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How To Make Playdough

Posted on June 12, 2015February 20, 2016 by Mandy

If you have ever wanted to learn how to make playdough, I have some great playdough recipes to share with you. It’s very easy to make and definitely one of those activities that keep kids entertained for long stretches of time. It’s also one of those perfect summer indoor activities for when it’s just too hot to venture out. These recipes are very easy and include basic ingredients you probably already keep on hand in your kitchen, like salt, flour, and vegetable oil.

Not only can you learn how to make playdough to enjoy during the summer with your kids, but it’s a great senosory activity and a guaranteed fun time for your students if you happen to be a teacher.

Food coloring can jazz up the color and create a rainbow of fun! A few drops of candy and baking flavoring can make your playdough smell amazing. Throw in a little glitter to make it sparkle. There are so many ways you can make a basic playdough recipe even better. Want to give it a try with your kids? Check out these amazing recipes for how to make playdough that are pictured above and see which one becomes your favorite!

Peanut Butter Playdough | Coffee With Us 3

Edible Play Dough | Wife Mom Geek

Pumpkin Scented Play Dough | Moments with Mandi

Natural Homemade Playdough | Live Simply

Easy Playdough Recipe | Parenting Chaos

I’ve Found the Most Comfortable Shoes Ever!

Posted on June 11, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

I love shoes and I think I have definitely found the most comfortable shoes ever. I stopped being a shoe hoarder years ago, but I seriously used to love me some shoes. I can remember my husband just staring in disbelief at the 40-something pairs I owned when we first got married. My feet were a lot younger back then, and now I HAVE to have some support since I’m on my feet at work most of the day. I rarely buy shoes on a whim just because they are cute. They also have to have some substance to them.

A couple of months ago one of my co-workers had on these adorable wedge sandals and I just fell in love with them. But then I noticed they had a slight heel and would probably feel like torture standing up all day teaching in them. She assured me that they were indeed very comfortable because they were… (are you ready for this?) CROCS! CROCS?! No way!

They even have super cute plaid on the other side of the straps. Details, y’all. It’s the little details.

I had nothing to lose, so I took a chance and ordered a pair and I am so glad I did because, not only are they super cute, but they really are super comfortable. So comfortable that I walked all over our Super Wal-Mart in them while shopping yesterday. That’s something I never thought I would do in a pair of wedges. Ever. You can really feel them cushioning your heel with every step. And I just love the cork. Naturally, I went back and ordered them in black as well. If you crave some sassy summer shoes without the pain, these are real deal. You’re welcome.

*This is not a sponsored post. Just sharing what I love.

My Skincare Routine

Posted on June 9, 2015March 13, 2019 by Mandy

It seems like I am always searching for the perfect skincare to keep me from looking my age. Don’t we all? I know in my head I’m 40, but I don’t really feel like I’m 40 and I certainly want to slow down the aging process on my face. I know that’s not entirely possible, so my skincare routine seems to be always evolving to fit my needs. Sometimes my face is really dry, other times it’s not. To be honest I’ve neglected taking better care of my facial skin because it’s often time consuming. Normally I just remove my makeup and that’s that, unless I’m having a dry skin crisis and then I slap on some moisturizer (a cheap kind) or even (gasp!) straight-up lotion.

This all changed almost a couple of months ago when I made an online purchase from Ulta. I love Ulta. I’m not really a fussy person when it comes to makeup and skincare, so walking into an Ulta almost mentally paralyzes me because ALL THE STUFF. However, when you make a purchase online, they always throw in some great samples of products you might not normally choose for yourself, and this is where they got me. They sent me a sample of AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate and this stuff has magically diminished the appearance of lines and wrinkles on my skin. Well! I was totally sold, so I ordered the larger size. They just happened to have a deal where if you spent a certain amount you could also get a travel size of a few more AHAVA products, such as the Purifying Mud Mask and the Age Control Even Tone Sleeping Cream for a steal, so I did that and loved those products as well.

For basic makeup removal, I use Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser. It does the job and leaves my skin feeling hydrated, but not greasy. Once a week (usually on a Sunday evening) I use Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips and follow up with the AHAVA Facial Mud Exfoliator. The AHAVA products are quite frankly more than I would normally spend on skincare, but they work just that well for me, so I’m trying to look at it as an investment rather than an expense. Each use doesn’t really require that much product, so a little goes a long way.

I use all of these products at night. I know I need to use a moisturizer with SPF during the day, but it makes my makeup and face look very greasy during the heat and humidity of the summer, so unless I’m going makeup-free, I usually skip it. Ultimately, I know there is no product on the market, save for plastic surgery, that will make my skin look as fresh as it did when I was younger, but these products work for me and I feel like they are definitely worth the time and money.

5 Ways to Get More Family Time

Posted on May 24, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

You may not realize it, but family time is really important, especially for families that include children of any age. You not only need to spend time with younger children to build a bond with them, but teenagers desire your attention too. The best way to give your kids that most needed attention is to plan a family night or day.

