Summer Fun and Safety with MommyDocs

I love being outside with my children. We go to the park, beach, and for hikes. Unfortunately being outside for a prolonged period of time can be dangerous for my children if I am not prepared.

MommyDocs has some great Summer Safety Tips.

Here are somethings that I already do.

I lather them up with sunscreen.

I use bug-spray on them so that I don't have to worry about them catching West Nile or EEE.

After playing outside I check them over like a "mommy-monkey" to make sure they have no ticks.

Things I learned from reading MommyDocs blog that I need to add to our summer fun routine; keep the kiddos hydrated, keep their outside pool clean, and have Benadryl on hand to relive rashes and itches.

Check MommyDocs for more useful information on not only making your children's summer fun but safe!

How to Make a Sit-Upon - Great for Summer or 4th of July

When we think of 4^th of July we think of parades and fireworks. Help your children to make this fun patriotic sit-upon for when they get tired of standing at the parades and fireworks.





Materials Needed:

Two similar sized magazines
Patriotic plastic tablecloth
Packing Tape
Scissors
Plastic White Grocery Bags

Instructions:

1. Tape two similar sized magazines together. Wrap tape around the magazines to hold them securely together.

2. Wrap white grocery bags (or a trash bag) around the magazines several times. Tape the bags securely against the magazines.

3. Begin to cut strips 1 inch in width from you plastic tablecloth. Plastic strips need to be approximately 5 inches longer then the length of the magazine. The longer they are the easier it is to tie them.

4. Once strips are cut (approximately 55 strips) tying can begin.

5. Tie two strips together at one end. Place one strip over the top of the magazines, one strip under the magazines, and tie tightly at the other end.

6. Continue tying strips one on top and one under the magazines across the width of the magazines.

7. Space strips .5 inches from each other along the width of the magazine. (Approximately 14 to 15 strips across the front of the magazine, and another 14 to 15 strips along the back.)

8. Begin to weave the front of the magazine with plastic strips. Weave together tightly pushing the plastic strips snuggly together. Weave approximately (13 to 14 strips across the top).

9. Turn sit-up over and start to weave the back using the same number of strips as you used on the front.

10. Once front and back are woven begin to tie the ends together.

11. Trim the fringe all around the sit-upon to the same length.

12. Your patriotic kid’s sit-upon is now ready for the parades and fireworks!

Tips & Hints:

I was able to do this craft with my 6 year old son. He loved the weaving but needed help occasionally with the tying. I think this craft would be hard for any child that can not yet make a knot.

How to Make a Princess Coin Bank (Children's Craft)

This fun interact coin bank will sure to have your little girl enthusiastic about saving her money.

Materials:
Canister (with plastic lid top)
brown paper bag
markers
Princess picture printed and colored
Popsicle stick
Tape
Scissors




Instructions:
1. Cut a slit in the top of the plastic canister. This will be the slot that the money will be placed in.

2. Cut a brown paper bag to fit securely over your canister. Top of the paper should be about 4 inches above the top of the canister.

3. Tape paper to the canister. Then begin to cut the top of the brown paper into tower shapes.



4. Add tower windows, bushes and flowers along the bottom to the brown paper.


5. Print princess, color, and cut out. (Click on princess picture to enlarge and print)


6. Attach the princess to a Popsicle stick with tape.


7. Place the Popsicle stick through the slit in the top of the coin bank. Remove princess when you are putting money in the bank.

Preserve Everyday with Recycled Toothbrushes

Recycled toothbrushes, seriously? Absolutely!

I was asked to try recycled toothbrushes by Recycline Preserve. The toothbrushes are made from recycled plastic. The toothbrushes come in great bold colors, have 45 degree curved handled (dentist recommended), and come in a neat carrying case for easy travel. Here is the best part: when it comes time to dispose of your old Preserve Toothbrush and carrying case you can send it back to the company postage free! The toothbrush then is recycled for plastic lumber for picnic tables, boardwalks, and decks!

The Recycline Preserve Toothbrushes can be found at your local Target store. So many benefits: easy to buy, great for the environment, and reasonably priced. Printable coupon for even more savings!

Check out Recycline Preserve Everyday for some of their other products: personal care, tableware, and kitchenware.

Recycling matters and every bit helps. Big or small it all makes a difference!

Other Recycling Posts:
Reuse - Good for the Environment & Your Wallet
Punched Tin - Recycled Tin Craft

How to Make a Pinwheel (Children's Craft)

This fun summer craft is great to make on a rainy day. On a windy day, it is even more fun to play with outside.

Materials Needed:

8.5 in. x 8.5 in. piece of poster board
1 floral stem wire 20 gauge
Plastic beads
Wire cutters
Scissors

Instructions:
1. Cut poster board in a square measuring 8.5 inches x 8.5 inches. Using a ruler draw a line from one corner to the opposite bottom corner. Then draw another line from the other corner to the opposite bottom corner. An “X” will form in the center of the square.

2. From the center of the square measure 2 inches up on each line and mark. Using scissors cut each line to the 2 inch mark.

3. Using a needle pierce the center of the square at the “X” mark. Then pierce the right corner of all four of the triangles.

4. Take the floral stem and bend it down 90 degrees at approximately the 4 inch mark. Place two beads onto the bent end. Insert the stem into the center of the square. Then bend each triangle (right corner) down to the center through the stem. Place two beads on top of the pinwheel to help it hold its shape. Bend the
floral stem wire into a loop to hold everything together.

5. From the bottom of the floral stem begin to slide beads up to the top of the wire (stopping at the bend). Once the floral stem is beaded, loop the bottom of the wire.

Hints & Tips:

1. I tried using construction paper and foam sheets. The only thing that seemed to work was poster board paper. It didn’t tear when pierced and seemed to spin the most easily.

2. Have fun with the pinwheel. Let children color on the poster board or attach stickers.

3. Floral stem wire can be found at any major craft store. They are usually sold 12 to a pack and range in price from $2 to $3 dollars.