In this video, New York City mom and video producer Erin Phraner shares how to make DIY sensory dough that smells as good as it feels. This is the perfect Thanksgiving activity for kids, especially if your toddler is looking for a sensory play idea. You can make this DIY play-doh using ingredients you already have at home-it would be a great Thanksgiving craft project to put on the kids table. BONUS: 2 extra ideas at the end include an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe and a DIY place setting idea. DIY SENSORY PUMPKIN PIE DOUGH 2 cups flour 1 tsp salt 4 tsp cream of tartar 2 tbsp veg oil 2 cups water 1-3 tbsp cinnamon Orange food coloring 1. Stir all of the ingredients together in a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until thick. Scrape into a bowl; let cool slightly. 2. Add the cinnamon and knead until combined (this should be done by an adult until the cinnamon is incorporated to avoid accidental inhalation). 3. Divide the dough or make a second batch to dye orange with food coloring as the pumpkin pie filling. 4. Use pie plate, spices and other items to play an decorate your pumpkin pie play dough creations. For more cute and easy ideas, follow Erin on TikTok and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner https://www.tiktok.com/@erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares easy Halloween ideas for kids like Halloween treat recipes, Halloween crafts, even a Halloween sensory bin! Try one of these homemade spooky treats or easy DIYs with your little ones this month to get them excited about Oct 31st. Follow Erin for more fun & easy family ideas at @ErinPhraner on Instagram www.instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares four easy back-to-school tradition ideas that you can do with your kids starting their first day of preschool, first day of kindergarten and beyond! Finding easy back-to-school ideas can be overwhelming. These simple family traditions focus on spending time together and making memories with little effort and very few supplies, so they're affordable and fun! Did you have a back-to-school tradition in your house!?! What do you do with YOUR family?? 1. First Day Of School Picture T-Shirt: Pick a t-shirt in a size you think your little one will be when they're a senior-size up, everyone loves an oversized tee! Better big than small on this. Buy iron-on varsity letters to create their graduation year. Take a photo of your child wearing the t-shirt each year on the 1st day of school until they reach graduation :) 2. School Snack Taste Test: Grab a bunch of snack options from the grocery story and organize a family taste test. Create a score card and grading system. Let them be in charge! They can rank their favorites and get excited about what they'll be finding in their lunch box this year :) 3. Kindercone: These paper cones or Schultüte are a fun German tradition. Roll up a piece of poster board to create a cone. Attach tissue paper using double-sided tape and fill with school supplies; tie with a ribbon. 4. Alphabet Snack Mix: Buy as many letter and number shaped cookies, crackers, cereal, etc. from the grocery store and mix together into a mega Alpha-Numeral Snack Mix for the lunch box or after school snack.

