Smiley Face Pretzels

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Kids of all ages can help to decorate these bright and cheerful Smiley Face Pretzels. The design is simple and easy to make using round pretzels, candy coating, mini chocolate chips and a food coloring marker. They make great snacks and served alongside Smiley Face Cookies are fun treats to use for a Smiley Face Party.

Smiley Face Pretzels

Ingredients:  (makes 75)

10 ounces yellow confectionery coating (Candy Melts) or white confectionery coating

optional: yellow candy coloring if using white confectionery coating

75 pretzel rounds

150 mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

black food coloring marker

Supplies:

parchment paper

baking sheets

Instructions:

Pour candy melts into a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high power for 30 seconds, then stir. Heat for another 30 seconds, then stir. Heat for 20 seconds, then let the candy coating sit in the microwave for 2 minutes, then stir. If all the wafers have not melted, heat for 10 second increments, stirring after each until melted.

If using white candy coating, stir in some yellow candy coloring. Be sure to only use coloring that is made for candy. The coloring should not contain any water, which will make your candy coating seize up (harden.)

Set a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Arrange the pretzel rounds on the baking sheet. Pour a few tablespoons of the yellow candy coating into a zip top bag, and snip of one tip making a small hole. Pipe the yellow candy coating into a few of the pretzels, then immediately, place two mini chocolate chips in the wet coating to create the smiley face’s eyes. Continue filling pretzels and adding chocolate chips. Pop the tray in the freezer for about 3 minutes until the candy coating hardens.

If little kids are helping, you can put the candy coating in squeeze bottles if that is easier for them to handle. You can also just spoon the candy into the pretzels, just be sure to scrape the bottom of the spoon each time you get more candy, so you don’t end up with drips all over the pretzels.

After you remove the pan from the freezer, allow the pretzels to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes, then use a black food coloring marker to draw on smiles.

If you’d like some tips for working with food coloring markers, particularly those that have dried up, check out my Edible Food Marker Tips tutorial.

 

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16 Things to Do with Bored Kids, Crafts and Activities!

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We have all experienced the wrath of bored kids.  Usually out of boredom, great imagination is sparked! Just check out, “Your Boredom is not my Problem.”

16 Things to Do with Bored Kids

Things to Make with Bored Kids

You can have your children make a simple bird feeder to hang out in the yard with this project from Not So Average Mama.

While you’re feeding the birds, how about taking care of the butterflies too!  This easy homemade butterfly feeder will do the trick!

Take it back old school with tin can stilts!  You can find complete instructions via Juggling Act Mama.  This project does require the help of an adult.

Another great idea is to help them make a Mom I’m bored jar from Somewhat Simple.

A great creative activity for bored kids is to make your own board game, you can find great instructions at Tip Junkie.

Messes to Make with Bored Kids

Maybe it’s time to kill the boredom by getting messy!  This DIY Chalk Paint from Juggling Act Mama is perfect!

Another fun colorful mess can be made by using science to tie dye!

Let’s make a giant mess outside building a volcano!

If the weather isn’t nice, you can bring some outdoor fun inside by making this mud-like coffee playdough.

It’s not really messy, but getting wet is always fun!  Check out this squirt gun races activity from This Grandma is Fun.

Printables for Bored Kids

Spark some boredom killer ideas with this “I’m Bored” free printable from Eat Pray Read Love.

I used to spend hours designing paper dolls as a kid.  Get your own kids started with these free printable paper dolls from 100 Directions.

Do you have a LEGO lover in the family?  Use these printable LEGO challenge cards from A Few Shortcuts to bust their boredom.

Scavenger hunts are always fun.  This alphabet scavenger hunt from Best Activities for Kids is a great place to start.

Print these jump rope songs from Five Little Chefs for your kids and encourage them to get some fun exercise while learning the songs.

Lets not forget the tweens in the family.  This printable activity of 50 would you rather questions is perfect! ~ Mom of 6

More Great Ideas for Bored Kids

Need more ideas for your bored kids?  Check out these 25 Summer Boredom Buster Crafts and these Backyard Boredom Busters!

We would love to know if your kids tried out these activities, share your thoughts over on our Facebook page!

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A Week of Water Activities for Kids

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Water activities are always a favorite! And summertime makes them even more so!

We’ve been having tons of fun at the pool and with our water guns. I decided that it might be fun to do a whole week of water fun with the kids!

Want more weeks of activities for you? Check these out!

