Crafting with Little Kids: Marshmallow pops

Making edible crafts can be a lot of fun with your preschooler, granted the project is age appropriate and you have a plan. This is a simple project with tasty results that can be turned into gifts for friends, family or even the preschool classmates. It was a bit messy, but that was part of the fun. We made chocolate dipped marshmallow pops that we dipped in crushed peppermint candy canes. My little guy had a blast making these. All supplies were purchased at A.C. Moore, except for the marshmallows.

Supplies:
one bag of chocolate melts, found in craft stores, in the flavor of choice. (We used dark chocolate.)
pack of lollipop sticks.
bag of marshmallows, regular size or jumbo
candy canes, about four or five, or sprinkles
cellophane treat bags (optional)

Tools required:
microwavable bowl or measuring cup to melt the chocolate or
mini crockpot or
chocolate melter
spoon
cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper
rolling pin
sealable/zipper plastic bag
small bowl

Directions:

I used a mini crockpot to melt the chocolate, but it is just as easy to melt it in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the bag. (Tip: its very important to not get any water in the chocolate, so make sure the container you are using is dry.) While the chocolate was melting, we prepared the candy canes.

My son loved this part! I unwrapped four candy canes and put them in a bag. My son used a rolling pin to smash the candy canes into little pieces. I put the crushed candy canes in a small bowl for dipping later. You can use sprinkles instead of candy canes for decoration instead.

As the chocolate is melting, stir it well to make sure it is completely smooth. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper line up the marshmallows and push a lollipop stick into each one without poking through to the top. Once the chocolate is completely melted, dip each marshmallow into the chocolate and swirl/spin the marshmallow around to completely coat it while also getting the excess chocolate off. Immediately dip the chocolate marshmallow into the crushed candy canes or sprinkles, if using, then set the marshmallow on the parchment paper to set while you continue to work on the next marshmallow.

If you can fit the cookie sheet in your freezer, the chocolate will set faster. I had no room, so I let it sit out and harden on it’s own. After a taste test, we wrapped each pop in a holiday themed cellophane bag to use as gifts for friends and cousins.



Happy holiday crafting!

You can find other preschool crafts and activities on Diane’s blog, Knitting Zeal.

Hot Chocolate Gift Jars; Easy, Free and Green

By: Heather Bitzer

Okay… I admit it. I haven’t posted anything for a really looong time! In fact, Montcomom herself is probably on the floor in shock after seeing my name pop up on the Blogger account today.

So, what in the world is exciting enough to pluck me from my novel writing to shout from the Suburban Social Media rooftop?

Hot Chocolate Gift Jars! (Yes, I AM serious.)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve known about these little mix projects for years, but filed the idea away in the “looks cute, but I’ll probably never get around to it,” box…along with all of that scrapbooking you keep promising yourself you’ll catch up on….
Anyway, my BFF and I rescued a bunch of spaghetti sauce jars from the recycle bin today and got to work with the kids. Our kids are 18mos, 3 and 4. This craft was age-appropriate fun for everyone and best of all… practically FREE!
I already told you about the sauce jars (Classico’s are the prettiest), but the other free/re-purposed items we used were:

• 2 Bags of powdered milk left over from Hurricane Irene (use them before they expire, ladies!).
• Nesquik chocolate powder that I already had in my pantry.
• Berry picks pulled from an old garland in my Christmas decoration graveyard.
• Colorful fabric squares cut from one of my husband’s old flannels.
• Ribbon…. I have enough ribbon in the basement to get me on an episode of Hoarders.

The only thing we had to buy was mini marshmallows… and turns out they were free for me too since Carly bought them on her way over and I forgot to pay her back!

Using a mix ratio of 6 tablespoons of chocolate for every 1 1/2 cups of powdered milk, we layered the ingredients into our 1 pint jars. Then the kids loaded marshmallows all the way up to the top. To finish, we decorated the lid using the ribbon, berries and a hand written label.

The big thing for the older kids was pouring the dry ingredients. Once everything was measured into the pitcher, they were able to do it themselves, resulting in a real sense of accomplishment. Adding the marshmallows was the high point for my littlest one. The look of pride on her sweet little face was what I kept in my head during the cleanup phase. Excessive milk dust was the only drawback of an otherwise enjoyable activity!

Montco Mom Heather is a former pediatric nurse turned mom to two lovely little ladies.

*add contents of jar to 4 cups hot water to yield 4 servings

Shop with Local Vendors at West Bradford’s Winter Bazaar!

