v 3 issue 42: Celebrate Summer

Celebrate Summer

This issue contains fun products that will make you want to get out and have some FUN with your little one this summer, in your own backyard.

Cover by Jessica Runyan










1 Get outside and have a picnic this summer with Aiden the Dragonfly from Peanut Gallery Gifts. This washable, water and soil resistant picnic blanket is a big 56" x 56", leaving plenty of room for a sprawled out lunch.

2 Go on a silly adventure with Chipper the Squirrel to learn safety tips and lessons which get kids ready for outdoor fun. For only $29.95 you get a 35 minute video, a sing-a-long CD, and a story & activity book.

3 Not your ordinary croquet set. Let's Play Croquet by Alex, available at Ju Ju Beane Boutique, is much more enticing than the sets of our youth. Bugs, a bird, and a toad come out to join in on the fun with this one...Nick Jr. Magazine's Toy of the Year!

4 Australia’s Blue Lizard is a breakthrough in children's sun protection! It is a chemical-free sunscreen that pampers delicate skin while providing the best known protection against broad-spectrum UV rays. Water-resistant, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. For ages 6 months and up.

5 Speaking of Broad-spectrum sun protection – This sun suit blocks 99% of harmful rays!-in a girly pink package. Faster than a full application of sunscreen, no waterproof worries, and a quick zip-up front helps make a happy & safe day at the beach. Yay! My Princess Closet.

6 A full day beach excursion isn't complete without a Sun Smarties Family Beach Cabana Tent. The new version from One Step Ahead lets more breeze in, but still keeps the sun out with UPF 50+ protection. Pops up in an instant for family privacy or naptime!

7 On sunny summer days, Oobi Baby's singlet and diaper cover keep baby cool as a cucumber. Pick up a matching hat while your at it to keep baby in the shade!

8 Leave the big cooler at home, $10 gets you out of the house quick. The machine washable fabric insulates and protects drinks of all sizes (drink boxes, bottles, sippy cups...). Snap it onto a stroller or a diaper bag and you're ready to go-Lou Lou's Corner.


Organizing Tip:

Purchase baskets/bins for the hall closet and label them for each family member. This way you can put everyone’s hats, mittens, bags etc in their basket for later picking up or just to keep the closet organized.

Cleaning Tip:
Remove ring around the collar with shampoo! Shampoo is designed to remove body oils. A savvy stain remover; keep a cheap bottle by the washer for use on all sorts of stains.

Time Saving Tip:
Purchase Method bath wipes (found at Target) and keep them under your bathroom sink. They are quick, efficient and perfect for when a visitor drops by unannounced.

Financial Tip:
Drive the speed limit. Cars use about 20% more fuel driving at 70 miles per hour than they do at 55 miles per hour.


Backyard Summer Fun:

With the over inflated economy today who wants to leave home. Gas prices are at an all time high. Traveling for most people this year is just out of the question. But never fear, you can still have a great summer with your family. It's time to get inventive and have a fun filled summer right in your own back yard.

Backyard Picnic: Break out the blanket or table cloth, and picnic basket. Pack an actual picnic lunch and spend the afternoon out in your yard in a shady place. For extra enjoyment bring along his/her favorite book.

Planting: Children love to play in the dirt. Making mud pies, sandcastles, and gardening are all good options for your toddler. Start a garden with your toddler. Let him/her choose some flowers or vegetables to plant, and they will enjoy both the process and the result.

Little Walks: Take your child in the backyard, just walk around and let them explore and look at stuff. Develop a ritual of taking a walk near your home with your child and their wagon. Just getting some fresh air can change everyone’s attitude.

For the little ones: Cube on a string
Freeze cotton string inside, colored ice cubes (use fruit juice for flavor) and turn them into cool little boats to play with in the water. They will float and move around as your little ones reach for them.

Make and Blow Bubbles:
Best Bubble Solution: 1 Cup Water, 2 Tablespoons Glycerin, 4 Tablespoons Dishwashing liquid. Don't forget your wands. Try different things; Thread Spools, Shaped pipe cleaners, Strawberry baskets, cotton string and straws.

Go on a Bug Hunt. Grab an empty jar and get out in your yard and see how many different kinds of bugs you can find.

At the end of a day of play, kids can collect backyard toys, toss them into a big red wagon, and pull it into the garage for out-of-sight storage.