Pinterest Craft Review: Duct Tape Belts

The only thing that my twin boys wanted for their 4th birthdays were belts for their pants (like Daddy). They each got one for their birthday and they wear them so much that they are getting a little worn.

I saw on Pinterest belts made out of Duct Tape (in case you aren't aware...Duct Tape has gone designer!!!). I thought that the new designs out there might be cute and maybe a little cheaper than buying a new belt. So....I gave it a try!

 

 

Materials:

•  Duct Tape - I found mine at Joanne Fabrics for $4.99 a role (I would use a coupon!)

• D Rings - Also got these at Joann's in the Fabric section for $2.49 for 2 sets of D rings.

2 belts = $7.50 (actually less because you don't even come close to using all the Duct Tape! Plus if you don't impulse buy like me and instead wait until you have a coupon...you can take 40-50% off that Duct Tape!).

Instructions:

I used the following tutorial that I found on Pinterest from a fabulous blog - www.Remodelaholic.com

It was very easy to follow - great pictures and step by step!

Chevron Stripe Duct Tape Belt Tutorial

Lessons Learned:

1) Duct Tape is sticky (duh, right??) - it is hard to cut if you aren't using quality scissors, so your ends are uneven. But the biggest drawback of sticky tape is that if you make a bad fold, it is impossible to undo.

2) For kids pants, make sure you aren't making your belt too fat to go through the belt loops - I was so focused on the length of the belt that I didn't think about that part! Luckily you have more than enough Duct Tape to make another one if you mess up.

The Outcome:

For kids, this is pretty cute - my belts weren't perfect, but I don't think they will care as much as I do! I did 3 belts in an hour, so it is a pretty quick craft to do. I give it a thumbs up....now I have two roles of Duct Tape that are only 25% used.....back to Pinterest...perhaps there is a Duct Tape Playdate in my daughter's future!!!

Dr. Seuss Decoupage

"Green Eggs and Ham" in a Dr. Seuss Box

Dr. Seuss's birthday is March 2nd! My boys are currently celebrating Dr. Seuss week in their preschool class and I thought it would be a nice gesture to take a moment to thank their teacher for helping to mold the minds of my "Thing 1 and Thing 2"!!

I found this cute idea on Pinterest to make a "Green Eggs and Ham" type treat and then I thought I put my own Seuss-esque spin on it and make a box to hold the treats in.

Dr. Seuss Box

Basically, I used Mod Podge to decoupage tissue paper to a Wilton cookie box. It took a little bit of time, but the level of craftiness you need is fairly low (heck, I did it!!).

Supplies:

• Mod-Podge
• Tissue Paper (Target)
• Dr. Seuss Scrap Book Paper (Joanne Fabrics)
• Cookie Box (Joanne Fabrics)
• Round Tags (Target)
• Dr Seuss Quotes

Directions:
1) This tissue paper had a glossy quality to it, so I had to put a layer of Mod Podge on the box and then put tissue paper on it.

2) I started with the bottom of the box - spread Mod Podge on bottom and laid paper over it, then smoothed it out.
















3)  Work each side individually - crease the paper at the corners so you know where to cut it, then apply the Mod Podge to the box and smooth the paper out. Don't trim the top edge,  you will use that to fold over after you finish the inside of the box.

4) For the inside of the box, I traced the sides and the bottom of the box and precut each section. Then I applied the Mod Podge and laid the paper in the box.

5) Now even out the top edges of the outside tissue paper and fold over.

6) With the Dr. Seuss scrap book paper I found, I cut out Dr. Seuss characters for each side of the box and decoupaged them.

7) I layered all my "Green Eggs and Ham" into the box (separated by clear sandwich baggies) and then wrapped it in plastic wrap. I attached a little Thank You note to the teacher and a Dr. Seuss quote (see the bottom - I found some Dr Seuss quotes that could be used for a teacher gift).

