Just because the summer so far has been busy and crazy thanks to selling our old house, changes for him at work, and planning an EPIC 5th birthday shindig for our son, my husband and I are STILL trying to nail down our vacation plans (last minute much? ;-)). It may end up being a close-ish to home getaway – and that’s okay.

We still feel like we’ve been making the most of the summer and spending it with each other that I thought I’d share some of the ways we’re taking a break from the craziness of it all. We legitimately did a few of these things over the weekend and all feel like we’re heading into the week ahead with our batteries recharged and like we made the best of our time together!

Get into nature. One of our local colleges has a perfect-for-families walking trail that’s pretty expansive and incredibly peaceful to wander. While the peace is often disturbed by our son’s chattiness (all innocent questions, but still), the babbling brook and bird tweets mixed with learning about the varieties of plants and counting how many animals we see make it a fun way to get out of our everyday norm.

I sometimes feel badly that we don’t utilize the huge mountainous area that’s less than a 1½ hour drive away, but having spots like this close by help us to hit the reset button way quicker. A couple of ways to find trails near you that will work for your family are to search TrailLink and AllTrails.  

Search for a local beach. There’s just something about getting sand in your toes and watching your kiddos build sand castles. Even if you’re in a landlocked area (I’m in Central New York State, which is just that), you may be surprised to find a beach available, usually at a local lake.

In our case, there are several beaches within an hour or two drive from our house, but I always make it a point to check out their ratings online AND go to their state-run website to find out about what amenities they provide, any rules we should know about (some aren’t cool with flotation devices, others don’t allow pets if you’re bringing a dog, some have picnicking rules, etc), and, most importantly, how the water quality is (we’ve had a couple closed down due to an algae outbreak the past few years).

Find a pool. Any pool. Depending on your neck of the woods, it’s been a sweltering summer. (In our case, it’s been a water-logged one! Major flooding all over the place.) I find that our kids are totally fine with a small kiddie or inflatable pool, but if you want the whole family to get into the action, see if there’s a local municipal pool (or super kind family member or friend willing to share) that you can hit up even once. We’ll be visiting the college that our son took swim lessons during their weekly community time when the weather warms up again.  

Oh, and if/when we go on vacation, this is a prerequisite for the hotel…even if there’s a nearby water park. Our kids aren’t big swimmers, but there’s still something about getting in the water that says “VACATION!”

And don’t forget to pack those Thirsties swim diapers!!! #adorable #clothdiaperadvocates

Ice cream! Why is it that my husband and I are just as bad as the kids are (okay, worse) when it comes to treating ourselves to ice cream during summertime (and, in particular, during vacations)?! Well, my excuse might be that I’m pregnant. Not sure what my husband’s is.

This time of year, a slew of seasonal ice cream stands open up (sometimes with an attached mini golf course – score!) offering a plethora of concoctions. Whether it’s because the kids and I can sleep in a bit the next morning or we’ve just been bitten by the “relax, it’s summer!” bug, we don’t mind taking the occasional drive after dinner past bedtime a bit to grab a scoop.

Plus, if it starts to get dark by the time we get home, the kids can get a good, old-fashioned “check out the fireflies!” backyard chase in. #idyllic

Simplify your mealtimes. Speaking of dinners, between the laziness factor of the season and the HEAT, allow yourself a break during the summer when it comes to meals. I’m giving you permission…just in case you needed it.

Whether it’s the occasional sandwich or salad night, pasta salad, or even my mom’s tried-and-true “smorgasbord” (cheeses, cold cuts, crackers, cut-up fruit and veggies, dips…whatever) eaten picnic-style, there’s NOTHING wrong with simplifying meals. Meal planning can wait ‘til Crock Pot season returns.

Or is that just me?

Have a *casual* party. This doesn’t sound like a break, does it? “A PARTY? That’s MORE work!” But hear me out. Raise your hand if your usual routine entails running around, work and life obligations, all-kids, all-the-time, or just zero time to relax and talk with friends and JUST CHILL.

*raising both hands*

It’s DRAINING. After our son’s birthday party, we realized that we all – parents included – had a really good time, even if the prep part was a pain. Well, if you take out the “gift time, now cake time, now…” part of a birthday party, it CAN be super fun. Plus, my husband and I like to watch old TV shows and we’re reminded that, like, our grandparents used to entertain ALL THE TIME. Thanks, Dick Van Dyke, for reminding us that parents are humans, too, and need social interaction.

We may not be dressed up for a night on the town like the old days, but whatevs. Just order a pizza (or delegate and have each adult/couple bring one thing), let the kids play in the yard, and allow yourself to just breathe and catch up about grown-up things – serious, like work issues, or small – like talking about your favorite TV show. (Not sure our friends want to discuss Dick Van Dyke, though.)

Schedule some “me” time! Moms, in particular, I’m talking to you. Don’t we have a hard time with this?? Even when someone’s willing to hang with the kiddos, it’s difficult not to work on our to-do list or catch up on SOMETHING you’ve been meaning to do. You know it’s bad when we ALL feel like a trip alone to the grocery store is legitimately a vacation. #amiright?!

