Mama Paisa

How Blogging Lets Me Spend All the Time That I Want With My Baby

March 14, 2018February 22, 2018 by Elisa

If we ever have kids, I’m going to be a stay-at-home mom.

That’s what I told my husband many years ago. He kind of gave me a look like he didn’t understand what I meant so I explained it further.

I didn’t want to miss out on moments in my life or feel like my kid was being raised by someone else. I didn’t want to stress about a job and stress about my kid as well.

Basically, I wanted a way to control the life I could have with my child.

That’s all!

He understood but you could see in the back of his mind the gears were turning. How in the hell were we going to pull this off?

We aren’t exactly the type of couple to lock down the finances and life the super frugal life. We don’t want to spend money like crazy but we don’t want to feel held back by finances.

That’s a possibility when you’re only dealing with a single income.

I used to work for a Fortune 500 company and I was burnt out.

My husband was tired of the grind as well so he told me that he was going to figure out a way that would allow us to never enter the rat race again. Not sure why I said rat race since I never use that term but I guess you gotta say something at least once in your life.

His Idea Was Blogging

Admittedly over the years my husband has tried a lot of different ways to make money. It’s just the type of person he is. When he told me that we were going to start a health and fitness blog I kind of just nodded my head not knowing what he was really talking about.

I mean I had heard of blogs but didn’t quite understand them.

I knew people wrote on blogs but it didn’t seem like the kind of thing you would make money from. My husband tried to explain the different ways to make money blogging but in all honesty, it was flying over my head.

So he figured the best way was to just show me and so we started a blog and to be honest, I hated it.

That’s probably not what you were expecting to hear but it was the truth.

I’m a perfectionist when it comes to almost everything that I do so the idea of writing for complete strangers was paralyzing. It would take me days to finish a post while my husband could pump out a couple a day if he wanted to.

I didn’t see how any of this was going to give us the freedom that we really wanted.

Then one day he showed me our analytics (this is where you see how much traffic you’re getting) and there was a huge spike. This is what it looked like:

A couple hundred people had come to our blog in one day. That was awesome!

Unfortunately, we didn’t make any money from that. I thought when people came to your blog you made money? Why else was I stressing about writing perfect blog posts?!

He explained that we needed to get enough traffic to join an ad network so we continued to work on content and a couple months later we got accepted into AdThrive.

Making Money Changes You

Let me tell you something, there aren’t many things that feel as good as making your own money.

After the first day of ads were put on our site, we logged into the dashboard and saw that we made over $100. That was our money!

For the first time it felt like all of the stress and worry was worth something.

Over time I learned the types of posts to write and what things people liked to read. When we started doing well with Thrive/Strive my husband suggested that we could make even more money if we created our own product.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

What was wrong with just coasting on ad money? All we had to do was write posts, get traffic, and then get paid.

He explained two things to me:

It’s better to have multiple streams of revenue. This seems completely obvious in hindsight but I was happy in my blogging shell and didn’t want to risk losing that.
You can make so much more when you control everything.

So I said let’s do it and we decided that we were going to create a membership site based around the ketogenic diet.

We had been doing it for a couple of months at the time and loved it so much we wanted to share it with the world.

So he did his computer things and built up a wonderful site and I laid out the features that I thought it should have.

When we got read to launch that fear of starting something new came over me again.

What if people hated it?

What if we wasted our time?

Did we mess up by taking time away from the blog to focus on this?

My husband is the type of person that is always calm. Me? I try not to show my stress but inside I worry. It’s just how I am.

Not too many people joined the first month and I really began to wonder what was the point.

Then the next month a couple more people trickled in.

Each month things started to improve.

Now? Things are great!

Everyday I get to interact with wonderful people from all over the world and help them on their journey. My husband says I’m a community manager which sounds like a cool title but I don’t feel like I’m managing anything.

I just sit down and interact with people over email, Facebook or our Slack group. It’s fun and most important I can do it all on my own time.

I’m not going to lie, I probably wouldn’t have done any of this if it wasn’t for my husband. He’s always been a computer guy and has no problem taking risks. I’m happy he pulled me along with him because I couldn’t imagine my life being any different now.

I’m sure you’re wondering how much money we make and instead of trying to explain everything here (my husband kind of went wild and built a whole empire) it would be easier if you went and read one of his blog income reports.

Blogging Advice from a Mom

It’s important to note that I’m no blogging expert. My husband is the blog genius and I just follow his lead. However, there are some lessons that I’ve picked up that I want to share with you.

Your Topics Matter

When we first started I was adamant about writing whatever I wanted. If I was going to spend a lot of time writing something then I wanted it to be what I wanted it to be.

Unfortunately, that approach sucked.

I was writing posts that nobody was reading. Let me tell you, you don’t want to spend months writing content and feeling like you are getting nowhere with it.

It’s a hard lesson to learn but it’s important that you write about the things that people are searching for. I know there are a lot of great bloggers out there that only write opinion pieces and you share them on Facebook with your friends but most of these awesome women have been blogging forever.

Nowadays if you want to get traction you need to pick the right topics to write about.

My husband (I talk about him too much) wrote about the 7 blog niches that he loves and help us make money.

Write for Them

When it comes to blogging it’s very easy to talk about yourself but guess what? Most of the people that come to your site aren’t there to read about you. They are there to get the solution to the problem you promised to help them solve.

If you’re telling them you have a way to increase their breast milk supply then you better show them the way.

Sure, you can interject your own little story to help build a connection but at the end of the day you have to make your content about them and not about you.

If you keep that little tidbit in mind you’ll go far.

Set Your Schedule

Blogging really isn’t one of those things that you can just say you’ll get around to at some point in the day. I’ve found that having a routine is very important.

For example, I know the exact time my son is going to take an afternoon nap so that is my time to work on this blog. Blogging at the beginning really is about consistency and building momentum.

Too many moms have big ambitions with a blog but they fizzle out because they can’t maintain momentum.

You don’t need to write every single day but you should make sure that you do something every single day that can contribute to the growth of your blog.

It’s like cleaning your house. You have to start with one simple thing to build momentum. It took me a while to find a schedule that I could stick to every single day that allowed me to help grow our business.

It’s tough at the beginning but when you understand the small tasks that you can knock out in small timeframes it gets a lot easier.

Surround Yourself With Other Bloggers

I like to tell my husband that he is the only best friend that I need and while that is true. I still think it’s important to surround yourself with others that are on the same journey.

Paul (I gotta stop saying my husband in this post) runs a pretty cool blogging community but you don’t need to join a paid blogging community to find other bloggers.

There are a TON of free blogging related Facebook Groups where you can ask questions and help others.