 

 

"Green Eggs and Ham"

Ingredients :

• Pretzel sticks
• Green M&Ms 
• White Chocolate Chips 

Directions:
1) Line a baking sheet with Parchment Paper
2) Lay sets of two Pretzel Sticks on tray (1 inch between sets)
3) Heat White Chocolate Chips in a small bowl in microwave until melted. Stir every 30 seconds (takes about 2 minutes).
4) With a small spoon, put a small round amount of melted chocolate on the pretzel sets.
5) Place green M&M in the middle of the white chocolate mound.
6) Let cool for 30 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Seuss Quotes that are good for Teachers: 

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

"You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose"

“Think and wonder,wonder and think”

“It is better to know how to learn, than to know”

I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.”

It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become.”

I can read in red.
I can read in blue.
I can read in pickle color too.”

Oh, the thinks you can think!”

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child

To the world you maybe one person; but to one person you may be the world

You can find magic
wherever you look.
Sit back and relax,
all you need is a book.”

Non-Lame Playdate - Cooking Club

According to Natalie, it was time for another Non-Lame Playdate and this time, she came to me with ideas to pitch!! Her choices were:

1) Book Club where everyone was to read The Velveteen Rabbit beforehand and come prepared to read their favorite excerpts.
2) Crazy Make Up playdate....self explanatory (and also immediately dismissed by her mother).
3) Cooking Club where everyone brought their favorite recipe and ingredients to prepare their recipe for the group.

After some back and forth discussions on the Book Club vs Cooking Club...she and I settled on the Cooking Club playdate.

Cooking Club Play Date

This activity took a little planning and preparation, but the end results were more than worth the efforts required to make it a successful day.

The Concept:

• Natalie made invitations a week ahead of time and instructed the girls to bring a recipe to swap and an apron if they had one.
• Picking the recipe - my goal was for the girls to do the majority of the work and I didn't want it it to be too difficult. I also would advise double checking on any allergies!!
• We had two friends to participate (this was the perfect number...any more than that and it would have been a bit much to facilitate!!).

 

Shopping List:

• Ingredients for the recipe
• I bought cookie boxes for the girls to take their granola bars home.
• I bought small photo album for the girls to put their recipes in.
• Make sure you have enough baking supplies so that each child has their own "station"

 

No Bake Granola Bars

Yield: 10 Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups quick oats (not rolled oats!)
• 1 cup crispy cereal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, raisins, etc.

Directions:

• Line a small jelly roll pan with wax paper
• In a large bowl, stir oats and crispy cereal. Set aside.
• In a saucepan, melt the butter, honey and brown sugar together over medium heat until it bubbles. Turn down the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, constantly stirring.
• Once done, stir in the vanilla.
• Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold until evenly coated.
• Pour the entire mixture into half the pan, pressing down in between. You want the bars to be about 3/4 inches thick. Make sure sides and top are packed tightly.
• Sprinkle with choice of chocolate chips, raisins, etc.
• Cool to room temp before cutting into bars.

 I set up their individual cooking stations and got all the ingredients out prior to the girls arriving. I went step by step through the recipe (my Mom would be proud as there were a few opportunities for math lessons as the girls were measuring their ingredients - fun AND educational!!).

The only part of the recipe that I had to do was the stove top part (I had three sauce pans going at once!!). I also poured the melted mixture into the dry ingredients for the girls.





 
While the granola bars were cooling, I had the girls sit down for lunch where they toasted their culinary achievements and they shared the recipes that they brought. One girl brought her great grandmother's recipe for peanut butter pie and they talked about how special that person was to her Mom - it was such a sweet conversation!

 After lunch, the girls were able to decorate their recipe book covers to make them as individual as they are!

It was finally time for dessert and to test the fruits of their labor and the little chefs just raved over their results (I tried some too and have to say it was really yummy!!). Some of the granola didn't stick together, but I put that in zip lock bags for them to add to ice cream or yogurt.

 

 

 

 As the girls went off to play before being picked up, I cut the bars up and put them in the cookie boxes (separating the layers with parchment paper).

I attempted to add dishwashing to the list of the day's activities, but it was voted down. :O) However, the girls had such a good time that even facing the dish pile at the end of the event was worth it!!!

Valentine's Day Box from a Gift Bag!!

