summer Archives - Look What Mom Found

7 Great Summer Adventure Activities for Kids

June 18, 2015 by Melissa

The summer holidays are a great time for the kids – but if you’re a mom or dad and not quite prepared, keeping your kids occupied can be challenging! So plan ahead and keep your little ones happy with these 7 great adventure activities:

7 Great Summer Adventure Activities for Kids

Images by niiicedave used under Creative Commons license.

Plan a treasure hunt

Who doesn’t love finding hidden stuff? A treasure hunt is a great (and low cost) way to involve all the family. Kids get to explore, play and use their creativity and logic. It’s fun, active and sometimes very competitive! Stationery for writing clues, gold chocolate coins, treasure chests and small prizes can be sourced without much difficulty.

Surprise kids with a last minute getaway

There’s nothing more exciting for kids than to know they’re going on an adventure…away from home! Taking the family on holiday doesn’t need to cost the earth – cheap holidays are everywhere and many providers are competing with each other to fill spaces during the busy summer months so you could benefit from a bigger discount the earlier you book.

A Day’s Bike Ride

Keeping your kids active and away from computer games during the summer holidays can be a challenge. Planning an outdoor bike ride is a fun way to get your children outdoors and on the move. There are loads of family friendly trails across different terrains – which offer children the chance to spot wildlife too.

Go camping!

Many favourite childhood memories are created on days spent camping outdoors. It’s an exciting experience and there are loads of activities and skills you can teach your children. Make a campsite fire (if authorities permit) and toast chestnuts or marshmallows.

Images by vastateparksstaff used under Creative Commons license.

Aquaparks

Let’s not forget that aquaparks offer some of the most incredible swimming fun for children. Some parks even feature outdoor rollercoaster rides or big slides that kids will be talking about for months afterwards.

Caving and rockclimbing

Kids love exploring places that nobody ever goes to – and caving or rockclimbing is a great way to bring out the adventurer in your child. Specialist clubs will provide supervised activities with a qualified expert. It’s worth asking in advance as a certain level of competence might be needed.

Outdoor Swimming

Let your kids really connect with nature by taking them swimming in a safe, outdoor swimming area or lake. It’s a pretty fun feeling and very exhilarating for the whole family. Adults can get involved by helping kids make things – for instance, try building a raft with pieces of wood or tie ropes from tree branches to swing on and make a splash. You can also choose areas where there are crab pools for a spot of fishing. Take along some jars in case you want to collect things like flowers, rocks or shells. Make the outdoor swimming experience as varied as possible – and if the weather is especially nice, pack a picnic. And don’t forget the waterproof sunscreen!

Family life isn’t complete without a joyful summer adventure!

Top 10 Refreshments that spell out – SUMMER!

May 26, 2015 by Melissa

We all love summer: getting out in the garden, enjoy the company of friends and perhaps stoke up a barbecue or two. Fresh food gets more varied and tasty but it’s the drinks that make this time of year so special. Here are our top ten refreshments for summer.

Sangria image by Didriks, shared under a Creative Commons Licence

1. Fruity delight

Summer means fruit, so the first choice has to be the classic Sangria. This simple mix of wine and fruit juice (brandy is strictly optional!) is classically Spanish and when served in a jug is the ideal way to share with friends.

2. Enduring cocktail

You might say that the Caribbean has a perpetual summer, so they know a thing or two about liquid refreshment. The next choice therefore is the classic Planters’ Punch, popular for over a hundred years.

3. Minty freshness

Another Caribbean drink with an even longer history is Cuba’s signature drink the Mojito, a mixture of crushed mint leaves, lime and rum, this drink is the perfect accompaniment to a Caribbean holiday in the sun, or a special treat back at home.

4. Popular beer

And if those last two are a little strong for your taste then Jamaica’s classic beer Red Stripe should bring you all the sense of relaxation of that sunny island.

5. Classic cocktail

Perhaps one of the most cocktails ever is the exotic but widely popular Margarita from Mexico with its rich blend of tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. A lovely drink to sip slowly in the shade – do it properly and go for the salted glass rim.

6. Poolside refreshment

A different fruit base but equally delicious is the Piña Colada. With its unique and sweet blend of pineapple, coconut, and rum for some it’s the ultimate vacation drink and indeed is best enjoyed on the beach or poolside (or on your own yacht if possible!)

7. Perfect wine

Simple and pretty in pink, a properly chilled Rosé is the perfect summer wine and somehow more festive than its white or red cousins. Choose carefully though to get a good one.

Daiquiri image by Anthony Knuppel, shared under a Creative Commons Licence

8. Frozen goodness

There is something inherently stylish about the Daiquiri from Cuba. It’s basically rum, lime and sugar – you can then choose from conventional or frozen versions.

