family Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Summer Survival Activity Pack

Paula — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:06:00 +0000

Summer vacation is right around the corner for many of you and might have already started for some depending on where you live. Boredom Busters Now that summer has officially arrived, it won’t be long before the kids are bellowing for something to do. I’m bored. Amuse me. I mean I am paraphrasing here but you know exactly what I mean. While we all cherish those long, sunny days and the break from the school-day hustle, every parent knows the boredom bug usually makes its appearance within the first week. So what’s a mom or dad to do? Well, maybe you have them booked in solid summer camps and activities all season long. Nothing wrong with that. (Other than the cost actually.) What Does Summer Survival Look Like for You? And maybe on a few of those days you pop by online resources like this site to print out some activity pages. Road Trips? Whether you are prepping for a long road trip, looking for quiet activities to balance out the high-energy outdoor play, or simply need a sanity-saving tool for those unpredictable rainy afternoons, I have exactly what you need. Summer Activity Pack to the Rescue I am thrilled to introduce the Ultimate Summer Survival Activity Pack—a substantial, 25-page treasure trove designed to keep little hands busy and creative minds engaged. This is a thoughtfully curated collection packed with everything kids love. From brain-teasing word searches that sharpen those observation skills to intricate colouring pages perfect for mindful downtime, and open-ended drawing prompts that spark the imagination, this pack is designed to be your go-to resource for the summer or even just for a couple of weeks. Survive and Thrive I know how hard it is to balance keeping kids entertained while managing your own busy schedule. That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of “What can I do now?”—just print, play, and watch the boredom melt away. Summer survival should also be enjoyable and maybe even creative and fun. In fact, I bet years from now if you ask your kids what they remember from the summers of their childhood, at least one of them will say that road trip to the cottage up north. Or maybe it’s do you all remember that time we were rained out camping and we sat in the tent or trailer and played cards and did word games all weekend? After all, summer doesn’t need to be perfect and you shouldn’t just need to survive it. Have some fun and hit pause and turn the negatives into positives when able. Grab Your Activity Book Are you ready to grab your copy and make this summer the most creative one yet? By now I think you know exactly what to do here. Click on the link above and save it then print it out. These are for your personal use only. You may not republish. Thanks for reading! Believe me I know that the start of the summer especially for working parents can be rough. The transition is chaos and trying to work with kids underfoot is challenging. BUT that said, summer also tends to fly by and it is the best season to get outside chasing long sunny days at the beach or building core memories with a camping trip that will warm your hearts well into February when the snow and ice feels embedded deep in your bones. I have so many other summer printable activities to try and a few ideas of things you might want to do this year as well. Here’s a tool that can help you get started. Summer Bucket List Use this summer bucket list to prioritize the best summer activities that you plan to do and want to ensure you do not miss a moment of the fun. Check out my Road Trip Activity Book for those days when you are in the car or the van for hours on end Happy Summer!