I Can’t Believe I’m a Blogger

3 years ago if you were to tell me I was going to become a blogger and someone that owned an online business I would’ve laughed at you. I hate computers. I hate putting myself out there. I just hated the whole idea of blogging.

While I’m still not totally comfortable with being out in the open, it’s something that I now understand the value in doing.

Now that we are at this point there really is no turning back. I couldn’t imagine a life where I didn’t get to choose my own schedule and spend as much time as I want with my baby.

It’s something that I really wish for every mom out there.

Paul is looking over my shoulder so I think he wants to say some words.

Paul takes over the keyboard…

Hi! My name is Paul. I refer to myself as Scrivs online so if you see that name then just know it’s the same person.

Elisa (the wife) has done a killer job of sharing her perspective on this crazy online business that we’ve created and that is exactly what blogging is. A blog is a business.

It’s not a hobby. It’s part of our business and that’s how you need to treat it.

If you don’t fully understand the concept of blogging and how it all works then I’ve put together an awesome and free 12-Day Blogging Bootcamp that will get you up to speed on things.

I think that’s all I wanted to say.

Bye!

5 Things for Baby That Helped Us Sleep Better at Night

March 14, 2018February 15, 2018 by Paul Scrivens

When you’re getting ready to have your first child you get a lot of advice and to be honest, you don’t listen to any of it. Not because you’re rude, but because you just don’t know what to expect.

This was the case with my wife and me.

Everyone would tell us that we need to get this or that but you never want to spend money on things you aren’t sure you’re going to need. Babies are expensive enough, why add more unneeded costs to things?

Thanks to how quickly you can get things delivered with Amazon and other online retailers we decided to get the basics that we knew we needed and then just play it by ear the rest of the way.

Items to Help You Sleep Better at Night When Baby Arrives

I’ll let you know right now that your experience with your baby might be completely different from ours. The items that I talk about in this post are based on OUR experience. I’m not one to tell you that our experience is your experience.

I just want to share with you what worked well for us so take that for what it’s worth.

This post contains affiliate links meaning if you click on a link and purchase the product we get a small fee at no extra cost to you. I will not discuss any product that I don’t fully stand behind and have used.

1. Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor

So let me give you some background on the birth of our first son.

My wife had to get an emergency c-section because his heart rate kept on de-escalating. When he was born he had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck three times.

For the first 6 hours of his life in the outside world, his heart rate was very inconsistent so he had to remain in NICU.

As a new parent, this is pretty stressful.

When they finally brought him in to stay with us in the hospital room we couldn’t sleep because we had to make sure he was breathing.

You can’t live the next few years like this so we looked for solutions at 2 am to see what we could do.

We came across the Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor and I will say it was the wisest purchase we made.

Is it costly? Yes. But once we saw it in action it instantly put us at ease.

The way it works is that you put on this little sock thingy (that’s what I call it) and it monitors both your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. If something is amiss, the Owlet hub plays some music (very loudly) to let you know. If you’re in another room the mobile app will do the same.

The hub shines different colors depending on the status of your baby and it’s when all you see is green.

We love this thing so much that if it broke I would have no hesitation in ordering another one right away and making sure I got it the next day.

We didn’t test other baby monitors so I can’t speak on them. I can only speak for my love of the Owlet.

If you want to sleep well without the fear of something happening to your baby, then get the Owlet. It’s well worth the price.

2. Nest Security Camera

You probably already know about the Nest Security Camera. While it’s not specifically meant for babies, we bought it because we love its features.

It’s great being able to monitor our baby from anywhere in the world (not like we travel without him) through our phones or computers. It’s also awesome that it can alert us to any movement in his room so when our dogs feel like exploring, we know.

Similar to the Owlet, we didn’t test other cameras or baby monitors on the market simply because when we got this it worked so well for us.

Plus, once he no longer requires a watchful eye, we can use it for other purposes.

I will admit though, that if I were to purchase a camera today, it would probably be the Logitech Circle 2 because it works with Apple’s HomeKit (or Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant). We recently bought an Apple Homepod and being able to control different aspects of our home over our phones has been a game changer.

3. Love To Dream Swaddle UP

The Moro reflex is an infantile reflex normally present in all infants/newborns up to 3 or 4 months of age as a response to a sudden loss of support, when the infant feels as if it is falling. It involves three distinct components: spreading out the arms (abduction), unspreading the arms (adduction), and crying (usually).

If you think you’re falling you’re going to wake up and the whole purpose of putting your baby to bed is to help it sleep. So we decided to get it a swaddle to teach him how to self-soothe and sleep comfortably.

That ain’t me and that sure as hell ain’t our baby, but that is the swaddle we use.

This particular swaddle is easy to put on and take off and it has worked wonders for our baby in helping him sleep peacefully (when he actually decides to sleep).

Sure he looks like he’s in a gray potato sack but we know that it is a comfortable potato sack for him and it gives him room to move around.

4. doTERRA DigestZen Touch

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know the first thing about essential oils. Some people swear by them and others think they are just hocus-pocus.

I’m not one to judge, either way, all I know is that my wife bought this stuff for our baby because he was always having stomach issues at night.

And it worked.

Again, I don’t know why it worked or how it worked, but it worked.

It smells like black licorice which is pretty gnarly but if it helps our baby boy sleep better then I’ll make the whole house smell like black licorice.

You don’t need to do anything fancy. Just dab a bit on your fingertip and rub it on your baby’s belly.

That’s really all you do.

5. Hatch Baby Rest Night Light

I wouldn’t call this a necessity but its convenience is unmatched.

Our baby’s sleep seems to get triggered when he hears the crashing waves plus having the ability to control the light as well makes it easy to not stumble in the dark.

With consistent noise and a light that is just bright enough to check up on baby, this has been an awesome toy…errr…product for us to have.

Once you set it up, you don’t even have to touch it if you don’t want to. You can control everything via the mobile app!

Baby’s Sleep and Your Sleep Is Important

If baby wants to wake up to eat that is one thing but if you’re waking up because you’re paranoid about baby’s heart rate or baby wakes up because she thinks she is falling that is something different.

These things are preventable and although we didn’t pick all of these things up at once (parenting is a giant experiment) over time we are glad we did. As time went on we found that we were getting more and more uninterrupted sleep each night which led to happier days for everyone.

Each of the products that I talk about above have alternate solutions so by no means am I saying this is the definitive list. It’s simply what worked well for us.

Keto Snacks for Kids: 11 Delicious Ketogenic Snacks Kids Love

October 4, 2018February 10, 2018 by Jessica

I don’t know any parent that doesn’t want their kids to grow up to be as healthy as possible and yet there are still so many parents that feed their kids unhealthy meals. I understand that life gets in the way so sometimes a McDonalds run might be necessary but if that’s the norm instead of the exception, that can lead to future problems.

