Do you love fresh veggies, herbs and flowers?
Does the smell of fresh soil bring a smile to your face?
When your kids are happily playing in the dirt, do you feel all is well with the world?
Then it's likely you are on your way to becoming a home gardener (if you aren't already).

Whether you live on 5 acres, or on the 5th floor, you can introduce your children to a life-long interest in gardening.
Why start now? Because tending to a garden creates unforgettable memories and teaches valuable lessons like responsibility and caring for the environment.

Little hands have lots of enthusiasm, which is why children as young as two years old (maybe younger)are capable of helping with gardening tasks; digging, planting, watering etc. And older kids can plan, plant and care for their own garden space or window box with little help from Mom and Dad.
Find some gardening inspiration like simple plant starters, kids' garden spots and 
even fun garden craft ideas, on AmazingMoms

HAPPY SPRING!

Keep life fun and festive,
Kit Bennett
Mom, Nana, Auntie and founder of AmazingMoms.com

Hop, hunt, play and giggle this Easter!
Easter is a day to dress in your Sunday best, celebrate new life, and of course eat WAY too much chocolate.  But, have you thought to include some fun family games in your celebration?
I asked some Amazing Moms and these are the ideas they shared….

Less Sugar...More Fun!
"We try not to make the focus of Easter on Candy." says one mother of three. "I turn party games into Easter games for our younger family members and keep puzzles and board games out for the older ones. We end the day with a big family egg hunt using plastic eggs filled with quarters and stickers"

Hop, Hop Easter Bunny
Work off some of that candy induced energy with Easter Bunny Hop; a relay race for two or three teams.
Each player must cover a certain distance jumping with a plastic, stuffed or styrofoam egg between his/her knees.

Fluffy Needs a Tail
Draw a tailless rabbit on poster board.
The children will take turns "Pinning the Tail"
on the bunny, using large cotton balls or pom-poms and tape.

For more fun-filled Easter games from our readers visit AmazingMoms.com >>

Keep life fun and festive!
Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and founder of AmazingMoms.com

Over the years my family has had a lot of fun using a variety of egg decorating methods – from artistic to silly each Easter we all get creative and I have no intention of stopping no matter how old my kids get!
Here are some of our favorite decorating methods, tips and links to help you create your own traditions.

Answers to common egg decorating questions:

I don’t want my young children messing around with dye, what can I do instead?
You have a several options here. First, you can give your little ones hard boiled eggs to decorate with washable markers and stickers. It’s a little messy but much easier to cleanup.
Or you can provide plastic Easter eggs and stickers – it’s still fun for little ones!
You can also try decorating with kid-safe water color paints and cottons swabs instead of paint brushes. I did this in the classroom and the kids loved it!
And lastly a good old standby by for little hands – coloring with crayons. The eggs have to be very clean and dry for this work -

How do I prepare the eggs without cracking?
Before decorating your eggs, you need to hard-boil them. Place the eggs in a large saucepan. Add cold water; enough to completely cover the eggs. Place on medium-high heat and bring water to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer eggs for 9 minutes.  Remove from heat and fill with cold water. The eggs must be completely cool and dry, to decorate successfully.

How to I wash egg dye from my kid’s hands?
First let me say that I love seeing little rainbow hands in church on Easter Sunday morning. That being said, I’ve not found a great solution for dye removal. Lots of washing and a soap like LAVA brand, but I think that’s too harsh.  Eventually, after a few baths, the dye comes off. Your kid’s hands will not be permanently purple – clothing and furniture is another story.
Use smocks and good judgment!

Are the eggs safe to eat after dyeing?
My family has always eaten our eggs - with the exception of my husband who runs in the other direction when hardboiled egg is in the room – Ha!
Do not leave your eggs out of the refrigerator for long and use food safe dyeing methods. If the eggs are cracked – in the trash they go.
This link to egg safety has more information >>

Now for the fun part...
Natural Easter Egg Dye – My favorite method
 
Use the color chart below to create all natural tones. Combine the dye source with 1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar and some cold water in a saucepan. Add raw eggs (make sure there's enough water to cover the eggs) and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the darker the color will be, but simmer at least 8 minutes so that the eggs cook thoroughly.

Color chart:
Brown - the outer layers of onions, tea or coffee
Yellow - turmeric or saffron
Red - cranberries
Purple - beets, purple onion skin
Green - spinach
Blue - blueberries

Find my complete list of egg decorating methods on AmazingMoms.com >>

Want to try a kit?
 