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My New KURU Summer Sandals

Paula — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:10:04 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and that means after a brief spring cleaning stint, I am now fishing out all of my summer attire. And taking stock of my shoes too. I am a firm believer that good shoes matter. I wasn’t always that way and couldn’t always afford good quality footwear. This season, summer 2026, is all about these pain free Kuru summer sandals. I received product for consideration on Thrifty Mommas Tips. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. When I was younger there was nothing I loved more than high heels with a matching outfit. But the shoes I wore then were far from comfortable. Functional, meh? Not so much. They were all about finishing a curated look. In high school I had a part time job at the mall in a clothing store and I ran with the cute looks then which completely spilled over into the school hallways. Oh, I still have a few pairs of gorgeous colourful stunning pumps and wedges, but at this age and stage of life I am much less inclined to suffer for fashion. I’d much rather have something cute and fashionable that doesn’t hurt my back, my legs, my hips, my feet, my calves. This season my Kuru summer sandals are going the distance with me and supporting health and wellness as well as fashion. What I Love About Kuru Summer Sandals This year my style is easygoing but functional for summer events and the interviews I have going on. Last year, I sprained my ankle while in Boston helping my brother out, watching my niece. Not going to lie that ankle took a long time to heal. Summer swimming helped with rehab. Then during ski season in February a snowboarder collided with me and I hit my shoulder and hurt my lower back and that somehow also became an ongoing ache in my left hip. But it was also winter boot season so there are limits to what you can do with that really. As long as your feet are warm and dry when there’s 3 feet of snow on the front lawn, that’s about the best you can hope for in an Ontario winter. Treat Your Feet My ankle, well that’s pretty much 95% better one year later. Swimming and at home physio helped. Finally, my shoulder has returned to its normal range of motion. My hip and back still have a little bit of residual aching and stiffness at times. So, here’s the thing. I am trusting Kuru this season because they are just that comfortable and their KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees that my feet (and yours) feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. Kuru shoes are actually shoes that can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better. Any remaining leftover pain or occasional stiffness will definitely be better than it was last year with these summer sandals. A Summer Standout The Kuru Loma Jarvi is a standout in the summer collection in my opinion, blending a classic fisherman-style platform with advanced comfort technology. I chose a versatile toffee sand colour that pairs effortlessly with everything from casual jeans to vacation dresses. The design is elevated by a 56mm lift, making me look way taller than I am (don’t dislike that at all) while providing a stylish silhouette without sacrificing the stability needed for all-day wear. These sandals cradle your foot and your arch perfectly. The cushioned cork footbed is more comfortable than anything I’ve worn in years. Pairing these with cute sundresses and my denim jacket for cool days. Kurosole Technology What sets these sandals apart is the patented KURUSOLE technology, which is engineered to dynamically to flex and hug your heel with every step. The responsive design helps protect the natural cushioning of the feet, which makes them perfect for anyone who needs relief from foot or back pain. The cork footbed and adjustable multi-straps ensures a secure, ergonomic fit that adapts to the movement of the foot. Whether heading to a summer brunch, taking a summer vacation to Europe or hitting an out of town event these are perfect. Finally cute shoes that don’t hurt your feet. Kurosole KURU Shoe Features KURUSOLE Heel Protection: The patented tech hugs and cushions your heels to absorb shock and ease joint strain. (I know this is true. You can feel it the second you put these on.) These are my new Kuru summer sandals: Shoes with Benefits Since receiving these and integrating them recently into my day to day, I see benefits. My hip doesn’t hurt and my foot is so comfortable in these. Kuru has a range of women’s and men’s shoes, runners and sandals. There are some boots too but I have no interest in anything wintery at the moment. The Range of Styles The new arrivals and slip ons have my full attention now as well because if these Loma Jarvi sandals are this comfortable imagine how great it would be to wear these slip ons daily. Also how cute is the regular Loma as well. The colours are FAB. Basically I have a running Wishlist of Kuru footwear that I want to try next. (Hello, Pineapple Coda? SO cute.) I suspect you will have the same issue once you start trying them and wearing them on a regular basis.

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Why Dream Pairs Boots Are My New Obsession

