Quick Tip Tuesday #15 - Backpack Hooks

Do you have kids that drop their backpacks on the floor when they come in the door after school?  I was tired of tripping over the kids' bags, so I came up with a simple solution.

I bought some over-the-door hooks, and hung them up next to my "make shift mudroom" in the garage.  Now, we go through their backpacks right after school, and then the bags go up on the hooks... ready for the next morning.

I love how easy and effective this solution is, don't you? 

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Geocaching {for beginners}

Last year, we took the kids geocaching for the first time, and it made our Summer Checklist again this year.  My boys LOVE it!  For those of you who have never done it, basically, geocaching is a simple "high tech" treasure hunt.  (Instead of a map, you use a mobile phone or a GPS device.)

We used my husband's iPhone, so....

1)  The first thing we needed to do was download a geocaching app.  We used one called "Geocaching" by Groundspeak Inc., and one called "Opencaching" by Garmin.  Just do a search, and I am sure you'll find one you like.

2)  Then, we followed the instructions from the app.

3)  Finally, we used the iPhone like a compass to locate the treasure.

Fun, right?

Just remember.... be a good geocacher by following the simple geocaching rules of etiquette.

• Sign the log.
• If you take something out of the cache, make sure you leave something of equal value behind.
• Leave the cache exactly as you found it so that others can find it after you.

That's it!  So... grab your device, some comfy shoes, a pen, and some trinkets to leave behind, and head out on your own geocaching adventure.  Have fun!

♥

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Simple Fall Checklist {free printable}

It's September 1, and in our house, thoughts are turning from Summer to Fall.  So, this morning I put together this simple Fall checklist.  Each year we put together a list of fun Fall activities, and we check things off the list as we complete them.

You can download a free 8X10 .jpeg version of this checklist here.

What is your favorite thing about Fall?  Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch holds a special place in my heart.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Fabulous & Fun Loot Bag Ideas

Did you know that I have an entire blog dedicated to DIY party planning? If you LOVE DIY party planning, you can check out my website at DIYParties.ca.

You can also find 40 fabulous and fun party favor ideas here.

Do you have a wonderful party favor idea? I'd love to hear all about it. Leave your favourites in the comments below.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Hosting a "Half" Sleepover

One of the items on our Summer Checklist this year is "Host a Half Sleepover", and last night we checked it off our list.

Here's the invite we sent out...

We had 10 guests arrive in their PJs toting their sleeping bags and pillows.  We had pancakes for supper, and the kids had lots of treats while they watched a movie.  I also gave all the guests glow sticks and mini flashlights from the dollar store.

The plan was to watch a movie outside, but a really aggressive stray cat wouldn't leave our deck, so we moved the movie inside.  (True story!  lol)  

A great time was had by all, and I think we might need to put this on our summer checklist again next year.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (If you want to pass out a little "party favor", I think "breakfast for tomorrow" is an adorable idea. You can read all about it here.)

Tip for Beginner Readers

This tip is a simple one that actually came from my school teacher aunt.  When kids are learning to read, and pointing at the words as they go, give them a "witch finger" (a Halloween prop from the dollar store).  I know it sounds crazy, but my younger boys think it is great.

It is an easy way to keep little ones focussed on reading.  Isn't it a fantastically simple idea?

Do you have a great tip for beginner readers?  I'd love to hear it.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Tips for Back to School Shopping...and a chance to win a Sears gift card

Last week I received a gift card from Sears*, and it was a perfect excuse for a Back to School shopping extravaganza.  I usually avoid clothes shopping with my boys, but I thought it would be fun to let them pick out a couple of special items this year.  I followed a few "back to school shopping tips", and we had a great time.

Here are my top tips for shopping with kids:

1)  Keep it short.  -- Little ones do not love browsing.  Pick one store, and when they start to get tired, leave.

2)  Plan ahead.  -- Make sure the children are well rested and well fed before you leave the house.  Tired and hungry children do not make very good shopping companions.  (A few snacks in your purse might come in handy too.)

3)  Make it fun. -- If you want the kids to stay interested, make it about them.  (This is not the time to hang out in the ladies section looking for the perfect pair of pants.)  I let my boys pick out two shirts each, and they really enjoyed choosing items that fit their personal styles and interests.

I think we all have special back to school shopping memories from our own childhood, and I think my boys had a great time picking out their own "just for school" new clothes from Sears.  My seven year old loves his "brand name" clothes and new backpack, my six year old is thrilled with his "sports team" shirts, and my four year old thinks his "graphic tees" are awesome.  

And, as a mom, I was really happy with the prices and selection at Sears' new Kids Room.  (I also love the KidVantage lifetime wear out warranty and Price Match Guarantee.)

What is your best "back to school shopping" tip?  Do you like taking your little ones with you, or do you prefer to leave them at home?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You should totally check out the Sears "Back We Go" Facebook contest that's live now! Enter for a chance to win one of five weekly $500 Sears gift card prizes and 35 daily $50 Sears gift cards to put towards your back to school shopping! To enter the contest, "like" the Sears Facebook page and enter your info here. Good luck!)

*Disclosure: I am part of the Sears Back to School Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on the blog are my own.