These Winter Writing Prompts can be used by children of all ages, with young children drawing a picture while older ones write short stories or a longer, multiple page story.

Check out the list of materials that we use with these printables.

Winter Writing Prompts

In this printable pack, there are so many different winter themed topics to choose from.

Here are just a few of the thirty that you will find in this printable:

• Winter is exciting because…
• Write a story about a snowstorm that brings a town together in a surprising way.
• Describe the perfect day playing in the snow.
• Write about a winter carnival where all the games and rides are made of ice and snow.
• Create a recipe for the ultimate winter treat.
• Image you are in charge of decorating the biggest Christmas tree in the world. How would you decorate it?
• If the power went out during winter, write about how you would stay warm.
• If I were a snowflake, I would…
• What activities do you like to do during winter?

These fun winter themed writing prompts are sure to engage your children and get their creative juices flowing.

These thirty winter prompts are great for morning work, early finishers, creative writing practice, art practice, creative thinking, homework and so much more!

Looking for a fun garden themed activity for children. Then, check out these printable Garden Activity Mats.

 

Activity Mats

As a parent, you will already have worked out that it is hard to get young kids to sit and wait for any period of time. While waiting for a meal at a restaurant, travelling or sitting at appointments, kids find it difficult unless they have something to occupy them. One way to keep the kids entertained in these situations is with fun activity mats.

 

One of the best things about printable placemats is that they are reusable. They can be printed multiple times on white cardstock for children to complete or they can be laminated if desired. All you need are these mats and a pencil case containing a few pencils and they are ready to go.

 

The activities included on these mats are also great for helping children build their math and literacy skills. Also, when completing the activities on these printable mats, they will be working on their fine motor skills and pencil control.

 

Children will enjoy working on these mats, getting creative and learning during times when they are needing to be kept occupied.

 

Garden Activity Mats

These fun printable activity placemats is perfect for kids and adults alike. These no-prep garden themed worksheets are fun for learning and playing in multiple settings.

Simply print out the mats, grab some colouring supplies and you’re ready to start colouring right away!

There are a variety of activities included on these pages:

• Word Scramble
• How many?
• Mazes
• Tic-Tac-Toe
• Odd one out
• Connect the Dots
• Colouring
• Shadow Matching
• Line Tracing
• Dots & Boxes
• Complete the picture

 

More Garden Resources

Using Printable Activity Mats

These printable activity mats can be used:

• On the go 
• For younger children while helping older children with their homeschooling
• At appointments 
• Outside at the park, during a nature walk or in the backyard
• As part of a morning basket
• During quiet time
• While waiting for food to arrive at a restaurant
• For a brain break at school or for those who finish their work early
• Anywhere else you can think of!

To grab this pack, sign up below:

 

 

There are so many different varieties of basil, each with their own unique colour and flavour. The most common variety here in Australia is Sweet Basil. It has a lovely sweet aromatic flavour. Not matter what variety you grow, get the most of the basil season with these fun and delicious fresh basil recipes!

Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs for gardening and cooking. And, growing basil is easy if you know how to meet its needs. Once you know its light, moisture, and soil requirements, you’ll be on your way to a bountiful harvest.

If your basil does do well in the garden, you may be looking at several large plants wondering what to do with all of that basil. You are not alone. This is a common issue for all gardeners. Once you know how to harvest, preserve and use basil, then you can use it fresh in these delicious recipes!

 

Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)

Image Credit: addictedtodates

This pesto rosso (also known as sun-dried tomato pesto) is the most delicious sauce! It’s so good in pasta, on pizza or as a spread for a piece of crusty bread. This versatile sauce is made with a handful of simple ingredients in about 15 minutes.

While sun-dried tomato pesto is typically made with parmesan cheese, this recipe is completely vegan, full of fresh herbs, and incredibly delicious.

Get the full recipe from Addicted to Dates

 

Quick and Easy Pistachio Pesto (Dairy Free)

Image Credit: addictedtodates

This quick and easy pistachio pesto is nutty, herby, and zesty with a kick of spicy garlic. Made with real, simple ingredients, in just 5 minutes. Incredibly versatile – so good slathered on crusty bread or as a base for basil pesto pasta!

