Toddler Quarantine Activities: Volume 1

My kid is lucky. Lucky his mom is a crafter and lucky she has 15 years of teaching under her belt. When we were thrusted into quarantine, I immediately busted out a pen and paper and listed a solid 30ish activities I could pull together quickly to occupy time. 

I thought I'd share a few of my tried and true activities that had occupied time during quarantine. 

And once I began this post, I realized I'd need to split it up into a few so here's volume 1. 

1. FIZZY BUBBLES

Take a cupcake tin or ice cube tray and drop 1-2 drops of food coloring in each. Top each with a tablespoon of baking soda. Fill a squeeze bottle with half vinegar, half water. Let them gently squirt into each section and find the hidden color while making fizzy bubbles. 

2. DIY CARDBOARD CAR

With all those big cardboard boxes lying around, take a large one and draw car basics onto the front, sides, and back. Give your kids some paint markers (I love these the best) and let them decorate. Then, have a drive in movie night and they can watch a movie and have dinner while in "their car". Adorable. My son has a few he's made over the years and sometimes will even line them up and put his stuffed animals in the other cars so he has friends at the drive in with him. 

3. HOMEMADE PUFFY PAINT 

So easy. Promise. 1/2 cup glue plus 1/2 cup shaving cream plus 5 drops of food coloring. Mix well then put into a squeeze bottle. Bring the kids outside and let them decorate the driveway and sidewalk. More time consuming (and more fun) than basic chalk. 

4. LETTER NAME HUNT 

Take stickie notes and write one letter on each one. Scatter them around your house. Have your child go on a letter hunt. We've done the ABCs, we're done his full name, we've even done this as simple sight words instead of just individual letters. 

5. PASTA O'S 

Take a piece of spaghetti (or linguini) and place it into a piece of playdoh. Give your child a bowl of Cheerios and see how many it takes to get to the top. Meanwhile, pour yourself a up of coffee and enjoy drinking it hot because this is a good one where you don't have to help! 

6. INDOOR OBSTACLE COURSE 

One of our favorites to date. Take crepe paper (don't use precious toilet paper, too valuable!) and painters tape and make fake-lasers across your hallway. TAKE NOTE: make sure you put some low to the floor so they don't just army crawl under it all! 

7. SALT ART 

Draw a design on a piece of paper with glue and then sprinkle table salt (Kosher salt works too) over it and let it dry. Once dry, use watercolors (regular paint doesn't work as well) to paint the design. 

8. CHALK ART DESIGNS

Take painters tape and create a design on your sidewalk. Give your kids chalk to color in all the designs and then remove the painters tape for a fun surprise! 

9. INDOOR TRACK 

Painters tape, yet again, on the floor in any track design you want. Then take strips of construction paper and make archways over the tape for tunnels. Oftentimes, your kids will find other items to pull to use as buildings, decor, or even more tunnels. My son pulls a rainbow and uses that every time we play this! 

10. HIDDEN PICTURES

One a piece of white paper, take a white crayon and draw a picture. It will be hard to see, but it'll be there. Then, use watercolors (again, regular paint won't work as well) and color all over the paper to discover the hidden picture. 

I hope these activities help you occupy your kids like they've helped me. I have all materials I keep on hand linked in my Amazon store here if you want a one stop shop. Stay tuned for future volumes headed your way. 

Toddler Favorites

My toddler has recently been choosing his independent activities and going towards the same ones repeatedly, so I figured I'd share his choices with you!

1. The sensory bin

Presently, it is filled with beans, cups, and a few small trucks. 

This sensory bin was the BEST splurge I made in his three years. Seriously. Best part? It has a lid! Other best part? The bin easily comes out of the table leg frame to empty easily for simple change of scenery. 

Some recent sensory bin favorites have been pom poms with colored silicone cupcake liners for sorting, the beans you see below for dumping and pouring, and the ever-popular rice. 

2. Magnetic chalkboard wall. 

While this project took longer than I ever hoped to get done (a future post on that coming), it was completely worth it. Our half-wall in our kitchen was almost wasted space. One day, while scrolling Pinterest, I had a brilliant idea to make it a magnetic chalkboard wall. And here we are now, with an amazing area for him to be creative and artisitic! 

