Backyard Camping

Fall is fast approaching, but it isn't too late for a little "backyard camping" adventure.  We recently set up a campsite in our backyard, and we had a fantastic time.

We didn't have a fire pit, so we improvised with a fire projected onto a screen, and a "real fire" of lit candles.

We even had S'mores... because really, what is a camp out without S'mores?  :-)

Have you ever camped in your backyard?  If not, what are you waiting for?  The cool fall evenings are just around the corner.

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 

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Homemade Boats

As part of our Summer Checklist, we "crafted" boats to float down a river by our house.

I gave the boys basic supplies {like lids, milk containers, paper, straws, playdough, and toothpicks}, and they started building.  I offered a few ideas and suggestions, but they did most of it on their own.

When they were finished building, we tested them out in our pool to see if they would float.

Then, the next day, we took the "successful sailing vessels" to the river.

When we were finished, we used a butterfly net to scoop them out of the river, and we enjoyed a little picnic.  It was a great way to spend an afternoon.  We sure are going to miss summer.  :-(

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 

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{Life Size} Self Portrait

Here is a quick little post about an activity that your child will love... creating a life size self portrait.  It is a perfect rainy day creative endeavour.  :-)

This is so easy and lots of fun!  All you need is some "banner" paper and crayons.  {I got a big roll of paper at IKEA, but I have also seen it at Walmart.}

Here's what to do:

Mom - Get the child to lie down on the paper, and trace the outline of their body onto the paper.  {Be careful... this can be a very "ticklish" part.}

Child - Color the picture to look like you.

That's it!  My boys were very proud of their drawings.  Cute, right?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 
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Simple Scavenger Hunt {with printable}

This week, the boys and I went on a simple Scavenger Hunt {on a trail near our house}.  We packed our clipboards, pencils and picnic, and off we went.

I decided to keep things simple -- I made a list using words for my six year old and added little pictures for my younger two boys.

You can download a {free} version of the list I made here.

The boys had a great time "checking off" all the things on the list, and I really enjoyed our walk through the woods.  :-)

Have you ever taken your little ones on a Scavenger Hunt?  If not, why not print off my list and give it a try?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Teaching a Child to Ride a Two Wheeler {Tips}

Last weekend, my five year old and my six year old learned to ride their bikes without training wheels.  They both picked it up within an hour, and I thought I would share a few tips that might come in handy when you are teaching your little one.

1)  Get the gear - When learning to ride a bike, a child will fall, so make sure they are prepared.  We went to the dollar store and got a set of knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads.  I think we saved ourselves from a lot of scrapes.  Also, a proper fitting helmet should always be worn.

2)  Pick the right place -You need to look for a place that is flat and soft.  {We used a local baseball diamond, and it worked really well.}

3)  Need for speed - In order to get their balance, a child needs a little speed.  A little push goes a long way.

4)  Hold the child, not the bike - We started out holding onto the back of the bike, but it was making it difficult for the boys to "feel" the balancing of the bike.  When we started holding onto the child instead of the bike, it really helped.

5)  Be patient - Riding a bike is difficult {and a little scary} for little ones.  Be patient, and give them lots of encouragement.

Check out the "thumbs up" from my proud "bike riders" {and their three year old brother who will have his training wheels a little longer}.  :-)

Do you have a great tip for teaching a child to ride a bike?  I'd love to hear it.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Review and Giveaway {Old El Paso} - CLOSED

Contest Closed - The winner is "Jiselle".

As a Life Made Delicious Connector, I was recently sent a box of Old El Paso products to try.  They are launching 3 new delicious products:  an extra mild hard taco dinner kit, a hot & spicy fajita dinner kit, and a new mild taco seasoning.  

As a busy mom, I love a quick and tasty weekday meal, so I was excited to try some of the new products.  Tonight, we tried the extra mild hard taco kit.  I was a little worried that it might be a little "blah" because it was mild, but it wasn't.  It comes with a seasoning mix {that you add to sour cream} that adds a tasty "tang" to the taco.  Yum!

So... want to try it for yourself?  Leave a comment below letting me know if your family would prefer the "mild" or "hot" dinner option, and you could win a kit valued at $50 {like the one pictured here}.

The contest runs until September 20th, 2012, and is open to Canadian residents only.  {You may enter across multiple blogs, but you may only win one prize.}

Good luck!

 

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure – I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.

DIY Teacher Gift -- Flower Pens

This is my favorite kind of project..... an easy and inexpensive DIY gift!  My boys wanted to take something to their teachers on the first day of school, so I decided to make some pretty "flower pens".

All you need are some fake flowers, pens, and floral tape.

Step 1:  Cut the flower so that it is slightly shorter than the pen.

Step 2:  Wrap the tape around the pen and flower.  {I started in the middle, wrapped to the bottom, and then wrapped to the top.}

Step 3:  Pinch the end to seal.

That's it!  Easy, cute and practical.  What teacher wouldn't love a bouquet of these pens on the first day of school?
  
♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 
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