Elf on the Shelf {Summer Postcard}

How cute is this summer postcard we just received in the mail from our "Elf on the Shelf"?

I think it is totally adorable!  Don't you?

If you think your little ones would like it too, you can download a copy {for free} here.  (Feel free to share and pin the link to this post with your friends, but please do not link directly to the download.  Thank you!)

My boys were so glad to hear from "Elfie".  They really miss him, and December is still several months away.  {wink}

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Easy Homemade Cards

Today's tip is all about getting children involved in gift giving by having them make their own cards.

I always have a bunch of blank cards and envelopes around, so when there is an occasion to do so, I have the kids make their own birthday and thank you cards.

It is a simple exercise, but I think it is important for children to learn about giving and gratitude, and this is a simple way for them to do it.  Just give them a blank card, some stickers, and some crayons, and watch them create meaningful cards for teachers, family, and friends.

Don't you think a handmade card is more special than one that comes from a store?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Last Day of School 2013 {Family Traditions}

Tuesday was the last day of preschool for my three year old, and today my two older boys went to pick up their report cards.  We have two special traditions for the last day of school.  First, I pick the boys up at school and take them for ice cream.

Then, the boys get to run through their "finish lines".  {This was the first year my three year old was able to run through a finish line, so he was super-excited!}

Do you have any special end of year traditions?  I just love hearing about the fun things other families do! 

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

10+ Canada Day Recipes and Crafts and Activities

Canada Day is just around the corner, and to get you in the spirit, I have rounded up a little collection of Canada Day crafts and activities.  They are perfect for celebrating Canada150 too!

Click on the links {titles} for the full tutorials.

Canada Day Hair Accessories from Mama Pea Pod

Canada Day Sparklers from East Coast Mommy

Canada Day Flag Craft from Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Tape Resist Canadian Flag Craft from And Next Comes L

Toilet Roll RCMP from Crystal's Tiny Treasures

Canada Day Book Page Banner from East Coast Mommy

{Easy} Canada Day Flag Cake from East Coast Mommy (featured at Canadian Living Moms)

{Kit Kat} Canada Day Cake from Little Miss Kate & Co

Canada Day Hat and Flag from East Coast Mommy

Canada Day Toy Treehouse from Northstory

Canada Day Wreath from East Coast Mommy

Canada Day Paper Fan from East Coast Mommy

Thanks so much to all the creative ladies that allowed me to share their Canada Day creations with you today.  Do YOU have a favorite?

Happy Canada Day {from me and my boys}!

♥Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Canada Day Fan {with free printable template}

Who doesn't love a simple craft that is fun AND useful?  This adorable, patriotic fan is easy to make, and it is a perfect Canada Day craft for children of all ages.

Ready to make this Canada Day Fan in three easy steps?

1)  Download the free template I created for you, and print it onto white card stock.  {You can find the free printable here).

2)  Have your little one color it, and cut it out.

3)  Add a craft stick to the back (with tape). 

Fun, right?  Wouldn't your little one enjoying keeping cool with this paper fan this summer?  Happy Canada Day!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Quick Tip Tuesday #5 - Simple Summer Craft

When it comes to kids, it is always helpful to have an "I'm bored"  solution at-the-ready.  So, here is a simple craft for a rainy summer day... a paper plate fish puppet.

This craft requires minimal supplies and minimal adult supervision.  Can you say, "Win Win"?

To make this craft, have the children color a paper plate.  Then, cut out a mouth and glue it on as a tail.  Add a googly-eye and a popsicle stick, and you have an adorable fish puppet to keep the little ones entertained.

Do you have "quick craft" for your kids to do that requires minimal supplies and minimal adult supervision?  I'd love to hear about it.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Balloon Pop Countdown

Don't you just love a good "countdown"?  Me too!  So... with five days left to the end of school, I put together this fun, easy, and inexpensive balloon pop countdown for my boys.

Each day, my boys will pop a balloon, and we will do the activity that is written on the slip of paper inside the balloon.  Fun, right?

Here is what we have written inside our balloons:

You can download a pdf version of our list here.

All you need to do is:

1)  Print out the list, and cut it into strips.
2)  Roll up the strips, and pop them into the balloons.
3)  Blow up the balloons, and write numbers on them (if you want to do your activities on specific days).

That's it!  We are having fun counting down to summer vacation, but you could use this simple idea for any occasion.  What exciting event do you have coming up? 

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)