Paula — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:03:00 +0000

Is there anything more “Canadian” than the eternal struggle of finding shoes or boots that actually look cute but won’t leave you sliding across a frozen Tim Horton’s parking lot? I’ve spent years cycling through boots that are either “industrial-tundra-chic” or “fashionable-but-frozen.” Product was provided for consideration and affiliate links are included as a service to readers. I make a small commission via qualifying purchases. The last pair I had were great and a well known brand, don’t get me wrong, but sexy they were not. Fashionable, NO. Functional only and I feel like there’s space for both function and fashion in the winter. So, discovering Dream Pairs boots this month was magical for me. My Favourite Boots But this season, I finally hit the jackpot with Dream Pairs boots. Honestly, I’m a bit late to the party, but now that I’m here, I’m not leaving. I received four different styles—boots, runners, some mid calf boots and indoor, outdoor slippers—and they have all become my daily winter uniform. In fact, I loved some of these so much that I already grabbed a second pair of indoor outdoor slippers as a gift for my daughter who was already a big fan of the brand. “I trust that Dream Pairs are good quality.” 1. The Suede Boots: A Winter Game-Changer Let’s talk about the Suede Winter Boots first, because they were the biggest surprise. Usually, I’m wary of suede in our slushy winters, but these have been incredible. They are lined with the softest fur that honestly feels like a hug for your feet. Even on those mornings where the wind chill makes you want to stay in bed, these keep my toes genuinely toasty. The best part? They don’t have that “heavy” feel of traditional snow boots. They are stylish enough to wear with leggings and a cute oversized sweater for a coffee date, but sturdy enough to handle a trek through the snow to get the mail. These are my new apres-ski boots. Perfect for the run from the van to the lodge or the run down the street to the mailbox or the mall. Pro Tip: If you’re in Canada, I recommend a quick spray of suede protector just to keep them looking pristine against the salt, but they are treated prior to purchase. The quality of these for the price is unbeatable! 2. The Runners: From the Gym to the Grocery Store Next up are the Nortiv 8 women’s walking shoes. We are all picky about sneakers—they need to be supportive, not overly expensive but also extremely comfortable. My feet, knees and back demand good support. These are so sleek and lightweight. I’ve been wearing them for my indoor workouts, but I can see these transitioning into my favourite “running errands” or walking shoes. They have a cushioned sole that makes it feel like you’re walking on clouds, which is a lifesaver when you’re navigating the gym or any errands you need to do. Plus, the breathable mesh means my feet don’t overheat when I’m dashing around and working out. 3. The Slippers: The Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Hybrid Finally, the Dream Pairs Fuzzy Indoor-Outdoor Slippers. These are the MVP of my house winning the winter right now. We have hardwood floors on the main level of our house that get freezing in the winter, so slippers are a non-negotiable. What I love about this pair is the durable rubber sole. I can wear them while I’m making breakfast, and then walk right outside to take the recycling to the curb without having to swap shoes. They have a plush, luxurious feel that reminds me of high-end brands, but at a fraction of the cost. These are actually the warmest indoor outdoor shoes or slippers that I have ever had. 4: The Knee High Pull On Full Boots In numerous colours, these knee high pull on full boots are actually mind blowing. Love the style and the height. Love that there are several pairs of boots with wide calf fit options too if that’s what you need. And when these arrived and I spied the soft inner lining plus the pockets in the boots, I squealed for joy. I mean pockets in boots? Life altering fashion meets function. My Fave Features of These The Hidden Pocket: Perfect for stashing cash, key, or card, these women’s dress boots come with an inner pocket. These knee-high boots offer both style and function. Comfortable Height: With a 0.5-inch heel, these cute boots are ideal for long walks, shopping trips, or all-day wear. Sizing and Shipping Shopping on Amazon Canada can occasionally feel like a gamble and buying shoes, boots or clothing can be hit or miss for sizes. That’s my biggest issue sometimes, but the shipping was fast and the sizing was spot on for all of these. When I saw how much I was wearing my indoor outdoor slippers, I knew I had to get a pair for my daughter. It was either that or she was going to end up owning my pair. Just as an aside, my daughter, Payton says these are everywhere on campus and frankly the ease getting them on and off is a big deal for her due to arthritis. Why I’m Gifting Them Too It’s rare to find a brand that hits that sweet spot of: If you’re looking to treat yourself or need some trendy fashionable boots that you know will actually get used, check out the Dream Pairs storefront. Your feet (and your wallet) will thank you!

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So Where’ve I Been for the Last Year?

Paula — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:50:00 +0000

So Where’ve I Been this last year? Two years ago this week we were practically standing at the door ready to roll on our trip to Vermont I was writing here 3-4 times a week, a regular contributor to CBC Parents and Content Coordinator at Neighbours of Sunningdale. But the pandemic upended a lot of that. Travel ground to a standstill two years ago this week and that was that. What is a travel writer without the ability to travel? I pivoted fast to writing about pandemic parenting and that worked for several months. Frankly, that first year just being able to keep paying the mortgage was a big accomplishment. So, what about the last year though? For sure several of you have most likely noticed me writing less frequently. That’s because I took a new job as Digital media account manager at a digital media and marketing agency close to London, Ontario. (Side note: reach out of you need any marketing, communications or digital media/ social media marketing needs.) You can find me at 31st Line Strategic Communications. My New Occasional Office While a large portion of the last year has been remote work still, there was a chunk of summer and fall where I was in the office a couple days a week. That was actually pretty enjoyable and as you can see here some of my office colleagues are a whole lot of fun. None of us know what next year brings, but as lockdowns and the travel forecast clears I hope to share many more adventures with you again soon. And I hope to be able to return physically to the office again soon as well. To New Adventures I am still writing, but mostly I do that at work in the context of the campaigns that I manage. This year we have traveled in Canada and I am enjoying that of course too. Quebec is always a hit for us as a family in any season and ski season this year was no exception. Recently we returned from Mt Tremblant, which is the spot where we learned to ski many years ago, so it holds a special spot in our hearts always. The trails and the snow were both exceptional this season. Here’s to being able to share a bit more travel here this spring and summer. What Have You Been Up to? Are you planning any adventures? Did you make a career change during the pandemic?