Valentine's Day is coming to your child's classroom this week!! Many of you will get the note from the teacher that your child needs to bring in a decorated box to hold those all those notes. My daughter and I were working on hers tonight and I realized that I didn't have any tissue paper to wrap it in, so I started searching frantically for a replacement that wouldn't scream - I AM THE CHILD OF AN UNPREPARED MOTHER!!

Here is what I found - a gift bag!!!!

 

So once you find your gift bag (you all know you have that stash of gift bags waiting for the appropriate re-bagging opportunity!!!!!)....here is what you need to do.

1) Cut the bag up. Use the sides of the bag for the sides of the box and the face of the bag for the lid. I also split the flower design for 2 of the sides.

2.) Trace the sides and top of the box for an exact fit. Then glue those onto the box. I just used craft glue but used a quick-dry adhesive for the edges. 



 

3.) To hide the seams, I used the ribbon from the bag.

4) All ready for your child's unique flare - stickers, glitter, foam art...whatever!!

5.) The finished product!!!



 

Dessert under 200 calories: Chocolate-Coffee Parfait

Chobani just introduced Chobani Bites - they are 100 calories each and make a fabulous snack or dessert!!  I decided to try the Coffee with Chocolate Chips and make a dessert out of it.

Other flavors of Chobani Bites include Fig with orange zest, Carmel with pineapple and Raspberry with dark chocolate chips.



Chocolate-Coffee Parfait
Ingredients:

• 1 Chobani Bites Coffee flavored yogurt
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 2 tbsp Cool Whip Lite 
• Drizzle of Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup

Preparation:
Layer the ingredients in a cup or bowl - top with some Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup and ENJOY!!

Nutritional Information: Calories 196, Fat 2g, Protein 11g, Fiber 5g

My Super Yummy and Super Healthy Superbowl Menu!

Chicken wings...pizza...chili...chips...dip. Typical Superbowl menu - but I really want to NOT have the junk food hangover come Monday!! So, I've been on a quest redo my Super Bowl menu - recipes need to be easy ingredients, easy to make and most importantly - yummy!

Here are my planned substitutions:

Instead of Chips and Dip....Zucchini Chips and Skinny Ranch Dip

Zucchini Chips (Recipe from BestLife.com)
Makes - 4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.
2. Thinly slice the zucchini on the diagonal, about 1/8″ thick. Place the slices in a large bowl and toss well with the oil, salt, and garlic powder (if using).
3. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheets.
4. Bake, turning often, for 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F and bake until splotchy brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutritional Information per serving: Calories - 56. Fat-  3.5g,  Protein - 2g, Fiber - 2g, Carb - 6g.

Skinny Ranch Dip (Recipe on skinnytaste.com)
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients: 

• 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped scallion
• salt and fresh pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and serve. Keeps refrigerated for about 2 days.
Nutritional Information per serving: Calories - 41.3 Fat-  4g,  Protein - 0.8g, Fiber - 0.2g, Carb - 1.7g.

 

Instead of Beef Chili....Crockpot 3 Bean Turkey Chili

Crock Pot 3 Bean Turkey Chili (Recipe on skinnytaste.com)
Makes 12 servings (10.8oz serving)

 Ingredients: 

• 1.3 lb (20 oz) fat free ground turkey breast
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped chilies, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, undrained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can small red beans, undrained
• 2 tbsp chili powder

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for topping
• shredded cheddar to top (extra pts)

Preparations:
1. Brown turkey and onion in a medium skillet over medium high heat until cooked through.
2. Drain any fat remaining and transfer to crock pot. Add the beans, chilies, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato sauce and chili powder mixing well.
3. Cook on high 6-8 hours.
4. Garnish with onions, cilantro and cheese and enjoy!

Nutritional Information per serving: Calories - 206.3 Fat-  1.4g,  Protein - 16.8g, Fiber - 9g, Carb - 31.8g.

Instead of Chicken Wings....Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Recipe from skinnytaste.com)
 Makes - 6 servings (1 serving is about 1 cup of cauliflower)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 22 oz (6 1/2 cups) cauliflower florets
• 3/4 cup Franks Hot Sauce
• 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Preparation:

1.  Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly spray a large non-stick baking sheet with oil.

