16 New Baby Hacks To Make Life Easier

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Life with a little one can be tricky but these simple baby hacks can help make it a smoother ride. We have so much to do while raising a family and finding a few things here or there that can make our job easier is welcome. I love finding ways to do things easier and more efficiently!

16 New Baby Hacks To Make Life Easier

No bib? No problem! Use a towel and a clothespin instead.

Or, use an old t-shirt for those little ones who are always pulling their bibs off. via Love and Marriage

Put those plastic toys in the dishwasher for a quick wash. via One Crazy House

Use a baby of rice to help with tummy time! This anchors the hips and makes it more comfortable for baby. via

Get those pesky boogers out of baby’s nose with the oogiebear. Sometimes the booger suckers just don’t work!

Cut a changing pad liner in half and place it in the carseat to save the seat from diaper blowouts! via Two Twenty One

Does it take forever to cut up little bite sized pieces of food? This little gadget makes it quick and easy.

If you left the carseat in the car and the buckles are too hot for baby, spray with a mist of water from a spray bottle. via Reddit

For sore gums due to teething, freeze a little applesauce  onto a washcloth for them to chew on. via How Does She

Does your baby always grab your necklace and put it in their mouth? Let them! These special necklaces are just for that purpose.

Get spit up stains out of the baby clothes with this simple concoction. via My Life In Pink

Cover your doorbell with a Knock Knock Nanny to ward off guests that may be about to push the button and wake up your sleeping newborn.

Grab small ketchup and condiment containers to hold pacifiers on the go to keep them from getting germs. via Lala

Don’t wake the baby when you shut the nursery door – grab a cushy closer to cover the latch.

Hang up those tiny baby pants using clothespins.  via Two Twenty One

Making a mess every time you put diaper cream on the baby? Use a Bum Brush instead.

The post 16 New Baby Hacks To Make Life Easier appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

30 Awesome Valentine’s Day Party Ideas for Kids!

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We’ve put together 30 Awesome Valentine’s Day Party Ideas for Kids to get your Valentine’s Day party off to a great start. Are you looking forward to a Valentine’s Day party at your kid’s school? Growing up, it was one of my favorite holidays. In this Valentine’s Day roundup we’ve thought everything to get your creative juices flowing, including: Valentine’s Day Activities Kids Love, Fun (and Healthy) Valentine’s Day Party Snacks, and Cute Valentine’s Day Decorations.

Also check out these 25 FREE Valentine Coloring Pages for Kids that will be great to add to your Valentine’s Day activities. What’s not to love?!

30 Awesome Valentine’s Day Party Ideas for Kids!

 

Valentine’s Day Party Activities Kids Love

• Teach kids good habits with this Recycled {Be My} Valentine Craft. -via Kids Activities Blog
• Pair up kids and have a race with this Valentine’s Day Word Scramble. -via Moritz Fine Designs
• Here’s a classic Valentine’s Day party idea kids will love playing: Valentine’s Day Heart Bingo. -via Teach Mama
• This looks like such a FUN game for kids to play for a classroom Valentine’s Day party or even at home. Check out My Heart Is Bursting. -via Balancing Home
• Learn beginning printmaking skills in this Easy Valentine Craft. -via Kids Activities Blog
• This Toilet Paper Roll Love Bug craft is so adorable for Valentine’s Day! -via Red Ted Art
• Kids will love playing this classic “I Spy” game with a Valentine’s Day twist (FREE printable). -via Live Laugh Rowe
• Make Valentine Sun Catchers in this simple Valentine’s Day craft. -via Kids Activities Blog
• You’re going to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day Card Holder Craft meant for preschoolers, but great for Kindergartners or first graders too. Plus, kids will get an easy sewing lesson in also. -via Long Island Parent Resource
• We love this traditional and easy Valentine Bags. All you need is a paper bag and a few craft supplies you probably already have on hand. -via Kids Acitvities Blog
• Build with marshmallows! Kids will enjoy inserting toothpicks into marshmallows and making their own creations. -via Buggy and Buddy
• See how many words you can make in this Valentine’s Day word puzzle (FREE printable). -via Resourceful Mama
• Use tissue paper or construction paper to make Valentine’s Day snowflakes! -via Red Ted Art
• This Minute to Win It Valentines Day class party is all set up for you with easy to follow directions. -via Teach Mama
• Boys will think these 21 FREE printable Valentines Cards are super cool. -via Spaceships and Laser Beams

