Use Some Thought...Make It Count

In true ROCKSTAR style, I love giving gifts that make people feel important.  I try to take mental notes when I'm talking to someone and when an occasion comes up, I like to present them with something really special.   Special does NOT mean expensive!  Remember, I'm a SAHM and this party has a budget!  It means making specially flavored cupcakes, or buying them a bag of their favorite coffee, or sending a homemade card that makes it on (or before) their birthday.  It means creating a really cool presentation for that gift-card you just picked up for that person who has everything!

I believe that the time you put into a handmade card or really cool wrapping job means just as much as the present itself.  It lets the recipient know that you've really been thinking about them and their special day (no matter how big or small).   One Christmas, I requested my MIL drop off boxes (yes, boxes) of photos she had been keeping since she was dating my FIL.  I organized them chronologically and placed them into albums.  The investment of my time was nothing compared to her enjoyment on Christmas day. 

This brings me to my case-in-point.  I have the cutest niece and nephew.  They are twins and only 4 months older than my youngest.  Unfortunately, with distance and busy schedules, we only get to see them a handful of times each year.  So, when it comes to special days, I really like to ROCK in the gift-giving department.   This year, I thought I would share my gift with you, as well.

A few years ago we got a new computer with Lightscribe technology.  It basically laser images a design directly to your CDs.  Like most new toys, the shinyness wore after after a while and I haven't lightscribed a CD is over a year.  I was dancing around with my kids one day and it dawned on me what I would do for my niece and nephew's birthday.  I was going to make them a CD!

So, I hopped on my iTunes and created a new playlist of all of our favorite kid songs.  Since children's songs are much shorter than standard music, I was able to fit 52 of the most wonderful classic kid's songs onto the CD.   

Next, I Lightscribed the CD with their pictures, a picture of all of the cousin's together, and a photo of my two girls.  As part of the Lightscribe, I wrote "Happy 3rd Birthday" and "Love, Allison & Emily". 

Then, my creative juices really kicked in.  I dusted off some of my scrap booking stuff and went to work on the CD cover.  This is what I came up with:

iTunes is wonderful enough to have the capability of printing a "large playlist" in the exact size for a CD cover.  I printed it on heavy card stock, so it would look more professional. 

I chose red and black for the color scheme, since the CD is for both a boy and girl.  I also like to use classic colors that are fun. 

For the front, I used Microsoft Word, chose a font that I liked and printed it on the same heavy, red card stock.   It reads: "Happy Birthday Beau & Mary-Claire"   and underneath, reads, "A Musical Celebration." 

For the cupcakes, I took a clip-art image and dissected it to make my patterns.  I had a pattern for the: cupcake holder,  cupcake top, candle stick, and flame.  For a total of four.  I chose my coordinated the cupcake liner  with the edging, chose a fun pink for the icing and used a printed paper that reminded me of fire for the flames.   I used adhesive foam squares to bring the cupcake topper off the of paper to give the cupcakes some dimensions.  Since they are turning 3, I used 3 cupcakes.  I took a small brush and made dots of glue and added glitter to the cupcakes, so they would sparkle a bit. 

I hope they enjoy it as much as I did making it!

A Day In The Life...

Since my blog is so new, I thought I would give you a glimpse into my ROCKSTAR routine.  Whether we are at home or on the road, one thing is for sure: our days are never dull!  I think it will give you some insight into me, my objective as a SAHM (other than survival!), and may just convince you to follow me.

I promised I would try to accomplish a shower everyday, given I'm pretty new to this SAHM thing, so I was showered, dressed, and fed before either of the princesses woke up around 8.  I used the couple of hours to check over our grocery list and organize some things for next week's vacation. 

Time for breakfast.  Here's how breakfast rolls out in my house.  When I'm making my grocery list, I plan for 3 breakfasts.  I figure if I'm making a casserole, pancakes, or waffles there will be leftovers for other days of the week.  My family's opinions are always welcome because if there's no "buy in", then I'm not buyin'.  There is nothing worse than fixing breakfast (even if it's cereal) only for it to be wasted.  Not to foget the budget!

I will usually play some children's music while they eat and let them dance around while I'm cleaning up the kitchen.  Today we Mousercised, which was a blast! 