9. It’s Pimms O’Clock!

The penultimate choice for summer refreshments is the oh-so-English Pimms. A gin based liqueur with subtle additions of citrus fruits and spices, it mixes well with lemonade, ginger ale or even champagne for that very special summer event.

10. The original alcoholic beverage

And last but by no means least, lets celebrate the classic Gin and Tonic. As simple as it sounds, all you need is a slice of lime for absolute perfection. Traditionally enjoyed as the sun sets, in fact a G&T is great to chill with any time.

So all you need now is a pair of shades, some good company and time to relax. With one of these lovely tipples to hand, you really will have summer in a glass. Cheers!

Chafe Free Swim Shorts Coastal Dog Apparel

May 29, 2014 by Melissa

Each year we head to the beach as much as we can get there. It’s one of our favorite places to be as a family. First we hit the beach then we clean up and do dinner and rides. I don’t think my kids will ever grow old of doing rides. One thing Shaun grows old of is the chafing from his swim trunks. The sand and water put a beating on his legs. I’m usually armed with powders and creams. I don’t have to do that anymore. Coastal Dog Apparel has saved my son’s legs so he can play for hours without the discomfort of chafing.

It may not have been true beach weather but that didn’t stop Shaun from jumping in the ocean and swimming out with the other nuts. He spent all his time out there with a couple breaks for food and water. When we were packing up I asked him how he felt. He was so happy. He didn’t feel any discomfort or pain creeping up. No rash was developing. His chafe free shorts worked. The walk back to the car or hotel is usually murder but he didn’t have one complaint.

We were able to spend the rest of the day on the boardwalk enjoy the Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.

Then the next day we hit the pool for 6 hours. Not a peep about being uncomfortable.

Coastal Dog Apparel produces these anti-chafe swim shorts for men and boys. The navy inner chafe-free liner is made of a soft Nylon/Lycra blend, which fits snugly and comfortably to protect sensitive skin from surf and sand. It’s like wearing a biker short under swim trunks. No rubbing, no friction, no chafing, no pain.

Coastal Dog was founded to create swimwear that was durable, functional, and fashionable but they also give back to the community. 100% of profits from Coastal Dog Apparel (swimsuits, baseball caps, clothing, everything!) go to support charities that focus on helping children in need. When you buy swimsuits from us, you can feel great about your purchases.

Veggie and Pasta Summer Salad Recipe Virtual Dinner Party Blog Hop

July 3, 2013 by Melissa

With Summer comes a whole new challenge with making dinner because I just don’t feel like it. We use the grill most of the time but sometimes I long for the cool weather standbys of pasta or potatoes. A cool crisp pasta salad is a great way to satisfy those carb cravings. This Summer Veggie Pasta Salad is the right balance of comfort food and fresh healthy lite fare.

Summer Veggie Pasta Salad

Ingredients
10 oz of pasta, I used rigatoni shape
2 cups of broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
2 cups of baby carrots, quartered lengthwise
olive oil
salt and pepper

Dressing
1TBSP Dijon mustard
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 olive oil
1tsp finely chopped garlic
handful fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil
2 sprigs oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano

Directions
Bring large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to directions on box. While pasta is cooking heat up large skillet to cook veggies.

With a drizzle of oil in hot pan cook carrots with salt and pepper till just tender then set aside. Using the same pan add broccoli and 1/2 cup of water and cook broccoli till just tender then set aside. Do the same for the snap peas.

In a large bowl combine the mustard, vinegar, garlic and herbs. Add pasta and cooked veggies and mix into dressing. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.

Use any vegetable that you can get your hands on. I’ve made this with jarred roasted red peppers, zucchini, fresh off the vine tomatoes and garden peas. Experiment with other flavored vinegars or even try roasting vegetables. Add the ingredients that best suit those you are feeding.

To get the full Progressively Perfect Virtual Dinner Party blog hop experience, click the links below in order:

Appetizers

Diapered Daze and Knights- Tuna Salad Rolls
The Fabulous Food Fairy- Roasted Tomato Caprice in Garlic Bread Bowls
Worthington Lower- Chili Layered Dip
Chockababy- Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings

Salad

Life at the BAT Cave- Chipotle Shrimp Salad
Life Without Pink- Homemade Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Look What Mom Found- Dad Too!- Veggie and Pasta Summer Salad

Drinks

Real: The Kitchen and Beyond- Blackberry Melon Lemonade
Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps- Moscow Mule Beer Cocktails

Entrees

The Vintage Mom- Kale & Zucchini Meatloaf
Souffle Bombay- Lettuce Wraps
the whole-y grail- Family Friendly Grilled Pizza 5 Ways
Whatever Works- Spicy Sausage & Arugula Pasta

Coffee, Tea & Dessert

An Opera Singer in the Kitchen- Dark Chocolate Cream Pie with Berries
Will’s World- S’mores Frozen Coffee

A Grande Life- No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake
The Naughty Mommy- Key Lime Pie
Latte and Legos – Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte

Late Night

The Turnip Farmer- Vodka Gummi Bears

Decorations, Outfits and Music

Crafty Garden Mama- Eco Friendly Entertaining
Finnegan and the Hughes- Dressing the Kiddos

Previewing #ArtSplash at @PhilaMuseum of Art

May 28, 2013 by Melissa

Arts and crafts is important in our home. I love letting my kids explore and express their feelings, emotions and moods with their hands and imaginations. I try to keep different mediums on hand at all times so there isn’t anything in their way to stop them from creating.