An activity plan for kids that love to play in water!

I’ve chosen some of our favorite activities to do in the summer to do this week, to get outside and enjoy the days when we can!

Monday: Water Gun Target

Set up cans on a table outside and shoot them with water guns to knock them down.

Supplies needed:

• water/squirt guns
• water
• pop cans / tin cans

Find details: Easy Water Gun Target for a Hot Day

Tuesday: Pouring Water Practice

Practice pouring water from a pitcher into cups. Take it outside!

Supplies needed:

• plastic or paper cups
• water
• pitcher

Find details: Pouring Water Life Skill Activity

Wednesday: Colored Water Transfer

Have a water play day! Set out tubs of water with some scoops to transfer water back and forth. Add color to the water if you’d like.

Supplies needed:

• tubs or buckets
• water
• food coloring (optional)
• scoops, spoons, measuring cups, etc

Find details: Colored Water Transfer

Thursday: Wash Toys

Use a tub of soapy water to wash favorite toys.

Supplies needed:

• tub or bucket
• sponge or toothbrush
• water
• dish soap
• toys

Find details: Washing Toys Water Activity

 Friday: Painting with Water

Take a paintbrush and a tub of water outside and paint various surfaces! Watch what happens when the sun dries it away.

Supplies needed:

• paintbrushes
• water
• dish or tub
• sidewalk, fence, driveway, porch, etc

Find details: What Absorbs Water? Science Experiment

Saturday: What Absorbs Water Experiment

Collect various objects of nature in a muffin tin. Pour water into each section to see what absorbs water and what doesn’t.

Supplies needed:

• nature
• muffin pan
• water

Sunday: Sprinkler Fun!

Have a fun summer!

A Week of Water Activities for Kids on handsonaswegrow.com

A Week of Water Activities for Kids

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2arbdnb

Water activities are always a favorite! And summertime makes them even more so!

We’ve been having tons of fun at the pool and with our water guns. I decided that it might be fun to do a whole week of water fun with the kids!

Want more weeks of activities for you? Check these out!

An activity plan for kids that love to play in water!

I’ve chosen some of our favorite activities to do in the summer to do this week, to get outside and enjoy the days when we can!

Monday: Water Gun Target

Set up cans on a table outside and shoot them with water guns to knock them down.

Supplies needed:

• water/squirt guns
• water
• pop cans / tin cans

Find details: Easy Water Gun Target for a Hot Day

Tuesday: Pouring Water Practice

Practice pouring water from a pitcher into cups. Take it outside!

Supplies needed:

• plastic or paper cups
• water
• pitcher

Find details: Pouring Water Life Skill Activity

Wednesday: Colored Water Transfer

Have a water play day! Set out tubs of water with some scoops to transfer water back and forth. Add color to the water if you’d like.

Supplies needed:

• tubs or buckets
• water
• food coloring (optional)
• scoops, spoons, measuring cups, etc

Find details: Colored Water Transfer

Thursday: Wash Toys

Use a tub of soapy water to wash favorite toys.

Supplies needed:

• tub or bucket
• sponge or toothbrush
• water
• dish soap
• toys

Find details: Washing Toys Water Activity

 Friday: Painting with Water

Take a paintbrush and a tub of water outside and paint various surfaces! Watch what happens when the sun dries it away.

Supplies needed:

• paintbrushes
• water
• dish or tub
• sidewalk, fence, driveway, porch, etc

Find details: What Absorbs Water? Science Experiment

Saturday: What Absorbs Water Experiment

Collect various objects of nature in a muffin tin. Pour water into each section to see what absorbs water and what doesn’t.

Supplies needed:

• nature
• muffin pan
• water

Sunday: Sprinkler Fun!

Have a fun summer!

A Week of Water Activities for Kids on handsonaswegrow.com

Kid-Made Craft Stick Tigers

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Kids bored? Here’s an idea! Give them a box of new craft supplies with the simple instruction to “make something.” I recently did just that and look what the child made!

These adorable Craft Stick Tigers double as a refrigerator magnet or a bookmark. How very creative!

Kid-Made Craft Stick Tigers

To make this cute craft you will need:

• Wooden craft sticks (standard size)
• Orange, yellow, and red construction paper
• Wiggly eyes
• Black marker
• White school glue

Related: Kids can create an entire zoo! Check out these adorable Foam Cup Tigers!

Begin by glueing two standard sized craft sticks side by side. While the glue is drying, use the scissors to cut out small triangles from the orange and yellow construction paper.

