Homemade Liquid Water Color Paint for Kids

I don't know about all of you, but we tend to go through our markers really fast. Either they dry out from all the coloring or lids get left off. Usually they get thrown in the trash, but here is a way to recycle and reuse them for a fun new craft! 

My boys have been really into painting lately, so this was perfect free craft to do with them. There are also a couple different ways you can use the paints. 

DIY Car Seat Cooler with FREE Pattern

I am not sure what we would do in the Arizona summers without the kid's car seat coolers! There would probably be a lot more whining and complaining when we got into the car. Instead they ooh and ahh over their nice cold car seats! I used to sell the pattern for these in my Etsy Shop, but I decided to post it here to share with all of you! It takes just a few supplies, basic sewing skills, and a sewing machine.

DIY Water Bombs

Hudson has been asking to play with water all winter long and this week it is in the 90's, so I finally said yes! I looked on Pinterest for some ideas and decided we would make some water bombs. I found a tutorial HERE from House of Hepworths. These are really easy to make and the boys enjoyed helping.

Supplies:
-Basic sponges, in a variety of colors
-Small elastic hair ties
-Scissors

Step 1: cut all the sponges into fouths, lengthwise.
Step 2: Stack the sponges into 2 rows of 4. Hudson liked choosing the colors and creating patterns.
Step 3: Wrap the 2 rows with a small elastic hair tie or you could tie it tight at the center with fishing line.
*You will use 2 sponges to create 1 water bomb.

Water Bomb Game Ideas:

-Create a target with chalk on pavement and toss water bombs.
-Line up different size buckets worth different points and toss bombs into buckets. Keep score.
-Water bomb toss
-Water bomb tag

Granola with Coconut, Pistachios, and Cranberries

I saw a recipe for Toasted Muesli in my Whole Living magazine and was excited to try it. However, I was unable to find the millet that it called for when I was at the store, so I improvised. You can find the original recipe here. I left out the millet and added wheat germ, flax seed, chia seed, and cinnamon. This makes a great healthy breakfast or snack. Eat is plain or serve with yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit.
I was originally unsure the difference between Muesli and Granola, however I believe that most muesli is not sweetened with honey and toasted. So I am just going to call mine granola...

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 1/3 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup flax seed
• 1/4 cup chia seed
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl toss together the oats, coconut, pistachios, wheat germ, and seeds. Then is a small saucepan over medium high heat whisk together honey, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Pour over the granola mixture and toss to coat. Spread the granola onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. I tossed my granola halfway through baking. Remove from the oven and let cool. Toss in the dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.

This is a great basic recipe that can be altered to create new granola recipes. You could replace the pistachios with any other kind of nut or even chocolate.