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Eight Ways to Teach Gratitude and a Gratitude Jar Craft

Paula — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Gratitude is a funny thing. It’s hard to teach at times, but such an important value to hold close for life. Without gratitude life can ring hollow. For me, gratitude ties in closely with mindfulness. That’s why I like this gratitude jar kids’ craft idea for families. I’ve talked about self esteem before and self esteem crafts that help kids to grow more self esteem, but what about gratitude? How do you build a sense of gratitude from a young age that permeates a lifespan? Eight Ways to Show Gratitude Here are several ways to help build gratitude in kids as they grow. Model Gratitude Talk about the things YOU are grateful for as a parent. This can be a simple way for kids to understand that there are many things to be grateful for daily. I find that this works in conjunction with mental health. It is also a bonding activity in some ways. When my kids were tiny I would often state: I am so grateful we adopted you and that would support positive adoption language as well. All good things. Share Something Sweet Giving helps kids and adults feel good about themselves and also it can help to show and make gratitude concrete. So bake those cookies, cupcakes or brownies and deliver them to a neighbour. Watch them light up. You get the distinct feeling of baking something nice and sharing something sweet with a neighbour. Share Your Time Volunteer together. Look for chances to give back to your community. You can also model this by volunteering yourself as an adult. When you communicate to kids that this is just part of being a member of a community they are more inclined to understand that over the lifespan and find ways to give back as well. List Five Things You Are Grateful For Each Night One of my daughters does this thing before bed sometimes where she comes in to see me and gives me a hug and then recounts five special things about the day. I enjoyed taking a walk with you. I’m grateful for seeing the neighbour’s dog and having the chance to pet it on our walk, etc. You get the idea. This small thing helps lift us up before bed. Some people do this daily at dinner as a family. It is also a trick the kids learned at camp one year. We love it. Start a Gratitude Journal Remember your childhood diaries? Well, a gratitude journal is a little like that, but by stating the positive things every day in the morning or at night and creating your own positive little journal, you can help to create and explore positive grateful sentiment. I like this idea because it is a positive space for everyone. Obviously kids and teens have their own version of this and it is simple to do. Mine is sometimes on my phone and occasionally I use this space to explore gratitude as I did here – 85 Things I am Grateful For. These are often very simple daily details but they make me smile. Scooter Kid for instance and Mindy the dog. Draw, Create, Make Something Beautiful Art has many therapeutic benefits. One of my kids is very much tiny making art as a therapy tool, so you can also help elevate someone else with this. Draw something and post it in your window to brighten the neighbourhood or paint a picture and deliver it by mail to a relative you haven’t seen recently. Pay a Compliment Show gratitude and share some joy by simply eating a kindness forward and paying someone a compliment. My youngest daughter is excellent at this. They tell random strangers how much they love their nails or hair or simply say have a great day. It all helps and the positive smile is rewarding. Make a Gratitude Jar Craft This gratitude jar craft is a great craft for families. Here’s how to make yours. Gratitude Jar for Kids You can do this gratitude jar craft a couple of different ways. Print these two sheets out and make it a fun little two dimensional drawing activity. Or, go get a mason jar and make it a fully hands on gratitude activity that resonates. I veer towards hands on here because that’s the kind of thing that’s always spoken to my kids. We’re a hands on kind of family. It’s how the kids learn. Finding Gratitude How do you find gratitude or how do you show gratitude? Sometimes I write down things I am grateful for. When things seem overwhelming I give that a lot of work. There are many days when it’s hard to find any reason to be grateful for anything especially during the pandemic, but doing these every week or even periodically can help to shift your mindset. That helps everyone in my family and I hope it helps yours too. Don’t Miss These Other Craft Ideas

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My Oxygen Mask and Life During a Pandemic