Next, use the scissors to cut out a small, round head for the tiger. Use the black marker to draw a nose and mouth on the head of the tiger. Use the glue to attach 2 wiggly eyes to the tiger’s head.

When the popsicle sticks are dry, gently glue down the orange triangles to create a tiger pattern. Next, use the glue to attach the tiger’s head. Cut 2 small red ears from construction paper then glue them to the back of the tiger’s head. Last, cut a swirly tail from orange construction paper. Glue it to the back of the craft sticks.

If desired, secure a piece of adhesive magnetic tape to the back of the craft sticks. Now the tiger is a magnet!

Kids are so creative! If your child likes tigers, you should also check out our free tiger coloring page for kids!

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22 Adorable Mermaid Crafts for Kids

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All little girls (and lots of little boys) love mermaids. These under the sea fantasy creatures are always beautiful and colorful – what’s not to love?

For everyone that wishes they had one of those gorgeous, sparkly tails, here are a bunch of fun mermaid crafts to make. (affiliates included)

Adorable Mermaid Crafts for Kids

Create mermaid art with salt, glue and your favorite water colors.

Print your own mermaid tiara that you can customize with glitter and stickers! via Genevieve Gail

These little mermaids made out of toilet paper rolls are adorable! via Molly Moo Crafts

This DIY mermaid necklace is perfect for dress up! via Mama Pappa Bubba

Wait – who says the kids get to have all the fun? Here are some fun adult mermaid coloring pages. (But kids love them, too!) via Red Ted Art

Make a small mermaid doll from a clothespin! via Spoonful

Use your handprint to make a mermaid. This is a fun craft for the little ones to create. via Education.com

Get ready to head to the pool with this DIY mermaid tail towel. So cute! via Stitch To My Lou

Paint seashells to make this gorgeous mermaid crown. via Creative Green Living

Having a mermaid party? Make this easy mermaid tail as a fun activity + party favor! via Living Locurto

Cardboard, sequins and ribbon make this easy paper mermaid craft via Simplicity Street

This printable makes one of the easiest and most fun mermaid crafts ever. Just print and paint! via Learn Create Love

Here is another fun mermaid made from recycled toilet paper roll. So cute! via Red Ted Art

These mermaid cookies look delicious! They would be perfect for a birthday party. via Disney

Make an under the sea mermaid scene with a paper plate! via Zing Zing Tree

Or try a mermaid tail cupcake! via Mrs. Dork

Decorate your bedroom with mermaid scale letters. This is a really fun DIY! via This Heart of Mine

Make tiny mermaids out of popsicle sticks! So easy and fun via Glued To My Crafts Blog

This is one of  my favorite mermaid crafts – it’s cut outs from a magazine turned mermaid! via No Time For Flash Cards

If you’re chilly wrap up in this DIY mermaid tail blanket! via Dukes and Duchesses

Try this mermaid sensory slime for a fun under the sea activity. via Study At Home Mama

Be queen of the sea with this gorgeous printable mermaid crown! via Catch My Party

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Peacock Coloring Pages for Kids

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Using this peacock coloring page, you can create a unique peacock of your own using your favorite colors! The peacock, also known as peafowl, is one of the most colorful bird species sporting brilliant shades of blue, green, and yellow on their feathers. There even are majestic white peacocks!

Coloring can be a very relaxing activity for not just children, but adults as well; it’s a great way to wind down at the end of the day, especially with some nice music turned on.

Coloring Pages for Kids- Peacock

Click here to download and print this free coloring page: Peacock Coloring Page

Don’t be afraid to use a variety of art supplies to color in this peacock. Sometimes, using multiple art supplies such as a combination of paint, pencils, and ink can create a really cool illustration. I personally prefer to use Prismacolor Colored Pencils for drawings like this (and a touch of paint!), so if you would like to watch me color a peacock, check out the video below:

These coloring pages were made by me. To see more of my artwork, check out my Instagram. You can also watch Facebook Live videos of my drawing and coloring during weekdays on Quirky Momma.

I hope you enjoy coloring this gorgeous bird!

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Olympics

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Resources and activities for school age children for the Olympics.

Olympic Games And Rules

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Games for children to play at a Summer Olympics.

15 Finding Dory Hank the Septopus Crafts

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We had to wait 13 years to meet Hank the Septopus…that’s a seven legged octopus…but its safe to say that this new Disney/Pixar character was a hit in Disney’s newest animated feature film masterpiece “Finding Dory.” Here are fifteen Hank crafts we are loving.