Fun Valentine’s Day Party Snacks

• Kids will be begging for some more Valentine’s Day S’mores. -via Kids Activities Blog
• Let kids know there are so many “raisins” why you’re glad they’re a friend with this healthy Valentines Day treat idea. -via Fantabulosity
• These Oreo Pops look so pretty and yummy. They make a great treat to add to your Valentine’s Day party ideas. -via Happiness is Homemade
• These Conversation Heart Rice Krispies Treats are super yummy! -via Kids Activities Blog
• You’ll want to make this Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies party mix recipe for your party. Kids love it! -via Just Between Friends
• How about some Valentine’s Day popcorn for your Valentine’s Day party? -via Two Sisters Crafting
• It’s probably cold out so how about some Strawberry Hot Chocolate for your Valentine’s Day party? -via Kids Activities Blog
• Write fun loved-filled messages on fruit in this healthy Valentine’s Day inspired snack. -via Cake Whiz
• These Love Bug Fruit Cups are almost too adorable to eat. -via The Melrose Family

Cute Valentine’s Day Decorations

• Make these pretty heart trees for your Valentine’s Day party. Let the kids help if you dare. -via I Gotta Create
• Be sure to check out this Dollar Tree Paper Lace Banner that’s super easy to make for your party. -via Premeditated Leftovers
• Make these Valentine’s Day Handprint Keepsakes and decorate the classroom with them. Parents can take them home after the party. -via Teach Me Mommy
• Use those puzzles with missing pieces to make this Puzzle Hearts craft for your Valentine’s Day party. -via Freshly Found
• Here’s a beautiful paper strip Heart Garland that’ll look great with your other Valentines Day decorations. -via Posed Perfection
• This DIY Valentine’s Day Banner is a must-have decoration for your Valentine’s Day party. -via Vicky Barone
• A craft table is always popular with kids; stock it with heart shapes, stickers, sequins, paper lace, washable markers, google eyes, etc. and let them make funny Valentine characters. You can get some more Valentine’s Day craft ideas here. -via Kids Activities Blog

See? Valentine’s Day is the simplest holiday to celebrate and sending your guests home after a fun and busy time together is the best Valentine of all!

What will you do at your Valentine’s Day party? Share your Valentine’s Day party ideas with us on our Facebook page!

The post 30 Awesome Valentine’s Day Party Ideas for Kids! appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

Easy Chicken Curry

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Easy Chicken Curry is a warm, spicy dish you can enjoy over a fresh bed of rice or on its own.  With cayenne, paprika, and a host of other spices, this healthy lunch option definitely comes with a kick…and some heat!  I recommend pouring the end result over jasmine or brown rice.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Curry

• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 Onion (small)
• 3 Tbsp Curry Powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger (fresh or powder)
• 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice (or 1/2 the juice of a fresh lemon)
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Powder (or Kasmiri Powder…if you can find it!)

Directions for Easy Chicken Curry

1. Heat coconut oil over medium to medium high heat.  Once smoke begins to rise, add onions and cook until finished.
2. Add curry powder, paprika, bay leaf, garlic, ground cinnamon, ginger.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir mixture for 2-3 minutes.  Add chicken, tomato paste, yogurt, and water.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.  Remove bay leaf (or don’t, up to you!).
5. Add lemon juice and cayenne powder.
6. Simmer mixture for five more minutes.
7. Serve over rice or by itself.