Paula — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:20:00 +0000

Huddle up real close. I have something to say regarding life this past year. But wait just a moment, my oxygen mask is askew. Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First You know on airplanes before takeoff when the flight attendants give you that safety demonstration? Oh, I know you are supposed to be listening, but honestly a lot of us have zero interest in the safety demo when we just want to get to where we are going. Right? Lately, I have been reflecting on that simple statement – please put your own oxygen mask on before securing others. Hunting for My Oxygen Mask Ever since the second lockdown I feel like my oxygen mask is slightly askew….or maybe out of reach. No wait, check that, it has gone missing entirely. Like nowhere to be found. That might be okay any other year and any other time. But parenting during the pandemic and living through the pandemic seems a bit like free fall. In January of 2020 we were all sort of inside a plane coasting, and then in March we were trying to stay in the air while it started to plummet. First we were shocked and then we started flapping our arms as if we could keep ourselves afloat. Let’s Face it Times are Turbulent Do not get me wrong. I’d rather be alive and well during a pandemic than sick with Covid-19. But this is also not a thing that I ever thought I would say, or see or live through. Pandemic or no, the commitments and demands in my home are substantial. In fact, they have escalated as they have for many of us. I know pandemic anxiety and mental health have taken a huge hit globally. We also have caregiver burnout here though and it has taken a massive toll this year. Mental Health Triage Parenting teens with mental illness and disability on board is a full time job on top of all the other time commitments we have every day. It is mental health triage at the best of times…..and these are not the best of times. Some days, it feels like there’s a dramatic drop in cabin pressure inside the plane and we are stretching for the nearest oxygen mask. We made it through the first lockdown and while it was brutal, it is done. There were numerous times when I wondered if either or both of the kids were depressed. So, we sought out virtual therapists and I pushed them out the door walking with me, drinking water and eating well. Second Lock Down We made it through to the summer when restrictions loosened up and they went back to their activities with face masks on and small numbers and social distancing and then that second lockdown hit. Wheels Fell off the Cart I feel like it was then that the wheels started to come off of the cart here at home. At least one of the kids here has regressed and grown more obviously anxious than ever before. That anxiety needs to be managed and treated and we are working on that. But, not fast enough. Currently, we are skating as fast as we can and yet, all the bumps and cracks in the ice mean it is anything but smooth. And, there have been other moments where I questioned what the hell is going on and where to find support. Bottom line is that when I can’t motivate myself, or focus or move forward and I am struggling then I can’t help them. If I don’t have my oxygen mask on then I can’t help you or my kids, friends or anyone else for that matter. Caregiver Burnout Meets Pandemic Burnout These days, Covid is taking a toll on all of us. Of course, I am tired, worn out. My husband is worn out and so is my oldest daughter. My youngest teen with FASD is yet again going through something else that’s new and I can’t get my oxygen mask on fast enough to help anyone right now. This past weekend I have been reading about self care a bit again. I’m squeezing that in between URGENT appointments to see a doctor in person so that I can clearly advise them we NEED a referral to someone to follow up both kids. A specialist retired in December and kind of left us high and dry. And a therapist is wrapping up with my youngest just as she is pretty much careening into a full blown mental health crisis again. (Such are the limitations of OHIP and public health care in Ontario.) Here’s What That Looks Like Cut to one teenager screaming on the weekend – “A friend of mine has had a consistent therapist for over two years!! WHY does everyone quit or retire or leave?” Small Signs of Spring on the Horizon Second lockdown is starting to ease up and some small signs of positive outcomes are peeking through. Phase two of the vaccination program in Ontario should start soon and that’s a welcome announcement. However, as health officials continue to state – it is important that we don’t move forward too fast. I’d settle for moving confidently forward even in small steps. Mostly I’d be happy right now if I could get a specialist plugged in for my kids. Self Care A professional I know once called out self care and what that looks like. Kale and tea and walking won’t cure burnout, she said. I liked that so much that I vowed to hand stitch it one a pillow. You know what helps burnout? Support and proper care for mental health and physical health. It’s so much more than kale and tea. No, Self Care is Not Selfish.. but it is first to go. Harvard Health Blog says self compassion is crucial to self care. Other notable parts in the recipe are – movement, good nutrition, breath awareness, mind body practice such as yoga (which I am maintaining) and staying connected. It’s that staying connected part that I need to work on again soon, just as soon as I can find my oxygen mask and get my footing again. In fact, self care is not selfish, but it is not even a thought on the horizon when you are gasping for air. So, how are you doing?

