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Pressed Flower Jar Lanterns
August 19, 2026 Leave a Comment
Turn empty glass bottles or jars into beautiful little lanterns! This simple craft is a fun way for kids to use pressed and dried flowers while creating a pretty decoration for their room or play space. Battery-operated tea lights make these lanterns a fun and kid-friendly alternative to candles.
The children in my care and I have been pressing flowers all summer using both a microwave kit and a real flower press.
See some of these other flower projects we have made: use real flowers as paint brushes; use cardboard rolls to paint flower stamps; pressed dried flower sun catchers; pressed flower clay ornaments and pendants; salt dough nature prints; “Planting a Rainbow” lesson plan; dried flowerValentine’s; pressed flower cards; tissue paper flowers; flowers made from paper plates; flowers made from cupcake liners; making flowers from Perler beads; and flowers made from coffee filters.
You Will Need:
Dish Liquid
Mason Jars or Glass Bottles
Pressed, Dried Flowers and Leaves
Mod Podge
Paint Brushes and Foam Brushes
Battery-Operated Tea Lights
What to Do:
1. Soak glass bottles and jars in a sink of warm soapy water and remove the labels. Make sure the bottles and jars are clean and completely dry.
2. Have the children arrange pressed flowers and leaves on the outside of the jars and bottles with a paint brush or sponge brush and tiny bit of Modge Podge.
3. Using a paintbrush, carefully brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the flowers and glass.
4. Let dry completely, then add another thin layer of Mod Podge to seal the flowers.
5. Once completely dry, turn on a battery-operated tea light and place inside the jar or bottle and enjoy!
Photo by Stephanie Felzenberg
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Watermelon Pops
August 14, 2026 Leave a Comment
Frozen watermelon pops are a simple and refreshing summer treat kids love! They’re naturally sweet, juicy, and extra fun to eat on a popsicle stick. This easy nanny and parent approved recipe is perfect for cooling down during a hot day of outdoor play. You Will Need: Watermelon Sharp Knife Cutting Board Popsicle Sticks Parchment […]
[Continue reading...]Nannies Deserve Paid Time Off, Overtime Pay, and Guaranteed Hours
August 10, 2026 Leave a Comment
Nannies message me weekly on Facebook complaining about job interviews in which parents don’t want to offer paid time off (PTO), overtime pay, or guaranteed hours. Here are some of the reasons I tell nannies to consider explaining to parent employers why they deserve PTO, overtime pay, and guaranteed hours. Career nannies have chosen childcare […]
[Continue reading...]Chocolate Dipped Cashews
August 7, 2026 Leave a Comment
Kids love when I drizzle or coat nuts with chocolate. While it feels like a dessert to the children, I get the peace of mind knowing cashews are packed with protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium. I recommend starting with raw cashews for best results and following this recipe from the Savory Simple web […]
[Continue reading...]Painted Flowers with Cardboard Roll Stamps
August 5, 2026 Leave a Comment
The children in my care adore flowers so I have been making flower themed activities and lesson plans all summer. See how I had them paint flowers with stamps made from cardboard rolls. It’s messy! Use craft mats and have paper towels close by! See other activities I have done with the children including: pressed […]
[Continue reading...]“Nanny in a Book” by Louise Heren
August 1, 2026 Leave a Comment
As a nanny, I love resources that combine practical advice with real-world experience, and “Nanny in a Book” delivers exactly that. Drawing on the trusted methods of the renowned Norland Nannies, Louise Heren offers straightforward guidance on everything from sleep routines and potty training to behavior, manners, and everyday childcare challenges. What makes “Nanny in […]
[Continue reading...]Baked Ziti with Sausage
July 31, 2026 Leave a Comment
Looking for an easy, kid-approved dinner that’s perfect for busy nanny days? This baked ziti is cheesy, comforting, simple to make, and even better as leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. It was always a favorite with the children in my care, and I hope it becomes one in yours too! You can always swap the ground […]
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