Fun Things to do in Indiana with Kids: Bounce U in Fishers ~ A Jumping Good Time

Are you looking for fun things to do with kids this summer? Maybe you have a little cash set aside for summer camp or maybe you need something that is next to FREE?  Either way, Bounce U has the answers for you!  In Fishers, Indiana the Bounce U is completely renovated and under new management. I've been to many of these play places with kids. Oh yeah, I even briefly operated a play place for kids (The Play Connection, Inc.).  So, I have a pretty good idea what works and what doesn't. 

 Here's what I LOVED about BOUNCE U:

• OPEN BOUNCE!  Come bounce for a 3 hr. session for only $8 per child. That's great huh, but wait there's more.
• SESSIONS are led by a staff member (think camp counselor). Mom or Dad or Grandparents can sit back and relax in the lounge area with FREE WIFI. From your vantage point, you can see all the action and keep an eye on your kids.  The staff keeps them entertained and safe.
• BOREDOM BUSTERS.  Bored with this play space? The staff starts in one room and moves to another room with different bounce structures and recreational games.
• SNEAKY PE!  Get your physical activity credit hours for homeschool and health while having fun!

Giant Boxing Ring complete with headgear and oversize boxing gloves.

 Oh yeah, and they get tuckered out fast! 

Inflatable Bounce Houses

Lots of inflatable jumping options in each room.

It is perfect for Summer Camp, Birthday Parties, and Playdates. 

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Six Fun Things to do with Fla-Vor-Ice Pops

This post brought to you by Jel Sert.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Remember when you were a kid, and your mom sent you outside with a Fla-Vor-Ice Pop?  To cool down in the hot summer, we'd eat our pops and then run through the sprinkler. The best thing about Fla-Vor-Ice is they are "mom approved".  Did you know they are gluten free, low in calories, and sugar?  Each standard pop has just 5 grams of sugar.  Like Fla-Vor-Ice on Facebook for more information and tons of fun ideas. 

Kids like Fla-Vor-Ice Pops, because they are a fun and refreshing treat with great tasting flavors.  They come in original fruit flavors, Tropical flavors, and even a sugar-free variety. There is a Fla-Vor-Ice Pop for everyone.  During summer camp, we always have a box of freezer pops in the ice chest.  Since  ice-pops are portable fun for everyone, you never know when one might come in handy for one of these fun things to do with Fla-Vor-Ice Pops.



1.  Make a homemade, rainbow slushy for your next summer party. 

Summer Party Recipe Ice Pop  Rainbow Slushy.

2.  Keep frozen Fla-Vor-Ice pops in an ice chest during outdoor play dates or summer vacations, and use them as a quickie first-aid ice-pack for head bumps and boo-boos. They also help with hydration.

3.  For a fun, outdoor game use ice-pops and party cups.  Line the children up, so each one stands two feet in front of a party cup, cut-off the end of their ice-pop, and count to three.  On three, everyone tries to squeeze their frozen ice into the cup without missing.  The winner is the one who flings the most frozen Fla-Vor-Ice into their cup.    

4.  Squeeze your frozen Fla-Vor-Ice into plastic Easter Eggs and then refreeze them to make a fun Easter Egg shape ice-pop treat like these from Play Eat Grow blog.

Picture from Play Eat Grow blog.  Hop over for more great ideas.

5.  Use Fla-Vor-Ice freezer pops in a homeschool science lesson about the changing states of matter.  Time the ice-pop to see how fast it freezes.  Compare it's freezing time with that of other liquids like milk, water, or yogurt.  Let it melt in a bowl on the counter, leave it out, and then track how many days it takes to evaporate.  Does it completely evaporate?

6. Before your freeze your pops, pour the liquid into fun ice cube molds, and use them to flavor your favorite clear soda.  Yum!

It's your turn, what will you do with your Fla-Vor-Ice pop?  Hop over and share your ideas on Fla-Vor-Ice on Facebook! 
     

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Country Sayings, Words of Wisdom, Inspirational Quotes: Children Teach Us About Life

Summer is time for play!  Is there a more fun form of sensory play than running through a sprinkler?  Kids have so much to share.  They are born with a natural wisdom that adults soon forget.  Here is an accurate saying to keep in mind during the monotonous day to day activities.  

