Tag: inside

  • Outdoor Activities To Check Off Your Summer Bucket List

    Outdoor Activities To Check Off Your Summer Bucket List

    Summer is great. The kids are out of school, the weather is hotter, there seems like there’s nothing to do yet for some reason, your to-do list keeps growing longer and the day seems never to end. 

    Unfortunately, nowadays, the majority of people would rather spend their days inside with the air conditioning blasting on high. If you’re not a parent, you might have your own plans on how to spend your summer days, and that’s ok, but for those of us with children…

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    Let’s just say it’s not the most spontaneous thing watching your kids spend the whole day watching TV and playing video games till their minds grow numb. 

    No matter how busy you are (parent or not), here are just a few activities to help you kick off the summer and keep you hustling.

    Go on a hike

    Why not, right? The weather is perfect for this particular activity, and your friends have been begging you to spare a day and join them on some new trail they discovered! 

    Fortunately, this is a beautiful family activity, as well. 

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    Even if you’re a fitness enthusiast, nature will always have the upper hand when it comes to getting a workout in. The best part (for me at least), you can include your dog. Not only that, but hiking requires little to no equipment! It’s an excellent experience for the little ones, the sights you’ll see are remarkable, and getting to be all around that greenery and fresh air is stimulating and very rejuvenating! 

    Set up a camping trip

    I remember as a child; I never had to think about planning a camping trip, because hello, ‘that’s what mom was for. 

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    But now, being a mom myself, I had to learn how to do all that myself. 

    First, acknowledge that camping is possibly the best thing in the whole world. You get away from whatever life ‘you’ve got going on; you get to spend quality time with your family and friends, you uncover new things such as fishing, setting up a tent, and even building a fire. If that’s not enough, you will also get your daily dose of Vitamin D, peace of mind, the sounds of nature, and of course, the second-best possible thing in the world…S’mores. 

    For more information on setting up your very own camping trip, click here.

    Spend the night at the beach

    By night, I do mean: get there in time to watch the sunset and the sky fill with orange, red, violet hues and gaze in awe at the jaw-dropping beauty that is our planet. 

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    If you thought meditation was good for the soul, try stargazing at a beach in the middle of the night. The sound of the waves coming and going, the crisp night air filling your lungs, and the smell of the ocean decluttering your mind. This is one of those spurs of the moment plans. You can bring a sleeping bag or set up a tent, and that’s it! 

    Visit an Amusement Park

    Growing up in SoCal, this was our thing. Our family would at least hit three amusement parks a week. Despite long lines and the expensive food (we eventually started sneaking in our own), the atmosphere encompassing an amusement park makes you feel giddy all over. If rides aren’t your thing, then that’s fine. You can still join in on the fun because now, several parks offer entertainment, plays/shows, and tours. 

     

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    If it’s too hot for roller coaster rides, then find the nearest water park in your area. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or by yourself, it’s a smart and exhilarating way to cool down.

    Build your very own waterpark

    Yes, you read that right, you can build a waterpark right in your backyard. If you’re looking to save money, invent something new, and be in the comfort of your own home, then this is the activity for you. The best part about this activity is that you can have your little helpers give you a hand so they can keep busy, as well. It’s all part of the fun experience before setting everything up and enjoying the ride. 

    If you need help getting started, click here.

    Learn something new

    I get it. School’s over, and we want to have fun only. I don’t mean to be that person-especially since it’s summer- but learning something new is fun. 

     

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    You don’t even have to sign up for a class or get up early or make it feel like a responsibility. Learning something new could be as simple as perfecting a recipe or as complicated as learning a new language. 

    Granted, you will not learn a new language in 3 months, but getting started is what counts.

    Seriously, it could be anything! Two summers ago, I learned how to rollerblade, and now I practice it religiously. My point being, you never know what your next addiction could be, so why not?

    For a list of fascinating and inspiring things to learn this summer, head on over here

  • DIY Activities for Kids This Summer

    DIY Activities for Kids This Summer

    It is finally summertime, my good folks, and temperatures this year have been record-breaking. It is hot, humid, and sticky! 