I’m a big fan of the ketogenic diet and how it has transformed my life and I plan on slowly introducing it into my kids’ lives as well.

Why?

Because I don’t want them to suffer from carb comas or lack mental concentration in school. I want them to be able to live life to the fullest and I believe that keto can help them achieve that.

Now, because kids live kids’ lives, it’s hard to keep them 100% on keto. I’m not going to deny my kids some birthday cake at a party or pizza at school when there is a celebration. However, it’s important for me to keep the keto mentality in their lives whenever possible and this means that whenever I provide them with snacks, they will be keto snacks.

Keto Snacks for Kids

Because my kids seem to be snacking 24/7, it’s important that I provide them with healthy alternatives and this means that I not only need to be prepared with the right stuff in the fridge and pantry, but I also need to ensure that the snacks are good!

There is no point in trying to get your kids to eat healthier if they don’t enjoy the meals. You still want them to enjoy food, not think that everything is made out of cardboard.

So what I’ve done is put together 11 keto snacks that I think are great for kids. Let’s check them out.

Savory Snacks

Keto Pigs In A Blanket

Image credit goes to Keto Connect

Who doesn’t love some good ol’ fashioned pigs in a blanket?

This Keto Pigs In A Blanket recipe is so easy to make, the kids can even get involved if you’re okay with that. However, don’t get so lazy where you think your kids can do all of the work!

Calories: 332.25
Fats: 27.5g
Proteins: 16.25g
Net Carbs: 5g

View this recipe on Keto Connect: Keto Pigs In A Blanket

Crispy Cheddar Cauli-Tots

Image credit goes to Yummy Mummy Club

In the keto world, cauliflower is kind of like tofu in the sense that it’s used for so many things.

Of course, in the keto world, tofu is tofu but hopefully, you get the picture. The idea behind this meal is that everybody loves tater tots, but instead of adding the carbs (starch) of potatoes, you can give them the healthiness of cauliflower and they won’t even tell the difference.

The macros below are calculated using 2 cauli-tots per serving.

Calories: 68
Fats: 4.26g
Proteins: 3.64g
Net Carbs: 2.4g

View this recipe on Yummy Mummy Club: Crispy Cheddar Cauli-Tots

Keto Chicken Tenders

Image credit goes to How to… This and that

It’s pretty easy to get any kid to eat chicken tenders unless of course, they hate chicken. The only issue with chicken tenders or chicken nuggets is the breading.

If you can figure that out then you’re good to go and this recipe helps you solve the breaded dilemma.

This recipe will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Calories: 574
Fats: 16.7g
Proteins: 94.6g
Net Carbs: 2.5g

View this recipe on How to… This and that: Keto Chicken Tenders

3-Ingredient Paleo Crackers

Image credit goes to Wholesome Yum

It’s always a good idea to keep crackers around. Fortunately, you don’t need to keep the carb heavy type of crackers around.

Just make these crackers, store them in a container so they stay crispy and you are good to go.

Pretty sweet.

Calories: 226
Fats: 19g
Proteins: 9g
Net Carbs: 3.5g

View this recipe on Wholesome Yum: 3-Ingredient Paleo Crackers

Smoky Tuna Pickle Boats

Image credit goes to I Breathe I’m Hungry

This one might be a stretch for some kids but if you kids like tunafish and pickels then this is a funny little treat for them to ahve.

Hell, this is a great treat for adults so if you do make these just make sure you share some with your kid. They need to eat as well.

They do! Don’t look at me that way.

Calories: 118
Fats: 7g
Proteins: 11g
Net Carbs: 1.5g

View this recipe on I Breathe I’m Hungry: Smoky Tuna Pickle Boats

Broccoli Cheese Nuggets

Image credit goes to Joy Filled Eats

Just like with the cauliflower tots, sometimes you have to mask the vegetables that kids hate into something more reasonable for them.

When I was a kid the only way I could eat broccoli is if it was doused in cheese and thankfully cheese is just fine on keto.

So chop them up and then cheese them up to enjoy this delicious snack.

Calories: 183
Fats: 12g
Proteins: 14g
Net Carbs: 1g

View this recipe on Joy Filled Eats: Broccoli Cheese Nuggets

Sweet Treats

Gummy Candy

Image credit goes to Step Away From The Carbs

Okay, this might be the only section that kids like but that’s not important.

What’s important is that you can provide your children with the sweets that they crave but in a form that is actually good for them.

The first example is this gummy candy and to be honest I didn’t even know this was possible. Thankfully, there are smarter people out there in the world to figure these things out.

Just make sure they don’t eat them all in one sitting.

Calories: 27
Fats: 0.18g
Proteins: 6.24g
Net Carbs: 0g

View this recipe on Step Away From The Carbs: Gummy Candy

2 Ingredient Low Carb Jello Pops

Image credit goes to My Life Cookbook

I must admit that I love ice cream. Actually, anything that you can buy at Coldstone I will devour. It’s why I don’t go to Coldstone anymore.

While this isn’t the only keto dessert made from Jello, it is the one that your kids can have fun eating.

The rest require you to actually sit down but who wants to sit down when they are eating dessert?

Certainly not I!

Calories: 145
Fats: 14.8g
Proteins: 1.2g
Net Carbs: 1.4g

View this recipe on My Life Cookbook: 2 Ingredient Low Carb Jello Pops

Jello Roll Ups

Image credit goes to Keto Cook

Forget fruit roll-ups, it’s all about Jello roll-ups.

Wait, didn’t I already say the recipe above was the one Jello dessert that you could safely walk around with?

Well, I guess I was wrong because you can definitely walk around with these Jello roll-ups.

Calories: 343
Fats: 33.4g
Proteins: 5.4g
Net Carbs: 3.3g

View this recipe on Keto Cook: Jello Roll Ups

Keto Fathead Sugar Cookies

Image credit goes to How To This And That

I mean, is there much more to say about this recipe besides “cookies”?

That pretty sums it up.

I love them. You love them. Your kids will love them and that’s what is really important.

Calories: 107
Fats: 9.4g
Proteins: 3.7g
Net Carbs: 1.3g

View this recipe on How To This And That: Keto Fathead Sugar Cookies

Bonus Snacks

I wanted to throw in a couple of bonus fun snacks because I love you and I want the best for your children.

Cheddar-Wrapped Taco Rolls

Image credit goes to Wicked Stuffed.

Taco + Roll.

I mean, come on.

Fathead Pizza Rolls

Image credit goes to Ketogasm

Pizza + Roll.

I mean, come on.