Hey Mom, take a break and go run through the sprinkler.  It's refreshing, fun, and your kids will cherish the memory for the rest of their lives.  Remember, "While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is about."

While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is about.

Life is meant to be enjoyed.  Take a break and play this summer.  Think about it; these words of wisdom could change your little ones life.  Stop and pay attention :)

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A BMI Calculator Can Give You the Motivation to Lose Weight

Summer is almost here. We've been indoors packing on the pounds.  Now it is time to shed the layers of clothing and get outside and play.  Growing up, I was chronically skinny except for a brief time in 5th & 6th grade.  As I got older, the weight crept up every couple of years due to health issues and medications. When motivated it is was easy to get the weight off.  Now, as the aging mommy of two elementary age kids, the motivation rarely comes and the weight sticks around.  This week, I found a little motivation by plugging my numbers into a BMI calculator. 

The Food Pyramid

Motivation. For the past year, I've worked on upping my food intake.  Yes, upping.  I never ate more than once a day.  Now, I try to eat three times a day with snacks.  I've reinvented meals.  I rarely sit down to eat, and I don't fill my plate in a food pyramid with one "meal".  For me, that means a yogurt here, a banana there, a peanut butter sandwich, or veggies with dip spread throughout the day. 

I tried to ditch the pop, but that didn't work. However, I made little changes. Food before pop in the morning.  One soda or less per day. You'd think I'd gain weight, but I didn't gain a pound.  In fact, I've lost a few.  I tried to find a picture to share, but I run from the camera.  This is the best I can do for a before picture.  On the positive side, the weight keeps me looking younger.  These days, aside from being old, I'm fairly healthy.  Unfortunately, the BMI calculator doesn't agree.  Time to get to work.  Again.

Join me this summer, as I try to get back on an exercise regimen (Just like I do every year).  What do you wish you could do differently to improve your health?

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DIY Design with Collage Building: Outdoor Gardening Space and Patio Room Ideas

When you go shopping for new furniture for a room design are you one of the lucky ones who can visualize exactly how the room will go together?  Can you tell if colors and patterns coordinate without holding fabric swatches or paint samples next to each other?  No.  Then you, will love the collage builder at Fabrooms.de.
I wanted to design an inviting, fun outdoor space that coordinated with my patio room.  I chose Adirondack seating and natural finishes to give the space an Americana style.  

With the collage builder, you can flip and rotate items for the exact configuration of your desires. The collage above mixes and matches indoor and outdoor items perfect for the avid gardener.  

Just imagine the playhouse's window box filled with cascading flowers with your little one peeking out the window, the bookshelf covered in cute planters full of herbs and edible flowers, and you lounging on the oversized chaise after a beautiful summer morning spent gardening.  

Store your unsightly gardening equipment in the stackable baskets.  No need to hide your watering source or red wheelbarrow.  They give the space a sense of purpose and a punch of color.  The green frog on the pillow and wall hanging help define the space as an outdoor refuge. 

Ready to design your own space?  Check out the diy collage builder and start experimenting today.

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Cardboard Tube Crafts (Hey, it's a Toilet Paper Roll) Turned Holiday Hat Craft Activity

Cardboard Toilet Tubes.  How many do you go though each month? We've got to recycle them for something. How about these mini-hats. They are an easy craft for kids that can be used for birthday party favors, holiday place settings, or Ken and Barbie on a holiday parade.

The Stars and Stripes Hat Craft.

 Just measure strips of paper to fit your roll (all tubes aren't created equal). We cut blue and red strips for an American Flag hat that can be used for Memorial Day or your fabulous fourth of July Independence Day celebration or a fun craft activity for Flag Day.  When is Flag Day?  (June 14).

Add a MATH element to your crafty by cutting out and counting 13 or 50 stars for your American flag hat.

Use those leftover red strips of construction paper to make a Dr. Seuss style, "Cat in the Hat" craft. 

By varying the heights of your cardboard tubes you can easily turn a black hat into an Abraham Lincoln stovepipe hat or a Pilgrim party favor place setting for a fun Thanksgiving dinner.

Who doesn't love a St. Patrick's Day parade? Grab Ken and Barbie and try on a Shamrock hat craft.  Make a pretend holiday parade of hats with all of your Barbie dolls. Who needs beachwear when you can have a holiday hat fashion show? 