For review purposes, I received an Egg Blower and Egg Engraving Kit from HearthSong – I love their kits and toys!
At first I thought it would be too hard but it’s less difficult than I expected.
Of course mine looked nothing like the ones on the box, but I made some simple designs, wrote names and I was able to drill holes to make ornaments.
CONS:
It  is a bit tricky at first and for older kids only. The engraving causes a funky smell, but we got used to it.
PROS:
The engraver is easy to manage and we made some unique eggs. A fun new thing for older kids this year!

Check out all egg decorating kits and fabulous Easter items from HearthSong


Until next week,
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and founder of AmazingMoms.com

These fun-to-make cupcakes are perfect for a family activity,  classroom birthday party, Easter treat or a fun weekend project for the kids.  The cupcakes can be made with your help, but leave the frosting and decorating to the kids!

You'll Need:
white, yellow or pink cake mix
white frosting

Flavors and decorations will vary:
gum drops ("Dots" work best), jelly beans, fruit candies like Skittles etc.
food coloring, orange zest, lemon zest or flavoring.

Tools: paper cupcake liners, cupcake tin, scissors, butter knife or wood craft sticks spread frosting

NOTE- Freshly grated orange, lime or lemon zest provides a much better flavor
than liquid flavorings or dried zest. Simply use a very fine grater (adult job) on just the outer layer of the fruit. Do not grate down to the white rind to avoid a bitter flavor.

Prepare cupcakes according to the instructions on the box. Add color and/or zest to flavor frosting or simply keep it plain.
Then decorate the tops with candies.

DaffodilUse clean scissors to cut the gum drops. Our daffodil decoration was fashioned with a yellow gum drop cut in half. Then cut one half again.
The green stems on our cupcakes were made with green DOTS candies.
We cut pieces and then stretched them into stems.
You can also cut pieces from fruit roll-ups.

Tulip or Other Spring FlowerCut the Dots candy in half and then in thirds and follow the directions above for the stem.

Jelly Bean FlowerUse small jelly beans. Simply place the jelly beans in a flower shape.
We also show a flower made with Skittles fruit candies.

Want to make these cupcakes when hosting a fun neighborhood springtime party…see spring party details >>

Until next week,
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and founder of AmazingMoms.com

Fifteen years ago my daughter's kindergarten teacher assigned each student the task of creating a leprechaun trap for St. Patrick's Day, and ever since it has been a fun family tradition. Over the years we have built a myriad of structures--simple, elaborate, silly--you name it, we've done it. Although we've never caught any of the sly wee folk, we've always had fun trying.

Rummage through your recycling to gather the supplies for the structure...
Cereal box, shoebox, tissue box, cigar box or an oatmeal container. Then add paper towels tubes, yogurt containers, milk or egg cartons.

Other supplies and tools…
Green paper or craft foam, gold glitter, glue, glitter glue, crayons , markers or colored pencils, stickers, scissors, hole punch, yarn chenille stems, wood craft stick (Popsicle sticks), paper plates.
All good traps require bait---lure the leprechauns with coins, gold sequins, gold colored jewelry or my daughter’s favorite, Lucky Charms cereal.
In addition you will need a few small treats like gold or green wrapped candies…which I’ll explain below.

Now it’s time for the fun part…
I usually place all of the supplies on a covered table and let the kids explore and create. It sometimes helps if they make a simple sketch design or at least explain it aloud before they begin.

This trap design was inspired by leprechaun lore which says, – “there’s a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow”– so of course, a gold-loving leprechaun will be attracted to the rainbow and then the gold coins. “The Gold is Here” sign is obvious I know, but sometimes you have to be bold to really attract the little guys. Now here is the tricky part…
Inside the box, under the lid there is a string that leads to the tube which is propping the box open – that string is tied to a coin. When the Leprechaun grabs the coin presumably the lid will gently drop.

Once the traps are complete and the glue is dry, set them up on the evening of March 16th. On St. Patrick’s Day morning, the kids will wake to see they were unsuccessful of course. No leprechauns will be caught , but re-assure your children that leprechauns are tricky folk and then show them the fun treats  that were left behind. There were even a few times in our house, where little foot prints were spotted leading to and from the trap (glitter or green marker).

