DIY Spa Day - Kiddie Style

Towels from Pottery Barn Kids

Towels from Pottery Barn Kids

Brinkley loves everything girly; from feeding her baby alive dolls (real baby food!), playing dress-up in her favorite princess costumes to baking tiny miniature cookies with her easy bake oven. So what better way to spend the afternoon than to create for her a little "Spa Day" Retreat.

Come on, doesn't everyone need to relax every once in a while! Even if it's just pretend! 

She had just as much fun making the products as she did playing with them! But remember to remind your little ones not to eat the mixtures because they smell much better than they taste! 

First we made the amazing Bubble Gum Bath Soak. Here's how we made it:

  1. All natural and unscented bath salts from One With Nature -- 1/3 Cup
  2. All natural essential oil in Bubble Gum Scent -- 5 large drops
  3. Add a small amount of food dye -- I used about one to two drops
  4. Pinch of natural herb mix with lavender to relax the body
  5. Combine ingredients in a bowl
  6. Store in a sealed container or I used an old mason jar

Once we had the bubble gum bath soak ready, I knew she'd want something yummy smelling to create a relaxing bath scrub so I used the sugar cookie scent to create this luxurious bath scrub that my husband I both actually love too. It just smells so good!! And actually helps moisturize the skin while removing excess dry skin which is great in the winter months.


Here is how we made it:

  1. First measure out about 1/3 cup of sugar depending the size of the jar or container
  2. Then add 3-4 tablespoons of rich coconut oil
  3. Add 5-6 drops of the sugar cookie oil
  4. Pinch of natural herb mix with lavender to relax the body
  5. Combine ingredients in a bowl
  6. Store in a sealed container or mason jar

Candy Necklaces

I know this is technically a food, I mean we all eat candy, but I think this is more of a DIY project than a DIY Food... 

So lets get started!!

1. Pick candy that has a large center ring opening. I bought so many options so the children had an assortment to pick from. Here is what we used: Gummy Lifesavers, Sour Gummy Lifesavers, Gummy Ring Pop candy, Twizzler Rainbow, Red Vines and Sour Peach Gummies. You could also use hard lifesavers (my kids just prefer gummy). My daughter also decided it would be fun to add the Halloween Rings we bought for fun to incorporate in her necklace. But make sure your children don't eat them though!

All of this candy is from Michael's or Target

2. Buy a sturdy plastic cord/string to use. I found these Stretch Magic Silkies rubber necklaces from Michael's and they were so easy to use because they came with a built in clasp. The children didn't need any help getting started or finished!

3. To start on the necklaces, remind the little ones to pinch one end so the candy doesn't fall of. Let the kids enjoy creating a beautiful edible and wearable masterpiece! 

Try this at your next playdate or Halloween Party and I'm sure it will be a smash!

Leave comments or questions below.

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Fall Fun DIY Bobbing for Apples

When that summer heat turns to crisp cool air, you know that fall has arrived. And this year September may be a little chillier than normal in NYC but we can still spend afternoons outside before the real cold winter weather hits. 

Here is a great way to use up all those apples you've all picked from the local apple orchard (see my post on Warwick, NY Apple Orchards)... Once you've made apple pie, apple crumble and apple whatever else you can think of to use up all those apples! Try this amazing and fun way to gather on a fall afternoon! Have the kids invite a friend or two over and get started. 

All you need:

  • 1 large bucket or plastic tub
  • warm water
  • towels
  • approximately 30 small/medium size apples
  • aprons to protect from the water *If you have them, but not necessary

Have fun and enjoy! Also, the kids get a yummy healthy snack afterward:)

***Please note that the children's shirts and hair may get wet so let their parents know in advance that their children may come home a little soggy. Or ask them for a dry shirt to change into before coming over. 

Cheers to a happy fall & I hope you enjoyed this post. What are some of your favorite fall fun activities?! 

"Frozen" DIY Ice Queen Playdoh - Best No Bake Recipe

As the temperates cool down outside we will be spending more and more time indoors. This "Frozen" themed DIY no cook playdoh will sure be a hit amongst the little ones. This icey blue playdoh mix will wow even the biggest Frozen fan and let their imaginations run wild!

In a large bowl add:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • Icy Blue food coloring 
  • Silver Sparkle Glitter
  • Lastly add 1 cup of warm water

Combine all ingredients. Knead dough until it's no longer sticky.

*I like to leave the color not totally combined. It gives the kids more to do and they'll love watching it change before their eyes. 

To save dough, place in a tupperware or plastic baggie and refrigerate. But don't eat even though it does looks delicious!!

DIY Kids Photo Session

Save yourself hundreds of dollars and give yourself some credit. Who says you need to hire a professional to get that professional looking shot of the kids?

You probably take dozens of photos of them on a daily bases (I actually checked my phone and I did take almost 2 dozens picture of the kids yesterday)... and believe it or not but in the bunch there are at least two great pictures. Now add some natural lighting and a perfect backdrop and you have yourself that amazing picture you've been desiring. 

Like this one I recently took using the backdrop I bought at backdropoutlet.com for Brent's first birthday. I also included the bigger kids in some and wound up with so many amazing pictures I don't even know what to do with them. I wound up printing a bunch and using them as decorations for his birthday party. 

Not to mention we had the best time taking all sorts of pictures and poses. Sometimes the best pictures are the ones that aren't staged or orchestrated. 

We had so much fun together too!!! 

DIY Signature Plate

Let me save you a ton of money on this idea!
Check out this 1st Birthday Signature plate that we made ourselves at home for Brent's 1st birthday party. These same plates sell for $30 or more online. But by simply doing it yourself can save you a ton! Plus it's way more fun. 

Here is what you'll need:

  • 1 ceramic white plate about 10" round (Michaels makes this amazing kit)
  • Acrylic Paint (Crayola) or use colors from the kit
  • soft medium size paint brush or a sponge will work too
  • 1 paper plate
  • wet paper towel
  • Sharpie Marker (Don't let the kids get there hands on this!!)

How to:

  • Make sure the plate is clean and dry
  • put a small amount of paint on a paper plate
  • brush the paint on the kids hands or feet (it tickles a little!)
  • place their hands/feet directly onto the plate (may smear a little but it's ok!!)
  • put the plate somewhere safe to dry
  • wash the hands/feet immediately with the wet towel

This is so simple and personalized! Everyone will be excited to sign it and your child will have this amazing keep sake forever. Share your party ideas below or tag us in your next DIY signature plate post!