Pregnant, Again!

Just found out that I am pregnant again and find myself very overwhelmed. Zeus is traveling more than ever, the Olympia is continually being remodelled and I find parenting a challenge. The mood swing roller coaster of early pregnancy is running at full tilt. However, I do find my self wondering what inspiration incarnate will be born next? Putti or Cherub are also nice options. Just read a tiny article in some parenting 'zine that states children born to mothers that eat chocolate daily during pregnancy are, "smilier." Well, say no more I am completely on board with this program!

Make Play Doh and do it often!

I have discovered the secret to long bursts of quiet enjoyment with my little one - Make play doh - it is simple and can provide hours of play. I encourage you to make this salt dough with your little ones, let them help as much as possible measuring and pouring ingredients. Add food colors and enjoy color mixing and modeling with it. Get out your cookie cutters, rolling pins and play bakery! The possibilities for this dough are endless! One of the favorite attractions of this is the warm feeling when it is fresh out of pot.

Homemade Play Dough (aka Salt Dough)

1 cup Flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
food colors

1. Combine all ingredients, except food colors in a pot.
2. Cook over low to medium heat. Stirring for approximately 10 minutes, or until smooth
3. Remove from heat and add food color
4. Turn out onto table and start playing!

ps: this is not the salt dough that dries hard

Tot Spot

Children Need time to be creative without parental influence, just let your little ones enjjoy their time at the art table. DO NOT worry about the mess or keeping hands and clothes clean, comments about being neat go unheard or quash creativity. If you can't abide by a mess get out aprons, other cover ups, or designate specific clothes for messy activities. since I have a large collection of supples and space designated for art. I now offer classes for 2 to 5 year olds in my studio. Children and their grown up are free to work on their own or join in a guided activity aimed at developing fine motor skills, and creativity in very young artists.