School’s Out- Summer’s In!

Think "outside" the box

According to the National Wildlife Federation "Scientific research shows kids are happier and healthier when outdoor time is in better balance with indoor time."  Makes sense!  Greenhour.org is our favorite resource for inspiration and ideas to help make the outdoors a part of our daily life. It provides games, activities, party, and health tips galore.  Challenge yourself to spend at least an hour a day outdoors with your children.  (of course we love the tips on throwing a backyard bash!) 

Summer Book Club

Most local libraries and book stores have reading lists for children of all ages.  This is a great way to keep reading and language skills sharp during lazy summer days as well as help children set long and short terms goals (tackle a BIG chapter book!).  Another way to spend lazy hot or rainy days indoors is to tackle a jigsaw puzzle or play board games with the whole family.  It'll keep young minds engaged and foster a sense of accomplishment when completed. 

Some of our book picks...

Gary Paulsen books -age 8 and up

Rick Riordan: Lightening Thief and Kane Chronicles -age 8 and up

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series -age 7 and up

The Tale of Despereaux -great bedtime story to read to your child

Ellie, one of our young readers, shares a few more of her favorites...click here

All Hands on Deck

Summer provides the perfect downtime to teach your child important life skills.  Bed-making is at the top of our list. Busy mornings during the school year can be chaotic so summer is a great time to learn new habits without causing additional stress.  We're not "messing" around.  We want hospital corners, military rack style. Thank you Army Sargent Shane Medders for showing us the way!

Basic Training: How to Make a Bed with Hospital Corners

Now We're Cookin'

In addition to bed-making, cooking is a great skill to start learning over summer break. Pick a day of the week for your child to cook a meal or a snack.  Rumor has it Emeril Lagasse has an awesome cook book for kids.  William Sonoma's children's cookbook also gets great reviews. Here's a recipe for orange yogurt pops. This is easy, delicious, and healthy!  Mix it up by using your favorite flavors or add chunks of fresh fruit.

YIELD: 8 pops

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

FREEZE: 6 HOURS

COST PER SERVING:$.66

COURSE: Desserts, Ice Cream/Sherbet

• • 1 12-oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/4 cups plain Greek yogurt (not nonfat)
  • 1. In a large bowl, combine juice concentrate with 2 1/2 cups water. Whisk in sugar until dissolved. Whisk in vanilla and salt. Whisk in yogurt, mixing until well combined.
  • 2. Place 8 7-oz. paper cups on a baking sheet. Pour mixture into cups, filling halfway. Freeze until slightly firm, about 1 hour. Place craft sticks in center of each cup, then return to freezer until completely firm, 6 hours or overnight. To unmold, peel off paper cups. Serve immediately.

More Ice Pop recipes from Bon Appetit!

Little Green Thumb

Tending a little garden can be a big job!  We are all for growing your own fruits and veggies and the endless lessons it teaches children, but if you don't have the time, resources, or space to start a garden, we suggest a potted garden.  Herbs are particularly easy to grow in pots and can be harvested all summer long and used in your favorite recipes.  Get your children involved in potting, weeding, and clipping your their potted garden.