Wordless Wednesday: Make a Recycled Pumpkin Snowman

Need pumpkin decorating ideas? 

Okay, he's not a recycled pumpkin just a leftover- "Make a Snowman Jack-o-lantern". Jake likes to keep his pumpkin in the house to protect it from would be smashers. He's been doing this since he was one. As long as no one uses them as a kickball or a chair, they last until spring, at which time we toss it in the garden and pray for pumpkin babies. Use Velcro to attach felt/foam shapes, and change his face. Enjoy!

No Snow, Pumpkin Man, made from a Snowman Kit.

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Creepy-eyed Pumpkin Man for Halloween.

A picture is worth a thousand words. One of these days, I'm going to start using my new camera, but it seems like such a chore when my phone is so handy. I guess my phone pictures are only worth five-hundred words! :-)

Let your picture tell the story, thanks for linking up!

Recommended: 

The Biggest Snowman Ever*

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Creative Snowman Ideas for Preschoolers

Homemade Microwave Healthy Popcorn Recipe and Clip Art

How to Make Homemade Microwave Popcorn in a Brown Bag

Have you ever wanted some popcorn, but weren't in the mood for all the hassle? Learn how to Make HOMEMADE Movie Style POPCORN in your MICROWAVE with a BROWN PAPER LUNCH BAG. We added a cartoon bucket of popcorn for those of you searching for clip art images. Enjoy!

Angie says:

Easy Homemade Popcorn.

"I saw this in a blog somewhere and just had to try it, mainly to see if it really worked and it did. What I liked most about it, is that it required no oil, and after it is done you can flavor it up however you like. Of course, you can use the very good butter and salt but did you know, you can look through your spice cabinet and use some of your seasonings as well?"


I love using my Buffalo Rub for nighttime snacking. I am looking for something with a little heat, and I also like using my Smoky Applewood Rub.




All you need is the following:

1 lunch size brown paper bag
1/4 C.  popcorn kernels

After putting the popcorn in the bag fold over the bag several times and lay bag flat in microwave and set microwave for between 2 to 3 min. (you will just need to adjust to your microwave, it takes mine about 2 1/2 min.) then when it has finished popping, season to taste.


Recommended Reading:

The Popcorn Book*

More of Angie's Recipes from Pampered Chef






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Edible Art: Sensory Play Paint with Spaghetti with Toddlers and Preschoolers

From our Sensory Play Messy Class for Preschoolers and Toddlers: Worm Painting with Spaghetti and Edible Paint Art

Sensory Play is a great way to help preschoolers learn. It also helps with disorders of the Autism spectrum when the child is allowed to explore the subject matter on their own without being pushed. This activity is messy, squishy, fun, and even edible! Enjoy!

Getting Started with Cooked Spaghetti

Inspired Modern Art. Worm Painting?

Spaghetti Painting for Edible Art and Sensory Play feels like worms.

How to Make Spaghetti for Sensory Paint Play

• Cook up a batch of Spaghetti
• Strain it and pat it dry
• Mix some Edible Paint (Vanilla Pudding Paint with Gel food coloring works best with the Noodles but you can also try kool-aid paint and  milk paint for other projects.)
• Prepare to get Messy!
• Swirl the Spaghetti in the paint, then onto your paper.

Since most in the class are toddlers, I paraphrase the words to get thru it quickly, paying a lot of attention to the photos and asking, "What is that?".  We paired this with the Children's Book, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Books about Spaghetti.

Next, I gave each child a spaghetti noodle to study. Then, we stood up pretending we were squigly spaghetti noodles. Oops, spaghetti can't stand up, so we fell to the floor and squirmed like worms. We finished up with a game of Duck, Duck, Goose but why not try Worm, Worm, Catepillar?

Painting was a huge success. The sticky spaghetti is so fun, enjoy!

Recommended Reading:

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Worm Birthday Party Favors

Healthy Spaghetti Recipe

Worm Birthday Party Activity

How to Make Chicken Salad Recipe and Bread Bowl

How to Make Chicken Salad in a Bread Bowl

Here is a great how to make chicken salad recipe that has instructions for making a bread bowl, but you can substitute a loaf of Hawaiian Bread if you are short on time.

Angie's Recipes 

How to Make a Bread Bowl Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad Recipe in a Bread Bowl

2 loaves frozen bread dough
1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 ribs of celery
1 onion
1 C. Light Mayo
salt and pepper
1 glove of garlic
1 C. of grapes
1/2 C. pecans (optional)
1 apple (peeled,cored and quartered)
1 tsp. Dill Seasoning
1 oz of Parmesan cheese
Crackers or bread slices of choice

How to Make a Bread Bowl:

Spray food storage bag with non stick spray.  Place frozen bread in bag and refrigerate the night before.  Roll dough into a circle.  Using a baking bowl, spray outside of bowl with non stick cooking spray then place dough on outside of bowl.  Bake in a 350 oven til bread is done and slightly brown. Cool then release bread and place in a serving dish.  Or just use Hawaiian Bread and cut off top of bread and hollow out the center.

