What better way to take advantage of a sunny day then with a picnic? Ready to inspire your kids to host it? Kids of all ages love to feel empowered by taking over grown-up responsibilities. A summer picnic is a fantastic simple meal for kids of all ages to host. And to top it off, it’s also a great boredom-buster! Here are the steps that you need to get your kids started: Create a menu. The kids do the planning! Click these templates for a FREE or just a that can be colored in by young ones or written out by older kids. Offer suggestions from easy bite-size nibbles, fruits, veggies, dessert and more. The goal here is to encourage them to plan a meal, learn to cook and be independent. Need a new cookbook? Check out this great list of suggestions from childrensbooks.com: … [Read more...]
The Giggle Bag to Cheer Up and Entertain
Is there anything better than laughing with your children? Laughter really is an amazing stress release and a feel-good therapy for all! Not only are there scientific studies that indicate that laughter truly is a great medicine, but we all know from experience the endless feel-good benefits of a fantastic belly laugh. Here are just a few reasons to encourage smiles: Release Stress Teach your children to cope with daily tensions and ease conflicts with giggles and laughter. Problems will always come our way in life, but laughter helps us cope with problems and gives us perspective to take a step back and ask ourselves, “Is it really that bad? How can we find a solution?” Stay Healthy Research proves that laughter releases endorphins that can actually temporarily … [Read more...]
5 Benefits of Summer Activity Books
Ready to turn off the television, put away the iPhone and iPad, and get back to basics with activity books? Activity books are my go-to resource to minimize my kids’ screen time and to feel confident that they are learning new skills. There is something wonderful about relieving stress, re-charging the brain and sparking inspiration. All you need is an inviting activity book and the benefits are countless! Here are my five reasons why you should break out summer activity books: Boredom buster (without technology) Simple markers, pencils and pens along with activity pages offer hours of entertainment. As a busy parent, there’s something refreshing and guilt-free about bringing out tried-and-true workbooks. Travel friendly These books can be thrown in the backseat, in a … [Read more...]
Create a Summer Bucket List {Free Printable}
Every summer I sit down with my children and we create a bucket list of the activities we want to do during their summer vacation. We may not mark each activity off by the end of summer but, it sure is fun trying! For the last three or four years we've just picked up a large piece of white cardboard and a pack of colored markers at the store and created our own colorful list. This year Lindsey of Pen and Paint created an amazing {free} printable and is sharing it with all of us. {SQUEE!!} As soon as I saw Lindsey's artwork on Instagram I knew I had to try and have it enlarged to 24x36 inches. BIG. Imagine my excitement when I sent it to my local print shop* and they said it could be done!! It looks amazing! What's better is that I chose to have the black and white version printed … [Read more...]
Summer Book Club for Preschoolers
How to Start a Summer Book Club for Preschoolers! With summer break around the corner, it’s time to start thinking how to occupy the kiddos! Book clubs are wonderful for all ages, especially young kids. It is also a great way for your little ones to associate reading with fun. Turn your club into mini-parties complete with friends, activities and snacks! Here’s your chance to choose character building books. And a perfect excuse to get together with other adults. A win-win for all! Ready to get the ball rolling? The first step is to form a group - invite neighbors, friends, your child’s classmates etc. Choose a time and place, and then rotate location each week. This can be either at a park, community center or someone’s home. Select a theme and find ways to make … [Read more...]
Savory Summer Grilling Recipes
School is nearly out for summer, it is getting warmer outside every day and the swimming pool is calling your name. All of that means it's time to FIRE UP THE GRILL! Today I've gathered ten summer grilling recipes that are sweet, savory, succulent and satisfying. There's something here for the entire family, from vegetarian to meat eater. /1/ Jack Daniels Grilled Burger - Nothing says "grilling season" quite like a thick, juicy burger. Give this amazing burger a try at your next barbecue. /2/ Blueberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken - This chicken has such a great combination of flavors. Your taste buds are sure to thank you! /3/ Brined Pork Chops on the Grill - Give the traditional BBQ basted chops a break. These brined pork chops are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. /4/ … [Read more...]