3. Painting

We have a collection of Crayola paint bottles and pull out an old ice cube tray when he gets the urge to pint. The Crayola collection comes in 12 bottles and literally lasts us YEARS. A little goes a long way, it's washable, and comes out of clothes and off of skin super easily. It might seem like a lot of money to spend on paint, but when you factor in the number of times you use it AND how easy it is to use, it's worth the $33. 

My mom hack of using an ice cube tray for a paint dish was quite popular on Instagram so figured I'd share here too! 

4. Sorting

While I kept his caps from his pouches for sorting activities early on, he LOVES his colored bears for sorting activities now. Maybe because they stand up? Maybe because he can talk to them? Who knows. But when he asks for his bears, I can't say no! 

He has colored cups to use as well as bowls and even silicone cupcakes liners. But I like to vary his methods and in February, he was all about hearts. So one, night, we busted out sorting bears into colored hearts! 

(and yes, he's still wearing his holiday jammies... this is a no judgement zone) 

5. Puzzles

While he enjoys his puzzles, I like to make them a little more complicated and utilize some higher-level thinking for him. So, I take the puzzles pieces off and hide them in a pan of rice. He then has to find the pieces in the rice THEN put them into the puzzle. Adding an extra step adds an extra level of thinking too!  

I know you might be thinking "RICE?! Are you CRAZY?!" Yes, I am. When we first started, I was cleaning up rice ALL.THE.TIME. But he learned over time and now, it isn't an issue. It takes consistency and practice and is SO worth it in the end. 

What activities does your toddler tend to choose when given the option? 

Toddler Mom Must Haves: Dining Out Edition

I take my toddler out a lot. And we got out to restaurants often. And people always ask us about what we have with us and where to get them. So, here's my top five things you need if you have a toddler and you plan to take them out to eat with you. 

1. Toddler Silverware

This little case from Sistema is a reusable set of silverware in a convenient travel case. It includes a fork, spoon, knife, and set of chopsticks. We have it in green but it comes in a variety of colors. I also roll up a disposable placemat (see below) to keep in the case as a just-in-case. You know, for those just-in-case moments we all tend to have. 

2. Disposable Placemats

My son is almost three and occasionally just prefers to eat off of the table versus a plate. I know you feel me mamas, right?! And the thought of food on a restaurant table when who knows it was last washed gives me the heebie-jeebies. Enter disposable placemats. I keep one folded up in his travel silverware case to use as needed but used to always have them in my diaper bag when he was little. Plus, it's peel and stick so when you're done and ready to leave, you've picked up a bit after your kid and left a small(er) mess! My son is presently on an Elmo and Mickey kick so we use these. Before we were using the shapes and colors ones. 

3. Snack N Shop

While this isn't for dining out, it is for being out! This snack tray has a lid that snaps on so you can fill it with your child's favorite snack and toss it in your bag. Then when you get to the store, put him in the cart, snap the snack tray on, and he'll be happy as can be! I don't know how I ran errands before without this! 

4. Lobster Seat

We received a Phil & Ted's Losbter Seat as a shower gift and I cannot recommend it enough. It folds flat, has a carry case, and is easily kept in your car. It clips onto almost any table and I actually use it often when my son and I bring my husband lunch at his office- and we clip it to his desk! Seriously, one of those million dollar ideas I wish I'd come up with! 

5. Busy Bag

I have what we call a "Busy Bag" of miscellaneous activities in my car for when we are out and about and in need of entertaining our toddler. We always have 3-5 different toys/games in the bag but recently put it all in a toddler backpack so he could carry it himself. 
I am transitioning from diaper bag back to purse (thank goodness!) and this has been a great way to diminish how much I carry. Plus, I got him a cute matching lunchbag that we keep his snacks in so he has practice using both of them before he goes to preschool.

My favorite toys/games to have on hand in his Busy Bag:

Plus Plus pieces and game board 
Travel size puzzle or Lace toys 
Dot markers (great to use on the back of restaurant placemats)
WikkiStix 
Mini trucks 

And we always always ALWAYS have books in the car and let him bring 1 or 2 into the restaurant with us. When he picks them, they tend to keep his interest more! Tonight, he read his truck book the entire time we were at dinner and did not need his busy bag once.

