Quick and easy picnic placemat tutorial

I love placemats. And table runners. I just do. I think they make every meal special, and they add just the right amount of color to a room! Since it's getting warmer out, my husband and I are planning on taking picnics to the archery range at our local state park. So, I decided to make a cute, thin, and easy-to-pack set of picnic placemats.

They do not take very much fabric (use leftovers!) and can be made in about an hour. You could use them on a table, too! But, they are just perfect for packing away. Keep reading below for more details and a photo tutorial.

Plants printables

My kinders and I recently started our unit on plants. The kids absolutely love it. Here are some highlights from our unit and some printables.

We learned about the four parts of the plant -- roots, stem, leaves, flower. We learned each part's "job" with this song. (Click on the picture for printable)

Next, we added food coloring to water and watched as our white carnations slowly changed colors. This was a great way to visualize how the stem works - bringing water up the plant.


It was beautiful and lasted all week. The kids ran to check them every morning! We left the first cup plain so we would have something to compare with.


Then, OF COURSE we planted some bean seeds. It was a simple, but extremely engaging activity for the kids. 


We will be watching our seeds...


... and keeping a journal of our observations (click the picture below for the printables).

This week (no pictures yet!), we will be doing a seed/plant match. I have 8 different packets of seeds for a variety of plants (pumpkins, sunflowers, bulbs, etc.) I kept the seed packets with the pictures on them. I am going to put the seeds in small, clear cups and challenge the kinders to try to match the seeds to the grown plant! I think they will be very surprised when they see the answers! Click the picture below for a printable.

Have fun!! :)

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pork -- AMAZING!

STOP what you are doing and make this! Seriously... it is THAT GOOD! I do not like leftovers (I know, I'm crazy), but my husband and I ate this for 5 days straight. Each meal, after the first bite, one of us would say, "Oh my god, this is so good." This recipe (from the wonderful, inspiring Pioneer Woman) will now be a staple in our house.

Plus... it's in the crock pot. I'm not saying it again - make this now! Keep reading below for a photo tutorial and more details.

DIY $2 Goodwill cake plate

I love cake plates. Even though it's just Tyson and me at home, I always put cookies, breads, and sweets on cake plates. It just looks special - plus it looks great when you have people over! I only have one, go-to glass cake plate. I've always wanted more, but they can be pretty pricey.

Well not any more! Meet the 4-step $2.00 cake plate! Yes, TWO DOLLARS!!! (Plus it's kind of funky and unique!)


Keep reading below for the steps and a photo tutorial. (Thanks for the inspiration Elm Street Life!)

Easy raggedy flannel blanket

I love flannel. It's soft, affordable, and versatile. Everytime I go to Joann Fabric, I come home with an armful of patterned and solid flannel. I'm always looking for new ways to use flannel - and I love this blanket! It's perfect for a baby shower gift or for a special little girl/boy in your life. AND it's sooooo soft (and easy!)

Keep reading below for all the details and a photo tutorial. (Thanks for the inspiration Oly Momma!)

A change in direction

So, I have not been using this blog as I intended -- for journaling about teaching. :) To be honest, life has just been too busy, and with all of my hobbies -- this got put on the back burner.
  
So, I have decided to take my blog in a "new direction." I will still be including tidbits from teaching, but I am really excited to share many of my other loves in life -- cooking, baking, sewing, and crafting. I always think to myself... "I should post this [project/recipe/failure] on my blog!"... but I never do. So, I'm starting tonight! :) 
  
Stay tuned for a variety of posts here on KinderCorner!