Play Doh Snakes

Looking for a simple way to engage the kids with supplies you probably already have on hand? This easy play doh snakes idea is the way to go. Kids of all ages will love this sensory play idea that combines fine motor work and creativity for an all around fun time!

Now that my kids are enrolled in virtual school for the semester, I have been finding ways to keep them engaged. They finish their work early in the day and have a few hours to fill in the afternoon. I bought a bunch of blank books, small canvases, coloring books, wooden plaques and so onto keep them creating. But, to keep things entertaining, I give them a daily challenge.

Some days, I challenge them to build something specific with legos. another day, I might challenge them to find pine cones, leaves, or sticks of a certain size. My favorite challenges involve play doh. On this particular day I gave them a pile of buttons and a can of play doh and asked them to make an animal. They put their heads together asked for a touch of red doh and 2 little eyes. This is what they came up with. It is so cute, I knew I wanted to share this idea with you.

This post contains affiliate links.

Supplies:

Play Doh, offer 2 colors

Buttons

Googly Eyes

Directions:

Encourage your child to roll a play doh snake and  decorate it with buttons.

Give the snake eyes and carefully give him a tongue.

If you liked this easy play doh idea check out these reader favorites.

Button Tower Stem Activity

Apple Tree Math

3 Treatments to Help with the Aches and Pains of Motherhood

 Motherhood is one of the most rewarding journeys that you can take. It is also, however, one of the most exhausting and physically overwhelming things that you can do. Aside from the physical effects of carrying and bearing a child, those days spent running after little ones and trying to plan fun activities for the family will very likely leave you feeling sore and aching.

Thankfully, there are a few treatments you can have done that will help you to ease those pains. Here are three such treatments that are minimally invasive and can assist you on your road to better overall physical wellness.

1. SoLa Therapy

One aspect of women’s health that many people don’t like to talk about is that of pelvic pain. Women can suffer from pelvic pain for a variety of reasons. Complications during pregnancy, endometriosis, and fibroids can all cause pelvic pain in women that can verge on the unbearable. Through sola therapy, facilities like David Ghozland Sola provide women relief from their chronic pelvic pain.

The procedure itself uses a gentle laser, called a Photobiomodulation laser, that is targeted at the specific muscles that are the source of your pain. This process is entirely painless and will only take a few minutes. You might need to have a few treatments depending on the source and degree of pain that you are experiencing.

2. Pregnancy Massage

When you are pregnant, there are a lot of things that are off the table in terms of self-care. Unfortunately, pregnancy results in a variety of aches and pains that can make getting around difficult. This can be particularly cumbersome when you already have a little one running around as well. Massages can help with these greatly troubles. Many private label massage oil types are suitable for pregnancy and can play a great role with skin and muscle care during this time. However, be aware of massage oils that use essential oils, as many like aniseed or camphor are not suitable for pregnancy. Thankfully, not all massage techniques are harmful during pregnancy.

There are actually pregnancy-specific massages that a trained therapist can offer you to help ease your aching back and joints. The therapist will either have a table that has a space cut out for your bump or their will give your treatment while you lie on your side. There are many benefits to having a prenatal massage, so if you are suffering from the more common aches and pains of pregnancy, don’t hesitate to book one.

3. Physical Therapy for Hip Pain

Hip pain is a common occurrence in women. Not only does having a child cause a woman’s hips to widen, but that extra width can result in alignment issues with the knees. Moreover, a type of joint pain called rheumatoid arthritis is four times more common in women than it is in men. Such hip pain can make it difficult or even impossible to move around and accomplish what you need to do in a day. You should consult with your doctor about how to deal with arthritis and pain. In addition, sites like RollingPaper offer useful medical guides, including how arthritis is treated, what is chronic pain, and also natural ways to relieve pain. 

One course of treatment that tends to be highly effective for helping with hip pain in women is that of physical therapy. Through the use of targeted strength and mobility building exercises, you can loosen up your hips and take some of the load off of them so that they will ache less.

September Foodie Favorites

Are you looking for some new ways to add flavor to your life? I have rounded up some awesome goodies that you can find on the web that you are going to want to check out. From bags to keep things fresh and smelly proof to crumb cakes that are fork licking good. 

Samples have been provided for inclusion and affiliate links may be included.

Smellyproof bags are a must have for foodies. These are perfect for storing anything from fish to veggies and more. They are reusable so a pack can last for quite a while! Order online starting at $6.

Food Cubby keeps the peace at dinner by putting space between food for fussy eaters. Order from Amazon for the kids for $15.

Anyone who likes to bake is going to want to get some Domino Sugar. They have a variety of sweet products like Light Brown, Dark Brown and Golden Sugar. I love sprinkling golden sugar on pie crusts for a pretty glittery effect. Find it online and in stores, and check out the Domino site for loads of great recipes.

My kids love  to munch on nuts for an afternoon snack, so they were really into these tasty trays of BLUM almonds. You sprinkle on the seasoning and oil that is included and pop the container in the microwave for a few moments and you have a toasty, tasty treat you can feel good about serving to your family because they are delicious and healthy. Order a variety of flavors online for $24 a 3 pack.