But, I find that the day-in-day-out of childcare and thinking about others’ needs constantly makes us lose sight of what makes us who we are. So, what if your next “me time” involves something that helps you reconnect with yourself? It can be as “trivial” as getting your nails or hair done (honestly, I feel like I know myself better when I get a fresh hairstyle…is that bad?!) or as deep as taking a class to reconnect to an old hobby you’re super passionate about.

If I had an ENTIRE day all to myself (after I get over the guilt, of course), I’d do some prenatal yoga, get my hair done (it literally hasn’t been touched by a professional in almost a year), maybe a pedi, then I’d work on my writing and do some mindfulness exercises to connect with my goals. What would YOU do?

I recently saw an awesome baby product company on Instagram Stories talking about having mothers take a “vacation” one evening after the kids were in bed and I LOVED it. Seeing what people shared, whether it was watching a favorite movies with a favorite snack or hopping into a bath with a scented candle, showed that you don’t need a REAL vacation in order to give yourself a meaningful break.

So, are you taking an awesomely fun, relaxing (well, as relaxing as parents can have) vacation this year? Or is it a “mini-break” type of summer? I’d love to hear what everyone’s up to this summer!

Oh, and here are some old posts that might be useful for this time of year:

Stress-Free Summer Fun Ideas

5 Ways to Make the Most of the Dog Days of Summer

This summer has been one of sweltering conditions for many across the country, hasn’t it? While this is our first year with central air, we still hate to overuse it due to its energy sucking and near-constant running, so I’ve found myself searching for other heat-beating options. That, plus the fact that both of our kids seem HIGHLY bothered by the heat (you’d think the 6-month pregnant one in the family would be bothered the most, but nope – it’s my husband and the kiddos), means I’ve been getting creative.

And don’t forget to grab your Thirsties swim diaper before you go! They’re available in ADORABLE designs and are just the trick for all your summertime fun.

Splash pads! This can be a tough one depending on your locale (it was quite a schlep from my old house to any splash spots, so I understand if you’re in a more rural place!), but if you’re in a busier area, search around. I literally searched “splash pads near me” and came up with a couple of options.

One reason I ADORE splash pads is because they’re easier to manage when you’re taking a couple of littles (who don’t know how to swim on their own yet) solo for a quick summer outing.

Pools, pools, pools. If you have one already, great! Here in Upstate New York where summer only lasts about 3 months (if you’re lucky; we’ve had a REALLY rainy season this year…see my next tip!), they’re a little less common, so you may have to hook up with a friend or family member for some swim time.

Otherwise, check out your local municipality (or even college!) for swim times. And, honestly, there is no shame in the kiddie pool game. I’ve been known to stick my pregnant swollen feet in with the kiddos while they giggle and splash and get entirely too rowdy. Oh, and this is also an easier option when you’re watching multiple kids on your own (unless your kids know how to swim already and don’t need assistance, of course).   

Rain shower playtime! If you’ve had a humid but rainy summer, embrace it! Some of my favorite summertime fun memories as a kid involved throwing on a swimsuit (usually as Wonder Woman, if I’m going to be honest, ha!) and heading for the driveway and yard during a warm summer shower. Puddle jumping at its best!

Just be sure to keep an ear and eye out for the serious storms!

Water the lawn AND your kids at the same time. Remember running through the sprinkler as a kid? I’m telling you, it’s just as much fun as it used to be. Plus, if things are getting a tad crispy on the lawn front, it does double duty. There are also cool sprinkler-like attachments you can add to your house (we have one that shoots in tons of directions that you can also put balls in to add a bit of a game element to the play.

This might not be a great one if you’re in an area in need of water conservation, so maybe an old-school water gun fight might be better.
Hit the beach! I do think that running to a beach on a hot day is a little like “whuh?!” (at least, I think my husband feels this way) but I get it. The awesome thing about a beach is that you can enjoy the hot sun and, when you feel like it, go for a quick dip when you feel like cooling off, then head back to make more sand castles. It’s literally rinse and repeat. And, if you’re lucky, there’s sometimes a nice breeze coming in off of the lake or ocean.

And at our local state parks, there are often nearby shady areas with trees for cooling off and picnicking that provide a nice break from the sun beating down.  

Did somebody say “water park”??? Sometimes it’s a bit of a drive so you may want to build a trip just around this option, but we love to make an annual trek to our “local” water park (oh, and it has amazing, kid-friendly dry rides and an old school fairy tale land that our kids still think is amazingly cool) when we see that the temperature’s rising.

The awesome thing about most of these spots is that there are more and more catching on to the idea of “family friendly” options, often providing a large area for babies and toddlers to wade around while the older kids get to enjoy the “big kid” rides. There’s also sometimes a “Lazy River” option or large outdoor pool that parents can bring the littles in, providing tons of choices for cooling off.

Go to a fun spot – indoors! If you’re simply not a fan of the heat but don’t want to be stuck in watching one more episode of “Paw Patrol,” think outside the box to have fun and still stay cool. From movie theaters to museums, indoor play gyms to libraries, there are lots of air conditioned spots that you can take kids to encourage play without getting too hot.

