Questions of the Week

This week we have more questions from our message boards as well as several new topics. The forums were recently upgraded and have been improved for you! Join us at the all new Idea Box community. 

Don't forget that today (29th) is National Puzzle Day, see our posting on that here.

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

WINTER FAMILY TIME
During the winter months when you can't visit the park or go fishing or camping, what do you do to spend time with your family? Do you enjoy outdoor activities or do you spend your time indoors playing games and watching movies?

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SIDE DISHES?
I love baked potatoes and baked sweet potatoes but I don't eat them often since my kids don't like potatoes that much. We eat a lot of rice. One of the ladies from FamilyCorner turned me on to Jasmine rice. We love it! We also eat a lot of pasta. (BAAAAD for my hips!)

VDAY PRESCHOOL TREAT
I'm in charge of a sweet treat for dd's preschool party. I've done fancy decorated cupcakes but they're so messy - I'm sure the teachers love me!! LOL I'm not big into the flooded sugar cookies - I'm looking for something easy-ish like Rice Krispie Cake heart-shapes. Anybody have a fun, easy, semi-mess free idea??

WHAT DO YOUR GRANDKIDS CALL YOU?
My grandson, who is 2 1/2, calls me Gamma! And when he does I just melt!

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU BECAME A GRANDPARENT?
I was 42 when my son blessed me with a grandson!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What do you all think about U.F.O.'s and E.T.'s..Are you a beliver or a non believer???

SPECIAL DAYS JUST FOR FUN
There are tons of special days out there, from Ice Cream Day to National Oatmeal Month. Take advantage of these special days to come up with fresh ideas for playing with your kids.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR SCHOOL AGED KIDS
These days it's getting too expensive to host a birthday party at one of those adventureland type places. It can cost around $150 to host the party for 8-10 kids and most places charge you for a minimum number of guests. The pizza and drinks that are wasted is awful and many of them don't include cake and ice cream. You only get a certain amount of time in the party room before you are booted out. Are you finding that even though it's messy, it makes more sense these days to host birthdays at home?

TRIED AND TRUE APPETIZERS AND FINGER FOODS--LOOKING FOR RECIPES
I'm looking for new tried and true recipes for munchies for the Superbowl! If you have a recipe for something that you make for something like this, would you share it please?

JUST FOR FUN
Got a story you would like to share? Or a joke you would like to tell? Share it with us here.

TRAVEL
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?? I've never been to Las Vages and I'd like to go there. All my friends that have gone had a blast!

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION ON THE TY COMPANY MAKING SASHA AND MALIA DOLLS?
Do you think that it is ok or do you think that it is wrong? Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it. I do not think that these girls will be "harmed" by selling these dolls, like all of the so-called pros are saying. It might have been nice if TY offered to donate part of the proceeds to their favorite charities or put some of the proceeds toward helping our schools, though.

YES OR NO TO SENDING YOUR CHILDREN TO PRESCHOOL?
Have you sent or are you planning on sending your child(ren) to preschool? Why or why not? I chose to home preschool both of my kids. I'm very happy with my decision to do so. I believe that it's a personal, individual choice for no one but the parents of the particular child, to make.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
What are you having for dinner tonight? Share your ideas and menus and pick up some from other members!

WHAT'S YOUR WEEKEND PLANS?
Do you have anything going on this weekend?

MY DH IS RIGHT...I'M A PACK RAT!
I started out the day searching for a prescription card that I needed to take with me today. I knew (thought so, anyway) that I stuck it into a pile of papers that I needed to sort through. Well, after sorting through the pile, it wasn't there. After searching more, I realized that my dh was right...although I make organized pile, there are still A LOT of piles everywhere! Is there anyone else here who is an admitted pack rat?

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Hope to see you around soon!

Amanda
Chief Editor
The Idea Box Crafts & Activities
The Idea Box Community

January 29th is National Puzzle Day!

Puzzles are so much fun! Whether you are 3 or 33, everyone enjoys puzzles. They come in all shapes and sizes, online, in a box, crosswords and word searches. Of course, if you lose pieces to your puzzles you can't exactly complete them. Don't throw them away, there are great crafts you can make!