Hank the Septopus Crafts

Kid Friendly Things to Do has a super easy orange hardware glove Hank.

Here’s Hank in hot dog form if you’re looking for a fun lunch time idea.

Karen at Desert Chica shows us how to make a construction paper Hank.

Get ahead on your child’s Hank Halloween costume with another fab D.I.Y. from Desert Chica.

We think your kids will love this sensory bottle with Hank and all of his fishy “Finding Dory” friends at Sunshine and Hurricanes.

About a Mom has a genius idea for a Hank Glitter Globe.

Swap out orange craft paint for the pink and make our Paper Bag Octopus Craft.

Here’s Hank the shadow puppet fun from Adventure In a Box.

An empty paper towel or toilet paper roll can be easily transformed into Hank the septopus.

Mrs. Kathy King shows us how to make Hank rice krispie treats.

Hank get’s stuck in Finding Dory Glitter Slime from A Pumpkin and a Princess.

The Simple Parent shows you how to make an easy Hank construction paper craft.

This Finding Dory Hank craft from Clementine County really “rocks”!

Easy Peasy and Fun has a super duper easy and fun Hank Paper Plate Craft.

Also at Easy Peasy and Fun are these super cute Hank Straw Toppers.

 

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5 Back to School Dairy-Free Lunch Ideas

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Family Food Live with Holly & Chris is back today for another LIVE show!  We are going to continue to get you ready for school today with 5 Back to School Dairy-Free Lunch Ideas for the upcoming school year.  We shared 5 Back to School Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas on Wednesday — here’s a recap!

You can find us today at 12 Noon CST LIVE on the Quirky Momma Facebook page!  We hope to see you then!

 

Here’s what you will need for these lunch ideas.  And again we are using this set of BPA free lunch containers that give you at least 3 compartments for your kiddos lunch.

 

Dairy-Free Lunch Ideas

Lunch 1

Shopping List:

• Hard boiled eggs with avocados
• Pretzels
• Orange

Lunch 2

Shopping List:

• Apples with walnuts
• Turkey rolls
• Sliced cucumbers

Lunch 3

Shopping List:

• Hummus with carrots
• Chicken strips
• Red grapes

Lunch 4

Shopping List:

• Ham spinach pinwheel
• Carrots
• Banana chips

Lunch 5

Shopping List:

• Celery with almond butter
• Pepperoni rolls
• Apple slices with honey

Join Family Food Live with Holly & Chris every Wednesday and Friday at Noon CST on the Quirky Momma Facebook page.

Here are a few of our favorite products from Family Food Live (affiliate links)

• Bento box containers
• Egg Rite Egg Timer
• Fit and Fresh container
• One Touch Electric Bottle Opener
• Half Pint Wide Mouth Mason Jars
• Ninja Professional Blender
• Zoku Quick Pop Maker
• Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen Half Apron in Red or Blue
• Plano Half-Size Stowaway with Adjustable Dividers  –  for road trip snacks
• Curious Chef 3-Piece Nylon Knife Set
• Cuisinart 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker
• Victorinox Fibrox Straight Edge Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch
• Lemon Squeezer
• Mason Jars
• Crockpot
• Apple Corer
• Popcorn Bowl
• MaxiMatic double burner hot plate
• Glass Egg carton
• Black & Decker 4 slice toaster
• Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer
• Cuisinart 8-cup Food Processor
• Meat Mallet
• Ice Cream or Cookie Scooper
• Norpro Butter Keeper
• 3-Piece Veggie Peeler
• Garlic Press

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Extra Large Clothespin Crocodile Craft for Kids

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Do you have a child who loves animals? This adorable Extra Large Clothespin Crocodile is 100% kid-created from an extra large wooden clothespin, felt, and glue. Read on to see how it’s done!

Extra Large Clothespin Crocodile Craft for Kids

Kids of all ages will love this adorable kid-made craft. To make it you need:

• Stiff felt (all colors)
• 1 extra large clothespin (found at most craft stores)
• Large wiggly eyes
• Hot glue and/or tacky craft glue
• Optional: Colored paper and pom poms
• Scissors

After gathering supplies, kids can cut strips of felt to fit the clothespin. Some children may find it helpful to trace the clothespin with a black marker. The child that made this craft chose to use 2 shades of green for contrast.

