Grilling, S’mores, and Sunshine: The Perfect Intro to Summer

 

   There’s something magical about summer. The days are longer, the evenings feel slower, and even the simplest activities become little memories worth holding onto. You don’t need an expensive vacation or a packed schedule to enjoy the season. Sometimes the best summer days happen right at home with good food, refreshing drinks, and the people you love. Here a some fun ideas to do this summer, from the comfort of your home!

Fire Up the Grill

Nothing says summer quite like the smell of a grill heating up in the backyard. Whether you’re making burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or grilled vegetables, eating outside just makes everything taste better... 

Well, as long as the bugs leave you alone 😄

Gather Around a Fire for S’mores

If there is one summer treat that never gets old, it’s s’mores.

There’s just something fun about roasting marshmallows over a fire, trying not to burn them (or accidentally setting them on fire), and sandwiching all that gooey goodness between graham crackers and chocolate.

Even adults can’t resist a good s’more night. Plus, sitting around a fire pit swapping stories and laughing together creates some of the best summer memories.

Sip Something Refreshing

A cold drink on a hot day is one of life’s simple pleasures.

Try making:

• Fresh lemonade
• Iced tea
• Fruit-infused water
• Strawberry lemonade
• Peach iced tea
• Sparkling mocktails

Serve them in a fun glass, add some ice, and you got yourself a fancy drink!

Have Dinner Outside

You don’t need a fancy patio setup to enjoy dining outdoors. Grab a picnic blanket, set up a makeshift table, or use whatever you have on hand to build an outdoor oasis.

Fresh air has a way of making every meal feel like an event.

Watch the Sunset

Any sunset is worth slowing down for, but there's something that feels more vibrant about summer sunsets. They seem to shine a bit brighter than other seasons. 

Take a few minutes to sit outside and watch the sky change colors. Bring your favorite drink, put your phone away, and enjoy the moment. It’s free, relaxing, and often the perfect way to end the day.

P.S. You can also make your own rainbows, by watering your yard in the sunshine! →

Make Summer Memories

The best part of summer isn’t necessarily what you do, it’s who you spend it with.

Whether you’re grilling burgers, making s’mores, sipping a special drink, or simply enjoying a warm evening outdoors, these little moments are often the ones we remember most.

So grab your favorite beverage, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy every bit of summer while it’s here!!

Keeping the Bugs Away With HUA Mosquito & Fly Repellent Incense Sticks

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own. 

    Spring and Summer will be here before we know it, and that means bugs will too! 
Especially those pesky Mosquitoes and Flies that like to disrupt our outdoor fun. 
There are several insect repellents on the market, but they often contain toxic pesticides 
that are dangerous to our health. With the HUA Mosquito & Fly Repellent Incense Sticks, 
we can detour the bugs, while protecting our families in a healthy natural way. 

   These incense sticks are naturally made with Citronella, Thyme and Rosemary Essential Oils, and Brazilian Andiroba, making them non-toxic and healthy for you and your pets to be around. The smells will repel bugs away from your area, so you can relax without bother. Each stick is easy to light and burns for 45 minutes. It even has a pleasant scent! You can set the sticks in an incense holder, in the ground, or in containers with sand or soil to hold them up. The smoke and scent will keep the bugs away so you can enjoy your outdoor BBQ, Picnic, Party, Camping Trip, and more!

You can find the Mosquito & Fly Repellent Incense Sticks available for purchase on Amazon $17.60 for a box of 30 sticks.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only 

recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Happy First Day of Summer + FREE Kroger Ice Cream!!

 

Wooooo Happy First Day of Summer!!

 And I got the free ice cream from Kroger! Hurry check and see if they’re still available so you can get it too!! 

Click Here To Get Your Free Kroger Ice Cream While It Lasts!!

20 Totally Fun Things To Do This Summer

 

   Are you looking for some fun ideas to do this Summer? Here are some ideas you can do to spend each day full of fun!!

