SUMMER FUN

It’s about this time in the summer—smack in the middle of it—when things started to melt down when my kids were younger. They were tired of the little activities I’d planned. The Parks & Rec classes were over. It was too hot to go outside. They were bored. I was tired of the television on all the time.

In memory of the good old days, I’m posting two recipes that are sure to entertain even the most bored, the most hot, most grouchy kid. I recommend both of these recipes as family activities. There’s just nothing better than playing play dough or flarp with your kids on a hot summer day.

FLARP

What is this stuff? It’s a gooey wad of fun.

8oz. white glue (like Elmers)

1C. water

1C. warm water

1 ½ tsp borax powder

Tempura paint.

Pour glue into a large bowl. Add the water and blend. Add paint and mix well. Set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the Borax and the warm water until the Borax is dissolved. Then, slowly pour it into the glue mixture, stirring continually for 2 minutes.

Kneed with hands until smooth and stretchy.

NOTE: Make sure you’re not doing this over the carpet or with your best china. Who would do that, right?

PLAY DOUGH

1C. flour

½ C. salt

2 tsp. cream of tarter

1 TBSP vegetable oil

1C water

Thoroughly mix all ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a ball.

If you want colored play dough, add a few drops of food coloring into it while it’s liquid.

Cool and store in a zip bag or Tupperware-type container—NOT—cool and play with it for several hours while making snakes, cubes, snow men, bowls, pancakes, elephants etc.