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner attempts to complete a Toy Kitchen Makeover while her toddler naps. This is a no-paint project, making it easy enough to do indoors and on a time crunch. She gave the play kitchen of modern farmhouse makeover using paintable bead board wallpaper, a Montessori toy phone, Ikea accessories, stackable wood storage bins from Pillowfort by Target and other accessories. Follow Erin on Instagram for more ideas and family updates: https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares 5 super last-minute Valentine's Day ideas you can do with the kids-easy recipes, activities and homemade gifts ?? Which one would your littles love? Follow Erin for more ideas & behind-the-scenes on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares her trick for making sure your apple crisp doesn't have a watery filling. The secret? Ketchup! This Ketchup Crisp is a fun, unexpected dessert that is absolutely delicious-you'd never know there was ketchup in there. Talk about a recipe hack! KETCHUP CRISP For the filling?. 10 cups peeled & sliced apples (about 5 lbs) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup ketchup 1/4 cup lemon juice For the topping? 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup brown sugar 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) cold butter, cut into pieces 1 cup old-fashioned oats 1. Preheat the oven to 350?F. 2. Toss the apples, sugar, flour and cinnamon in a 9x13 baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup and lemon juice. Drizzle over the apples and toss again; set aside. 3. In a bowl, work the flour, granulated sugar, salt, brown sugar and butter between with your fingers until combined and in pieces. Add the oats and work between your fingers again to create your crumbs. 4. Sprinkle the crumbs over the apples and bake 45-60 minutes until bubbly and golden. (If your oven runs hot, like mine, and the crumbs brown too quickly?you can cover with foil about halfway through). Let cool slightly then serve with vanilla ice cream. Follow Erin for more fun recipes on Instagram instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner teaches you how to recycle a cardboard box into a DIY Doll Bed for kids! This is an easy upcycling project to do together, leave it plain to color & decorate as a family or cover with paint to match a nursery or kid's room. I made a DIY doll blanket, pillow and mattress if you feel like going all out! What other cardboard DIY projects would you like to see? Follow Erin on Instagram for more easy ideas & DIYs instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner teaches you how to make a crazy baked french toast recipe using a whole loaf of sliced bread! Crunchy on top, creamy custardy on the bottom...this is a great make-ahead breakfast for Christmas morning ??? FULL RECIPE BELOW . . . WHOLE-LOAF BAKED FRENCH TOAST For the toast? 6 large eggs 2 cups milk 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 teaspoon orange zest 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 loaf sliced bread Butter, for the pan For the topping? 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1 teaspoon orange zest 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of salt 8 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon melted butter 1.Make the toast: Mix the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon and salt until smooth. 2.Make sure your loaf of bread fits into your loaf pan, then butter the loaf pan & place the sliced bread inside. Pour the custard over the bread, pouring it over each slice to soak. Press down gently to help absorb. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. 3.Make the topping: Mix the brown sugar, flour, orange zest, cinnamon and salt with your hands until combined. Work the butter into the mixture with your hands until crumbly. Mix in the walnuts by hand, too. Refrigerate overnight. 4.Preheat the oven to 350?F. Unwrap the toast and brush the top with melted butter. Crumble the crumb topping on top and bake about 30 minutes until golden and set. Cover the top with foil if the crumbs brown too quickly. Slice with a wide spatula to serve. Follow Erin on Instagram for more easy recipe & holiday fun instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares 5 easy Christmas crafts that make great holiday activities for toddlers. Quick and fun DIY projects perfect for 2 to 3 year olds, some of which you could even turn into homemade gift ideas or DIY ornaments. Follow on Instagram from more easy ideas! https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shows you how to give your Christmas charcuterie board a total makeover with these 3D Christmas Charcuterie Trees! Learn how to build the base, select your cheese board additions and serve it to your family for an easy Christmas snack. QUICK RECIPES - Cut a cone-shape out of cherry or grape tomatoes using a pairing knife at a 45? angle. Fill with a soft garlic-herb cheese like Boursin. - Make your own marinated mozzarella balls - or Bocconcini - put the cheese in a bowl and top with garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes, olive oil and salt. Let sit a few hours or a few days, if you have time! - For a spicy twist on bacon-wrapped apricots, slice apricots in half so you can open them like a book. Stuff each with 1 thin slice jalapeno, wrap with bacon and bake at 350?F for 20 minute until crisp.

In this video, BuzzFeed producer shares 5 tips for making your 2nd pregnancy feel just as special as the first! These pregnancy tips and tricks are simple ideas for new moms to treat themselves - and their new baby - while also managing the regular mom routine. What did YOU find helpful during your 2nd (3rd, 4th, etc.) pregnancies? What would you recommend? Pregnancy Meme by Weng Chen @messycom https://www.instagram.com/messycow/ Follow along on Instagram for more updates on Erin & her family: https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner/

In this video, Buzzfeed producer Erin Phraner shares her crazy recipe hack for Tomato Soup Cake! No, it's not a joke. It's like the easiest carrot cake ever-no grating required. Would you try this?? TOMATO SOUP CAKE For the cake? 2 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1 (10.75oz) can tomato soup 2 large eggs 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup melted Crisco, cooled For the frosting? 1 stick (8 TBSP) butter, softened 1 block (8oz) cream cheese, softened 1 (16oz) box confectioners' sugar 1. Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350?F. Butter & flour 2 cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon & salt until combined. 3. Add the tomato soup, eggs, water and Crisco. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide batter among the prepared pans. 4. Bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean & the cakes spring back when pressed slightly. Let cool in the pans for 2 minutes, then turn out onto a cooler rack to cool completely. 5. Meanwhile, make the frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth & combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar (a scoop at a time) until incorporated. 6. Layer and frost the cake with your cream cheese frosting. Ask people if they can taste the tomato soup!! (I bet they won't be able to) xo

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares her favorite drugstore makeover all $10 & under. These budget makeup products are great for 30+ skin or anyone looking for an easy makeover. Her are her favorite products... 1. L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup $10 2. L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer $8 3. ColorStay? Crème Eye Shadow $7 (Chocolate) 4. NYX Slim Lip Liner Pencil $4 (Nude Beige) 5. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara $8 (Blackest Black - Waterproof) 6. COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush $4 (Classic Pink) 7. Revlon ColorBurst Matte Lip Balm $10 (Audacious)

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares last-minute Mother's Day gifts you can make with the kids. These easy kids crafts are great to mail to grandma or just a fun way to get creative with the family. Which one would your little ones enjoy making the most?