Magnetic Puzzle Pieces

Old puzzle pieces
Magnetic tape
Magnetic Board or fridge

If you have any old wooden puzzles around (the kind with individual images on them with the little red pegs on them designed for preschoolers) that have missing pieces there remains some play value in them. Take remaining pieces and put magnetic tape on the back. Use on the fridge or a magnetic board. Usually these puzzle pieces are associated to one particular category eg. farm animals, vehicles, etc. This will provide young children an open-ended activity that is fun and has the potential for rich language activities.


Cereal Box Puzzles

back of empty cereal box
scissors
pen
envelope

We go thru alot of cereal so we started recycling in a fun way. We cut off the back of the box, which usually has a game, fun facts, or other ideas/information for kids. I have my 7 yr old write a letter on the "blank" side. Then, we cut it up into "puzzle shapes" and mail it to his cousins. They not only get a puzzle to piece together but a letter and game or comic as well!

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Here's a colorful way to recycle old puzzle pieces into an adorable picture frame as well as some fun puzzle facts.

And here's even more fun!

Letter Puzzles: This project is fun for the writer and the reader! First, write a letter to someone on a sheet of paper. When you're finished, use a pair of scissors to cut the note into interlocking puzzle pieces. Place the pieces into an envelope and mail or hand-deliver it. The recipient must assemble the puzzle in order to read the letter!
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Make a puzzle: Glue a favorite picture on to a card and allow to dry with a heavy book on top. Cut into pieces, how many depending on the age of the child, for an almost instant and personal puzzle.

Questions from our boards

The Idea Box message board community is all new! 

We've upgraded our message board software to the newest version and with it came some really cool features. Now you can:

* Maintain a friend's list
* leave visitor comments for other members
* keep photo albums on your profile
* start or join a social group (SAHMs, crafts, etc)
* customize fonts and colors in your profile

and so much more! All of this and more is available through your User CP (upper left side when you log in). If you're not yet a registered member, it's quick and free, so please join us and say hello!

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RECENT QUESTIONS FROM OTHER MEMBERS

In honor of our new look and features, we would like to invite you to The Idea Box for a fresh look at our community. Here are just a few topics that have been started and questions that have been asked in the last few days. Can you help any of these members? Hope to see you soon!


WHAT'S THE WEIRDEST COMBINATION OF FOOD THAT YOU LIKE TO EAT?
I think that just about everyone likes a strange combination of at least something. I like peanut butter and onion sandwiches. (they really are good!) My Dad used to eat two slices of bread broken into pieces in a bowl topped with coffee, milk and sugar. I ate this as a kids, too, and it was good. hahaha!

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST FRUGAL MEALS THAT YOUR FAMILY LOVES?
I'm always looking for really good frugal meals. Some of our favorite are: breakfast for Dinner, tuna wiggle - white sauce and tuna over toast, spaghetti and sauce, and homemade hamburger helper. What are some of your favorite frugal meals?

WHO DO YOU BUY FOR ON VALENTINES DAY? WHAT DO YOU USUALLY BUY THEM?
My dh and I usually buy our kids some little stuff and then maybe we will get each other something small, if even anything at all. I usually buy the kids a little bit of candy and some little things from the Dollar Tree or something like that. We usually don't go overboard. We make cookies together as a treat.

FIELD TRIPS
Are your kids taking field trips this year? Our schools have already cut out one trip for the year because of the high cost of fuel. They went on a short trip to another school to see a musical performance. I'm hoping that they will go on their scheduled trip this spring.

DOES YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN THE ACCELERATED READING PROGRAM?
My son (and daughter once she is in second grade) has to earn a certain amt. of points each 9 weeks by reading books that have been awarded a certain pt. level and grade level, and then he has to take a computerized test on the book. The number of questions he gets right determines the points that he gets for that book. (Does that make sense?). I know that other schools do things differently. I'm wondering what your children have to do for their reading grades?

CRAIGS LIST
Do you have one in your area and do you take advantage it? I've sold quite a few things on ours. I've bought some stuff and we've gotten our kittens for free there, too!

IDEAS FOR CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES IN DAYCARE
Hi. I am Sammi and I am a home daycare provider. I am interested to know if there are any other home daycare providers out there and if so, what kinds of activities and crafts do you do with the children you care for. I am always looking for new ideas.