Place salted chicken in the Deep Covered Baker and microwave until chicken is done.  Cool chicken and quarter it.  Place celery, onion, garlic,chicken and pecans in Manual Food Processor and chop the ingredients.  Place  contents in a batter bowl.  Put grapes and apple into the Manual Food Processor and chop and then add to the chicken mixture.  Add dill, cheese and mayo to the mixture.  Mix until well blended.  Place mixture in bread bowl and serve with crackers or toasted bread of your choice.

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Recommended Reading:

Salad of the Day (Williams-Sonoma): 365 Recipes for Every Day of the Year

Famous Cartoon Chicken Names

Wordless Wednesday: Billy the Exterminator Event

Meet Billy the Exterminator at World of Wheels

Who is Billy the Exterminator? This guy. The kids were huge fans! Scroll down to see an episode and to find out, what happened to Billy the Exterminator? Looking for things to do in Indiana? 

Indy (Indianapolis, Indiana)is known for the Indianapolis 500 and other motor racing events. Indy also hosts a huge World of Wheels event every year.

Billy the Exterminator

We waited in line with an unhappy Jake for three hours.  Billy was delayed.  Not so sure he was worth the wait. We paid $45 to get into the World of Wheels, $5 to Park, and $5 for the photo. (Amanda was free.) Kids faces, priceless. 

Where is Billy the Exterminator now? What happened to Billy the Exterminator?

Billy is tiny, I felt like I towered over him. The kids were overwhelmed, Mommy had to prompt them to speak. Amanda had a question. 

Billy: "Sweetie, you had a question for me? Go ahead Hon, ask it."  

Amanda: "How did your hair get black? You have blonde hair." 

Billy: (Laughing) "Aw... some Girl Scouts jumped me and dyed my hair! Can you believe that?" 

Jake had already jumped off stage relieved he could go home and play video games, ironic, since this was his surprise.

Amanda covered her mouth in mock shock and laughed. "Mommy, did you hear what he said?" 

She's a star struck, boy chaser. Next time, we better wait in line to see Justin Bieber.

Recommended:

Things to do in Indy

Visit Speedway, Indiana and practice driving a race car

Indy 500 Games and Activities for Children

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe: Quick Dinner Ideas

Make this Easy Weeknight Dinner Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Angie shares her Tzatziki Pasta and Grilled Chicken Salad from The Pampered Chef. This Healthy, Heart Friendly Recipe is an quick, easy weeknighy dinner to make. Below, find out how to make this awesome easy grilled Chicken Salad Recipe. Enjoy!

Quick Easy Weeknight Dinner Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Salad

Salad and Chicken:

8 oz uncooked pasta of choice

1tsp Olive Oil
4 boneless chicken breasts (4 to 6 oz each)
2 T of Greek Rub
1 seedless cucumber
1/2 of a small red onion

Dressing:
1 C Greek yogurt
1/4 C mayo
2 garlic gloves, pressed
2T lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Pampered Chef Square Grill Pan.

Cook pasta according to directions, drain and run under cold water 'til cool. Meanwhile, heat Square Grill Pan* over medium-high heat for 5 min. Then, brush with oil. Season chicken with rub, cook for 3-5 min or until grill marks appear. Turn chicken over and cook 3-5 min or until center of chicken is no longer pink. Remove from pan and cool 5 min., then thinly slice.

Meanwhile combine dressing ingredients and mix til smooth.  Set aside 1/2 C of dressing.  Add pasta to remaining dressing in bowl and toss.

Cut cucumber into julienne strips using the Julienne Peeler.  Thinly slice onion.  Divide cucumber among plates, top with pasta, onion and chicken.  Then drizzle remaining dressing over top.

Makes 4 servings.

Want one of these pans? I do! Leave a comment and Angie can tell you how to order or earn it. She can also sign you up to sell Pampered Chef products. I don't know anyone who doesn't like to be invited to a Pampered Chef Party! Yum!


Recommended Reading:

Chicken Jokes

Angie's Recipes

365 Ways to Cook Chicken*

Raspberry Grilled Chicken Recipe













ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Pineapple Valentine Day Craft Idea for Kids Classroom Box

Make this Easy, Valentine Day Classroom Craft Idea for Kids from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle: Recycle!

For this, classroom Valentine Box, we transformed a 2-Liter plastic bottle. Use this Pineapple Under the Sea for a Spongebob Theme Party or Valentine's Day classroom craft. Enjoy!

