Tag: family fun

6 Ways to Lower Your Stress

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Throughout the past few months, it’s safe to say we have all oscillated in feeling a complete variety of ways. One day we might be relishing in our ability to safely stay at home and spend time with our loved ones, and the next day we might feel as though we are itching for the sense of normalcy we felt at the beginning of the year. There is no one right way to feel (we’re leaning into it all!), but we have found it’s important to discover new ways or dive back into old habits in order to keep our stress levels in check. Whether you’re facing decisions about school or a desire to go back in time, try one of these six ways to lower your stress levels below. 

1. Read:

One of the best ways to disconnect is to get lost in a great book. There are plenty of sites to turn to for inspiration if you’re looking to create a reading list or simply find one great read. Try Reese’s Book Club, Read with Jenna, the Bad on Paper Podcast Book Club, and/or this list from Real Simple about the best books from 2020 (so far). The great thing about reading is you can slot in a few moments throughout the day to read a page or two or you can set aside a full block of time to complete a number of chapters. Once you start, we think reading will become a daily habit you look forward to throughout the day!

2. Exercise:

Exercise looks different for everyone. Some people love to get in a spin workout at home on a stationary bike with an app; others like to run, golf, or play tennis; while other people prefer to take a walk. No matter what you choose to do, make sure it’s something that doesn’t feel like a chore. The idea with exercising to lower your stress is to move in ways that bring you joy and boost your mood, rather than spending any time dreading working out as though it’s a to-do you would rather skip over. Before your workout, create a playlist, download a podcast, or purchase an audiobook!

3. Cook:

Whether it’s on our blog or in our app, we love sharing new recipes with you! We find cooking is a great outlet because it combines the process of following steps with an opportunity to be creative. Plus, it’s something that requires focus. Altogether, we find we do feel more relaxed and stress-free when we try cooking or baking a new recipe. The best news? You will (likely!) end up with delicious results to enjoy with your family or share with friends. 

4. Craft:

Similar to cooking, spending time working on a craft also involves working with your hands. Because it’s physical (and clearly creative!), we find our stress starts to dissipate because we have a fun task to focus on. Think about working on a DIY project, making something with your kids (Good Housekeeping has plenty of ideas!), paint, or learn how to sew or stitch. Don’t be surprised when you end up with a number of completed projects and a newfound hobby! 

5. Write:

Oftentimes, things are less stressful than they may seem in our minds once we can stare at them on paper. So, make a list! You might note things you need or want to accomplish, ideas you don’t want to forget, or even specific things that have been adding to your feelings of stress. Journaling or even typing an email to yourself are both known as being great tools to help you process whatever you’re feeling. Once it’s on paper, work to complete the to-dos or try to release your thoughts.

6. Connect:

Sometimes feelings of stress can be magnified when we spend too much time mulling things over within ourselves. So, call a friend or family member and talk! You don’t have to run through all that might be bothering you. Instead, it might be helpful to ask them questions about their lives as a way to turn off your own thought process. Another idea: meet for coffee, a meal, or ice cream together. Sometimes even five minutes spent with another person is enough to fill our wells for quite a while.

It’s safe to say we’re all experiencing stress, albeit for different reasons and in different ways, but it’s important to find ways to cope. So, how do you combat your stress? Let us know on Facebook!

Camp Shopkick: Camping Week

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We’re back with the latest theme for this week’s edition of Camp Shopkick! In case you’re new to “camp”, we believe summer isn’t summer without themed weeks of fun to enjoy with your family, whether you try a new activity each day or plan a packed day to fit in as much as possible. We hope you and your family have already made wonderful memories during Barbecue Week and Family Fun Week. This week, we’re taking “camp” literally – it’s Camping Week!

Have you ever taken a camping trip? Whether you’re an outdoor camping novice, someone who frequently pitches a tent in the backyard, or a camper with plenty of experience in the great outdoors, we thought we would dive into everything you need to know to take a camping trip at a campground. Let’s dive into the essentials! 

Where to Go:

Once you have decided camping is officially on your agenda, it’s time to decide where to go. Parks are a great place to begin your research because many offer both camping facilities (wash houses are wonderful!), campsites, and plenty of information to review before you arrive. You can also look into official campgrounds. These can range from sites you will need to hike to, to locations where you will drive up and keep your car parked nearby. Some sites even include amenities, like pools, to encourage you to have even more family fun while meeting other families in the process.   