Time to play school.  There are several educators in my family and sometimes I think I missed my calling.  I think it's very important to have some structure and education worked into your daily routine.  I have invested in several curriculum books (which I cross reference when planning) and a couple of kid science experiment books.  I also love to scrapbook, so my art supplies would put many businesses to shame.    Not that I plan our entire day, I also believe that you have to have FUN as much as possible.  Life it too short.   In fact, most of the educational activities I do with my kids are hands-on, interactive, and FUN! 

Every Sunday I sit down with my curriculum books and plan out the week.  I focus on three "subjects":  Science, Our World, Art, and Reading.  I try to come up with 3-4 activities per day, per subject.  So, we are doing 12-16 different activities each day.   That seems like a lot, but most activities only last about 5 minutes.   My children are young and still have very short attention spans, so it's important not to lose your child's engagement in learning my making anything to long....(insert personal flashback here).  I also try to incoporate special occasions, holidays, etc.  For example celebrating "National Pancake Week" by making different kinds of pancakes all week!  Or National Picnic Day, by talking about all things picnic (bugs, baskets, food, etc.) and then having a picnic! 

This week our focus is on Father's Day, Butterflies, Bedtime, and Colors. 

Father's Day.  I always like to "play" teacher with my little ones because it gets them interested in what we are doing.  If they think it's all a game, they are more in-tune with what's going on.  We started today talking about Daddy; his characteristics, what he likes to do, eat, what kind of car he drives, his job, etc.  Then I helped them start a Dad Book.  We will talk about Dad each day and they will complete a total of 5 pages in their books, which will become a gift to Dad on Sunday.  I also picked up some books about dad from our local library, like: My Dad is Awesome (My Relative Series), When Daddy Came to School, and Just My Dad & Me.  We're going to dress up in Daddy's shirts and ties (shhh...he'll never know!)  And, we're also learning a song.

Butterflies.  To be fair, we are starting the week reading Very Hungry Caterpillar, watching the movie, and making the cutest paper caterpillar puppets.  Our snack today consisted of some of the things the very hungry caterpillar feasted on in the book.  We will also make paper butterflies, watch a movie on the metamorphosis, and do some coloring sheets that I found (free) on-line.  I ordered some caterpillars and they are to be delivered this week, so we will actually be watching the metamophosis first hand!

Bedtime.  We have several books on bedtime and we actually did today's lesson on bedtime while the girls were snuggled up for quiet time.  (Yes, my oldest child is 6, but her brain needs to decompress just like the rest of ours!)  We read a couple of the books, talked about night and day and what we did to get ready for bed.  We will be doing play-doh stars, talking about dreams, animals that live at night, and looking at constellations (made with t.p. rolls and black construction paper w/ pin holes in it).  Friday we are going to have a pajama day!

Art.  The girls started making color wheels today.  We did red, blue and yellow.  Since there are 4 years between my children, I have to find ways to challenge the oldest while still keeping my youngest engaged.   The color wheel worked great!  My little one was able to learn colors while my older daughter and I talked about whether the color was "warm" or "cool".  We will add the other colors to the wheel, talk about things these colors, do some science when mixing colors (white) and have a snack that will mix yellow & blue to make green.  Yummy!

 

Today we ran errands between Butterflies and Bedtime and had a snack before Art.  We even managed to build some forts in the living room, do a little potty training, visit the girl's old daycare (they wanted to see their friends), do a load of laundry, make a birthday present, eat lunch, and have dinner ready when my husband got home!  We had a little family game time, the girls got baths and are settling in for the night.  Today ROCKED!

Fourth of July Fun

One great thing about a holiday is that you already have a theme.  I love themes!  Themes give you color, food ideas, games and more! And, for the Fourth of July, you are about to set off some ROCKSTAR fireworks of your own!  Grab your potato salad, fire up the grill, and light the pyrotechnics, it's time for the best birthday party of the year!

We generally head down to my in-law's lake house for the fourth of July. The lake Association puts on a decent fireworks display and we can watch them from around the campfire.    We have several toddler's and some elementary children, so there needs to be a range of fun.  Also, we are down there for the weekend, so I like to have several activities.  Here are some of the ideas I have for Fourth of July fun. 

