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DIY Doodle Book

My friends Andrea, Melissa, and bunch of other awesome bloggers got together and created a rad bundle of printables designed to keep kids active and creative all summer long.  Jude and I got a chance to check out The Ultimate Boredom Buster Kit and we loved it!  There's cooking, science, and nature activities.  Plus drawing, creative writing, and so much more! 

When I printed out the pack Jude was instantly drawn to the finish the doodle activity and he launched right in.  Doodling is extra fun with a little something to spark your creativity.  The printable doodle pages found in The Ultimate Boredom Buster Kit are perfect.  They include tons of cool shapes just begging to be turned into something amazing!  It's so much less intimidating than blank page and whole lot of fun. I loved seeing what Jude came up with, totally different from what I would have made and so clever!  

While he was busy doodling, I got an idea.  We could create a doodle book!  Simply by cutting the sheets in fourths along the lines you can create little notebook pages.  A simple cardstock cover and a few staples later, Jude had his very own doodle book!  It's compact size means that I can toss in my purse and bust boredom on the go! 

If you'd like to get your own doodle pages plus 9 other awesome projects buy your Boredom Buster Kit and use the coupon code BUSTERS10 for 10% off now until July 31, 2016.  Oh and if you wish to encourage your little reader be sure to add on the Reading Enrichment Kit for just $5, it is fabulous!

Note: I received complimentary copies of the kits in order to create this post, but as always all words and opinions are my own.  

DIY Marbled Clay Beads

Anyone else love to play with clay?  Jude and I can't get enough of the stuff!  We recently made a bunch of polymer clay beads and marbles.  The process is simple and rewarding.  This is the kind of project that a school aged child can do all on their own, but I dare you not to get in on the fun.  

I love that this low stress craft makes it super easy to spend time with your kiddo.  You can relax into a comfortable rhythm where your hands are busy but your mind is free to chat.  I find Jude and I have the best conversations when we work side by side.  In fact for me, that's the best part of making with kids.  I love the beautiful beads, but even more I love the connection making them fosters.  White clay is chic, blue clay is stunning, but smashed together they become something even more beautiful.  The magic is in the togetherness.  

DIY Marbled Beads

You'll Need:

• Polymer clay* in at least two colors (Fimo or Sculpey brands work great)
• Toothpick

Directions:

1. Take two small piece of clay and roll them into "snakes"
2. Swirl the snakes together
3. Smash the clay against a smooth surface and smear it out with the palm of your hand or fingertip.
4. Roll your clay into the shape you want for your bead.
5. Stab a toothpick through the center.
6. Bake according to your clay's instructions, until the beads are no longer pliable.  For us that was 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes.
7. String and enjoy!!

Jude also made several "marbles" simply by forgoing the toothpick step.  Both boys had so much fun rolling the marbles as they wonkily made their way across the floor.  It turns out it's really fun to have a trick marble that could voluntarily hang a hard right at any moment.  While the boys played with their marbles I made a simple necklace that I've been wearing ever since!

Happy Making!

* This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase on Amazon.com after clicking I will receive a tiny commission, thank you so much for your support!

For My Dad

Most people, when they meet my dad, are a little confused.  He looks too young, and honestly, he is.  At just 14 years my senior I often feel as though people are owed an explanation.  My dad hates for me to have to explain, but I love telling the story and do so with pride.  The truth is my dad adopted me when I was ten.  He fell in love with my mom, a slightly older and totally awesome woman who had just gotten out of a very bad relationship.  That relationship while ultimately toxic, wasn't all bad as it did produce two adorable girls (if I do say so myself).  My dad didn't just fall in love with my mom, he fell in love with us, and at the ripe old age of 23 he became an amazing husband and father.  As a special Father's Day gift I wrote him a post, one that thanks him for all he has done and honors all those other stepdads who have done the same.  If you'd like to hear what my heart has to say on the subject of my dear not-so-old dad, head over to mom.me, and don't forget the tissues.

Wishing all the dads out there a very Happy Father's Day.     

Date Night: Make Plans Not Excuses

We all know it's important to find time to connect with our partners and yet, as busy parents it can be hard to find the time.  Date night is an ideal way to spend quality romantic time, but if you're anything like my husband and I, it can be difficult to find opportunities to sneak away.  Today I've partnered with Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus to bring you five great tips for skipping the excuses and hitting the town.  

Plan Ahead - I've found that if a date doesn't make it onto the schedule it simply doesn't happen.  Take a few minutes to put it on the calendar, book a sitter, and make a reservation.  Not only are you way more likely to actually follow through once that's in place, you will also have something to look forward to!  A calendar full of obligations looks a whole lot better with some fun squeezed in.  