Blnd spices are perfect for spicing things up. These globally inspired spices are unique and delicious! Add them to a variety of dishes for a new flavor experience. I really like the Fire n Lime spice on everything!

Order online and get a 2 pack of spices for about $10. 

Shrewd foods makes some healthy and tasty protein puff treats to add flavor to snack time without the guilt. Find a variety of flavors online for about $25 a 12 pack. These have 14 grams of protein per serving! 

Foodies are going to flip for these amazing Charles Chocolate bars. Get an artisan chocolate subscription to satisfy your sweet tooth. The flavors offered are decadent and innovative. Plus, they are beautifully packaged and crafted! Prices start at about $25 for a delivery of out of this world indulgence.

As the name suggests, these jars are not just pasta sauce, they are jars of sauce that is so good you will want to pair it with pasta, chicken, and if you wanted to use this as a dip for tortilla chips, no one would judge you! Packed with 10 veggies and no junk, there are 100's of ways to enjoy. Order a 6 pack online for $54 and prepare your taste buds for delicious dishes.

Any true foodie needs a great grilling kit, like this personalized one from Groovy Groomsman Gifts. The set comes in a gorgeous wood case with a spatula, fork and tongs that are perfect for grilling up a good time. This makes a great gift too! Oder online for a foodie in your life.

I love getting surprises in the mail, but getting a subscription box of treats? Now that makes my day! Laura's Kitchen Table is delivering treats worth writing home about for about $45 a month. This is a fun service for a hard to buy for friend, or anyone who loves trying tasty treats!

It is always a good time for Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake. This is a really great cake that you can order online and have shipped to your door. As the temperatures are still pretty warm here, I am all for not needing to fire up my oven and having my cake and eating it too! Oder the classic crumb cake, or a variety of other flavors for about $28.

What could go better with beers on an end of summer night than Hall's Beer Cheese? This stuff is awesome to dip, spread, or smear on almost anything. We love the Hot n Snappy Spicy Beer Cheese dip the most. You will be glad to know you can find this tasty as can be beer cheese at Sam's Club in Ohio, or you can order it online for about $6 a tub.

To wash down all these delicious goodies, you need to take note of the Tavour craft beer delivery service. Now, before trying this selection, I was not into craft beer. I would say "Eh," with indifference. But, after looking at these fun cans and super unique offerings, I had to crack open a Lemon Meringue Pie Beer, then an Attention Please. I am converted to a craft beer lover now. I can't wait to see what else this service has to offer! This is going to be a must have for the holidays or the home bar every month!

I hope this list of foodie favorites inspires you to try a few new foodie finds this month!

Mud Ice Cream

This mud ice cream station is so much fun for kids! It is easy to set up and is the perfect use for those leftover ice cream cones from summer, while serving up a bunch of good old fashioned fun!

I am always looking for great ways to keep my kids playing without turning to their video games.This mud ice cream activity kept them entertained with dramatic play all day. They naturally got filthy dirty which is half the fun! If you do this with your kids, opt for old clothes and shoes and do it outside!

Supplies:

Ice cream cone

Sprinkles

Old dishes like a bowl and spoons to scoop with

Mud

Directions:

Fill up a bowl with mud.

Offer your children spoons and scoops , sprinkles and a few ice cream cones.

You might like to add a few old bowls to the mix for variety.

Allow your child to scoop mud into the cones and dishes and add a generous amount of sprinkles!

Both of my kids were enthralled with this idea. It might have been one of the best activities I have ever set up for them. They laughed, they mixed up mud, served it to each other and got so incredibly dirty. It was wonderful fun!

Both kids agreed that this would be fun to try with snow too! Should we be so lucky this winter to have enough snow to play with!

When playtime is over, simply spray the tools your kids used to play with the hose, and toss the ice cream cones! I love easy clean up activities! If the weather is warm enough, your kids might enjoy a splash in the sprinkler, or the garden hose to clean off a little bit before going inside.

You can find more kids activities here

Play Doh Fine Motor Rainbows

Pine Cone Rescue

Creepy Eye Sorting Bag

This creepy eye sensory bag is perfect for squishy Halloween color sorting.

Keeping the kids entertained, engaged, and learning is my goal these days. It can be a challenge; the kids are tired of being at home, playing with the same toys, and hearing me ask if anyone wants  to read a book together every couple of moments.

Last week, I was standing around looking at my craft supplies, feeling totally uninspired. I really wanted to give the kids some busy work, but didn't want to make myself too busy putting it together. A simple sorting sensory bag was exactly what they needed. And this one is perfect for fall, or anytime of the year.

Supplies:

Hair Gel; clear

Googly Eyes in assorted colors

Permanent Markers

Large Zipper Seal Bag

Directions:

Draw circles with permanent markers that match the colors of eyes you will be using.

Add 2 tablespoons, or 2 generous squeezes of clear hair gel to a zipper seal bag.

Add googly eyes.

Seal the bag.

Offer the bag to your child.