1.  Talk About It.  Don't forget the "reason for the season".  You've heard this before, don't miss an opportunity to educate your child.  There are so many wonderful resources geared toward children.  We picked these books from our local library:  Corouroy's 4th of July, Fourth of July Sparkly Sky, and Hats Off for the Fourth of July.   I'm planning on reading a book a day over the weekend, so we can remember why we are all gathered together.  Certainly, you can get a bit more educational, depending on the age of the children.  I there are a ton of word searches and puzzles available on-line.

2. Make a Craft.   There are several crafts available through Oriental Trading Company, and they are very inexpensive.  I found visors and puff star stickers for under $1/each.  This is perfect for all ages.  The kids get to wear them the rest of the summer and they block harmful UVA/UVB rays.     I also found make-your-own flag magnets are Jo Ann Etc. for 2/$1.  Kids love crafts, so why not incorporate it into your party?  The key is to have enough available so they don't get bored, while still giving them free time to play in the sand box, teeter totter, play cornhole, fish, kayak, go to the pool and swing.  

3. Have a Parade.  Have the children decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons, etc. with streamers, noise makers, flags, etc. and have a parade for all the parents.  Paper streamers are very inexpensive and don't forget about those "old-fashioned" paper-chains we used to make in grade school! 

4. Play Extreme Hula.  This is my favorite.  Get some red, white and blue helium-filled balloons from your local party store.  Get a hula hoop (players can share one or you can have one for each person playing, whatever is available).   Write different "point" denominations on each balloon (i.e.  5, 10, 15, 25...).  Stagger the balloons in the yard close enough that the hula can reach it, but spread out enough that you won't ring two balloons at once.  Each person takes a turn and tries to ring the balloon with their hula hoop.  Have someone keep score.   Now, you can vary this by either having every one throw a certain number of times, or set a timer and let people throw as many times at they want within a given time period.  It depends on the age of your players.

5.  Sing Songs.  Teach a patriotic song like: Yankee Doodle, The Star Spangled Banner, Grand Old Flag, etc.  You can also play these songs and let the children dance around.

There are so many other ways to incorporate Independence Day into your child's routine.  Use patriotic coloring pages at crayon time.  Use only red, white, and blue play-doh for the week.  Have them wear red, white or blue.  Make red, white and blue snacks or meals.   While you're incorporating these things, talk to your child about patriotism, the USA, and the Fourth of July.

And, please, don't forget that any party needs really ROCKIN' food!  I am always very flattered when one of my family members requests a dish that I make.  Especially when they tell me that they've tried to make it, but it "just doesn't taste as good."   Encore! Encore!  However, I get a bit bored making the same things.  We all have a favorite song, but every once in a while we have to change the station.

The Fourth of July is one of those times where you can have all the favorites (baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, watermelon...), but put your own spin on it to really ROCK.  Here are a few recipes and serving ideas that will ROCK your Independence Day.  If you are having a carry-in, challenge your guests to only bring red, white and blue dishes! 

CELEBRATION CUPCAKES  (My own recipe! Enjoy!)

Description:  white cupcakes with strawberry filling, butter cream icing, with a sugared, blueberry star on top.  Sound yummy?  Here's how you do it:

You will need:

White Cake Mix 
Large Instant White Chocolate Pudding

Strawberry Pie Filling

Filling Pastry Tip
Pastry Bag

Buttercream Icing (I follow the Wilton recipe)

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
2 tablespoons milk

Makes: About 3 cups of icing

THE CUPCAKE

Use a white cake mix, add a package of vanilla pudding.

    Bake cupcakes according to package directions.

    I always set my timer for 15 minutes and watch. 

**Remember that cupcakes will continue to bake a bit after they are removed from the oven; however, if they aren't cooked enough, they will sink in the middle!**

I found these star-studded cupcake liners at Jo Ann's for $1/ 50 count. 

Double up on your liners, so the color stays vibrant.

After the cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, it's time to fill them.