Streamline Getting Ready - Don't stress out about your outfit.  And don't waste time ironing it!  If you're like me, your "fancy" date clothes wrinkle easily.  The last thing I want to do before heading out on a romantic night is stand over a hot iron while my makeup melts.  That's where Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus comes in.  Just spray, tug, smooth, and hang.  Then head out on your date wrinkle free.  Plus, it freshens fabric so no one will know that your dress had been sitting in the closet (or the bottom of the hamper) for far too long!  Spend less time doing laundry and more time out on the town.     

Make it Simple - There's nothing wrong with dinner and a movie.  Don't put undo pressure on yourself to go on an extravagant adventure.  As long as the two of you are spending time together doing something you enjoy, the rest is just gravy.  If you have really little ones stick close to home so that worry doesn't get in the way of a good time.  

Focus on Fun - The best way to ensure that you will go on dates more regularly is to make sure they are fun!  Try to use the time to connect, laugh, and set aside the day to day worries.  On our most recent date we asked each other the now famous 36 Questions That Lead To Love.  It was so much fun and it made it so easy to skip the habitual chat about family logistics.  

Release the Guilt - I think this is the hardest one to get over.  It's easy to push aside dates because they eat into time you might spend with your kids or takes a cut from the family budget.  But your partnership is the foundation of your family and you deserve the time and resources required to keep that connection strong.  

A huge thank you to Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus for sponsoring this post and helping me look fab on my date!  Be sure you grab yourself this great coupon and sign up with your email for more great deals.  Plus, you can find more great ideas that never require ironing by connecting via Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.    

Banana Nut Green Smoothie

Looking for a delicious green smoothie and that is high on protein and low in sugar?  What if I told you that I've got just the recipe and it tastes so good that my kids fight me for it?  It's true!! I make this smoothie, most often as breakfast for me and a mid-morning snack for the boys, at least three times a week.  Yesterday I finally took the time to measure what goes in the blender and take a few photos so that I could share it with all of you!  With the sweetness of banana, the nuttiness of almond butter, the creaminess of yogurt, and the nutritional power of flax seed and leafy greens a smoothie doesn't get much better than this.  Did I mention that there is no added sugar and my kids love it?!  

This is great excuse to freeze slightly over ripe bananas or those discarded sections that get forgotten in their skins. (Please tell me I'm not the only one with kids who do that!)  Fresh bananas work just fine but frozen bananas are ideal here.  Also, please use the quantities outlined here as loose guidelines, I never bother with measuring cups when I'm making this simple smoothie.  As for greens, I'm a big fan of the power greens blend of baby kale, chard, and spinach you can find at most markets, but this smoothie is also beautiful with full grown kale or spinach.  

If you want to ensure that your kids at least try this green concoction, might I suggest you let them help make it?  As I said before measuring is very optional and blending is a pretty great way to "cook" with kids.  Ronan loves getting to use tongs to add the greens and Jude loves cracking and adding the ice.  We all fight over who gets to lick the almond butter spoon! 

Might I also recommend these stainless steel straws*?  Not only do they look cool, they are better for you and the environment!!  

Banana Nut Green Smoothie

Yields enough for two adults or an adult and two kids

Ingredients:

• 1 large banana (preferably frozen)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full fat greek is my favorite)
• scant 1/4 almond (or peanut) butter
• 1 heaping Tablespoon of ground flax seed (whole works too)
• 4-5 ice cubes
• 3 large handfuls of leafy greens 
• 1/2 cup of water

Directions:

1. Place all of the items in the pitcher of a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately!

 

Happy Blending!

 * This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase on Amazon.com after clicking I will receive a tiny commission, thank you so much for your support!

5 Ways To Be Active With Your Kids

Today I've partnered with Lady Patch to bring you five fun ways that you can be active with your kids.  I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of rigid exercise.  You'll never find me in a boot camp of any kind.  I love taking dance classes, but I struggle to find the time.  Add to that the fun little bladder trouble I've had since giving birth to two large babies and working out can be straight up uncomfortable.  Running and jumping prove especially challenging to accomplish without tinkling a bit.  That's not to say that I don't love being active or that I've given up on being fit.  It's just that I've had to find a way to weave fitness into my everyday life as a mom.  And with the help of Lady Patch I've been able to do it leak free.  Below you'll find five simple ways to exercise right along side your kids.  Not only is it good for all of you, it's super fun!  And if you struggle with bladder control like me (please tell me I'm not the only one) don't miss my full Lady Patch review at the end of this post! 

Go For a Bike Ride.  Bike riding is one of my favorite was to spend time with my kids.  Investing in a bike seat for Ronan has made bike riding our go-to activity for fun and fitness.  I used to loath running errands because of all the in and out of the car, now we can get a lot of our tasks done on two wheels.    

