I’ve spoken to hundreds of moms and everyone seems to have the same complaint. How do we get our kids off electronics and back to basics? How do we teach them to connect with people on a deeper level? How do we teach them to search for a solution using their minds and not just with a push of a button? Sometimes I just want to shout, “Stop looking down and take the time to look up, connect and enjoy the moment.” I am determined to teach them the amazing benefits of life unplugged! And voila, that inspired me to set up my summer of getting back to basics plan begins! It’s time to look up, connect and experience real feelings, real emotions, real people, real nature – everything REAL and NOTHING electronic. I’m calling it 'My SMART Back to Basics Summer Project'. The goal is to … [Read more...]
ten best Beach essentials
Ready, set, sunscreen! Sand and sea are just the start of a fun family vacation with these top essentials. My family always looks forward to a summer retreat to surf and sand. A lazy morning sipping coffee on the beach, reading, swimming, and walking as far as we can looking for seashells. My boys compete to dig the biggest hole ever, stopping only to eat and to catch a few waves to cool down. Are you planning to visit the shore, and spend your day catching the rays with friends and family? You'll need a towel , blanket, cooler, and straw hat. If you are missing anything , you are in luck as we have rounded up a few of our favorite must haves for the shore. Stake in the Sand Beach Cup Holder - $10.95 Just perfect. Made of sturdy, weather resistant plastic. Holds most … [Read more...]
Picture Worthy Moments Just Outside Your Door
You don't need to go on vacation to get great photo captures. Some of the best picture worthy moments are waiting for you right outside your door. Here are some ideas for must-take pictures while you are relaxing on the home front. 1. Nighttime Great pictures don't always have to be taken during the day. With the right setting on your camera you can capture the gorgeousness of the night moon before you say goodnight. (Photo Credit: Angujuana) 2. Chalk Fun You can't deny the whimsical feeling that sidewalk chalk brings. The driveway is your palate with endless possibilities. (Photo Credit: Carrieanne Miranda) 3. Trampoline Action While the trampoline has gotten a bad rap through the years, I love this idea of using it for good. Change your viewing angle and add some balloons to … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Color and Create with Your Kids!
Ah, the power of the great box of crayons and the ordinary act of coloring! Is there anything better than watching your children doodle and create. Coloring is not just a way to occupy the kiddos but also a great way to teach valuable lessons and so much more. Here’s what I have come up with as my top benefits to coloring: Unleash Creativity Whether it is a blank piece of paper or a coloring page, it’s a chance to get the creative juices flowing! An opportunity to see what you can make with your kids or to challenge them to create on their own. There're no rules. No limits. Only a piece of paper as a starting point and then you choose your direction. Your kids will eventually even learn that they can map out a plan as they decide colors and the order. Teach Valuable … [Read more...]
10 Mother’s Day Crafts
Have you started to think about Mother's day yet? It seems to be creeping up on us this year since Easter was so close. I absolutely love Mother's Day. It has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, even before I was a momma. I love showering my mom with extra love and gifts! Are you looking for the perfect homemade gift or craft idea for your mom? (Or grandma!) I've found 10 Mother's Day Crafts that will fit the bill for both gifts and fun crafts! 1. / Salt Dough Flower Thumbprints // These would be perfect as a gift from your little ones! Grandma would love them too. And they are so simple! 2. /DIY Sewing Kit // Any mom would love this sewing kit in a jar! Perfect for crafting or for everyday fixes. 3./ Stroller Cell Phone Carrier // This would be such an … [Read more...]
5 DIY Chore Charts for Kids
Every year I feel the need to re-assess the current chore assignments, or the chore charts, in our home. With five kids, if done correctly, our family could have a tidy home on a daily basis. Of course, I keep all of our chores age appropriate. My twelve-year-old does things like cleaning the bathrooms and starting laundry, where as my seven-year-old works on his bedroom or sweeping off the back porch. I also don't want to overwhelm them. Each child has 1-2 chores per day. In the last couple of weeks, I've been on the lookout for a chore chart that would be both easy to follow AND fun for the kids. I've come across a few that I think are both practical and fun. I think you'll agree. /1/ Family Photo Magnetic Chore Chart - Create magnet tags with chores and place them on or near the … [Read more...]
