Lora Langston's Blog, page 62

February 12, 2013

How to make homemade Play Dough Recipe Ideas (Edible) and Pistachio Experiment

Ever wonder how to make play dough at home? Our homemade Play-doh is edible and we've come up with some scent sensory recipe ideas that are edible- not too tasty but oh so good smelling! Think of it as a fun, pistachio science experiment and see how long it lasts.






how to make homemade play dough easy recipe ideas for kids
Bake up some play dough fun with this easy recipe for kids. They can make it themselves and experiment with different ingredients. Older kids will enjoy it too. Add baking soda to make it interesting or cornstarch to make it like moon sand!





Mixing the flour and oil.



My twist: Pistachio Pudding Play Dough.




Every kid blogger seems to  needs to have a play dough recipe on their blog. It's what your readers want. So, when you write yours give it your personality. Pretend like you're on the American Idol for Mommy Bloggers and make it your own. Let's face it, play dough is like the wheel, but you can make it better or give it a new twist. Just don't copy someone else's and call it your own. It tends to ruffle their feathers.




How to make homemade play dough play-doh
I always use whatever I find in the kitchen- no beautiful, perfect rainbow here. From far Left: Grape Kool-aid Powder, Pistachio Pudding, Leprechaun Green, Neon Purple and Red Food coloring marbled together.

Shelf life of my play dough probably isn't too good, especially if you make the edible version. Store it in the fridge to make it last a little longer and also to give it a cold sensory sensation for Sensory Play. When I plan a new idea I try to think like a writer and design like a kid. How does this project affect the senses? What does it feel like? Can it make a sound? Can I taste it? Does it smell? What does it look like? Does it look palatable? Does it look yucky? Either is good for Sensory Play Based Learning.




This is the BEST Knock-off Play-doh RECIPE I've found, but it's more work than I like to attempt in a given day. If you want the real thing check it out. If you're lazy make my easy recipe for kids below.





Edible Homemade Play Dough Play-doh
Sticky Pistachio Pudding Play Dough. Let it air out for an hour or so before  using.

It may be messy, smushy,and gooey (great for the senses), but it smells divine.

Easy play dough recipe

EXPERIMENT for kids to make




2 c. cornstarch (I didn't have corn starch; I used regular flour)

1 c. salt (I only had 1/2 c.)

1 1/2 cups boiling water (I just used 1 c. hot tap water)

2 tablespoons cream of tartar (I'm all out so, none)

2 tbs. vegetable oil (Okay, if you want it to be edible, but if you want it to be awesome scented and texture use a 1/4 c. of baby oil)

Food coloring (I used grape Kool-aid no one likes to drink it, but it smells great! I also used pudding. If I were you, I'd try any flavor but pistachio- it has nuts! You could pick them out. Mayhem thought they were fun to play bakery with- more like real food. She's six.)

Mix oil, salt, and flour first (tar tar if you have it). Use your hands to feel the consistency. Then add water slowly until desired texture. Divide into 4 balls, separate into ziploc bags and mix in coloring of choice. You may need to add a little more flour or cornstarch. Our Kool-aid ball was too wet until we added more flour to the bag.

Now knead in a few drops of food coloring. Mold into balls and let settle on wax paper for about 15 minutes. Then play!


Here are some ideas to play with your new dough. 

More Recipe Variations for Dough.

The real story of Play-doh.

Melted Crayons in Soap Molds?



I prefer the baby oil texture it seems to help preserve the flour.




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Published on February 12, 2013 03:30

February 11, 2013

Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt (Pinterest) Hearts Feb. 11, 2013

What a fun week of playing Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest! This week brought many new pinners/players for tons more ideas for February Preschool Activities. Ready to start playing and pinning for a new week? This week's categories are all things remembered in the month of February but not necessarily winter crafts for kids.



This week's winning pin is the perfect preschool activity for Valentine's Day! Coffee Filter Heart Craft by Meaningful Mama. Who pinned it? Yes, Dawn! Lots of others were in the running this week. Kudos to all!




Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt Coffee Filter Heart Craft Meaningful Mama
Easy Heart Craft for Valentine's Day by Meaningfulmama.com


I have a super easy shamrock craft made from hearts that got loved too :)




Easy preschool Shamrock Craft from paper hearts





Here's the list to get you started: February is the month to honor these things: American History Lesson, Friendship Crafts, Bird Feeding (Easy Bird Feeder Projects), Grapefruit Recipes, and Responsible Pet Owners Ideas. 10 pin limit (1 per topic) ~ NO AD LINKS. Pins must lead to blog or PAGE of source. PLEASE don't REPIN your own pins. Pin to own board 1st. Find us on Facebook to chat about ideas.