    Before giving birth to the most amazing kids in the world, my usual summer plans would be me in a bathing suit, stretched out in the backyard, getting a tan. 

    Now…well, now it’s just more fun (and noisier…and messier). Still, I wouldn’t change it for the world! 

    As if the rest of the year wasn’t hard enough for your typical stay at home parent, now the kids are on summer vacation.  So the little ones don’t get fussy, you need an idea on how to keep them busy, relaxed, and cool. 

    Well, have no fear, we’ve got the perfect compilation of easy DIY summer activities that will have you releasing your inner kid, too!

    Ice Block Treasure Hunt

    You think Summer; you’re going to think about large bodies of water (pools, lakes, beaches, etc.). But staying home and putting together these affordable and simple activities will be less of a headache and you will be in the comfort of your own home!

    For this activity, you will need a large container, children’s small toys (animals, shovels, bouncy balls), water, and a parent’s supervision since your child will be using heavy-duty tools. 

    The idea is to place all the toys in the bin, cover them with water, and freeze them overnight! Have someone help you turn the bin upside down the next day, and that’s it! 

    The Krazy Koupon Lady 

    Have your child wear safety goggles as they chip away on the ice with a small hammer to rediscover their toys! They can also use room temperature water over the ice to help it melt faster. 

    Another version of this activity is using a small container and freezing the toys in layers of ice. Click here to watch the super simple video! 

    Washing Farm Animal Sensory Bin

    Yes, another activity with a bin, because they are genuinely life-saving equipment when you’re a parent! Not only is this a great summer activity for your toddler and kids, but it’s an excellent activity for any time of the year. Its simplicity makes it a recurring favorite in our home. 

    Coffee Cups and Crayons

    All you need is a bin, dirt, dish soap, water, small farm animal, washcloths (brushes, sponges, etc.). Happy cleaning!

    Bubble Trucks (Bubble Foam!)

    Ok, if you don’t play with this foam more than your kids, get back to me!

    Will you need a bin or any other type of large container? Uhm, yes. 

    Let’s just get this out of the way right now. If you don’t own any large bins or containers and you are a parent, then you need to haul your butt to the container store right now and get to purchasing! 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Busy Toddler

    Bubble bath/ body wash, water, food coloring (optional), toy trucks, or any other types of vehicles (preferably small). 

    That’s it. Boom. Life changed. 

    Rainbow Ice Cube Painting/ Frozen Popsicle Chalk 

    For ice cube painting, you will need two ingredients: liquid watercolors and water. You fill your ice cube tray with ⅔ water and ⅓ paint and stir! The activity doesn’t call for it, but you can place foil over the ice cube tray and place popsicle sticks so it would be easier to hold when frozen. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Things to Share and Remember

    The frozen popsicles hold the same idea but use tempera paint and cornstarch for the recipe. Read more about the activity here

    Water Balloon Pinata/Water Balloon Volleyball 

    C’mon, you know this heat is just going to get worse, so why not tie up balloons filled with water, blindfold your kid, hand them a foam bat, and get to swinging! 

    Fireflies and Mudpies 

    If you want something a little more competitive, then grab some towels! Water balloon volleyball is a fantastic group summer activity where kids have to work together to get the water balloon from their sheet, over the net, and without popping it! 

    Toddler Fishing

    This one is for all my toddlers out there. They can’t do anything serious yet, so sitting in a pool of water is pretty much is as exciting as it gets. Please do not leave your child unattended while they are still in the pool. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I Can Teach My Child

    The idea is to fill your kiddie pool with water, dump a few bath (or any water) animals in there, and set them in. Give them a small net to attempt to catch the animals in the water. This is a great way to strengthen their fine motor skills, as well. 

    Spray Bottle Silhouette Art 

    Alright, so something that doesn’t have to do with water. You will need adult supervision with this activity because it does involve a spray bottle, and you don’t want your kid spraying the walls with paint. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    My Sister’s Suitcase

    The process is relatively simple and will result in a beautiful art piece that you could eventually frame. 

    Rainbow Spaghetti Sensory Activity

     Another great sensory activity for toddlers (and older kids as well!). 