And the amazing thing? Lots of places offer free or cheap services over the summer to meet the needs of your families. For example, movie theaters will oftentimes show a mid-morning string of kid-friendly movies in the dead of summer for super cheap – or even free! – once a week. Libraries, of course, always offer free youth services, from read alouds to puppet shows and beyond. Children’s museums are now the epitome of hands-on play (rather than the museums of years past) – I think my son has a couple he’d simply love to LIVE at, he loves them so much.

We actually build entire vacations around what’s available to do outside AND inside so that we don’t have to worry about any bad (or super, super hot) weather hurting the trip!  

So, these are just a handful of ways to beat the heat but still have tons of fun this summer. I’d love to hear your family’s favorite(s) in the comments!

And, of course, here are a few quick practical tips to beating the sun beyond the “I’m bored” parts of summer:

– Keep kiddos hydrated with their own reusable water bottles. There’s something about a stainless steel water bottle with a fun character on it that gets my kids to drink more water!
– Slather on the (safe) sun block. Research the best option for your family and remember to use and reapply. I also like to remember that if we forget it, SOMETHING is better than NOTHING (ie “I know this stuff at the convenience store is full of chemicals, but we’re out of our favorite stuff…hmm…what to do?”). Take it from a girl who lost her dad to skin cancer as a young child. It’s important.
– Keep clothes light in more ways than one. Clothes that are both a) lightweight (natural fibers like cotton are great for this!) and b) light in color (rather than navy or black) help keep kids (and grown-ups) cooler.
– ‘Tis the season for cool treats – embrace it! Ice pops (I LOVE that there are more “real fruit” options available in the stores, but you can also easily make your own) are a GREAT way to keep kids hydrated AND provide a nice, refreshing treat.   

Last year, I posted an article with a round-up of fun fall activities to do with your family. The year before, I posted a “frugal fall fun” list of ideas. Many of these ideas turned out great for my family and can still apply, but this year I’m keeping it even simpler – while still making the most of our family’s “favorite season.”

Fast forward a year and things are even more hectic than usual – and I know many of you can relate no matter what season of life your family is experiencing. In our case, we have our third baby on the way (due at the end of October), we’re celebrating a year in our new house come November (and still sometimes feel like we haven’t totally unpacked!), and are undergoing some family transitions with our oldest heading to kindergarten and my starting at a new school in our district (with high schoolers – I’ve got the jitters, folks). It feels like a lot.

Maybe you can relate and are in the exact same boat with youngsters and “firsts” left and right. Or, maybe you’ve already been through it all and are instead dealing with the craziness of older kid schedules and practice drop-offs and pick-ups. Or, still yet, maybe you’re expecting your first child and are feeling a certain level of overwhelm just wrapping your head around everything – along with dealing with the exhaustion that can accompany pregnancy.

It never ends. But, we wouldn’t really want it to, would we?

Well, no matter your family’s stage, I fully believe it’s possible to still enjoy simple things – like a new season! – without overfilling your plate (ie schedule).

Be intentional about the season. – “Being intentional” sounds like such a hipster concept these days, but there’s a lot of value in it. It really is about opening your eyes to the moments and experiences around you as they happen; it’s also a really great way to get a kickstart on Thanksgiving (the being grateful thing; not the planning your menu and stuffing your face thing).

So, how do we do this? My favorite way to break it down is to suggest using your senses. Take a moment on those cool, crisp mornings to pause and feel the chill on your skin (but still appreciate the sun that accompanies it). Close your eyes and smell the fallen leaves or apple cinnamon candle you only break out when summer ends. Savor the flavors of fall comfort foods and fill-in-the-blank-with-your-favorite-pumpkin-spice-food-or-beverage-here. You get the idea.

And, of course, bring your kids in on the fun! When you notice something with your senses, mention it to them and have them take part, too (maybe not a latte, but you get the idea). Kids are often even better at recognizing these simple pleasures than we grown-ups.

Make the most over the changes. As we’ve been addressing with our son, sometimes transition can be sad, but there are often happy consequences to the change, too. I have a good mix of friends who very publicly share either their disdain over the end of summer fun or their elation over welcoming autumn. I always find that it’s better to ride the waves rather than try to stroke upstream (when it’s clear you’re going to lose that race).

So, I find what I enjoy about the season rather than what I hate. The first time I’m able to switch over to my trusty old brown boots and a favorite scarf is joy (and, yay, I can do that pregnant!). The first taste of a pumpkin spice coffee? The same thing. We’ll soon be deep into it and summer will be a distant, lovely memory. Life moves so quickly, it’s much more rewarding to enjoy where we are while we’re there rather than rush things even more.        

There’s no shame in multi-tasking, especially when there’s fun in store. So, you’re hoping to do a bit of decorating with pumpkins and other fall paraphernalia but also have a craving for some cider, but don’t have a lot of time on your hands? Instead of heading to your usual craft store, home improvement store, and grocery store, grab the kiddos and hit up a pumpkin patch or local garden center (we have one that’s also an orchard that happens to stock TONS of pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales, etc – PLUS they have a free corn maze and a shop with cider, pastries, and other fall treats…jackpot). One stop shopping!

How often do you go on a shopping trip with a side of family fun and memories for good measure?    

