Spring is here and summer is right around the corner.  Before you know it, school will be out and the kids will be home looking for things to do. 

Last week, I gave you 3 great reasons to shop kids consignment sales/stores -- this week, I thought I'd share a list of what to look for as you prepare for a fun (and low-cost) summer. 

 

Many of these items can be found at garage sales and consignment sales/stores which can save you money for that summer vacation you're planning.

Kids love to hear stories - ask any child and I'll bet they tell you that one of their favorite parts of their day is read-aloud and storytime! 

Listening to a book helps kids to develop better concentration and listening skills, engages their imagination, increases their vocabulary and enhances their desire to be a reader as they grow.

 

Life is busy!  Especially at this time of the year -- so I will frequently jump on any chance to make things a little easier.

For example, using holiday bags to wrap odd-shaped gifts instead of wrapping paper - much easier!

And bar cookies that you can bake all in one pan - homemade and easy!

Just as portable as my morning coffee but waaay stronger!

 

So when I found out there was a way I could have wifi for my iPad and computer no matter where I was -- Big Score for making life easier!!

 

 

I am always looking for ways to make things a little less hectic – because I really don’t need one more thing to remember during the holidays (watering the tree every day is about all I can handle!).

So when faced with the decision of whether to allow a traveling elf to visit our house during the holidays, I had to say no!

 

"Fall back" is this Saturday -- yep, daylight savings time. 

I was recently thinking it would be great to have some extra time; and then I realized, we get an extra hour this weekend!

 

 

Halloween's only a week away - and it falls on a school night/work-night for many of us. 

So, here's a quick checklist to get you ready for fun that night without all the hassles!

This is one of those posts that, as a parent, I hope you never have to use.  I hope you can file it away on a Pinterest board or in a favorites menu and never have to use it.  In all honesty, I wish I didn't have to write it. 

My son has another broken bone this summer.  It's his 5th fracture in 2 years. (Oh, and my daughter was also in a cast last summer).

Yes, we've had him tested - for calcium deficiency, for Vitamin D deficiency, for brittle bone disease -- you name it and they ran a test, checked the scans and referred to multiple physicians.  But the only answer we have is that "he's growing quickly and the bones haven't filled in yet".  Not much comfort to any of us right now.

My main reason for writing this post is to let other parents know what we've learn about living with casts.

 

As kids grow up, it's important for them to have their own spaces, learn some reponsibility with regards to taking care of their things, be able to become independent and feel that they are contributing to the family. 

Here are a few ideas for easy ways to change your home environment so that kids can do more for themselves, enjoy their space and help out around the house:

 

My daughter was so excited when we got our first 'little green box' in the mail!  I told her that we were going to do some science today (which she loves) but when she saw that our day would also include painting, crafts and time outside, I ranked as "the best Mom in the World" :-)

Not familiar with Kiwi Crate?  Let me show you a little about what we found in our crate.

 

 Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter for all our latest finds!!

 

We're heading out for summer vacation soon and I asked my daughter what she wants to bring in her suitcase - her 'very important items' include a swimsuit, blankie & 32 books!  So, as a parent, here's where I jump up and down saying 'Yea! She loves to read!" but the practical side of me says there's no way we can pack that many books.  Not to mention, she's a voracious reader (finishes a book off faster than an ice cream cone!) so she'll tear through those in the first few days of our trip and then need more.

May is Get Caught Reading month - a challenge to everyone to do some reading (or listening)! 

There's so much research that shows encouraging kids to read, and reading aloud to kids, helps to increase vocabulary, comprehension skills and overall achievement at school.  But, I often get this question from parents, "What should my child read?".

My answer - anything they enjoy!

 

You catch up with friends on Facebook, check in on Foursquare and tweet on Twitter.  But, do you have an online library account?

Are the kids back to school and looking for some easy (and maybe) fun ideas for breakfast?  Try this fun and healthy way to start the day!