1. Go on a Hike and collect rocks to paint later
2. Pop some Popcorn from the kernels and build a fort 
3. Make a Bird Feeder and see how many birds it attracts
4. Design a masterpiece or story mural with stickers and drawing
5. Pack a picnic and enjoy it on a blanket at the park
6. Make a Charcuterie Board and have a Movie Night
7. Build a backyard fire to roast marshmallows and have S'mores
8. Go to the Beach and collect as many seashells as you can
9. Make some homemade gummy candies or chocolates
10. Have a backyard water fight with water balloons or homemade sponge water bombs
11. Pick some books from the library and set up a comfy reading nook to read in
12. Go for a bike ride and stop for ice cream afterward
13. Draw a Village with Sidewalk Chalk
14. Go pick berries and make a yummy dessert with them
15. Make Homemade Slime or Edible Playdough
16. Fly a kite on a windy day
17. Bake a Cake in cleaned out Tin Cans
18. Spend the day at the Zoo and Learn some new Facts
19. Eat some Watermelon and have a seed spitting contest
20. Have a Hot Dog Roasting with a Buffet of all the toppings

Keeping Sunburn At Bay With Cicaplast Balm B5 UV by LA Roche-Posay

 Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own. 

   With Summer coming, I need a good sunscreen to keep my skin protected! I’ve been testing Cicaplast Balm B5 UV by La Roche-Posay and so far, this sun lotion seems like its’s a great product! It's made with Shea Butter, Vitamin B5, Madecassoside (an anti-inflammatory + helps protect skins barrier), Tribioma (to maintain skins pH levels), and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. 

   This lotion absorbs into my facial skin easily and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. It has a very faint sunscreen scent thats fades away quickly. I have been applying this product to my face and it seems that it has been protecting me from sunburn. It hasn’t caused any breakouts or issues, which is definitely a plus cuz many other sunscreens do. This lotion seems to be doing it's job, I will continue to use it and hope for the best results!

You can find more information on Cicaplast Balm B5 UV by LA Roche-Posay, as well as checking out their other products at site laroche-posay.us 

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Summer Cookies on the Griddle + Recipe

   Have you ever made cookies on the griddle?

  I began making these years ago, due to summer heat and an extra large sweet-tooth. It was a hot summer day, and I really wanted to make cookies, but didn't want to turn on the oven, for risk of heating our apartment up more, and causing us to bake even more in the hot summer sun. So I decided to try my hand at making Griddle Cookies!! To make these cookies you need the following ingredients:

 

1 Egg

6 tbsp butter

A tsp of vanilla

1 Cup of Flour

⅔ cup granulated sugar 

½ tsp. of baking soda

½ tsp. of salt

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, make sure your griddle is heated to 350°, and dollop batter in several spots across the griddle. Cook as you would pancakes, watching the edges bubble, flip when needed and cook on the other side until done. The cookies don't turn out as pretty, and are kind of flat, but they taste really good with crisp edges! You can make them quick and it doesn't heat up your house, so they're perfect for summer time! 

How To Help Your Child Prepare For The School Year Over Summer Break

How To Help Your Child Prepare For The School Year Over Summer Break

 

Photo by Pixabay

   Preparing your child for the upcoming school year is crucial, but it can be difficult to help them find focus and motivation during the summer months. When a student is struggling with their classes, however, summer break is a great time to help them find a more relaxed approach to their learning. Many parents have found that introducing something fun into the mix is helpful, and there are various ways to go about it, such as cooking, getting out into nature, and taking field trips.

   Of course, it’s also essential to figure out where your child’s learning strengths and weaknesses are so that you can tailor a lesson plan to their needs. Every individual is different when it comes to how well they retain certain information and how they process it, so what works for one child may not work for another. Finding your child’s specific learning needs will help to reduce frustration on both your part and theirs.

