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. 

Taste

Pack up the chai and spiced cocoa and replace it with a soft yet crisp flavor of spring, Lavender Lemonade.  Abby Barnett buzzed about this super simple recipe and it's our new go-to favorite refreshment for entertaining. 

Smell

Spring's bounty of blooms are on their way!  Be ready to adorn your home with fresh cut flowers in each room.  Abby suggests using reclaimed Old Judge Coffee Jars to hold flowers.  You can find them online at Etsy, or at flea markets or antique stores. 

See

The coffee table is often the focal point of a living room or sitting area and the perfect place to start sprucing up for spring.  Abby shares one of her favorite DIY decorating idea that's sure to be an instant eye catcher. 

Hear

Prepare your ears for the on-slot of compliments you'll hear at your next get together.  Select a bold fabric and make your own table cloth.  Abby says, "It's a fabulous alternative to buying table cloths", and we love that there are endless prints and patterns to choose from!  You can sew or iron the edges but leaving the raw cut is perfectly acceptable too. 

Touch

If you are anything like us, the bedroom is always last on the list.  Why is that?  Shouldn't it be the other way around?  This spring, make your room, your sanctuary, a priority.  New sheets, a freshly painted accent wall, a colorful throw, or decorative pillows are all it takes.  Neglected no longer!

Pretty Printemps

Tory Burch has the touch! Her Spring 2011 collection encompasses all that we love about the New Year's fashion trends. 

Hippie Chic

Move forward this spring by taking a look backward.  70's inspired style is gracing runways worldwide in 2011.  Think high-waisted trousers, wide-leg denim, halter dresses, and fem florals.

Shades of Pale

Mix nude tones and soft pastels for a fresh look that is spring chic.

Block Party

When it comes to bold colors the palette of the season is bright orange, emerald green, yellow, and rich purple. A lot of designers played with pairing multiple intense colors together, but we also love combining a simple nude tone like cream, blush, or camel with a bold bright, for an eye catching pop!

Minimalista

Embellish no more!  Simple, classic, minimalist style is always en vogue and taking it to the extreme is one of the year's hottest trends.  Clean lines, monocromatic dresses, and simple sandals keep the focus on you and that inner glow that's beaming with confidence.