The perfect activity for kids and toddlers- homemade playdoh. That’s right- this playdoh recipe is ideal for those days where you just need to keep the kids entertained for hours.


For this rainy day activity, I will set everything out and verbally explain the rules as we go along. Yes, it is a little messy but it helps teach my kids baking tips and direction following. Plus when my kids are involved in the making, it increases their playtime by at least an hour (usually). (Even when my kids were younger, this was the perfect toddler activity.)


Another reason that this is such an amazing activity is because it is so cost effective. Everything that you need for this fun project is relatively cheap and can last a long time.


I just love it and I think you will too!

BUT if you are really looking to make this activity a hit- you definitely want to look into some Playdoh toys like this to help foster creativity and make this preschool project a hit!


Have any questions? Let me know in the comments mama.


Playdough ingredients:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour.
2. 3/4 cup salt.
3. 4 teaspoons cream of tartar.
4. 2 cups lukewarm water.
5. 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
6. Food coloring, optional.

Directions:

1. Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot.
2. Add the water and oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball.
3. Remove from heat and then place inside a mixing bowl.
4. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth
5. Start with about 5 drops of color and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough until playdoh consistency.

***If too sticky, add a little bit of flour to absorb the extra water.


You got this Mama! Post your pictures of your playdoh and make sure to tag me @healthymama.happymama


Happy creating!

Protein is all the rage and it makes perfect sense. I mean, you don't call something a 'muscle building block' for nothing. For the longest time though, I thought that you could only get that super important nutrient from two sources- meat and protein powder. 

If that is what you think, then buckle up Mama. Because I am here to tell you that protein is in almost everything.

Even broccoli. WHAT.

Of course, everything that has protein in it has different levels and different types of proteins, which you can learn more about HERE. Today though, we are going to discuss one of my favorite proteins. A protein that is used in almost every culture, is seriously delicious (even my pickest kid will eat these bad boys), and it is very cost effective.

That's right Mama- its beans! Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans... you name it! (okay, not jelly beans). 

You can get them prepared in a can, which is great and something that I will do in  pinch BUT if you can get them dry and prepare them how I explain below, they are much easier to digest, taste amazing, and you get a lot more for your money. 

Here's how it goes:

You peruse the aisles of your local grocery store until you find the dried goods. Specifically, the bags of beans and you grab a 1 lb bag of whatever your family prefers (we usually do black or pinto). 

When you get home, pour the bag into a big pot of water and let it soak overnight in the cool water. By the next morning, the water will have turned color, as it has pulled out the thing in the bean that makes you gassy. (You read that right- these beans will eliminate most of not all of your bean induced flatulence). This is good news for us mamas- especially if nursing! 

After you let the beans soak for minimum 6 hours (overnight is best) then strain the water using a strainer with smaller holes and wash the beans off. Add the beans back into the pot and add 6-8 cups of new water (or broth) and bring to a boil. 

Let the beans boil for 15 minutes then turn cover and turn the heat to simmer for the next 3-4 hours. 

Check on the beans periodically and make sure they remain covered in the water. You can always add more since the beans will absorb some of the water as they get softer. 

Once they are soft and delicious, let the beans cool then portion them off in glass tupperware this this one before freezing.    

Be sure to post your delicious creation with me on Instagram and tag me at @HealthyMama.HappyMama and Happy Cooking!