Play a little balloon tennis
Snow days: how to keep cozy and stay smiling
Winter weather can mean more time indoors, but there’s plenty of fun to be had at home. Here are a few activities to pass the time while you boost your oral and overall health.
It can be hard for active kids (and active parents!) to be cooped up inside. To burn off some energy — and to avoid breaking things all over your home — try playing balloon tennis!
Instructions
- Create “tennis rackets” by attaching paper plates to rulers or popsicle sticks.
- Inflate a balloon to use as a tennis ball.
- Decide if you’re playing one vs. one or dividing your family into teams.
- Start the game and have some fun!
Laughing and exercising while you chase the balloon can help your oral health, too. It will cause your body to release endorphins, which help you feel relaxed and reduce teeth grinding.
Warm up with a herbal ginger & chamomile tea
The ginger in this drink helps slow the growth of mouth bacteria, supports a healthy immune system, and can reduce inflammation that contributes to gum disease.
Ingredients
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4 cups boiling water
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6 bags chamomile tea
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2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
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4 slices lemon
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2-4 teaspoons honey
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2 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl or container.
- Steep for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the tea to remove the tea bags, ginger, and lemons.
- Transfer the tea to a pitcher and serve hot.
Make homemade snow globes
Looking for another fun and affordable way to keep your kids occupied? Make your own snow globes!
What you need
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One or more small glass jars
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Sandpaper
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Super glue or a hot glue gun
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Small items to put in the jar (typically toys or figurines)
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Glitter
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Optional: Glycerine to thicken the water
Instructions
- Sand the inside of the lid until the surface is rough.
- Use super glue or a hot glue gun to stick the figurines to the inside of the jar lid.
- Let glue dry.
- Fill the jar with water, leaving a little room at the top.
- Add a pinch of glitter and a couple drops of glycerin to the water.
- Screw the lid on tightly, shake the snow globe, and enjoy!
Have you heard that no two snowflakes are the same? It’s true. And the same goes for smiles, your smile is unique to you!
Cook a smile-friendly, tomato-free chili
When it’s chilly outside, make chili inside! This recipe is tomato-free, which makes it less acidic and healthier for your smile.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. jar roasted peppers
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained
Instructions
- Blend the roasted peppers and broth until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high heat.
- Sauté the diced onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add the spices and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the roasted pepper sauce and drained beans and stir.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the chili to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Fill a bowl with chili, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!
Find more mouthwatering and belly-warming soups, snacks, meals, and desserts at grinmag.com.