     Fit your pastry bag with the Wilton 230 Filling Tip.
     Fill the pastry bag with Strawberry Pie Filling.
     Insert the tip directly into the center of the cake and apply slow pressure, filling the cupcakes.
     - I usually do a 3 second count.

Mix your icing, and frost your cupcakes, as desired.  I like to pipe my icings on.

Place your iced cupcakes in an air tight container and store them in the fridge while you make the cookie toppers.

COOKIE TOPPER

You will need:

Your favorite cut-out cookie recipe  (mine follows)

Small Star Cookie Cutter

Blueberries

White or Blue sugar sprinkles

This cut-out cookie recipe has been in my family for years.  So long, the index card is yellow and has remnants of cookies past.  You know it's good!

1 C       butter, softened

1 1/2 C confectioner's sugar

1           egg

1 tsp     vanilla

1/4 tsp  almond extract   (if you don't like almond, substitute vanilla)

2 3/4 C flour

1 tsp     baking powder

1/4 tsp  salt

Cream the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla together  until smooth. 
Add remaining ingredients. 
Chill, in air tight container, for 1 hour

Use confectioner's sugar to flour your working space.
Roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out your star shaped cookies.  I used the star from my Pampered Chef Creative Cutters set.

Place your blueberry in the center, pushing down gently, and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake, ungreased cookie sheet, 350 degrees, 8-10 minutes.

Cool thoroughly.

To finish, just stick the two lower points of the star into the frosted cupcake.  Assemble cookies just before serving because the buttercream will soften the cookie.

I am also serving up good ol' fashioned caramel corn, but I'm putting a ROCKSTAR twist on it by serving it up in paper cones that are sized just right for little hands!

CARAMEL CORN  (on behalf of Karo)

Cooking Spray

4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter OR margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract

Spray a large shallow roasting pan with cooking spray. Add popcorn and place in preheated 250°F oven while preparing caramel.

Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat.

Boil 5 minutes WITHOUT STIRRING. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla.

Pour syrup mixture over warm popcorn, stirring to coat evenly.

Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and spread on foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Cool; break apart. Store in tightly covered container.

PAPER CONES
Heavy Card Stock
Scissors
Double sided tape
Other embellishments, if desired

I located the template for the cone on the Internet.  Just google "Paper Cone Template".  I previewed the templates by searching "Images" and clicking on the picture of the template that met my needs.

Start by tracing the template and cutting out your cone.  I shaped mine in my hand before adding any adhesive, so I could see how it would line up.

I added ribbon to the inside of mine, so it would hang out the hole in the bottom of the cone.

Apply your double sided tape to the side of the cone that will end up on the inside of your cone.

Wrap the cone and press the tape down securely.

Add a second piece of double sided tape to secure the edge of the cone that ended up on the outside (so it doesn't stick up).

Add any additional embellishments to the outside. 

Fill your cones and enjoy!   Here's my finished project.  Display them in a deep container or punch two holes on opposite sides of your cone, string a ribbon through the holes, and hang them for display as well.

Here are a few more recipes you might like to try for your Independence Day party.

RED WHITE AND BLUE POTATO SALAD  (courtesy of the Recipe Girl)

PATRIOTIC PASTA SALAD

STAINED GLASS JELLO   (the Food Librarian used purple and yellow, but use red and blue for the 4th!)

PRETZEL SPARKLERS  (use white chocolate and red and blue sprinkles)

Color tint milk, use strawberries and blueberries on top of ice cream, make blueberry pancakes and have strawberry syrup and whipped cream, make sugar cookies and sprinkle them with red and blue.  (Make them all star shaped for a really great display!) 

I HOPE YOUR FOURTH OF JULY ROCKS!!

The PMC...

You are rushing home from a hard day's work, talking to your husband, wife, partner, baby mama on the phone and you hear the dreaded question, "What's for dinner?"  You throw out a few options, none of which get rave reviews. (Insert long sigh here.)  You pick up the kids from the sitter and hear, "What's for dinner?" Deja vu with a side of corn, anyone?