It’s that time of year again when shopping is on the to do list! The malls are crazy and you never know what to expect with shipping. Avoid the crowds and help out local vendors, head to West Bradford Elementary School for a Winter Bazaar on Dec. 10 from 10am – 3pm. Over 80 vendors will be there selling items such as homemade crafts, jewelry, candy, fudge, tote bags, purses, clothes, candles, ornaments, specialty items, home decor, gourmet food, allergy and gluten free products, antiques, photography, tastefully simple, pampered chef, avon, mary kay, Sunless tanning, tea, bookmarks, 31 gifts, silpada, stella & dot, hair accessories, hand knit and crochet items, homemade dog treats, dog sweaters and scarves, indian silk scarves, religious items and jewelry, greeting cards, hoodies, afgans, hats, homemade soap and bath and body products, creative memories, quilted items, arbonne, stained glass AND SO MUCH MORE. For the kiddos, a Santa’s workshop is available, all items available are affordable and fun for the kids to buy. Santa will be visiting as well, so get ready for pictures with Santa! Get so much accomplished all in one location without the hussle and bussle of crowds.

A catered lunch from Scarlett’s on Cypress is also available. For those crazy nights of running around, Scarlett’s on Cypress will also be selling pre-made meals to stick in the freezer for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to stop by the raffle table (sign up to win a great item) and homemade baked goods table, where you can indulge in freshly baked goods!

West Bradford Elementary School is located at 1475 Broad Run Road Downingtown, PA 19335.

Shop with Local Vendors at West Bradford’s Winter Bazaar!

It’s that time of year again when shopping is on the to do list! The malls are crazy and you never know what to expect with shipping. Avoid the crowds and help out local vendors, head to West Bradford Elementary School for a Winter Bazaar on Dec. 10 from 10am – 3pm. Over 80 vendors will be there selling items such as homemade crafts, jewelry, candy, fudge, tote bags, purses, clothes, candles, ornaments, specialty items, home decor, gourmet food, allergy and gluten free products, antiques, photography, tastefully simple, pampered chef, avon, mary kay, Sunless tanning, tea, bookmarks, 31 gifts, silpada, stella & dot, hair accessories, hand knit and crochet items, homemade dog treats, dog sweaters and scarves, indian silk scarves, religious items and jewelry, greeting cards, hoodies, afgans, hats, homemade soap and bath and body products, creative memories, quilted items, arbonne, stained glass AND SO MUCH MORE. For the kiddos, a Santa’s workshop is available, all items available are affordable and fun for the kids to buy. Santa will be visiting as well, so get ready for pictures with Santa! Get so much accomplished all in one location without the hussle and bussle of crowds.

A catered lunch from Scarlett’s on Cypress is also available. For those crazy nights of running around, Scarlett’s on Cypress will also be selling pre-made meals to stick in the freezer for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to stop by the raffle table (sign up to win a great item) and homemade baked goods table, where you can indulge in freshly baked goods!

West Bradford Elementary School is located at 1475 Broad Run Road Downingtown, PA 19335.

Tips for Busy Moms: Holiday Childproofing

by Jennifer Worthington Lower

credit: farmersalmanac.com

Those of us with small children know that a certain amount of childproofing is necessary in the home. But as we near the holiday season, we tent to travel a bit more than usual. It is important to be aware of what may need to be done to your home and as you travel to keep your child safe.

The Basics

• Electrical sockets should be covered when not it use.
• Extension cords should be kept our of your child’s path and hidden from site.
• Blinds and window treatment cords should be snipped-they post a strangulation hazard
• Sharp edges should be covered.
• Breakable items should be placed our of baby’s reach.
• Secure furniture to avoid tipping.
• Stairways should be double gated-top and bottom.
• Latch cabinets and drawers.

Holiday Dangers

• Ornaments should be shatter proof and, preferably, kept high up on the tree where little hands can’t reach.
• People like to leave little dishes of candy sitting around during holiday visits. Keep them up high or ask the host to abstain from this.
• Ask Guests and Hosts to please close doors to rooms that pose a risk to your child or their valuables.
• Gates should be placed anywhere a door cannot be closed and on all stairs. Obviously, many people aren’t going to install gates just for your visit, but you can at bring along a pressure gate. It’s not the same as an installed gate, but it will stall your child.
• Lights should be kept out of reach. High up on the tree are best.
• Tinsel is a choking hazard.
• Open flames are common at dinner tables and holiday celebrations. Coach your child to stay back from them and remind hosts that they need to be avoided or kept up high.
• Fireplaces should have a secure gate (and a barrier if possible) in front of them.
• Artificial trees should be fire resistant and fresh trees need to be watered to avoid drying and becoming a fire hazard.
• Many plants can be harmful or poisonous. Be sure that they are not where your child can get to them and that they do not shed berries or leaves.
• If your host has a pool, please be sure that necessary precautions are taken.
• be mindful of medications. You know to have them secured in your home, but it’s common practice in homes without children to leave them visible. Ask your guests and hosts to put medication in a secure location.
• Grandparents like to provide cribs and play yards for grandchildren. Be sure that they follow current safety guidelines.
• Do your hosts have weapons such as guns that are easily accessible? Have them locked up or removed before you arrive.