VALENTINE'S DAY CRAFT
I have a question. Does anyone have any ideas for a Valentine's Day craft that I can do with young children. I am a daycare provider and the children I care for range in age from 18 mos. to 4 years. I need something that is interesting enough for the older children but easy enough for the younger children. Any help would be appreciated!

RECIPES THAT DIDN'T WORK
Have you made something recently that you hoped would turn out good but ending up flopping? I tried a new bread machine recipe for Italian bread on Sunday. I wanted to make pepperoni rolls with the bread. It turned out so sticky and didn't raise the right way - it seemed to be full of air. What a bummer!

DID YOU WATCH THE INAUGURATION?
What did you think of it? I thought that it was sort of funny and sort of cute when they flubbed their lines during the President's swearing in. To me, it showed that we are all human and all make mistakes sometimes. I didn't like what Michelle Obama was wearing! My dh said that he thought he heard that it had something to do with the traditions in Hawaii. Does anyone know if this is true? Their little girls were adorable!

NEAT WAYS TO GET KIDS TO EAT THIER VEGGIES
What are some neat ways to get your kids to eat AND enjoy veggies? I allowed my kids to eat veggies raw with a ranch dip. When I found out how much sodium is in most dips I started making my own. It worked, because my kids are now teens and older, they eat thier veggies.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO GET THROUGH THE WINTER?
Christmas and Thanksgiving and New Years are over. In most places in the US it is cold cold cold. What are some great ideas for getting though the rest of the winter?

MOTIVATING MIDDLE SCHOOLERS TO DO WELL
How do you motivate your middle schooler to do homework and school projects? I have a 14 yo ds who is in the 8th grade. He will do his assignments but do the minimum required to pass. He is a very smart kid but I cannot seem to find a way to motivate him to do what he is capable of. He just wants to skate by.

LOOKING FOR POTATO SOUP RECIPE...
Anyone have a good Potato Soup recipe they would like to share... I have found a couple of recipes but didn't care for some of the ingredients in them...

DOES ANYONE ELSE BLOG?
Does anyone else here like blogging? I wasn't keen on the idea at first but one I set one up, it became addictive. lol! What are some of your favorite places to visit?

CROCKPOT RECIPES
I want to start using my crockpot more than I do now. Has anyone tried any new crockpot meals lately? Do you have any tried and true recipes that you're willing to share with me? For the football game this past Sunday, I made my version of Chicago style beef sandwiches. They were SO good. Once I get it written up, I will post it here.

WHAT KIND OF HOBBIES, CRAFTS, NEEDLEWORK DO YOU DO?
I do a lot of needlework, crochet, knit, counted cross stitch, plastic canvas, needlepoint. I do scrapbooking and make cards. I love to read. My favs are Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, VC Andrews. And like to read novels by other authors also.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO WORK OUT?
I like walking, swimming in the summer, yoga. I used to lift weights and am trying to convince myself it would be fun to do that again. Really it would be wonderful to be all toned like I was then. I was so busy with kiddos I didn't get to enjoy it!

VITAMINS DO YOU TAKE ANY?
Are there vitamins that you or your family swears by? With us it is vitamin C and fish oil! I love my doctors, they told me to freezy the fish oil. Then you don't burp fish all day.

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ROLL CALL - Introduce yourself and tell us about your family!

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PRESCHOOLERS
Roll call for families with preschoolers in their house!

TODDLERS
Roll call for families with toddlers in their house!

SCHOOL AGED
Roll call for families with school-age children in their house!

INFANTS
Roll call for those who have infants in their home!

MOMMY TO BE
What's your due date? Do you know if you're having a boy or a girl?

POST A GENERAL INTRODUCTION!
Don't be shy, stop by and tell us about yourself :)

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Hope to see you around soon!

Amanda
Chief Editor
The Idea Box Crafts & Activities
The Idea Box Community

The Presidential Inauguration

Do you have any special activities planned for Inauguration day? Will you watch it? Make a special dinner? Anything?

Share your comments and ideas here on the blog or on our forums!

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Here are some patriotic craft ideas you can make with your kids:

Glittering Fireworks

Construction Paper Flags

Patriotic Hat

Or go here to see all Patriotic Crafts!

January 19th is Popcorn Day too!

