Playdough is one of the delights of childhood. Even if getting it off the carpets is somewhat less than delightful for adults, it’s something that we tolerate because it’s a great way for children to develop their skills in building things with their hands. Playdough is a special pleasure for those who learn through touch and movement. How do you make playdough? There are a few different recipes, each with different instructions and ingredients. No Cook Playdough is the easiest playdough to make. It contains 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, 1 tablespoon cream of tartar, 1/2 a … Continue reading →

All right, here it is: we’re making Christmas crafts. Yes, really. And it’s not because I am insanely organized. Far from it. It’s because I know that Christmas will come and we will not be organized, December will fly, and there we will be, with no Christmas presents to give to special teachers and other relatives. As I’ve mentioned before, my daughter and I are rapid-fire crafters. We don’t like to spend a lot of time creating crafts with intricate details – let’s just say that no one will be getting fancy lacework for Christmas, as least not made from … Continue reading →

Since I was sixteen years old – and that was a while ago – I have been baking Christmas cookies for our extended family and friends. I bake hundreds of cookies and they all go into the freezer in early December, ready to be parcelled out in cookie baskets. This is the time of year when I begin saving for and planning the great excursion to the grocery store to pick up cookie supplies. I also make a list of families who will receive baskets this year, so if you’re not on it yet, now’s your chance! The last four … Continue reading →