I came up with a solution that not only solves this problem, but saves time and money.  It's called the Perpetual Meal Calendar (PMC).  There are several variations available on the Internet.  Mine started as a simple fix and evolved into a time and money masterpiece.  Here's how it works:

1.  Sit down with your family and come up with a list of your favorite dishes.  Aim for 31, but depending on how picky your broad is, it may be fewer.  Nothing is off limits.  We have "breakfast" and "lunch" dinners included on our PMC.  I just try to work in some yogurt, fruit, or veggies to balance out the meal.  If it makes your pickiest eater happy one time a month, it's worth it.  Also, if every one is involved, they will buy into the program and it will be successful. 

2.  Don't forget dessert.  I like to make a desert a week.  One dessert is usually good for a couple of meals.  I try to impress upon my kids that sweets are a special treat, not something they have to have after every meal.  So, 4-8 desserts are plenty, depending on the size of your sweet tooth.

4.  Calendar it.  Take a blank sheet of paper and draw 6 lines down and 3 lines across.  This will give you 4 weeks with 7 days.  Fill in the dinners.  If you want to optimize your savings, try to make dishes that overlap.  For example, you have pot roast on Sunday and use the left overs for BBQ beef sandwiches on Tuesday.

3.  Create a spreadsheet.   Go through your list of meals and create a spreadsheet of all the items you will need to make each meal.  Don't repeat ingredients.  (i.e. If you use sour cream for tacos and again in your hamburger mac casserole, don't list it twice.)  I am a bit type-A, so I sorted my ingredients into categories, like dairy, dry goods, meat, produce, and frozen foods.  

4.  Don't forget your staples.  Add your staples to your spreadsheet.  Milk, bread, yogurt, fruits, veggies, laundry detergent, diapers...you get the idea.

5.  Put it to use.  When you're ready to go shopping, put an "X" in the column next to the ingredients you need for that week of meals.  Sort your spreadsheet to show the "X" items and there you have it~ your shopping list, beautifully printed and categorized.  No more forgetting staple items or ingredients.  Just don't save your sorted list, and your master list will be ready the next time you need to go to the grocery store.

The PMC can save money and get your budget down to a science.  I don't know about you, but the grocery bill is the only "variable" expenditure in our budget.  Since using the PMC, we have cut $50 to $100 off our grocery bill each week (and, I recently became a stay at home mom!)  If you want to maximize the PMC, chart your expenditures for the first month or two.  After returning from the grocery, take your receipts and input the costs of your items. (Don't forget to leave a column for your "X".)   Next time you prepare your list, you will be able to compare what you spent in the past to weekly specials and approximate (pretty darn accurately) how much you will spend on your next trip.

Now, I'm not suggesting you eat the same things month after month.  Every 3 months or so, I switch up the PMC to add variety.  I love trying new recipes, so I continually tweak the PMC to meet my social or culinary demands.  The possibilities are endless.  And, you don't have to be structured to the point that if you schedule Taco Tuesday and accidentally fix them on Monday you ruin your fiesta. 

I print out a copy of our PMC and hang it on our bulletin board for the entire family to see.  Now, the only time I get asked "What's for dinner?" is when my husband, wife, partner, baby daddy hasn't looked at the calendar.

Here's what my PMC looks like.  You'll notice that I have chores listed at the top, but I'll get to that time saver in another blog.  Right now, I have some grocery shopping to do....

Protection Power!!

I promise, I will NOT fill this blog with product reviews...unless you want me to.  After travelling to the zoo today with my kiddos and using two of my favorite items, I felt compelled to share them with you.

We all want to protect our kids by keeping them safe and healthy, right?  That's why we put them in carseats, sneak vegetables into recipes, teach them to sing their ABCs while washing their hands, and put plastic things in our electrical outlets that make us work up a sweat when we need to iron.  It's part of our job description as parents.  When my girls were born, I think the nurse made me raise my right hand and take an oath while still under the effects of anesthesia. 

If I could narrow the list down to two (just two) ways I diligently keep my girls safe and healthy it would be: sunscreen and protection against germs. 

Sunscreen:  rain or shine, it's important.  Maybe it's because I have fair skin and remember the horrible sunburn I got in grade school.  I was having a play-date with one of my friends and her mother dropped us off at the country club pool for the day.  I still remember the wind coming through the sunroof and slicing through my shoulders on the ride home.  I now have annual dermatologist exams to make sure my freckles aren't anything worse.  There is nothing worse than trying to put sunscreen on your child's face and having it drip (or them rub it) into their eye.   That's why I am totally sold on Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick.   It's sort of like rubbing a glue stick around your child's face (they are about the same size, too!)  