Find one or two simple family outings and ENJOY! You may not have time to do all the things you’d like to do. I know I don’t. So, if we happen not to be able to hit all of our favorite spots (let’s just say our annual trip to Vermont is out when you’re 8 ½ months pregnant), we’ll pick what will pack the most punch and simply enjoy the time together.

Some basic ideas? Hit up the farmers’ market and make a meal together using local, autumnal flavors. Make the most out of your Halloween pumpkin-picking trip and make a side trip to a costume store or thrift shop to pick out their costumes. Hit up a “you pick” apple orchard or cider mill (since they usually have additional activities and shopping opportunities for patrons).

Whatever it is, savor the experience. For me, this often means leaving the phone home (or taking it out ONLY to take a picture), chatting with the kids during the trip, allowing the eating of super messy cider donuts in the car (ya only live once, right?), and maybe throwing in a movie night with popcorn and cider or cocoa just to add to the memories of the day.   

As with all things, don’t strive for perfection! Raise your hand if you struggle with this, too!! It’s funny. I often hear my family jokingly call me Martha Stewart (more my mom and sister, but occasionally in a nice way my husband reminds me that I’m doing too much or not to stress myself out), so, yeah. Reminder to all of us: creating fun memories CAN be done simply and DOESN’T need to be Pinterest perfect.

So, go ahead and BUY a pumpkin spice latte instead of blending up your own nutrient-dense, fortified-with-coconut-oil, dairy-free version (unless you really, really want to or have dietary reasons). Grab your favorite Do the simplest decorating that brings YOUR heart joy (I’m looking at you, small but cute faux pumpkins and yummy-smelling candles from the Target dollar area). And, yes. It IS okay to purchase your child’s Halloween costume (says the woman who made her children’s every year after they turned one); and semi-homemade is totally a thing, so putting together pieces from their wardrobe plus a handful of stuff from the dress-up bin totally works.


Hopefully these tips help you find ways to enjoy the autumn without adding too much to your schedule (or stress level).

We’d love to hear your favorite ways to celebrate fall. It’s always great to bounce ideas off of each other and try new things, so share away in the comments!

Maybe it’s the colder weather. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m on maternity leave and feeling a bit isolated. Maybe I’ve finally finished my slow transition into an introvert. But, I find myself really, really enjoying celebrating the holiday season close to home.

Just in case you’re feeling similarly, or just want to slow down your pace with some more low-key, easy ways to have some Christmas fun this month, I’m sharing some ways to do just that. Pajamas optional!

Make some cookies! When we ask our 5-year-old what his favorite part of the holiday season is, he immediately answers “making gingerbread cookies with Mommy!” (followed by “and spending time with all my family members.”) And y’know what? When I look back to my childhood, baking and decorating cut-out cookies with my mom is the first thing that pops into my head.

It’s such a simple task (well, in theory) that creates memories. And the cool thing is that no matter how you do it, your kids will love the experience. So, whether you use your grandmother’s intricate recipe or you buy some pre-made dough (or mix some up on your own in advance, then have your little one cut out and decorate them), it’ll still be special. Oh, and yummy!

Let the kids stay up and watch a “special.” My husband and I have bought or downloaded TONS of holiday “specials” (ones we remember from childhood, generally). So, while we’ve watched the Grinch a dozen times already, there’s something so special about seeing it “live” on TV.

Two words: homemade cocoa. If your kids only like the powdered stuff, go ahead and make that, but there’s something extra special about making your own – and it’s not much more difficult! I don’t measure, so it’s some glugs of whole milk (I think almond or coconut milk would work if there’s an intolerance in your family) into a pot and simmer on medium-low until steaming. Then, I whisk in several teaspoons of cocoa powder, sugar (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener), and a touch of vanilla. You can experiment with different types of chocolate (I’m pretty sure melted chocolate chips or a high-quality chocolate bar would be incredible), adding spices like cinnamon or cayenne powder, or even some high-quality, consumable peppermint essential oil.

Toss some marshmallows or homemade whipped cream on top and you’re good!

Make a super-simple craft. Our son is finally WAY more into crafting now that he’s in school, so he kind of does this independently. Whether it’s basic construction paper chains, decorating a cut-out tree with stickers and baubles, or something more complicated, it’s more about spending the time together.

Oh, and be sure to join in on the fun yourself. It’s fun to step away from the chores and get your hands dirty in a fun way, and the kids tend to love seeing what their parents come up with (beautiful or…not).

Read holiday books. Whether you have to hit up the library or have your own plentiful supply of Christmas stories, make it a nightly event! Many of the stories
Write Santa a letter or draw him a picture. We already wrote our letter to Santa (because goodness knows the closer we get to the “big day”, more items will be added to the wishlist…and Santa’s not a fan of last-minute additions), but a letter for any of those questions your little ones may have or a nice little “thank you” note to leave with his milk and cookies is a fun way to focus all of that excited energy at this time of year.

Check out the lights! This one entails leaving the house but a) you can do it in your PJs with very little fuss and b) there’s nothing like the first year your child is old enough to actually notice a big display and you hear a huge “WOW!!!” from the backseat.

