Milk bottle lid fine motor game

I've been wanting to make an activity just for Miss 1. Even though she participates in and loves most of the activities I do with Miss 2, sometimes I feel that she deserves something just for her. Miss 1 LOVES to put things in and out (which makes her a fantastic little helper). 

I found this idea for this activity over at We can do all things. 

What you need:
A small box
A handful of milk bottle lids
Coloured stickers
Scissors

I used a small cornflake box and cut a couple of holes just big enough to fit the milk bottle lids into. I made sure each hole was cut at a different angle. I then used colour stickers to match up holes with bottle lids. 

Miss 1 has been enjoying this game and loves to take it around wherever she goes!

Hoarding tendencies

My parents came this week and spent two days with us. My Dad entertained the girls and my Mum spent the entire two days in the main bedroom. Sorting, de-cluttering, throwing things out, dusting, vacuuming... totally re-organising our bedroom. 

We moved two of three bookcases into the garage to make way for an extra tallboy & the bassinet. I must point out that these bookcases did not hold many books... they held games and craft supplies. Somehow we managed to end up with only one bookcase in the end (don't know how we did it).

We cleared my closet and drawers of any normal clothes and just left the maternity items as I am well and truely into my 'granny' pants stage (for those of you who don't know I am expecting bubs no.3 in early January).

Behind the door that you can see in the picture above was three bookcases crammed full of books, games and craft supplies.


The verdict
1. Mum said it was dusty (honestly can't remember the last time I dusted in there... silly seeing as though I have a dust allergy!).
2. It was full of rubbish (can't really argue here).
3. It was un-organised.
4. I apparently have hoarding tendencies... (I cringe hearing those words).

I must admit, I'd rather hold onto something than chuck it away. I don't know where I have picked up this awful habit but I do have it. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to get in and cull so many useless items as  I struggle to find the time to fit in regular cleaning sprees as I am so busy looking after my growing family (being pregnant I can't move or reach to get anything which is very frustrating).

To help me feel a little better but also to inspire me, I am going to sit down tonight and watch a few episodes of 'The Hoarders'.

 

The BEST playdough recipe ever

One of my favourite blogs to read is Just for Daisy as I love finding more interesting and new things to try around the home and especially with the girls. Recently Bek shared (and raved about) a 4 minute playdough recipe that she found here.

Naturally I just had to try it! Not only was it the easiest playdough recipe I have found... it is by far the BEST consistency ever.

If you don't believe me, give it a try. I dare you!

Playdough mats- FREE PRINTABLE

Miss 2 loves to sing her ABC's and count up to 20 (she does skip a few in there) and I am more than happy to encourage her. Does she need to count at two years old? No, not really. Does she want to? Yes. 

I am in the process of making the girls playdough mats. Some encourage creative play and others encourage development of mathematical skills... counting and recognising numbers.

Here is the first playdough mat I tried with Miss 2:

I asked her questions such as;
Where is the number four?
How many balls do you need to put there?
Have you counted them to make sure it matches? 

She did the activity unaided in about 2-3 minutes and answered all my questions correctly. She then asked for another one (at that stage I had just made the one mat). So I made up a few more...

 Find these fantastic faces here.

 (I've lost the link for this one but will try and find it)

 Find these ones and many more here.

 Find this printable here.

(I've lost the link for this one but will try and find it)

We love playdough mats! Today I will be holepunching each one and putting them in a big folder.

Blossom canvas craft

A friend shared this fantastic idea with me last month and since then I've seen the below image several times...

I thought it was such a creative and fun idea! (not quite sure who to give the credit to for the great idea). And because we have been having beautiful weather lately I thought Miss 2 and I would give it a go while also enjoying the warm sun.

We talked about blossom trees as we have one in our front yard. I used black paint to draw the tree outline and let it dry.

Miss 2 was then able to use a lemonade bottle to dip the bottom of the bottle into the pink paint and stamp pretty flowers onto the canvas. I did tell Miss 2 where to print the flowers.

This activity cost us... (supplies from a local $2 shop)
Canvas 45cm by 60cm: $8
Pink paint: $2.50
TOTAL = $10.50

Ten dollars might seem a little expensive for one craft session but it looks so beautiful up on our wall and a great keepsake.