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Published on February 11, 2013 09:14

February 10, 2013

Futuristic Architecture for Kids

So, I'm somewhat of an Architecture ophile (okay, I made that word up). I studied Architecture in college, back then futuristic architecture was an oxymoron of sorts. It meant buildings designed in the past to look futuristic, generally the architecture of the 1920's-1930's Art Moderne later termed the Art Deco style- think the Chrysler Building in New York City. We've come a long way, baby.



What is the tallest building in the United States? Scroll down to find out. This is a great Homeschool Architecture Lesson.





Chrysler Building, New York City. Public domain photo from Wikipedia.

The era of 1910-1920 is termed a futurist movement. Everything since 1960 is considered Post-Modern Architecture. Futuristic Architecture is space age, like The Jetsons in the 1960's or Futurama in present day, it is impossible to believe these buildings could happen. But, happen they do.




Best Reading Nook ever Futuristic Architecture for Kids Sako Bookstore
Best. Reading Nook. Ever.  Click Image to see more photos from Sako Architects.

This is a popular children's bookstore complete with activity centers, book nooks, and lots of space to runaround while playing hide and seek. See more pictures of Kid's Republic Bookstore in Beijing.




Graves, The Swan Hotel, Disney World Florida
Dolphin Hotel's sister, The Swan. Public domain photo from Wikimedia.



Interior of the Swan Hotel, upscale (more for adults).

Public domain photo from Wikimedia.

One of the favorite buildings I ever saw up close was designed by Michael Graves. The Humana building in downtown Lousiville, Kentucky is known to locals as the Milk Carton. Below, you can see why.




Michael Graves Humana Building Louisville Milk Carton Futuristic Architecture
Humana Building, Louisville, Kentucky designed by Michael Graves.

Public Domain Photo from Wikipedia.

Many futuristic architects designed buildings in my little, old backwoods state of Indiana. The city of Columbus, Indiana is known as the architecture capital of the world. My favorite architect, Michael Graves is from Indiana. Think you don't know anything he's designed? Take a trip to Disney World and check out the Dolphin Hotel. He's also done an office building or two there.






Futuristic Architecture for kids Michael Graves Dolphin Hotel in Disney
The Dolphin Hotel in Florida. Photo from Wikipedia in public domain.




I stayed in the Dolphin hotel in 1992. Graves designed everything down to the disposable plastic cups which I still have in my curio cabinet today. I'll update this in a day or two with pics from the trip (when I dig them out of storage).







Michael Graves Futuristic Architect Indiana for Kids NCAA Hall of Champions
Michael Graves, NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Public Domain photo from Wikipedia.




I guess, I'm kind of lucky to live in Indiana so near Columbus and also Chicago. 



Hey, Architecture, remember Chicago? Yep, the old home of the famous Sears Tower (Now the Willis Tower). Completed in 1973, the one-hundred and eight story building was known as the tallest building in the world beating out the former title holder, the Twin Towers in New York City. 



Huh. I just realized I was also lucky enough to tour all of these buildings. And, you were all like- you aren't really an Architecture-o-phile you're just a Mommy blogger. :) Funny, because it took me by surprise too. These Mommy days sure wear on a person, making you think you are only good for cooking, cleaning, and hugging.





What is the tallest building in the United States? Sears Tower or Willis Tower





So, the Sears or Willis Tower is still the tallest building in the United States, but it is only the seventh (or ninth, depending how you count them) tallest building in the world and no; I haven't visited any of those buildings... yet. 





Click here for a ranking of the Tallest Building in the World per Wikipedia. Although it is always changing, it looks like the city of Dubai has it locked for now. 



What does the future of FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE have in store for us? How tall will they go? To the moon and beyond? I'd go there.





I'm just kidding. The World Trade Center (Twin Towers), the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Sears Tower were more than tall enough for me. I have NO desire to visit the others. In fact, after waiting in line to squeeze into the tiny elevator of the Sears Tower, I've had major claustrophobia and a tiny bit of Acrophobia. I can still feel the breathtaking view from the Empire State Building. 





Wanna come look over the edge? No thanks, I'm good let me just climb back into this tiny, killing contraption and get my feet on solid ground.