Here are a few things to consider this summer before school starts:

Consider an Assessment

   A Functional Behavior Assessment is a tool that helps parents and educators isolate issues with learning in a student, so they can figure out the best way to help that student learn and retain the information. It’s a beneficial process for students who exhibit behavior that inhibits their ability to focus, and requires some observation of the student in a learning setting to see where the problem areas occur. It can also be extremely useful in helping to diagnose a learning disability.

Make it Fun

   There are many ways you can help your child find the fun in learning, no matter their age. Cooking is an easy way to help with math concepts for younger children, and it also aids in teaching responsibility and following directions. Look online to find out what kind of learning tools are near you, such as a children’s museum or a nature preserve, that can help your child find an interest in biology, and take a field trip. Introducing concepts that your child is interested in will allow them to make connections that will help them focus once school is back in session.

Schedule It

   One of the most difficult things about summer for many young people is that there is little structure to their days. Even older kids need a routine to help them focus, so help your child stay on track by guiding them during the summer days. Set up a reading goal and set aside a specific time each day to work on it, or structure the day so that they can work on the concept that gave them the most trouble during the school year in short bursts. Limiting summer learning to an hour at a time can help keep concentration in place.

Prep for the Upcoming Schedule Change

   Getting ready for the new school year takes a little preparation, so it’s a good idea to start a few weeks before summer ends. Talk to your child about their new schedule--especially if they are transitioning to a new school--and help them get used to going to bed a little earlier each night so they’ll be able to handle it when the time comes. Having a sleep routine will be immensely helpful when it’s time to get up early everyday.

Create a Study Space

   Does your child have his or her own work area? Just like adults who work from home need quiet and space to accomplish their work, kids need a place where they can focus on learning, apart from other household activities. Home office spaces are desirable these days, so not only is this an opportunity to help your child learn, done correctly, you reap the bonus benefits of improving your home’s value. If your child doesn’t currently have a study area complete with a desk, appropriate electronics, good lighting and a comfortable seat, it’s time to set one up.

   Helping your child prepare for the new school year over summer break takes a little patience, but with a little planning you can keep problems to a minimum. If possible, talk to your child’s educator about the best ways to approach the issues they faced during the school year. This will give you a good idea of where to begin.

Guest Post Written By: Kristin Louis via Parentingwithkris.com

 

 

Easy Recipe For A DIY Weed Killer

    Spring and Summer is a beautiful time of year, but it brings weeds like crazy! Our current backyard has rock landscaping, and it grows back weeds no matter how often I pull them up! I wanted to find something to help kill off the weeds a little, so I'm not having to pull them as often. After some research on natural products, I decided to make up a recipe with products I had on hand. Salt, Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Hot Water are all products that will aid in destroying weeds, and hopefully discourage them from regrowing. I only recommend doing this an in area where you do not plan on growing anything, as it could taint the soil for future growth. 

   In a spray bottle, I mixed half hot water, half vinegar, a heaping amount of salt, and some drizzles of dish soap. I shook the bottle until everything mixed together and dissolved, than began spraying on the weeds in my gravel. Keep in mind, this takes a lot of solution, and you have to be consistent with it until the weeds die up. You will see the solution working after a day or two, the weeds will start turning yellow and shrivel up. This will make them easier to pull out of the ground as well! Make sure you stay consistent, as it is a more natural substance so it doesn't work like chemicalized weed killers, but it is much safer for you and the environment. 

You can see in my photos, the progress after one day.

Making Butterflies with Popsicle Sticks

   Looking for a fun craft to do with your kids this summer? Check out this super easy and adorable Popsicle Stick Butterfly! All you need are some Googly Eyes, Pipe Cleaners, and Popsicle Sticks! Then maybe some slivers of black tape, paper or sticker to use for the antennae. 

   To begin, you start wrapping the pipe cleaner around the Popsicle stick to form its wings. I used 2 pipe cleaners for my wings that you see, but you could try out different options and use multiple colors. Once the wings are set to their liking, glue the googly eyes on and place on the antennae, and your cute little butterfly is done. 

