Category Archives: Family Fun

Planning a Summer Backyard Camping Adventure

This weekend marks the official start of summer. The kids are out of school and it’s time to start finding creative ways to keep them entertained. June is National Camping Month so many families pack up their cars and campers, head out to campgrounds, and enjoy the great outdoors. If camping is something that you’ve had on your radar but haven’t yet taken the plunge because of time commitments or a limited budget, why not consider escaping to your own backyard campsite to get your feet wet?

Camping is a great way to escape computers, phones, and TV’s, get some fresh air, and teach kids a different way of doing things. Plus, you avoid what is sure to be an extremely crowded season in the campgrounds. Backyard camping is also economical and with proper planning, you’ll even forget you’re at home as you sleep under the stars. To make sure your at-home getaway feels authentic, here are eight things you’ll want to include in your plans to ensure success.

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  1. Have rules. These should be followed by adults and children alike and should include things like no electronics – put them in a non-accessible place in the house, limited access to the amenities in the house (ie: you can only go in to use the bathroom), and full participation from everyone which includes set-up and tear-down. Camping can be a great adventure and quite educational if everyone is 100% in.

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  1. Put safety measures in place. Although camping in your backyard is a much more controlled environment than trekking out into the wilderness, safety should still be your #1 priority. Have a way to extinguish the campfire, make sure the area is free of things someone could trip over in the dark, employ proper lighting –including nightlights and flashlights, have bug spray readily available, and check the area for poisonous plants.

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  1. Create a campsite. If you don’t have tents, there’s no need to spend a lot of money to buy them. Create makeshift shelters with sheets, blankets, or tarps. Make sure to keep the kids involved in the building process so they will have the satisfying feeling of accomplishment and pride in what they have created.

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  1. Set up sleep accommodations. The shelter is ready and it’s time to set up sleeping arrangements and even though there are no comfy beds, you can still be comfortable sleeping outdoors by using air mattresses, yoga mats, or cots. Keep in mind that you don’t have the luxury of a climate-controlled home, so also plan for cool nights and dewy mornings with extra blankets, cozy socks, and warm pajamas. Here are some of our favorite camp themed pj’s.

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  1. Build your campfire spot. Have the whole family gather sticks for kindling to get your fire going and make sure you have bigger hardwood logs on hand to keep it roaring. If an in-ground fire pit is not an option you can buy a portable fire pit that will serve the purpose. Also note: It’s important to know the burning regulations in your area beforehand to make sure you aren’t breaking any rules.

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  1. Plan your menu. For each day you camp, you’ll want breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks. You can look online for all kinds of yummy campfire recipes, but if you want to stay the traditional route think foil pack meals, roasted hot dogs, campfire pies, and of course S’mores. Eggs and bacon are easy to do with a cast iron pan and one-pot meals can easily be heated over your open flame. Don’t forget a cooler to keep everything from spoiling. Remember, you’re not really at home, so the fridge isn’t an option.

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7. Keep everyone entertained. Make a list of fun activities to partake in once you put your pajamas on and gather around the campfire. You can tell stories (ghost stories if age appropriate), sing songs, or play campfire games. This is when your family will really bond and have quality time together. It’s also when so many memories are made so make sure to take pictures!

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  1. Observe the nature around you. Camping is all about taking in the beauty that Mother Nature has given us. During the day, participate in bird watching (a bird book can be a fantastic reference guide), have a nature scavenger hunt, or learn about the foliage that grows right in your own backyard. At night you can identify star constellations or listen to wildlife sounds and try to figure out what they are.

Whether you camp for one night or a whole weekend, having happy campers is the ultimate goal. We hope these pointers will make for fond family memories you’ll treasure for years to come!

 

10 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Pajamas!

It’s already June and that means Father’s Day is just a few short weeks away. Dad works hard for the family and deserves this special day dedicated to him! This year, plan a fun pajama-wearing day at home doing activities that you plan and execute so he can just sit back and enjoy the family time together.  Here are 10 great ideas to get your wheels spinning towards pulling off the most perfect Father’s Day ever.

