Finger Paint, Thick Paint, and Water Color Paint

We love homemade gifts in our house.  Personalization makes any gift sweeter.  This Father's Day, Mason will be making his first Father's Day Card using the finger paint recipe below.  Not only is this a great way to get your child involved in celebrating holidays, but this is a money saver too.  By making your own paints, you can save a ton of money since most of the materials needed you already have on hand in your house.  I know kids go through paints quickly, so it only makes sense to make your own.  An added bonus is that you can experiment with many types of paint.  Try them out and have some fun!

Finger Paint

In addition to a great sensory experience, finger painting helps your child develop fine motor skills.

Duration of Activity: 10 minutes

Materials Needed:

• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups cold water
• food coloring

Directions:

1. Add the water to the first two ingredients and cook over low heat
2. Stir constantly until the mixture is blended together
3. Remove from heat and add food coloring as desired.

**This is very watery when you begin, but be patient, it will thicken up.  Also, make sure you stir CONSTANTLY on low heat or lumps will form.

Thick Paint

Try this paint for a variation with texture!

Duration of Activity: 10 minutes

Materials Needed:

• 1 cup powered tempura paint
• 2 tablespoons wallpaper paste
• 1/2 cup liquid laundry starch

Directions:

1. Mix the paint and past together.  Add in the starch gradually until you reach the desired consistency. 

Watercolor Paints

 Save some money and make your own watercolor paints.  You can use empty egg cartons for paint tins.

 Duration of Activity: 10 minutes

Materials Needed:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon corn flour
• 1/2 teaspoon glycerin
• 2 drops food coloring
• 1 teaspoon water

Directions:

1.  Mix the vinegar and baking soda together.  Stir until it stops fizzing
2. Add the remaining ingredients.  Pour into molds and let harden.

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

Dinosaur Train Hatchers and Dino Track Discovery Pack Review

I'm back with two more new product reviews from the hit children's TV series, Dinosaur Train.  This week Mason and I played with Hatchers and the Dino Track Discovery Pack.

"Growies", as we call them in our house, are very popular.  Mason has growies from fish to zoo animals.  I knew Dinosaur Train's Hatchers would be a hit since it is similar to a "growie". 

This toy is based on the Dinosaur Train character, Mrs. Pteranodon. "While sitting on her nest she heard a scratch...and exclaimed “Oh boy! My eggs are hatching!”  Now your child can experience eggs '"hatching" too.

We carefully removed the egg from the packaging so that it would not break or crack before placing it in a large glass of water.  Mason was so excited to help me place the egg in the water.  He waited patiently for the egg to "hatch", so I explained to him that it would take a day or two for the egg to crack.  He understood it enough that he would check back with me periodically and ask for the "ROAR".  I showed him the egg several times until it started to hatch.  Once he saw the egg cracking he became very excited and wanted to removed the egg shell from the glass so he could play with his new friend.

The Dinosaur Train Hatchers will grow 4 times the original size!  You can even remove the dinosaur from the water, letting it return to its original size.  Then you can put it back in water to grow again.

There are four characters available in the Hatchers, including Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, and Don.  Hatchers are suggested for children ages 4 and up.  They retail for approximately $4.99.

This week, Mason and I also played with the Dino Track Discovery Pack.  This is a fun game for kids of all ages!  Basically, you have to follow dinosaur tracks to find out whose footprints you are following. Once you get to the end, you can flip the leaf card to find out who you have been following.  You can also find the egg card for additional challenge activities.  The challenges include trying to walk the actual steps of a T. Rex and Triceratops.

The first set of track I set for Mason were Buddy's tracks.   He followed along the tracks and I showed him that when you turn the card over, there was a picture of a dinosaur and a fun fact about it.  He turned over each card and I read him the dinosaur name and the description.  When we got to the end, he turned over the leaf card to discover the it was Buddy's tracks we were following. 

The game suggests to set all three sets of tracks to play, but I found that one set of tracks at a time was sufficient for Mason.  It also extended the play of the game since each time we played, there was a new set of tracks to follow.  I loved that this games extends beyond the TV show.  You can teach your child fun dinosaur facts that will carry over and be reinforced when they do watch Dinosaur Train or even read a book about dinosaurs.

Included in the Dino Track Discovery Pack are 10 cards printed to look like Tank's Stegosaurus tracks, 10 cards printed to look like Tiny's Pteranodon tracks, 10 cards printed to look like Buddy's Tyrannosaurus Rex tracks, a Tiny card, a Buddy card, a Tank card, and two egg-shaped cards, one printed with the Dino Activity Challenges and the other printed with directions for using the footprint cards.  This game is appropriate for ages 3 and up.  It retails for about $12.99.