   You can add in some extra fun by allowing your lil one to paint the butterfly body or add stickers to it. Make multiple little butterflies and plant them around a fairy garden or hang them from the trees!

Drawing With Stickers to Make Fun Art

A fun craft for all ages is to make a piece of art from random stickers! 

 

•  Use the stickers as your creative start and make a mural of it! 

• Whatever the sticker may be, something can come of it. 

• To encourage your lil artists, provide a blank sheet of paper, random stickers, a pencil, and plenty of colors. 

• Let their minds get to work and see their masterpiece come to life!

Learning About Plants With The PictureThis app

Thanks to the PictureThis app, I now know what is growing in my backyard! This is apparently Sweet William, an ornamental garden plant that will produce little pink flowers 🌸 I love using this app to learn more about plants!

Click HERE to check out the PictureThis app and start learning about your plants, flowers, weeds, and more! 

Plateshoppe Tableware Giveaway - Winner Chosen!

   Awhile back I had the chance to review some amazing dishes from plateshoppe.com all designs made by the artist Gail Sarasohn.

    Gail Sarasohn began her career in fashion, which took a turn into designing her own plates, platters, and mugs. You can see her many patterns and designs, inspired by some of her favorite things: flowers and traveling the world. 

   I love her collection of Byzantine and Stripe dishes. The colors are vibrant and full of character. Add in a couple of fun coffee mugs, and you can have the perfect morning brunch! 

Check out the Fashion Lady Set below. Gorgeous right?!

   And the Garden Collection paired with mini pumpkins, makes an amazing Fall theme!

    There are so many decor ideas and themes you can bring to your table. I would love to know which collections you like best! 

   Visit plateshoppe.com to check out all the fun patterns. 
Leave me a comment below sharing which set you like best!

   Today, you have the chance to win your choice of plateshoppe tableware. Enter through the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 This sponsored post and giveaway is made possible by plateshoppe.com - All opinions my own

Daily Goodie Box - November 2018

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

   I received the November 2018 Daily Goodie Box, check it out below, filled with delicious snacks, self care, and more! 

Love Grown - Kids Cereal Cups

Who doesn't love cereal?!? Are it's not just for breakfast! Sampling Love Grown cereal was as fun as expected. It tasted like Chocolate Pebbles with a harder crunch. My son enjoyed the texture and the flavor, even without milk! It made a great afternoon snack. And can you believe this cereal is made from beans?! A blend of navy, lentil, and garbanzo beans provide this amazing cereal! Who knew!

Rise Brewing Co - Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Blood Orange

I have to say, I had high hopes for this drink, but it was disgusting. Orange and coffee flavors just do not mix well. The swizz if the can popping open and the creamy top were divine to experience, but the flavor was not on par with the other senses. I would LOVE to try their other flavors, such as an Oat Milk Latte or Mocha Latte.

Ecosafe - High Potency Vitamin C Gummies 

I've loved indulging in 2 gummies a day for the added Vitamin C. The flavor is sweet and the texture is just right. It's like eating candy every day, only it's healthy! These gummies are made with organic and natural ingredients, with no gelatin or pectin, seaweed extract is used instead. They provide antioxidants and help repair body tissues, protect cells, fight off infection, and more! 

Green Goo - 100% All Natural First Aid 

This product is great for first aid use, but it also helps heal dry, cracked hands and feet, heal insect bites, relieve rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations. It's perfect for on the go and a definite recommended piece to bring with you on those camping trips! The salve is made of a homeopathic formula to give you a more natural healing and let your body do the work it needs to without added chemicals in the way. I found this product to be soothing to dry fingers when I washed the dishes too many times haha. It's a great product to have on hand and it's really all you need.

Softer Than Brittle - Cashew

I loved these cashew brittle pieces so much! I usually have a difficult time eating normal peanut brittle because of the hardness, so trying these softer pieces was far more enjoyable! They have the perfect flavor and crunch, that kind of softens further once it's in your mouth. These bite sized snacks are made with just 7 ingredients and crafted from a 60 year old family recipe. They're fantastic! 
 

