Children’s Activities – Arts and Crafts Family Fun

February 8, 2010 by Moomette's Magnificents (Admin)
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Promotions, children, education, family, frugal, grandparenting, kids, leisure, parenting

3 Comments

Snow Day Fun

I was babysitting my granddaughter last night while her parents were at a Super Bowl party and was trying to come up with some ideas to keep her entertained.

In my family room I still have a cabinet filled with arts and crafts supplies that my girls used for school projects.

It’s only February, but there’ll still be plenty of snow days off from school before spring finally arrives.

What are some fun ways to spend time together when the weather outside is dreary? There are all kinds of inexpensive ways to spend time with your kids. Reading a story to your young child is a wonderful experience. Listening to music and dancing together is also fun. Another fun activity is building forts with blankets and moving furniture together. Then bring in a flashlight and read a book to your child.

Play dough is also a nice creative way to spend time together. Roll it, mold it and create great works of art. It’s safe and can be used over and over again. You can make your own play dough and make different colors.

Here’s a nifty play dough recipe that I’ve used many times with my own kids.

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

4 cups water

4 tablespoons oil

1/2 cup cream of tartar

food coloring (use this to create the colors of your choice)

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. Allow to cool slightly before storing in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

Shaving cream art is also fun and easy. Using a vinyl table cloth or plastic place mats just spray some shaving cream on and let them use like finger paint. I would recommend using the sensitive skin brand of shaving cream.

Another great favorite is collages. You’ll need a few craft supplies such as construction paper, some magazines, Elmer’s glue and safety scissors. You can find deals on craft materials at Create for Less. Have the kids cut out pictures of interest to them and glue them all over the construction paper. Once their project dries hang it proudly on your fridge!

These fun projects are also great for homeschooling moms or daycare moms!

Turn a snow day into a fun and exciting day with your child or grandchild if you’re babysitting while their parents are at work!
photo credit: woodleywonderworks

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Tags: art, Arts and crafts, babysitting, crafts, daycare, family, grandparents, homeschool, parenting tips, Super Bowl

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC

January 28, 2010 by Moomette's Magnificents (Admin)
Filed under Promotions, family, leisure, lifestyle, parenting, shopping, tourism, travel

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Give My Regards to Broadway

Broadway - New York City

I’ve been going to New York City for years – my mother-in-law always enjoyed going to see a Broadway matinee. We’d go see a show, and then go out to dinner at Sardis, Jack Dempsey’s, Tavern on the Green, or Gallagher’s. Sometimes I’d go on a work-sponsored bus trip with some of my friends. Over the years I’ve seen Cats, Evita, Les Miserabes, Phantom, The 5th of July, Hello Dolly, and oh so many more. My daughter, the dancer, really enjoyed seeing Chicago, the Musical. I still have most of the Playbills from these shows.

Whether for a vacation or just a short one or two-day visit taking in the scenery in Central Park on a folding electric bicycle, one can’t help but think of Broadway and the delightful shows that await in these hallowed halls of entertainment delight. To me, Broadway is the essence of New York. It can in turn be rowdy, bawdy, loud, brawling, soft, comedic, or romantic and yet rip-roaringly hilarious. For those who are willing to look for their perfect fit, Broadway has it all.

The problem with Broadway is that there are so many wonderful shows to see and such limited time (for most of us) in which to see them. Probably those who actually live in The Big Apple have enough time in which to appreciate the artistic treasure trove that’s represented within this wonderful city that never sleeps. Actually, in order to properly enjoy all the theatrical offerings available to you, you’d almost have to never sleep yourself!

It’s important to remember that all shows are not available at all times. Check to see whether Broadway Theatre Tickets are available for the show you wish to see before getting your hopes up. On to the musicals, which are my favorite types of Broadway entertainment. Chicago, Mamma Mia! Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Wicked are currently playing right now.

Broadway is a great way to really enjoy what New York has to offer its visitors for entertainment. While it’s hardly possible to see each and every show that might interest you, it’s quite possible to make the time to view the one that is most appealing to you and it will be quite an experience for your entire family. Make it a tradition like my family has!