Kool-Aid, Peanut Butter & Play-doh!

It's summer time and ideally, my three children would spend every waking moment outside, but it is HOT people! We have truly had some of the hottest days that I can remember this year.  So when my children protest about my lovely suggestions for outside play....well, some days, I really cannot blame them nor do I feel right about forcing the issue, because it is HOT! 
Did I mention that it's HOT?

Solution: Fun, Hands-on craft projects, specifically those that require them to get their hands dirty, because those are just more fun.

I have been fortunate enough to run across some really great blogs lately and they just so happened to be blogs that feature a lot of DIY projects and craft ideas for children. LUCKY ME!

So what do I do? 
-make a list of projects I want to do with the kids
-make a supply list for the store
-MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Oh and last but not least, I take lots of pictures for keepsake and then I share the goods with you!

First up: Kool-aid Play-doh (courtesy of Pink and Green Mama's blog)

Here is what you will need:
-cup of flour
-1/2 cup salt
-3 tablespoons of oil

-1 small pkg of kool-aid
-1 cup of boiling water

Instructions:
mix dry ingredients- add oil and water-stir well-knead on wax paper

*I followed this recipe exactly and it did not work for me so I added more flour and kneaded it in my hands in the bowl until it became play-doh consistency.

This recipe made enough for my three children to each have a decent amount to play with.  I was unaware that we were low on salt so we were only able to a cherry red batch this time around, but next time we will have a grape purple, tropical blue, lemonade yellow, and pink lemonade pink! 


Two things I really love about this recipe:
1. It is homemade so when my 2 yr old decides she wants to taste it (because she will), it is totally safe!
2. It is way better than other plain homemade play-doh recipes because it is brightly colored and it smells REALLY good too!

The kids really enjoyed this. It is definitely a keeper!

Now for the REALLY fun play-doh recipe....Peanut Butter Play-doh!

Why is this one not just fun, but REALLY fun?  Because you can eat it too!

A friend of mine introduced us to this super recipe last year and we broke it out again this past week.

Oh, and we used m&m's for things like eyes....and just because they are awesome!

And some celery for antlers, grass, and anything else you can image.  Also some raisins, a healthier (although less tasty) option to m&m's.  ;)

Here is what you will need:
-1 cup non-fat dry milk
-1/2 cup peanut butter
-1/4 cup honey

Mix it all together and you have (some rather tasty) Peanut Butter Play-doh!
*this recipe also made enough for my three children to play.

So, grab your pen, make a supply list, get your hands dirty and enjoy a hot summer day inside creating with your kids! :)

*a few other blogs I have found recently and love:

Ashley Ann Under the Sycamore- now I am being really nice to share this one because I absolutely love it and truthfully am fighting the urge to be stingy and keep it all to myself. Shameful, isn't it?

Our Hart Beat- another great one

A Little Bit Funky- love her style!

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy. :)