Dirt Cups

My girlfriend Allyson claims she isn't the crafty type, yet she'll show up to playgroup with adorable dirt cups for the kids or host a girl's dinner with the most creative centerpieces you've ever seen (think chalkboard mugs lining the table filled with gorgeous flowers and rolling pin place cards). 

Her latest craft-dirt cups-was a huge hit with our playgroup and I thought I'd pass it along since it's perfect for Halloween. And let's be honest, it's adult-friendly too.

Kraft Dirt Cups:
Serves: 10

Ingredients:
1 pkg JELL-O (3.9 oz) Chocolate instant pudding
2 cups cold milk
1 tub (8 oz) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
15 Oreo Cookies, crushed
10 worm, chewy fruit snacks

Beat the pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk for 2 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in COOL WHIP and 1/2 cup cookie crumbs.  Spoon into 10 (6- to 7-oz.) paper or plastic cups; top with remaining cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate for 1 hour. Top with fruit snacks just before serving.

Thanks Allyson!

PC: Kraftrecipes.com

Playdate 5.0

Any parent can attest that when 3 PM hits, there is still a lot of day to be had. Since some afternoons tend to drag, I love to spice them up with a "make your own pizza" party for my kids.  I invite over their friends, buy pre-made dough, sauce, and cheese from Whole Foods, and let the kids stretch, roll, poke, and play with the dough.  Afterwards I usually throw theirs out (toddlers tend to throw it on the floor more than anything), and make a large pizza for their dinner. (If they actually don't throw it on the floor then bake it using my simple directions below).

Scared to make homemade pizza? Don't bother-it's easy peasy. Just buy pre-made dough from Whole Foods or your local pizzeria and follow my simple directions:

1) Throw your pizza stone into your oven and turn the temperature to 500 degrees.  Try to let it heat up for 30 minutes if possible.

2) Give each child a small ball of dough to play with.  Show them how to roll it, poke it, stretch it, and smush it. 

3) While they're playing, roll out your own large pizza on a floured surface (try to make the pizza around 12"-14").  Throw it on the pizza stone (and stretch it out so it stays large).  Poke it all over with a fork so it won't puff up in the oven.

4) Bake it for 3 minutes. 

5) Remove it from the oven and add pizza sauce and cheese (and any additional ingredients).

6) Bake for an additional 9 minutes (pizza should be golden brown and cheese will be bubbly).

7) Remove from the oven, slice and serve. 

I always have fresh fruit on hand as well as chicken fingers for picky eaters. 

PC: Tonyastaab.com

Edible Snowmen

Get them while they're ... cold!

Learn how to make them here.

PC: The Family Kitchen, Babble 

Gumball Necklaces!

Snow days call for art projects and here is one that will have you DIY enthusiasts chomping at the bit. 

Glamorous (and oh-so-perfect for Valentine's day) Gumball Necklaces!

Directions:

1. Using a metal skewer, pierce one side of the gumball. Hold the top of the gumball steady as you guide the skewer (see photo). This will prevent the skewer from slipping off the slick surface of the gumball.

2. Flip the gumball over and pierce another hole directly opposite to the first hole. If you try to poke a hole straight through both sides at once, the gumball will crack.

3. The hardest part is stringing the ribbon. Use a large needle to thread the ribbon through the gumballs. Thinner ribbon is easier to string. Tie a knot between each gumball as you string it.

Tip: Look for bags of single colored gumballs at your local party supply store.

PC: One Charming Party, Sarah Westbrook



DIY Baking Party!

Serve your birthday girl a delicious treat with this sophisticated Baking Party!  Party guests will feel like real pastry chefs as they get the chance to make and bake a variety of gourmet desserts.  Each station brings new techniques and yummy creations as everyone rotates through seven fun-filled activities.  When the party is over, send your happy guests home with their own box of bakery fresh treats that show off their new baking skills.

Click here to purchase this $25.00 DIY Baking Party.  The party plan includes 50 pages of tutorials, party instructions, and gorgeous photos, including step-by-step directions. 

Here is an example of a Baking Party DIY Tutorial:

DIY Baking Party: One Charming Party, Kara's Party Ideas