Short Play Dates Without the Work & A Little Less Energy.....

This is the best place ever!!!  I’m pretty sure they have classes for babies aged 6 months and older, but this is a great way to let your child have 45 minute play dates weekly! The teachers are very interactive and know exactly the activities to keep your child entertained and busy! It’s almost like school for little ones except with parents!

I began taking my daughter when she was just an itty bitty baby and she loved it, as you can see from the pictures below. Of course she is older now and I've had to recently take her out of the classes until the baby comes.

Not only is it a learning experience for your child, but a time of play, laughter, fun and interacting with other children.

I highly, highly recommend that you check out their website to see where the closest Gymboree Play & Music center is to you and sign your child up today!!!

Gymboree Play & Music

Transitioning from a 9 – 5:30pm Parent to a SAHM

Ever since I was in high school I was a workaholic working from sun up to sun down, that was me. When I became pregnant with my first child, I was working from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm – and it came to a point where I couldn’t handle the long hours anymore. I worked with children, 2 & 3 year olds at a daycare and honestly, I saw the effects of having parents who dropped them off early in the morning only to return later on that afternoon to pick them up. I told myself that no matter what, that would not be me!

Even when I began to work again after my daughter was about 6 or 7 months, my days lasted forever. I couldn’t do the 9 – 5:30 pm days either! I simply had no time to spend with my daughter! It was annoying leaving her so early in the morning only to return to her when it was dinner then bedtime! The older she got, months passed by quickly and I realized that I was missing out on her growing and teaching her what I wanted her to know.

So here we are today, it being about five months since I became a full time mother and I absolutely love it!

A picture of pregnant me and Kay, taken in June, 2013

Flower Bouquet

I love this project because its easy and simple, but it keeps your child entertained for awhile. It can also be a cute table piece!

Materials:

• ·         Toilet Paper Roll or Paper Towel Roll Cut in Half
• ·         12 Count Egg Carton
• ·         Paintbrushes
• ·         Paint
• ·         Pipe Cleaner – Green
• ·         Newspaper
• ·         Scissors

Directions:

• Cut up the egg carton so that each egg holder is separate
• Using scissors poke a small hole in the bottom of each egg holder
• Place newspaper on the table and floor to prevent spills and as easy clean up
• Have your child paint each of the egg holders inside and outside, all different colors
• Once painted, let the egg holders dry
• Meanwhile, paint the toilet paper roll, color of your choice
• After the egg cartons dry, use the pipe cleaners as a stem through the hole and fold over to help keep its place

Now you've created a pretty project that can be given out as a gift!

Switch Beverage

*A yummy alternative to soda for children of all ages & parents too!*

I love love love love love this drink! The first time I found out about it was through my local health food store, Roots. I was looking for an alternative to the orange and grape sodas that I was craving at the moment. This drink tastes so delicious! I kid you not! You will not be disappointed and your kids will love it as well.

I know, most parents who are conscience about what their children drink are thinking soda? – The sugary, tooth decaying, artificial flavoring, no nutrition drink? Nope, not this product! Switch beverage is 100% sparkling juice. It’s completely ALL NATURAL and so delicious that kids will love it too!

There’s no sugar added, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors or preservative and it’s gluten free!

It comes in different flavors – hardcore apple, black cherry, orange tangerine, grape, watermelon strawberry, lemon lime, fruit punch and kiwi berry.

You can actually purchase Switch beverage from the following websites:

Switch Website

Amazon

Zucchini Sticks & Coins

This is a fun, healthy addition to dinner or even serve as a snack! Makes 3 – 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 – Medium sized Zucchini

1 – Plain Greek Yogurt

1 – Large Egg

Bread Crumbs

Italian Seasoning

Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Cut zucchini in long strips and round circles

Mix yogurt and egg in a bowl

In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, dash of salt and pepper

Dip the zucchini strips and circles in the egg & yogurt mixture

Roll them in the bread crumb mixture

Place on a pan coated with olive oil

Bake for 15 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown

And so it begins.....

Wow! I can’t believe we are half way through the Summer!!! What have you been doing to keep your kids occupied? Yes, I know there are summer camps, but not every child goes so I know you must be running out of ideas!! Well, I’m here to help, provide my advice, share my stories and let you know what I’ve been doing to keep my kids busy.

                                                Enjoy,
                                                ♥ Busy Mom