My M&M’S® - Personalized M&M’S®

M&M's with personalized words or pictures is such a fun idea for holidays and parties. Most people love these mini chocolates and adding that personalized touch makes it go so much further. You can create yours, all the way from the color to the packaging it arrives in. Adding any photos or words of your choice makes it so much fun! What a great gift!

Eat Your Coffee - Salted Caramel Macchiato Bars

These bars are a genius idea to provide natural energy in each, using a full cup of antioxidant-rich, fair trade coffee and nutrients to get you through that slump. Unfortunately, I expected this bar to be much better than it actually was. I could taste the coffee and the dates, but it really didn't strike me as a "caramel macchiato" flavor. I didn't find it to give me energy as a cup of coffee would, but it was still fun to try it out. I would be interested in their other flavors!

Choice Organics Teas - Earl Grey Tea

I love trying out different tea brands and this particular one did not disappoint. Made using a blend of Ceylon and Indian black teas with Italian Bergamot essential oils, it made a nice cup to get me going.  I like that they have a decaf and a caffeinated choice as well, along with many other tea flavors!

All Good - SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion

A sunscreen that doesn't wear off when you sweat makes for the perfect beach day! With a broad spectrum SPF of 30 and being water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, you can enjoy an hour+ worth of fun in the sun. This sunscreen is made of natural mineral zinc only, it's coral reef friendly, and non greasy. Ready for summer!

It's been another fun month of my Daily Goodies Goodie Box. What product did you like most? If you would love to sample products like those above, check out dailygoodiebox.com and sign up!

 I received complimentary product(s) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Feel the Comfort of Chill Boys Boxers

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.

   Finding the right boxers can be a tedious process, trying brand after brand until you come across a pair you just love. With Chill Boys Boxers, they have everything you want in a pair of undershorts! They are ultra soft and breathable, allowing the proper space needed for comfort.  

  Have you found the perfect set of boxers yet? If you haven't, you have to check out Chill Boys Boxers! They are available in two different styles: Chill Boys Soft Bamboo Boxers (in Blue) and the Chill Boys Performance Boxer's (in Black). They are equally amazing! The Bamboo Boxers are the softer of the two, made with 90% natural bamboo fiber and 10% Spandex for easy stretch. They have an airy silky feel and keep cooler than other fabrics do. They are also odor resistant and contain anti-microbial properties so they will keep you fresh and help the mustiness stay away. They are environmentally friendly and built to last. You can find the Bamboo Boxers available in 2 colors: Black and Blue. The Performance Boxers are made of 90% Micro-Mesh Polyester and 10% Lycra allowing them to keep moisture away making them perfect for active men. They dry amazingly fast so if you happen to take a swim at the lake, and sit in the sun afterward, you will be dry in no time! These boxers have a relaxed cut, designed specifically to move with you, without binding or riding up, deeming them wedgie free boxers, and seem to hold true! They are the perfect pair for travel. You can find the Performance Boxers available in 2 colors: Grey and Black.

   My husband loves wearing Chill Boy boxers and believes they are one of the comfiest pair out there. He has tried several brands and always finds himself coming right back to his pair of Chill boys for that extra stretch and comfort. He said the fit is perfect, with room to move and doesn't cause any irritating mishaps. Even the waist band is comfortable, as it is silky soft and doesn't have a tag sewn into the fabric. He loves how lightweight they are and the overall fit and feel. You can really feel the quality put into each pair!

Would you like to try your own set of Chill Boy Boxers? One lucky reader has the chance to win a pair of each, the Luxurious Bamboo Boxer and the Moisture Wicking Performance Boxer. Enter through Rafflecopter below. Good Luck! 

Visit Chillboys.com for more information and products, where you can make easy purchases with free shipping over $25. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.