parenting Archives - Our Tiny Nest

2 In DIY/ kids

How to make a DIY Mud Kitchen

This mud kitchen has been in the making since the beginning of summer and I’m so excited it’s finally complete! (If you’ve been following along on my Instagram Stories then you know what I mean). When I think back on childhood, I have so many memories of making mudpies and little creations outside in the dirt. I wanted to create those same memories and experiences for the boys but keep the mess contained. A mud kitchen seemed like the perfect idea but rather than buy one (which costs easily over $100), decided we could make one of our own.

Using an old desk, some stuff we had around in the garage and a few details from the dollar store, I’m showing you how to make your own DIY mud kitchen.

DIY mud kitchen

You will need:

old desk
paint stripper
sandpaper 80grit/150grit/220grit – linking this pack on Amazon here
orbital sander
any exterior stain
tupperware containers (we got from the Dollar Store)
jig saw
6 2x4s
S hooks – get them on Amazon here

1.) The first thing we did was we picked up a used desk that someone was giving away on the side of the road.

2.) We brought it home, first removed the hardware and then applied paint stripper as I wanted to take the original black paint off.

3.) Once the paint stripper is completely dry, we sanded the piece using an orbital sander and 60 grit/150grit/220 grit paper.

4.) Using some extra 2×4’s we had laying around the garage Rick built a hanging rack for the back. We added some S hooks for the kids to hang their spoons, buckets and kitchen utensils.

5.) Next we stained using exterior stain.

6.) I got a few containers from the Dollar Store to act as like a sink and bowls. Trace the containers where you want them and then using a jig saw, cut out the spots for the containers.

Then you can add some fun details like measuring spoons, buckets, pails, etc. We put it back by their sandbox so it’s all in one spot.

It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job and the kids have fun! They like to pick various leaves and flowers and fill buckets of water to make “soup”.

For more sensory play ideas check out my edible sensory dough

And this homemade bubbles solution

Also be sure to check out my Earth Day Seed Bombs

I hope you found this post inspiring! Feel free to pin on Pinterest for later. Happy creating!

August 2, 2021 By Nicolle

7 In family/ kids

15 things to do with your kids while you’re social distancing

This post contains affiliate links

No doubt we’re experiencing some strange and uncertain times with the COVID-19 pandemic. Families are now spending alot of time together and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep your kids entertained while you’re social distancing.

Here’s a list of 15 things to do with your kids while you’re social distancing:

Make photo albums – this is a great opportunity to go through all the photos on your phone and actually make a photo album. I like to use the Motif Photo App and do it right from your phone or Shutterfly.
Have a “yes” day – I saw this idea awhile ago from Jennifer Garner. It’s one day where no matter what the kids ask, the answer is “yes”, within reason obviously. Ice cream for breakfast? Yes. Staying up late? Yes. Wear their pajamas all day and don’t have to brush their teeth? Yes.
Take your kids to the zoo – the virtual zoo that is. The Cincinnati Zoo will be live streaming some of their animals and exhibits on Facebook Live every week day at 3pm. Click here to head to their facebook page.
Camp-out in the living room – Get out all your blankets and pillows and make teepees in the living room. Even better if you have a fireplace and can have an actual fire. Tell ghost stories, play games and make s’mores!
Put on a performance – have your kids put together a dance recital or play complete with costumes.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt in the yard or at the park – find something soft, something yellow, something wet, etc.
Pretend to travel to another country – Have the kids pick a country and then make that day all about their culture. For example, if they choose France. Make macaroons, and build the Eiffel Tower out of legos or magna tiles. If they choose Ireland, play some Celtic music, watch RiverDance and bake Irish soda bread. It will give the kids a feeling of being somewhere else.
Pizza contest – everyone makes a specialty pizza and try one of each and see who’s was the best.
Make sensory dough – This is one of my favorite recipes to make your own play dough. It smells yummy and is completely edible!
Write letters – write some letters or cards and send them to a local nursing home or arrange to do penpals with some of their friends.
Go for a family bike ride – Head to the park or bike path and go for a nice family bike ride.
Have a backwards day – wear your clothes backwards, they have to walk backwards, you get the point
Do some spring cleaning – write down some things that you need to be cleaned or tidied up around the house that the kids can do. Put them in a hat and have each child pick one thing. Then set a timer for 15 minutes, play some loud music and they have to get it done in that time
Make shirts – make some crazy shirts with tie-dye or puffy paint
Have a Disney day – Watch movies on Disney Plus, play Disney games. You can even go on Youtube and virtually experience the rides.