    Little Learning Club

    All you need is spaghetti and food coloring. This is one of those activities that you can prep before the kids wake up on a busy day, and not worry about it for the rest of the day.  

     

  • Fourth of July Plans for People with Dogs 

    Fourth of July Plans for People with Dogs 

    With Independence Day right around the corner, we all have somewhere to be and plans to look forward to. The food, fireworks, friends, food (yes, I said food twice), and family are what make this day such a joyous one for us humans. 

    Us humans without pets, of course. For those of us who are proud owners of dogs or even cats may have other plans in mind when it comes to this patriotic day. With that said, you can still have a tremendous and memorable Fourth of July with your pets, and not be stuck all day indoors. 

    Host a Party for Friends with Dogs

    I know of all the holidays; decoration is the last thing that comes to mind on this particular day. Most people hang up their American flags, and that’s about it.

    But you can have fun setting up your home and inviting some friends over to have a dog-friendly party. I’m talking red, white and blue banners, dog treats, dog movies (except Old Yeller), and maybe even doggie dress up. Just because your dog can’t enjoy the fireworks doesn’t mean they can’t be dressed up. 

     

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    Check out these images to help you get an idea of how to get your puppy ready for the holiday (and everyone’s pictures). 

    Prepare Icy Treats

    July is a hot, HOT month. So, it’s time to brush up on your culinary skills. 

    By culinary skills, I do mean placing frozen bananas and peanut butter in a food processor and making popsicles out of them. That way, you can enjoy them, too!  Thanks to the power of Google, you can find hundreds of recipes online that will be dog and human-friendly. Don’t think you need to go all Martha Stewart here. I know you love your pet, and we’re trying to be as patriotic as possible, but let’s keep it simple, buddy.

     

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    Oven Baked Tradition has some wonderfully simple recipes that will take you no more than 10 minutes to prepare and will leave your pet pleased and cooled off. 

    Keep Them Cool!

    Another plan that you can most likely join in on. If you have a large backyard with sprinklers, then it is time to turn them on. Running around in a yard with man’s best friend? If that’s not time used wisely, then what is? 

    If you do not own a backyard, have no fear. You can head over to a friend, family’s or city’s public pool. Some allow pets, and some don’t so make sure to call before heading over. Beaches and lakes are another two great places to cool off. 

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    Swimming is a great way to enjoy the holiday and get your pet in on the fun and away from the blazing sun.

    Dog-Friendly BBQ Party with Friends

    Instead of hosting a party indoors, you can host one at your nearest park. Everyone can take part in bringing something so it would feel more like a potluck.  You can light up the barbeque, enjoy time with friends, drink to another day of freedom, and sneak your dog a few hotdogs and beef patties. 

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    A park is an excellent place for your dog to run around and tire out so they won’t be as tense when fireworks start. Be sure to keep your dog hydrated as it will most likely be a humid day. 

    Set Up a Dog Play Date

    If you’re not comfortable being around several people and their dogs, you can invite a friend or two and have them bring their dogs with them. Not everyone wants to be out and about on such a busy day. This way, you can be in the comfort of your own home, and your dog will have a few buddies to play with. 

    Make sure to have a few treats ready for your friends as well. These easy to make drinks will be sure to get you all in the patriotic spirit. 

     

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    Take Them to an Assisted Living Center 

    Thank you Pedigree for this wonderful tip. July fourth, like many other holidays, is a family gathering holiday. 

    Unfortunately, not everyone has a family to be there beside them. If you have some spare time in your schedule, it’s a grand idea to take your dog out and make someone’s day. No matter the holiday, being considerate towards others who don’t have the same privileges as we do is a great thought. 

    Stay Indoor When Fireworks Start

    This goes without saying, but when the fireworks start, that is your cue to take your pet inside and cuddle up with them. Unlike us, dogs are not fond of fireworks or any loud noises, for that matter. Some dogs may run off to a specific space in the house where they feel safe. If that’s the case, then it’s best to let them be. 

    Make sure all windows and doors are closed, and your pet is wearing a collar with an ID in case things don’t go as planned and your pet runs off. 

     

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    For more safety tips, click here