Even with a newborn in tow, we’ll be packing up the car to do this soon!
Make any activity a holiday activity. Whether we’re sitting at the dinner table or watching one of the kids’ favorite shows on PBS, there are ways to put a bit of extra cheer into the activity. We have the tree a-glowin’ pretty much every hour of the day, light our gas fireplace when we start to feel a chill, and light a Christmas candle (or diffuse some festive essential oils) every chance we get.

Add cocoa (homemade or not) and some Christmas PJs to any game, movie, or playtime, and you’re golden. Oh, and I can’t emphasize enough: Pandora, Spotify or the good, old-fashioned radio can set the mood better than anything and will put everyone in the house in the Christmas spirit.

And that’s it! What close-to-home holiday fun does your family enjoy? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

Happy 2018, everybody!

The word “resolution” has gotten a bad rap lately. This year it seems that people are either fiercely against making a new year’s resolution or passionately jumping headlong into their lofty goal for 2018; not much wiggle room. While I set some meaningful intentions for the year, I felt too much negative pressure to set one in particular.

What did get me excited was the idea of creating a resolution with our family in mind. This time of year, I think to lift my mindset up from the downer of saying goodbye to the holidays, so looking forward to what this year can bring for us as a whole family is actually fun.

Here are the things I take into account when making a family resolution:

Think about what your family needs more (or less) of. Have you gotten into a rut, only leaving the house for necessities? Have you gotten into eating too much junk? Do you get outside frequently? Are you itching to share more of the world with your kids? This will probably be a pretty quick and obvious thing for you and your family to figure out.

If possible, don’t do it alone. Depending on the age of your child, get them involved in the process (which is obviously irrelevant if you’ve just got a little baby at home). Either way, if you have a partner, pick their brain so that you’re not doing a resolution that only feels right for you.

Whatever you resolve, make sure it’s fun! If you want your family to eat better, don’t be as strict as you might be on yourself; try saying you’ll try a new recipe or food once a week and have your family help pick some to try. If you want everyone to get more exercise, try playing outside or going for walks. If you want to travel more, make sure there are a good mix of kid-friendly spots mixed in for good measure.

Keep it simple. Adult resolutions sometimes get complicated in their explanations. For example, I was watching a show recently where one of the hosts was describing her resolution and it took several minutes before you could figure out what she was resolving to do. Whether for kids or adults, it’s best to keep these things simple and cut-and-dry.

Don’t forget to include a “how.” It doesn’t need to be part of the resolution itself, but discuss ways to achieve the goal.

Post it somewhere in your house. A piece of art that reflects the change? Written on a dry erase board on the fridge? Scrolled on a chalkboard in the playroom? Anything goes, but seeing it will be a good reminder to stick to it.
If you’re not sure where to get started, here are some sample Family Resolutions:

– Spend more time outdoors.
– Take more road trips.
– Start a family game night.
– Eat one vegetarian dinner a week.
– Go camping more.
– Go to the library once a week.
– Get out of the house once a day.
– Start doing family yoga.
– Start a class together. (Kindermusik, swimming, dance, art, etc.)
– Learn something new together. (How to knit or sew, play piano, learn how to ski or play tennis, etc.)
– Have a weekly movie night.

My family goal is to get outside more together. When things are a bit (or A LOT) warmer, I’m hoping to start slowly with just walks and nature exploration in the backyard, but to work up to hikes and nature walks. Another goal within this goal is that anytime we have a road trip this year to be sure to add one stop for fresh air – whether a park, playground, beach, or camping.

Have you created a Family Resolution this year? If so, we’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

As a lifelong Northerner who plans on staying one for the duration, I still have an annual battle with the depths of winter. In line with darn near everyone else who has to deal with lengthy bouts of whipping winds, snow measured by the foot, and cold that makes the inside of your nose STICK TO ITSELF, I have to mind freak myself into coping with the blues that accompany the harshest season. I’ve discovered two tried-and-true coping mechanisms that work when these feelings set in.

Every year, I seem to fall victim to seasonal depression and, like clockwork, my mind subconsciously finds the same ol’ ways to pull me out; namely escapism and acceptance.

While I can’t (and don’t necessarily want to) truly escape, my mind pushes me to crave summertime. Even the visualization of looking forward to something is enough to pull me out of my slump. Summer is also when my family (and many others) puts its hard earned-and-saved funds to good use in the form of a modest vacation or two. I’m talking a 3-4 hour car trip (max) for a night or two at a reliable, kid-friendly hotel with a mix of family fun, food, culture/history, and sometimes a beach thrown in for good measure. I’ve also toyed with the idea of a camping adventure at a cabin in the Adirondacks.

So, this time of year is when I start my research. The excitement of planning our fun is almost as invigorating as the trips themselves. So, picturing the accommodations, making an itinerary to meet our family’s needs, and simply thinking ahead about the change of seasons (“this, too, shall pass”) helps when digging out of yet another snow storm.

*Picturing sunglasses, shorts and sandals, stops for ice cream and hotdogs, and smearing on sunscreen. Okay, maybe the sunscreen’s not so fun, but still.*

The second coping mechanism I’ve learned relatively recently is acceptance, meaning go ahead and find out what you actually like about the season and embrace it. I try hard never to complain about winter itself because, well, I choose to live here specifically for nearby family and for the four distinct seasons – warts and all. (That doesn’t apply to family…er, generally.)