As you know we posted about MLK day here. So be sure and check those out for the 19th too. Meanwhile, here's some fun recipes and activities in honor of National Popcorn Day, also on January 19th!

Tasty Recipes

On The Idea Box we have a tasty treat called Chewy Popcorn Balls, be sure to grab the instructions!

Among many other goodies at our sister site, Old Fashioned Living, you'll find some tasty treats like:

• Marshmallow Popcorn Balls & Nacho Popcorn
  
• Baked Caramel Corn & Spicy Popcorn
  
• Baked Caramel Corn
  
• Homemade Cracker Jack
  
• Circus Celebration Party Food
  

Here's a tasty treat using sunflower seeds and popcorn:

SUNFLOWER SEED SNACK

Pop 1/2 cup corn. Then lightly sauté 1/2 cup sunflower seeds in 2-3 tablespoons oil until the seeds are lightly browned. Stir in 1 cup molasses. Add 1/2 cup roasted peanuts. Simmer over low heat until the mixture is thin and bubbly. Then pour everything over the popcorn in a large bowl. Mix gently until the corn is well coated. This snack, when cooled, may be stored in an airtight container.

See more Sunflower Seed Snacks here

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We checked with our friends at Annie's Recipes and they had a few to share as well. Here's some Peanut Butter Popcorn, Popcorn Balls, and climb out of your comfort zone to try this Popcorn Salad!

Alicia's Recipes had so many to share we thought you'd like to have a look for yourself. Check out Alicia's recipes using popcorn.

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Fun Crafts & Activities

Make some Popcorn Hands from clear plastic gloves. Another easy idea even for little ones is to make a tree of Popcorn Apple Blossoms! For even more fun, try this Corn Cob Craft or try this 3D Crayon Picture to keep kids busy.

Your feathered friends like popcorn too! Here's some tips on feeding your backyard birds. Try these:

Easy Feeding Stations

1. Put aside as bowl or paper sack, and each day put your scraps of bread, popcorn, cereal, plain donuts or cake in the container; uncovered. Every few days spread them out in your yard on a dry day. Make sure you put them where you can watch the birds.

2. If they have an old tray or very flat pan, you can buy some inexpensive bird seed from the bulk food department at the grocery store. Each morning sprinkle a couple handfuls in the tray or pan. This way, you will be setting up a schedule for the birds to feed in your yard.

3. You can use this same seed for Seed Pinecones. Tie a piece of string or yarn to the top of a pine cone. Spread peanut butter all over the pine cone, then roll it in some of the seed you have placed on a plate or bowl. Hang it from a fence or tree branch for the birds.

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Here's a great idea found at Old Fashioned Living in their article on
Teaching Preschool Science:

Popcorn Dance: Fill a small glass 3/4 full of water. Mix in 2 Tablespoons of baking soda and mix well. Add a drop or two of food coloring and add 10-15 popcorn kernels. Then add a few drops of vinegar and watch the kernels start to move in 1 -2 minutes.

If you have great recipes, crafts, activities and ideas for popcorn, post a comment and let us know!

January 19th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929 and is considered one of the most influential African Americans ever. Many great strides were made because of his peaceful movements. Celebrate this day with these fun activities and crafts:

I Have a Dream - an easy craft for little ones.

Another easy one for little kids is this Freedom Bell project.

This Happy Handshake craft is great for MLK day or any day you want to discuss friendship and peace.

Snow time fun

Oh baby it's cold outside! So cold, they are closing over 600 schools in my area. What better time than the present to make some snow themed crafts!

Try some snow painting, but only if the temperatures are safe outside. Otherwise, bring some snow inside and put it in a plastic container for this project! If going outdoors is an option, try making this fun Snow Caterpillar!

Other ideas include:

• making a snow crystal picture
  
• a marshmallow snow picture
  
• try these fun snowman circles
  
• with parental supervision make a Bleach Snow Picture
  
• a handful of ingredients will make you a batch of snow dough
  

Remember to exercise safety in cold weather. Always bundle up, cover your ears and fingers and come in often to warm up!

Be sure to come back to The Idea Box for plenty of games, crafts, activities and party fun.

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P.S. here's some fun stuff from our sister site, Old Fashioned Living:

1. The Art of Making Snow Angels
   
2. Polar Bear Games
   
3. Homemade Snow Cones
   

January is National Oatmeal Month!