Here's a fun tip: leave the tops off and cover only the bottom of your hat with a piece of paper, and then fill your tube with party favors.

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Chick-fil-A New Premium Salads Menu Items and Gift Card Giveaway

Chick-fil-A launched new menu items on April 29.  The premium salads aren't fast food. Think fancy salad in a nice sit down restaurant. That's exactly what they did for us.  To help spread the word Chick-fil-A in Avon, Indiana had a salad tasting party for me and 9 guests. I invited oh so many lovely ladies who could not attend the garden style party, so we took some men who looked a little out of sync with the surroundings. It turned out to be a great idea!  The men wouldn't ordinarily order "girly" salads, but after tasting the new premium salads they were sold.

Our cast of garden party characters.  That's me second on the right.

When the kids were younger, I often met friends for play dates at our local Chick-fil-A.  The kids love the chicken. For me, the menu seemed limited.  I am so excited about these new salad and wrap options.  We got to taste each salad and add special toppings.  My favorite was the Grilled Market Salad loaded with strawberries, blueberries, bleu cheese crumbles, apples, grilled chicken, and zesty apple cider vinaigrette with only 180 calories.

These salads are a healthy fast food alternative.

The Asian Salad has only 330 calories. I didn't think I would like this one. Thank goodness for the tasting party!  Honey-Thai almonds give the salad a little kick. The best part about these salad is you can mix and match the premium, freshly prepared ingredients. So, if you like the almonds order them on your cobb salad.

The cobb salad is loaded with 440 calories of Chick-fil-A goodness. The original breaded chicken tops this salad that is packed with fresh veggies and paired with a delectable avocado lime ranch dressing. Mmm, it is so good!

They've updated their chicken wrap too!

Look at these adorable favors!  Terra cotta pots filled with gardening items.

Thanks to Ashley and the lovely staff who made us feel comfortable even though we brought burly men and red mohawks to a ladie's garden party. It was so nice to feel pampered. They boxed up the salad leftovers, and I had enough for two more meals! 

Are you hungry yet?  I've got gift cards good for one salad of your choice in June and July. Sign up for our free newsletter for your chance to win.  Already signed up?  Leave a comment below including the words, "eat more chicken".  :)

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How to Get Pinterest Followers Fast ~ Easy Tips to do Today :)

So, have you been wondering how to get Pinterest followers fast?  It seems like it takes forever to get just 1000's followers when you are starting out.  Maybe you aren't a blogger and you are wondering why would anyone want to get a million Pinterest followers?

How to get Pinterest Followers Fast. Tips that really work!

One day, I noticed a lot of bloggers had 10,000 followers.  I wanted 10,000 followers.  How did they do that?  I read everything I could.  I did everything I could.  I shared Pinterest everywhere I could.  Now, I have 100,000 Pinterest followers.  

Now, I want to know, how can I get one million Pinterest followers.  The short answer is you must love to pin.  The long answer is you must pin a lot of good content, but that's not always enough.  The easy answer is do something Pinterest likes so that you will get featured by Pinterest. 

Featured or not, my boards are growing quicker than other bloggers who I know have been featured, and I think I know why.

A lot of blogger's in my niche are featured in weekly newsletters, the Pinterest orientation process, and as suggestions to follow. I can't prove it, but I suspect I've been featured too.  I've been jumping up and down trying to get Pinterest's attention.  I have the Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt!  Hey, Pinterest, I'd love it if you would feature this board.  It's my claim to fame.

If or when Pinterest does getting around to featuring you, make sure you're ready.  I don't know for sure, but I suspect they feature the first board on your profile.  I know a few people who've had this board featured.  So, make your first board your best board.  That's a free tip!  

Pinterest features many boards at random.  Many of the big pinners (people who pin to my group board everyday) have been featured. They are not bloggers, so when their numbers started growing they got nervous.  It feels awkward when people are peeking into your life and you don't want that, right?  Bloggers want the stats to help get advertising, sponsored posts, or free stuff for review.

If you want to know everything else I did to get Pinterest followers fast, you'll need to hop over to Amazon.com and buy my eBook. If you purchase it at Createspace.com it's better for me (higher royalty, I'm broke so that'd be good :) ).  If you buy it on Kindle it's less expensive, but the photos may not appear correctly.  No worries, I have live links to all those pages, just in case.  You can also borrow it for FREE in the KINDLE lending library.