It doesn't really have much of a smell and isn't heavy on the skin.  It's also not sticky or clumpy after application.  I'm usually able to find it at Wal-mart for under $4.00 and keep one in my purse and one in the diaper bag.  It's so easy, my 6 year old has put it on her sister's face without any problem.  (Even ROCKSTARS need a couple extra hands once in awhile. )

Protection against germs: 'nuff said, it's important.  Tomorrow our oldest child is getting her tonsils out.  I think we have had a running prescription of antibiotics since she was a baby.  It started as ear infections and developed into chronic strep throat.  Needless to say, this left our work/life balance out of balance.  Too  many mornings we reviewed daily or weekly schedules and called family members to see if they could drop everything to help out.  Well, say hello to my little friend... Lysol Disinfectant Spray ~ Travel Size.  I first received this little can of protection in the diaper bag given by my OB/GYN and I never leave home without it.  It's 1.0 ounces and it's just a bit larger than the Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick.    I don't have to cringe every time my child climbs up onto that public toilet and scoots the t.p. I just spent 20 minutes covering the seat with.  I spray the seat, let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe it with some clean t.p.  (You don't want your kid's bum wet from Lysol, do you?)  I still throw some t.p on the seat, but I feel a lot more confident when my child is scooting around on the public porcelain throne. 

Summer Fun

Summer is filled with so many wonderful sounds and smells: chlorine, lemonade, charcoal, freshly cut grass, flowers, children laughing, sprinklers.  The list is endless.  With all the fabulous things Summer brings, you would think that occupying your children (or other people's children) would just happen.  Riiiiight.  Sometimes, the thought of entertaining your own child/children for hours a day, for days and weeks at a time can be somewhat daunting.  I'll just say it: my kids get somewhat annoying when they are bored.  That's not really how I envisioned my first Summer as a SAHM.

My husband's financial brain and my type-A personality can be a lethal combo.  Most of the time it works pretty well, but sometimes it's a bit challenging.   (I want to sell out arenas, but my manager has me playing county fairs.)  I am often challenged with finding new and creative ways to ROCK.  I need to be the best mom I can be on a budget that satisfies my need to be an over-achiever and solidify my career as a stay-at-home-mom and, most importantly, makes my fans applaud.

One of my favorite sayings is "Lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine."  As parents, we quickly learn that taking the time to prepare is very important.  It keeps the everything in tune.  I also believe that you can't plan everything.  It's fun to improvise and it's also important for our children to be able to bob and weave, ebb and flow.  If things are too structured, they are less likely to be able to handle change successfully....and, what's the one thing that's constant? 

Here are a number of brainstorms that I came up with to make our first Summer together ROCK.  Some are very simple, others a bit more detailed.  I would encourage you to remember my 10 Tips to Parenting Like A Rockstar while planning your activities. 

