My NEW ally in my battle with my son's airborne allergens

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I have never suffered with allergies, so it is not something I have ever given much thought to. I have heard people talking about allergy symptoms, and I have seen TV commercials about allergy medications, but allergies were never something that concerned me... that is, until my youngest son started coughing at night and complaining about having itchy eyes. So, when Philips* approached me recently about trying out the Philips 2000i Air Purifier, I jumped at the chance to test it out in my son's bedroom.


My lack of experience regarding airborne allergies is tough for me as a mother because I want to do everything I can to keep my children healthy and happy. I love the idea of cleaning the air in my son's room. I can't control the allergens he comes into contact with outside our home, but I am hoping that reducing airborne allergens in his bedroom will help his dry, itchy eyes... and allow him to get the sleep he needs to succeed as we move into another busy school year (and hockey season). (Note: While in night mode, the Philips Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier stays quiet and turns off all the lights so that your child can have a restful sleep.)


I have never used an air purifier, so I didn't know what to expect. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up and operate. I basically took the plastic off the three filters (the washable pre-filter, the active carbon filter, and the true HEPA filter) and plugged in the machine. It was super easy.


There is even a simple app that you can download that helps you analyze the air quality outside and in the room. The app makes it really easy to easily see air quality... it makes the invisible, visible!


The Philips Air purifier senses, reacts, and visibly works to reduce allergens, odours, volatile organic compounds and even certain bacteria. It automatically monitors and purifies the air, and it gives you a visual cue that your air is cleaner.


Are you interested in learning more about the Philips Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier? Do you want to reduce the allergens, gases and odors in your house? 

Over the next couple of months, I will be sharing some of the product's features with you, and I will be letting you know how we are liking it. In the meantime, you can find the Philips Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier at Canadian Tire, Hudson's Bay Company, Amazon, and specialty appliance retails. Or you can just purchase it online here.

Do you have an air purifier? Do you like it? Got any tips for me? Feel free to leave any advice or questions in the comments below.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)


*Disclosure: I have partnered with Philips Canada and have received compensation for this post. However, as always, all opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Crayon Holder Teacher Gift

I love the idea of kids making simple gifts for their teacher on the first day of school, don't you? It really is a nice way to start a new school year. Today, I am sharing a few options for easy and inexpensive handmade gifts children can make for their teachers. I'm even including some adorable (and FREE) printable gift tags.


The base of the gifts is this colourful crayon wrapped pencil holder. I purchased a pencil holder from the dollar store for $1.50 and a box of 64 crayons at Walmart for $2.97 (and didn't use the whole box). Then, my son use hot glue to attach the crayons (one-by-one) to the outside of the container.


The glue is hot, so adult supervision is definitely required. For younger children, adults can do the gluing, and the kids can just pick out which crayon should be attached next.


Then, you can fill the container with tasty treats or a gift card for coffee. You can wrap the container and add a card that says, "Wishing you a SWEET start to the school year!" or "First Day of School Survival Kit".


To download the tags below: click on the desired picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.



You could also fill the container with Sharpie markers and add a tag that says, "MARK my words. We are going to have a fun year!" or "A little something to keep you SHARP on the first day of school."


To download the tags below: click on the desired picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.



All of these first day of school teacher gifts are easy to make, and the supplies are inexpensive to purchase. Heading back to school with a handmade teacher appreciation gift really is a wonderful way to start the year off right.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You may also want to check out this Facebook Live we did showing how to make this gift. We also shared some of our other favourite first day of school traditions.)


And this if fun too!!!

First day of school treats... "I'm LOOKING forward to having you in my class"

Bringing class treats on the first day of school is a great way to start the year, but sometimes allergies and nutrition policies make baked goodies out of the question. So, for my boys, I like to come up with cute ways to package dollar store trinkets. I recently found these colourful "party glasses" at the dollar store, and I thought they would be perfect for sharing with a cute tag that says, "I am really LOOKING forward to having you in my class." Cute, right?


To download the tags I designed: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.


I love how cute the brightly coloured glasses are with the little tags, don't you?