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Published on February 10, 2013 17:42

February 9, 2013

When is Chinese New Year? It's the Year of the Water Snake Printable Coloring Page

When is Chinese New Year? This year, Chinese New Year begins today, Sunday, February 10, 2013. What animal is it? Nope, they don't do a Chinese Dragon every year. This year is the year of the Water Snake.



Snakes are revered, but not as much as the dragon. The snake is poised said to posses great wisdom, morality, and generally be financially secure. On the down side, a snake can be jealous and fickle.




When is Chinese New Year? Year of the Water Snake Printable Coloring Page
2013 is the year of the Water Snake. Right click to save to your computer and print or click here to print a PDF.



Find a Circus Dragon printable here.




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Published on February 09, 2013 22:00

Printable Snowman Paper Craft

Here's a fun idea for kids: Printable Snowman Paper Craft. Kids can trace the shapes to add their own details or cut these out to make a snowman. For more fun, cut out, glue to cardboard, and attach Velcro dots or double-sided tape to the back so kids can mix, match, and reuse.




Printable Snowman Paper Craft
Right click to save, then trace or cut out these shapes to build a snowman. Printable PDF version



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Published on February 09, 2013 20:40

February 8, 2013

How to paint like Eric Carle Homeschool Art Project Collage

Don't you just love the illustrations of Eric Carle in children's books? Did you ever wonder how to paint like Eric Carle? This Homeschool Art Project takes some time, but it is worth the effort!




Homeschool Art Lesson How to paint like Eric Carle
Jake traced this on our light table, and then cut his patterned papers to illustrate.





We cut 8 1/2 x 11 white paper into quarters and each child painted in each technique. This is salt painting.




How to paint like Eric Carle techniques in Mixed Media
Use different household items to achieve varying patterns. I love how the piece of cardboard makes a herring bone pattern when crossed. The side of a paint brush loos like animal tracks. We even used the end of our paint brush to make stipple patterns. The dirty, wadded up paper towel made a glorious pink, green, and black impressionist style.


Homeschool Art use The Foolish Tortoise an Art and Writing Prompt
We made 16 different patterns with our paint.



Mayhem made 3D Elements in this Eric Carle style illustration focusing on Giraffes.







Jake doesn't like to draw so we cut images out of coloring books, traced them and filled them in with bits of our pattern painting projects. Mayhem used a coloring book image but chose to draw many of her own designs.



Homeschool Art Lesson: How to paint like Eric Carle



You will need water color or tempera paint, brushes, paper towels, salt, cardboard scraps, tissue paper, art paper, sponges, plastic bags, and  imagination.



Cut a piece of art paper into fourths. (We used several sheets as it was so much fun!)



Experiment with different painting techniques.



1. Salt Painting - paint with a color, sprinkle salt over it, allow to dry for a sparkly texture.

2. Stipple - use the end of a paintbrush to make dots.

3. Animal Tracks - flatten the brush on the paper to make tracks.

4. Tissue Paper - wet and use it to paint or glue a collage of colors onto your sheet.

5. Toilet Tube - use like a roller or hold upright and stamp circles or hearts with the end.

6. Sponge - cut a sponge into small shapes and blot on paper.

7. Paper Towel - use your dirty paper towel and blot on paper for a fun print.

8. Cardboard Edge - use the edge of the cardboard to make straight lines.

9. Plastic Bag - Tie a bread bag in a know or wear it like a glove and dab it paint.









Let your paintings dry overnight (at least an hour). Draw or trace your favorite animals, lay out your design on paper, take your squares, and cut them up to fill in the pictures (think puzzle pieces). See the example above for ideas.









Jake complained about how horrible his turtle looked. Of course, I think it looks awesome. He enjoyed tracing the turtle. The idea of it looking perfect is very important to him. Flowing, organic art makes him crazy. As a gifted child, he needs and thrives on structure. Without structure, all chaos breaks loose. Perfectionism is an artist's worst enemy. Mayhem, on the other hand sits down and lets her art tell her where it wants to go. Great artist come in both styles. We're working on Jake's rigid issues in Jake's Journey in Art. We'd love for you to join us.






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Published on February 08, 2013 17:30

February 7, 2013

How to Make a Valentine Treat Basket for Mom Gift

To make a Valentine Treat Basket (a great gift for Mom), follow the steps as pictured then add embellishments such as crepe paper, heart cut-outs, and glitter. Poke a hole in two opposite sides and insert two braided (twisted) pipe-cleaners forming a handle. Inside the basket, make a "t"with the pipe-cleaner to lock in place. Fill with candy or trinkets when complete.