Although the make-believe faded over the years, we continued to build traps as a St. Patrick's Day project, and I still left fun green treats behind – after all who am I to mess with tradition?

Need more St. Patrick's Day family fun ?
Find Shamrock crafts, green treats and St. Patrick's day party ideas on AmazingMoms.com >>

Until next week...
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and Founder of AmazingMoms.com

Growing up in an Irish family, St. Patrick's Day was always a very festive time for me. Attending St. Paddy's Day parades, dressing up in green attire, and gobbling down festive foods have helped form some great memories.
Here are some of my favorite  St. Patrick's day ideas get help you create your own family traditions with crafts, Irish movies, fun treats and more....After all, on March 17th...everyone's is a little bit Irish!

St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration
Your kids can celebrate St. Patrick's Day throughout the day until bedtime!

Fun table decorations the kids can create, super easy-to-make sweet green treats and favorite Irish Movies
will fill your kids' day and evening --- it’s all here on AmazingMoms  >>

Don't get pinched!

Make this Shamrock pin to make sure you're wearing a little bit of green >>
You can also glue it on a hair clip or simply cut a button hole from teh felt shamrock and attach to a button for the day!

A Kid-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Party
Sure there was a time when indulging in green beer was the thing to do on March 17th,
but after having kids…it all changes. This kid-friendly party is great fun and you’ll feel better in the morning!

Shamrock Decoration and Craft
Make this decoration to hang for a party or just for fun!

You’ll Need:
cardstock paper  or a paper plate
heart cookie cutter (optional)
orange, white green ribbon
green tissue paper cut into 2x2 squares
white school glue
scissors
 a hole punch

Cut a heart from the cardstock paper or use a cookie cutter to trace the shamrock; three hearts and a stem.
Cut out the shape and use a hole punch to make three hole on the bottom and one on the top.
“Scrunch” up the tissue squares and glue them on top the shamrock shape until it is full.

 
Now tie the ribbons in the holes – orange, white and green.  Allow time for the glue to dry and then hang the new decoration.

Need more St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids try these pages …
AmazingMoms St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
Kaboose Crafts

Stay tuned…
Next week I’ll share my  leprechaun trap – it is a great family tradition and educational as well!

Keep life fuin and festive!
Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and Founder of AmazingMoms.com

The idea of having a family game night is nothing new. Families have been playing together since they could place stones in holes. However, modern families are competing with video games, web surfing and of course the television. Board games are no match for a virtual character traveling through time and space, collecting gold coins but making the game time fun and engaging sure helps.
It may take some convincing to bring your kids on board, especially older kids but after time, you may find they look forward to this designated family time.

5 Reasons to start a family game night:
1.    Game play teaches sportsmanship.
2.    Most games have academic benefits such as language development or problem solving.
3.    Playing together promotes healthy family communication.
4.    Family game night creates life long memories!
5.    Good old-fashioned and inexpensive family fun, of course.

GETTING STARTED
Establish the day of the week and time that you plan on playing. You'll need to schedule 1 - 1 1/2 hours. If every week is difficult, try twice a month to start; mark it on your calendar and make it a priority.

If you don't already have games in a closet, purchase a few to get started, and then gradually add to the collection. It won't be long before you have a nice selection. Tip: when summer comes around check out garage sales.

When game time approaches, give the kids a 30 minute reminder. This allows them time to finish up what they’re doing, so they'll be more likely to come to the table with a positive attitude.

Rules are...NO interruptions or distractions; turn off the TV, cell phone, PDA and let your voicemail pick up phone calls.

Although it's not always easy, try to select games that everyone will enjoy. This is particularly difficult if there is a big age difference between the kids. You can solve the problem by pairing parents or older siblings as teams with the little ones, or you can create a variation of a more challenging game.

When trying a new game allow more time for reading the rules before playing.

Each week assign a family member "in charge" of the game night; they pick the snack and game for the evening.

Games to Play
Although there are some fabulous new games on the market,  it’s best to start with the tried and true favorites first: Clue, Sorry, Othello, Battleship, Boggle, Kerplunk, Operation, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Yahtzee, Trouble, Sorry, Pictionary, 20 Questions, Go-Fish, Apples to Apples, Memory (also known as concentration)

Electronic or DVD games like SCENE-IT and the Wii game system require that you are “plugged-in”but the games are  fun and may be more appealing for older kids. With the variety of genres, ranging from sports to Disney movies, most player "fun-meters" will be accommodated.