Race or Play Tag.  Kids love to sprint.  Challenge your little ones to a foot race or play a rousing game of tag.  Even hide and seek can be a good workout if you play with bigger kids or do squats while you're counting.

Host a Dance Party. Dance parties are a regular thing in my house.  From pajama clad early morning dance offs to outdoor jump and jam seasons, dance is a great way to move your body and have fun.  Put on some good tunes, get into it, and don't be afraid to look silly!

Lead a Class. Yoga with kids isn't as relaxing as yoga alone, but it's better than no yoga at all.  The same is true of standard exercises.  To fit in yoga or strength training with kids, try teaching a "class."  They might lose interest after the second downward dog or set of lunges but with any luck they will play while you get in a good circuit or a few sun salutations.  

Horse Play. Tickle fights burn a surprising number of calories.  Don't leave the horsing around to Dad, get in on the action.  Holding a baby over your head, giving piggie back rides, and pushing your kids around in a laundry basket are all great exercises.  Plus, your kids will think you're the funnest!  

For me personally, all of these activities became a lot more fun when I discovered Lady Patch.  After birthing two nine and a half pound babies it's hard to jump for joy without worrying about a little leakage.  I would notice I needed to wear a pantyliner whenever I was going to workout or if I knew I was going to be away from a bathroom for an extended period.  When I'm really active or I have to go really bad I need a little extra help staying dry.  Lady Patch is a drug-free little patch that helps improve pelvic tone so that you can pee when you need to, and hold it when you don't.  I found it a lot more comfortable than the pantyliners I was wearing regularly.  Once I applied it I didn't even notice it was there.  And it was so nice to not have to worry about playing with my kids or going on a long bike ride. They come in two strengths: regular for day to day life, and active for working out.  Learn more about Lady Patch at theladypatch.com or visit Amazon.com to shop.

Here's to being active and having fun!

A huge thank you to Lady Patch for sponsoring this post, brand partnerships are what make this blog possible.

DIY Bug Hotel

The posts for the Mini Maker's Guide to Summer Fun have all been so awesome!  I can't wait to try all of the rad ideas! (You can find them all here.)  My contribution to this fab line up is a DIY Bug Hotel.  

This is a great way to create a home for beneficial insects and an excuse to use power tools (although I offer ideas if you'd rather skip that bit).  It gets the kids outside, not just to gather the materials and make the craft, but to check in and observe the inhabitants!  We have only had it in place for a week and it's already become my go-to suggestion if I want to encourage the boys to play outside.  "Why don't you check on the bug hotel?" does the trick every time.      

 The simplest version of this project can be completed with a cinder block stuffed full of things you likely already have lying around the garden.  But if you're feeling ambitious, you can bust out the power tools and take the making to the next level.  If you are comfortable using a drill and you have school-aged children I encourage you to let them help with this.  Kids feel empowered and have so much fun using real tools.  Of course it's important to provide instruction and supervision, but the long summer days are the perfect time to dive into a power tool project.  

First you'll want to gather supplies, we didn't go any further than our neighbor's yard to find what we needed.  Straw, small sticks, bark, logs, pine cones, and pieces of bamboo all make great filling for bug accommodations.  

If you like you can simply gather these supplies and stuff them into the holes of a cinder block, a section of large diameter pipe, or even an old garden pot.  But if you want to make a deluxe hotel you'll first need to make a box! We used some plywood scraps that we had around to create ours.  Use self-driving screws (or good old hammer and nails) to put it together.  To help our box survive the elements we gave the outside a nice coat of exterior paint.  

Next you'll want to prep your logs, first by cutting them to the width of your box, then by drilling holes in them.  If you are hoping to create a home for native mason bees use a 5/16" drill bit.  The trick to drilling these holes safely is to hold the log firmly between your feet and apply gentle even pressure with the drill.  Jude got the hang of it right away!  

Now comes the part that every one can get in on: filling your box with stuff!  I used twine to create bundles out of the straw and bamboo but otherwise we just kept shoving stuff in until is was full.

Once you're finished with the filling it's ready to be installed in the garden! We set ours on an old outdoor side table so that the kids could easily observe it.  Hanging it would be another great option.  If you don't have one near by, be sure to provide a water source.  Ours is just a plastic platter filled with a few stones and an inch or so of water.  

Then just sit back and wait for your guests to arrive.

Your garden and your kids are sure to be very happy!

Here's hoping your summer is extra fabulous!  You and your mini makers are sure to have lots of fun new ideas to try!  Remember, we will be using the hashtag #makingsummerfun all summer long, please join in when you make something!  I'd love to see what inspired you and I'm sure you've got your own great ideas to share!