CHRISTMAS (crafts, recipes and ideas)

Below, you will find a collection of my Christmas posts. There are lots of ideas for easy and inexpensive ways to craft, cook, and celebrate the holidays. Scroll down and click on the links for additional info.




























































































































































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)

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