Resourceful Girl

For kids, Valentine’s Day is still innocent and cute. Instead of buying the bag of candy attached to cardboard for school, why not take this opportunity to keep you kids occupied for the afternoon with craft time. Of course Martha is the expert here and that’s exactly where these gems were found.

For Class:Sweet Spot Hearts

For Mom: Folding Envelope Hearts

For Dad: Thumbtack Valentine Frames

More ideas at MarthaStewart.com
Top photo by WoodleyWonderWorks

Let them eat dirt! Well, not exactly. These are so tasty and since they’re also very simple, it’s a great way to occupy kids for a while. If you’re really ambitious you can use little sand pales or plant pots instead of cups. The best part: you can make a reduced fat or sugar free version. Use fat free or sugar free pudding and cool whip and buy reduced fat or sugar free cookies.

This recipe is for 1 batch or either Sand Cups or Dirt Cups
1 package of prepared pudding (Vanilla or Banana / Chocolate or Fudge)
1 package of cookies finely crushed (Vanilla Wafers / Oreos)
1 8oz package of Cool Whip defrosted
Decorations for Sand Cups: Umbrellas, blue sprinkles and Swedish Fish
Decorations for Dirt Cups: Gummy worms and gummy frogs

1. Mix the pudding with Cool Whip and then stir in half of the crushed cookies.
2. Fill cups 3/4 full with pudding mixture.
3. Top with remaining crushed cookies and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Decorate before serving.

Someone needs to send a thank you letter to Bakerella for this one. These are very easy to make, will occupy kids for an afternoon, and taste delicious. Maybe a thank you fruit basket is in order….

Chocolate Cups
* Melt some semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate or confectionery coating. Let it cool slightly before using. It doesn’t need to be super hot.
* Spoon a small amount on a wax-paper-covered baking sheet.
* Then take one of your prepared balloons and dip it in the chocolate. Dip it in enough so the chocolate makes a bowl shape around the balloon.
* Remove from the chocolate and place the balloon gently on top of the chocolate waiting on the baking sheet.
* You can place the tray of balloon bowls in the refrigerator to speed up the drying time.
* When the chocolate’s cool, pop the balloons with a pin.

Whipped Cream
* Chill a metal bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes (to help whip the cream faster).
* Combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
* Beat on medium-low using a mixer until the cream starts to thicken. Then increase speed to medium-high and beat until firm peaks form.

Kids will never have a problem eating fruit when it’s shaped like Star Wars characters. These were made with my favorite cookie cutters, but any shape will do. We also found a few other cute ideas to serve watermelon – you could sub another fruit if desired.

Watermelon Hearts – Found via CrackedOut

Watermelon On A Stick – Found via PoolsAndPearls

Melon Balls — Found via Imgfave