Exposing them to other forms of art and literature is a great way to open up the floodgates of imagination and conversation.

This summer the Philadelphia Museum of Art is representing Art Splash, a season filled with art, imaginative installations and creative play. We got a sneak peak of what they have to offer and were able to get hands on with displays, artists and activities.

Shae worked on a paper Mannequin. She was given markers, stamps and fabric scraps. I see a future fashionista on our hands; dontcha love how the hat has a little attitude with the tilt.

Each week Art Splash will be offering new theme with appropriate exhibits, tours and play to fit a wide range of children’s ages. This program is free for children after general museum admission. Opening weekend is June 28-30 with Make a Splash theme.

Create, Play, and Explore All Day!
Perfect for all ages

Free after admission

Stop by Art Splash anytime to CREATE in the Splash Studio, PLAY in the Art in Action zone, or EXPLORE the exhibitions. Mini-tours with one of our Museum educators could “pop up” any time and art-making is ongoing every day.

Friday, June 28, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This is just the start. Check out the entire schedule at http://www.philamuseum.org/artsplash

We were able to get a sneak peek before it opened to the public.

Candy Coated Wonderland is unique and whimsical installation from candy Coated, a Philadelphia based artist. Her use of screen printing, vinyl cut outs and ceramic gems are the backdrop for a collection of historic dress costumes. The mannequins are posed in fairy tale and nursery rhyme settings.

All Dressed Up : Fashions for Children and their Families was a peek inside how children in the 1800s dressed for play and everyday. We learned that children emulated the adult because they were being raised to have the same manners and behaviors as adults. Their clothing resembled each other’s very closely. This exhibit also boasts a large drawing table to encourage children to design their own fashions from the garments they see or from books available on display.

photo courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art

Museums all over the world are open to provide inspiration, hands-on experiences and programs for the community. We are lucky to have The Philadelphia Museum of Art right in our backyard.

You Know Its Summer When

June 25, 2012 by Melissa

A little bit of summer humor

Celebrate Reading with iVillage and PBS Kids

June 21, 2012 by Melissa

Reading is an important way to keep kids sharp and focused until the school bell rings again. Our weekly trips to the library often start with requests to get on the computers or play with the toys but I encourage the kids to first pick out the books that they want to borrow then we play. In our home reading is done 1st thing in the morning before the day gets hectic and the tv turns on. Summer mornings work best for us because we haven’t started on other activities yet but nighttime in the winter.

PBS Kids and IVillage have teamed up to bring you the Summer Reading Community Challenge officially started June 18th. To kick it off the kids and I set up all the goodies we were sent outside where we could include the kids in the neighborhood.

that’s Cooper, too young to read but he makes a mighty fine Cat in the Hat

The iVillage PBS Kids summer Reading Community Challenge is designed to keep kids reading and building literacy over the summer months. i’m guilty of just letting the kids do whatever they want some days during the summer. Schedules are still hectic and full and sometimes it’s easier to let them watch a movie instead of productive and quality activities. This reading program give me and the kids a little bit of accountability by having them fill out a Reading Progress Chart. I’m allowing for some laziness throughout the day and of course outside play and swimming but we are focused on keeping hold of what was learned throughout the school year.

Our exploration of the materials sent included books, how to track time spent reading, activity sheets, fill in the blank stories, tattoos, DVD of Super Why and markers and notebooks. I’m going to say the notebooks and markers were the hit. There is something about doodling that excites kids and I’m happy to oblige. I also had each child complete a little questionnaire about their love of reading. I think this made them feel a little grown up. Some were able to write on their own, some needed help but everyone tried.

There is still time to sign up for the iVillage PBS Kids Summer Reading Community Challenge. How will you encourage your kids to slow the brain drain this summer? Also join in the fun and celebrate reading for a chance to win $1,000!

We Celebrate Summer with Banana Boat Sunscreen plus Giveaway

June 8, 2012 by Melissa

We kicked off summer with a Memorial Day bash at our friends house. She supplied the location and water slide we provided the Banana Boat sun care for all the families that joined the fun.