2. Combine the water, flour, and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.

3. Coat the cauliflower pieces with the flour mixture and place on the baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes.

4. While the cauliflower is baking, combine the hot sauce and butter in a small bowl.

5. Pour the hot sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with skinny blue cheese dressing if desired and celery sticks.

Nutritional Information per serving: Calories - 119.4. Fat-  2g,  Protein - 4g, Fiber - 3g, Carb - 21.4g.

 

Instead of  Pizza....Quinoa Pizza Bites

Quinoa Pizza Bites

Makes ~40 bites

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni slices (~1/2 of a 7 oz bag) 
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried crushed oregano
• pizza sauce for dipping

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.

3.  Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact. 

4.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information for 5 bites per My Fitness Pal: Calories - 175, Fat - 10g, Protein - 9g, Fiber - 2g, Calcium - 10mg, Carbs - 12g

So what would you save if you made these changes?????? 

•  11 Lays Potato Chips = 160 calories, 10 grams of fat vs Zucchini Chips = 56 calories, 3.5g fat

• 2 tbsp Helluva Good French Onion Dip = 50 calories, 5g fat vs Skinny Ranch = 41 calories, 4g fat

• Wegman's Chili (10oz)= 351 calories, 13g fat vs 3 Bean Turkey Chili = 206 calories, 1.4g fat

• 3 Hooter's Chicken Wings = 520 calories, 38g fat vs Spicy Cauliflower Bites = 119 calories 2g fat

• 1 slice Papa John's  Pepperoni Pizza = 330 calories, 14 g fat vs 5 Quinoa Bites = 175 calories, 10g fat

Traditional Super Bowl Menu = 1,411 calories and 80g fat
Substituted Healthy (but still yummy) Menu: 597 calories and 20.9g fat
Total Calories saved = 814 calories and 59.1g fat

Winter Survival Activity: Sock Puppets

So the holiday rush is over....we made it! Congrats!!!

Now that leaves about 3 looooooong months of cold weather, snow and lots of time indoors with children. That is potentially a recipe for losing your mind as a parent (ongoing chorus of "I'm bored!", bickering siblings, too much TV...)

So, I've decided to find activities to do with the kids that look fun and then rank it based on success of the activity with the kids, amount of prep required, level of mess, level of hands on Mom, etc.

This first activity was making Sock Puppets and Puppet Show.

Ratings:
Overall Score - Would definitely do again
Cost of Materials - about $20
Prep Time - Virtually None
Level of Mess - Some Mess
Level of Hands on Mom - Pretty High
Kids Engagment Level - Pretty High

Part One: Make the Sock Puppets:

I bought this sock puppet kit at Joanne Fabrics from Creativity for Little Kids. So, there was no prep involved (with a coupon, I got 2 kits for $11 each - it made 6 sock puppets). If you have your own sock puppet materials, you can probably get this to be cheaper (I also have materials left over so we can do this again, which would further reduce the cost).


My 7 year old was able to do this on her own, but she flew through the craft portion in about 10 minutes. My two 4 year olds needed me to work with them on their puppets, but they really loved figuring out how they wanted their puppets to look and they picked out all the decorations for their puppets. However, I did have one minor temper tantrum when I placed a felt decoration in the wrong spot and found that the adhesive was pretty strong...it was there to stay, not to the liking of my son!!!

It took about an 50 minutes to make the sock puppets for the younger two (I sent one to play while I worked with the other one, so it was more like 20-25 minutes per pre-schooler).













They puppets came out cute but there was a little clean up involved with all the adhesive backings. I had to do a quick vacuum - but not too bad.

 

 Part Two: The Puppet Show

We just got an air popper machine for Christmas so I made a big bowl of popcorn for a snack (the kids love watching the popcorn pop!). Then I made a make-shift stage with two chairs and a blanket. Each child was given 5 minutes to perform a "show" with their puppets while the rest of us watched. One show included all the kids and their puppets and that turned into a minor meltdown - highly recommend the solo performance unless your children just LOVE to share the stage together!!

Overall, a good activity for today! If you have any tried and true indoor activities for your kids, I'd love to hear them!!!!