Creativity
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Parenting :: Safe from the Summer Slide
You have definitely heard these two warm weather catch phrases: summer reading and summer slide. Nationwide, in both educational and literacy circles, parents, teachers, librarians and elected officials discuss ways in which to keep children actively learning throughout the summer months, especially as it relates to reading and math. There is definitely something to be said for the idea of keeping the brain active and not wanting kids to “forget” all of the skills they learned during their 180 days spent in school (as a stay-at-home mom for many years, I can relate…insert “mommy brain”). The amazing part to me…study after study reveals the same thing. And the…
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Ideas to Throw a Great 4th of July Party!
When we were kids, a few days before the 4th of July, my dad would drive into a nearby city that sold fireworks. My brother and I would spend a considerable amount of time looking over the different packages they offered and always made sure we had some sparklers, the spinning flowers, and of course a couple grand-finale bottle rockets. Back in the day, people were allowed to purchase fireworks and use them on the 4th. This part was usually the highlight of the day for us kids and we loved opening up the large box of fireworks! Now-n-days, our city is the only place you can view fireworks at the local…
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Educational & Kid-Friendly Landscaping Ideas
Landscaping can not only enhance the beauty of your home, it can help your family learn and grow. A beautiful landscape provides all types of opportunities for physical and mental development in children. According to an Academy of Art landscape architecture program, landscapes “restore the earth’s processes and systems” — landscapes that can teach children “to see the world in a new way.” You don’t have to have unlimited time and funds to create a kid-friendly lawn. The following landscaping ideas can create an educational outdoor environment that still looks luxurious: Flowered Tree House The classic tree house is always a sure-fire winner with the kids. But with today’s…
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Inspirational Mom :: Laura J. Benson of Jeanne Beatrice
One of my dearest friends is a Frenchwoman who lives around the corner from me. Every year she and her family head back to her hometown in Bordeaux, France and spend the summer months hanging with her two sisters and mom. Oh, the perks of being a schoolteacher! For my birthday last year she gave me a French market basket she brought back with her from her last trip and I must say I am in love… yes, with a basket! It is so simple, yet so stylish, and I love to bring it on trips to the beach, Farmer’s Market or to the pool. It is perfect…
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DIY :: How to Make a Lemonade Stand
What’s summer without selling lemonade in front of your house or on the street corner? In my last post I mentioned that my daughter and I worked on a summer bucket list of things we want to do this summer. We have about 42 days of summer to finish our checklist as she goes to a year-round school, so we are starting this weekend by building a lemonade stand. Since it will most likely be my husband doing the actual building of the stand, I went in search of some simple ones to attempt as this will be his (and my) first one! I came across some adorable ideas…
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Crafts :: Creative 4th of July Crafts for the Kids
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays as it is usually spent at the pool, eating barbeque, and hanging out with friends. Last year, we spent the entire afternoon at the pool and no matter how much suntan protection we put on our redhead, she still managed to get a little sunburn – granted we spent most of the day at the pool so I guess it goes with the territory! This year, loaded with even more sun protection, we are planning to decorate the pool area and we found some cute 4th of July crafts you can do with the kids to help celebrate Americas’ birthday! Some of…