No Bake Chocolate Mint CookiesThis is a very simple way to get your fix of those crispy, chocolatey, minty cookies. I had seen a similar recipe and they used Andes baking chips. I had never heard of them. But sure enough, there they were at Target!
Bathtub Finger PaintsThis is a very inexpensive way to let your kids have some extra fun in the bath. I found the recipe over 10 years ago and I make it all the time for my kids. They love it. This also makes a nice gift for friends with kids.
Chocolate-Covered CaramallowsI saw this recipe and had to try it! My favorite candies are caramel and marshmallow and these did not disappoint. I was a little nervous about making the caramel in the microwave. I have my old stand-by that involves stirring the mixture constantly for a full hour! But, these turned out delicious, and it was so much easier to make. They were gone so quickly, I am ashamed to admit.
S'mores BarsI've been making this recipe for years and years. It's my go-to recipe for gatherings, PTA meetings, etc. I bring it when it's still warm and gooey. It's fun to watch people's eyes roll back when they taste these. They aren't difficult to make. Well worth any effort, though!
Soft Silky Play DoughThis dough is amazing. It is made with conditioner and corn starch. The texture is very soft and silky. It's perfect for younger kids because it is so easy to work with. Just keep an eye on them, to make sure they don't try to eat it. The dough feels wonderful.
Frozen Yogurt DiscsThis is a super simple recipe. The kids can even help you make them. My kids can't wait for the discs to freeze. It's one of their favorite frozen treats.
Chocolate Covered CherriesThis is a super easy way to make chocolate covered cherries. The kids had so much fun helping me with this recipe. I've tried a few recipes and this one is a keeper!
Chocolate Banana BreadThis is a quick, easy recipe, and it also happens to be so delicious! What else can I say?
Mosaic Bug Bowling BallsI received a few old bowling balls from a friend and wanted to make something cute. Paint did not last. I decided that tile would be a lot sturdier and hold up to the elements. I love watching kids walking down the street and getting excited to see the Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friend the ladybug.
Crispy Peanut Butter BarsThis recipe is supposed to taste like Butterfinger candy bars. It's very close but a little softer than the candy. They are delicious. Everyone loved them. There are only 4 ingredients to this candy. Super quick and easy!
Hot Chocolate on a StickWhile perusing Pinterest, I kept coming across "Hot Chocolate on a Stick". I had never heard of such a thing. But, I am so glad I found it. It makes a delicious cup of hot chocolate. We are really enjoying these. They would make a nice gift for someone... if they make it out of the house!
Never Fail Pie CrustA friend shared this recipe with me years ago. The ingredients sounded so strange to me, but I gave it a try. I am so glad I did. It is so flaky and delicious. It is very versatile. I use it for pie crusts, quiches, hand-held chicken pot pies, etc.
Skillet BreadFound this recipe and it reminded me of the bread that we used to have at Macaroni Grill 10 years ago. It's a very simple bread but with the rosemary on top, it's something special!
Pocket Hand WarmersI saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was such a nice way to have a little warmth on those days you have to go out in the cold. You can make a pair very quickly. I just made basic squares. But, I've seen hearts, owls, ladybugs, you name it. These would make a nice gift for those in cold climates.
Making Watercolor Paints with Dried Up...Instead of throwing away all those dried up markers, you can create paint for the kiddos, or yourself, with them. Separate the colors - reds, blues, greens, etc. Put each group of colors in a small jar with water.
Hershey's Kiss RosesThese are a pretty and delicious present for someone. They are easy to make once you get the hang of it. You can put a bunch of them in a ceramic pot as a gift. Or tie a few together and put on top of a gift. Or just hand someone a single rose and brighten their day.
Easy Candy Jar GiftsThis is a very easy and very inexpensive gift. My mom used to make jars like this for friends, making a padded fabric lid. The idea for these came to me when my sister-in-law was talking about her love of Dots candy.
Baked Chicken ChimichangasI adapted this recipe from an old Cooking Light recipe. I love it but made a few changes. It's my go-to recipe. It's a great recipe for using up left over chicken. My whole family will eat it, too!
Decoupaged Light Switch PlateRecently on Pinterest, I saw the most darling switch plate cover, covered in glitter. So, I pulled out my favorite wrapping paper and went to town with the modge podge. In my kid's room, I used a copy of a Dr. Seuss book and covered the plates with those.
Basket for Bathtub ToysThe toys in our bathtub were a constant irritation to me. I saw this idea on Pinterest and it's genius! All you need is a shower curtain rod, shower curtain rings and a basket or two.
Decoupage Photos Onto Wood LetterI've seen a few examples of this project on Pinterest and couldn't wait to make one of my own. It's a real statement piece, but it doesn't cost a lot to make. You can use black and white pictures or pictures in color, depending on your preference.
Huichol Style Yarn or Thread PaintingsI came across this idea while trying to find art projects to teach at my daughter's school. This looked amazing. I don't think I could do this with 100 kids at once, but my kids loved it! It took us about half an hour and it was fun to see what they came up with.