Pirate Week!

Welcome to Pirate Week! This week we'll share some fun activities and inspiration for all your little Pirates including a fun giveaway! But first your pirate must be outfitted in proper attire which includes a hook.

You may have seen this DIY hook before - it's super easy. Just cut a hole or slit in a plastic cup, form a hook from some tin foil and slip in the hole. I was informed that pirates did NOT have blue hook bases so we covered our cup with black duct tape.

However, everyone knows that a good pirate doesn't just have a hook.

A pirate can't eat sushi without chop sticks ;)

And a pirate can't draw a treasure map with a fork

And apparently a cookie needs to be eaten with a spoon

This is a fun way to incorporate activities for a party or an at home pirate day. Give them different inserts to complete different tasks. You could even use this for doing chores - cleaning the countertops is so much more fun with a sponge hand than without.

Spring / Easter Inspiration!

Some of you are starting Spring Break or getting ready to and some are gearing up for Easter. It's about time for a little inspiration round up! There are some awesome ideas from last year HERE / HERE / HERE

Peep jousting deserves a mention all it's own. It's a must in our house this time of year

I love the homemade "baskets" and shirts from Mer Mag last year

How cute is this printable egg delivery truck from Mr. Printables?!

Decorating eggs with Sharpies is a great idea! from Mom.Me

Here's a fun egg toss game from A Mom with a Lesson Plan

Get messy with cracked egg painting! From Growing a Jeweled Rose

Maybe instead of purchasing a basket this year - you could have your kids make theirs - out of LEGO bricks! from Logan Makes a Mess

Fan Fort

I saw a similar idea last summer using plastic sheeting. My problem with that is you'd die in there in 10 minutes in the desert in the summer (oven anyone?!) so I've been wanting to try it with something a little more breathable.

 We don't have a small box fan just a tall skinny one. Instead of waiting for the perfect materials I decided to make it work with what we have. After all you all are going to be working with whatever you have at your house which isn't all the same!

I used a duvet cover since it's already secured on 3 sides but if you don't have one just secure 2 flat sheets together (you can duct tape or sew the ends together) I used duct tape to secure the open end around a fan and left an opening for the boys. You'll need to have a way to secure the opening once they're in. Binder clips, clamps, or clothespins are great for this - especially if they can do it from the inside!

That's it! A cool, breathable fan fort! The boys loved it right away.

Then this happened. And they loved it even more.

There is a dog and a kid in there somewhere.

Next week is Spring Break - wish me luck! ;)

St Patrick's Day Inspiration

St Patrick's Day is on Sunday and whether you do anything special or not - here are some fun ideas to add to your "I'm bored bank".

Fiskars made up some props for a St Patrick's themed photo booths. My boys love set up photos

Sassy girls shares how to make ShamROCK glowing glitter jars

Love this green pepper shamrock stamp from Family Fresh Meals

A Mickey themed St Patrick's day printable from Spoonful

A rainbow rice treasure box at Modern Parents Messy Kids

And I love seeing all the fun leprechaun traps!

from How Does She

from Tips N Tidbits

from Lovely Lovely Things

Do you do anything special for St. Patrick's Day?

See last year's inspiration HERE

Utility Belt

I know all of you love the idea of a utility belt because I got lots of emails about the toddler belt/car holder we posted about a while ago.

This is a similar idea but with a few new twists! Behind the Hedgerow made a utility belt for holding all the necessities.

You can get instructions from Behind the Hedgerow

Cardboard Flyer

I think they boys have found their new favorite flyer! We came across this cardboard flyer from Flyerguy on Instructables. It's easy (which we love) and flies really, really well. I know it's a good one when they have to show Dad.

You can download the template from Instructables

Cut out and tape the template to some cardboard and cut again.

The launcher is a bobby pin and a rubberband

The boys launched it best by holding the rubberband  - this helps support that little finger too. The cardboard does wear out a bit after a while.

It flies far and fast. It's actually pretty accurate too! SO fun! Thanks Flyerguy for a fun flyer!

CLEAN DOUGH

I've been seeing a "clean mud" tutorial making it's rounds again but it involves shaving 3 bars of soap. I prefer less work and prep for a fun activity where the longevity is unknown ;)

"Clean" dough is SO simple - baking soda and water. Pour some baking soda onto a tray or in a bowl.

Then pour in water little by little

Mix until you get a consistency you like

That's it!

Minifigs optional

If they start to lose interest add in a squirt bottle of vinegar for fizzy fun! The best part is that clean up is super easy! Have fun!

Spider Web Game from Making Boys Men

I love this simple game from Making Boys Men. A game that could be fun for many ages!

A fun game for those that may be stuck inside! For the simple instructions visit Making Boys Men!