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition:

Calories 252 kcal
Protein 45 g
Fat 3 g
Carb 8 g
Fiber 12 g
Sugar 8 g

The post Easy Chicken Curry appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt to Find the Ways I Love You

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/1IVmibz

Click here to read Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt to Find the Ways I Love You on Hands On As We Grow

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I have been wanting to do a Valentine’s scavenger hunt for a long, long time… probably since last Valentine’s Day! I wasn’t sure how exactly I wanted to do it, but I had ideas floating around in my head.

We’ve done a simple Valentine’s scavenger hunt in the past with just some numbered hearts to find and match. It was a great number learning activity and the heart twist made it fun.

I knew I wanted it simple like that again, but it wasn’t until I saw this heart-a-day banner from Jones Design Company that I knew exactly what our scavenger hunt would be.

I told the boys the night before that we were going to do this Valentine’s scavenger hunt. George was so excited in the morning that he wanted to do it right away.

I’ve been trying to get them to play more outside lately, so this was my ticket. In order for me to set up the scavenger hunt, they would need to head outside and play first in the morning. They ended up going for a walk with Dad and I had some time to get this ready.

To set up this Valentine’s scavenger hunt:

I cut out lots and lots, and lots more hearts. I cut out about 30 for each of the kids, each kid got a different color.

The number of hearts depends on the number of days until Valentine’s Day. I also cut out extra to do a bigger hunt on this day. They ended up having 8 hearts to find for this particular hunt, but the scavenger hunt will go on every day until Valentine’s Day.

The kids can cut out the hearts too if you want to include them in on the setup. See the pretty heart garland they cut and made last year.

On each of the hearts I wrote something I love about each of the boys. Henry had the purple color, George the light pink and Louis had the bright pink. I actually didn’t end up writing any on Louis’s because he can’t read them and wouldn’t appreciate it much yet anyway. His were kept blank.

We used 3 hearts as directions for our Valentine’s scavenger hunt.

The first “direction” heart was the beginning of the scavenger hunt that they would find when they got back home:

On the back of Henry’s starting heart, I wrote extra directions since he is the only one that can read.

It asked him to read his brothers’ hearts to them so they’d know what to do, as well as the ways I love them. I also wrote to tell him that there would be 8 hearts to find today, and 1 heart each day until Valentine’s Day.

Then another heart gave them directions to hang the hearts they find on their bedroom door. A fun way to see the reasons I love them so much!

And the last direction on a heart said that when they spot someone else’s heart to not let them know about it. Let them find it!

Of course, these were hidden, so the directions weren’t followed from the start. But that’s okay. I meant for them to follow this for the additional days until Valentine’s Day  more than this initial scavenger hunt.

And then they came home!

It was excitement from the start!

Henry was in before the other boys and read his right away.

George and Louis gathered around him as they came inside too. And then they were off to find their 8 hearts!

They were so excited to read the ways I love them.

I even got extra hugs and kisses when they found the hearts that said I love their hugs and kisses.

Here are even more scavenger hunt ideas for kids!

And now their hearts are hanging on their doors to be added to every day until Valentine’s Day.

A new heart, and reason I love them, will be hidden each night (much like you guys that do the Elf on the Shelf) and the boys will search and find the heart every morning until Valentine’s Day.

And their bedroom door will hold all the reasons I love them so much!

Have you ever done a scavenger hunt with your kids?

Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt to Find the Ways I Love You

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/1IVmibz

Click here to read Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt to Find the Ways I Love You on Hands On As We Grow

---

I have been wanting to do a Valentine’s scavenger hunt for a long, long time… probably since last Valentine’s Day! I wasn’t sure how exactly I wanted to do it, but I had ideas floating around in my head.

We’ve done a simple Valentine’s scavenger hunt in the past with just some numbered hearts to find and match. It was a great number learning activity and the heart twist made it fun.