These glasses with the "punny" tags make wonderful gifts for kids to give their classmates, and they would be fun little treats for teachers to give their students too.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Let's start the year off WRITE {first day of school class treats}... with free printable tags

It's always fun to bring treats to share with the class, and bringing goodies on the first day of school is a great way to kick off a new year. My boys like to bring little trinkets instead of edible goodies on the first day because allergies and school nutrition policies are sometimes a concern. Today, I am sharing the simple little treat my youngest son is bringing to share with his new classmates this year... and I am including FREE printable "Let's start this year off WRITE" tags for you to use.


These simple treats are inexpensive, cute, and easy to put together. It doesn't take long to make enough for a whole class.


First, you'll need to print the tags I designed: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.


Then, with the help of a cutting mat and an x-acto knife, cut two slits in each tag and insert a colourful pencils.


It doesn't get much easier than this little DIY gift!


Do you ever send treats on the first day of school? I think these "Let's start the year of WRITE" gifts make a fun treat for teachers to give to their students on the first day too. They are easy, inexpensive, and fun!

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

First Day of School Class Treats (gum)... with free printable tags

It's always fun to bring a little treat on the first day of school, and every year I try to think of new and unique idea. This year, I came up with these cute, punny tags to attach to packs of gum. (And if you aren't into sending gum, the tag would work on bubbles too!)


To download the tags I designed (for free): right-click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.


Attach the tags to gum or bubbles with a piece of ribbon, and you are good to go!


And if you are using "excel" gum, you could also use this adorable tag. To download it: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo. 



These are the tags that my middle son is using this year. Cute, right?




Do you like to send treats on the first day of school? I think simple treats help to "break the ice", and they add a bit of fun to a day that can be little stressful for kids.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

DIY Ice Cream Pie (with easy to follow instructions and recipe video)

There is nothing like a cold, homemade treat on a hot summer day. Am I right? My boys and I always enjoy baking together, so I thought it would be fun to let them try making their own ice cream pie. It's a great way to enjoy summer baking without turning on the oven! Today I am sharing the instructions for making a SIMPLE summer dessert. You are definitely going to want to try this DIY ice cream pie.


To make a DIY ice cream pie:

1) Gather your supplies. You'll need: a pre-made chocolate crust, ice cream, cookies, and chocolate sauce.


2) Soften your ice cream. Leave it out of the fridge for approximately 15-20 minutes.


3) Crush the cookies in a ziploc bag. Use a rolling pin until they are all crushed. (Kids will love helping with this part!)


4) Add a layer of ice cream. Add the softened ice cream until it covers the bottom of the pie.


5) Add the crushed cookies.


6) Add a second layer of ice cream. Add the ice cream gently so that you leave the cookie layer intact. Smooth it out (using a warm knife if necessary).


7) Decorate the top with cookies.


8) Drizzle with chocolate sauce.


9) Place pie in the freezer for about an hour (to allow the ice cream to harden again). Cut with a warm knife, and drizzle with chocolate sauce (if desired).


Check out the recipe video I made to see how easy it was to make!


Everyone in my family loved this DIY ice cream pie... and it was as fun to make as it was to eat. If you love ice cream cake, you are going to love this. You can use any kind of ice cream, cookies, and sauce. You are only limited by your own imagination.


Gina Bell
 (aka East Coast Mommy)

50+ Preschool Themes (with crafts and activities)

I have been teaching Preschool craft classes for many years (with a focus on play-based learning), and I have explored many Preschool themes with my students. I have a ton of wonderful and creative ideas, and I thought it would be helpful to organize them for you (all in one place). So, today I am sharing links to my collection of over 50 Preschool themes (and over 100 crafts and activities). Each link (below) contains several fantastic ideas for engaging crafts and activities, so make sure you "click" on them all.


1) Monsters - These monster crafts and activities are more cute than scary. You can find all the details here.



2) Colours - Preschoolers will love these bright and cheerful "colour" crafts and activities. You can find all the details here.


3) Shapes - Kids will have fun sorting shapes and making fun "shape" crafts. You can find all the details here


4) Fall - Nothing says Fall like scarecrows and the colours of changing leaves. Making bird-feeders is also a fun way for Preschoolers to work on fine motor skills and to welcome the season. You can find the details here.