What to Do:

When deciding where you would like to go on your camping trip, you will also likely need to decide what you hope to do as a family while you’re there. One decision will help to guide many others! Many camping sites are located in wonderful areas to hike. If hiking will be a new experience for your family, you will want to research trails that are clearly marked for beginners. Some trails are even flat, which are excellent for young kids! You will also want to be prepared in advance to swim, so research if your camp is near a stream, lake, or beach open to water play. 

Must-Have Items: 

Some of your must-have items will largely be driven by the activities you plan to do while you’re camping, but there are also plenty of other items you will want to have on hand. Keep the following in mind: 

  • Tent (P.S: One Crazy House has plenty of tent tips!)
  • Foam Flooring/Air Mattress
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Clothes
  • Flash Light
  • Kitchen Items & Food
  • Toiletries
  • Hiking Gear
  • Toys for Kids
  • …and plenty more!

We discovered this packing guide for camping, particularly camping with kids, on the blog Em for Marvelous. Make sure to open the PDF she created titled Master Packing List. It’s excellent and so thorough! 

Recipes to Cook:   

Before you set out on your camping trip, you will want to create a meal plan. This will help you to know what you will be making well in advance, so you can make sure to have all of your groceries on hand. Cooking over a fire is a must while camping, and we thought we would think beyond hamburgers and hotdogs. So, we highly recommend trying Camping Breakfast Burritos from Taste & Tell, Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Bacon Fries from Tablespoon, and Campfire Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches from Homemade Heather. All three recipes sound delicious! 

Of course, our top tip is to simply have fun on your camping trip! We are so excited to hear about the adventures you either experience or plan to experience on a camping trip with your family. Keep us in the know on Facebook!

Camp Shopkick: Family Fun Week

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The summer fun themes continue, Shopkickers! Last time, we shared activities, recipes, and even crafts for you and your family to enjoy with your grill in mind. And, this week, we’re back with 10 new ways you and your family and play together in your backyard this summer and well into the fall. Let’s get started!

Tie-Dye:

Tie-dye is the must-do craft this summer, and we think it’s because it’s quick and easy (albeit a little messy!). There are all-in-one kits for sale online from most craft stores, and we also discovered great tutorials from the dye brand, Rit. On their site, Rit shares new methods for creating tie-dye patterns, how to best prep your fabric before you dye it, and even faster ways to encourage your pieces to dry. Take a look!

Open a Little Free Library:

This summer, we have been reading non-stop! Although we have all largely been keeping our physical distance from our friends and neighbors, one fun way to help your community to feel more connected is by building a Little Free Library for your neighborhood. The idea is neighbors can stop by and take a new book, and the hope is they will add a new or used book to your library in return.

Put on a Play:

Put your family’s acting skills to the test and put on a play or talent show! You can encourage your kids to create a show of their own or have them recreate an old favorite. You can also encourage them to show off their talents. If friends and family want to see the debut performance, encourage them to stop by with masks and their own chairs placed 6’ apart.

Design a Fairy Garden:

We have suggested planting vegetable and fruit gardens, and flower gardens are always a given. But, we have a new garden idea: create a fairy garden! Country Living has great inspiration for you to use to create one of your own at home.

Jump Rope:

Whether your kids have already experienced the old-fashioned fun of jump rope games or they have yet to play, embrace this classic game at home! For new jumpers, consider having them begin by jumping rope on grass. This way if someone does trip, they’re falling on a soft surface rather than on hard pavement.

Make Popsicles:

What is summer without a cool treat to enjoy outside? Try your hand at making your own popsicles. With a few simple ingredients, you can create smoothie inspired popsicles your kids will love making and eating. Thank you to Lemon Tree Dwelling for sharing this delicious recipe! If you’re allergic to dairy, try adding extra fruit and orange juice in lieu of yogurt.

Add Swings:

If you have a large tree in your yard that feels like it’s simply waiting for a swing, now is the time to install one! Try shopping online, make your own, or stop by your local hardware store for a pre-made option. Another idea? Install a porch or deck swing!

Play Mini Golf:

Put your golfing skills to the test from home! Consider purchasing a mini golf set to enjoy in your backyard, or task your kids with coming up with a course for everyone to play. Don’t forget your clubs, balls, and scorecards!

