FAMILY FUN

Fun Ways to Celebrate Easter

By Jennifer Halter

April is here and along with warmer temperatures and other springtime adventures you may be having with your family, we are also celebrating Easter! Whether you are more traditional or if it’s all about the fluffy bunny, here are a few ways to have some fun this month!

Marshmallow Peeps Playdough Whether you are a fan of this favorite holiday goodie or if you’d rather pass, here’s a fun way to use marshmallow Peeps in a way you may not expect … as playdough! Step 1 Combine all ingredients in a bowl and microwave on high for approximately 30 seconds. Be sure to watch while heating. Once the peeps expand, they are ready for step 2!

Step 2 Remove the bowl from the microwave and gently stir the mixture. Mixture will be hot, so be sure to watch little hands! They may get excited and want to grab before it’s safe.

You will need: • 5 peeps for each color of dough you would like to make • 3 Tbsp of corn starch (have extra on hand in case mixture is a bit too sticky) • 1-2 tsp of coconut oil • Food coloring (optional) Step 3 This step is optional. Add additional food coloring if you would like a brighter and more vibrant color for your dough.

703-670-7884 “Leak Detection Specialist”

Roofing • Repairs • Vinyl Siding Seamless Gutter Systems • Gutter Guards Replacement Windows • Skylight • Attic Fan

Guaranteed Quality Work Since 1985 3 Top Rated by Washington Consumers’ Checkbook

Licensed – Bonded – Insured E-mail: sales@FurrRoofing.com

BECOME AN OCCOQUANWOODBRIDGE-LORTON VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TODAY! Contact us today for volunteer opportunities for all skill sets.

703-675-9933 www.OWLVFD.com

Step 4 Once the mixture is cooled enough to be safely handled, remove from the bowl and knead it until it becomes a dough-like consistency. If the dough is too sticky, add additional cornstarch as needed.

Your dough is now ready to use. You can add more fun to your play time by using holiday-shaped cookie cutters or allowing children to create their own dough masterpieces using items such as gems, beads or googly eyes.

Natural Egg Dye Want to try a new way to color your eggs other than store-bought dye kits? Try using natural ingredients such as fruits, veggies and spices! Keep in mind that using these methods to color your eggs will take a bit more time and the colors may not be as bold and uniform. For best results, you may need to allow your eggs to soak in the dye for up to 24 hours.

To make purple dye: Add 1 pint of smashed blueberries to 2 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding your eggs.

To make pink dye: Add 1 chopped beet to 2 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Remove any beet pieces that may not have cooked down during boiling. Add the eggs.

To make blue dye: Add half a head of a large red cabbage to 2 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Remove any cabbage pieces before adding the eggs.

To make gold dye: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of turmeric to 2 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and add the eggs. The turmeric can also create a speckled effect on the eggs and can be added to any of the colors for a fun look!

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of turmeric and 2 large carrots that have been grated to 2 cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and add the eggs.

You can also blend two or more of these natural dyes to create different looks.

Non-Candy Basket Fillers Chocolate bunnies and jellybeans are great, but if you want to bypass the sugar overload this Easter, here are some ideas for non-candy treats you can include in your child’s basket! • For toddlers – bath toys, chunky crayons, playdough, bubbles, board books, snack crackers or their favorite cereal, puzzles, washable paint • For school-age children – stickers, coloring books, sand toys, balls, jump rope, seeds and tiny pots for spring planting, pens/pencils, sidewalk chalk • For tweens/teens – flip flops, lip balm, sunglasses, markers, journals, hair accessories, body wash, socks, bath bombs, playing cards

Have a wonderful holiday, no matter how you choose to celebrate!

Jennifer Halter is publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas.

l

l

l

l

l

WeeklyTastingsevery Friday& Saturdaynight from 5:00-9:00pm MonthlyWine Club Wine Bar Bistro Menu Great Selectionof World Class Wine

4394 KevinWalkerDrive | Montclair, VA, 22025 703-583-WINE (9463) | www.winestyles.net/montclair

Custom Events

703-330-2729 www.okras.com 9110 Center St. | Manassas, VA Private room available for rehearsal dinners, lunch meetings, birthday celebrations, retirement receptions. Many menu options available. Celebrate your next event with us!

ATTENTION WEDDING PROFESSIONALS:

Women’s Wedding Network is the premier network for wedding industry business owners and professionals in the D.C. metro area, where you’ll leave well-fed, well-connected and wellenergized!

Join us on the second Wednesday of every month. Visit womensweddingnetwork.com for complete details.