How to make a valentine treat basket for Mom gift
Valentine Gift for Mom kids can make.




Use a paper plate as a pattern, trace onto construction paper, and fold on the lines shown.


Fold corners in , glue, and tape to secure.




Paper base should look like this when done folding.


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Published on February 07, 2013 09:51

February 6, 2013

Interested in Amish Life in Lancaster County? We've got a giveaway for Wanda E. Brunstetter's Novels

Do you find Amish life intriguing? There are large populations of Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and many areas of Indiana. Wanda E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish in her series of Lancaster County Saga novels, The Discovery, parts 1-6. You have a chance to win in this giveaway for a preloaded Kindle.




Amish Life in Lancaster County Book Review and Giveaway
Go to Facebook to download the first chapter for free.

The first book in the series, "Goodbye to Yesterday" focuses on the life of young, Amish couple, Luke and Meredith Stoltzfus. Meredith has a secret she is dying to share with her husband, but after he loses a job she decides to keep her secret. She doesn't want to add to her husband's stress. Over the course of the book, she worries about her husband taking her job and duties as A wife very seriously. Little does she know something is about to happen to her husband. Luke travels to Indiana and meets with trouble along the way. His Amish upbringing has left him a little naive about the ways of people outside of Lancaster County.





I’m excited to be participating in the Discovery Saga online scavenger hunt. For full details on the hunt and how you can participate (and possibly win an Amazon Kindle) please go to the Discovery Saga Scavenger Hunt




Okay, Discovery Saga scavenger hunters—the next clue will be posted tomorrow at Rose Knows Coupons. Go visit to find the next word.



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Published on February 06, 2013 05:00

February 4, 2013

How to make washing soap or safe homemade dish detergent

It seems like everyone has a recipe for how to make washing soap or homemade dish detergent. Everyday at least one pops op on Pinterest. I'm a little concerned by the ingredient list. Almost every recipe calls for Borax. Borax is toxic, it's bad enough we use it on our clothes or make putty for a kid's craft. Yikes! I don't want that on my dishes (especially on those plastic items your aren't supposed to be washing due to chemicals being released at high temps). I imagine some toxins leach in too. What's a poor, stressed mommy to do? Make your own safe/green recipe.




How to make washing soap or homemade dish detergent
Washed with homemade dish detergent.







Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

1 Tbs. Table Salt, 1 Tbs. Ice Cream Salt, 1 Tsp. (capful) Lemon Juice, 1 Tsp. Hydrogen Peroxide, 1 Tbs. Vinegar




I premix the salts and store them in an airtight container near the dishwasher and scoop them out as needed into the dishwasher tray. Then, I pour in a capful of lemon juice, add the hydrogen peroxide to the prewash container and the vinegar to the rinse compartment. I've added a Tsp. baking soda which helps keep your dishwasher clean and fresh, but sometimes it leaves a residue on the dishes. So, if you want to clean your dishwasher add baking soda and run it without any dishes inside. 




Tip: (From Dishwasher Repairman) If you run the hot water in the sink before and a minute or two after you start the cycle it helps prevent soap and lime build up on the coils of your dishwasher. Also, I like to keep a spray bottle of equal parts vinegar and water handy to spray on dishes with dried on food. It seems to help. Now your safe. As for your dishwasher, IDK- read the manual. Not using regular store bought soap could void your warranty.


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Published on February 04, 2013 22:30

February 4 Pin it! Scavenger Hunt for Preschool Activities Search Words and Winners

Are you playing yet? Pin it! Online Scavenger Hunt helps hook teachers and caregivers up with great, relevant preschool activities each week. Anyone can play just leave a comment on this page or on the purple pin and we'll add you to the collaborative board.




Pin it! Scavenger Hunt Preschool Activities for kids search keywords


Pin categories: Violets (Feb. flower), Teeth Lessons (Dental Health Month), Things to do w/ Hearts, Healthy Snacks,  and  Snowmen. 10 pin limit (1 per topic) ~  NO AD LINKS. Pins must lead to blog or PAGE of source. PLEASE don't REPIN your own pins.  Pin to own board 1st. Facebook Forum to chat with other preschool teachers or mommy bloggers 



This week's winning pins (it's a tie):

21 Presiden't Day Activities from Tip Junkie




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21 President's Day Activities from Tipjunkie.com by Dawn Marelli.

and Groundhog Day snack from Smedley's Smorgasboard





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Groundhog Day Snack by Nicole Kiska.







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Published on February 04, 2013 08:19