Mmmm oatmeal, a perfect breakfast for cold mornings. There are plenty of other uses for oatmeal too! Try making an oatmeal dough using this simple recipe from things you have around the house. Then play, play, play all day!

Oatmeal Dough

1 cup flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup water

Gradually add water to flour and oatmeal in bowl. Kneed until mixed (this dough is sticky, but unique in texture. Model as with clay.

VARIATIONS: Add cornmeal in small quantity for texture, Add coffee grounds in small quantity for texture.

Here's some more oatmeal fun:

Another craft recipe to try is this Nutty Butter Playdough. This does contain peanut butter.

Try this recipe for Oatmeal Cookies to make with the kids. Afterwards, don't throw away the empty container, make this fun junk box craft.

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Moms will appreciate these Old Fashioned Oat Recipes and Tips.

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Here's a tasty cookie recipe from our friends at Old Fashioned Living:

Oatmeal Cherry Chip Cookies

These cookies are so good, even those of you who are not oatmeal cookie fans are going to love them. They will keep a few days if stored in a tightly sealed container between sheets of parchment or waxed paper.

· 1 3/4 cups flour
· 1 tsp. baking soda
· 1 tsp. cinnamon
· 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
· 1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
· 1/3 cup sugar
· 2 large eggs
· 1/4 cup milk
· 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
· 2 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
· 3/4 cup dried cherries
· 3/4-cup chocolate chips

In a mixer, cream the butter and sugars. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla, and beat well.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Add slowly to the butter mixture on low speed. Stir in the oats, cherries and chocolate chips.

Divide the dough into 4 portions, and roll each up in plastic wrap to form a log about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Chill until firm (about 20 minutes in the freezer).

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with silicon baking mat or parchment paper. Slice the cookie logs about 1/2 inch thick. Bake 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about 5 dozen. Will keep up to 1 week.

Here's another tasty oatmeal recipe from OFL:

Fruity Oatmeal

3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
2/3 cup warm milk
1-1/3 cups vanilla yogurt
1/2 Granny Smith (or other firm) apple
2 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Additional fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches

Soak 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats in 2/3 cup warm milk until swollen, about 5 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator). When ready, add about 1/4 cup additional oats (for texture). Stir in yogurt, and apple, which has been peeled, cored, and grated. Add 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, honey and lemon juice. Mix in fresh fruit-as much as you'd like, and garnish with extra slices of apple or fruit.

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Our friends at Annie's Recipes have tons of ways to use oatmeal!

January 6th is Bean Day!

There are lots of crafts and activities that you can do with beans. They are great for helping children learn to count, fun to glue on construction paper, and they even make cheap bingo markers! Here's a few ideas to try today:

Bean Name: a fun way to help kids learn how to spell their name.

Bean Experiment: a fun science project for even the smallest of tots.

Bean Mosaic: get crafty and creative with this project!

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Try some of these tasty bean recipes from our friends at Annie's Recipes.

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And here's a fun game we found at Old Fashioned Living. See the other party games they have as well!

Bean in Your Shoe

One player goes out of the room. A dried bean is given to one of the players to put in his or her shoe. Play some music and have all the players dance, each child pretending to have a bean in their shoe. The player that left the room comes back and tries to guess who has the bean in their shoe. If they guess right, the person with the bean in their shoe gets to guess next. If they guess wrong, they get to leave the room again and try again. If they guess wrong a second time, they get to choose who gets to leave the room next.

Have fun on Bean Day!

January 5th is National Bird Day!

Did you know that January 5th is National Bird Day? This special day is a great time to appreciate the birds you see everyday outside your kitchen window. The Idea Box has some fun ideas to help you celebrate this fun day!

Make a quick Pine Cone Bird Feeder then start watching! Be sure to take some notes while you are watching. Try making some fun bird cookies for your feathered friends. When the weather warms up, you can make yourself a birdseed garden!

Our friends over at Old Fashioned Living have some great ideas too! Try making this Row Boat Bird Feeder with your kids or try your hand at this birdhouse recycling project. They also have some fabulous backyard bird watching tips as well as information about winter Chickadees. Finally, don't miss these adorable bird themed snacks the little ones will enjoy.

Have fun on National Bird Day!