So, if you enjoy being active and don’t mind the cold, go for walks, build snowmen with your kiddos, try out skiing or snowshoeing, go snowmobiling…whatever sparks joy.

And please don’t say that there’s nothing you like about winter because I get it! However, you can still take full advantage of the inactivity of the season by staying in. Get your hygge on! Winter is nothing if not COZY. Bask in the warmth of a fire, snuggle with your kids under a huge, fluffy blanket, enjoy the escape of a good book, or partake in the guilty pleasure of a movie with a big mug of hot cocoa. Animals are smart; take their lead and create your own comfy den of hibernation.

And if your kids are climbing the walls due to winter boredom (we can relate, children!), check out our post on indoor winter family fun ideas.

You could also stick your nose up at winter by being uber productive. Use the indoor nature of the season by getting all those little indoor house projects done. We’re doing any painting or fix-it projects that we can (y’know, when the three kids allow us time to do so, ha) so that we don’t have them hanging over our heads when things thaw out and we get back outdoors to have fun…and do our outside chores.

Oh, and if you hate the cold (and since we all have to go out into it at some point), the best weapon is preparation. Nice, heavy coats, insulated gloves, stylish hats (I’m totally a knitted beret girl), soft scarves, and tall, heavy-duty boots can do a lot to make the weather a non-issue – both physically and mentally. I know that sounds like a big “duh” suggestion, but I can’t count how often I see grown adults not properly suited (literally) to handle the winter weather…and it’s kind of ridiculous. Even on a blustery day, this is often enough to make the weather far less of an annoyance.

And, of course, if you find yourself growing truly depressed during this season or any other, your best bet is still to let your loved ones and doctor know and to seek out professional help. There is absolutely zero shame in getting yourself the help you need, and you’re far too important NOT to be in your best mental state possible; for yourself and for your family. Believe me, I’ve been there throughout my life. We need you.

So, how is everyone else faring with winter this year? It’s been a crazy one for folks who don’t normally get super cold or super snowy weather, so we’d love to hear what YOU do to battle the particularly harsh aspects of winter (ie the winter blues).

I really love how the month of February has turned into a month all about showing love. Of course, I do believe that it’s super important to show your appreciation and affection to your closest love on Valentine’s Day, but there seems to be a bit of a backlash against the whole romantic aspect of the holiday. How can a day built around love be so polarizing? But, there you have it. It is what it is.

That said, I think that between the fact that January is a rough month for lots of people (overwhelming resolutions + goes on forever + COLD + dreary = wop wop) and February is when Valentine’s Day pops up, people welcome more hearts, love, and appreciation into their lives when the calendar flips.

So, today I’m sharing some ways that you can show your family some extra love when Valentine’s Day rolls around. Feel free to take an idea or two…or to share your own ideas in the comments below!

Flowers and candy…or some other silly show of love. After my father passed away when we were kids, my grandfather kind of took over the role of showing my sister and I what a gentleman looks like (much like our dad was in real life). This included the gift of a card, heart-shaped box of candy, and single rose every Valentine’s Day. It sounds cheesy, but a memory like this will last a child their whole life long. Even just a flower centerpiece at dinnertime every year could be a special thing to mark the day. And it’s surprising how a child will remember the small things.

Do a heart craft or make dessert – together! Our 5- and 2-year-old love helping in the kitchen. Even if it’s a boxed brownie mix or pre-made cookie dough, making something together is a great way to connect (plus, eating it is pretty fun). You could also make some sort of heart craft, be it a garland of hearts to decorate for dinnertime, just heart cut-outs that the kids can color and decorate (this is probably a good time to pull out the dreaded glitter), or just coloring a picture of your family. I shared a few different ideas here, too.

Have a date with your family. It doesn’t have to mean going out (although it totally could if you want to), but just spending a special evening together with your family having a favorite meal slows everybody down enough to think about how lucky you are to have each other.  

Show your appreciation for their uniqueness. Not that we don’t tell our kids that we love them already, but sometimes we get busy and it falls to the wayside. So, you can do this verbally or you can get creative. Be specific about what’s so special and awesome about your kids. Cover their bedroom doors with hearts that each say one great thing about them, or give them a jar filled with sweet truths (they can pull one out every time they have a bit of self doubt or just a bad day).   

Watch a sweet, fun movie together. Make some popcorn and throw some pillows and blankets on the floor. Let your child pick out a movie or give them some suggestions to choose from. I like the suggestions here and here, but of course depending on your little ones’ ages, feel free to go younger (or older). (I’m loving the idea of Lady and the Tramp, The Parent Trap (the original is my favorite), and The Sound of Music. We’re clearly into classics.)

Read some “love” books. There are SO many family-friendly books that talk about love. Here’s one list…here’s another good one. (Someday had me crying in the middle of Barnes and Noble recently!) Sometimes a book can tell others how we feel better than we can, y’know?