With a tonne of fresh herbs, it’s a great way to use up fresh basil from the garden. Perfect for pastries, pasta, and pizza – this stuff is so good you’ll want to spread it on EVERYTHING.

Get the full recipe from Addicted to Dates

Gardening Related Posts

Homemade Basil Pesto

Image Credit: simplelivingcreativelearning

This homemade basil pesto is not only a great way to use up all your freshly grown basil, is it a great accompaniment to many roast dishes and also makes a big bowl of pasta taste amazing when it is stirred through!

Freshly made basil pesto also can be used as a sauce for meat or fish, spread on sandwiches, drizzled over a roast chicken or spread on garlic bread or a pizza base.

Get the full recipe from Simple Living. Creative Learning

 

Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta Recipe

 

Image Credit: cupofzest

This Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta Recipe is a refreshing appetizer that fits in at any summer party!  Made with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic glaze, the colorful mixture is completely irresistible when topped on toasted bread.

Get the full recipe from Cup of Zest

 

Keto Tomato Basil Roll Ups

Image Credit: howtothisandthat

These Keto Tomato Basil Roll Ups are a low-carb, high-protein snack perfect for busy days or party platters! Savory dinner rolls swirling with tomatoes, basil, and cream cheese, they’re a quick and easy no-bake treat.

These keto tomato basil roll ups are a perfect “bread” addition to your keto dinner and you are going to be glad you tried them!

Get the full recipe from How to This and That

 

Tomato Basil Sauce

Image Credit: thissillygirlskitchen

Done in under 30 minutes this Tomato Basil Sauce is a tasty and fresh recipe to serve over pasta, in lasagna or any other dish that you desire.

This is the perfect solution for those nights that you want something quick but tasty for dinner. It tastes super fresh and goes great with any of your favorite pasta dishes that you want to use it in.

Get the full recipe from This Silly Girl’s Kitchen

 

Puff Pastry Pizza

Image Credit: cheneetoday

Easy puff pastry pizza — Margherita, mushroom, vegetarian or any toppings you choose! Or make puff pastry pizza bites! You can make this puff pastry pizza tart in 30 minutes!

It can take the form of a cookie, a pie crust, a braided pastry, and now a delicious pizza! And not just any pizza — this pizza has a buttery, flaky, irresistible crust that stands up to your toppings!

Get the full recipe from Chenee Today

 

Cucumber Basil Gimlet

Image Credit: thelittlestcrumb

This cucumber basil gimlet is a simple and refreshing cocktail recipe. Made with homemade basil simple syrup from fresh basil leaves.

This cucumber gin gimlet is made with the classic ingredients, but uses a flavored basil simple syrup instead of regular simple syrup for a unique twist.

Get the full recipe from The Littlest Crumb

 

Peach Basil Mojito

Image Credit: thelittlestcrumb

This Peach Basil Mojito is a tasty end of summer rum cocktail. It is made with a homemade simple syrup infused with fresh basil leaves and ripe peaches. Classic mojitos made with white rum, sugar, lime juice and club soda are always delicious.

This is the perfect cocktail to enjoy at the end of August, sitting outside on a patio. It is also a great recipe to use up ripe peaches and excess basil leaves from your herb garden.

Get the full recipe The Littlest Crumb

 

Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Image Credit: delicioustable

Everyone loves cheese appetizers, and there is nothing easier than Marinated Mozzarella Balls! You can toss these together quickly with a simple marinade, fresh herbs, and seasonings, to go on a gorgeous charcuterie board or antipasto platter for a large crowd.

Add some crackers, crusty bread, and drinks to get the party going. This recipe is simple. Just good flavors and nothing extra to toss out.

Get the full recipe from Delicious Table

 

Balsamic Tomato Basil Salad

Image Credit: theforkedspoon

Made with garden-fresh tomatoes, spicy red onions, delicious sweet basil, and an easy three ingredient balsamic dressing, this Tomato Basil Salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Enjoy this gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb Tomato Basil Salad as a light lunch or delicious side to all your favorite main courses.