Go totally unplugged with parlor games like 20 Questions, Charades, Dictionary or the Name Game… 
more parlor games and rules >>

Find your favorite family games at Amazon.com

Fun Food and Recipes to Include in your Game NightIt's always fun to munchies while you play. these can be sweet or savory and all are easy to prepare.

Trail Mix Recipe

Sweet Kettle Corn Recipe

Popcorn Recipes Galore (the longest list i've ever seen!)

Try mixing up a big bowl of pretzels or dry popcorn with raisins, chocolate chips and almonds - yummy

Root Beer Floats - a huge hit with my family.
If you are worried about the sugar and calories, serve sugar-free soda and vanilla  frozen yogurt or lite ice cream.

This video gives some pretty compelling reasons why a family game night is an A+ idea for your kids…

 Until next week…keep life fun and festive!
Kit
Mom, Auntie, Nana and founder of AmazingMoms.com

Although the Black History Month is almost at an end, you can support what your kids have been learning in school with some fun and educational family time.

Dive deeper with a visit to the library - select a book or two and then enjoy them with your kids.
Need Black History Month Book Suggestions?
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
The Story Of Ruby Bridges
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
If A Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks
Portraits of African-American Heroes

More book suggestions from Kaboose >>

Family Time
What a great reason to have a special family movie night with all of the trimmings; popcorn, special beverages, 
Benne cookies (recipe below) and soft floor pillows to lounge on.
Need movies with  Black History Month theme?
A Raisin in the Sun
Selma, Lord, Selma
Disney's Ruby Bridges
The Rosa Parks Story
Sounder (PG)
The Great White Hope (PG-13)
A Soldier's Story (PG)

Make and Play the Oware Game from AmazingMoms.com
Oware is a traditional African game and called different names throughout Africa. I believe it is the same, if not very close to Mancala. An egg crate and some stones are you need to play the game but you can also decorate your playing board…instructions >>

Sweet Benne Cakes Recipe
Benne cakes are a food from West Africa which is eaten for good luck. Benne means sesame seeds. In honor of African-American History Month you and the kids can cook up a batch of these tasty cookies.
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. Lemon Juice (fresh is best)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup sesame seeds
Toast the sesame seeds on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 7-10 mins. Or you can use a dry hot dry skillet. For both methods you'll need to stir occasionally to keep the seeds from burning. Set them aside to cool.
1. Combine flour, baking powder salt and cinnamon and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract and lemon juice.
4. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon salt
5. Stir in half of the sesame seeds.
6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll the balls in the remaining sesame seeds.

Place on a greased cookie sheet and flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake until golden brown (about 10 minutes). Makes 2 dozen.

More Links and Information
The Internet is loaded with information about famous African-American inventors, activists, athletes and political figures. You’ll find coloring sheets, biographical information, images, interactive timelines and engaging videos you can enjoy with your children.
History.com
This feature is really informative and engaging.
Biography.com
Videos, an interactive timeline biographies and much more.
PBS Kids also offers” African American World”Games and activities that teach facts about the contributions of African Americans.
TIME for Kids – Black History Month
Black History Month coloring sheets
Interactive Tour of the Apollo theater
“Who said that?”  Game
What is Black History Month – Kaboose.comFind famous black athletes, artists, politicians, scientists and more.

Until next week...
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and founder of AmazingMoms.com

I LOVE Valentine’s Day and it shows, from the moment my kids wake up in the morning and all throughout the day.
Even though Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days I spend very little money making it special for my family.
However, I do spend a ridiculous amount of creative energy and it’s paid off, because my kids have great memories
of their “morning surprises” and festive touches throughout the day.

Enjoy the following the following Valentine's Day ideas from my home to yours -- Have fun!

Start your day with hearts and roses…. 
Your kids will wake up thrilled to see a Valentine filled with surprises hanging from their bedroom door or bed post and these only cost about $2.00 each!. Instructions for this Valentine craft can be found here >>

 A Reflection of Love
Start the day with a love note written on the mirror with a lipstick or even poster paint which will wash right off.
"You are my Love" "You are so sweet"
Or draw a picture frame around the edges of the mirror and then add a message..."this person is Loved"
The lipstick will come off with window cleaner and poster paint should wash off with soap and water and then use window cleaner to finish the job. -- this is free as long as you have lipstick!

