{Guest Post} Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

Today we have Sarah from The Winthrop Chronicles showing us how to make this lovely Mason Jar Soap Dispenser. It looks simple, I think I'll be making one soon! Be sure to hop on over to her blog and check out all the other awesomeness there. She has great tutorials, recipes and she even hosts a lovely link party!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I'm Sarah from The Winthrop Chronicles and I'm so excited to be with you today here at Tutus & Tea Parties. Before I started blogging, I worked as a TV news reporter for NBC and then took early retirement ;) to stay at home with my kids. I have three little ones under the age of 5 and a wonderful husband. I stay pretty busy with potty training and picnics, but I try to find time to craft as much as possible. Because my crafting time is usually squeezed in to nap times, I like to try and think of quick projects. Here is a little tutorial for you guys I hope you enjoy!

first. I made the hole in the top by using this scary looking tool to punch through {seriously doesn't it look so dangerous!} You could also use a nail and hammer.

second. Then with pliers I pulled back the center until the hole was big enough for the soap dispenser.

{Until it looks like this, or however big you need it}

third. Then I hot glued the soap dispenser to the lid.

fourth. I used some burlap, twine and washi tape to decorate the mason jar.

fifth. Pour some liquid soap in the mason jar and put on the lid. 

This took maybe 20 minutes to make, it was really quick. I will definitely be making more, I have a few more bathrooms that still have old boring soap dispensers. They would be an easy and quick gift too!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thank you so much for sharing this lovely tutorial with us Sarah! I will definitely show you some pictures when I make mine.


Follow along with Sarah:
Blog I Facebook I Twitter I Google + I Pinterest

Earth Day Idea Submissions

On Earth Day {April 22nd} I will be posting a collection of ideas using recycled materials. I would love to see if you have a post I can share with my readers. Using the form below please send me a link to your post with a written approval to use your post link and one photo of my choosing.

Depending on how many submissions I get, I may not be able to post them all but I will be pinning them!

{please no crafts on Earth Day unless you are using RECYCLED materials - meaning something that you used and normally would go in the garbage but you saved it to make something awesome with - not like a paper plate that was clean and you are using just because. :)}

 

{Guest Post} How connected are our kids to nature?

How connected are our kids to nature?  

{brought to you by Disney}

  
Trips to the zoo, collecting autumn leaves, reading Ranger Rick – sound like memories from your childhood?  If you’re like me, then yes, they do.  

But here’s a question: do they sound like a part of your kids’ lives today?

It’s an interesting question we parents should all ask ourselves.

On that note, Disney tells us it’s convening a number of top experts on the issue this week in Orlando as part of its Disney Kids and Nature Celebration (the event also includes a day-long youth summit and the screening of its upcoming movie “Chimpanzee”), and we got some insight on the discussion.  Former Ranger Rick subscribers, listen up:

According to Richard Louv, a Disney partner and author of the bestselling books Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, every child needs nature.  Not exactly a groundbreaking revelation – but certainly one that poses challenges when you look at your weekly calendar (where’d the white space go?).

Here’s some advice we can take away from his philosophy and the bigger discussion in Orlando:

1.      Get nostalgic. Take a moment to talk to a grandparent – or even a peer – about his or her favorite nature memories from childhood – was it skipping stones? A favorite picture book about elephants? Drawing horses? Climbing trees?  These simple memories might be enough to remind you just how easy it can be to make nature part of your own parenting style.

2.      Think manageable.  Connecting kids with nature doesn’t require a family trip to Yellowstone (phew). What it really takes is getting your kids curious about animals, wildlife and the outdoors – the world beyond their house and school.  What do baby turtles eat? Why do leaves change colors?  How do fish breath underwater? What kind of insect is that in your backyard? Hikes, museums, books and videos can all help spark that fascination.

3.      Teach early lessons.  Intuitively, we know kids need to learn about and appreciate nature.  But what are the real benefits?  For one, it’s a sensory explosion for their young minds.  Reading about how birds build nests, watching a baby elephant play, touching a sheep’s coat, smelling a rose or digging a carrot out of the soil  -- all of this stimulates curiosity in young minds.