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Breakfast in bed. It’s the most important meal of the day so do it up right with a homemade breakfast served up to dad in bed. You’ll want to make sure you make plenty of food because he’s going to need a lot of nutrition for the rest of the day’s festivities.

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Have a Cornhole tournament.  Also known as Bags, Bean Bag Toss, and Tailgate Toss depending on what part of the country you are from, this fun game is perfect for Dad’s special day. You have 2 teams and 2 boards with holes in the middle where you want to toss the bean-filled bags through. The first team to 21 wins!

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Watch a ballgame. Get some peanuts and Crackerjacks and plop yourselves in front of the TV for America’s favorite pastime. You’ll have the best seat for the game while you cheer on your favorite team dressed in your PJ’s!

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Take a walk without Dad. Father’s Day is for spending with the kids and that’s why it lasts a whole day! But if only for an hour or two, Dad would probably really appreciate just a little peace, quiet, and alone time. He could read, nap, catch up on his favorite show, or just pad around the house in his pajamas!

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Scrapbooking. Dad probably has all his favorite pictures stored on Facebook or Instagram but there’s just nothing better than printing all those pictures up and putting them together in a real-life photo book. Have them all ready to go so he can reminisce, laugh, and enjoy his fondest of memories.

Kids Dress Up

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Have a Daddy spa day. Ladies love to get pampered but did you ever think Dad might like it too? Give Dad an at-home spa day complete with a home facial, manicure, and pedicure.

Grilling

Barbecue his favorite dinner. We know that it might be tough to keep Dad away from the grill but tell him that this is the one day of the year he doesn’t have to do anything. Give him a cold beverage, a relaxing chaise lounge, and let him watch while the family cooks all his favorites just for him!

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Have a backyard movie night. Set up a screen or TV in the back yard, fill the area with pillows and blankets, and roll Dad’s favorite movie under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn!

However you decide to spoil Dad this year we know it’s going to be a hit! Head over to our Facebook page or leave your comments here and tell us about your big plans.

Happy Father’s Day to all you Dad’s out there!

Have Fun Creating a Fall Bucket List

Fall is upon us and for many people, it’s their favorite time of year. Pumpkin spice, cozy pajamas, leaves changing colors, and cool crisp nights are just a few of things we love about the season. This year, why not create a ‘bucket list’ of activities you’d like to partake in so that you can get the most out of fall.

We’ve got 9 fantastic ideas that are on our list this year to get you started on your own:

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Go to a corn maze. This fun family activity is one you can make a whole day of. Most places that offer corn mazes have a variety of other things you can do while you’re there like petting zoos, pumpkin picking, and hayrides. You’ll quickly get the whole family in the mood for fall!

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Paint a pumpkin. One of falls most loved activities is pumpkin carving. The Halloween tradition is said to have started in the 19th century in Ireland where they carved out pumpkins, turnips, or other root vegetables and used them as lanterns. More recently, painting pumpkins has become the latest craze and the design possibilities are endless. And if you still want to enjoy the pumpkin seeds, you can still cut open the top and scoop them out, although your creations may not last as long.

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Jump in a pile of leaves. Chances are as a child you did this many times but now as an adult, you may think it’s a silly thing to do. Sure you’ve probably seen a big pile-o-leaves and thought to yourself “I’d love to jump in that” but your grown-up voice told you not to.  Tell that voice to be quiet, and go for it! It will take you back to your childhood and a simpler time.

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Go canoeing or kayaking. Autumn is a perfect time to get into a canoe or kayak and tour the fall colors from the water. The air is still warm enough and you’d get a great workout at the same time. Just make sure you dress appropriately and mind the time as the days are getting shorter.