Now for a special breakfast table!
Set a Valentine breakfast table to surprise your family when they wake up. 
Cover the table with a white table cloth or sheet. Scatter paper hearts in a variety of sizes and colors all around the top of the table. Add some sequins and conversation hearts for extra color. Place a few fresh, silf or tissue paper flowers in a vase.

Kit's Tip:
I'm not a morning person so I always prepare my special occasion "surprise tables" the night before.

If you already have a heart shaped pancake mold, you can use that.
But, in the interest of time, I  make a large batch of French toast and then cut the pieces with heart shaped cookie cutters . Preparing a frozen waffle, will save even more time!

Top French toast with thawed frozen strawberries (or fresh) and a heart created with whipped cream. A pink smoothie with berries, frozen yogurt and milk will top it all off…YUMMY!

Now the day is off to a great start, you can move on to make lunch fun with two toned sandwiches (see video) stickers and a heart shaped marshmallow treat!
Find more ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day the rest of the day on AmazingMoms >>

Keep all of these items in alarge plastic tub and you'll be ready create "morning surprises" for any occasion such as birthdays, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, graduation...
A large set of multiple holiday cookie cutters may cost $10.00 - $15.00 at a craft store.
I have a box of 101 cookie cutters that holiday shapes, animlas, sports everything you could need!
- Construcion paper for notes, shapes, posters
- Sequins, confetti, curling ribbon
- Look partyware while it's on sale, especially post holiday.
- The same goes for stickers
- Festive sprinkles can turn any old treat into a celebration
  I buy the seasonal sprinkles after the holiday at a 70% discount, they'll last a good long time!
- Balloons

I hope you have a love-filled Valentine's Day!

Kit Bennett
Mom, Auntie, Nana and Founder of AmazingMoms.com

Are you hosting a Valentine's Day party at home, church or in the classroom ?
These mom-created ideas are sure to inspire you!
Check out the video and then you'll find more below.

- Have fun and please share your ideas, pictures and fun Valentine's Day goodies!

Here’s a close-up of the Pin the arrow on the heart game I mention in the video.
Start with a large sheet of poster board.
Cut two paper hearts; one large and one small. Glue them onto the poster board and then draw hearts for more decorations. Cut the arrows using sticky backed craft foam or use paper and attach to the board with tape. – play following the rules of Pin the tail on the donkey with a blindfold and three spins of course.

See more favorite Valentine party games  like Cupid’s surprise and Match maker >>

 How to make the Victorian favor cup from the video  >>

How to make the woven paper heart from the video >>

How to keep it fun, festive and healthy…
When I was teaching I truly appreciated parental attempts to include a healthy snack in our class Valentine’s Day party.
I’m certainly not a health fanatic…as a matter of fact I have a horrible sweet tooth. But I feel less guilty giving kids candy and  cupcakes when I’ve ensured something solid is in their bellies first.

The trick to keeping the nutritious party snack festive, is in the presentation. Here are some of the ideas I’ve used over the years and please add your own…I’d love to hear from you creative moms!

1. Cut kid-friendly sandwiches with small heart shaped cookie cutter. It’s easy and festive!
2. You can also use a small cookie cutter to cut cheese slices. Place the slices on a Valentine’s Day plate with crackers.
3. Fill Valentine’s Day cupcake liners with healthy snacks such as…grape clusters, nuts and dried fruit, goldfish crackers, cheese cubes and crackers, veggie slices. Note: You can do the same with Valentines’ party cups.
4. Wrap trail mix or Chex Mix in clear plastic wrap and tie with red and pink ribbon then place the pouches of snacks on a platter for the class party.
5. Bring a blender into the classroom along with the ingredients for a pink smoothie; vanilla yogurt and frozen strawberries will do. Serve the smoothies in Valentine’s party cups or clear plastic cups. Top with whipped cream (not so healthy) and sprinkles.

Remember that presentation makes the difference. It’s amazing how a simple healthy treat can look festive with the addition of a red platter, heart shaped bowls  etc.
Remember  to check with the teacher about food allergies before bringing in any snack!

For more Valentines’ Day party ideas, crafts and easy family celebration ideas visit the Amazingmoms website >>

I’d love to read your ideas…include them below>>

Until Next week...kepp life fun and festive!
Kit
Mom, Auntie, Nana and founder of AmazingMoms.com