This idea of clean living is a new one to grasp for me. I mean, I like my Windex. And I like the things that I am used to buying at the store. Let’s call it brand comfort, if you will – wink! However, as someone who does deal with ailments and health issues directly related to ingredients as well as kids with more sensitive stomachs along with the rising amount of research and information coming to light, adopting a cleaner lifestyle is something that I have felt called to. A growing passion as I continue doing my own research and learning more and more. With that, I wanted to share an easy and clean recipe for homemade playdough for the kids!

Trust me, I totally get it. It can be quite a time consuming as well as financially taxing job to completely overhaul one’s entire life and make the switch to clean living. To remove every chemically ridden product or item for a cleaner alternative. However, we have decided to tackle areas that we can right away. Luckily, now living in Nashville abundant with farm to table restaurants and having easy access to farmer’s market has been a huge blessing in regards to the food we bring into our home. As for other things, it’s taking the time to make it from scratch or doing something “old-fashioned” that may seem daunting, but if I am being honest, I have found it comforting. Feeling more and more self-reliant is a wonderful thing this day in age and everything we face.

One of these old-fashioned approaches we have taken on is making our own playdough. This recipe is so easy that my eleven-year-old daughter makes batches of it in different colors. This has been so nice to have on hand for Brooks as I juggle him and homeschooling the kids each day – it definitely keeps him entertained for a bit.

So let’s start with what you will need:

• a pot
• a mixing utensil
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salt
• 4 tsp. cream of tartar
• 2 cups luke warm water
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• food coloring of your choice
• something to store it in (container or Ziploc bag)

First step: Combine all dry ingredients in the pot (flour, salt and cream of tartar)

Second step: Then add all of your wet ingredients (water and vegetable oil)

Third step: Mix together and then add your choice of food coloring

Fourth step: Stir completely and then place on stove over medium heat.

You will want to stir consistently until the mixture has thickened into a ball. Make sure not to remove from heat prematurely because then your dough will be sticky.

Place the mixture into your container or bag and set aside to cool.

I will also pull cookie cutters out for the kids to use as well. Easy, safe and nice to have on hand to keep little hands busy when needed.

I hope you and your family enjoy making and playing!