More important, however, is that it instills a love of nature.  And if our kids love nature – won’t they be more likely to protect it?

Disney is hosting an Earth Month event, the Disney Kids and Nature Celebration, April 12-14 in Orlando – and among other things, will be addressing the relationship between kids and nature today.

T-Shirt to Barefoot Sandals {find me on UCreate today}

Guess where I'm guest posting today...go on, guess!

I'm over at UCreate! My most favorite tutorial blog ever! 

I am so excited to be sharing how I made these adorable barefoot sandals from an old t-shirt I had laying around.  

Come on over and check it out!

Hands on Hand Washing - A Lesson on Germs {a guest post}

I am so happy to welcome Christine from Belly Bear Baby Gear with this fun idea for teaching a lesson on the spread of germs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are the parent of or work with young children, there is one thing you know all too well.  They are notoriously bad at sharing except for when it comes to their germs.  They have a tendency to pick their noses, chew on their fingers and rub their germs on any available surface.  Despite these undesirable behaviors, we love them all the same. 

My niece Chloe demonstrating said undesirable behavior.

In an attempt to win the war against germs, I have often used the following activity to help children develop an understanding of germs and how they spread.  This activity also supports good hand washing practice.  And of course it's fun too! You will need the following items: A dish pan, a few toys that can be washed with soap and water, cinnamon and vegetable oil (any oil will do, this is simply the most cost effective) 

Once you have gathered the necessary supplies it's time to begin.  Place your toys in the dish pan and coat them with oil.  Then sprinkle a bit of cinnamon all over the toys.

Now it's time to invite your children to join you.

Sean dove in right away.  Isabel was a bit unsure at the start.

For my purposes I placed a cloth underneath the bin in an attempt to contain the inevitable mess.

At this time, depending on the age of your children, you can have a brief discussion about germs and how you cannot see them with your eyes.  Explain that you will be pretending the cinnamon represents germs and that your children will be able to see how the germs spread when they play with the toys.  Invite your children to begin manipulating and playing with the toys.  They will quickly notice that their hands are covered with germs.  If using this activity in a classroom setting, children enjoy shaking each others hands and giving high fives to see how they share germs with each other.

The children enjoy noticing how the germs pass from the toys to their hands.

Uh oh.  Isabel even got some germs on her face!

Now that your children are good and covered in germs, it's time for the clean-up.  Thanks to the oil, your children will have to do a thorough job of scrubbing with both soap and water to be rid of all the germs.  

 

Now it's time to wash the germs away. 

I hope that you will enjoy this activity with either your own children or those in your class.  Following this activity with my students, they became much more adept at hand washing.  They learned that you really need to scrub with soap to get the germs off.  We no longer have any children that just rinse and run!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Thank you Christine for a wonderful {and very important} lesson! I will have to do this with Bug. She has been flipping out when it comes to hand washing lately. Maybe this will clear things up!

Keep up with Christine:

Blog

Facebook

Etsy Shop

Ladybug Strawberry Cupcakes {a guest post from Pamela}

Today we have a guest post from Pamela on some yummy Ladybug Strawberry Cupcakes. Any recipe for a cupcake that has real fruit in it is an A+ in my book!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello there let me introduce myself, my name is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats, where I make healthy desserts, mostly cupcakes and cookies.  I am a wife, mother of 6, homeschool teacher and I have a small Healthy Cupcakes & Cookie business. Everything that I make is made with 100% Whole Wheat Flour and my secret ingredients. You will not know that you are eating healthy when you taste these treats.

Since SPRING is almost in the air, I wanted to bring out one of my Spring cupcakes.  I made these cupcakes last year for my baby girl's 1st birthday, they were a hit, and they were DELICIOUS. 

LADYBUG STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup canola oil

1 cup buttermilk *I make my own

2 eggs * I use fresh brown eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp vinegar

2 cups of fresh strawberries (pureed in the blender)

Mix all your wet ingredients together, then mix in your dry ingredients.  Fill your cups 1/2 full, and bake for 20 minutes, let cool on wire rack.