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Can fruits and vegetables. If you’ve never done this before you’ll want to do some reading first to ensure that you do things correctly and the food will be safe for consumption later. Whether the fall bounty you preserve comes from your own garden or from a local farmers market, you’ll love that you can have the taste of summer at your fingertips throughout the long winter.

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Plant bulbs for your spring garden. Anything that blooms in spring should be planted now. This includes Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinth, and Crocus. When the snow finally melts and spring arrives next year, these are some of the first flowers that will pop their heads through the soil and say “hello spring!” The Farmer’s Almanac provides some great tips for planting correctly HERE.

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Start a giant puzzle. Soon enough you’re going to be spending a lot more time indoors so why not dive in and start a puzzle that you can work on for the whole season. Make sure it’s at least 2000 pieces to really challenge you. It’s a nice way to wind down after a busy day or have some ‘me-time’ while the kids do their homework.

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Take a fall family photo for your Christmas cards. With all the vibrant colors of the season as your backdrop, you’ll have an amazing memory that you can share with friends and family during the holidays!

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Make caramel apples. Really what tastes better than a caramel apple? We say not much! The great part of creating these sweet treats is that it’s not just about caramel and apples anymore you can dress them up with just about anything. Of course chopped nuts are a great standby, but why not try other ingredients like cookie crumbles, chocolate chips, toffee bits, colorful sprinkles, or your favorite candy. These gourmet caramel apples will be a hit with the whole family!

Now that your wheels are turning and you’re list is getting started, we’d love to hear about what your fall bucket looks like. Tell us about them here or over on our Facebook page!

 

Happy fall!

Celebrate your Sister and Everything She Means to You

“Sisters make the best friends in the world.” —Marilyn Monroe

Sisters are our best friends, our confidants, and the ladies we can get downright crazy with. We depend on them and we cherish them. There’s even a national holiday which falls on the first Sunday in August known as National Sisters Day, specifically set aside to celebrate your relationship with your sister or sisters. To make the day fun and memorable, we’re sharing some ideas on how you can spend the day with your sis and let her know that she is appreciated and loved.

Have an old-fashioned sleepover– Fill the evening with all those fun activities you did when you were kids. You’ll of course need all your favorite snack foods & your favorite pajamas (even better get matching pj’s), but add an adult twist to the festivities with a nice bottle of wine, margaritas, or martinis. You can spend your special time together reminiscing, looking through old photos, listening to music, or watching movies you loved growing up.

Girl’s night special dinner– This special evening deserves a splurge, so choose a nice, upscale restaurant to treat yourselves at. Order whatever you want and don’t worry about calories or cost. Just enjoy an extra special dinner together and don’t forget to have dessert!

Have a makeover & photo shoot day – Do each other’s nails, hair and make-up and get all dressed up in your Sunday best. Take lots of pictures throughout the makeover to chronicle all the fun, and a final portrait that you can frame and cherish forever

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Take a real trip down memory lane – Hop in the car and take a drive to places you treasured when growing up. This could be the house you grew up in, past hang-outs, your favorite shopping spots, or even visit your old school. The great thing about happy memories is that they are all unique to the individual so the possibilities are endless.

Exchange special gifts – This may seem like an easy enough thing to do, but we suggest making it unique by making the gift something that will bring back memories. Was there a favorite candy that she enjoyed as a kid? How about a record or CD she wore out years ago? Put some thought into what may be a faded memory and bring it back to life with your thoughtful gift.

Just spend time together – It really doesn’t matter what activities are on the agenda on this special day. Even if’s it’s just a morning cup of coffee or a quick lunch, the most important thing is that you are together and celebrating the special bond you have

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Don’t live close to each other? We know that not all sisters live in the same town or city but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the day. Hop on a call or have a Zoom happy hour to spend time catching up. You can even send flowers, a gift, or even a thoughtful card to show your appreciation and love for your sister.

However you decide to spend National Sisters Day, we’re confident you’ll do it perfectly! To all you sisters out there… have a wonderful day!