I knew I wanted it simple like that again, but it wasn’t until I saw this heart-a-day banner from Jones Design Company that I knew exactly what our scavenger hunt would be.

I told the boys the night before that we were going to do this Valentine’s scavenger hunt. George was so excited in the morning that he wanted to do it right away.

I’ve been trying to get them to play more outside lately, so this was my ticket. In order for me to set up the scavenger hunt, they would need to head outside and play first in the morning. They ended up going for a walk with Dad and I had some time to get this ready.

To set up this Valentine’s scavenger hunt:

I cut out lots and lots, and lots more hearts. I cut out about 30 for each of the kids, each kid got a different color.

The number of hearts depends on the number of days until Valentine’s Day. I also cut out extra to do a bigger hunt on this day. They ended up having 8 hearts to find for this particular hunt, but the scavenger hunt will go on every day until Valentine’s Day.

The kids can cut out the hearts too if you want to include them in on the setup. See the pretty heart garland they cut and made last year.

On each of the hearts I wrote something I love about each of the boys. Henry had the purple color, George the light pink and Louis had the bright pink. I actually didn’t end up writing any on Louis’s because he can’t read them and wouldn’t appreciate it much yet anyway. His were kept blank.

We used 3 hearts as directions for our Valentine’s scavenger hunt.

The first “direction” heart was the beginning of the scavenger hunt that they would find when they got back home:

On the back of Henry’s starting heart, I wrote extra directions since he is the only one that can read.

It asked him to read his brothers’ hearts to them so they’d know what to do, as well as the ways I love them. I also wrote to tell him that there would be 8 hearts to find today, and 1 heart each day until Valentine’s Day.

Then another heart gave them directions to hang the hearts they find on their bedroom door. A fun way to see the reasons I love them so much!

And the last direction on a heart said that when they spot someone else’s heart to not let them know about it. Let them find it!

Of course, these were hidden, so the directions weren’t followed from the start. But that’s okay. I meant for them to follow this for the additional days until Valentine’s Day  more than this initial scavenger hunt.

And then they came home!

It was excitement from the start!

Henry was in before the other boys and read his right away.

George and Louis gathered around him as they came inside too. And then they were off to find their 8 hearts!

They were so excited to read the ways I love them.

I even got extra hugs and kisses when they found the hearts that said I love their hugs and kisses.

Here are even more scavenger hunt ideas for kids!

And now their hearts are hanging on their doors to be added to every day until Valentine’s Day.

A new heart, and reason I love them, will be hidden each night (much like you guys that do the Elf on the Shelf) and the boys will search and find the heart every morning until Valentine’s Day.

And their bedroom door will hold all the reasons I love them so much!

Have you ever done a scavenger hunt with your kids?

26 Ways to Organize Toys in Small Spaces

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With a tiny (closet-sized) playroom, I struggle constantly with how to organize toys in small spaces.

And with all the toys that we have, it’s important to me to be able to  organize toys cheap so that it’s easy on my pocketbook. These solutions are just what I needed to clear out the clutter and keep toys from taking over our home!

26 Ways to Organize Toys in Small Spaces

Do-it-Yourself  Projects

Forward-facing bookshelves are a perfect way to utilize space behind a door, via Tried and True.

Bag up your kids’  toys with  an easy organization project from Make It Perfect.

Make a Lego storage stool to keep blocks  off the floor and put away, via Kids Activities Blog.

Build  a flip down wall art desk  with this project by Ana White.

Keep costumes put away using PVC pipes with this simple project from The Nerd’s Wife.

Make a stuffed animal swing with this project from It’s Always Autumn.

Create a LEGO storage mat with these easy instructions from Kids Activities Blog.

Sew a custom over-the-door Barbie organizer, just like A Girl and a Glue Gun.

Use pegboards to hang large toys — like construction trucks — off the ground, via Apartment Therapy.

Tips and Advice for Clearing Out the Clutter

Maximize wall space  to keep toys organized in a small space with these hacks from  From Faye.