While you are waiting for your cupcakes to cool make your frosting-

Buttercream Frosting

1 package powdered sugar (16 oz package) 

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons  fat free milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup strawberry puree

Red food coloring

peppermint patties

black gel

white gel

     red gel

 Mix butter, milk, vanilla and powdered sugar together until nice and smooth, then add strawberry puree and fold in, add a few drops of red food coloring. Now you are ready to frost. 

-Frost your cupcakes with a spatula

-Add little black dots on the back of the cupcake

-For the face, put a peppermint patty in the front and put eyes, nose and mouth

There you have it LADYBUG STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES!

I want to thank Lauren from Tutus and Tea Parties, for allowing me to guest post on this wonderful blog, what an honor this has been.  

Please come over to Pamela's Heavenly Treats for some Healthy Cupcakes and Cookies recipes, giveaways and fun.  I also have a website PH Treats if you want to order cupcakes or cookies, I am on the Eastern Shore, Maryland.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thank you for posting such a wonderful recipe Pamela! I love these little ladybugs and hope to make some soon!

Make the Perfect Dance Party for Toddlers {a guest post from Mariana Ashley}

Make the Perfect Dance Party for Toddlers

Does your toddler love to dance? If they have a birthday coming up, try forgoing the Chucky Cheese party and make your very own dance party instead! This is easy enough to do at your own house or a public space. Check out these ideas for a dance party your toddler will absolutely love.

1. Make Your Own Costumes

No dance party is complete without some crazy costumes to play in. There is no need to drop tons of money to get some dance gear; you can easily (and cheaply) make your own! Check out some easy D.I.Y. videos to create tutus, circle skirts, and princess tiaras.  Also, don’t forget about the boys! Try setting up a station to make your own cardboard masks or make prince crowns beforehand for partygoers opposed to anything girly.

2. Hit a Party Store or Outlet for More Dress-Up Gear

Head to a wholesale party store or your local salvation army to collect anything that might be fun for partygoers to play dress up in. Plastic necklaces, old hats, boas, streamers, funny hats, colored sunglasses, and any other miscellaneous items can add tons of life to the event.

3. Create a Makeup Studio

Get some non-toxic face paints, set up mirrors on a low table, and have a few parents play makeup artists throughout the day. They can help the partygoers apply their own makeup, or they can add some adult touches, like cool face paint designs. Try suggesting easy designs like hearts or stars so your resident makeup artists don’t have too much on their plates.

4. Make the Ultimate Dance Floor

You can use any space in your house, preferably the area with the most free space available. Hang streamers from the ceiling and get as many helium balloons as you can to let float throughout the room. Get some big plastic bins and fill them with noisemakers, shakers, streamers and other fun toys that dancers can grab when they’re getting their groove on.

5. Play Dance Videos

If you want to have an ongoing dance area throughout the party, try playing several dance DVDs geared toward kids. They will have real dancers that the kids can copy and music that will be upbeat and appropriate for their age group.

6. Play Movement Games

A great way to add a group activity into the mix is to play a game that takes up space and involves moving around. Games like Simon Says are really fun and can be hilarious. You don’t need to make it competitive at this age. Just have fun with it and give everyone a prize when you’re finished.

7. Play Copycat

Put on some music and do some simple dance moves, like stepping from side to side, jumping up and down, clapping your hands, and turning around. Have all the kids copy what you do and try to keep up as the moves get faster and faster. Keep it light, and hopefully everyone will be laughing and having a great time by the end.

8. Have Emergency Dance Breaks

Every time a particular song comes on, everyone has to run to the dance floor and freestyle until it’s over. Pick a song that is very recognizable, and play around with it. Maybe you can have surprise dance breaks in the middle of different games or right after the birthday girl blows out her candles.

By-line:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Valentine's Day Tea Party Invitations {Guest Post from Mama Mia's Heart2Heart}

I'm so happy to introduce you all to Mia from Mama Mia's Heart2Heart. Today she is sharing with us how to make Valentine's Day invites {for a tea party}! How cute! We have plenty of tea parties here {hence the blog name}. We just might have to make these for her dolls and celebrate on Valentine's Day with our own little tea party.

