Jazz up your summer lunch or dinner with these festive ideas.

Rocket Dogs via Spoonful

Sail away with these super treats from Pizzazzerie

Spruce up a simple dish from Pizzazzerie

These are sure to make a huge impact at your next get together or family dinner.

Alas, the sun has risen, and the chilly days are fading away {well okay not if you live here in Chicagoland- they’ve drifted back into sight}.  The beautiful orange shiny ball reminds us we should be outside to soak-up its beauty and enjoy outdoor activities.  Many children will play: basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, swim, and bike ride, as much as we love that children are outside being active, we also must remain vigilant that they are being safe.  Today we thought we would share a few tips to ensure a safer summer for your family.

• Sunblock- Make sure you douse those precious little babies {tots-teens} in sunblock.  As much as we benefit from the sun’s vitamin D, the sun’s rays can burn our babies.  It has been reported that adults who obtained a sunburn during their childhood, may be at risk for melanoma.
• Helmet- Okay, maybe they are not the coolest things in the world, but you know what, it’s cool to not have a head injury.  When your child doesn’t want to wear his or her helmet for bike riding, skateboarding, or even while rollerblading inform him/her that their helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85% (OrthoInfo, 2011).
• Hydrate- Make sure your little and big athletes are well hydrated to avoid dehydration.  Dehydration may expose the child to other heat related illnesses.
• Mandatory Breaks- Kids need to take breaks.  During the break have your child grab a drink and stand in the shade or inside for 10-15 minutes. Taking breaks throughout sporting activities during hot summer days will also lower the risk for heat related illnesses.
• Wear the proper gear- some injuries are 100% preventable.  Make sure your children are wearing their mouth guard, chest guard {if needed}, certified eyewear, all other proper sports equipment for their sporting activity. **Our interview with Dr. Berman is quite informative about the importance of eye safety.**

{Source}

We are all sadden by the horrific events that took place yesterday May 20, 2013 in Oklahoma.  We are hopeful that through the pain and heartache life will emerge from this devastation.  As always, when there is tragedy we come together– we’ve compiled a list to assist in the kindness of neighbors.  Every little bit helps.

To our friends in Oklahoma we’re thinking of you, stay safe. Keep positive.

• You can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund here.
• The Salvation Army is asking for donations to help in their efforts to serve the people of Oklahoma.

Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”

Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to:

The Salvation Army

PO Box 12600

Oklahoma City, OK 73157

• Feeding America monetary donations can be made at their website to assist feeding the community. $1=8 meals
• AmeriCares is accepting donations to aid in their disaster relief efforts. 
• The United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated a relief fund.  Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested. United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open.  Donations may be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK  73101 with notation for May Tornado Relief.
• OK Humane Society needs your help to care for the animals who were impacted by yesterday’s tornado.

This craft is perfect for to keep the kids busy this summer.
What you need.

Empty tin cans. Baby formula, coffee, veggies, etc.

Twine or string

Red and white Ribbon

Blue paint

Star stickers or cutouts or other decorations

Hammer and Nail to poke holes in top

Hot glue gun

How to Make:

Clean cans and remove any labels. Let dry.

Paint cans and let dry completely.

Attach stars or other decorations.

Cut strips of ribbon and hot glue in alternating pattern around the inside edge of can.

Poke 2 holes in top of can and string twine through to form a hanger.

Hang up anywhere!!! Enjoy!!!

Thank you Random Thoughts of a Supermom for the idea!

Perfect DIY for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and the Summer!! Super cute and super easy to create.

What you need.

Sand paper

Wood Blocks – different sizes

Spray paint or acrylic paint in red, white, and blue.

Scrapbook paper, patriotic

Embellishments

Modge podge

Robe

Hot glue

Drill

Water based Wood Stain – optional

How to make

1. Sand edges of blocks to create a smooth edging.
2. Drill hole into top center of top of each block. Wide enough to fit rope into.
3. Paint blocks.
4. Cut paper if desired and modge podge to block.
5. Sand to distress blocks and paper and lightly stain if desired.
6. Attached other embellishments if needed.
7. Cut a rope into a small piece and apply hot glue to end and work into hole.
8. Singe tip of rope to simulate a firecracker.

Place out for decor!!!

Visit Family Every After for more pics and samples of this DIY. I think I am going to be making some of these this weekend!!!

While you can never be truly prepared for any type of natural disaster, it is always best to have a plan just in case. I am from North Texas area, right in tornado alley. We experience tornadoes every year and sometimes have weeks and even months of threatening conditions. It is never something to get used to nor do we ever want to. But, the one thing that helped me was to prepare a kit and a plan just in case. Even though tornadoes happen more often in the south and mid west, a tornado can strike any where the weather permits. I recall not long ago a tornado ripping through New York state.

Assign a room on the bottom floor of your house as your storm shelter. A room with no windows and no outside walls. Bathroom or closet. If no room or bathroom is available, a hall way will have to do. We do not have basements or underground rooms in Texas. During a warning alert, grab pillows, blankets, mattresses and anything soft to make a barrier between yourself and any possible flying debris. Just remember to grab your kids, pets, and your kit when heading into the shelter.