When your child is finished cutting the felt, invite them to cover all of the outside surfaces of the clothespin with it. Be sure to leave enough space for the crocodile’s teeth! Hot glue or tacky craft glue is best for this task.

Next, cut a strip of pink or red felt to line the interior of the clothespin to make the crocodile’s mouth.

When the crocodile’s mouth is finished, cut 2 ovals from the green felt. Next, glue 1 wiggly eye to each oval, then glue them down to the crocodile’s head.

Last, glue “spikes” down the crocodile’s back. If desired, create a play scene from felt and construction paper for the crocodile. Little hands will love pretending to make their crocodile swim through water! Personally, I think the bush and lily are a nice touch!

Take this craft further: Glue a strip of magnetic tape to the back! Now you have a refrigerator magnet ready to “chomp” artwork and spelling tests!

You can also make a mini version with our alligator clothespin craft!

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Dear Mom and Dad, I am Going to Change You

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Dear Mom and Dad,

I am going to change you. The transformation is going to painful at times, but it is going to be beautiful. Trust the process as you experience this metamorphosis. Just as with the butterfly, you really are very different from what you will become. As you learn and grow with me you will experience so many ah-ha moments that will make you a better you.

Mom and Dad, this parenting thing isn’t going to come easy. In ways you will feel like you are losing yourself, but don’t panic. This is part of the process. You think you are losing a part of who you are, but in reality you are becoming all that you were supposed to be.

Know what? You were selfish. For years, it has been all about you. You have been able to dictate your own schedule. Sleeping happened on your timetable. You only had to clean up your own mess and work on your own behavior. Going out with friends was a priority. Feeding into your talents and interests was what you lived for.

Now you get me. You’ll delight as you help me develop my talents. The sleep sacrifices you make so that I can be well fed or that you can chase away my nasty dreams will be hard, but they will be worth it. You are learning that there is joy in service. The investment you are making in me as part the future generation is teaching you that maybe there is delight found when you get outside of yourself enough to care deeply about another human being. It is said, “The greatest sacrifice is when you sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of someone else.” I know this isn’t always easy. I won’t always thank you or even recognize your sacrifice, but it is still appreciated.

You once thought you were patient. Guess what? You’re not. When you have taught me over and over and over again the same thing, and I still don’t get it, it will send you over the edge. I will continue to drop my shoes where they don’t go. The tantrums will push you to your limits. My disobedience will sadden you but also make you angry. Your  anger might surprise you too. This is all part of the refinement process. Don’t worry. You will develop more patience over time, and that’s a good thing.

It will become increasing clear to you that I mimic what you do. Therefore, you will want to do better and be better. Desiring to create a child with character will help you be more honest and have words drip out of your mouth that are more like honey than like daggers. You will want to do the right thing because you want me to learn to do the right thing. The rebellious tendencies of your youth will lessen as you understand the weight of your example on my life. Thank you for modeling what it means to be good and do good.

I will consume your thoughts. You will worry about me. Smiles or laughter will come to your face as you ponder my silly antics. Dating your spouse will be different. Try and make that time about you, but it’s OK to talk about me and bring me up once in a while. I am embedded in your heart and your mind.

I will teach you that you are not perfect. You may have thought you had this whole parenting thing figured out. Ha! You were wrong. Being imperfect is actually perfect. You teach me that I can be loved despite my flaws. It’s your imperfection that makes you real to me. It’s what sets you apart from the rest of the other moms and dads out there. It’s OK to admit when you are wrong and ask for forgiveness too. I’ll have grace with you. This is the first time you’ve done this parenting thing, and it’s the first time I have done this human thing. You don’t need to be that outdoorsy mom if that’s not you. You don’t need to have the Pinterest perfect birthday party if you like to celebrate in more simple ways. Don’t try to be like those other moms. You will begin to embrace the real you. Teach me to do the same.

You are going to love like you never experienced. Love is sacrificial. It is wanting the best for the other person. Please love your spouse first and best because that’s one of the most important ways you show your love to me. The love for me will be different than you have ever experienced before, and it will change you. It will make you be ferocious and papa or mama bear at times. It will send you into tears of joy and frustration. The emotions will be real and raw, and it will all stem out of the love you have for me.

Dear Mom and Dad, I am going to change you. Change isn’t easy. As the diamond is made into a precious jewel by the pressure it faces, so you too will reach new depths of beauty, strength, and character. Embrace the change, and thank you for transforming for me. You needed it.

Love,

Your Kid

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