FYI, my blog stats are mediocre.  I've made nothing with Amazon, and I'm just learning AdSense.  After about four years, Facebook and Twitter are so close to 1000, but not quite there yet.  PINTEREST is my thing.  We connect.  I want to share my secrets to help you in your branding and social media marketing efforts too.

Want a totally free version?  It was nice of you to read to the end. If you become a new subscriber via mailchimp, I'll send you a free full color PDF version.  Just click here to Sign up for our free newsletter!  As soon as I get the notice, I'll email you a copy.  Thanks, I really appreciate it!

And, one more thing, I'd love it if you'd write a quick review on Amazon.com

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Inspirational Sayings for Preschool: A Child with a Smile will go the Extra Mile

Everyone needs a little positive sayings pick me up now and then.  As an elementary or preschool parent, teacher, or caregiver, it is important to keep the little things in perspective. Keeping the little ones smiling is often a difficult task when times get troublesome.  Here's a fun, inspirational quote to remind you of what's really important in the long run. 

Inspirational Sayings for Preschool: A Child with a Smile will go the Extra Mile.

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6 Cool Pinterest Father's Day Activities for Kids

Wondering what's hot on Pinterest in Father's Day Activities for Kids? Check out these six fun, easy, and giftable craft projects to make your Father's Day the best one ever. They are so neat even the coolest Dads will love them ;)

Cooking with kids is always fun and a great way to sneak in some Sensory Play Based Learning. How about a lesson in measurement mathematics? Gluesticksblog.com offers up some easy barbecue sauce recipes for dear old Dad. I think these make a great grandpa gift too. I'm in love with those mini-mason jars, how about you?

How to make homemade barbecue sauce for Father's Day gifts from gluestickblog.com.

What Daddy doesn't love to eat?  Here is a How to make "DAD" sugar cookie recipe from MarthaStewart.com.

D.A.D. Cookie Treats from MarthaStewart.com.

What can a preschooler give Daddy that is homemade and will be cherished? How about this framed picture and meaningful script from East Coast Mommy Blog. Ask your preschooler a few questions about Daddy, plug them into a favorite photo, and give it a nice frame.  Daddy will be proud to sit this on his desk at work.  Faboo! 

East Coast Mommy has an easy project for gifts from the littles.

While we're talking photos for Dad, how about making some   "DAD" blocks for Daddy's or Grandpa's Desk? These photo blocks from Stories by Me blog are a fun and unique Father's Day gift that is easy to make. Stack them tall or play switcheroo, any design gives Dad something to doodle with while talking on the phone.

Okay... I'm doing this one from Lil' Luna for sure.  I have some mini Coca-Cola Bottles that I've been saving for a rainy day project. Maybe fill them with pretzel bits, peanuts, spices?  Can you imagine the possibilities? Ours might not turn out as perfect as this one, but that's no reason not to give it a go. The kids will have fun decorating the packages and filling up the bottles, and you'll have fun when everyone comments on how creative you are.  

Lil' Luna's pop bottles for Father's Day.

And while we're on the subject of pop bottle caps, how about making a bottle cap key chain for Father's Day?  I searched around for an easy tool-less option and came up blank. This one offers the use of a hammer and nail rather than a drill. I'm wondering if you could make it more kid-friendly and easy by hot gluing two pop bottle caps together and inserting the necessary key chain bobbles in the middle. It's worth a try.  Choose Daddy's favorite drink and make a cool keychain like this one at Scrap Reused and Recycled Art Projects.

Make your own Recycled Bottle Cap Keychain for Father's Day. 

This one is from Scrap Reused and Recycled Art Projects.

So, whadda ya think?  Will the Dad in your life enjoy one of these cool Father's Day projects the kids can help make?

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Whimsical Kid's Decor for the Nursery (Baby or Toddler Room)

A lot of thought goes into designing a nursery.  Many women dream about it and plan it long before the baby is even a twinkle in their eye.  The rest have nine months to mull over it.  So, what design elements should go into your nursery? The baby's room can be whimsical, sophisticated, or comfortably shabby chic.  No matter the style, the design should be vibrant, inviting, and engaging to stimulate the baby's developing brain.

Toddler bed with rails and extra storage.

Chest of drawers with whimsical knobs.

Tent for toddler bed or stand alone playspace.