Get the full recipe from The Forked Spoon

 

Chicken Caprese

Image Credit: cheerfulcook

Chicken Caprese is the perfect combination of simple, fresh ingredients that deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts, creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze make this dish a standout.

It’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress without stress.

Get the full recipe from the Cheerful Cook

 

Caprese Stuffed Avocado

Image Credit: xoxobella

This Caprese stuffed avocado combines creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese and basil for a fresh, flavorful and fast no-cook dish.
It’s the perfect no-cook option for warm weather meals, light lunches or easy appetizers, for anyone who loves those simple Caprese salad flavors. With bold flavor and vibrant presentation, this dish proves that healthy eating can be simple, fast and full of character.

Get the full recipe from Xoxo Bella

 

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe 

Image Credit:  theslowroasteditalian

This tomato basil soup recipe makes a filling, comforting, creamy soup from scratch. Make this Applebee’s copycat recipe in only 30 minutes!

This homemade soup tastes even better than the restaurant version, and is the perfect comfort food for cold winter months. Full of fresh basil, herbs, and a hint of garlic, it’s sure to be devoured by kids and adults alike.

Get the full recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian
 

Caprese Pasta Salad

Image Credit: crayonsandcravings

Caprese pasta salad is a quick and easy summer recipe made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for potlucks, picnics, cookouts, or lunch.

This Caprese Pasta Salad is my go-to for warm-weather lunches, BBQs, and potlucks. It’s fast, simple, and always gets compliments.

Get the full recipe from Crayons and Cravings

 

Caprese Pasta

Image Credit: dinneratthezoo

This caprese pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil is the perfect speedy dinner – only a handful of ingredients and ready in 15 minutes!

This pasta has all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad – fresh mozzarella, olive oil, basil and tomatoes, with a little garlic for extra zing. When you make this, be sure to let the noodles cool for a few minutes before you add the mozzarella.

Get the full recipe from Dinner at the Zoo

Making homemade soap can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be. At the moment, I am choosing the easy route, using goat’s milk melt and pour soap base or glycerin soap base. With one of these bases, all you need to do is add a few more ingredients, pour into your mould and wait for it to set. These lovely, cleansing and exfoliating Lemon Poppyseed Soap Bars are so easy to make – perfect for the beginner to try.

Lemon Poppyseed Soap

Not only is it a great soap to use in the shower, but it also makes a great soap for use in the kitchen. The lemon scent helps to remove the aroma of onions and garlic during dinner prepping.

I really love the gentle exfoliation the poppyseed give while you wash with this freshly lemon scented soap. The goat’s milk base – if you use it – is very nourishing for your skin as well.

Soap Bar Supplies

To make six bars of this soap using the smaller soap mould, you will need:

Lemon Poppyseed Soap Bars Instructions

To make these soap bars, I have purchased separate utensils that I use just for soap making, as I didn’t want to use the ones that I use everyday when making our meals.

Cut up the soap base into small chunks, about 1 inch or 2.5cm cubes.

Place the chunks into a large glass microwavable jug.

Microwave on high, in 30 second increments, stirring well after each session until fully melted. Don’t overheat as it will cause the soap base to start bubbling up.

Once all the lumps are melted, add the colorant and zest, if using. Mix through well.

Add the essential oil and stir well.

Add the poppyseeds and mix well.

Place your soap moulds on a flat, even surface where they can stay, untouched for the next few hours.

Pour your soap into the mould. 

I let my soap sit for around 6 hours, allowing it to harden up before popping it out of the mould. With a silicon mould, the soap should pop out easily, once set.

Lemon Soap Tips

• To make the top of the soap bars free from bubbles, you can spray with rubbing alcohol straight after pouring the mixture into the moulds. This will help the bubbles disperse.
• With the smaller mould, you should make 6 bars, while with the larger moulds, you will only make around 3 bars.
• For those in Australia, I purchase my soap supplies from Aussie Soap Supplies in Western Australia.
• Citrus oils can cause photosensitivity, so I do not recommend exposing the skin to direct sunlight after topical application of these essential oils. However, essential oils in the soap bars are found in small, appropriate amounts that will not cause any photo-toxic harm.

