Mommies Magazine

Very Special Reindeer Food

Posted on 26. Nov, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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Santa Handprint Tree Ornament

Posted on 26. Nov, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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Santa Handprint Tree Ornament

The holidays are here and what better way to greet Santa than with his very own ornament on the tree.

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Spiderlicious Treat

Posted on 19. Oct, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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Spiderlicious Treat

By

Toni Kelley

Spooky creatures and things that go bump in the night are all signs that Halloween will soon be here. Shrieks of delight ring through the night as children of all ages enjoy Haunted Houses, hayrides and trick or treating. Mountains of sugary treats are creeping ever closer as moms everywhere tremble with fear. Well here is a great way to have a healthy snack for all those ghoulish gatherings that is sure to be a spooktacular hit.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter

Ritz Crackers

Raisins

Pretzel Styx

Directions

The first step is to gather all the ghosts, witches, goblins and vampires. Next, place all your spooky ingredients on a clean dry surface. Spread some peanut butter on one side of a cracker and then place 3 or 4 pretzel styx in the peanut butter on opposite sides so that they are pointing slightly outward. These are the legs for our edible spider. Next, spread more peanut butter on another cracker and place it on top of the other cracker making sure it is slightly off center. The last step is to give your spider some eyes. Place two raisins in the peanut butter you left open between the two crackers.

There you have it, a fun, healthy, creepy snack perfect for any ghoulish affair.

Happy Halloween!

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How to Make a Hawaiian Lei

Posted on 20. Jul, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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How to Make a Hawaiian Lei

A great idea to beat the summer heat is to throw a tropical Hawaiian themed party. Every guest at your summer time fun fest will need one of these beautiful flowered lei’s. A fun and creative project for everyone young and old.

Supplies

Thick multi-colored construction paper or cardstock

Drinking straws

Yarn

Scissors

Paint, markers, glitter

Directions

The first step in this creative project is to draw out several different size flowers on your choice of paper. With a parents help, cut out each flower making sure to punch a small hole in the center of each one as this is where you will thread the yarn. The next step calls for imagination. Color and decorate your flowers with paint, markers, crayons, glitter, or even glue on some shiny beads. After your flowers are completely decorated put them aside and use the scissors to cut your drinking straws into one and a half inch lengths. One great thing about this craft is each straw section does not have to be perfect. When all your straw pieces are cut and ready, tie a thick knot at the end of a two foot long section of yarn. Thread a small flower onto the yarn pushing it all the way to the knot. Next, thread a section of straw. It’s that easy. Continue threading each flower and straw section until your lei is complete. Finally, tie each end of the yarn together with a nice strong knot.

There you have it an easy, creative and beautiful flowered lei. The perfect colorful addition to bring funky fun and whimsy to any festive summer party in the backyard or at the pool.

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Patio Paver Art

Posted on 03. Jul, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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Patio Paver Art

Summer is here and for most of us the cry of boredom has become an everyday song. How many of you out there have a garage, basement, or shed full of leftover paint? Well, here is a fun, inexpensive way to let our children become involved in making a colorful addition to any garden.

Supplies

Patio Pavers

Paint

Paintbrush

Spray Sealer

Directions

The first step is to find the size, shape, and color of the patio paver you wish to use. Leftover ones work great or you can purchase them for less than a dollar a piece at any home improvement or garden center. With a parents help, gather all the paint colors you have to choose from. Next, clean the blocks with water making sure to get all the dirt off before painting and makes sure to dry them as well. Now comes the fun part, decorate your patio paver with whatever the imagination creates. One idea is to use handprints; using your child’s handprint for this project gives us a lasting memory to cherish and share with them as they get older. Another great idea would be to paint flowers, bugs, stars, sun or moon, or a beautiful and memorable scene. After the paint has dried, preferably over night, have an adult spray the blocks with the sealer. When that has dried over night as well, it is now time to place them for display in a flower or rock garden. Another great idea is to use them for drink coasters depending on the size of the blocks you have chosen. Walkways, patios, or even hang them on the wall. This project also makes a great gift idea.

This project is great for outdoor fun and gives children a chance to let their creativity shine. Everyone will be amazed at all the pretty colors and mom will be happy for a chance to get rid of those extra cans of paint.

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Make Your Own Doggie Treats

Posted on 13. Jun, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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Make Your Own Doggie Treats

A dog is not only man’s best friend, but is also a child’s. They lick their faces, give hugs, and cuddle up with lots of fluffy love. What better way to show your dog how much you love them than with some homemade doggie treats.

Ingredients

2C. Whole Wheat Flour

1C. Oatmeal

1C. Peanut Butter

1 Egg

¼ C. Vegetable Oil

1C. Water

Directions

With a parents help, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together, making sure they are well blended. The dough may be heavy, but that is okay. Sprinkle flour on a flat service, and then roll the dough to about ¾ of an inch thick. Using doggie cookie cutters, or any cookie cutters, cut out shapes and place them on a cookie sheet. Bake the biscuits for 20 minutes, then turn them over and bake for another 20 minutes. After the biscuits are done, turn off the oven but, leave the biscuits in the oven to dry out for about one to two hours.

Another great addition to your homemade dog treats is to personalize your very own dog treat jar. A mason jar, powdered lemonade or tea container, or any plastic or glass container with a lid works great. The imagination can run free. Construction paper, gems, glitter, photos, the possibilities are endless.

This project is also a wonderful idea for holiday gift giving. Children will enjoy the fun, creative way they can express their love for their faithful family friend.

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A Rustic Picture Frame for Dad

Posted on 06. Jun, 2006 by Toni Kelley.

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A Rustic Picture Frame for Dad

Father’s Day is June 18^th and here is a wonderful idea to show your Dad just how much you love him.

Supplies

12-16 twigs

Twine or string

Glue

Photo

Embellishments

Directions

The first step in this fun project is to pick your favorite photo. It can be of you and dad or even a favorite vacation photograph. After you have collected your twigs, make sure half of them are about 2inches longer than your photo and the other half are about 2 inches wider than your photo. Next, arrange your twigs in the shape of a square frame around your photo making sure they extend outward about an inch in each direction. Now, using your twine or string, tie the twigs together making an “X” shape at each corner to create the frame. The next step is to glue your photo to the frame. After you are finished, remember to glue a piece of twine or string at the top in the shape of a loop so the picture can be hung.

Other ways to personalize your frame are to use embellishments such as foam shapes, buttons, pennies, gems, or even glitter. Whatever you choose, your gift will be extra special. This project is easy to do and doesn’t cost a thing. Imagination is the sole key and Dad will love the fact that it was made with your own two hands.

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