I've put my daughter's name down in the corner and the year '2012'.

Looking back

This is a photo of my younger brother and myself. A looooonnng time ago.

When I first saw this photo I just thought it was another photo. But then I looked a little closer and saw...

1. Some rockin' Tupperware and love it.

2. Numbers on cardboard.

3. Scissors, paper, textas and pencils.

4. A re-used biscuit tin as the pencil box (so that's where I get that from!).

5. Some cute PJ's.

6. Well, I saw my Mum keeping us busy.

My Mum has taught me to educate.

To teach.

To push.

To inspire.

I'm so thankful for my Mum because without her I couldn't be the Mum I am today.

Worlds best Dad award

What you need:

1x paper plate

Yellow paint

1x paint brush

Either a texta or cut out words 'World's Greatest Dad'

Coloured cardboard/paper

Step 1: Paint the paper plate yellow (you could sprinkle with glitter while the paint is still wet) and leave to dry.

Step 2: Write 'World's Greatest Dad' with a texta or print off the text and glue on. Miss 2 and I talked about what she loves about her Daddy. She was able to tell about ten things she appreciated about him (pretty cute).

Step 3: Cut out award tails like below and staple or glue to the back of the award.

Step 4: Use some string and a stapler to hang up the award!

I found this idea over at Busy Bee Crafts.
 

A stubborn child

My Miss 1. My beautiful yet stubborn Miss 1. 

Stubborn. Bull-headed. Headstrong. Determined. Relentless... I could go on forever.

Without going into all the details, my Miss 1 is one of the most stubborn little ladies around. And I've got lots of evidence to back it up. Last year, if you remember, Miss 1 would scream and scream if we tried to feed her. Yeah, that's right, feed her food. Such bad parents, aren't we? That took months to change.

About 2 months ago we moved Miss 1 into a toddler bed after hubby thought it was time (Miss 2 moved over at 15mths with no problems). We also didn't want to buy another cot and wanted to give Miss 1 time to adjust to the new arrangement before the new bubs arrived.

When Miss 1 was given her pillow, a night-time sippy cup and some books to put at the end of her bed (just like her sister who sleeps in the same room) she was beside herself with excitement. She slept beautifully for the first week (11-12hrs overnight and a 2-3hr day nap). Then she decided that it would be more fun to pound at the door and scream after just 40 minutes of sleep. Thankfully this was just during the day... the night-time sleep stayed intact. I persevered for two weeks, letting her scream and then giving her a cuddle and telling her to stay in her bed. Repeat. And it didn't feel like two weeks... more like 20 weeks.

After that two weeks I had had enough! I had been feeling so tired and just wanted a rest come midday. I asked hubby to put the cot back up. He didn't. I asked him again. And again. He didn't. During this time we kept persevering. We stayed consistent. I kept nagging hubby to put the cot back up.  He didn't. We put up with her screaming for hours and then getting her up for the afternoon and having her scream and cry until bedtime because she was so exhausted.

And then it stopped. She gave up her fight. When she wakes up and calls out for one of us, she stays on her bed until we ask her to get off. Miss 2 greets her with a 'good girl, you stayed on your bed!'.

I had been so ready to give up this battle. I'm so thankful that I didn't! For the last month she has been back to having 2-3hr afternoon naps, 11-12 hours overnight and we still have a cot for the bubs at the end of the year. More importantly she has learnt to listen and she knows that her parents mean what they say.

The boob story

I have a little book that I write the girl's milestones in as well as any cute stories or things that they say. This made a top entry...

NOTE: Miss 2 has been extra obsessed with tea parties at the moment...

Here is this week's entry:

Miss 2 was sitting on my lap having a cuddle.

She turns to me, while pointing at my right boob, and says, "Milk there Mummy?".

I said, "Yes, that is the milk for the baby."

She looks at me and then points to my left boob and says, "Sugar there Mummy?".

While I was laughing my head off, poor Miss 2 tried to explain herself, "Sugar & milk for a cup of tea Mummy?".

I love my two year old and the things she says! I won't let her forget this one either.

A squishy no-mess bag

Even though I love messy play, I also love my collection of 'no-mess' ideas. This is one we tried this week. I found my idea over at Play at Home Mom.