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Easy Fun Five Senses Sensory Scavenger Hunt + Printable

Paula — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 09:23:00 +0000

A sensory scavenger hunt is perfect for so many kids. Whether they are sensory seekers or avoiders, there’s a little something for any child here. Some of you by now are aware that my kids have a fair number of sensory issues. So sensory stuff here is second nature. And I am sure that you know that we love scavenger hunts. My oldest would literally still do this actually. She is the crafty kind of kid who lives to get outside exploring and then brings what she has found indoors to build something crafty or creative with it. I am always up for a walk, so that works for me. Anyways, here’s a sweet Five Senses Sensory Scavenger Hunt. So here’s the thing. We are fully aware that there are more than five senses. But this is for simplicity sake. Your kids, if younger, don’t really want to hear all about proprioceptive senses, do they? There are More Than Five Senses Another day we can get into that ball of wax. For now, this is intended to be a simple activity with free printable for your kids. If you homeschool, or have a daycare even, then feel free to print this out and use it as a tool to keep kids occupied and creating something fun together. How Do I Print This? Here you go. This is super simple. Click on the link below and check it out. This scavenger hunt will download easily and without a fuss. If You Like This Sensory Scavenger Hunt, There’s More…

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Valentines Date Night Conversation Cards

Paula — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 11:18:00 +0000

Well, here we are again. Today, I refuse to say anything about how things sure are different this year. I am getting tired of hearing that worn old story. Aren’t you? Instead, I am letting these Valentine’s Day Date night conversation cards speak for themselves. Set up a virtual date, or perhaps an in person date night this year. Plan out a lovely meal and maybe get the kids involved, if you have them. After they go to bed, get these cute date night conversation starters out and do something romantic and just a bit different. Looking for Ideas? Here are a few ways to make the most of Valentine’s Day. Bring flowers or send them and create a nice dinner plan. Then use these Valentine’s Date Night Conversation Cards to warm up for a fun and sweet romantic night. How to Get This Free Printable – > From the Heart Anything you choose to do will be appreciated as long as it comes from the heart. And frankly, it’s important to celebrate your partner and the relationship you have periodically. I know that right now it’s hard to find the time. But Valentine’s Day is still a good time to celebrate each other. Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you each have a beautiful Valentine’s Day. Maybe get some takeout this year and support a local business at the same time. Looking for some ideas that are not candy or chocolate? Here are a few thoughts on other Valentine’s gifts. This year, I also have an easy and thrifty gift for you to give someone special. As always this is family friendly, but also could be adults only if you wanted the booklet to be. Use my Valentine’s coupon book to share a sweet little coupon with someone you love.

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Fun Things to Do for Valentine’s Day with Kids + Valentine’s Cards Printable