Keto Is Great for Kids

It’s really tragic about what is happening with today’s youth. Every year our children are getting fatter and it isn’t their fault.

As parents, we really have to be conscious of the foods that we give our children.

If you’re looking to learn more about the ketogenic diet or are ready to take the leap then check out our Keto Bootstrap program where we offer 1-on-1 help with getting acclimated to keto.

And yes, if you’re wondering if you can bring keto lunches with you to work then the answer is yes! Check out Keto Lunch Ideas: 9 Delicious Recipes for Work or School to Help You Stay in Ketosis.

21 Christmas Gifts That Your Kids Are Wishing For

December 1, 2017December 1, 2017 by Jessica

As an adult, it can be very easy to take for granted how easy it is to shop for kids Christmas presents. While a lot of the things they want can get kind of pricey, at least you know what they want.

Adults?

It seems like Target/Amazon gift cards are the safest bet.

The only problem with kids gifts is that things are always changing. Toy fads change quicker than clothes’ fads!

In this post, I’ve compiled some of the more popular toy items that kids have been requesting this year. Hurry, some of them might already be sold out because that is just what happens with toys in the 21st Century for some reason.

Awesome Christmas Gifts for Kids

Now, just because I wrote this list I don’t want you to think that you need to buy gifts for kids for them to have a Merry Christmas. Everyone is in a completely different situation.

This list is merely meant to provide you with some ideas if you’re feeling stumped.

Teddy Ruxpin

I had a Teddy Ruxpin when I was a kid back in the 80s. You had to stick a cassette tape (remember those?!) into its back to make it talk.

It was pretty slick but I remember never having batteries around to make it work.

Well, this is the new version because everything that is old is new again apparently. Of course this one connects to your tablet and also has LCD eyes that offer over 40 different animations.

My Teddy Ruxpin just moved his mouth in the same way over and over again.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

L.O.L Surprise! Bag

Now, I don’t know about you but I’m not excited about buying something and not knowing what is inside but that is exactly how these surprise bags work.

You buy them and you never know what you’re going to get.

What happens if you buy 5 of them and 4 of the things are the same? That’s just too risky for my tastes but kids apparently love these things.

Crazy kids.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

LUVABELLA Baby Doll

Baby dolls will never go out of style. They just end up becoming more realistic to the point where you actually do get sleep deprivation due to the crazy hours they are up.

I hope I’m not around for when that time comes.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Hatchimals Surprise

I’m telling you, this surprise stuff is all over the place.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Fisher-Price Zoom ‘n Crawl Monster Toy

Ah, something for the really young ones. No surprise here. Simple and clean fun that is great as long as you don’t lose all of the balls.

Don’t lose the balls.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

FurReal Roarin’ Tyler, the Playful Tiger

You could either adopt a real cat or get this one.

That’s as far as I’m going to go with this one.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Soggy Doggy Board Game

Board games rule! I’ll be honest and let you know I have no idea what this one is about but it looked adorable so I figured I would add it to the list.

What’s the worst thing that can happen? You get a cute stuffed dog.

Works for me.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Jubmo Lemon Squishie

Squishies.

These things are all the rage.

They’re just squishy foam that comes in different shapes and sizes. I think they’re more for adults and stress but apparently, kids have taken them over and now kids want them all.

The problem is it would be literally impossible to get them all because they come in almost every shape and size!

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Playhut Thomas the Train Play Vehicle

Kind of amazing how some kids’ characters stay around forever right? Thomas is one of them.

Just think, in a couple of years kids won’t even know that this is a train. Trains don’t even look like this anymore.

Thomas is going to have to become a Tesla or something soon.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle

I seriously thought this was a gag gift.

An exercise bike for kids that lets them watch TV. Sure the TV is supposed to be used for learning but this seems silly.

I’m getting 3.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox

I mean come on, it’s LEGOs. That’s all you need to know.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Melissa & Doug Giant Unicorn Stuffed Animal

What’s so special about this?

It’s a unicorn and unicorns are always special.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Tickle Me Elmo

I was hesitant to include this but it’s Tickle Me Elmo. It will appear on lists like this until a meteor hits Earth and evaporates all of us.

Elmos will still be around but the lists won’t be.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Enchantimals Lorna Lamb Doll

I don’t know if this is a person that is part lamb that also has a lamb as a pet or what but it’s cute so it makes the list.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Stuffing Station

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Num Noms Lipgloss Truck Craft Kit

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Minecraft Exploding Creeper

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Barbie Girls Walk and Potty Pup

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Watch Ya’ Mouth

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Meccano-Erector Meccanoid

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Throw ‘N’ Pop Pikachu and Poké Ball

Pokémon is always fun. It’s been around for decades and knowing Nintendo it will last longer than Tickle Me Elmo.

This is a cool little toy to put under the tree.

Grab this gift today at Amazon.

Christmas Should Be About Love

I don’t want to go into a whole Christmas spiel, but don’t get so caught up in the gifts you buy your kids. Be sure they understand the value of love and togetherness.

They’ll have enough marketing messages coming into their life letting them know how important materialism is. You don’t need to pile on to that.

12 Budget-Friendly DIY Christmas Gifts that Your Family Will Enjoy Making

November 30, 2017 by Elisa

I love the holidays but I hate the stress of trying to make sure I have enough money for bills, food, and ummmm gifts. It seems like you spend the whole year saving up (or paying off some credit cards) just so you can make sure you have money to buy presents for everybody.

Even the relatives that don’t deserve it.

Well, I’ve changed my mentality over the years. I realize that most of the things I buy for people aren’t really getting used. Let’s be honest.

So what I do now is keep an eye out for gifts that can be made by everyone.

If you’re worried about people thinking you’re cheap then those are the type of people that you need to remove from your life.

Seriously.

These gifts are not only budget-friendly but they are simply adorable and everyone in your family can make them.

12 Gifts You Can Make This Christmas

By no means am I suggesting you get some popscicle sticks, some googly eyes and call it a reindeer. These are the type of gifts that loved ones like to cheris because who gets handmade anything anymore?

Everything comes in that plastic packaging that is impossible to open up.

Be unique this Christmas with these gifts.

1. Sharpie Art Gift Mugs

Sharpie art mugs make a perfect gift for anyone who likes to sip a hot drink at any time of the day. The whole family can personalize their mugs with a cool saying or some awesome art.

Get the tutorial here!

2. Stenciled Tote Bags

Step up your holiday gift-giving with something a little more personal.This DIY tote bag is so simple, and children will love using their very own tote bag they helped to create!

Get the tutorial here!

3. Pretzel Snowman

Yes! This DIY Pretzel Snowman is even cuter in person. This simple gift can be given to your child’s teachers or neighbors.