The above lemon poppyseed soap was made with Goats Milk Soap Base  while the soap bars below are made with glycerin soap base.

More Soap Bar Recipes

More Self Care Products

DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE.

Learn more about nine different creatures that suck blood with these Bloodsuckers Printables. 

Materials Needed

Bloodsuckers Printables

 This 100+ page printable pack contains a variety of activities including:

• Alphabet Cards – Cut out, laminate and use to match the lower case letters to the uppercase ones. Can also be used to spell words.
• Trace the Letters – Improve handwriting skills while learning to spell.
• 3 Part Cards – Can be used to match the words to the picture or in games such as memory. These cards can also be used together with the alphabet cards, using the alphabet cards to spell out the words.
• I Spy – Count the Objects – Count the objects.
• Counting Puzzles – Cut out, laminate and use the numbers to place the puzzles back together.

• Counting Cards – Cut out, laminate and use a peg or paperclip to clip or place a pom pom or candy onto the correct answer.
• Addition Cards – Cut out, laminate and use a peg or paperclip to clip or place a pom pom or candy onto the correct answer.
• Subtraction Cards – Cut out, laminate and use a peg or paperclip to clip or place a pom pom or candy onto the correct answer.
• Size Sequencing Cards – Cut out, laminate and place in order from largest to smallest or vice versa.
• Coloring Activity – Color in the object using the color listed below.
• Do-A-Dot Letter Activity – Using a dot marker or bingo marker, dot out all of the correct letters.
• Dice / Graphing Activity – Cut out the dice and glue together. Roll the dice and graph each object the dice lands on.
• Size Sequencing Cards – Great for practicing order from largest to smallest or the other way round.
• What I Know/ Want to Learn about Bloodsuckers – Write what you want to know and then research the bloodsucking creatures and write the answers to your questions.
• Writing Pages – Research the different bloodsucking creatures and write our what you find.

• Emergent Reader about Bloodsuckers – Print out this book and have children read it to you. As they read, they will learn about nine different bloodsucking creatures.

Other Life Cycle Printables

For all the cards and puzzles activities, I prefer to print them out on white card stock and laminate them for durability and repetitive use.

To grab your Bloodsuckers Printable Pack, sign up below:

Colour Version of the Printables

BW Version of the Printables

This easy to make Pumpkin Slime is a great activity for young children during pumpkin season. With only four ingredients, it can be whipped up easily and quickly, giving children a great activity to enjoy for the rest of the day.

Check out the list of materials that we use with this activity.

Pumpkin Slime

To make this gorgeous slime, you will need only four ingredients:

• 1 x 6oz bottle Elmer’s Clear Glue
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup warm water, as needed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Liquid Starch, as needed
• Pumpkin Glitter

To make this slime, first pour the clear glue into a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to stir in 1/4 cup warm water.

Add 1/4 cup Liquid Starch and stir well for 2 minutes.

Test the slime and add more water if too stiff, more Liquid Starch if too sticky.

Continue stirring until the slime forms into a ball, then knead for 2 minutes, adding more water or liquid starch, as needed.

Once the slime is stretchy and no longer sticky, knead in the glitter.

Note: Our glitter dyed the slime orange, but if yours doesn’t you can add a few drops orange food dye to achieve an orange color.

Slime is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge when not in use.

More Slime Recipes

This homemade dog paw balm is great for moisturising your dog’s dry and cracked pads on their feet.

Dog Paw Balm

Just like the cold, winter weather can cause our skin to become dry, so can the paws of our dogs. 

This non-toxic, all natural paw balm helps keep your furry friends’ paws in tip top condition, moisturising the pads of their paws, and helping to heal any cracks that may appear.

When using this balm as a preventative, apply a couple of times a week to their paws. Though, if they are cracked and need some extra care for healing, this balm can be applied once or twice a day.

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits. 

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

• Avocado Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Argan Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Hemp Oil
• Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Ingredients for Making Dog Paw Balm

To make 2 ounces of this balm, you will need:

TIP – When using beeswax in your products, just note that it does harden very quickly as it cools. This means that it can be quite difficult to remove from the dishes and cutlery that is used. For this reason, I have dedicated bowls and cutlery that is only used for making homemade products, especially ones that contain beeswax.