What you need:
A huge ziplock bag
Hair gel (a whole tub or tube)
Glitter
Food colouring
Tape

Step 1:
Miss 2 poured in the tub of hair gel.

Step 2:
She then added glitter... okay, lots of glitter!

Step 3:
I then added the food colouring and taped it up. After time I taped it the bag to the table to secure it and keep it in one place.

Step 4:
Play. Poke. Squish. Feel. Enjoy.

Teaching cues/ideas
1. We made letters and numbers in the goo.
2. We also wrote our names and drew some funny pictures.
3. We used our feet and hands...
4. We talked out what if felt like using key words such as, 'squishy' 'soft' 'gooey' etc.

Wordless Wednesday- a show

 Amazing how long a 16mth old can sit perfectly still when there is motivation.

 Who doesn't love the clowns?

 And of course... a prize!

Jumping castles... even at 25 I still love them.

Mummy, why can't I see God?

Conversation of the week

Miss 2: "Mummy, God sad when *Miss 1* bites me?"

Mummy: "Yes, God doesn't want us to hurt each other."

Miss 2: "Where God be?"

Mummy: "In heaven... he is everywhere."

Miss 2: "God see me?"

Mummy: "Yes, he is always watching you. Always with you."

Miss 2: "Where? I can't see God?" (Miss 2 is scanning the room for God).

Mummy: "We can't see him. We just need to believe that he is here. Have faith in him."

Miss 2: "Okay Mummy".

Pink Elephant Creations Review & GIVEAWAY

 THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED. CONRATS TO CHON KY!

Little children learn so much through creative play and hands-on exploration of the world around them. I love watching children make cars out of toilet rolls, necklaces from string or teacups using blocks. And I love encouraging this creativity.

Pink Elephant Creations specialises in affordable and unique creative kits for children. 

These fantastic kids can be tailored to suit your child and come in re-usable tubs. 

The creative tubs are perfect for on-the-go activities, something to take away with you on holidays or to give as presents. I've already bought one for a special little someone for Christmas!

Our beach themed kit (RRP: $15) included;
1 Beach playdough cutter
1 glitter shaker with glitter
1 glitter glue
I small tub of homemade playdough in blue

2 cocktail umbrellas
6 beautiful shells
2 popstick people
6 joggle eyes
3 large glitter pom poms
5 glitter tinsel stems
20 coloured matchsticks
5 coloured popsticks
5 coloured feathers
6 foam stars
1 pack of mini pencils
4 mini patty papers
1 small tub of rhinestones
coloured cardboard
Packed into a good quality plastic reusable tub with lid.

I decided to break our beach themed kit into several craft sessions to get the most out of the tub and to give my girls structure (something which Miss 16mths still needs).

1.  Beach playdough

2. Beach sensory bag

3. An island activity

4. Make your own beach
5. Glitter bookmarks

 we still have two more activities to do...
6. Mini octopus decorations
7. Beach collage with sand

I can't recommend these tubs highly enough. I love the imaginative bits n' pieces in each kit and the fantastic reusable tub that it comes with. I love that it has inspired me to come up with mini-lessons for the girls that are different, educational and most importantly fun! I also love that all the hard work has been done for me... no standing at the craft aisle wondering what I need or being frustrated when I can't find the bits n' pieces I need!

Head over to the Facebook site and check out the great range of creative kits available. Pink Elephant Creations will also be offering FREE POSTAGE for the duration of this give-away. Why not stock up on Christmas presents? I know I will be!

Thanks to Sarah over at Pink Elephant Creations  I have one beach themed kit to GIVEAWAY!!!

How to enter this GIVEAWAY:

1. Like Pink Elephant Creations on Facebook 

2. Like the 'Imperfect Housewife' on Facebook

3. AND come back here and tell me why you would like to win a creative kit. Please leave your full name so I will be able to contact you (You must like & comment to be eligible for this giveaway).

4. This GIVEAWAY is only for people who have an Australian postal address.

5. This competition starts 7am on the 10th of September and finishes at 7am on the 30th of September so get in quickly!

6. The lucky winner will be picked randomly. 
 

BONUS ENTRY: Share this page 0n Facebook and tag both @theimperfecthousewife & @pinkelephantcreations and leave a comment on here telling me you did so. I must be able to see this link on my page otherwise it will not count so be sure to check that you have tagged correctly.

