Family Travel (tips, tricks, fun destinations and DIY projects)

Below, you will find a collection of my most popular travel posts. There are lots of tips, tricks, fun destinations and DIY projects. Scroll down and click on the links for additional info.




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Tips for Celebrating Canada Day

This year, we are spending our Canada Day camping with family. My boys are super excited, and I am looking forward to celebrating with them. How are you planning to commemorate July 1st? Today I am sharing a few tips that are guaranteed to make your Canada Day celebration a success.


Start with a trip to the dollar store to pick up simple decorations, plastic cups, and sparklers. If you poke a hole in a plastic cup, you can protect little fingers from the heat of the sparkler.


You'll also want to stock up Canada Day t-shirts. Anything red and white will do!


Finally... supplies for a Canada Day BBQ are a must!

Of course, I am hoping for a sunny day, but in case it rains or we need a little time to wind down and relax, I'll pack everything we need for a movie a night.

In keeping with the Canada Day theme, we'll likely be streaming some Canadian Netflix content. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

For the family (filmed in Vancouver) - Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This is a favorite with my boys, and my husband and I think it is funny too.


For the kids (produced by a Canadian studio) - Super Why. My boys loved this when they were little, and it's educational too.


For the grown ups in the mood for romance (starring a wonderful Canadian actress) - About Time. Who doesn't love a romantic comedy?


For the grownups in the mood to laugh (starring some terrific Canadian comedians) - Arrested Development. It's always good for a laugh.


However you decide to celebrate, I hope you have a fantastic Canada Day filled with BBQs, community events, fireworks, family, and Canadian pride!

 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure: I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are my own.

Last Day of School 2016

Today was the last day of school for my three boys. They were dismissed at 10am, and then we went out and had some fun. Here is a peek at our day and our last day of school traditions.


First, I pick them my boys up at school, and I make them pose for a last day of school photo. I admit that this is not their favorite thing to do, but they humour me. :-)


Then, we head out for ice cream


We have been getting ice cream on the last day of school (at the same place) since my oldest started school. Check out this adorable collage of my boys through the years.


Then, we head home where my boys find their last day of school finish line. I open the front door, and they all run through together. Fun, right?


We end the day with some new books. (We don't do traditional "grading presents", but they always get books to read over the summer.)


I love the last day of school, don't you? Time for the lazy days of summer to begin!

 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Camping Crafts and Activities

Summer is a wonderful time to get out and explore nature, but sometimes a major outdoor camping trip isn't possible. So today, I am sharing some "indoor" camping crafts and activities that are simple and fun... and you won't even need to put up a tent. 


To make a paper tent:

1) Cut a tent from a piece of colored paper, cut out doors, and glue the tent to a piece of white card stock.
2) Glue a picture of a child inside the tent.
3) Draw a tree, and create leaves by gluing on crumpled 1-inch tissue paper squares.
4) Embellish with crayons and a yellow, circle sun.


To make paper towel roll binoculars:

1) Cut a paper towel roll to create two equal parts.
2) Use duct tape to attach the two pieces together.
3) Embellish with crayons and stickers.


To make a handprint fire:

1) Trace a child's hands to create the flames.
2) Glue strips to create "logs".
3) Add a paper stick and a cotton ball "marshmallow".


To make an indoor camp fire:

1) Put a flashlight in a bowl.
2) Crumple tissue paper to create flames.


Indoor camping is always a lot of fun, and it is a wonderful way to spend a rainy day. Happy camping!

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

5 things that will make you SMILE this Summer

Summer is my favorite time of year. I love the warmer weather and the slower pace that comes with the season. There is definitely something about getting a break from our chaotic winter routine that makes me happy. Today, I am sharing 5 things (I love) that I am betting will fill your summer with joy and lots of smiles.


1) Happy kids - If my kids are happy, I'm happy... but keeping my boys happy and entertained all summer can be a challenge. My best tool for avoiding summer boredom is our summer checklist. It keeps my family focussed, and there is always a new adventure around the corner. You can check out our summer checklist (and print out your own copy for FREE here).


2) Family movie night (outside) - When I was a little girl, our family always went to a drive-in movie during our summer vacation. Times have changed, and I have modified the tradition slightly. My boys and I LOVE watching movies outside, but we do it in our own backyard. We grab some pillows and blankets, and we set up a projector for an "outdoor" movie night. It's one of my favorite summer activities, and you can read all about it here.


3) Grown up time - Summer is a perfect time for simple get-togethers. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than a fireside chat with my husband and/or friends. PS - Balloons filled with water can be frozen for colorful and inexpensive ice packs. Fill a bucket with chilled wine, beer, soda, and balloons, and you won't have to leave your camping chair.


4) A good campfire - Nothing says summer like a campfire and treats. Marshmallows and s'mores are a must, but you can check out more fun ideas for outdoor grilled goodies here.


5) Healthy and white teeth - As a wine and coffee drinking mom, I worry about stains on my teeth. However, this summer I will be smiling without any reservations because I have a secret weapon. I was recently given a new toothpaste to try, and I LOVE it! If you get the chance, and you are looking for a healthy and white summer smile, I recommend giving Crest Pro-Health HD a try.


Crest Pro-Health HD is the biggest breakthrough in toothpaste since fluoride because the two-step process isolates key ingredients so that they can perform at their peak. It strips away plaque and helps to reverse gingivitis. 

I started using this toothpaste less than two weeks ago, and I can feel the difference. I love that this toothpaste gives me both deep cleaning and advanced whitening. 

To use this product: you brush for 1 minute with Step 1, then you spit but DO NOT RINSE your mouth, and then you brush for 1 minute with Step 2, and then rinse. 

What makes you smile about summer? Did it make my list?

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)


Note: This product is NOT for children and should not be used by children.

Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Crest/ P&G and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

End of Year Class Treats {with "OWL miss you" free printables}

I teach a weekly Preschool Class, and given that it is time for our summer break, I wanted to give my young students a little treat bag. As part of the gift, I designed a cute bookmark and an adorable tag. Today, I am sharing both of these end-of-year printables for FREE.


These book marks and tags would be cute from a teacher, or for a little one to share with their classmates. Aren't they sweet???

To download the bookmarks I designed (for free): right click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8X10. (I printed mine onto card stock at my local copy store for $0.49.)


To download the gift tags I designed (for free): right click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8X10. (I printed mine at my local copy store for $0.39.)


I added a box of crayons and a few trinkets to my goodie bags, and my little Preschoolers were thrilled!


Are you a teacher that would like to give something to your students on the last day of school? Or are you a parent looking for a cute treat for your child to share with their classmates on the last day of school? Either way, these free printables are sure to please!

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Don't miss any of the fun....