Homemade

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pink quadruple bubble wand dipped in blue dish

My preschool class last year did a study on bubbles – all the things we could use to make wands (wire / chenille stems, funnels, straws, our own hands!!), painting using straws, bubble wands, and circular shaped objects; and testing out different formulas. Two key finds: the addition of glycerine makes them stronger / longer-lasting, and soaking it overnight makes them easier to form.

We experimented with different ratios of soap to water and found that too much soap weighs them down, but not enough will cause them to pop immediately (even with the secret ingredient).

My first encounter with the true magic of bubbles started when my oldest child was a toddler and I bought some bubble bath that came with a wand. Cute for the kids, but the real gem is that blowing bubbles is relaxing! It forces you to be conscious of your breathing rate and power. Perfect meditation tool for parents at the end of the night. This particular soap included lavender scent, which helps it feel especially soothing. Babo babies bubble bath is the one we are using now, so yummy and so bubbly! (This affiliate link goes to the shampoo / body wash, but just search bubble bath on the site.)

Okay, here is my ideal homemade bubble recipe:

Combine 1/4 c. dish soap (Seventh Generation citrus, lavender, or mint / eucalyptus scents are wonderful) + 2c water + 2 tsp glycerine; stir gently. Let sit overnight for optimum results. Delight in the wonder of this simple pleasure!

Play dough is one of the most powerful tools in my arsenal. Any time I really need to get something done (phone calls, computer work, a ten minute nap), I can trust that play dough will be there for me.

As long as I can clear a surface to squish on, there are an infinite number of interactive materials that can get thrown into the mix with this glorious substance. Not all recipes are created equal. I’ve ended up with some sticky (usually fixable by adding more flour and salt), some crumbly (add more water and oil). This recipe is just right. It has reliably turned out perfectly smooth, lasts seriously forever in a container, takes color beautifully, and just has a great satisfying squeeze factor.


While I kept to simple nests and eggs, Q designed an elaborate playground – we’ll have to include some structural components next time; the swing and slide ended up a bit droopy.