But, winter is upon us. It is bitter cold, there is snow on the ground, and my kids are BORED inside these four walls. There is only so much TV to be watched and toys that Santa brought lost their newness.

So, what’s a girl to do with her kids during these long winter days? I’m honestly just as bored as they are. I went in search this morning and found some awesome things to help keep us all warm, busy, and sane.

• Make Ice cube paint with:

  • Popsicle sticks

  • Water

  • Ice cube trays

  • Food coloring or powdered tempera paint

• Buy a bag of craft feathers (they’re CHEAP) , put on some music, and let them blow a few around the room while they dance.

• Make forts!!!

• Let older kids stomp on balloons and pop them.

• Make a windowsill garden. If you have a nice window in your kitchen you can try planting some fresh herbs to have on hand.

• Try to find a refrigerator box (if you have space) and let your child decorate it with markers and stickers so that they can have a clubhouse.

• Let your kids play with shaving cream- it makes a huge mess but it’s a ton of fun.

• If you’re REALLY brave, and have an air popcorn popper, spread a huge sheet on the floor, take the top off of the popper, get the kids to back up so they won’t be burned, and watch the popcorn fly all over the place!

• When all else fails, throw a movie in, pop some popcorn (on the stove with a clear lid so the kids can watch it, and grab some blankets.