Fun and Unique Ways to Celebrate Dad!

Father’s Day is just around the corner, but the 2020 version might not be quite the same for some families. With the country slowly emerging from quarantine, many usual Father’s Day hot spots may not be operating this year. Baseball games have been put on hold, and restaurants can’t serve the large crowds they are accustomed to.

None of this means however that you can’t have a fantastic day with the special dad in your life. With a little planning and some imagination, you can make this the best Father’s Day yet! We’ve got 5 unique ideas to help you get those creative juices flowing.

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Fuel for the day. Start the day with breakfast in bed. Let dad sleep in while you prepare a meal full of his favorite foods. He’ll need the extra energy for the exciting events you have planned for the day and he’ll appreciate a little extra time in his pajamas!Go Kart

Start your engines. Go Kart Racing is a super fun way for the whole family to get outside and let some of pent-up energy out. Go Kart racing is growing in popularity and tracks are opening up in many communities. Make sure before you go, that you call in advance to find out about age, height and weight restrictions, and other requirements. If you don’t have a track in your area, bumper cars are a fun alternative.

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Tee Up. Dad’s love to golf so give him what he wants – with a twist. Go mini-golfing so the whole family can enjoy one another’s company. You’ll find out how good dad really is on the course when he has to putt his way through castles, wild animals, and clowns! Make sure you let him win thought- after all, it is his day!

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Up, up and away. One of the most unique ways to spend quality time with dad is by taking a hot air balloon ride. This activity isn’t for everyone, but for those that want to walk a little on the wild side, it’s something no one in your group will ever forget. There’s nothing like seeing the land below you from a bird’s eye view as you slowly drift through the sky. Keep in mind, this is a “weather permitting” activity, so make sure you have a plan-B ready to go in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate.

Horseback Riding

Giddy-Up. For people who would rather keep both feet on the ground, a trail ride on horseback is a fun, relaxing way to spend the day. Many stables offer hour-long or half-day excursions through the countryside with either larger groups or private groups. Dad will love the experience, and it also allows kids to experience horses up close and personal, which they may otherwise not have the chance to do.

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Reel ‘em in. Fishing is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors as well as teach kids something new which could become a life-long passion. There’s nothing more exciting than casting your bait into a body of water and hooking your first fish. After you get some pictures for posterity, the release can be just as fun as you watch your new friend swim away. If you don’t have fishing rods and you don’t have anyone you can borrow some from, check into local trout farms. They have everything! Poles, bait, and even ponds full of fish!

 

Once your fun, activity day is over you can go home, fire up the grill and finish the day with a delicious family meal. Dad will always remember your amazing day together, and it will give you memories for years to come!

 

Tell us how you’re spending Father’s Day right here or on our Facebook page.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

 

Memorial Day Weekend Staycation Ideas

Memorial Day, first and foremost, is the time we remember the heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s also an extra-long weekend where we spend quality time with family and friends to celebrate the official start of summer. Typically this holiday weekend is spent enjoying cookouts, parades, beach parties, and other celebrations that involve large gatherings. This year however, things will look dramatically different due to social distancing practices.

Although all our states are now open to one degree or another, everyone is still being encouraged to stay home whenever possible and limit the number of people we come in contact with. Because of this, folks are looking for ways to still enjoy the holiday weekend in a toned-down way.  We have some fabulous ideas, sure to keep the spirit of the weekend alive and well.

1. Sleep in. To make sure you are refreshed and ready to enjoy all your planned activities, you’ll need to be well-rested. Sleeping in – even an extra hour will assure that you are re-energized for all the fun.

2. Have a down-sized cookout: Memorial Day weekend just isn’t complete until you fire up the grill. You can set up yard games like cornhole or lawn Jenga and spend the day playing games, enjoying terrific food, and getting fresh air.

