We're a little obsessed with any ornament kids can make here at Happily Ever Mom. Honestly, it's because you can treasure kid-made ornaments for years to come (long after the kids have grown up and moved away, too {{sigh}}). My daughter and I loved working on these dragonfly ornaments and it was so simple and easy to make. And, dragonflies mean a lot in our family because I always think of my continue reading...
{Snowflake Bracelets} Toilet Paper Roll Craft
There's nothing more exciting than an easy toilet paper roll craft. Why? Because we ALWAYS have empty paper rolls lying around the house, so they're an easy craft material to grab. Paper tubes are not only great for making adorable binoculars and ornaments, but you can recycle them when you're done crafting. And, we love that here at Happily Ever Mom! But, my guess is that you won't be continue reading...
Jingle Bell Painting
Have you heard of jingle bell painting? It's what we've named this fun process art activity that we do every winter. But, I have to admit that when I was in the classroom, I always dreaded pulling out the copious amounts of Jingle Bells that we had stashed in our winter box. There was something about seventeen children shaking bells and singing at the top of their lungs that started to continue reading...
{Chalkboard} Busy Board for Toddlers
I've wanted to make a busy board for a long time. We finally decided to make the best toddler gift ever for my nephew with a little twist. If you're new to Happily Ever Mom, you may not know that we love photos. My camera is my third child and I always include photos in any activity when I can. So, when my husband thought of adding a door to our busy board for our nephew to open and to continue reading...
A Letter To Parents Feeling Judged
There are times when I literally feel eyes on me. Sometimes, I'm not sure why people are watching me with my children. Maybe it's my gift for balancing my toddler on my hip while I load groceries in the car AND hold my four-year-old's hand. Or, maybe it's because they are remembering a time when their children were little. Regardless, I've realized that being a mom isn't just about the continue reading...
Preschool Science: Oil & Water on the Light Table
If you're new to Happily Ever Mom, you may not know that I'm obsessed with preschool science activities. It all started when I was evaluating my classroom and ranking our science area - and, we failed. Well, not exactly, but preschool science wasn't my strength at the time, so we had our lowest scores in that area. I kept telling myself, "I did terrible in my science classes; what can I set continue reading...
Citrus Sugar Scrub Recipe
I have been looking for an easy sugar scrub recipe. When I was growing up, I remember a store opening at my local mall and it was filled with these smelly scrubs and adorable gifts for kids. I splurged and bought this incredible brown sugar scrub. I had that sugar scrub for over a decade and barely used it! You know those gifts that you get, but you couldn't possibly use because they're continue reading...
10+ {Save-the-Day} Diaper Bag Stash
Do you have a diaper bag stash that you can't live without? My favorite stashes are always something caffeinated...but, that's another story. Honestly, my diaper bag stash has saved me when I've flown in airplanes with my kids or when I'm too far away from the house to run home and grab something. That's why I'm thrilled to partner with Poise (a Happily Ever Mom sponsor) because they remind continue reading...
Safe Cleaning Products for Kids
Are you looking for cleaning products that are safe for kids to use? I spent years in the classroom trying to keep kids away from cleaning products because we had to use bleach solutions and other cleaning products that weren't safe for kids. But, I always wanted to get kids involved in cleaning (because they wanted to help!), so I'd let them "help" with sponges and water before I went in with continue reading...
The BEST gift for kids who live in a small space
We've had to really think about the best gift for kids who live in a small space. Our family and friends have asked us what the best gifts are since we don't have much space where we live and my answer has changed over the years. But, with two kids in a small home, I can truly attest to the one toy that has been amazing in our small space for BOTH of my children.... So, what is it that continue reading...