I hope these help you when going out with your toddler in tow! Have you used any of these before?!

I Am Not The Normal Blogger

There, I said it. And put it out to the internet for all to see. 

Seven years ago, I started blogging. And I use the term "blogging" loosely. I was not efficient with it. I did not take it seriously. I did not have a focus. I just rambled online because some teachers I worked with suggested it. Check out my very first post here. 

But, I have recently, over the past year, decided to get back into it as a way of expressing myself and having something to do. Mainly, I was looking for bloggers to follow who were like me and I struggled greatly with finding them. Most bloggers I found lived and had the picture-perfect life. Which I far from have, believe me. I also found they were all super tall, thin, had impeccable skin, fabulous hair, and looked like a model even before they walked out the door. Then, the self-doubt started to sink in. I am not tall, I do not look like a model, my hair is a hot mess almost every day, and I am as far from a model as one can be. I mean, I'm 4'10" tall and have a round shape. Let's be real. 

The more I thought about it, the more the doubt set in. I don't look like the average blogger. I don't talk like the average blogger. I don't decorate my house like the average blogger. I don't post like the average blogger. I don't style the shelves in my home to be featured in a magazine. I don't walk through the grocery store in over-the-knee boots while wearing a floppy hat and cashmere sweater. You'd walk past me 100 times over without even noticing me most days. 

But then I stopped. Why do I want to be average?! Why do I want to be like everyone else?! Sure, I take inspiration from other bloggers. I mean, who doesn't want the cute new booties from Target they're all wearing or have gorgeous front steps covered in mums and pumpkins styled oh-so-perfectly?! Don't we all?! But inspiration is different than becoming. 

Instagram was sucking my sense of identity from me. I was constantly looking for the next best outfit, the newest accessory for my house, the cutest new boots, eyelash extensions, but for what?! And why?! To be like everyone else?! I just can't anymore. 

I asked on my Instagram stories over the weekend a few questions to my followers. I asked about what kinds of pictures they want to see (staged or real life) and 99% said real life. I asked what kind of fashion pics people want to see (use what you already own or buy new) and 96% said use what you have. I asked if they wanted to see my family life as well as fashion and styling and 97% said yes. I asked if they found bloggers and influencers to be inauthentic and 99% said yes. And I finally asked about my #thisis40 challenge I made to myself and if they enjoyed it and 98% said yes! I found these answers enlightening and greatly assisted me in my newest decision. 

I am going to continue blogging and I hope that I appeal to you and your friends. And I am going to continue to be me, 150% me. Authentic and real and if I have spinach stuck in my teeth in a picture, so be it. That's what you're gonna get. I share style and fashion tips, fun restaurants that my friends, family and I discover, and lots of ins and outs of being a mom. 

I'm not your normal blogger. I'm your neighbor, your friend, the mom you see enjoying her coffee while strolling the aisles of Target with a messy bun and mismatched socks. I roll on the floor at MyGym with my toddler every week, I cry at stupid GE and AT&T commercials, I love to shop but savor a good deal. I don't wear makeup everyday, my pictures are taken in selfie mode or by my toddler, I wash my hair maybe once a week, and I do this "blogging thing" because I know there are others out there like me who just want to read tips and tidbits from a fellow "normal mom" and know it's ok to not be picture perfect day in and day out.

So, thank you for being here with me and enjoying my little blog I've got going here. I hope you'll stick around for a while and see where our life takes us. 

Family Pictures

A few times a year, we have a photographer snap some pictures for us. Whether we just use them as a background on our phones or frame them for our mantle or use them for holiday cards, I love having them done because I'm always the one behind the camera and I'm worried about not being IN them. Any other moms feel that way?!

So, my friend Jamie from Jamie Morel Photography snapped these of us this past week. I'd love to know what you think!

Do you have family pictures taken by a professional?! If so, what do YOU use them for?

And side note, how stinking cute is he?!!

Must Eat Monday: Bar Taco, Westport

Are you a Bar Taco fan?! If not, you have NO IDEA what you are missing out on. And as a mom of a toddler, I am always incredibly grateful for Bar Taco as they are family-friendly and their staff is exceptional with kids!