3. Go to a concert – virtually. The National Memorial Day Concert is being broadcast on PBS on Sunday night at 8pm EDT. The concert will stream from various locations around the country and feature performances and tributes honoring our veterans and troops. It features performances from artists such as Trace Adkins, CeCe Winans, Kelli O-Hara, and more.

 4. Build a campfire: Roast hot dogs and marshmallows, tell stories, and play campfire games for a good old fashioned summer tradition.

5. Do nothing. You read that right. Use the weekend to just relax, gather your thoughts, and enjoy the beautiful weather. There’s nothing we enjoy more than unplugging and taking as early afternoon nap in our favorite lawn chair or hammock.

6.Make your own paper poppies: After World War I, the red field poppy was one of the first plants to flourish in the battlefields of France & Belgium. The color also symbolized the bloodshed of the battles, after the publication of the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines. Today, paper poppies, which are all handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation, are distributed on Memorial Day weekend as a symbol of remembrance. This simple tutorial outlines how you can make your own poppies right at home. We love the idea of crafting them yourselves then donating money to your local VFW to continue supporting their mission.

7. Have a neighborhood parade: Get the neighbors together and plan a parade for your street or block. Kids can decorate floats and show their handiwork while everyone watches from their respective driveways or yards. It’s a great way to lift people’s spirits and get outside for some fun.

8. Make care packages for soldiers: While you are enjoying your uber long holiday weekend, soldiers are on the front line protecting our country. Organizations such as Operation Gratitude hold several events during Memorial Day weekend and are ready and waiting to collect your donations to send to our men and women serving in the armed forces. You can also check with your local chapter of veteran’s affiliations to find out what items they need and how you can get your care package to an appreciative soldier.

9. Decorate in Red, White & Blue. Nothing shows patriotism more than displaying our national colors. Fly the American flag, make ‘Thank you’ signs  for your front yard, decorate your driveway in red, white & blue in chalk art, and deck your home out with other arts and crafts to show your support for the good old U.S.A. This weekend is a good time to thank our first responders, care givers, doctors and nurses.

10. Bake festive treats. Baking can bring families together and the results are always delicious. Whip up some yummy treats for the family and decorate them in red, white & blue for the theme of the weekend.

Your Memorial Day weekend may be a bit more low-key than what you are used to but that doesn’t mean you can’t make everlasting memories, have fun, and spend time remembering what the day is all about.

We’d love to hear about your plans for the holiday. Share them below or visit our page on Facebook and share them with our community.

 

Happy Memorial Day!

At Home Spring Activities for the Whole Family

With the weather getting warmer and spring knocking on the back door, it’s time to brush off the winter dust and embrace spring. With what’s currently going on with the Corona Virus, some people are a little nervous about doing things that involve large groups of people, but still want to take in the warmer weather and embrace spring. We’ve got some great ideas on just how to do that without straying too far from home.

blog animals-avian-beaks-birdhouse-1156507Watch the Birds. During March and April, the bird migration season is in full swing. Hundreds of species that spend their winters in warm climates make their annual trips north to breed and spend their summers. They will be hungry from their long flights, so a great way to see a wide array of feathered friends is to set up bird feeding stations. Orioles, Hummingbirds, and songbirds all like different food, so make sure you have enough for everybody. Here is a great resource to learn about different feeding options and how to attract birds to your backyard. You might want to pick up a birders guide as well. The whole family can help identify your visitors and learn a lot along the way.

young-tomato-5808Plan a Garden. Nothing is better than veggies straight from the garden. Not only do they taste so much better than store-bought produce, but the satisfaction from planting, maintaining, and reaping the fruits of your labor are second to none. Sit down with the family and decide what you want to plant and who will be responsible for the various tasks like weeding and watering as the garden evolves. You can get your space ready and start seeds now so that when the weather is warm enough, you are ready to get planting. This website offers hundreds of tips and pointers for starting, planting and caring for your garden.