This closet makeover from Kids Activities Blog offers some easy tips when you’re ready to organize toys in small spaces.

Regulate how many toys your child can play with  at a time using this  toy organization hack  from Dallas Moms Blog.

Keep your house organized with kids with advice from fellow moms, via Kids Activities Blog.

Cover  cluttered bookshelves  with this hack from Plumberry Pie.

Use photos of your child’s toys to label storage boxes, via Family Ever After.

Repurpose  Household Items

Use laundry baskets to keep toys off the floor, and other great tips from Beauty Through Imperfection.

Let them keep their treasures (and you keep the playroom organized!) with this genius idea from Kids Activities Blog.

Use a magnetic strip to store toy cars. Genius tip from Design Dazzle.

Hang craft supplies on a towel rack using cups with this hack from Attempting Aloha.

Utilize gaps under the bed with this great tip from That’s My Letter.

Use a shoe storage bag to organize small toys by color, via Kids Activities Blog.

Create storage bench seating with an easy DIY from I Heart Organizing.

Make a stuffed animal cage using a bookcase with this idea from The Griffiths Garden.

Turn crates into seating and storage with this project from The Boutons.

Hang a bookcase on the wall to display toy trains, via Green Kitchen.

Repurpose  flower planters to store stuffed animals on the walls with this project from Mommy of Two Little Monkeys.

And don’t miss 15 Kid-Tested Ideas to Organize Toys.

How do you keep small spaces uncluttered in your home? Share a photo on our Facebook page!

 

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18 Kid-Friendly Snack Hacks

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As summer is in full swing, we are breaking out more convenience foods and snacks. Our summers are full of activities and I love grabbing snacks for the kids to eat after the pool, or during a visit to the zoo.

Here are some of the tips and hacks that have helped make our summer easier.

If you have any tips to add, we would love to hear about them on our facebook page!

Get Organized

Have a bin of snacks ready and waiting in the fridge.   This is great for portion control and encourages diversity.   Kids have to eat the whole bin before it’s replenished.   via – Iheartorganizing

Don’t search for your kids cups.   Glue magnets to the sides of their cups and your kids can stick cups onto the fridge.   When they want a drink they can use the fridge dispenser and put the cup back on the fridge. via – Dayna Made It.

Have your fridge organized so you don’t spend time looking for food or forgetting about a veggie or snack. via – Glamorous Housewife.

Cut up apples ahead of time and then wrap a rubber band around the slices.   This will keep them from turning brown. via –   A helicopter mom

Enjoy drip-free popsicles.   Fill the popsicle molds with jello.   Tastes great and are less messy!
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Play Date Tips

Give your kids cups of dip along with their veggies.   This is a great make-ahead tip that works well for playdates and parties.   No double dipping!   via – Floor 24

Cut slivers of oranges in a jiffy – no more peeling and picking off the white of the orange!

Layer a cake evenly with the help of dental floss.   You can also use this tip to cut blocks of cheese or rolls of dough.   via – wiki how

Create double decker snack cups with the help of a cupcake liner.   These were a huge hit at a recent slumber party!   via- I can teach my child

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Freeze sponges to create a safe, drip-free icepack alternative in a lunchbox.   The kids can even use the sponge to clean up their table before and after they are finished eating.

Transform a regular water bottle into a sippy cup by punching a hole through the lid and inserting a straw.   Perfect for a picnic.   Best part, you can dispose of it when you are done.

Portion control snacks with the help of a set of old Easter eggs.   You can even use an egg carton to transport the food.   “Egg” lunches are my kids favorite park treat.   via – Kailo Chic
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Quick and Easy Treat Tips

Do your kids like the dried yogurt bites? Make this healthier version by piping dots onto a mat and freezing  them to make homemade yogurt melts.

Use a cupcake liner to contain drips when your kids are eating popscicles. Your kids won’t be as sticky!