Paula — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:47:00 +0000

This Valentine’s Day has potential to be a downer. Pandemic holidays are a bit of a challenge that way. But, it could also just as easily be memorable depending on how you spin it with the kids this season. And depending on your own outlook. So, here are a few fun things to do this Valentine’s Day with kids. Oh and stick to the very end of the post for some sweet free Valentine’s cards that you can download easily now. Six Fun Ways to Enjoy Valentine’s Day with Kids this Year Baking or Cooking Together Make some scrumptious and simple cupcakes or chocolates for Valentine’s Day and the kids will enjoy them as much as you do. Or you could all work together on a special Valentine’s Day meal, because it’s not possible to go out to a restaurant during a pandemic. Consider making these Red Velvet cupcakes. Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt There are so many fun scavenger hunts here right now. Why not print out the Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt and schedule it in for the afternoon. That makes for a fun activity to do on Valentine’s Day with kids. Tobogganning I know we are all under stay at home orders, but many of you probably have a nearby school yard or park nearby. We have one in our neighbourhood. It isn’t very steep but it works when the snow falls. It is a great way to spend an hour or so with kids. In a typical year, we would be taking this weekend to go and ski at Blue Mountain in Collingwood probably. So, in the ongoing commitment to keep kids active and fit this also works. Wear a mask and go at an hour when it’s less busy. Avoid crowds, of course. Make and Share Valentine’s Cards Valentine’s Day used to be one of my favourite holidays at school. I loved everything about it, from making the adorable little Kleenex box card holders to gathering and reading them all. MY GOSH, I just realized that was like an early form of social media. LOL. Adding up all of the Valentines is a primitive version of gathering likes on Facebook, views on TikTok or Instagram. These sweet Valentine’s Day cards are charming and honestly why not just print them out and let the kids drop these off in neighbourhood mailboxes. Or they might put some in the mail for their friends, cousins, anyone in their circle. I think it’s a sweet way to maintain contact and send a bit of cheer right now. Make Valentine’s Crafts I have gathered a few cute crafts here over the years. There’s always this adorable Valentine’s Colouring Page Printable. You might enjoy that, plus it is simple to do. Or make your own Valentine’s Day coupon booklet. Here’s how ours turned out. You are welcome to share that and print it out too. Read Books About Love Depending on the ages of your kids, you might gather up some cute books about love. Check your library and order some now to get them via curbside pickup. Or, order a few from Amazon. Here are some of my favourites: Love You Forever – Robert Munsch The I Love You Book by – Todd Parr The Peace Book by Todd Parr – we have always been big fans of his writing because he is one of the authors who always took diversity into account. His books feature LGBTQ+ families, and adoptive families and single parents. I love that. In fact, I highly recommend any of his books. Cute Board Book – I Love You to The Moon and Back How to Get this Valentine’s Day with Kids Content and Free Cards Just click on the link below and the Valentine’s cards will download easily. Get Your Valentines Here: Pirate Valentine’s Printables Star Wars Valentine’s Unicorn Valentine’s Cards to Share Looking for more Valentine’s Day content? Check out my Valentine’s Day word search. It is pretty popular this time of year. Please remember to follow the health regulations in your area. Safety first. Finally Don’t Go Bacon My Heart. LOL. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Adorable Magician Writing Prompt for Kids

Paula — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:58:00 +0000

Here’s to your little writers and content creators. Let’s celebrate and nurture the creative souls with this Magician Writing Prompt Printable Activity. Easy Indoor Activities for Creative Kids First, if your kids are hunting for activities that are quiet and indoors this winter, then here’s a thought. Why not offer up some writing prompts to get them creating content? Writing is a great way to express imagination while exploring literacy through spelling and grammar. And second of all, this Magician Writing Prompt is simple and fun. Who doesn’t adore magic and magicians? Writers Will Write One millliiiiooooooonnn years ago, in grade school, I discovered a love of writing. Obviously, I still write and am happy to call that my career and vocation, but I first realized a love of the written word as a child. I didn’t need a writing prompt to be inspired and really all I needed was a pencil and a blank page. But, I know that my teachers offered all sorts of worksheets to my class. This Magician Writing Prompt Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via qualifying purchases. I was that kid who asked the teacher for homework, or worksheets to take home on the weekend and over the holidays. Frankly, I lived in my head and that trickled out onto paper all the years of my life. Oh sure, not every child is like that, but some kids are searching for creative outlets and ways to express themselves. By contrast, others will need a nudge in the right direction. My youngest daughter often enjoys writing stories. She has written some posts here like this Harry Potter is the Best Movie Series for a pandemic post and this Travel with Teens post. Frankly, it gives me joy to see that at least one of my kids likes writing in her spare time. She has found a voice through repetitive practice and by scribbling in journals for years on end now. For me, I think my love for writing started in grade 2 and has only grown over the years. Reading all of the amazing books I could at that age and stage made me want to try writing. In grade two I actually wrote a small book with a classmate named Matt and I dubbed myself an author. The other child was sort of mortified as I recall. Some of my Favourite Childhood Books Nostalgia alert: my favourite books in grade 2/3 were The Anne of Green Gables Series and also the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on the Prairie series. However, I didn’t mind getting special single volumes either, such as: any Jean Little book or later on the Are You There God, Judy Blume books. For holidays like birthdays and Christmas, I was overjoyed if I got a diary, journal, fancy writing pen, or a boxed set of books. Nancy Drew came in handy around grade 3/4. How to Get This Magician Writing Prompt Activity So, how do you access this printable worksheet? First, access via the link below and print it out for your kids. This could be a great way for them to explore creativity for an hour or two. Please let me know if they are really into writing and I will share more of these types of posts and writing prompts. What are you writing about right now? Do you journal? Do you write?

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