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Get a Free Woodcraft from Lowe’s!

August 16, 2011 By
wood floor4

Have you ever done any of those “Build and Grow” sets from Lowe’s? My kids LOVE them, but we are actually too old to attend the clinics. However, we have a solution that we discovered that still allows us to build them and have fun doing so.

If you are pressed for time and can not go to one of their clinics that they offer, all you have to do is call about an hour after the clinic is over and ask them if they have any sets left. If they do they will give them to you for free! So we got a really cool wood project to complete that did not cost us a dime!

This is their normal procedure. We even did it for our homeschool group one year and the kids really enjoyed it!

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Make a Batch of Bubble Mixture!

June 30, 2011 By
Bubble Mixture

If you are looking for a fun craft for your kids this summer, check out what my daughter and I made–homemade bubble mixture!

It is very inexpensive and easy to make. One bowl kept my daughter entertained for most of the summer. This bubble recipe works out great if you are short on funds but need something fun and creative for your kids to do.

Here is what you will need to create your own bubble mixture:

1/2  cup dishwashing detergent (I used Dawn or Joy– I purchased it from the Dollar Store)
4-1/2  cup water
4 tablespoons glycerin (available in pharmacies)

When you are ready to make a batch, this is how you mix it:

Measure out the water, detergent, and glycerin into container with a cover and stir gently. Note: The longer you let the mixture set, the larger the bubbles are and the longer they seem to last.

We had loads of fun playing with this bubble mixture! It kept hands and bodies busy instead of saying,
“Moooom, I’m bored!”


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Oobleck~What is That Runny Stuff?

June 29, 2011 By
Oobleck 1

To me, this stuff looks like a gobbly, goopy mess. But to kids. . . it is the divine and fun way to play!

It basically starts out all runny, but when you apply pressure to it, it turns into a hard solid ball.

Once pressure is released, it automatically turns into a runny, gloopy mess again. Apply pressure and it starts all over again.

The kids played with this stuff for over an hour. Eventually the liquid dehydrates from it and it just starts to crumble, but for a while it is SO fun to play with. I even enjoyed it!

If you want to make your own Oobleck, here is the recipe. I love it because it uses simple household items.

Oobleck

2 parts cornstarch
1 part water
food coloring of your choice
(FYI–the food coloring will stain your hand, but it should come off with soap and water)

Mix all items together and play until your heart’s content!

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Homemade Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream

May 27, 2011 By
Scoops of Various Ice Creams

Frozen Ice Cream Maker (This one requires no ice or rock salt–cool!!)

Vanilla:
1 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 c. homogenized milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 2/3 c. heavy whipping cream
1 T. vanilla extract

Stir the condensed milk into the homogenized milk. Scrape well from the sides and mix thoroughly. Dissolved sugar in the milk and add cream. Cool the mix in the refrigerator for one hour. Add vanilla and begin to follow the instructions for freezing with your ice cream maker.

Chocolate:
1 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 c. homogenized milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 2/3 c. heavy whipping cream
1 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder (I like the Dutch process kind by Penzey’s.)
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water

Stir the condensed milk into the homogenized milk. Scrape well from the sides and mix thoroughly. Dissolved sugar in the milk and add cream. Cool the mix in the refrigerator for one hour. Blend the cocoa and sugar together. While heating water to 180 degrees, add in the cocoa-sugar mixture. Mix slowly and stir constantly. Allow the mix to cool to refrigerator temperature for one hour longer. Follow the instructions for freezing with your ice cream maker.

** These recipes are from the 1997 April/ May issue of Compressed Air magazine and formulated by Penn State’s, Dr. Philip Keeney. Their practices are public knowledge–and their ice cream is SO GOOD!

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Dirt Cake

May 16, 2011 By
MP900177866

This is a fun recipe to make with children.  They love it–making and eating! It is especially good to theme in with planting season–plant seeds while waiting for it to chill.  You can even make this individually in small pots for a dirt-themed party.

1 1/4 lb Oreo cookies, crushed
1 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, melted
3 1/2 c. milk
12 oz. cool whip
2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding

In a large mixing bowl, blend powdered sugar, butter, and cream cheese. Add 1/2 c. milk and blend (I like to use a hand mixer). Add pudding and 3 c. milk and blend. Gently fold in cool whip with a rubber spatula.

In a 12 X 12 inch dish, layer 1/3 Oreos, 1/2 mixture, 1/3 Oreos, 1/2 mixture and top with 1/3 Oreos. Chill for one hour.

Optional: Can add gummy worms for fun!

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Snickerdoodles

October 10, 2010 By
MP900309586

These function as both a tasty treat for your family and a great way to make your home smell like a cinnamon candle. It is far and above our favorite cookie after school.  Often, I prepare them for potlucks or meals I take to others. They are delightful with a cup of coffee, too!

3/4 c. margarine
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 t. cream of tartar
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
2 T. sugar

Beat margarine until fluffy, add 1 1/2 c. sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cream of tartar. Gradually blend this into wet mixture. Cover and chill 1 hour.

Combine 2 T. sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.

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