SM BearCheeks_IGDo Some Spring Cleaning. When the whole family gets involved, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. You can even do it in your pajamas! Turn on some fun music, assign everyone a task, and go to town. There’s a great chance that you’ll unearth some forgotten treasures and memories in the process. You can also teach kids lessons about giving back to others. Share with them that there are a lot of people who don’t have as much as they do, and how wonderful it can be to donate unused and unwanted items to people who can use them. Have fun with it, teach life lessons, and get organized all at the same time!

family-1454783_640Take a Walk. Ok, so technically this isn’t an ‘at home’ activity but there are likely places in, and around, your neighborhood where you don’t have to deal with crowds but can still get outside, enjoy the weather, get some exercise, and take in nature. Do an internet search for local hiking or walking trails, or large parks where you can be out in the open and enjoy the great outdoors without the crowds.

paint-1167786_640Create Outdoor Art. Brighten your outdoor living space with décor created by your family. There is so much you can do like painting rocks, making patio pavers, and creating flower planters. Look on Pinterest. You’ll find ideas that you never even thought of. And once you’re done, you’ll have one-of-a-kind outdoor artwork for the whole neighborhood to envy!

We’re confident that leaders will be able to control and eliminate the current health scare our country is facing. The most important thing to remember is to practice good hygiene and make wise decisions. If staying home to be safe is one of the things you choose to do, at least these ideas will help make it much more fun. Happy Spring!

You Need a Saturday Morning in Pajamas

The holidays are officially here! Shopping, holiday parties, and all the other seasonal festivities can have you juggling a pretty hectic schedule. Instead of rushing around and feeling stressed about everything you have to do, take two steps back and plan a Saturday morning at home in your pajamas.

We’ve got some great ideas to help you plan a perfect morning full of food, fun, and of course – family!

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Start it right with breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but you can make it extra special by changing things up. Get the whole family involved in making the meal by assigning everyone something special to make. Then when all cooking is done, you can all sit down together in your pj’s and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

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Another great idea is to have your breakfast in bed. Maybe the parents cook for the kids or better yet… let the kids cook and then serve it to you in bed. They get to show their creative sides and you get to sleep in!

 

Play games

After you’ve had your morning meal, why not get the gang together and play some good old-fashioned board games? You can play learning games, games of strategy, or just silly games that make everyone laugh. Regardless of what you choose, there is no need to change out of your pajamas!

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Decorate for the holidays

Since this is the holiday season, have the whole family partake in the decorating process. Get all your baubles and festive decor together, and let them loose. Instead of a chore (which it can sometimes feel like), the joy of being in your comfortable pajamas will make it a fun activity and allow everyone to be a part of creating your holiday atmosphere.

 

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Have a movie morning

Who says a movie marathon or binge watching can only take place at night? Saturday mornings are the perfect time to cozy up on the couch or in bed, pajamas and all. Watch your favorite flick, finally check out that film you’ve wanted to see, or even binge-watch episodes of the hottest new series that everyone’s talking about. Pop some corn, make some hot cocoa, relax, and enjoy the show!

 

Go independent

Yes! A Saturday morning in pajamas can also be about everyone doing their own thing! Give the family the chance to decide themselves how they want to spend their time (as long as pajamas are involved). Someone may want to just read a book while someone else may want to make cookies. There is no plan you have to follow. The sky’s the limit!

 

These are just a few ideas you can try and we know you’ll probably come up with tons of other great activities you can incorporate; we just wanted to get you started. We’re sure once you try it yourself; there will be many more ‘Saturday morning in pajamas’ days in your future!

 

We’d love to hear about how you do a pajama day! Share with us in the comments or tell us about them on our Facebook page!

Plan a fun Halloween Weekend with these frightfully fun ideas

Halloween is so much more than carving pumpkins, costumes, and trick or treating. Since there is nothing better than family time, why not plan an entire weekend to get everyone in the spirit? We have some spooktacular ideas that are sure to keep all the ghouls and goblins entertained and bring a wickedly fun twist to your Halloween activities!

