How My Family Celebrates Chinese New Year (And Why It Matters to Us)

February 5, 2015January 13, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NewYearFortune #CollectiveBias

After nearly a decade of hosting foreign exchange students, my family is no stranger to sitting down to dinner not knowing who will be there and how many cultures might be represented at the table. It’s opened our eyes to new celebrations (like when our first student taught us all about St. Nicholas Day), but our family, having yet to host a Chinese exchange student, has never gotten the opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year. We decided to change that this year. And, what better way to celebrate than with some appetizers that are restaurant-inspired and totally delicious?

Creating a Color Theme Unit for Kids

February 4, 2015February 10, 2015 - Mama 1 Comment

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Is there anything more fascinating to a child than color? I’ve never met a child that didn’t love rainbows, have a favorite color they are passionate about (even if it changes on a daily basis), and love pointing out every color they see… “Look mom, that’s a green train.” “I want the purple grapes!” What better way to inspire kids with even more colorful thoughts than to use a color theme unit?

XTreme Bugs and New Additions to Union Station’s Science City!

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 - Mama 1 Comment

After our trip to Science City last fall, I knew that it was important for us to keep going back. Zach had such a good time, and continued talking about our trip so much, that buying an annual membership was the only option for us– we just knew it was something we’d use. The bright side is that the membership also gets discounted admission to special exhibits, including one very, very exciting exhibit– XTreme Bugs!

14 (More) Valentine’s Books for Kids

January 21, 2015January 21, 2015 - Mama Leave a comment

It’s no secret I love books. I especially love to give my son new books for every holiday I can. Those seasonal endcaps at stores during each holiday season? It’s impossible for me to resist putting one of everything in my basket when it comes to the book aisle. But, after a few seasons of obsessive book purchasing, I’ve narrowed down some more of my top picks so you can choose the perfect Valentine’s Day books for your child!

6 Totally Free Ways to Learn Something New This Year

January 15, 2015January 2, 2015 - Mama 2 Comments

It is always great to learn something new or try your hand at a new skill. But learning can be expensive– it seems like every book, class, and lesson costs a ton of money! It’s just not always practical to learn everything we’d like, but there’s a LOT of ways you can learn something new for free! Harness the power of the internet, and check out these 6 things you can learn for free online.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Rein-Sticks… or Easy Reindeer Rain Stick Craft for Kids!

December 17, 2014December 17, 2014 - Mama Leave a comment

Ah, Christmas break. It’s upon us, isn’t it? And that means finding ways to keep the kids busy (and out of the gift stash) until Christmas. It’s the perfect time to bring out the DIY supplies, though, and get crafting! This fun craft serves a dual purpose, though– kids can DIY these rain sticks, then use them as musical instruments to calm down, or to sing fun carols as a family.

This House Needs a Mouse: Review and an Activity!

December 12, 2014 - Mama 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received a copy of This House Needs a Mouse for review. All opinions are my own.

I’m a sucker for a good children’s book. So when I heard the synopsis of This House Needs a Mouse by C. Jeffrey Nunnally, I didn’t expect it to be quite like it turned out. I expected a story about a mouse, and, yes, I got that for sure. What I didn’t realize was that the book was about family, and that’s a topic I can definitely get behind.

Educational Nature Walk Activities– for Any Age!

October 10, 2014October 10, 2014 - Mama 2 Comments

I’m a big advocate for education wherever it happens… the idea that I can teach my child as much at the grocery store comparing prices and I can at home doing a math worksheet, or the thought that I can help him establish a love for reading by taking a trip to the library rather than reading what’s at home in our book basket. One of my favorite activities each season is to take a nature walk. Regardless of your child’s age, there’s so much they can learn from nature walk activities that stimulate all of their senses and help them shape a better idea of seasons in the world around them.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Activities for the Classic Book

September 24, 2014September 22, 2014 - Mama Leave a comment

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a really great kids book, especially when it comes to discussing cause and effect. After all, if you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll want some milk to go with it. There are also so many great options for If You Give a Mouse a Cookie activity topics that you could spend weeks on this book without having overlapping ideas for tying into the book! Here, I list a few of my favorite activities for this classic book.

DIY Chalk-Rubbed Sand Art

July 9, 2014September 13, 2014 - Mama 3 Comments

“I’m bored.” It’s July, so surely you’ve heard this at least a million times, because it seems to be a pretty universal phrase in the summertime.

We’ve had a nightmare of a summer week here; it’s been the hottest week of summer so far, and our city’s aquatic center has been closed due to a broken pump. Repairs have dragged on, and while it’s set to open today, it didn’t spare us all of the boredom of not getting to go to the pool. Because really, if I have to watch Frozen one more time instead of splashing in the water, I’m going to lose my mind. Olaf’s Summer song is so not as fun when it’s that hot in reality!

Luckily, I had the perfect craft to keep Zach entertained for awhile… DIY Sand Art that took white sand and turned it all kinds of pretty colors with one simple outdoor craft item– Chalk! The best part is the craft is so affordable if you have chalk and glue on hand already (and even if you don’t, it’s still pretty darn cheap!), and it’s so much fun.

Mama Plus One

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