Thursday, August 18, 2011

Ice Cube Painting

Here is a great activity to help wind down the Summer.  This is a craft and a science activity all in one!  If you don't have paint, you can also use Kool-Aid or Jello.

Age 18-40 months
Duration: 15 minutes

Materials Needed:

  • ice cube tray
  • craft sticks or small tongue depressors
  • construction paper or poster board
  • powdered tempura paint (Kool-Aid or Jelllo)
Directions:
  1. Make a tray of ice cubes.  Freeze each cube with a craft stick in it so you have a square popsicle.
  2. Let your child sprinkle the powdered paint on the paper.
  3. Show your child how to use the ice cube on a stick as a paintbrush.  The colors will swirl as the ice melts.
Get this and more ideas from the Everything Toddlers Activity Book.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

MarketRiders for Retirement

I bet many of you out there do your own taxes now.  In days past, the only option was to go to a CPA and have your taxes done for you.  Today, there are various online programs that allow just about anyone to successfully file their own taxes.  And guess what, that saves YOU money.

Now how do you feel about being you own Online Portfolio Manager?  I know, it sounds difficult, but it doesn't have to be.  MarketRiders starts you off with a very simple questionnaire that helps determine the correct investments for your individual needs.  MarketRiders is a Do It Yourself portfolio management system that will help to create a portfolio of stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, etc just for you.

What is really great about MarketRiders?  You know that your portfolio is being watched 24x7 and that you will receive alerts when rebalancing of your portfolio is needed.  With their Portfolio rebalancing software, you will easily be able to make adjustments as necessary, thus getting your portfolio back on track and improving your returns. 

Monday, August 15, 2011

Homemade Oatmeal Fundough and Kool-Aid Dough

Oatmeal Fundough

Makes: 2 cups

Duration: 10 minutes

Materials Needed:
  • 2 cups uncooked oatmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup water
1. Mix all the ingredients together and let your child knead the dough.

Note: This dough is edible, but does not taste the best.



Kool-Aid Dough

This dough is one of the best smelling doughs I have made so far!

Yields: 2 cups

Duration: 10 minutes


Materials Needed:
  • 1cup sifted flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 package Kool-Aid
  • 1 cup boiling water
 1. Mix all the ingredients together.  Once the  mixture cools, let your child knead the dough.

Get these and more ideas from the The Everything Toddler Activities Book: Games And Projects That Entertain And Educate.