Making Dog Paw Balm

Add the shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil and beeswax to a microwavable safe jug and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst. This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Let it cool slightly before adding the essential oil if using and mix through.

A small amount of vitamin E oil can be added if you desire.

Stir to combine and then pour into your tins.

Leave overnight to set.

 

More Dog Resources

Storing Dog Paw Balm

Store in a cool, dry place for up to one year.

DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE.

These Decimal Cards are a hands-on approach for learning tenths, hundredths and thousandths.

Check out the list of materials that we use with these printables.

Decimal Cards

These decimal cards are easy to prepare.

• Just print out on white cardstock. 
• Cut out the porcupines by cutting on the black lines.
• Laminate for durability.
• Cut out the square acorn boxes along the black lines.
• Laminate for durability.

More Resources

Using these Cards 

• Place the porcupines in a line.
• Pick up an acorn card and read the number and look at the number that is underlined or count the blocks.
• Match on and under the correct porcupine.

There are no answers, but you could write the answers on the back of the cards eg. write tenths etc on the bottom left hand side of the correct acorn cards, to make them self checking if you wish. There are also no black or white copies, though you could print this pack in grayscale.

To grab the decimal cards, click on the link below:

 

This lovely and easy to make homemade healing calendula soap is a great way to reap the benefits of the calendula plant.

Calendula 

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold is a beautiful and easy to grow skin-beneficial plant that can be used to make healing salves, skin creams, and soap. When used in soap, these flowers retain a lot of their yellow colour, which not a lot of other flowers do.

Parts of this bushy, annual herb has traditionally be used to heal rough, or damaged skin. In this recipe, the flower petals of this plant are used. 

I used dried calendula petals as they can be added, or scattered on top without introducing any moisture to the soap bars which could create issues with preservation, causing the soap to go moldy or rancid. Learn more about how to grow, harvest and dry calendula here.

Ingredients for Making Calendula Soap

To make this soap, you will need:

Making Calendula Soap

Cut the soap base into cubes that are around 1 inch in size.

Place into a microwave safe measuring cup. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, remove and stir, then heat for additional 30 second increments, until fully melted, stirring well between each heating session.

If using, add mica powder and stir well until colour is fully combined.

Add the infused oil or essential oil, and stir.

Add calendula petals, reserving a bit for the top of the soap. Stir to combine.

Pour soap base into soap mold.

Sprinkle remaining calendula petals on the top, pushing them into the soap.

Allow soap to set overnight.

Remove soap from mold and cut into 1 inch bars.

More Soap Recipes

Storing Calendula Soap 

When set, remove soap from the moulds and store in an airtight container.

DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE.

This simple homemade honey lip scrub is great for moisturising the lips while providing a gentle exfoliation.

 

Exfoliating Honey Lip Scrub

A lip scrub is a wonderful way to exfoliate the dead skin off your lips. This natural scrub can be easily made in a matter of minutes and is not meant to be used more than once a week.

Just make sure not to exfoliate too hard, as you can damage your lips, leaving them raw and red.

As always, remember to follow this exfoliation with hydration, using a good lip balm or ointment after rinsing off the scrub. This will help your lips stay soft.

It also makes a fabulous homemade gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day or for that special friends birthday.

 

Ingredients for Making Honey Lip Scrub

To make around 2 to 4 ounces of this scrub, you will need:

• 1 TBSP Honey – I love using Manuka Honey
• 1 TBSP White Sugar (you could also use brown sugar if you wish)
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil ( or another carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed)

Making Honey Lip Scrub

In a small bowl, mix the honey and the sugar together until they are well combined.

Add in the coconut oil (or other carrier oil) and mix until the mixture forms a paste.

Add the mixture to your jars, and screw on lid.

Store in the fridge for one to two weeks. As there are no preservatives, what you don’t use will need to be thrown out and another mixture will need to be made.

To Use

Scoop out a small, pea size amount of the scrub and very gently massage it over your lips while leaning over a sink. Rinse off thoroughly.

Hydrate lips with a good lip balm or ointment.

More Homemade Products

DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE.