{Eric Carle Busy Bag Swap} Photo Gallery

Eric Carle Busy Bag Swap, a set on Flickr.

Eric Carle Animal Homes Flip Book {PreK Busy Bag}

This is a fun activity for your preschooler to do to learn about animal homes that goes along with Eric Carle's book, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? The animal names are printed on the top in the same color as the animal then down below is their home. You child will have fun flipping through the sections to mix and match the pages. Don't forget to laugh with them when the show you the will blue sheep that likes in the tree. Because they laugh, they know something isn't right and they think it's silly -- learning can be fun! :)

Eric Carle Puzzle Blocks {PreK Busy Bag}

These Eric Carle themed puzzle blocks are fun for your preschooler to play with --- my 4 year old was quietly entertained for at least 30 minutes yesterday! Simply purchase wooden blocks from the craft store and print animal photos onto sticker paper. (I used 1" cubes, but they had several sizes to choose from) Trim and apply to the sides of the blocks. For more of a challenge try a 9 block square or smaller blocks. :)

Next Week {Living the 5 Love Languages}

Each of us feels most loved when we have our most dominent needs met in one of 5 categories: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, or receiving gifts. When we are intentional to our spouses and our children's "love language" they feel more loved and our relationship with them flourishes!! Take a free quiz on their webpage to discover your love language!

Next week, I will focus on practical ways that we can better show love to our husbands in each of the 5 categories. And....also starting on Monday & JUST IN TIME for my series the 5 Love Languages website is hosting a challenge for couples! {5 Challenges. 5 Weeks. 1 Love Story} Perfect!! I have started a unique team just for us as we go along the journey together! To view a short promo video and to join the team {click here} -- team name: DirtDontHurt. You can also take the quiz and join the team via the free mobile app "The Five Love Languages" - they will send the weekly challenge specifically for your spouse's love language to your phone. :)

Finally, if you need a copy the Kindle edition of The Five Love Languages is on sale right now at amazon.com for $6.88 or click {here} to get a coupon to purchase the book from Family Christians Bookstores (in store or online) for only $5.00!

If you are a new reader this week, welcome to my blog & I hope you will join us on the journey!!

Heart Themed Number Matching Busy Bag

I made these for my son's Preschool class this Valentine's Day! I know the kids will love having something to play with when they get home, and the parents will be relieved its not more candy! I love this PreK busy bag because it covers a wide range of ages and skill levels. If your child is just learning colors you can igore the numbers and just match colors. If they are onto counting and number recognition, match the number on the clothes pin to the correct number of dots (colors match). If they are learning to read, have them match the number to the correct number word and then check if they are right by counting the dots on the back --- they match. FUN!! To make it more Valentine's Themed I punched the numbers out with a heart shaped punch.

~ HERE'S HOW TO DO IT ~

 

Supplies: (Make 15 Busy Bags/Valentine's)

2 sheets each of 5 colors of 8.5x11 cardstock - 10 sheets total for all 15 bags!!!

150 clothespins (10/bag)

Heart shaped paper punch

Hot glue

Marker

 

Instructions:

 

1. Cut out 2 inch squares from each of the colors to make 10 per child.

2. Punch out 10 hearts per child, write the numbers 1-10 on them and glue to the pinching tip of the clothes pin.

 

 

3. Write the words 'one' through 'ten' on the square cards. Then on the reverse, draw the corresponding number of dots. *NOTE: When I used a sharpie it bled through, so I would suggest raiding your child's washables. ;)

 

4. Place everything in a ziplock baggie along with your valentine or printed note.

 

Nuts & Bolts Valentine's

Here is a sugar-free alternative for your elementary school child to give to their classmates this year for Valentine's Day!! Enclose a bolt and some nuts with the alphabet written on them for a fun new way for the kids to practice their spelling words!! A set of 105 steel 1/4" nuts and 15 matching 2" bolts cost lest than $10 for me today at Lowes. That is less than $1 a piece for an activity that will last them for a long time.

 

Write 3-4 sets of the alphabet on the nuts using a permanent marker, then enclose in a snack sized ziplock bag and attach your valentine or cheesy printed message.

 

"I'm NUTS about you - have fun spelling!"

Monthly Blog Planner {Printable}

Here is a printable for all you bloggers out there --- month at a glance with room to make notes on weekly themes or series, posts, notes for guests or special events. Plus a monthly column for monthly notes - goals, to do lists, series ect. Enjoy! (Click on the image below to download your own FREE copy and start organizing your blog)

~Becca

 

Just a Dozen Muffin Mix

Here is the recipe for one portion of the muffin mix I feature in all of my muffin recipes. Use this muffin mix as the base for a multitude of muffin varieties. Click {here} to find this recipe in bulk to have on hand for quick and easy breakfasts!

Ingredients:
1 2/3 - 2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
dash nutmeg

Directions:
Combine dry ingredients listed above well. Add 1 cup water, 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 cup of your choice of mix-ins such as fruit, grains (oats or bran crereal), or candy pieces. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 350 degress for 18-25 minutes.

GIVEAWAY Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered the Giveaway last weekend!! I want you all to know that I am proud of you --- keep doin what you are doin'! Your kiddos will thank you (someday). You have the most important job in the whole world!! Alright, DRUMROLL PLEASE.....

Winners - the business owners will be in touch with you via email. :)

Lip Balm from {MOD Cares}

abby(dot)orchard(at)yahoo(dot)com



Bath Salts from {Bean & Buddy Creations}

rosalynrara(at)yahoo(dot)com



Body Oils from {Granny's Green Goo}

 sonshine1296(at)gmail(dot)com

Spa Party from {Lemongrass Spa with Cherie}

 sonshine1296(at)gmail(dot)com

Infinity Scarf from {Unique Crocheted Things}

 sonshine1296(at)gmail(dot)com

Dangle Earings from {Glued To My Crafts}

brandistrionfo(at)gmail(dot)com



{February} Busy Bag Details

Thank you to everyone who signed up for the Eric Carle themed busy bag swap this month!! We will meet at the Laramie County Library to exchange activities on Saturday, February 9th at 2pm. I am hoping to have the large meeting room on the second floor again - please watch the Facebook page for final details on the classroom. You will find the list of activities we have to look forward to below as well as the number of activity bags you will need to bring.

Also, please keep in mind that we will be collecting any additional bags you would like to bring to donate to Safe Harbor - a local organization that bring hope and healing to abused kids in Cheyenne.

Sign-ups for the {March Busy Bag Swap} will begin tomorrow.

{February Swap Details}

Baby Group (6 sets)
Rebecca H - Brown Bear Fabric Pull
Abby O - Color Squish Bag
Chanda S - "Little Cloud" Felt Board
Chanda S - "Busy Spider" Magnet Pages
Sarah S - Very Busy Spider Clank Can
Denisea A - Brown Bear Face Play

Toddler Group (9 sets)
Brittany N - Eric Carle I-Spy bags
Rebecca H - Brown Bear Animal Puzzle Cubes
Sherry S - Hungry Caterpillar Feed Me Can
Sherry S - Brown Bear Animal Matching Cards
Yana H - Ladybug Pom Poms
Sarah S - (Lonely Firefly) Puppets
Ashley K - (Ten Little Rubber Ducks) Counting Activity
Riley P - (Papa please get the moon for me) - Trace the Shape
Riley P - (Very Hungry Caterpillar) Pasta Caterpillars

Preschool Group (8 sets)
Rebecca H - Animal Homes Flip Book (Brown Bear, Brown Bear)
Karen S - Caterpillar Bead Spell-A-Word
Sharon H - Ladybug Clock
Mandi E - Color Matching Activity
Kylee H - Caterpillar Pattern Game
Yana H - Brown Bear Lacing Cards
Sarah S - Mathing Animals (Does a Kangaroo have a Mother)
Riley P - Popsicle Stick Book Cover Puzzles

{Valentine's Giveaway} Spa Party with Gift Package

Enter to win a Lemongrass Spa Party PLUS a Generous Gift Package compliments of Cherie with

 

"Let me bring the spa home to you and earn free products, free shipping and half priced bonus items.  Our hostesses earn anywhere from four to fourteen free or discounted items of their choice just by having four or more guests"

 

 

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER!!

Simply comment below with your favorite way to relax along with your email*
LOCAL ENTRIES ONLY PLEASE (Cheyenne, WY)

Lemongrass Spa is a national Home Party Plan company offering only the best in natural bath, body and skin care products as well as chemical-free mineral makeup.

Contact her via her webpage and facebook- and tell her DIRT DON'T HURT sent you!! :)

IMPORTANT GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Must include email to be considered a valid entry

Entries accepted from February 1-3

Winner will be chosen via random.org on February 4th

All enries may be contacted by the business owner via email

Product will be shipped/delivered by business owner

Dirt Don't Hurt is on Facebook

I have a new fan page on Facebook -- "Dirt Don't Hurt" -- please like me to receive links to the latest blog posts in your newsfeed!! :) I have some fun things planned for February, thanks for reading.

{Valentine's Giveaway} Bath Salts

Enter to win a jar of Bath Salts compliments of

 

Relax after a long day in a warm bath -- this bath salt it sure to help all your trouble melt away. Your gift will include your choice of scents.

 

 

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

Simply coment below with your favorite scent along with your email!

Amy specializes in handmade children's clothing and also body products such as the bath salts!

Contact her via facebook and tell her DIRT DON'T HURT sent you! :)

IMPORTANT GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Must include email to be considered a valid entry

Entries accepted from February 1-3

Winner will be chosen via random.org on February 4th

All enries may be contacted by the business owner via email

Product will be shipped/delivered by business owner

{Valentine's Giveaway} Pair of Body Oils

Enter to win a pair of Body Oils compliments of

 

"Great for most skin types, this light and smooth oil goes on nicely and will not leave you with a sticky feeling. Infused with herbs that will help heal and relax your muscles, and placed in a roll-top bottle for easy application, this Body Oil is perfect for a nice relaxing massage after a long day at work.  PLUS!  You can customize the scent to your liking!" 

 

 

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER!!

Simply comment below with your favorite scents along with your email*

Danielle specializes in herbal products for your entire family's health and wellness.

Contact her via email and/or facebook - and tell her DIRT DON'T HURT sent you!! :)

IMPORTANT GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Must include email to be considered a valid entry

Entries accepted from February 1-3

Winner will be chosen via random.org on February 4th

All enries may be contacted by the business owner via email

Product will be shipped/delivered by business owner

{Valentine's Giveaway} Lip Balm

Enter to win this amazing all natural Lip Balm compliments of

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER!!

Simply comment below with your biggest winter skin care complaint along with your email*

LOCAL ENTRIES ONLY PLEASE (Cheyenne, WY)

"We have developed a skin care line like no other. We knew that to be extraordinary, we couldn’t be ordinary! Our products are natural and serve not only our skin, but our mind and soul. Each product is loaded with healthy, skin saving antioxidants and vitamins. The ingredients that go into MOD products are active natural ingredients. To ensure th...e integrity and freshness of the product they are housed in amber glass and stored in a dark cool place. We take extra care in handling each element. To make certain the purity of the product, they are made to order and formulated in small portions."

Visit her website and/or facebook - and tell her DIRT DON'T HURT sent you!! :)

IMPORTANT GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Must include email to be considered a valid entry

Entries accepted from February 1-3

Winner will be chosen via random.org on February 4th

All enries may be contacted by the business owner via email

Product will be shipped/delivered by business owner

 

{Valentine's Giveaway}

Mom's work hard and this month I want to celebrate YOU! This weekend (February 1-3) you will have the chance to enter to win up to 5 items donated by other talented moms/business owners! Chose one or more & visit each link separately to enter using your email. Winners will be chosen via random.org and announced on Monday, February 4th!! Business owners will contact the winners to arrange delivery. Keep up the hard work Mamas & Good Luck!!

{Lip Balm by MOD Cares}

{Dangle Earrings by Glued to my Crafts}

{Bath Salts by Bean and Buddy Creations}

{Infinity Scarf by Unique Crocheted Things}

{Pair of Body Oils by Granny's Green Goo}

 

{Spa Party with Gift Package by Lemongrass Spa}