Encourage your child to move to eyes to their coordinating circle.

This is a great combination of sensory and color matching.

If you want to add an additional challenge to this activity, you could draw more circles in assorted sizes and encourage the kids to coordinate the googly eyes by size.

If you had fun with this creepy eye sorting sensory bag you won't want to miss these sensory play ideas.

Reader favorites include:

Sensory Party in a Bag

Birthday Cake Sensory Bin

Rainbow Disc Sensory Bag

Popcorn Candle DIY

Fall is on the way and I am itching to decorate, bake and savor the cooler weather and the bounty of last of the season produce that I will scout out in the coming weeks! This year I want to keep my decorations for autumn simple and my costs at a minimum. I am gathering inspiration from nature to make my home feel warm, inviting and seasonal.

I have been experimenting with natural supplies to create stunning additions to my decor. This super simple candle holder is perfect for adding something naturally lovely to your home this fall on even the tightest budget!

All you need is a bag of popcorn kernels and a LED tealight and a clear glass candle holder.

Simply fill the candleholder with popcorn kernels then add a battery operated tea light!

I made a short facebook video to show you how lovely this is. I love the simple touch of natural beauty this easy project offers. You could also wrap a simple burlap ribbon around the candleholder also to add another sweet touch to the finished product.

12+ Fall Mason Jar Crafts

Mason Jars are fantastic for storage, but did you know they are also a favorite supply for crafters? 

This collection of 12+ Fall Mason Jar Crafts has fabulous ideas. I have a feeling you are going to love these ideas for how to use mason jars in your fall crafting sessions.

From lovely luminaries to mason jars that look like Indian corn, this collection has ideas for everyone. I can't wait to hear which is your favorite. 

Fall Leaf Mason Jar Luminaries by Create Craft Love
Fall Pine Cone Mason Jars by Pillar Box Blue
Fall Mason Jars by Crafts by Amanda
Hanging Fall Mason Jars by Live Laugh Rowe
Fall Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holders by Creative Homemaking
Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece by DIY Beautify
Plaid Painted Mason Jars by Daily DIY Life
Mason Jar Centerpiece with Burlap Rosettes by Oh My Creative
Fall Themed Mason Jars by My Turn For Us
Glittery Pumpkin Mason Jars by The Best Ideas for Kids
Scarecrow Mason Jars by Easy Peasy Fun
Fall Harvest Corn Mason Jar by Thrifty Jinxy

You can find more mason jar ideas here.

Some of our favorite fall crafts include:

Apple Tree Window Clings

Easy Ombre Pumpkins

Apple Desserts to Fall For

How to Keep Your Home in Top Condition

Your home is your castle, your sanctuary, and because of that, you should do everything you can to make sure it is in the best condition possible. This ranges from ensuring it is secure (click here to learn more), to keeping up with maintenance. Few things make a home more uncomfortable to live in than nagging faults, not to mention that leaving these faults unchecked can cost you in the future when it’s time to sell. Much like servicing a car, it is important to complete frequent maintenance tasks on your home. However, the difficulty with that is knowing what to look for. Read on for a guide on what to do to keep your home in good order. 

Change out HVAC filters monthly

Your HVAC filters, used in your home’s heating, ventilation, or cooling system, collect impurities in the air to improve the air quality in your home. Due to this, these can get really dirty pretty quickly, especially if you are a bigger family with pets.

If you’re living on your own, then you can get away with replacing these every few months, but it’s always worth inspecting them frequently just to be sure. It’s also a good rule of thumb to get cheaper filters instead of more expensive ones, as this will save you money, considering you’re going to be replacing them frequently regardless of quality.

Look after your home’s financial health

Keeping track of your home’s finances is just as important as looking after it physically. This is because staying on top of these finances can help you pay off your mortgage quicker, giving you better peace of mind. Taking stock of your monthly repayments, and budgeting around them can be really beneficial as this can help you avoid costly debts piling up, which would be a slippery slope and could force you to foreclose your home if these debts get too unmanageable.

Test smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors

These alarms and detectors are vital for your safety, so it’s important to test them at least quarterly to ensure that they’re working properly. Testing fire alarms should be simple, as most have a test button. If the alarm sounds, then you’re good, but if not you may have to change the batteries. If it still doesn’t work with new batteries, clean the battery terminal, as corrosion may be interfering with the connection. If it’s still not working, then you’ll need to replace the whole unit. It’s also worth replacing a fire alarm every 10 years, regardless of whether it’s working or not.

Vacuum your refrigerator coils

This task should be done at least twice a year, and is a good way to make sure one of your most important home appliances is working correctly. The coils can gather dust and other yucky substances over time, making them perform less efficiently, resulting in higher energy consumption to keep your produce chilled. Cleaning coils can

Deep clean your home

Allocating a couple of days a year to give your home a really good clean can really help it stay clean and in top condition. This type of clean is really intense, as you focus on appliances, windows, and dusting everywhere, basically focusing on areas of your house that you skip when you clean regularly. By doing this and not letting grime build up over the years you will maintain your home in top condition.