All you need is a mason jar and chocolate covered pretzels to get started.

Get the tutorial here!

4. Stovetop Scents

One of my all-time favorites! These are SO SO SO cute and will fill any house with the aroma of the holidays.

This tutorial has three amazing sents to choose from.

Get the tutorial here!

5. Hot Chocolate in a Mason Jar

If you want another good present to go along with that sharpie mug gift, then definitely try this one out!

With just a few ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and toppings of your choice, you can give your friends or family a tasty drink for the cold season!

Get the tutorial here!

6. Christmas-y Chocolate Covered Oreo Pops

Whether you’re a nibbler, gone in a bite, milk-dipping or twisting oreo kind of person these Christmas-y Chocolate Covered Oreo Pops satisfy any oreo lover.

Get the tutorial here!

7. Masson Jar Magnets

These simple Masson Jar Magnets make a perfect gift for family members that are near or far away.

To get started all you need is a little Mod Podge, a picture, scissors, magnets and some lids.

Get the tutorial here!

8. Gingerbread Granola

Teachers and neighbors will love munching on this homemade granola.

Made with old-fashioned oats, shredded coconut, almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried cranberries and white chocolate chips whats not to love.

Get the tutorial here!

9. Popcorn Snowman

Grab a bag of popcorn and make one of these super cute popcorn snowmen for all of your friends and co-workers.

Get the tutorial here!

10. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

These salt dough handprint ornaments will absolutely touch the heart of anyone they are gifted to this holiday season.

Get the tutorial here!

11. Lump Of Coal

Know someone who is hard to buy gifts for but he appreciates a good gag gift. Then look no further this Lump Of Coal is a great gift your kids will get a kick out of making.

Get the tutorial here!

12. Paw Print Cookies

Pet Lovers and their pups will love this thoughtful and special gift this holiday season. These adorable paw print cookies are so easy and fun to make your kids won’t wanna miss the fun.

Get the tutorial here!

It’s More Than the Thought

It might be silly to say that it’s the thought that counts but in this case it really is. As long as you show the people you love that you’ve been thinking about them then they will appreciate anything you get for them.

If you can show them that you took the time to make some things, they will love that even more.

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out 11 Cute and Easy DIY Christmas Presents People Love.

9 DIY Dollar Store Hacks Every Parent Should Know

March 23, 2018November 11, 2017 by Elisa

As a mom, you understand the value of hacks. Buying one thing and turning it into another is a mom superpower. I’m always on the lookout for hacks and when I did some research and found these Dollar Store hacks I was jumping for joy.

It seems like with kids you accumulate more stuff than you get rid of which leads to a bunch of clutter and nobody knowing where to put anything.

That’s why you need these hacks.

Sure they are cool and show off creativity but it’s really about organization.

Who doesn’t want an organized home?

DIY Dollar Store Hacks for Parents

It’s easy to think that you need to go to Nordstroms to solve all of your problems but the Dollar Store (or Amazon) really has everything that you need to fix things up.

The hacks on this list are living proof of that.

Let’s take a look.

1.Hanging Buckets to Store Your Kids Arts & Crafts Supplies

If you’re having a hard time keeping all your kids’ art supplies in one place, then try out this simple DIY project.

Get this hack here!

2.Plastic Cereal Container turned Trash Bin for Your Kids’ Messes

Keeping your car tidy isn’t always easy especially with kids. But with just a simple plastic cereal container and a plastic bag, you can easily keep your car a little cleaner.

Get this hack here!

3.Ice Pack Frozen Sponges

These DIY frozen sponge are a super simple way to keep your kids cooled down, keep food cool in their lunch boxes or to apply on a booboo.

Get this hack here!

4.Kids’ To-Go Meal Container

Between bumps in the road and your Kids eating in the car can be tricky. But with this DIY hack, you can keep your car and kids tidy with an organized container like this one.

Get this hack here!

5.Kids’ Toy Storage Baskets

If your kids are leaving all of their stuff around your home, then put buckets with their names on them by the stairs. This’ll help them keep things picked up and taken back up by the end of the day.

Get this hack here!

6.DIY Bookends

Take some of your kids’ favorite animals and create bookends with them! Super cute and creative.

Get this hack here!

7.Soap Box Organizer

Stop your kids from losing playing cards, crayons or kids puzzles by storing them in travel soapbox holders.

Get this hack here!

8.Beach Toy Holder

Use a mesh laundry bag to hold sand toys at the beach. The awesome thing about this is that you don’t drag home a bunch of sand at the end of the day!

Get this hack here!

9.Emergency Diaper Changing Car Kit

Grab one of these cute Dollar Store totes and make a Diaper Change Kit for your car. This emergency diaper changing kit is super handy when you’re out and about and realize you used your last diaper and don’t have anymore.

Get this hack here!

13 Fun DIY Christmas Crafts For Kids to Make

November 10, 2017November 10, 2017 by Elisa

When I think about Christmas I sometimes think about all of the different crafts that I would make in elementary school. Who knew that when I became an adult, Christmas crafts would still be a thing? Pretty cool that you don’t need to be in school to have your kids work on these Christmas crafts.

13 DIY Christmas Crafts for Kids

The goal of these crafts is not only to be fun but also something that you wouldn’t mind keeping around your home.

I know as a parent you’re supposed to love everything that your child makes but you spent enough time and energy making sure your home is decorated to your liking. There is no reason why you can’t expect some level of quality from your kid’s crafts. Especially since they are going to ask you to bring them out for the next couple of years.

Maybe that makes me evil.

I simply like to think I’m respecting the Christmas spirit to the fullest extent.

1. Frosted Christmas Tree Sugar Cones

I was on the lookout for Christmas crafts for kids to make and I found these awesome DIY Christmas crafts. Definitely giving them a shot.

These festive and easy Frosted Christmas Tree Sugar Cones are a great way to bring the whole family together during the holidays. Your kids will love munching on all the sweets as they decorate their very on Frosted Christmas Tree Sugar Cone.

To get started all you need is ice cream sugar cones, frosting, and various colored candies.

Get out the tutorial here!

2. Sugarplum Pine Cone Christmas Garland

With some pine cones, white paint and colorful felt balls you and your kiddos will enjoy making your home a little brighter with this Sugarplum Pine Cone Christmas Garland.

Get the tutorial here!

3. Christmas Paper Tube Characters

Upcycle those empty tubes into a fun winter wonderland scene with these DIY Christmas Paper Tube Characters.

To get started just print out the free printable template, cut and paste!

Get the tutorial here!

4. Stamped Towels

It's not easy finding Christmas crafts for toddlers but these DIY Christmas crafts look like they'll work out just fine.