5) Teddy Bear Clinic - Playing "pretend" is always popular with kids, so it is no surprise that this theme is super-popular with Preschoolers. You can find the details here


6) Bugs and Insects - Preschoolers will love making these adorable bugs and insect crafts. The bumblebee with moving wings and worm made from Cheerios are too cute! You can find the details here and here.



7) Farm Animals - Preschoolers will love exploring farm life with some cute and cuddling farm animal crafts and activities. You can find the details here.


8) Music - Preschoolers love making noise, and these wonderful music crafts and activities are sure to delight them. You can find the details here and here



9) Circus - This theme is always a popular one with Preschoolers. Kids love the elephant and clown puppets... and the clown collar is always a hit. You can find the details here


10) Spring - April showers bring May flowers... but these "Spring" crafts and activities are perfect for any time of year. The Spring wreath is great for honing fine motor skills, and the kids will love making it. You can find the details here.


11) Under the Sea - Preschoolers will adore these sweet "under the sea" crafts and activities. The paper bag fish is always a hit with little ones. You can find the details here.


12) Olympics - The Olympics come every four years, but these crafts and activities are perfect any time of year. Kids will love crafting their own Olympic torches and medals. You can find the details here

13) Camping - Explore the great outdoors, or get creative inside, with these simple and interactive camping crafts. You can find the details here


14) Dr. Seuss - Reading and crafting with Dr. Seuss is always fun. You'll have no problem getting your Preschooler to try these green eggs and ham! You can find the details here



15) Princess Tea Party - Tea party are a lot of fun... and they are even better when you make your own crown and accessories. You can find the details here


16) Summer - Summer crafts are a great way to bring the sunshine indoors. The painted rocks are simple adorable, and the free paper fan template is fantastic. You can find the details here


17) All About Me - Preschoolers love to learning about themselves, and it helps them to build their confidence. These "All About Me" crafts and activities are perfect for little ones who want to explore their personal identities. You can find the details here.


18-27) Numbers - I have 10 full lesson plans for exploring the numbers 1-10. Each number has it's own crafts and activities that kids will love. You can find the details here



28-52) Letters - I have 26 full lesson plans for exploring every letter of the alphabet. Each letter has it's own crafts and activities that kids will love. You can find the details here



I also have some fun ideas for holiday crafts and activities for Preschoolers.

53) Valentine's Day - These simple Valentine's Day crafts are a perfect way for kids to create their own Valentine's Day gifts and decor. The "love bug" is guaranteed to delight Preschoolers. You can find the details here.


54) St.Patrick's Day - You don't have to be Irish to have fun making St.Patrick's Day crafts. The rainbow necklace is a great way for Preschoolers to practice fine motor skills, and the leprechaun puppet and shamrock hat are both adorable and fun. You can find the details here.


55) Easter - Everyone loves the sweet egg and bunny crafts that kids can make at Easter time. I have a lot of fun options, but I think the free bunny mask template is my favourite. You can find the details here.


56) Canada Day - Creating some patriotic and festive crafts is a wonderful way for Preschoolers to celebrate July 1st. I have several fun Canada Day crafts and activities on my blog, but I love the beaver puppet the most! You can find the details here.


57) Halloween - Preschoolers will be thrilled by (not scared of) these super-cute Halloween crafts. Tearing up paper for the pumpkin craft is a fantastic way for Preschoolers to work on fine motor skills, and the result is adorable! You can find the details here


58) Thanksgiving - Preschoolers will be thankful for these adorable Thanksgiving crafts. How cute is the tissue paper turkey??? You can find the details here.


59) Christmas - Creating Christmas crafts is a lot of fun for kids, and it's a great way to celebrate the season. The simple holiday crafts on my blog are simple to make and are perfect for Preschoolers. You can find the details here. 


60) Beauty and the Beast tea party - This is such a special theme. Snacks can be tailored, decor can be added, and the kids can keep busy with some fantastic simple tea party crafts. I love the rocking tea pot, but you can find all the details here.


Being creative is a fun way for kids to learn and gain confidence. I hope you enjoy exploring all my crafts and activities with your children or Preschool class. 


Gina Bell
 (aka East Coast Mommy)



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