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares a recipe for Water Pie. Yes, it's as weird as it sounds but is it delicious... WATER PIE SERVES: 8 to 10 1 unbaked pie crust 1 cup water 3/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces 1. Preheat the oven to 400?F. 2. Into the pie crust pour 1 cup water. Mix the sugar and flour in a bowl; sprinkle over the water. Top with the vanilla and butter. 3. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375?F and bake 20-25 minutes more until bubbling and golden (cover crust with foil if needed). 4. Let cool 10 minutes then refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm Would you try this crazy pie recipe!?

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares 4 tutorials for how to sew a face mask with variations... - How To Sew a Kids' Face Mask - How To Sew a Face Mask with a Filter Pocket - How To Sew a Double-Thickness Face Mask - How To Sew a Basic Face Mask Check out her original tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enm0wg-Qb4c&t=238s And follow along in Instagram for live updates of her & her family sheltering in place in New York City: https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner/

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shows you how to sew a fabric face mask in minutes. Using fabric or upcycled clothing from your closet, you can make yourself, your loved ones or your community these DIY face masks in bulk. DIY FACE MASKS - 2 (6" x 9") rectangles fabric - 4 ties or strings - Sewing machine or needle & thread - Scissors - Pins or clips 1. Put 1 rectangle fabric, right-side up on a flat surface. 2. Put 1 tie in each corner with them going towards the middle of the rectangle (not off the sides); pin or clip in place. 3. Put the remaining rectangle of fabric, right-side down, on top and clip in place. 4. Sew around the rectangle leaving a gap so you can turn the mask right-side out. Trim the fabric in the corners if you'd like. 5. Turn the mask right-side out. Iron flat and fold up 2 pleats, overlapping about 1/4 inch; pin or clip in place. 6. Sew around the entire rectangle again & trim any threads-you're done! #masks4all #handmademask #laprotects #facemask

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner & her daughter Charlotte share how to make this entire caking using 1 yogurt container ??it's an easy way to bake with kids and you can make the simple recipe using any kind of yogurt cup-any flavor! This is the perfect snack cake for after school snack, afternoon coffee or brunch with friends. How would you top yours? Subscribe & check out more videos about easy recipes, parenting advice & more on Erin's channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUcd... And following Erin's mom journey living & working in New York City over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner/

In this video, BuzzFeed producer Erin Phraner shares the best gifts for moms with new babies. Forgot the baby shower staples, flowers or even cute baby clothes...these are easy gifts to make a new mom feel special, supported & seen. What would you add to the list? #newmom 1. Fancy Hand Sanitizer 2. Full Healthy Meal (that's easy to reheat) 3. Parenting Magazine Subscription 4. New Cozy Clothes 5. Skincare & All-In-One Makeup Stick 6. Nice Candle 7. Storage Basket If we aren't friends yet on Instagram, follow me @erinphraner https://www.instagram.com/erinphraner/

In this video, BuzzFeed producer & new mom Erin Phraner shares 4 easy smoothie recipes inspired by the combinations other moms swear by! There's something for everyone, whether you're dairy-free, vegan or nut-free. These make a great healthy snack or quick part of a toddler meal. Which one sounds best to you? THE SUNNY APPLE Blend a handful each banana (fresh or frozen) + chopped apple with 1/2 cup orange juice until smooth; add a scoop of ice if you're using fresh banana THE GREEN ELVIS Blend a handful each fresh banana + chopped frozen spinach + 1 TBSP peanut butter + 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt until smooth THE BLUEBERRY PIE Blend a big handful frozen wild blueberries + small handful banana + a scoop ground flax + 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk until smooth THE TROPICAL VINE Blend a handful each frozen pineapple + frozen mango + frozen chopped kale + sliced cucumber + celery + 1/2 cup pineapple juice until smooth; add more juice too thin it out if needed