Find out more about Dinosaur Train toys online at Uncle Milton.

Thanks to Uncle Milton for providing the items above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Dinosaur Train Mini Dino Flashlight and Dino Poop Review

Mason and I have been playing Dinosaur for the last two weeks and I now think "ROAR!" is his favorite word.  And, he is constantly asking me to watch "TRAIN!".  Luckily, I am here to tell you about some new and exciting products added to the Dinosaur Train line of toys that we were able to check out.

This first product, I think, is Mason's favorite.  The Mini Dino Projector has been a hugh hit with Mason.  He takes it everywhere and has mastered changing the projector lens to suit his mood.  The Mini Dino Projector light is like a flashlight from which you can project 6 different Dinosaur Train images.  Mason had fun projecting Buddy and his footprints all over the house, including the walls and ceiling.  

What is also nice about this product is that, instead of an on and off switch like a regular flashlight, you have to press and hold the button to project the image.  This saves on the battery life, which we all know people with young children go through a lot of.  Mason has been playing with this light constantly and the batteries are still going strong!

The Mini Dino Projector is appropriate for children ages 3 and up.  It retails for about $ 6.99.

Then next item we checked out was the Dino Poop.  Yes, Dino Poop!  This is actually really cool.  Dino Poop is not really Poop, of course.  Dino Poop is really a soft, pliable modeling clay that you use to discover what dinosaur ate. 

When I told Mason he could play with Dino Poop, he was excited from the start.  And really, what kid doesn't like playing with something he thinks is poop?!?!?  Mason and I had so much fun digging out the bones to find out what Buddy ate!  Each time he found a piece, he would shout, "Here it is!".  He really got into digging in the poop and loved the discovery aspect of it all.  Once we found all the pieces, we were able to make our own fossil imprint in the poop.  He wanted to hide and find the fossil pieces over and over again. 

What is nice about this toy is the simplicity.  It is like playing with clay or dough, but with a surprise and an educational twist.  I love it!  There are no batteries to run out, just your child's imagination.  These really are the best kinds of toys.

The Dino Poop set includes 1 Pile of Dino Poop, 1 Set of Bones, Plants or both, 1 storage container.  The storage container is a great feature of this product so that you can easily store, use, and reuse the Dino Poop for more fun.  It is recommended for ages 4 and up.  It retails for about $7.99.  There are also a few different sets to choose from.  The assortment Includes: Buddy - Carnivore, Tank - Herbivore, Mr. Conductor -Omnivore.  Each are sold individually.

 If you liked these products, check back in a couple of days for more on the new Dinosaur Train products!  For more information on these and other Dinosaur Train toys, you can also check out Uncle Milton online.
















Thanks to Uncle Milton for providing the products in the review above.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Wet Chalk Pastels Activity

I am always on the lookout for new activities to do with Mason.  Since his attention span is still pretty short, quick activities that produce results is best for both of us.  I have found a bunch of activities I will be posting as I go through them with Mason, so stay tuned.

This one is perfect for the Summer!  It's nice to offer a different medium to create with, other than the usual chalk , crayons, or markers.  Mason is familiar with chalk and this activity just added a twist to the usual.  The suggested length of this activity is 15 minutes, which is exactly about how long Mason lasted before he was up playing in his sand table. 

Wet Chalk Pastels

Materials

• Sidewalk chalk in various colors
• Dark colored construction paper.  (I used black.)
• 1 cup water

All you have to do is let your child put the chalk in the water and let it sit for about 1 minute.

Once the chalk is wet, show your child how to color on the paper - don't press too hard or the paper will tear. 

The wet chalk will look like pastel paints!

This activity and others can be found in The Everything Toddler Activities Book: Games And Projects That Entertain And Educate

A Review of Aquafina's Skin Care and Bath & Body Line

Now that I am a Mom, pampering myself is something I rarely get to do.  Anyone who has or remembers what a 2 year old is like in a typical day will understand.  I was delighted to find out that I would be to try some new products from the Aquafina Skin Care and Bath & Body Line.  Pampering was just what I needed!

I admit that I have a collection of different lip balms.  I think it is mostly because I have not found that I really liked or worked well for me.  I believe my problem has been solved with Aquafina's Lip Oil.