1. Make paper airplanes. Decorate them, have races, see which one goes the farthest
2. Lemonade stand.  The kids will have a blast decorating the sign, plus you can take the opportunity to learn about money and get the chance to mingle with your neighbors.
3. Play in the sprinkler.  Who needs anything fancy? Grab the lawn sprinkler and your sunscreen.
4. Ride bikes.  Pack a lunch and make it a journey. 
5. Play an old game.  Try hopscotch, 4-square, croquet, boche ball,  Frisbee, or jacks.  Kids are inundated with video games and electronics.  Take them outside and back to basics.
6. Have a treasure hunt.
7. Make a time capsule.
8. Make your own Popsicle.  I found some plastic Popsicles molds at my local Dollar General.  They also retail on-line for around $10.
9. Make your own ice cream. You don't have to have an ice cream machine.  Follow the easy steps from David Lebovitz.
10. Tie-dye.  For instructions visit Ritdye.com.  You don't have to stick with t-shirts.  Try shorts, cotton bags, or socks.  I found an interesting idea of hanging an old white sheet outside, mixing color dyes with water in squirt bottles and letting the kids spray a beautiful abstracts.  The sheets can be used for bedding, the beach, for picnics in your backyard.
11. Make a Volcano.  You can get the instructions here.  You can also take a trip to the local library and check out How to Make a Chemical Volcano: And other Mysterious Experiments.  It is actually written by a 13 year old! 
12. Have a tea party.  Don't forget the tablecloth, napkins, and cucumber sandwiches! Really get creative and have the kids dress-up in fancy hats, ties, and dresses.
13. Learn magic tricks and put on a show.  Take some time each day to learn some simple magic tricks.  On Friday, put on a show.  The kids can even make their own "magic capes" by decorating old sheets.   Here are 9 to get you started!
14. Play the recorder.   Oh, the memories.  My girls actually have plastic recorders.  I found them for a dollar and couldn't resist!  You can learn how to play some simple songs here.
15. Go on a picnic.  Visit parks in your area or throw a sheet down in the backyard. 
16. Fly kites.  If you really want a project, make your own.
17. Pick fruit.  Visit your local orchard and pick some fruit.  Not only is it good for you, but they usually have short, educational tours.
18. Visit someone.   It doesn't have to be grandma, but it will get you out of the house and moving. Go to your local library, fire department, candy factory or bakery.   You may want to call ahead to verify the tour times and see if there is any cost involved. 
19. Volunteer.  Call your local food pantry or soup kitchen and see if there is an age limit.  You can also talk to your Home Owner's Association.  Our HOA will assist elderly with yard work, cleaning, etc.  The children can help plant flowers or stain mailboxes.
20. Make a fort.  Gather all those winter blankets and put them to use.  Throw a sheet down and let the kiddos eat lunch in their "secret club house".  Let them create a password or handshake.
21. Go bowling. 
22. Camp out.  Or in, depending on the weather.  Who says tents are only for outside use.  We camp out regularly right in our living room - pop tent and all!!  Make s'mores in your oven, tell scary stories, talk about what animals might be lurking outside the tent, and sing campfire songs. 
23. Take a hike.  Pack a lunch, your magnifying glass, and a bug catcher and go for an adventure.
24. Go to the movies.
25. Create a journal.   Place some white paper between two sheets of construction paper.  Let the child decorate it.  Have the child make journal entries about their Summer fun.  They can use a combination of words or pictures to capture their memories.  You could take some old magazines and let them cut out pictures and create a collage for one of the pages.  This works great for little kids who can't write, but love to draw and color.
26. Do a science experiment.  You can find limitless experiments at http://www.kids-science-experiments.com/.  Most (if not all) of the items needed you will already have around your home.  Be sure to engage your children by asking questions like: What happened first, second, last, and why?
27. Go to the Olympics. Have a water balloon toss, egg toss, sack race, obstacle course, jump rope, hula hoop, etc.  You can make medals from construction paper and yarn. 
28. Visit another country. This trip doesn't require a passport.  Log onto the computer or visit your local library and discover another country.   Learn about it's language, food, traditions, and clothing.  Gear all of your meals and snacks around native dishes.
29. Have Theme Week.  Create a theme using animals, colors, shapes, etc.  Learn about it, create a meal and do projects centered around it.  For example: Dinosaurs.  Learn about a different dinosaur each day (where it lived, what it ate, etc.), read books about dinosaurs (one of my favorites: How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?), eat dinosaur eggs for snack.  There are a lot of fun dinosaur recipes.
30. Have a dance party.  Turn the music up and dance around!

Don't forget to check the zoo, aquarium, COSI, and amusement parks.  They typically put memberships on sale half-way through the summer and they normally last 12 months.  Also, don't forget about "old faithfuls": bubbles, chalk, board games, UNO, and hide and seek.  It's also fun to brain-storm with your child and come up with fun activities.  This comes in handy when you feel like you've exhausted all options and aren't quite sure if going to the park for the 10th time is going to excite your little one.  You never know, the 10th time to the park might ROCK just as much as the first.

I will certainly be sharing photos and stories of our Summer with you.  Please feel free to do the same or provide feedback on some of the suggestions. 

ROCK ON!