 
I'm so excited to be guest posting over here at Tutus & Tea Parties. I'm Mia and I blog over at Mama Mia's Heart2Heart.  I teach part time but a mom full time and I like to blog about my fun adventures as both. 

My 3 year old and I love to read, learn, and do crafts together.  So I thought I'd share a craft with you that is actually fitting for Lauren's blog because it's for a Valentine Tea Party that my daughter will be having soon.  I wanted to make some invitations for her lovely day using candy canes that I had from Christmas.

This was very easy to make. I unwrapped the candy canes and glued the ends together using the glue gun to form a heart. 

I then painted the popsicle sticks red and glued the candy cane hearts to it.

After that, I typed out an invitation for the tea party glued to a red scrapbook paper.  And glued the whole thing onto the popsicle stick...

I put the invitation inside a sachet to give it an elegant look. And just like that, it's ready to be delivered to her friends.  Easy isn't it??

She's so excited about this tea party and so am I :)  Thank you Lauren for this opportunity to guest post on your wonderful blog.  I hope that all of you will come and visit me over at Mama Mia's Heart2Heart.  Have a happy day!!!

Be sure to hop on over and visit Mama Mia's Heart2Heart. She has great ideas for the kiddos {and some for us grown ups too}!

Connect with Mia on Facebook & Twitter.

A few of my faves from Mama Mia's Heart2Heart:

Egg Shell Snowman

Hot Dogs and Noodles

Crayon Monogram

Marshmallow Catapults {I'm over at Mama Mia's Heart2Heart}

I hope you are all ready for some fun today! I'm over at Mama Mia's Heart2Heart today to show you how to make these marshmallow catapults. 

You won't want to miss it...they are so much fun!

Marshmallow Catapults

I hope you will stop on over and check out my guest post.

Bubble Wrap Heart Art {Guest Post from Mess For Less}

I am so excited to have Vicky from Mess For Less guest posting here today! She has a super fun Valentine's Day art project to do with the kiddos that they will love. I know Bug will be all over this project...making me lots and lots of these hearts!

I am so excited to be posting here today at Tutus and Tea Parties! Thanks to Lauren for asking me over. My name is Vicky and I blog over at Mess For Less. I am a mom of 3 (3 year old twins and a 2 year old) and I write about kids activities, crafts and money saving tips. I hope you will stop by and visit us!

We love bubble wrap in my house. The kids love to pop it, play with it and have even painted with it in the past. I love that it's free. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought we could incorporate bubble wrap and painting while creating some seasonal artwork.

Supplies you will need:

• Bubble wrap (I used some with larger circles, but the smaller type would work as well)
• Paint colors of your choosing
• Tray
• Paintbrush and cups for mixing
• Easel paper
• Marker
• Scissors

Start by using your marker to trace some large hearts on the back of some bubble. I made a heart for each of the three colors I planned to use. You can also just trace and cut out one heart and use it in different colors to get more of a rainbow effect.

Pour some paint into a tray and spread it around. I mixed some pink and purple colors and used the plastic cups to combine the colors before spreading it on a tray.

Have your child dip the heart bubble wrap (circle side down) into the paint and then push their heart onto the paper to make a print.

My youngest, who just turned 2, really enjoyed this part.

I had three colors of paint and the kids wanted to try all the paint colors. 

Here are some of our finished pieces. I am so excited to decorate with these. What a simple and fun way to  add a touch of Valentine's Day to your home.

This last one was done by my youngest. As you can see, even when kids can't quite keep the hearts straight, the artwork is still eye-catching.

Vicky, thank you so much for sharing this fun art project with us today! I'm sure we will be making lots of these hearts over here. We just love bubble wrap!

Connect with Mess For Less on Facebook & Twitter.

My fave posts from Mess For Less {so hard to choose just a few}:

Valentine Swirl Cupcakes

Fruit Loop Towers

{FYI- I carry these materials out to eat and this totally entertains Bug while the grown ups eat & talk}

 Chemical Reactions for Preschoolers