Make your own beach fun collage

This is our last activity using our wonderful Pink Elephant Creations beach kit.

Using a little sand out of our sandpit and some glue... with these left-over materials the girls will be able to make an interesting beach collage!

I will post a picture when the girls have finished this activity!

Glitter bookmarks

Our Pink Elephant Creations came with two pop-stick people and a glitter tube. I immediately thought of making special bookmarks for the girls to use.

I gave the girls the glitter and the pop-stick people and let them have fun!

They will make perfect little bookmarks. 

Mini octopus decorations

Our dining room is always colourfully decorated by the girls craft activities. I love walking in and seeing so much colour and energy. I love to hang decorations that the kids have made from the ceiling, even though sometimes I get frustrated bumping my head into things!

What you need:
Mini pattycases
Googly eyes
Pipecleaners
String

Step 1:
Stuck the googly eyes onto the pattycases and colour-in using the pencils provided in the Pink Elephant Creations tub.

Step 2: Staple the pipe-cleaners and the string on and let them dry before hanging them up.

Make your own beach

We don't live near a beach so unfortunately I couldn't take the children to the beach for a 'real' experience this week. However I showed them a few pictures of when they went to the beach last month and we talked about what we did (burying feet, looking for shells, building sandcastles etc).

I used a tray and filled it with sand from the sand-pit. I buried some shells (that were in the Pink Elephant Creations kit) and they used some spades and rakes to enjoy their 'pretend' beach. Almost as good! (and yes it was messy... nothing a broom & vacuum cleaner couldn't fix!).

An Island activity

My girls were thrilled when our beach themed tub arrived! One of the activities I made from the materials was an 'island' craft.

I googled 'island' and we looked at and talked about what an island was. I then cut out water and an island using the materials in the tub and we glued it onto an A4 piece of paper.

Then the kids used a gluestick, paddle-pops, sequins, feathers and to make their own island. I also cut out two Captain Feathersword figures re-using an old Wiggles calender.

Sensory shell bag

As we have been doing a 'beach theme' in our house this week I decided to get creative and think outside the square...

Using a hat (you could use a bag of some sort) I placed the shells in without the girls seeing. The girls took turns at putting their hands (and feet!) in and guessing the contents of the hat. And nope, they didn't guess it!

By this point, both girls were jumping up and down with excitement (very adorable). I then emptied the hat and we talked and giggled about the shells and what they felt like using keywords such as; 'prickly', 'smooth', 'rough', 'big', 'small' etc.

Beach playdough

Pink Elephant Creations beach pack supplied us with a lovely tub of blue playdough which inspired this beach themed activity.

What you need:
1. Blue playdough
2. Seashells
3. Googly eyes
4. Beach playdough cutter

We decided to have a go at making beach seashell men. Miss 1 didn't grasp this concept at all so instead she spent her time cutting out little octopus with the cutter.

Miss 2 made a small army of beach men and was very proud of how they turned out.

If you are feeling very inspired you could mix in a little bit of sand into the playdough to give it a real 'beachy' feel.

Eagerness

Eagerness.

I just love to see how eager my children are to do things, everything, anything.

I love their enthusiasm.

Their smiles.

The giggles.

And their passion.

It's contagious.

I find that their eagerness makes me eager too.

And it makes me appreciate such small pleasures like the first trip to the swimming pool this season.

I am the happiest I have ever been.

My children make me feel this way.

Everyday there is something to feel happy about.

3 ingredient Deb bake recipe

'Deb bake' was one of my favourite meals as a teenager. Great for a friday night when you need to whip something up quickly.

Ingredients;
1x packet of deb potato (instant mash) OR you could make your own mash
Sliced tomatoes
Grated cheese

Step 1:
Grease baking dish. Lay sliced tomatoes on the bottom of the dish.

 Step 2:
Make up instant mash as per the packet instructions and spread over the tomato. Then sprinkle grated cheese over the potato.

Step 3.
Bake in oven at 180c until the cheese is golden/brown. 

VARIATION: Add salmon as a fourth layer-delicious!