an old sheet in a doorway.  The sheet works well because it already has an opening for a rod - no sewing required.  (You could also use a cardboard box for a theatre.)  For puppets, print pictures off the internet onto cardstock, color them, cut them out, and attach popsicle sticks to the back.

14) Make a personalized clipboard - Little ones will love having their own personalized clipboards.  (They are great for scavenger hunts and road trips too.)  You can find the full tutorial here.

15) Build stuff out of boxes - Use your imagination, or use one of the 5 fun ideas you can find here.

16) Make homemade playdough - I use an easy "no cook" recipe that uses Kool Aid.  It makes great colors, and the playdough smells yummy!  (You can find the recipe here.)

17) Go "Indoor Camping" - We have an indoor tent in our playroom, but a fort made from chairs and blankets is always a lot of fun.  Make a fire out of construction paper, and "roast" marshmallows.

18) Go "Fishing" -  A fish book, a fish craft, and a fish snack are all you need for a fun-filled, indoor fishing adventure.  You can read all about our Dr. Suess inspired "fishing fun" here.

19) Write a Story - Coming up with a fun story is even more fun when you write it in a handmade book.  You can find a step-by-step tutorial for a DIY Cereal Box Notebook here.

20) Read a favorite book and make a matching craft - I love reading and crafting with the kids on a rainy day.  You can find an example of a fun story/craft combination here.

I hope you found some rainy day inspiration on this list... and if not, maybe you can just put on a rain coat and rainboots, and head outside to splash in some puddles.  :-)

What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Funny Frog Face {Preschool Craft}

Here is a simple craft for Preschoolers that is sure to delight your little ones -- a funny frog face.  The noisemaker tongue was definitely a hit with my three year old.  :-)

Want to make one?  Just follow the three simple steps below:

1) Using the template I designed (which you can find here), cut out the frog face and two eyes.

2)  Draw a face using a black marker or crayon, and glue the eyes in place.

3)  Cut a hole small hole in the middle of the mouth, and insert the noisemaker/"tongue".

That's it!  Easy peasy... and so much fun! Isn't this frog craft a fantastic project for Spring? It would be fantastic for "Leap Day" too.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

{Easiest} Biscuits Ever

I love a quick meal, and "soup and biscuits" is a really simple lunch or supper.  So, I thought I would share my favorite super-easy biscuit recipe.

The great thing about these biscuits is that you throw everything in one bowl, and there is no need for a rolling pin and biscuit cutters.

All you need to do is combine the following ingredients in a bowl.  I whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together.  Then, I stir in the grated butter.  Then, I gently mix in the milk (careful not to over mix it).

1 1/2 cups white flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or you can use 2 cups of white flour)
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup cold butter (grated)
1 cup milk (I use 1%)

Then, form the dough into a ball, and put on a floured surface.  Flatten the ball to make a round circle (approximately 1 1/2 inches thick), and cut the circle into 8 pieces (like a pizza).  

Put on a Silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Simple, right?  Give them a try and let me know what you think.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Homemade Finger Paint

This morning I asked my three year old what he wanted to do.  He said, "Paint... with my fingers".  I didn't have any finger paint in my craft cupboard, so I decided to make some.  

Want to give it a try?

1) In a medium saucepan, combine the following:  2 Tbsp White Sugar, 1/3 Cup Flour, 1 Tbsp Salt, 1 Tbsp Cornstarch, and 2 Cups Water.

2) Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it thickens.

3) Divide between containers, allow to cool, and add a couple drops of food coloring to each one.

That's it!  My little guy loved getting messy with this fun and easy to make finger paint.  Is this something your little one would like to try?

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

*This recipe was adapted from one I found here.

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are a lot of chocolate chip cookies recipes out there, but my favorite is this "soft and chewy" version.  It is adapted from the recipe on the "Chipits" bag.  If you like soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies, you should give this recipe a try.

Here's the recipe:

1)  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2)  In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups all purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

3)  In a separate bowl, use electric beaters to combine the following:

• 1 cup butter (at room temperature... NOT melted)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

4)  Add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract to the butter/sugar mixture.  Beat with electric beaters until well combined.

5)  Using a wooden spoon, mix wet and dry ingredients together (just until combined).  Then, add 2 cups of chocolate chips.  (I like semi-sweet, but you can use whatever you like.)

6)  Drop tablespoon-size balls (using a cookie scoop for best results) onto a Silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet, and bake for approx. 8-10 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh... but trust me... they won't last long.  :-)

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Note: If you notice that your cookies are flattening out, try putting the batter in the fridge for half an hour before baking. Also, use fresh baking soda, don't melt the butter, and don't put batter onto a hot cookie sheet.

 

ECM Kids' Craft Club - #14 {Door Hanger}

Welcome to the 14th edition of the ECM Kids' Craft Club {an easy & inexpensive way for kids to have fun crafting and experience the excitement of getting their very own mail}.  If you want to join the club, you can find more info here.
For everyone who is already a member... let's get started on this month's craft.  This month we are making adorable a fun "Spring" door hanger!

Cute, right?  First, gather your supplies.  

Then...

1)  Cut out the door hanger and the black and red parts of the lady bug.

2)  Decorate the door hanger, and then glue the bottom (black) and top (red) parts of the lady bug in place.  {My son wrote "Cameron's Room... Don't Bug Me", but you can write whatever you want.}

3)  Glue on googly eyes and black spots.

That's it!  I hope you enjoyed this craft, and I hope you hang it on your bedroom door!  {Don't forget to leave me a comment, or send me an email.  Your comments help me improve the club, and I love hearing from you.}  

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Don't forget... Assist young children when using scissors, and be careful of the small parts included with this kit, as they can be a choking hazard for children under three".)

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