Lemonade Stand with a twist

Nothing says summer time like the site of a young entrepreneur standing behind a lemonade stand. I remember those days so clearly. I had a stand on one side of the street with my girlfriends and my brother had claim to the order side of the street with his friends. Oh the friendly competition! Well I think now I'd have the edge....as I saw happen small town America. They were selling the lemonade out of mason jars, you know the stuff people can peaches/jams with. So cute, as the ice chest was filled with them. Not only did you get extra cold lemonade, you got the jar! A great way to have several flavors, in small batches and who doesn't love drinking out of a mason jar?! Great idea to share with your little loved ones and even help them to get it set up. I still can't resist stopping when I see a young entrepreneur trying to sell something. Just the other day, I stopped for just a glass of water and let me tell you that kid was raking it in! Happy Summer. Ciao. Ciao.

Sand Castles

WOW the summer time can sure but hot! Particularly in my neighborhood today. If you are lucky enough to live on one of the coasts, I say it is time to hit the beach and have a sand castle building contest. This can keep the kids busy and active for hours. If you don't live on the coasts, do you have a sandbox in your backyard? Just add a little water and you can build castles too. Who lives in those castles? Get their imaginations going. I like to have my nieces build me a house, a really big one of course. If you have absolutely no clue how to build a sand castle, check out http://www.sandcastlecentral.com/ they have some great tips for the beginner and expert. Plus they have some pictures that will blow your mind. At the beach, I also have fun burying my nieces from the waist down and turning them into mermaids, or giving them an extra fancy skirts etc. Have fun in the sun!! Ciao. Ciao.

Fourth of July fun for kids

In my book, Fouth of July is all about BBQ's, fireworks and family time! But why is it that kids are always asking what next, what next.... Never living in the moment. So best be prepared with something up your sleeve. Check out the ideas from Kaboose http://holidays.kaboose.com/july-4/index.html If it is hot where you are, you can make flag fans. Print off some of their coloring sheets, and have a coloring contest, where everyone is a winner. Pick up some beads to have the kids make their own red, white and blue jewelry. My personal favorite, simple ice cream recipes. Lots of things that will keep the kids busy until it's time for the fireworks. Happy 4th of July. Ciao. Ciao.

Send mail to Grandparents

Most kids like to color, and if they are anything like my nieces, they can go through a pad of paper in a day! But what do you do with all those drawings? A refrigerator is only so big. Well, how many of those drawings are you sending to the grandparents? They were raised without e-mail and I think snail mail holds a high value with them and something they look forward to receiving. It is just not the same to scan it and e-mail it over. A friend who has a grandmother in an retirement home, say drawings and pictures from the grand kids are like every one's trophy wall. The more you have the bigger your smile. If your kids are older, and not as into drawing anymore you can still send mail to your parents. Trudy Triner provides you a fun list of easy things to send on her site http://www.makemomhappybymail.com/25-things-to-send-by-mail/ Old or young, make someone smile today with the gift of mail. Ciao. Ciao.

Cooking with Toddlers

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces is cook. I find it to be interactive, bring out a creative side in them and perhaps even giving them skills for the future. I can't believe I have friends (at my age) who barely know how to boil water. Ahhhh the age of dining out. I am also somewhat of a health nut and prefer things that are homemade, even if it is as simple as making a smoothie and pouring it into and ice cube tray for a mini frozen treat later. There are many books out there to help you out, should your cooking skills be rusty, but if you have toddlers in your mix be sure to check out The Toddler Cafe. http://www.chroniclebooks.com/excerpts.php?isbn=0811859274&store=books Many of the ideas don't even require any "cooking", just mixing of a few fun ingredients and freezing, which is perfect for summer time. Happy cooking! Ciao. Ciao.

Family Golf Open

With Father's Day right around the corner, how can one not think of a golf outing. While it is true not all guys are golfers....I'm talking about miniature golf here! You know, pee wee golf. How much fun would it be to have the whole family out for the first ever "Smith" Masters or the Olson Open. Time to get T-shirts printed up for everyone? Even those that don't golf would have fun and it is all about getting the family together! The best part is everyone has a really, really good chance at getting a hole in one! Find the nearest miniature golf course to you at http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/mini_golf Watch out, this is liable to become an annual event! Have fun. Ciao. Ciao.

Pretend Mailbox

A reminder that kids love mail, and also like to play postman. I'm in love with this pretend mailbox and all the letters that go with it. http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=233 It is all about imagination, and this brings it out. For me, I'd much prefer my little nieces play postman verses doctor. Also send them mail on a regular basis too. The real stuff can help build your connection with them and make them feel extra special. Ciao. Ciao.