2- Liter Plastic Bottle Pineapple Classroom Valentine.

 Valentine Day Craft Idea for Kids Classroom.

The requirements for his classroom Valentine mailbox called for a shoebox.  Mommy's idea of using a 2-Liter bottle was extremely unsettling for Jake, but he thought the end result was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Looking for Pineapple Recipes or Clipart?

Sure, there was a little crying and a lot of pouting as he made his point. Apparently, the teacher's flyer had made it clear the project was to be no smaller than a shoebox.  And, "Mommy a shoebox is the perfect size; you just cut a slot in the top and glue on some hearts!" (Said in deplorable frustration.)  

Got a stickler for the rules? You might like Jake's Journey in Art.

Mommy did not have a shoebox to spare nor the extra cash to buy a new pair of shoes just for the coveted box. The cereal box, briefcase-looking mailboxes on Pinterest were tantalizing, but I wanted something different.

"Why can't we cut a slot out of a bottle and glue hearts on it or make it a rocket or something?" 

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Do you hear that? It is the sound of Jake jumping up and down on the kitchen floor in desperate refusal. "We'll talk about it later, Jake." And with that, we were off to purchase Classroom Valentines.

One box of Spongebob exchange cards later, and Jake decided said detested bottle would make an awesome Pineapple. Genius.

How to Make a Pineapple Valentine Box

We cut a slit in the middle of the bottle to represent a window, cut wavy, one-inch strips from brown paper lunch sacks, and covered it with glitter. Then, Jake took a toilet tube, cut green leaves from construction paper, glued them to the tube, and stuck it on top of the bottle. Foamy stickers spell his name just above the window and a construction paper heart glued to the end of a straw decorates Spongebob's house for the Valentine holiday.



Recommended Reading:

Easy Classy Valentine 

SpongeBob's Secret Valentine *

Pig Valentine Idea










ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

8 Easy Snowman Crafts fun for Kids they make perfect winter preschool activities

I love Snowman Crafts, what could be more fun for kids?

Snowmen make perfect winter preschool activities with their simple shape structure. There are so many fun Pinterest Winter Snowman Crafts and Activities for Preschool. I've been collecting snowmen over on Pinterest. Here's a list of my favorite winter snowmen crafts for you. Enjoy!

1. From The Educator's Spin On It Snowman Candy Bars

Great Teacher Gift.

2.  From Hands on as We Grow  Magnetic Snowman for Fridge

Magnetic Foamies make a happy Snowman.

3.  From Free and Fun Christmas Doughnut Snowmen

Powdered Doughnut Snowmen.

We made these in our program, one to eat, and a kit to give as a gift in holiday baggies.

4. From The Iowa Farmer's Wife  Snowman Lunch

5.  From Easy Preschool Crafts for Kids Snowman Paper Bag

Happy Snowman.



6.  From It's Gravy Baby Marshmallow Snowman for Preschoolers

Mini-Marshmallow Snow Friend.

7. From Kids Creative Chaos Peanut Snowman Pin or Magnet

8. From TLC Paper Plate Snowman Spiral

Okay 9... I found another.

From The Craft Room

Needlepoint snowmen.

Recommended Reading:

Sneezy the Snowman*

Little Snowman: Finger Puppet Book *

Snowball Soup by Mercer Mayer*









ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday Fun Traditions and Activities

Mardi Gras is also called Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday: Activities for Kids

In America, New Orleans, Louisiana is known for its Mardi Gras Celebration. It is also known as Fat Tuesday. Grown ups go crazy in the streets dressed in costumes, face paint and beads. Everyone loves a Parade and Baby Jesus gets baked inside a King cake. Why? We found some fun traditions and activities for Mardi Gras. Enjoy!

Mardi Gras and Shrove Tuesday Activities.

You might also like this Parakeet Bird Mask with Feather
(perfect for preschool) or this Phineas or Pende African Art Mask.

Lundi, Mardi, Mercredi, Jeudi, Vendredi, Samedi, Dimanche

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

I asked some fellow bloggers to share their Mardi Gras ideas and was surprised to learn that America's famous Fat Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day in the U.K.  

In Indianapolis, an after-school group holds a parade in the downtown Arts District. The year I participated, my students chose an "Under the Sea" theme.

We made giant fish and seahorse patterns from those huge school scrolls of paper, decorated the sea creatures with glitter, stuffed with newspapers, stapled closed, and added dowels so the kiddos could march with them. One of our parents even rented a walrus costume to join us. I enjoyed everything about this parade except for the cold February in Indiana!

So, after reviewing the posts about this fun February Tuesday, I decided to combine the two ideas. We're making Mardi Gras King Pancakes to celebrate. What's more fun than finding a baby Jesus in your pancake? 