Whimsical character hanging picture frames.

Soothing green chair for reading nook.

Colorful window curtain in soothing shades.

Use bright, complementary colors for a fun and soothing environment. Differing hues of orange are perfect for the nursery.  Orange is  a warm soothing, spicy earthtone.  Pair green and purple with a splash of orange for a pleasing triad color scheme.  

When planning your design think about the psychological effect of colors.  Orange is known to invoke feelings ranging from comfort to anger and hostility.  Therefore, orange should not be placed on large surfaces such as walls or floors. Use an orange accent, like the drawer pulls and bed tent above, to give the room a punch of color.  Paint the walls in a cool, light green or pastel lavender for a calming effect.  Plop purple and orange throw pillows into a green chair to make a cozy, reading nook and accent your baby's room with whimsical character shapes to set a fun mood.

Find the furniture pictured above at www.fabrooms.de

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How to Grow a Living Playscape: Willow Playhouse Cave for Kids

Gardening with kids.

This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.


Building an outdoor playscape is just one of many fun garden projects you can do with your kids this summer.  Last year, we wanted a playhouse.  We shopped for various styles, but they were all very expensive.  After a storm, many tree branches covered the yard, so we gathered several willow branches and stuck them in the ground.  We cut a few skinny branches off the tree and wrapped them around the bigger branches forming a loose connection. 

 We added some Miracle-Gro to give our living willow playscape a boost.  LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit is a great product to feed your plants. The kids generously watered the base of the branches. You don't need to have a green thumb to grow a Willow tree. Take a stem cutting or cut off a branch and stick it in soil. That's all you need to grow your own organic playhouse!




Our little gardeners anxiously awaited for Spring in hopes their playhouse had survived the winter.  This is an easy project that keeps on giving year after year.  Miracle-Gro has lots more fun ideas to try with your kids.  Check them out:

  

 
I love the toyarium in the The Gro Project.  It's a cute little fishbowl terrarium filled with toys and plants.  Now, I am inspired to grow something fun inside the house too.



Our living willow playhouse looks more like a cave than house. The kids can crawl inside, and let their imaginations run wild.  It is incredible to watch the miracle of rebirth.  This winter it looked like a pile of sticks, now it is well on it's way to  becoming the centerpiece in our secret garden.  As the willow branches continue to grow, we'll keep you posted.  So, far the living playscape is growing in nicely.  It is the perfect place for sensory, outdoor play. Want more great ideas? Follow Miracle-Gro on Pinterest!

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Homeschooling: What to do When Summer Break Drains the Brain? Sneak in Fun Learning Opportunities

School is coming to a close, but learning shouldn't come to an end. We are just finishing up our first year of homeschooling.  After all the hard work, I'd hate to see it slip away this summer.  We've got plans to supplement with summer learning field trips, outdoor nature journaling, riding and music lessons, and 4H club. I'll also offer Friday day camps for friends of The Play Connection, Inc.

The beginning of every school year is filled with review from the previous year.  Summer heat shouldn't melt our kids brains.  Summer Camp programs are great for socialization, pe activities, and becoming one with nature.  Opportunities to improve reading are everywhere. Playing the Alphabet Game on a long trip encourages billboard and street sign reading. Library trips offer a sneaky way to cool off, relax, and enjoy a new book. Do you read bedtime stories? Here's a fun summer reading list. 

Busy summers lend themselves to lazy days near the poolside or under a favorite tree curled up with a good book. Funny, kids never seem to curl up with a good math problem.  

Don't forget to practice math this summer.  Leap ahead of the pack with daily lessons.

Do you practice math in the summer?  Keeping track of allowances, shopping for items at the Dollar Tree, or having your child watch the clock for break time, chore time, and lunchtime are easy ways to implement mathematics into your lazy summer days.  If you are worried about summer brain drain and the summer learning slide, you might like a more structured math program. 

LeapAhead! is an easy, affordable, and flexible summer online math program. Keep your child engaged with math worksheets aligned with the common core standards. The program offers a fun math worksheet creator for members. I love the Challenge Math for gifted and talented students. The online summer math program is great for kids who need a little extra help too. This program works for both homeschoolers and brick and mortar students. 

Let your computer act as a summer tutor while you enhance the online learning with fun math games and activities. You can make math a fun, summer activity too!

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