These are just a handful of ways to show your family some love on Valentine’s Day. If you’re interested in any other Valentine’s Day activities, check out some of our old posts, like these cute DIY Valentines. 

With a maiden name like McCoy, it’s pretty clear that I’m a huge fan of St. Patrick’s Day. I’m also a history buff and amateur genealogist, so I love that a holiday exists that allows us to celebrate our Irish heritage (even for those of us with zero “green” in our blood).

So, I thought I’d share a handful of ways for you and your family to mark St. Patrick’s Day that don’t involve spending the day at the pub (or church, as true Irish Catholics observe the day in the old world; of course you’re welcome to if you see fit).
#RainbowAndGoldEverything – There are some trends lately that make it even easier to celebrate this holiday than ever. Gold is IT (even if it’s tied with rose gold at the moment) and it’s impossible to walk into a store that doesn’t sell kids’ clothes emblazoned with rainbows. Just awesome.

So, go with it! Dress up in rainbow colors (or green and orange). Make some craft projects using gold glitter and paint rainbows (extra points for shamrock shapes and pots o’ gold), or go with one of these super fun artsy ideas:

St. Partick’s Day Crafts

Marshmallow Shamrock Stampers (and more ideas!) http://thepinterestedparent.com/2015/03/st-patricks-day-crafts/

Gold at the End of the Rainbow Chain https://www.craftymorning.com/rainbow-chain-craft-st-patricks-day/

Fruit Loop Rainbow Craft http://www.housingaforest.com/fruit-loop-rainbow-craft/

Leprechaun Traps

Search Pinterest and you’ll find a ton of ideas for your kids to make their own leprechaun trap (and for your kids to see that a leprechaun visited, ahem). Don’t forget to lure those tricksters with plenty of “gold” (chocolate coins work great).

Look at it like Elf on a Shelf but with only one night of work involved.

Read an Irish-themed Book

Hit up your local library (says the totally biased school librarian) to find an age-appropriate book. I gave a solid list last year for just this purpose to help you track one down, but don’t be afraid to ask your librarian for his or her favorites. Since I’m back in the high school setting, I’m going to have to work harder to find my fave – Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato – to put on my annual Irish accent for our kids.

Cook Something Irish

Ireland hasn’t really been known for its stellar culinary arts, but in recent years the quality of their beef, milk products, and the rest of their “locavore” delights are breaking down that stereotype.

So, whether you try corned beef, shepherd’s pie, colcannon, stew, creamy mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of Irish cheddar or soda bread with Irish butter (now easy to find at most grocery stores), you can give your family an authentic AND delicious experience. And even if your family won’t touch those dishes (seriously, why don’t my kids eat mashed potatoes?! My Irish blood curdles over that), try a nice Irish dessert (like apple cake with custard sauce – yum!).

And, of course, it’s all about the fun, so even just picking up some rainbow cupcakes at the supermarket still helps make things festive, so don’t get too serious here!

Get Into the Spirit

Take your kids to a parade, visit an Irish step dancing group, or simply put on an Irish playlist on Spotify to have an Irish dance party. (I’m a huge Elders fan, meself.)

I also use this opportunity to talk about the Irish ancestors that came before, what it was like for them both there and here, and what we carry today – in our personalities, our looks, our determination, even our tempers (ahem) – that make us who we are and bind us together. It wouldn’t be uncommon for me to have the kids hold a potato and note that my family wouldn’t be in America if not for the lowly spud.

Whether of Irish descent or not, how does your family celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? I know that Americans mark it totally differently than the Irish, but I love the idea of taking a bit of time to share in the mischievous fun and shared heritage of the day.

As I sit and write this, I can see an icy freezing rain fall outside and hear the wind whip at the trees and windows. Mind you, it’s April 15th. And I know there are people who are currently enduring snow. I’m not a complainer, but I think we can all agree…it’s a bit much.

So, as I did last year when spring had an equally difficult time stopping by for a visit, I thought it’d be fun to find some fun springtime activities that we’ll be able to do with the kids. Eventually.

Promise. It’ll get here. Someday!

So, here we go! Some simple, fun activities that are perfect for celebrating the coming of spring…whether it feels like it or not!

Great Spring Books for Kids – This booklist is a nice mix of topics and characters, featuring old favorites and new soon-to-be classics. I’m partial to Bear, Caterpillar, and “And Then It’s Spring” in particular.

Build-a-Bug – When our son was too young to cut and was still working on his fine motor skills, we would make a bunch of pre-cut construction paper shapes available for him to make pictures. I love this idea to make bugs with no frustration (only fun!) for the littles. And, honestly, I know he’ll want to do this right along with our 2-year-old (even though he’s a “big boy” of 5). This site also has a similar idea for flowers; try combining them to give the bugs a home!

Nature Scavenger Hunt – I love this particular nature walk idea because it’s super open-ended and child-driven with just enough guidance. Not too specific and super fun, suggestions like “find something round” or “find something rough” is a great sensory experience.
 

Spring Sensory Tub – Nope, they didn’t use real dirt (although you could if you were brave…I’m not, haha!). There are so many opportunities for fine motor development, storytelling, imaginative play, simple science, and calming hands-on free time with a sensory bucket like this.