Handmade gifts, from kids, really are the best. With a simple plain towel some
green + red fabric paint these DIY Stamped towels make the perfect gift for grandparents, teachers, and other important people in their lives.

Get the tutorial here!

5. Stained Glass Christmas Photo Ornament

Looking for fun decorations for kids to make? These stained glass Christmas photo ornaments are simple and thrifty to make.

To get started all you need is unpainted wood photo ornaments, acrylic paint or washable tempera paint, printer and mod podge.

Get the tutorial here!

6. Sequin Ornament

Preschool Christmas crafts are not easy to find but these 13 DIY Christmas crafts work well with toddlers and those kids in preschool.

Sparkly, shiny sequin ornaments make a perfect craft for preschoolers, elementary, or older children.

With a little paint and sequins, your kiddos are sure to add a little bling to the Christmas tree this year.

Get the tutorial here!

7. Pretty Paper Straw Christmas Trees

Want to make memorable Christmas ornaments with your kids? I’ve got the perfect craft idea: DIY paper straw Christmas trees. Cheap, easy AND beautiful!

These Simple Paper Straw Ornaments are fun to make and will add a sense of whimsy to your tree!

Get the tutorial here!

8. Tin Can Christmas Tree Activity

Santa's workshop isn't the only place where gifts are created. You and your kids can make these Christmas crafts for gifts and people will love them.

Recycled crafts are always a winner and this easy Tin Can Christmas Tree Activity for kids is the perfect way to upcycle some cans and provide the kiddos with a design challenge!

Get the tutorial here!

9. Handprint Snowmen Ornaments

This DIY Handprint Snowmen Ornament is one you cherish each and every year you hang it on your tree.

To get started all you need is plain bulb ornaments, white acrylic paint, paintbrush, something fun to fill your ornament with, permanent markers and little hands.

Get the tutorial here!

10. Paper Christmas Lights Garland

Christmas crafts don't have to be difficult to make. These Christmas crafts are perfect for kids and adults.

This Christmas lights garland is a simple craft project that will give the kids something to do this holiday season! Your kiddos will love seeing their beautiful Paper Christmas Lights Garland on display.

Get the tutorial here!

11. Snowman Milk Jugs

Go green this Christmas and make use of your recyclable milk jugs to create this lovable snowman Christmas decoration. These snowmen milk jugs will make Santa really proud of your creativity and your effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Get the tutorial here!

12. Toilet Paper Rolls Christmas Decorations

These fun DIY Christmas crafts will have you drinking eggnog, singing Holiday songs and provide you with nice Christmas decorations for years to come.

The end of your toilet paper is a beautiful new beginning for your Christmas decorations. With your creativity, I’m sure you’ll have unlimited crafts to do with toilet paper rolls.

All you need is cute holiday paper, scrap ribbon, a piece of brown felt, a pack of little eyes, and a pack of red pom poms to start this cheap and easy craft!

Get the tutorial here!

13. Reindeer Pillows

If you want a fun craft to share with your kids, these reindeer footprints and handprint pillows will sure give you the joy of crafting with your kids. They are a great keepsake you and your young ones can treasure.

Get the tutorial here!

For Kids of All Ages

These Christmas crafts work well with toddlers all the way to teenagers. There is just something about making stuff with your bare hands that people love and for good reason.

We don’t get to make enough stuff with our hands anymore so when the opportunity presents itself it is wise to step up and handle the business.

13 Amazing DIY Body Butters That Are Easy to Make

March 23, 2018November 10, 2017 by Elisa

You have to admit that body butter doesn’t have the best sounding name. Butter is delicious but body butter?

Not sure I can get behind that.

Thankfully, body butter isn’t used for eating although I wouldn’t be surprised to find some people eating it.

But what is body butter?

What Is Body Butter?

Body butter is similar to lotion in that it’s supposed to provide moisture to your skin.

They are usually made with carrier oils and essential butters.

13 DIY Body Butters

Just like any other fancy beauty products, you can actually make body butters at home and save yourself a ton of money.

Even better you can customize the scents that you want.

As you’ll see, making them isn’t that hard and you don’t need that many ingredients. Here are some of the best body butter recipes that I could find.

1.Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Body Butter

This body butter is light, fluffy and glides onto your skin beautifully while leaving your skin moisturized and soft!

There are two amazing ingredients in this body butter your skin will thank you for using. Cinnamon is cleansing, it plumps the skin by increasing collagen, and is an antiseptic, and great for eczema. Another ingredient is coconut oil. Coconut oil works so well on the skin because the saturated fats help the skin stay moisturized. These fats also give the skin a healthy, smooth and even tone.

Try this amazing body butter!

2.Whipped Pumpkin Spice Body Butter

If you’re looking for an amazing body butter that is non-greasy and absorbs easily into the skin look no further.

Mango butter really is the star ingredient here with its softening, soothing and moisturizing properties Mango butter helps to combat dry skin, eczema, and dermatitis. Mango butter also helps in protecting the skin from the weather and UV radiation.

Try this amazing body butter!

3.Chocolate Souffle Body Butter

If you are looking for a new and indulge in chocolate check out this whipped Chocolate Souffle Body Butter.

Made with four simple ingredients you’ll be surprised how amazing it feels on your skin. Cocoa is the main ingredient in this recipe will give your skin a light bronzing effect which you will love.

Try this amazing body butter!

4.Gingerbread Body Butter

During the holidays there is nothing better than smelling like gingerbread from head to toe!

This Gingerbread Body Butter has antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage and protect against aging. It also evens skin tone and improves elasticity while leaving it soft and moisturized.

Try this amazing body butter!

5.Lemon Vanilla Body Butter

This Lemon Vanilla Body Butter is an easy DIY craft that you’ll love!

The lemon extract used in this body butter can be effective against a number of skin problems such as acne. This is because of the vitamin C which promotes healthy, glowing skin. While the vanilla extract soothes wrinkles and heals damaged skin.

Try this amazing body butter!

6.Whipped Mango Body Butter

Rehydrate your skin with a taste of something a little more tropical.

This luscious lotion absorbed it quite quickly, leaving you with soft, even-toned skin. The almond oil gently dislodges debris from deep within skin pores and follicles helping prevent future acne because of its vitamin A content.

Try this amazing body butter!

7.Honey Coconut Body Butter

Coconut oil is a pretty thin moisturizer, but when paired with beeswax it gets just enough of a thickening kick to deliver the perfect dose of summer moisture.

There are two essential oils found in this body butter clove bud and labdanum. Clove buds are known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulant properties which can help address skin problems like acne, sagging skin, and wrinkles. And labdanum which reduces the signs of aging such as wrinkles rejuvenates aging and tired skin and tighten the loose muscles and skin.