Brew a Batch of Slime

Could there be a better time of year to make ooey-gooey slime? We think not. Slime making is easy, fun, and has all kinds of creative possibilities! You can make slime any color and add extras like plastic spiders, googly eyes, or glitter for a special extra touch. Here’s a simple recipe we found that both adults and kids will love playing with!

Get Wrapped Up in Mummy Bowling

Wrap Plastic bowling pins (available at almost any store that sells kids toys) in toilet paper, glue some eyes on, line them up, and voila- you have yourself a mummy bowling alley. You can use a rubber ball or if you want to make it extra fun, use a small pumpkin! Play as individuals or teams and have prizes for the winners!

Make Frightfully Fun Halloween Recipes

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A quick search for “Halloween Recipes” will produce 1000’s of fun snacks and treats that your whole family can sink their teeth into.  A great idea would be to give each person a recipe to make and let the creative juices flow. Not only will you have some tasty tidbits for your Halloween celebration, but the kids will also learn a little about cooking and how much fun it can be!

Craft up Some Decorations

Halloween crafts are another project with endless options. From painting pumpkins to festive paper lanterns you’ll make memories and have hours of enjoyment being creative! The best part is that after Halloween is over, you can put them away and bring them out to display for years to come!

Bob for Apples

Bob for apples

Bobbing for apples really is a Halloween tradition! People have been doing it forever and it’s one of those activities that get passed down from generation to generation. Ideally you want to play this fun game outside if the weather cooperates but if it has to be done inside, make sure to put some towels down to avoid slipping on wet floors.

Have a Scary (or scary-ish) Movie Marathonpumpkin flannel pajama pants

Have the whole family put on their pajamas, dim the lights, grab all those tasty treats you just made, and settle in for a night of spooky, scary fun. There are tons of age-appropriate options so make sure your playlist is suitable for your audience. We don’t want the little ones too scared or they’ll be up all night!

Tell scary ghost stories

Another fun pajama activity! Light a fire in the fireplace or fill the room with candles and turn off the lights. You can even hand out flashlights to use during storytelling. Take turns coming up with the scariest stories or talk about actual scary folklore from your neck of the woods.

Do the Time Warp

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic. One of the most iconic parts of the film is the classic ‘Time Warp’ song with dance. Since the film is not suitable for all ages, download just that part of the movie to play on your TV. You’ll have a blast learning the dance and watching everyone get their moves on. Plus… you’ll get a little exercise to work off all the treats!

We’d love to hear your ideas for a fun Halloween weekend too! Share them in the comments or visit our Facebook page and show us your pictures of how you celebrate the scariest night of the year!

Best Fun and Free Activites For Father’s Day at Home!

If the greatest gift is love, get ready to shower Dad in oodles of it this Father’s Day. Truth is, there’s nothing quite as simple and rewarding as having a meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home. Get ready to kick up your feet, lounge in your pajamas and enjoy fun activities that are perfect for family bonding and creating lifelong memories. Best part? They don’t cost a thing!

Father’s Day provides the opportunity to put the focus on Dad and make him feel like the king of the castle, all while gifting him quality time with the ones he loves. Can’t put a price on that!

You don’t have to break the bank to show Dad how much you love him. In fact, most of the following activities are all free! And if you’re looking for inexpensive Father’s Day gifts to show Dad how much you care, browse our collection of fun Father’s Day t-shirts!

If you’ve been wondering how to spend Father’s Day this year, read on for our tips for planning a memorable and meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home!

Father’s Day Activities At Home

First of all, you want to make sure Dad knows how important he is to your family, right? Then let’s set the stage for the ultimate day of fun this Father’s Day. The most important thing is to show Dad how much he means to you, and what better way to do that than give the gift of quality time?