From Mom 2 Posh Lil Divas in the U.S.

.

Mardi Gras Masks and Shakers.

Mardi Gras Cupcakes.


From Nurture Store in the U.K.

Pancake Day with Mask Template for Mardi Gras.

Recommended Reading:

Chinese Dragon Glitter Craft and Pattern

Mardi Gras Bird Mask

Wikipedi Mardi Gras Info







ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Free My Memories Suite Digital Photo Book Software

This week, when you play our online scavenger hunt, Pin it ~ to ~ Win it! you'll receive one entry into the contest to win a free My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software. It's a $40 Value.

My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and Top Ten Reviews. With this software you will easily be able to create digital scrapbooks, photobooks, cards, calendars, and gifts! I've embedded a tutorial video so you can see for yourself how easy the software is to use.


Everyone who clicks on the banner below automatically gets $10 off their purchase.  Another win, win, win! And a bigger win~ $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!

When you use this secret coupon code:
       
Code good for My Memories Suite V3 STMMMS86855

I've loaded the software, added several cute free add-ons, and fiddled around a bit. These programs are great for making photo books and I hope to use some of it on my blog too. Unfortunately, my dinosaur lap top doesn't like to keep the programming loading.  As soon as I work out the bugs, I'll post some of my handi-work.

Until then, here is a sample of some cute digital downloads.



http://www.mymemories.com/

My Memories on Facebook


My Memories on Twitter


My Memories Blog





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Fruit Pizza and Chocolate Cookie Perfect Valentine Dessert Recipe

How to Make a Fruit Pizza with Chocolate Recipe

This easy fruit pizza is the perfect dessert recipe for a birthday celebration, Valentine's Day, picnic, or any time! It's an impressive dessert that is simple to prepare and delicious every time. You can customize it by changing what type of bottom cookie crust you use, choosing different fruits, or even using coconut and a white chocolate drizzle for a tropical pizza. This crowd pleaser is sure to be made again and again. Learn how to make a fruit pizza with chocolate cookie crust.  Enjoy!

Easy Fruit Pizza Recipe

18 oz refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (you can use any type you like to customize!)
2 squares(1 oz each) white baking chocolate
2 T of milk
1 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 C of powdered sugar
1 C thawed whipped topping
12-16 Strawberries, sliced
1 can of Mandarin Orange Segments drained
2 TB - 1/4 C semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 t - 1t vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350.

Using a lightly floured roller, roll the dough into a 12 in circle on Round Stone or spread dough out on Bar pan or Cookie Sheet of your choice to a 1/4 in thickness. Bake 12-15 min. or until edges are set (cookie will be soft...don't over bake). Remove from oven and let cool for 10 min., then gently loosen cookie from pan using a spatula and let cool completely on pan.

Place white chocolate in a small bowl and microwave on high for 1 min., stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, microwave an additional 10-20 seconds if necessary. Combine Cream Cheese and powdered sugar in the Classic Batter Bowl mix well. Then, gradually add the white chocolate mixture to the cream cheese and powdered sugar.  Mix until smooth. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread over top of cookie.

Arrange Strawberries and Mandarin Oranges over top of cream cheese mixture. Melt Chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds or until mixture is melted and smooth. Drizzle over the top and refrigerate for at least 30 min. Then slice and enjoy!





Recommended Reading:

Edible Party Bouquets*

Game for Family Reunion










ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Valentine Blog Hop: Join The Fun!

 

Make a Baked Ring or Wreath Tuna Salad Recipes

Make Your Favorite Salad a Breaded Party Ring Recipe

Interesting Tuna Salad Recipes are hard to come by. This Tuna Salad Ring or Wreath is the perfect Recipe for a Super Bowl Party or Football Tailgating Party. Angie often contributes recipes to our blog, click the recipes tab above for more great party recipes. Enjoy!

Make a Ring or Wreath with this Tuna Salad Recipe.

How to Make Tuna Salad Wreath Recipe

2 large cans tuna (drained)
2 celery stalks chopped
onion chopped to taste
1 cup mayo
Dill seasoning to taste
2 cans Crescent rolls
1 egg white

Preheat oven to 375. In a Lg. Round Stone or Pizza Pan lay separated crescent rolls in a circle with point end going towards center of pan.  Seal sides of triangles together using a Pastry Roller or use fingers.  Mix all ingredients for the tuna salad in the Large Batter Bowl and then evenly scoop mixture 1 in from wide side, then fold the point ends back towards the wide side.  Brush on egg white and bake for 25-30 min.



Recommended Reading:

Holiday Treats: Kids Creative Chaos Cooks

Easy Microwave Potato Chips

Tuna Recipes