Printable and Homemade Valentines

Disney Family Fun magazine has done it again - they have my favorite Valentine's Day crafts of the year!  This year they even share Printable Valentine's Day Jokes and Printable Valentine's Day Cards.  These are great for your child's class.  You could also use them as lunch box notes for your kids leading up to Valentine's Day.  Family Fun also has cute crafts that I plan to use for my kids' classroom celebrations this year.  My top favorites are:

• Valentine Pencil Toppers
• The Write Card
• You Rule!

Share these crafts with those you love this Valentine's Day or any time you want to spread the love.  For more Valentine's Day Crafts visit my post from last year:  Valentine's Day Crafts and Homemade Cards.  Happy Valentine's Day! 

 

Quick Tip: Cleaning Counter Tops

If you cook, have kids or a messy husband, this is a good trick to know.  When toothpaste dries on your bathroom counter top it can sometimes seem you may need a jack-hammer to get it off.  Same goes for dried spaghetti sauce on your kitchen counter or even the floor.  Try this easy trick to help get your dried goo cleaned up:

1. Wet a paper towel or washcloth with warm/hot water.  Ring out most but not all of the water.
2. Let the paper towel sit on the dried goo for 5-10 minutes.
3. Use the same paper towel to easily clean up that stubborn goo.  No harsh chemicals needed!

Snowflake Crafts

A great way to celebrate the winter season is to do snowflake crafts.  It's a great way to pass the time with your family when it's cold outside.  Here are some great craft ideas I found that I plan to do with my kids.

• Glittery Window Clings
• Winter Scissor Skills Project
• Q-Tip Snowflakes
• Coffee Filter Snowflakes
• Sparkling Ice Crystals 

Stay warm, have fun and get creative!

Super Simple Chili

A new favorite in my house this winter is chili!  I like to use the McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix.  I base my chili recipe on the McCormick recipe but I add a few things.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. McCormick® Chili Seasoning Mix
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 can (14 ½ oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 to 16 oz.) kidney beans, undrained
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 2 c. cooked rice
• shredded cheese

Directions

1. Brown beef in medium pot on medium-high heat.
2. Stir in McCormick Seasoning Mix, diced tomatoes sauce and kidney beans. Bring to boil; cover. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve over rice and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

*Sometimes I serve the chili as a soup and let the kids scoop it up with Ritz crackers or add Goldfish crackers.  They like to have a part in making their dinner.