Spend Time Together — No Distractions Allowed

The first thing on your list for celebrating Father’s Day at home is to put the focus on the man of the house. Eliminate any distractions that will take the spotlight off of Dad, and really set up the atmosphere to be conducive to bonding and spending quality time together.

Tuck away the laptops and cellphones, and don’t even think about turning on the TV until after you’ve enjoyed all of your fun Father’s Day activities.

Father’s Day Brunch at Home

Instead of shuffling through a crowded restaurant, make Dad the breakfast of champions: a delicious and bountiful home cooked Father’s Day brunch. Eggs benedict his favorite? Be sure to pick up special items from the grocery store ahead of time. If you’ve got several kids in the family, let each one cook their own special dish for Dad. This is a great way to include the kids and make Dad feel special.

While you’re around the table, it’s time to give Dad his Father’s Day gift. Still looking for the perfect one? Show him he’s the best Dad ever with a Father’s Day T-shirt!

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Have a Local Expedition

Instead of over-spending to visit a theme park or busy place that’ll take away from your quality time, have a local expedition! Take the bikes out for a neighborhood ride, head out back and throw the football. Local park nearby? Cart your bats and have a round of softball. A local outing is a free Father’s Day activity that’s easy to plan and most of all–fun! If you’ve got a big family, let Grandpa and Dad be team captains and have a schoolyard draw.

Make Time For His Favorite Things

Let’s face it, Dad is busy all year keeping up with the daily grind. This Father’s Day, let him savor some precious down time. This could involve watching a football game, reading a magazine or playing fantasy football. Maybe he loves to lounge in his favorite robe and read the paper with a cup of coffee in the morning? While Father’s Day is all about Dad and family bonding, let him have some quiet time to enjoy his favorite relaxing activities. To really get him in the chill zone, make sure he’s set up with the coziest lounging pajamas ever!

Work On A Project Together

Think about Dad’s favorite hobbies: Does he love gardening? Then get the gloves on and help him water the garden or add a new plant. Is he a golfer? Bring the golf clubs out back and practice your swing together. Or, you can try something new together like building a birdhouse or painting pictures to hang in the garage or man room.

Order Pizza or Have a Backyard Picnic

Does Dad love a classic grilled burger? Then fire up the grill. Maybe he cares more about spending time together and not cooking? Sounds like delivery is the best option. Order his favorite pizza or takeout, that way you can get back to all these fun Father’s Day activities. To turn lunch into a fun and free activity, pack up some sandwiches and snacks and have a picnic in the backyard. This is a great way of keeping the family bonding active and ongoing throughout the day.

Game Night

After a fulfilling day of Father’s Day activities, it’s time to unwind and enjoy some mellow and fun activities. Is your Dad a ringer at Monopoly? Maybe you guys bond over Jenga or cards? Either way, a game night is a fun and interactive way to do something Dad enjoys that includes the whole family. No sore losers, because dessert’s on the way!

Make Him His Favorite Dessert

Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Then Father’s Day is the perfect chance to bake him his favorite pie or fill up the house with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. Alternatively, if his favorite dessert is frozen yogurt, put on your pajamas and head out for ice cream. Or, make banana splits at home!

Stargazing

The celebration doesn’t end when the sun goes down, in fact it’s just getting started! Stargazing Is one of the creative things to do for Father’s Day that is interactive, free, fun and educational. Print out some star maps and take turns finding your favorite stars and constellations.

Have the Best Father’s Day Ever!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun and free things to do at home for Father’s Day. The most important thing is to spend quality time together. Whether lounging in your pajamas and playing cards, or enjoying an exciting softball game or playing catch in the backyard, we hope these Father’s Day activities help you bond and create unforgettable memories that’ll last a lifetime.

After all, Father’s Day is truly about celebrating the man whose unconditional love deserves more than one day of recognition, but hey–he’ll take it! Happy Father’s Day!

Don’t forget to grab your Dad the perfect Father’s Day gift to show him how much he means to you. Browse our collection of Father’s Day pajamas and T-shirts!