Easy Gnome (or Fairy) Cups – A fairy garden may be a little complicated for little fingers, but a smaller activity that’s pretty much compiling cute pieces together like this is just downright fun. Most of the materials can be found at a dollar store (but more complicated ones can be ordered online or found at a craft store) and if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll probably tell a story to go along with the scene…along with a name for your family’s little gnome or fairy.

Grow Sunflowers – If your weather’s warm enough, your kids can plant them right into the ground, but if you’re still getting frost (like us) you can get the excitement going by starting the seeds inside. We use eggshells to start our seeds, but use whatever you want! I figure that if we start it now, it’ll be ready to grow when the warmth finally hits.

Outdoor Ball Games – Some kids can go outside and play with a ball independently all day long. Others need some suggestions after a few minutes. This gives you 6 ideas that you can simplify or enhance depending on your child’s ability level. Either way, these games are super fun and great for hand-eye coordination.

What are you looking forward to most when the warmer weather arrives? And if you’re in a warm weather location, let us know what you’re up to! We’d love to live vicariously through you!!

Now that spring has FINALLY come to stay (I’m looking at you, snow…no amount of embracing hygge has made your extended stay acceptable this year), I’m hoping to get out to local and regional spots to enjoy the outdoors with my family on a different level. This can be challenging juggling the energy of a 5 1/2-year-old, the “independence” of a 2 1/2-year-old, and the needs of a 6-month-old. (The trick to do ANYTHING with all three is to babywear our youngest.)

So, I’m hoping that the list I’ve compiled for our family might give you some ideas to get back out and about after being cooped up all winter long…

Find your local trails.

Of course, some trails aren’t the safest for families, but if you hunt for nature trails or even parks near you, you might be surprised.

For example, in our neck of the woods, we have the Adirondack Mountains within an hour or so, so we can check out the sites that detail short beginner’s paths. However, there are even far simpler, paved trails near the Erie Canal or by many local parks and playgrounds.

One of our favorite nature trails is actually located on a local college campus. Several of our colleges have nature trails that are free and open to the public, and the PERFECT opportunity for little ones to discover nature and get some energy out.

Hands-on museums.

Whether science/STEM, history, art, or good old-fashioned children’s museums, a lot of museums actually offer a fun opportunity to take in some scenery and make a day of it.

Within an hour’s drive in any direction, we have a science museum, a “farmers’ museum” (which is a mostly-outdoor living history experience with a fun farm tie-in), several art museums that house a broad range of artists and styles (and, often, a drawing opportunity for the kiddos), and even a close-by children’s museum.

And if a museum isn’t enough outdoor activity (it varies from place to place), I’d also suggest bringing a picnic lunch along to bring the conversation outside afterwards.

Farmers’ markets.

I’ve been itching at the chance to get back to the market. It’s not that we don’t have a winter market (we do), but with the cold weather, the crops are limited to root veg (and, honestly, anything that’s shipped in…which is disappointing).

Nope, it’s time to buy pints of berries that the kids down before we even get to the car and plan meals around the fresh ingredients. We know a good number of the farmers so it’s like seeing old friends again. It feels like everyone is coming out of hibernation so grabbing a fresh-squeezed lemonade and sack of produce in the warm sun is beyond refreshing.

Zoos.

This one can be a hot button topic, and I understand why. A general view of zoos as entrapment of wild animals is incredibly valid.

I’m lucky to say that while our local zoo is small, it’s dedicated to its impact on the world; namely, their animals are rehabbing creatures. So, make sure that you research the zoo before you go if its stewardship matters to you.

Parks and playgrounds.

This is a simple, obvious one, but for our kids, the first slightly-chilly, super muddy trip to a playground marks the start of the spring/summer season. It’s a must-do.

But, for fun, try to check out as many local parks as possible. Keep track of your favorite elements (whether it has a soft landing, if it was for big kids or little ones, the number of activities, if there was a splash pad nearby, etc) so that you can even pick a new favorite for the year. Our family is on the hunt for our new fave!

The beach.

If you’re lucky enough to have “summer weather in springtime”, this is an obvious one.

At our house, since we still aren’t safe to plant our gardens yet, I’m indulging instead by researching our summer vacation. While not everyone is a beach person in our family (I’m usually one of those “can we go to a historical site?” people but feel the need to stick my feet in some sand once a year), it seems that it’s a general consensus this year. Sometimes planning the vacation is just as therapeutic as going!

Just get in the yard!

Ha. This one is a chore veiled in play, but it counts in my book. Have the littles collect sticks and pine cones; the older ones can dig up your garden to prep for planting.

You can even turn it a tad more fun by allowing the kids to dig for worms or simply play and discover while you try to get things spring ready! Plus, you could also have a picnic or barbecue, fire pit (if your area’s not too dry!), or a backyard movie night to kick the season off right.

Find what makes your area unique.

Every area is special. Ask your local friends on social media to respond with their favorite kid-friendly outdoor activities and revisit the list often throughout the summer. This provides everyone with a fun resource, as well.

And while we’re at it, why don’t you chime in down in the comments with your favorite outdoor activity to do with your family? We’d love to hear and have you share your family’s ideas!