The first product I tested was Aquafina's Hydrating Lip Oil.  I have heard of lip balm, but lip oil?  I put a little on my lips, not knowing what to expect, and I was pleased with the wonderful aroma on mint.  This gel glided on easily and did not leave my lips greasy, but perfectly hydrated and moisturized!  I did not need to use alot either.  Once the oil set on my lips for a few seconds, I got a tingly feeling on my lips from the menthol in the product.  It felt nice on my lips and only lasted for a short time.

The consistency of the lip oil is like a gel, which is nice because you do not have to reapply it very often.  I find that with lip balm I am always applying and reapplying it.  I was able to eat and drink throughout the day and only had to apply the lip oil a couple of times. 

I also liked that Aquafina's Lip Oil contains natural botanicals including, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Almond Oil.  Not only is this a great moisturizer, but it added a bit of shine to my lips.

The next two products I tried out were Aquafina's Purifying Daily Cleanser and Daily Balance & Clarity Toner. 

The cleanser was a breeze to use.  I pumped the applicator 2 or 3 times to get an adequate amount of the cleanser into the palm of my hand and applied it to my face in a circular motion.  It lathered very nicely and it was light and refreshing on my face.  I rinsed with water and I was happy to see that the cleanser rinsed easily and thoroughly.  My skin felt smooth, clean, and hydrated. 

After I washed my face, I applied the toner with a cotton swab.  In case you are not familiar with what toner does, it helps to " tone and clarify the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, helps remove excess oils, makeup and daily buildup".

Right off, when I opened the bottle, this toner had a refreshing scent.  It is also enriched with botanical extracts.  My face instantly felt cool and soothed.  I have been using  this toner and cleanser every night since I received it and have found that it is very gentle and non-drying.

I would highly recommend Aquafina's new line of Skin Care and Bath & Body line to anyone looking for something new and works without the drying effects of alot of products on the market. 

The lip oil retails for about $1.99 and the cleanser and toner retail for about $5.00 each.  Check out more about these products online at Aquafina's Skin Care.



 Aquafina provided me with the items above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Disney Pixar Car 2 Tokyo Spinout Review

Calling all Cars fans!  Are you ready for Cars 2?  It is set to be released in theaters on June 24, 2011.  I can tell you the little man in my house is patiently waiting.  In the meantime, I had the unique opportunity to review the new Cars 2 Tokyo Spinout Track Set that has been inspired by the new Disney/Pixar film, Cars 2. 

This play set lets you race two cars through the streets of Tokyo, with one winner car and one loser car that spins off  the track!  This set features the Pagoda Pit Stop, dual tracks, two spinning platforms, landing crash zones, flipper and exclusive Cars 2 Lightning McQueen vehicle.  You can also connect the three other play sets available to create a hugh chain reaction!

This set was super easy to put together.  I admit, my husband was in charge of this construction project, but  it still only took him about 10 minutes to assemble.  Mason stood by his side the whole time playing with his new Lightning McQueen car, waiting to send it launching through the air.  Once assembled, it was so easy to start racing the cars. 

I am always skeptical that these toys deliver what they promise.  Will the cars really jump off the track...and successfully make it to the landing zone?  I am here to tell you that this toy actually delivers all the mid-air spinout that it promises!   The cars were easy enough to set in the launchers, and with one push of a button, the cars were spinning and racing to the end.

Since Mason is only 2 and this toy recommendation age on the box is 4, he did need help to reset the spinning platform.  He was able to set the cars, launch them, and set and reset the crash flipper.  I do think that with a little practice that he will get how to reset the spinning platform.  Otherwise, there are no small pieces or anything like that that would make this toy inappropriate for a child 3 and up.  I would feel totally comfortable having him play with the Tokyo Spinout Track Set by himself once he learns the mechanics of the play set.

It is appropriate for children ages 4 and up and retails for about $ 29.99.

Thanks to Mattel for providing the item above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Delicious and Easy Banana Bread Recipe

It seems that during the summer months the bananas in my house seem to ripen twice as quickly.  I hate to waste any food, which is hard with a toddler anyway.  Yesterday I had a small bunch of bananas that I knew no one would eat.  So my choices were a smoothie or banana bread.  I chose banana bread since I haven't made it in forever and I needed a new recipe anyway.

I found a GREAT recipe on simplyrecipes.com.  It was simple and it uses ingredients I readily keep in the house anyway.  There is also no need for a mixer.  I like spoon mixed batters best.

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the finished result since my family ate it all up.  Give it a try and you will see how fast it goes too.

Banana Bread Recipe

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour   ***(My bread too about 1 hour 15 minutes to cook)

Ingredients

• 3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Directions

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

Yield: Makes one loaf.