Get on Their Level

One last thing that your can do to detect hidden dangers is to get down on your child’s level. The world is seen in a whole new way when you get down on your hands a knees. You find the coins that are hidden in the couch cushions or that tack that fell off the wall. This is a great way to finish off your childproofing.

The holidays are fun and exciting for you and your children. Don’t let potential dangers ruin the festivities!

If you have any additional tips, please feel free to add to the list! We want our little ones safe!

Jen is a 20-something wife and mother of two under three living in Chester County. She and her husband were born and raised in the Philadelphia area, and with the exception of attending and graduating from Shippensburg University, they have no intentions of leaving. Jen spends her days working in an office and trying to find ways to spend more time at home with her family. To get more tips on running a balanced household, visit Jen at mamaZEN, Twitter and Facebook.

Mom Hosted Holiday Bazaar in Downingtown, this Friday, November 11th.

Chesco Moms, very own Melissa the Calendar Maven has organized a Mom-Hosted Holiday Bazaar being held this Friday at Ashbridge Manor, 5;00-9:00PM. The Bazaar will feature 14 vendors, all moms, 10 of 14 live in Chester County. Each of the vendors have donated something (products, gift certs, etc) to a gift basket that will be raffled off the night of the event. The money from raffle ticket sales is being donated to Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown. Some vendors will offer cash and carry items.

Vendors are:

Kristen Hudgens- Lovely Little One, (Handmade baby and nursing apparel.) http://www.facebook.com/LovelyLittleOne

Melissa Auvil- Tastefully Simple, http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mauvil

Jennifer Pontzer- Elephants on Parade, (Hairbows and Clips) http://www.peanutsaccessories.blogspot.com

Meredith Roddy- Meredith Joy Designs (Jewelry and greeting cards) Www.meredithjoydesigns.com

Kelly Hornak- Scentsy (Flameless Candle Warmers) https://khornak.scentsy.us

Kristen Blankmeyer- Stampin’ Up! (stamps, inks, cardstock) http://www.krisblankmeyer.stampinup.net

Danielle Jaszczak- Creative Memories (Creative Memories has products to help people preserve their memories with traditional or digital scrapbooking.) http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/dsj

Tiffinee baker- Tiffinee a-z (Antiques and used items)

Jen Snyder- Thirty-One (Purses and Bags) http://www.mythirtyone.com/jensnyder

Andria Kaskey- Studio 791 (paper goods and more! to be more specific: stationery, magnets, collage items, desk accessories) http://andria-drawingnear.blogspot.com

Kimberley Polidori- The Smiling Door (Creative door decor)

Jen Ward- Babee Crafts (organic and eco-friendly baby gifts) http://www.babeecrafts.etsy.com

Holly Lerch- Hollypops (Homemade & hand decorated cake on a stick) http://www.facebook.com/holly.zieglerlerch

Kia Lyons- Platinum Prints Collection (children’s clothing) http://www.platinumprintscollection.com

Click here to “like” Moms Hosted Holiday Bazaar on Facebook

Win it Wednesday ~ $50 Gift Card to Hartstrings.com… Think Holiday Outfit!!!

Hartstring clothing is timeless children’s apparel for boys, girls and infants! Hartstrings is traditionally inspired with a modern look of casual playwear and special occasion outfits.
Until recently, this fabulous line of children’s apparel, footwear, rainwear and accessories was not readily available directly to consumer and only available in specialty and high-end department stores. BUT.. NOW, you can purchase online at Hartstrings.com

Many styles are specifically designed to coordinate among siblings of different ages and genders for special occasions….think HOLIDAYS! Hartstrings clothing is available in sizes newborn – 16 for girls and sizes newborn – 14 for boys. Receive 10% OFF your purchase at Hartstrings.com with coupon code CJ10OFF

In 2009, Hartstrings partnered with actress Tori Spelling to create little maven by Tori Spelling. The line, which is defined by the modern Hollywood lifestyle, is fun, young and incredibly versatile. little maven’s combination of Hollywood chic and seaside casual has created a style unique to the line, mixing elements of resort, such as vibrant colors and bold prints, with more distinct expressions of vintage and glamour. little maven by Tori Spelling retails for $24 – $88 and is available in sizes for girls 6/9 months to 6x and boys 6/9 months to 7.

To give you a jump start on the Holidays we are offering one lucky Philly Burb Moms reader a $50 gift card to use at Hartstrings.com.