Create ice-cream sandwiches quick and easily with mini-icecream containers.   Heat your knife to make cutting them easier.   Then peel the carton away before eating.

Make a single serving of cake in a mere 3 minuets with only 3 ingredients.   This recipe tastes just like a mug of hot chocolate.

Easy Kid Snack Ideas

Do your kids love the icecream truck??   Mine do.   You can make your own, super cheap, and super easy ice cream treats.   Grab a selection of jello pudding cups.   Stick a popsicle stick into them and freeze them.   Pop the pudding out for a fun pop.

Yogurt dots are tasty, and easy for young tots to enjoy.   You can make your own yogurt dots all you need is wax paper, zip baggie, yogurt and a freezer. via – Small Fry

If your kids are picky eaters they will love these homemade veggie gummies.   Grab a baggie full on your way to the park.   Your kids won’t even realize all the foods they are eating.   via – Modern Parents Messy Kids

 

 

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Organization Hacks for Purses and Diaper Bags

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As a mom on the go, who has time to tidy up a purse or diaper bag? Sure, you have to dig for five minutes to find your keys, but who doesn’t, right? As it turns out, taking just a few minutes to purge and organization your bag can save you a lot of time and headache, especially when you’re in a hurry.

Ready to get started? Here are 25 organization hacks that’ll have your purse or diaper bag in tip-top shape in no time.

Purse Organization Hacks

Keep like items in color-coded zipper pouches. You’ll always know where everything is, and you can grab what you need in seconds  rather than digging through your purse.

Make a summer go bag that has all your hot weather essentials you can grab as you are on your way out to a picnic or play time at the pool!

Put together an “emergency kit” for items that are a must but you can never seem to find:  breath strips, an emery board, hand sanitizer, etc.

Punch a hole in all your store cards, and keep them together on a key ring. Genius!

Or, you can convert a small photo book into a store card and coupon organizer.

Do you carry lots of business cards or gift cards? Store them in a mint tin!

Keep headphones and charger cords neat and tidy in a glasses case.

And keep your sunglasses handy with a badge keeper attached to the outside of your purse.

Turn a daily pill box into a handy organizer for breath mints, band-aids, and your every-day pain relievers.

Use a Tic Tac container to hold your bobby pins, and wrap elastic hair ties around it. You’ll be able to pull your hair up quickly if you’re having a bad hair day!

 

DIY Purse Organizers

Make your own purse organizer from a placemat. It’s super easy… no advanced sewing skills required.

Turn a potholder  and sandwich bags into a purse organizer in a pinch.

This purse organizer was made from a cardboard box and fabric. Impressive!

Make your own clear bags for your diaper bag or purse. It’s so handy to be able to see everything in the bag at a glance!

Diaper Bag Organization Hacks

First-time moms will find this diaper bag checklist helpful. I had no idea I need some of those things in my diaper bag until I was caught without them! She also has some terrific organizing tips.

Keep your own small mama bag inside to find your own things quickly.

Pencil pouches make great diaper bag  organizers. You can easily fit an extra outfit for a small child in one of those, and if you have several small children, just color-code them!

Keep pacifiers corralled in a baby food container. Small takeout containers  for dips and condiments work, too.

Save those clear travel toiletries bags. They’re perfect for holding snacks, a first aid kit, activities, and everything else you’ll need to carry with you.

Keep a baby car kit in your vehicle to cut down on some of the bulk that you need in your diaper bag. Things like an extra blanket, a change of clothes for you and a change of clothes for baby  can stay here.

Store snacks in old coffee creamer containers. They’re perfectly sized to fit into the bottle holders on your diaper bag when you no longer need bottles.

This restaurant kit for baby is pure genius.  You’ll have everything you need for a peaceful meal out (or as peaceful as it can be with kids).

If you like to keep things to a minimum in your diaper bag, you’ll love this diaper strap for keeping diapers and wipes cinched together.

And once you no longer need your wipes clutch for baby wipes, here are 10 more ways to use it.

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