You can do this once a week, or even just once a month. Some families are just too busy with sports, jobs and school to be able to do a weekly family night, but everyone can work a special day in once a month where you can all make the time to do something together, as a family.

Have A Picnic At The Park

Pack a picnic lunch one weekend and go as a family to the park. Take the hiking shoes or the fishing poles and enjoy some quality family time in the great outdoors. If you go to a park with fishing you may be able to extend family time to dinner and have a family fish fry at home with your catch of the day.

Picnics are great and it allows everyone to get some fresh air. Walk off the meal with a hike through the woods, or play on the monkey bars with the kids. You’re never too old to have fun on the playground.

Check Out A Ball Game

Whether you go see the local minor league baseball team at their best or you just check out the school s softball game, enjoy sports as a family can be fun. It teaches you to cheer together. You can even have hot dogs and cotton candy.

After the game grab your own bat and mitt and have an impromptu game in the backyard.

Go To A Museum or Amusement Park

There are many cultural things you can do as a family. Take a walk through a local museum, head to the zoo, or if you have an adventurous family that loves a wild ride, take a day trip to an amusement park. Nothing beats the heat on a hot summer day like a water park.

Have A Movie Night At Home

If sports isn’t your thing or there just aren’t any cultural events nearby, or even if it’s just a rainy day, spend some time watching television or a movie together. Get a good television package and you’ll find that the kids make more time for family time when there is a movie on they really want to see. Or, if your family enjoys watching sports programming together, this website lists NFL Sunday Ticket packages in your city.

Go To The Mall

If you don’t want to stay home, rain or shine, you can go for a stroll through the mall with the whole family. Malls are one of those places that has something for everyone, so everyone is sure to enjoy it. If there is a play area for little ones take some time there. Have dessert at one of the food court places and maybe take some time out at the arcade.

There are tons of things that families can do together that help keep them closer and give them more bonding time. Don’t let your busy life stand in the way of showing your family how much they mean to you.

5 Vehicle Podcasts for Serious Auto Enthusiasts

Posted on May 24, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

Are you passionate about vehicles? Have you ever had questions about auto maintenance or just love to talk cars and trucks? Vehicle podcasts are an excellent way to gain more knowledge about your ride or the one you wish you had. Listening to podcasts is an excellent way to pass the time if you have a commute and can’t get enough of talking cars and trucks. Below are five great auto podcasts to get you started.

Car Talk- Perhaps one of the most popular auto podcasts around, Car Talk on NPR is great for listening in, especially of you have some maintenance issues. The hosts take calls from listeners and try to help diagnose problems and offer up their advice. There are also discussions on general auto maintenance to help keep your vehicle running at optimum performance.

Autoblog – Autoblog podcasts are perfect for serious car enthusiasts and feature shows on specific models, industry news, interviews with the movers and shakers in the auto industry, and even take listener questions and comments. Read more at Lebanon Ford.

3 Summer Fun Getaway Ideas

Posted on May 24, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

Summer is the perfect time to load up the family vehicle and set out on a new adventure. There are so many places you can visit alone or with your family, but long distances and travel expenses can become costly. If you are looking for some great summer getaway ideas that won’t require a long distance or break the bank, here are three fun suggestions.

State Parks – Chances are you have a state park nearby where you live. These are perfect getaway destinations because they provide so much to do for very little or no money. Most parks offer low cost camping options if you want to stay overnight. If not, there are plenty of activities that are also free or low cost such as hiking, biking, tennis courts and playgrounds to keep you and your family entertained while you visit. Read more at Bob Pulte Chevrolet.

Non-Tech Travel Entertainment Ideas for Kids

Posted on May 24, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

If you’re planning a long drive with kids, it’s only a matter of time before you hear those two famous words: "I’m bored!" This is usually followed up by the all -time famous travel questions: "Are we there yet?" It’s a known fact that kids can get very fidgety and antsy when they have to sit in one place for too long. It’s so easy to pop in a movie or hand them your phone or tablet to play with, but if you are looking for some non-tech alternatives to entertaining your kids in the car, give one of these suggestions a try the next time you travel.

Coloring Book – This is a great way to keep younger children entertained on a long car drive. This will require a lap desk or something for them to steady their coloring book on safely, but a small pack of crayons and a coloring book featuring a cartoon character or animal that they love will provide them with hours of fun. Read more at Portland Chrysler Jeep.

3 Ways to Give Back Without Leaving Your Vehicle

Posted on May 24, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

You may have good intentions of giving back and donating your time or money to certain causes, but sometimes life gets busy and it’s hard to carve out time to bring these wonderful ideas to fruition. Are you looking for ways to give back to people in need and good causes but short on time? Here are three easy ideas to help you give back on the go.

Blessing Bags – If you routinely pass the homeless along your travels, prepare some gallon-sized resealable bags with some items that they might appreciate. Warm socks, small snacks, a toothbrush, a travel size tube of toothpaste, a bar of soap, some mints or candy, small change or dollar bills, gloves, and a bottle of water are all excellent items to pack in these bags. Keep them handy in your car and give them out when you spot someone who might need it. Those little items can make a world of difference. Read more at Lebanon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.