Play Life-Size Memory:

We love playing backyard games because they feel even more fun when they’re life-sized. So, try creating your own version of memory! Make the cards big enough to create a large game in your backyard on your lawn. Who can match the cards the quickest?

Car Wash:

With soap, sponges, and a hose, you can create a few hours of fun for your kids outside with a car wash! Think about having them help you to wash the family’s cars, or create a “kid’s car wash” where they wash their own bikes and scooters. Everything could likely use a good clean. Why not make an afternoon out of this form of water fun?

How has your family been spending time outside together in your backyard this summer? Chime in on Facebook with your ideas!

5 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained in Summer

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Since you and your family may not be able to head out on your typical vacations and day trips this summer, you might be running out of ideas of how to keep your kids entertained. Leave the brainstorming to us! We’ve got you covered. We compiled some of our favorites and ditched the typical suggestion to just “put on a movie to keep them busy for a couple hours.” Let’s get the kiddos moving, thinking, and out into the fresh air for a change all while staying safe at home. Take advantage of this time together and have a fun-filled summer making memories as a family! Start out by trying one of these activities:

1. Sidewalk Chalk:

A tried and true classic, you can’t go wrong with a little street-side art! Get the creative juices flowing by heading to any dollar store or craft store and picking up a pack of colorful chalk. There are so many options for activities you can do with chalk and your sidewalk as a blank canvas. Try guessing games like hangman, a game that gets you moving like hopscotch, or make original masterpieces! You could even try using your collective imaginations to create your own game – maybe something resembling a new version of a favorite board game like Candy Land or Pictionary!

2. Cornhole:

Try playing a fun lawn game like cornhole (or as some people call it, bags)! This is a great way to get everyone outside and moving and start up a little friendly competition. Is this a tired game for your family? Try tweaking the rules and turning it into a game similar to H-O-R-S-E. Show off your fancy moves and see how creative, silly, or impressive you can get with your trick shots. Can your family members match your skills or are you the one true cornhole master? Go find out!

Don’t have a cornhole set but are feeling handy? Try building your own! It’s a great way to try something new or if you’re a seasoned craftsman, you can teach your kids great life skills while having fun building something that you’ll enjoy together. Check out this guide!

3. Water Games:

If it’s too hot to be standing in the sun for long periods of time, turn to water games! Try setting up your sprinklers to turn on for a couple hours during the day while you’re burning up in the house. Head outside and just run around through the water to cool off, or make a game of it. Who can last the longest without getting sprayed? Better start practicing your duck and weaving skills! Also, don’t forget about other fun water games like water balloon fights. If you don’t have water balloons, try throwing household sponges to soak each other. You can also break out a Slip ‘N Slide, but if you don’t have one, you can also use any old water resistant tarp like you’d have for camping or painting. Just lay it out on the grass, spray it down with the hose, and get to sliding!

4. Themed Dinners:

If your family is really missing going out to your favorite restaurants, try having a themed dinner! Dress up like chefs and waiters and prep your kitchen and dining room for the evening. Pull out tablecloths and set out silverware to make it more realistic, and try making copycat versions of your go-to dishes from your restaurant of choice. Some fun ideas could be trying a hibachi night like at Benihana or a made to order burrito night like at Chipotle.

If you’re REALLY feeling creative, kick it up a notch by making it a whole event by dressing up for the part. For example, have a luau-themed night with fish or chicken teriyaki, fresh fruits, and fun cocktails (or mocktails). Don’t forget to wear your beach party best – think: leis, Hawaiian shirts, pool floaties, whatever you got! You could also do a Disney-themed night dressed as princesses or animal sidekicks with foods like Ratatouille or even ~the gray stuff~. Check out these Disney recipe ideas. Other ideas would include dressing up like characters from your favorite TV shows and movies like Scooby Doo, Tiger King, That 70’s Show, and more! 

5. Build a Fort:

Really set on the idea of staying in to watch movies? I totally understand! Maybe try spicing up your time on the couch by working together with your kids to build the greatest castle in all the land (read: pillow fort). Grab all your pillows, blankets, quilts, and stuffed animals to make it super cozy. Spice it up by adding some Christmas lights, ribbons, and other decorations! Turn it into a legendary movie night by heading into the kitchen and making some snacks to make it feel extra special. Popcorn and hot chocolate are always hits, but you could also get your kids involved with baking cookies or making hot fudge sundaes. 

Send us pictures of your summer fun on social media. We can’t wait to see what you came up with!