The weather was sunny and bright and warm, a great way to start off the summer. We arrived and the kids instantly wanted to go down that slide but I knew they needed to get protected first. I applied the Banana Boat Sunscreen for Kids Natural Reflect Tear-Free Sting-Free Lotion SPF 50. It went on smooth, scent free and didn’t cause itching or redness to my children’s faces. They sometimes suffer from sensitive skin and this didn’t seem to cause any issues.

They played in the sun and water and threw around a frisbee and kicked the soccer ball. When it came to popsicle time I checked their skin and saw no redness. Banana Boat Sunscreen for Kids passed the test for my family.

The party continued with lots of food and more water play and races down the slide and the gift bags were handed out. I gifted the large Banana Boat beach bag to the party host as well as some Banana Boat branded merchandise.

Banana Boat Natural Reflect Lotions uses naturally sourced suncreen actives that reflect UVA and UVB rays. The line is free of exybenzone and parabens, contains 100% naturally-sources mineral sunscreens Zinc Ozide and Titanium Dioxide and proveds proven protection against sunburn and helps prevent long-term skin damage.

Host a backyard bash of your own and use the Banana Boat 101 Days of Summer Play Activity Guide and be sure to Take the Pledge to spend time outdoors while keeping safe. Banana Boat wants to help a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too stay safe in the sun this summer. Enter to win a Banana Boat Natural Reflect kit just by telling us what your summer plans are.

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“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Banana Boat® Sun Care and received a party kit to facilitate my review, party kits to give to my guests, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, June 22, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

Terry Rich Australia, Swim Robes

June 7, 2012 by Melissa

YAY! We made it to summer with barely a showing of spring. We literally went from cold to hot in what seemed like a couple if weeks. Rob took the kids to buy bathing suits, the beach towels are washed, the sand toys are unearthed from the garage, the sunscreen supply is stocked and we are ready to hit the pool and beach.

We recently received another summer treat in the mail all the way from Australia. Terry Rich is a producer of some of the HIGHEST quality beach products I’ve ever felt. Shae was sent a Swim Robe that rivals some of my biggest, thickest, thirstiest beach towels. Each product from their swim robes to their towels to their beach totes are made with the best ingredients so their customers receive the best product available

Terry Rich, Whale Beach Australia

We haven’t gotten the chance to hit the pool yet but we have been playing in the yard with hose, baby pool and toys. The first thing Shae asked for when she knew we were headed out to play in the water was her pool robe. She has already been wearing it around the house because it was cozy and soft.

As she came out of the water she put the robe on, put the hood on, zipped it up and didn’t need anything else. Her feet dried in the sun so she was ready to head in the house. Normally I wouldn’t let the kids in the house wet but the Terry Rich Swim Robe sucked all the water off of her body. We set it out to dry like the other towels and it’s was hanging on her doorknob the same day.

I liked the plastic zipper. No metal to worry about rusting. The hood was deep and covered her eyes from the sun and the little pocket is a great spot for goggles. The colors are bright and will easily stand out in a crowd.

TerryRich Swim Robes some in sizes for toddlers to big kids and can easily be passed down from one child to another as they grow. The thickness and softness really impressed me.

Shop Terry Rich directly from Australia with super fast shipping at a flat rate.

Hawaiian Lei Craft

August 9, 2011 by Melissa

Summer crafting is in full swing but it’s hard to get them up on a regular basis. While we went on vacation this year it’s wasn’t tropical or remote like last years trip. To take our minds back to sandy beaches and palm trees we decided to make some flower leis. This particular craft can be adjusted for different ages depending on what you prep, what you allow your child to do on their own and what kind of supplies you use.

supplies are prepped

threading the string

Supplies
2-3 straws cut to 1″-2″
embroidery floss or yarn or twine
fabric or paper flowers in various colors and sizes

Directions
We had striped bendy straws. Shae cut them into into about 2″ lengths and we tossed the bendy part. The flowers we used were cut using Fiskars Punches in 2 flower shapes from various colors of construction paper. Patterned paper would work really well here too. Start threading a straw piece with 1,2 or 3 flowers then another straw piece. Shae put flowers together that were different sizes and colors. When she was done filling up a 20″ length of embroidery floss I gave it a double knot and it was ready to wear.

pull all the way through

almost there

This is a great craft to work on with multiple children. All of the supplies can be prepped before hand and there is no waiting for paint or glue to dry or worry about huge messes to clean up. if you don’t have punches available fabric flower bunches from the $1 bin can be taken apart and used. They already have a hole in the middle of the petals too so assembly is simple.

all done and so pretty

Have fun with this one and hope to see your end results. Don’t forget to visit GummyLump #300CraftsforKids Blog to see the fun crafts going on over there. This particular project came right from Fiskars Idea Gallery using their paper punches.

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