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    Powdered Sugar Zeppoles

    April 11, 2014 By Vicky 1 Comment

    Powdered Sugar Zeppoles

    This post was sponsored by New York Life. Every family has traditions and life lessons that get passed on from one generation to the next. I am from Italian descent, and as you might imagine many of the lessons and traditions that I remember are somehow associated with food. Recipes and the stories surrounding them […]

    Didgeridoo Craft for Kids

    April 9, 2014 By Vicky 4 Comments

    Didgeridoo Craft for Kids

    Last year my twins had the pleasure of attending a Galileo camp. There are over 40 Galileo camps in the Bay Area of California for kids in Pre-K through 8th grade. What makes Galileo camps so unique is the fact that they nurture young innovators through art, science and outdoor activities. Kids are encouraged to […]

    Oatmeal Playdough Recipe

    April 7, 2014 By Vicky 8 Comments

    Oatmeal Playdough Recipe

    There are lots of great playdough recipes around. Cooked, uncooked, edible, scented. You name it, and there is a playdough recipe. This oatmeal playdough recipe is certainly nothing new, but I was inspired to make some with the kids when I noticed that I had a lot of oatmeal that would be expiring soon. I […]

    Make Your Own Comic Book - Free Printable Comic

    March 21, 2014 By Vicky 4 Comments

    Make Your Own Comic Book

    We recently had a blast writing and illustrating our own comic books . Want to do the same? Read on to see how you can Make Your Own Comic Book Free Printable Comic. Find out how to get a comic book template with our free printables and worksheets. I'd like to thank Big G for […]

    Preschool Easter Learning Game

    March 19, 2014 By Vicky 1 Comment

    Preschool Easter Learning Game

    I have been getting into the Easter spirit lately (mostly with candy) and I had a fun idea for a simple Preschool Easter Learning Game using paint chips I got from the home improvement center. This game took a few minutes to put together but offers a number of ways for kids to practice reading […]

    Fine Motor Straw Necklace

    March 17, 2014 By Vicky 2 Comments

    Fine Motor Straw Necklace

    Have I mentioned that I love using straws for activities for fine motor skills? Don't believe me? We have made straw art, a color drop game using straws, and a sensory rainbow with straws. We recently had fun making a Fine Motor Straw Necklace.  Stringing the straws on the string helps with fine motor practice […]

    Making a Sensory Rainbow with Straws

    March 12, 2014 By Vicky Leave a Comment

    Making a Sensory Rainbow with Straws

    Sensory activities for preschoolers like this one are a great blend of art, play, and learning. Kids use simple materials, like colored straws and shaving cream, to create a unique sensory rainbow. Making a Sensory Rainbow with Straws helps their fine motor skills, color recognition, and sensory exploration. I used these straws in a St. Patrick's […]

    St. Patrick's Day Activity with Straws

    March 5, 2014 By Vicky 1 Comment

    St. Patrick's Day Activity with Straws

    Are you looking for spring activities for kids? I had a fun idea to try this St Patrick's Day Activity with Straws, and I think the results are so eye-catching. Even more importantly, the kids had fun in the process and had their own take on creating straw art for the holiday. Don't miss our 20 St. […]

    Shape Sorting for Toddlers

    March 3, 2014 By Vicky 7 Comments

    Shape Sorting for Toddlers

    This post on shape sorting for toddlers is from the wonderful Hayley at Minne Mama. For more fun shape activities check out Contact Paper Shape Art. One of the things I love about Mess for Less is how budget friendly the activities are! I am always trying to create meaningful learning experiences for my 20-month-old son using […]

    Mac and Cheese Muffins

    February 21, 2014 By Vicky 2 Comments

    Mac and Cheese Muffins

    If you have kids, macaroni and cheese is probably a staple. I know it is at our place. My kids can be picky eaters and macaroni and cheese is something they never balk at. But lets get real, it can get pretty boring, so I wanted to make my basic family friendly recipe a little […]

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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I’m Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, sharing easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I create meals that bring people together and kid-friendly learning activities inspired by my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education.
    About me

    Spring

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      Spring Bingo
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      No Bake Twinkies Cake for Spring

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