For your kit it is best to have non battery operated or crank flashlights, a weather radio with extra batteries. Water, snacks, canned food and a can opener, extra shoes and a change of clothes. Keep a list of all your utility companies. If you need to shut off power to your home, the number will be handy. As well as any other important numbers such as home insurance information. If you have infants, keep a few extra diapers and formula handy.

Since a lot of tornadoes happen at night, not all, but some. When we get a tornado watch or warning, I will set out extra flashlights, a pair of shoes, change of clothes, and the travel potty (Yes sounds weird but if you are stuck in a closet for 45min to an hour, it will come in handy) near our storm shelter closet. I also, will make sure my phone is charging. Will need a full battery if storm hits.

While nothing will ever prepare us fully for the extent of what a tornado or other disaster can and will do, but if you are ever in that situation, having a pair of shoes and change of clothes will mean the world to you.

Stay safe everyone.

West Nile is extreme here in North Texas, spraying for the virus began months ago and positive tests has already come back. We try to always protect ourselves when out in the yard or anywhere they might be excessive. We also take preventative measures like no standing water or damp areas in the yard. Plus, we use a mosquito spray to help repel the bugs. However, the sprays in the stores are full of chemicals and not recommended for children to use. So I use it sparingly and also buy the family friendly versions but some do not protect against West Nile. So when I came across this home made all natural spray repellent, I knew it would be great and perfect for the kids.

To make this repellent yourself check out Surviving The Stores.

It gets very hot here in Texas. Very HOT! It’s typical to surpass the 100 degree mark daily throughout the summer months and been known to get up to 105 and then some. So, how do we beat the heat? Water and air conditioning. Lots of water and lots of air conditioning. We are lucky have been able to move in to a neighborhood with a fabulous pool and splash park in walking distance. Plus, we are prepared this year with our very own water slide in the back yard. YAY!

(Yes that is Blake in his underwear. He couldn’t wait a single moment longer to get into the water.)

We purchased our Step2 brand slide at Toys R Us for $349.99.

Here are a few other ways to help you beat the summer heat and have some fun in your own backyard.

If you do not live near a splash park, make your own!

Visit HomeSpun Treads for info on how to build your own splash pad.

Don’t want the mess of a traditional pinata or the sugar rush from the candy? Try this water balloon pinata. Also makes a fun summer activity or game.

Original post from Scrap Happy Heather.

Want a more controlled sprinkler play time? Re use an old 2 liter bottle to make this shower sprinkler! Would be great for after swimming in the pool or lake, fun in the back yard, and fun activities.

Can not find original source.

Have a wonderful summer!

Summer is coming and school is almost out. I have compiled a list from many other lists with fun and interesting things to do this summer with your kids to make a fun and memorable summer!

1. Cloud Watching
2. Have a Lemonade stand
3. Ride a train
4. Ride scooters
5. Scavenger hunt
6. Amusement park
7. Dance party
8. Make moon sand
9. Road trip
10. Banana split
11. Pen pal
12. Find a crazy Snow globe
13. Go fishing
14. Make Root beer floats
15. Slip and slide
16. Breakfast picnic
17. Aracade
18. Paint a picture
19. Star gazing
20. Visit Museum
21. Go to the Library
22. Bob for apples
23. Have Story Time at home
24. Pick wild flowers
25. Go swimming
26. Go to the Dollar movies
27. Cook out at home
28. Visit the Planetarium
29. Bean bag toss
30. Play Croquet
31. “drive in movie” in the back yard
32. Catch bugs
33. Fly kites
34. Have a Magic show
35. Feed ducks
36. Have a Movie night at home
37. Play Mini golf
38. Visit grandparents
39. Cereal art
40. Craft night
41. Make pizza
42. Water balloon fight
43. Roast marshmallows
44. Visit a pet store
45. Snow cones
46. Home made cookies
47. Play in sprinklers
48. Camp outside
49. Go for a walk
50. Make play dough
51. Dance in the rain
52. Make a bird feeder
53. Weenie roast
54. Ride bikes
55. Farmers market
56. Blow dandilions
57. Puppet show
58. Play Frisbee
59. Sidewalk chalk
60. Have a water gun fight
61. Have a mid summer night celebration
62. Outdoor concert
63. Play Jacks
64. Pajama Day
65. Go to a Splash Park
66. Go for a Car ride
67. Have aBackyard dinner
68. Bathtub paint
69. Make Bubbles
70. Play a board game
71. Play hot potato
72. Make a mask
73. Hula hoop contest
74. Play bingo
75. Go on a hike
76. Watch fireworks
77. Make an obstacle course
78. Visit a new playground
79. Tour fire station
80. Paper airplane contest
81. Have a party just because
82. Go to a petting zoo
83. Go to the zoo
84. Plant a garden
85. Make trail mix
86. Leaf rubbings
87. Breakfast for dinner
88. Catch a firefly
89. Go peach picking
90. Go bowling
91. Make a time capsule
92. Pillow fight
93. Celebrate Christmas in July
94. Leave a secret treat for a neighbor
95. Go to storytime at a bookstore
96. Visit a farm
97. Tea party
98. Paint with pudding
99. Write a letter to grandparents and mail them.
100. Decorate bikes for a parade

Have a great summer!!!

I spend all day long with this little sweet heart and today he insisted on going outside to pick me some flowers! It melts my heart and makes me feel so good!! He is my little snuggle bug! I love him so much!