I learned something new this visit- I can order a kids guac and chips and there's no spice added to it! #winning over here with that! Then I got myself the tomatillo salsa and mixed it for me.

Little sticky fingers always has to have one more chip.

The Bar Taco location in Westport has the BEST views as it's right on the water. Just beware, their parking is minimal so you often have to park across the street then walk. But that view is totally worth it!

OK. The kids small tray is always more than enough food for more kids. They get a quesadilla, a taco of their choosing, a corn on the cob plus a fruit skewer and drink. WHAT?! And it's only $6. Why do get a happy meal when this meal makes everyone HAPPY!

I tend to stick with my one-of-each-method when we go for lunch because I usually end up eating some of his food too! But my favorites are the baja shrimp, the fish, and tuna lettuce wrap. I always try a secret taco and this time it's a marinated cod which is delectable. When we go back in two weeks, because I'm sure it'll happen, I'm getting 4 secret tacos!!

After lunch there, we also take a walk on their little boardwalk. But this week, we had a little dance party. Because, well, why not?! 

Have you been to Bar Taco yet?! 

Fall Family Fun

Being from Florida and not moving up north until I was in my 20's, I feel as though I have an extra appreciation for the season. And the transition from summer to fall is my favorite. Just chilly enough for a sweater and scarf, the scent of apple cider fills the air, leaves are changing to a variety of different colors, and you can't help but be happy in fall. And if you aren't happy in fall, you're related to the Grinch! Ha ha.

Our early fall tradition has always been to take a weekend and spend the day pumpkin picking, having cider donuts, and enjoying the crisp fall air. We have always gone to Jones Farm in years past, but this year, with a rambunctious toddler, we decided to try somewhere new and somewhere we've always wanted to visit. Fair Weather Acres.

People. You know where this is. Every fall when you drive down I-91 you see it. It takes up ACRES on the side of the highway. My husband and I are always wondering what it is yet never take the time to venture there. Until this weekend. Holy wonderfulness. I cannot believe we've been missing out this entire time we've lived here!

I hope the little snippits into our day give you an idea of how incredible this place it!

There's SO much to do here! You take a hay ride to get from the parking lot and entrance to the back side of the entire 'fall festival'. It's $19 per adult to get in (apparently it's half price on Fridays after 2:00 so we're going back then!) and kids 2 and under are free. You get a hand stamp, can stay as long as you want, and it includes any pumpkin of your choosing. Yep, even giant ones!

Everything is in a relatively open field and areas are clearly marked. The staff is very friendly and incredibly helpful, especially for us first-timers who probably looked a bit overwhelmed!

The reason we went. For this little one to get to do THIS.

Have you ever seen such an incredible sight?! Not just the fact it was empty (this was 2 minutes after they opened, within 10 minutes there were a good 50 kids in it!) but a giant corn pit with a massive playscape inside of it?!

If you didn't think it was fun, here's proof. Both for the actual young and young at heart.

With tons of activities and games and things to do, it's a great place to go for a family day. With big kids or young,  it's a great time to had by all!

I mean is this not the cutest little train you've ever seen?!

OK. This made me a little nervous but the kids had a BLAST on it. It's a massive bounce pad, built into the ground, surrounded so they can roll off if need be. Which, for our little guy, was needed. They are VERY smart and have a height limit (I believe its 52") and they spilt the kids into two size groups. Then, they do waves and have the kids take turns. It's about a 3-5 minute period of jumping, which i sample time, and then they swap out for the other size group. I wish you could be bigger and adults could jump!

Why is it in a giant pumpkin patch filled with ALL sizes of pumpkins he decides that the BIG one is the one he wants?!

The corn maze. There's clues scattered around for older kids and even a map for those worried about getting lost. But for a toddler, it's ample room to run!

I am SO glad we finally decided to try this place out and I can't imagine not having this be a yearly tradition for us. Fair Weather Acres did NOT disappoint. We spent two hours there and could've easily spent another two hours there too. Have you ever been?!

Looking for more Fall posts? Check out my favorite Connecticut Blogger Babes below! We've linked up for an October Blog Hop. Want to participate too? Add your link!

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