5 Love Languages for Kids Giveaway

Over at I'm On My Way there is a great giveaway that ends tonight.  You can win the book The 5 Love Languages of Children.  I absolutely love Dr. Chapman and his insight into how to give and receive love in a way that others can understand and reciprocate.  Head on over and enter to win (but if you don't win, I still recommend getting your hand on the book somehow)!

My Special Valentines

In our house we make Valentine's Day about the whole family and sharing our love with everyone.  The kids were thrilled at the pink milk in their cereal that Papa Bear made them and I awoke to giggles and squeals.  Talk about warming a gal's heart!  Lunch had to be special too, but Mama Bear was short on time thanks to preschool parties and getting Valentines ready for Little Man's friends.  Enter the cookie cutter!  I'd be lost without my cookie cutters since they get used for all sorts of things around here.  Dinner was a heart pizza and more pink milk for our Special Valentines!

Homemade baby wipes

In an effort to take control of the "stuff" that comes in contact with my family, I decided to start making my own baby wipes.  The work, smell better and are even cheaper than buying them in bulk.  Start with a roll of shop towels that you cut in half.  Remove the cardboard in the center and place in an airtight container (I use one similar to this).  Mix 2 c. of hot water, one squirt of unscented sensitive lotion, same amount of liquid soap and 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.  Tea tree, lemon or other citrus oils may be used as well.  I personally prefer lavender because it helps protect against diaper rash.  Pour half of the mixture in the bottom of the container then pour the rest over the top.  Place the lid on the container without sealing it to let them cool.  I've had them last about 2 weeks before we use them up completely so I don't know how long they last past that, but by using these instead of buying the ones from Costco I am saving about $10/month.  I'll take an extra $120 a year for something that takes about 2 minutes to make!

Citrus Glazed Chicken

I was given a recipe on Facebook and had to modify it slightly since I didn't have all the ingredients and it turned out pretty dang good.  I call it Citrus Glazed Chicken.  Mix 1 small jar of orange marmalade, 1TBS. of honey, 1tsp. of soy sauce and 1tsp of lime juice.  Sear 2 chicken breasts seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic salt in a frying pan then transfer them to a small baking dish.  Pour sauce over the top and bake at 350* for 30-40 min.  I served it with rice and peas.  It turned out really well and it is something I will definately make in the future.

Easy Play Dough Recipe

I have tried a few different play dough recipes and this one is the one that we like the best.  It was easy and the kiddos have loved to play with it.

1 cup flour

1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring

Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time.