Mustache Pops

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This Valentine’s card idea from Highlights magazine was so adorable we just had to make it, not only for Travis’s classmates but a few extra for ourselves, too!

To start, find any mustache template online and print out. Mustaches range from very simple to the very curved and curly, and I would caution against the latter unless you really enjoy fine scissor work. We found a mustache with a nice country western vibe and I traced it onto sparkly sticky-back foam (available at craft stores), one for each member of Travis’s class.

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Cut out and then adhere the sticky side to a regular sheet of craft foam (we used red). I needed 2 large sheets to fit 18 mustaches total, 9 per sheet. Cut out around the mustache shape again, this time leaving some of the red visible as trim. Set aside.

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Meanwhile, cut rectangles from pink or red cardstock. I printed out the message “I mustache you to be my Valentine” on regular paper and then glued to the top of each piece of cardstock. If you have a printer that can handle thick cardstock, print directly onto it instead!

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Next, I poked a hole in the center of each mustache with a pin, and then inserted a lollipop stick. Fold the cardstock in half horizontally just slightly and make two snips with scissors near the bottom; this creates slits that the lollipop stick can slot through. Finally, have your child write in each recipient’s name and the mustache pops are ready to go!

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These were adorable on paper, but of course the best part was taking them off the cardstock to sport a lollipop ‘stache. Travis loved looking quizzical and grown-up in his.

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Little sister Veronika was skeptical at first…

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But one lick of watermelon lollilop made her a mustache convert!

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Leprechaun Lollipops and St. Patrick’s Day Fun

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We’re getting in the mood for all things green here in honor of St. Paddy’s Day. Confession: I have not a drop of Irish blood in me, but I’m obsessed with Ireland, so I love making this holiday special for Travis.

This year, we had so much fun with this lollipop idea from Parents magazine. First, insert lollipop sticks into kiwi slices.

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Place 1 bar of vegan white chocolate (such as Charm School Chocolate) in the microwave for about 30 seconds, until melted.

Dip each kiwi slice in the white chocolate, then press into a dish of green sprinkles.  Alternatively, try yellow (gold) sprinkles or rainbow color, which also fit with this holiday theme!

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Transfer to a plate lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 5 hours, or until set.

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While we enjoyed this Emerald Isle treat, we also did a little learning! Travis’s class has been working a lot on tracing letters at school, so we did a St. Patrick’s-themed word trace.

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Writing and spelling is so much fun with this St. Patrick’s Day Word Tracer worksheet! For more educational resources, visit Education.com!

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Travis was so proud of his ability to follow along, since the letters were smaller than his school worksheets. He loved discovering that this word spelled “luck!”

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Finish off the St Paddy’s snack with a video clip of Irish dancing or a quick rundown of Irish symbols like the shamrock or the pot of gold.

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