Try this amazing body butter!

8.Cranberry Body Butter

I know that I’d love to have a jar of the pretty pink stuff stocked in my bathroom.

Cranberry seed oil contains a variety of nutrients working together which provides anti-aging effects, helping to protect the skin from the elements, while moisturizing and strengthening, helping firm and tighten your look.

Try this amazing body butter!

9.Plum and Coconut Body Butter

Speaking of pink, how about trying out this concoction? Coconut oil, plum kernel oil, and jojoba wax make this the ultimate tool for a pampering sesh.

Plum kernel oil is very nourishing, as it is very high in essential fatty acids that are key to keeping skin bright and healthy. Powerful antioxidants help to protect skin from damaging free radicals.

Try this amazing body butter!

10. DIY Bronzing Butter

Get a sun-kissed glow and smell AMAZING with this recipe. It’s packed full of cocoa and cinnamon for an all-natural tan.

Lavender oil was used in this scrub since it is a great skin detoxifier, exhibiting bacteria-fighting properties that help reduce acne and inflammation while also relaxing sore muscles.

Try this amazing body butter!

11. Basic Body Butter

This simple, unscented version is great for everyday use.

This scrub includes coconut oil which will add great moisture to your skin while cleansing and providing anti-aging benefits to your skin. Infuse the suggested essential oil blends to create a scent that matches your morning mood and adds extra benefits.

Try this amazing body butter!

12. Cooling Aloe and Mint Body Lotion

While this would be perfect for calming skin after a sunburn, we think the cooling properties of aloe and mint would feel great after a long, hot shower too.

Aloe is one of the main ingredients in this scrub. It is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema. While the second ingredient mint gives a cooling sensation as it calms the body.

Try this amazing body butter!

13.Chocolate Hazelnut Body Lotion

Get your Nutella fix without the calories thanks to this body butter.

Hazelnut oil actually tightens your skin and stimulates your circulation so it’s amazingly good for your skin.

Try this amazing body butter!

Body Butters Are Great for Your Skin

Depending on your skin sensitivity you can maybe settle for regular ol’ lotion, but what’s the fun in that?!

Body butters make your skin feel smooth while also smelling great. Everything that a mama deserves in life.

They also make great gifts!

Before you use any of these body butters on your skin, first you should do a sugar scrub.

13 Simple DIY IKEA Hacks for Any Kids’ Room

May 24, 2018November 2, 2017 by Elisa

Is there any better store in the world than IKEA. The answer is “no”. If you said anything but “no” then that means you haven’t been to IKEA.

Seriously, I can get lost in that store due to the possibilities that exist with everything that they create. It’s a million times worse because their showroom is a maze of awesomeness with each piece of furniture act like a siren luring you in.

Sure, having to put everything together isn’t the most fun activity in the world but when you can get such great deals on things AND do some incredible hacks with them, then you can’t be too upset with having to put things together.

In this post, I want to share with you some of the awesome looking IKEA hacks that I’ve come across that I think will try out in the future.

IKEA Hacks for Kids’ Bedroom

Everybody wants their bedroom to have a little bit of personality and kids are no different. If you can find a way to take some normal furniture and transform it into an awesome piece of furniture that your children love then you truly deserve that best parent trophy sitting on the bookshelf.

So, without further ado let’s dive into the hacks.

1. Secret Loft

Add some wood paneling to turn the upper bunk of the Kura loft bed into a space that feels like a secret tree house.

Instead of worrying about your kids taking the pillows off of the couch to build some forts, you can expect to see them hiding in their new bed fortress or whatever cool little nickname that they decide to give it.

Get the tutorial here!

2. Book Shelves

These clever shelves were made using the Bekväm spice racks and hung low enough to be easily accessed by the smallest of bookworms.

What? Did you forget that physical books even exist? That’s understandable but it’s good to have some books laying around for your kids to go through.

While the future is digital, there is just something about being able to put your hands onto something.

Get the tutorial here!

3. Step Stool Makeover

Go crazy personalizing these little stools with bright colors and patterned wallpaper. You won’t mind having them all over the house, from the kitchen to the bathroom.

I really love this one because it’s something that your kids can get involved in and really flex their creativity. However, since this will be a piece of furniture in your home it’s on you to be their creative director and guide them along a bit so you aren’t left with something that you want to keep hidden.

Get the tutorial here!

4. Colorful Dresser

This IKEA dresser already has a great shape, but pick out some colorful wallpaper and some fun knobs and it becomes even prettier.

If you don’t want to deal with wallpaper then you can purchase some fun stickers that you can change a couple times a year.

Nothing is permanent when it comes to IKEA hacks.

Get the tutorial here!

5. Children’s Table

The little ones are known to be highly energetic, and they would play all day long – this is why this beautiful, attractive and child-friendly table might be a perfect fit for your house when they finally tire out.

Because they aren’t big enough to sit at the adult table, having a personal table of their own can go a long way in making them feel like their own person.

Who knew that all of our self-esteem issues stem from the fact that we didn’t have beautifully decorated IKEA tables as children?

Get the tutorial here!

6. Lego Station

This is a great tutorial for all Lego fans. If your child is passionate about playing with Lego yet you are tired of stepping on the pieces every day, then look no further than this tutorial that will help you keep all the pieces in one place, without too much effort!

You’ll still end up stepping on some Legos from time-to-time but that’s not the end of the world. In fact, you can turn it into a game where you act like you’re back in World War II trying to avoid landmines.

Because that’s what they feel like when you step on them. A friggin landmine.

Get the tutorial here!

7. Homework Station

This practical tutorial will teach you how to organize it so that your child can store pencils, notebooks, crayons, brushes, paints and all the other supplies in an efficient, organized and beautiful manner.

Nobody likes the idea of homework but at least for your sanity you can keep things organized so your kids can’t use the excuse of not being to find their homework supplies.

Once they are done with school then you can transform this cute cart into anything that you want. The possibilities are endless!

Get the tutorial here!

8. Car Display

Instead of piling toy cars into bins and buckets, try filling a wall with your kids’ favorite four-wheeled treasures. These Ikea book ledges are the perfect size for a colorful displaying of toy cars.

What I love about this hack is that it can turn your child’s room into a museum. You can even pretend that it is an expensive exhibit you would find in the Louvre.

Get the tutorial here!

9. Activity Table

Art lovers will go gaga for this fantastic IKEA hack. Here, a clever bunny has turned the IKEA LATT table into an artist’s station complete with a roll of MALA drawing paper, galvanized buckets and a place to display your kiddos beautiful artwork.

You want your own home office. Kids want their own activity table.

It’s a fair tradeoff.

Get the tutorial here!

10. Store Front Shopping

Kallax becomes your child’s dream come true with this awesome hack that turns a simple shelving unit into a play storefront.

Now we’re just getting into the crazy world of IKEA hacks. I mean who seriously thinks of doing this with a simple bookshelf?

If you want to raise your kid as a budding entrepreneur then this is a good way to start.

Get the tutorial here!

11. Learning Tower

This DIY learning tower using the inexpensive IKEA BEKVÄM stool to keep kids safe while learning all they can. You cant go wrong with this tutorial. It’s load with great pictures and step-by-step instruction.

It’s pretty damn genius.

Get the tutorial here!

12. Work Bench

This IKEA hack workbench is so adorable any little child would love spending hours building new projects just like their parents!

If you aren’t a builder that’s okay. You can always fake the funk, your kids won’t know any better and by the time they are old enough to use power tools you can pretend that you’re too old to build anything anymore so they will have to do it!

What a great master plan.

Get the tutorial here!

13. Cozy Kitchen

Wow! This IKEA hack kitchen is so gorgeous any child would be lucky to play in this dream kitchen.

I’m ending this list on some next level stuff here. Not much to say, just admire the creativity behind it.

Get the tutorial here!

IKEA Hacks for Your Kids

I’ll never stop being amazed at the creativity people use to build these IKEA hacks. I easily could’ve done a list of the 50 IKEA hacks that I love but I wanted to keep the list smaller so I don’t go an rob my local IKEA for everything that they have.

Combine these IKEA hacks with these Dollar Store hacks for kids and you end up saving more money than you imagined. Worried about keeping things organized? Then at the very least you can keep shoes in the right place with these shoe storage ideas.

11 DIY Activities to Make Thanksgiving Fun for Kids

November 2, 2017 by Elisa

As adults, holidays are fun because it means you have a reason to do more adult things like flirt with your co-workers and blame it on the punch.

For kids this usually means…well it depends on the holiday.

For kids, Thanksgiving usually means eating random food and gathering with relatives that like to give them kisses on the cheek. However, it doesn’t just have to be about that!

You can actually integrate some fun kids’ activities into the month of November.

While you’re getting excited about your Grandma’s gravy, your children can get excited about the cool things they are about to make.

11 Thanksgiving DIY Activities for Kids

Even though these activities are geared towards kids that doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyable for you as well!

Any time you get to sit down with your kids and make stuff it should be considered a great time.

As adults, what do we get to make now besides things for people at work?

I’m spiraling out of control on adult responsibilities so let’s dive into the kids’ stuff.

1. Thanksgiving Bingo

Turkeys, Pilgrims, corn, and scarecrows. It’s all kinds of Thanksgiving fun for the kids. Everyone enjoys playing a game of bingo, especially after a satisfying Thanksgiving meal.

Fun fact: I’ve won bingo once and that was in college. I won a TV from it. The TV was the size of a mini-fridge with a screen the size of a new iPhone.

I had some good moments with that TV.

Get the tutorial here!

2. Turkey Tracks

This fun and thrifty craft will keep your kids busy until dinner is served.This turkey art activity is a great extension of the book Run, Turkey, Run! The children’s artwork could be bound and turned into a class version of that book.

All you need to make the turkey art is a little paint, pipe cleaners, and some paper.

You can even add a little more fun and let your kids dip their hands and feet into the paint so it looks like little people are hunting the turkeys!

Get the tutorial here!

3. Pilgrim Hat Crayon Cups

Giving the little one a space to color? Go a step further to ensure crayons displayed festively, too. These pilgrim hats are made out of paper cups, and you can reuse them from year to year.

If you’re forcing your kids to sit at the kids’ table for Thanksgiving then you can cover the table with paper, throw on these crayon hats and let them run wild with things.

Get the tutorial here!

4. Turkey Napkin Rings

If you thought napkin holders were too sophisticated for the kids’ table, this adorable tablescape that’s made from felt and ribbon will make you think again.

Your Thanksgiving guests will smile during the whole meal at the creativity that your kids possess.

Get the tutorial here!

5. Colorful Pumpkin Seeds

Every kid at the table will love this creative project. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use your leftover pumpkin seeds.

These colorful pumpkin seeds kind of remind you of Christmas lights right? That means you can easily transfer this activity into one for the winter holidays.

Get the tutorial here!

6.Thanksgiving Turkey Play-Doh

Set out some craft supplies and brown Play-Doh so the kids can create their own turkeys.

Of course, if you can’t find brown Play-Doh you can scoop up this Play-Doh 10-pack so the kids can make the turkeys almost any color that they want.

Get the tutorial here!

7. Thank-You Tree

Remind the kids that the holiday is about more than food and football with this pretty paper tree. Guests can write down what they are grateful for on a paper leaf and tie it on a branch with ribbon.

What I love about this activity is that it gives the kids a sense of accomplishment when they see the big people adding their leaves to the tree.

It goes a long in showing kids that it’s possible for anyone to create something that can be enjoyed by others. That’s a pretty cool life lesson.

Get the tutorial here!

8. Pinecone Turkeys

Pinecone turkeys are a cute, easy and fun craft project you can do with your kiddos to create handmade decor for your Thanksgiving table centerpiece.

If you live in the right place then pinecones are free so that makes this a pretty cost-effective activity to do with your kids.

Get the tutorial here!

9. Paper Turkey

Take turkey to a whole new place with brown paper bags-fashioned to mimic a traditional Thanksgiving bird, but filled with popcorn!

This might be my favorite activity on the list due to how awesome it feels to toss your hand into a turkey and pull out some treats.

There is just something tribal about the experience.

Was that too dark? It might have been but when it’s time for the turkey to go, it’s time for the turkey to go.

Get the tutorial here!

10. Hand Print Wreath

This ‘handy’ Thanksgiving wreath give your child a chance to have a little fun and get a little messy!

If you’re adverse to using paint then you might want to stay away from this activity since your kids will want to paint everything in your house with their hands.

Now that I think about it, why do we even bother with brushes?

Get the tutorial here!

11. Paper Placemeants

Sitting at the kids’ table can be a drag but with plenty of kid-friendly activities and decor, it can be more tempting than the adult table! These crafty placemats can double as name cards and keep the kids busy at the same time.

Mix this in with the crayon hats above and you really have an activity that kids can make that also has the reward of keeping them busy later.

It’s also a good way to get them off of their electronics and focusing back on doing things with their hands.

Get the tutorial here!

Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

So as you can see, your children don’t have to associate Thanksgiving with just food and football. They can see it as a time to make fun things with their family.

It’s just an added bonus that some of these fun activities get to be used by the adults later.