The post 5 Random Acts of Kindness: Plus Free Printable appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
This year’s Random Acts of Kindness Day falls on February 17, 2016.
Doing acts of kindness make us feel good about ourselves. The person on the receiving end of our kindness gets extra love that day. There is just something that makes our hearts lighter knowing we put a smile on someones face – even just for a moment.
My family has this great list of things we do in honor of Random Acts of Kindness day.
Random Acts Of Kindness Ideas
Heart Attack Daddy’s Car
Cut out as many hearts as you can out of construction paper and tape them to the inside and outside of the car. Set aside a few of them and write reasons why you love that person. When my husband was deployed, the kids and I sent him a “heart attack” care package. We stuffed that box full of hearts! So fun!
Reasons Why I Love You
My husband and I will cut out 7 hearts from construction paper – 7 per child. For one week we tape one heart to each of our kids bedroom doors. On the hearts we write the reasons why we love that child. Examples: You are creative, You are funny, You are smart, You love to read, You give the best hugs, etc.
Take What You Need Poster
Are there stores in your community that still have public boards up so people may pin things that they have for sale or their missing dog posters? We made a “take what you need” poster and pinned it up at a local grocery store here in town.
Bring A Meal
Life can be hard. If you know someone who is sick, mourning the loss of a loved one, just had a new baby, a shut in or someone who is struggling in a hard season of life and could use a pick me up – bring them a meal or special desert.
Donate
Once a year we will collect items to be donated to the local shelter. This past November we were able to donate a box full of winter hats, gloves and socks.
Click on the image below for your “take what you need” free printable. —–>
What do you and your family do in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day? I’d love to hear about your ideas.
The post 5 Random Acts of Kindness: Plus Free Printable appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Sticky Christmas Trees :: An Easy Preschool Holiday Craft appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
I’m not the kind of mom who does elaborate crafts with her kids. Projects that require preparation a day or two in advance are rare for me.
(This has more to do with my personality type than the worth of elaborate crafts!)
That’s not to say that I don’t love doing creative projects with my kids, though. We sew together, paint together, and just generally create together. But our art times are more spur-of-the-moment ideas.
So, I love a good project that uses supplies I have on hand and very little work to get started.
This craft is just that kind of project!
My kids made these “sticky Christmas trees” two years ago, and to look back at these pictures now is crazy! No more baby faces for either of my boys.
Reminiscing aside, this is a great craft for preschoolers, and maybe even toddlers with ambitious mothers. It requires very little craft skills from the child. Simply decorate the tree with various colored materials and it’s done!
How to Make “Sticky Christmas Trees”:
Cut a piece of contact paper in the shape of a Christmas tree and glue it to a piece of construction paper. We used white paper, but I think they would look even better on a colored sheet.
Set out various craft supplies that your child can place on his Christmas tree. Colorful buttons, pom-poms, strips of yarn, sequins and so on work well. Glitter for the brave, or devil-may-care type. Also, an egg carton works really well for making everything accessible and contained.
Give your kid(s) time to create and have fun and see what they come up with. Remember, process not product!
Don’t forget to display your child’s beautiful art! If you make these with your kids, I’d love to see them! Tag me (@lisaburns3) on Instagram or show me on Facebook!
Christmas is a week away and I really hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
What kinds of crafts do you make with your kids this time of year?
The post Sticky Christmas Trees :: An Easy Preschool Holiday Craft appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Our Must Have Homeschool Supplies appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Last year was our very first year homeschooling our oldest daughter, Abigail. While, both my husband and I were homeschooled growing up, going from homeschool student to homeschool parent and teacher can be kind of overwhelming!
We tested the waters of homeschool pre-k and absolutely loved it. So, this September, we officially started homeschool Kindergarten! Or, Spena School, as we call it. We have been at it for almost two months now, so I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite things to use in our school days(aside from lots of coffee for Mom, a bumbo seat for the baby to chill out in, and lots of outside time to burn extra energy for Abigail)
Our Must Have Homeschool Supplies:
1. Tons of Crafts
.
If there is one thing that makes my daughter happiest, it is the ability to create something with a giant pack of markers and an even more giant stack of paper. Construction paper, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, paints, and tape are all kept close at hand and always readily available to help stretch her big, BIG imagination.
2. Books, Books, and more Books
We finally got our act together and joined our local library! It has been absolutely wonderful for our school year. We go every Thursday for story time, return our books, and check out a whole slew of new books that sound interesting, fun, and coordinate with our curriculum’s theme for the week. (Things like, Nest, Apple, Leaves, Moon, Sun, etc.)
3. Youtube
It is amazing to me all of the knowledge that we have right at our fingertips! As soon as Abigail asks a question, if we can’t find it in our books at hand, all it takes is a quick search to figure out the answer. We listen to all sorts of classical music and learn about the composers, watch videos about animals, and learn new life lessons from video shorts that appeal to both me and her! We love taking a brief break from sitting down to dance around the kitchen to music(our favorite- Eine Kleine) and youtube makes it incredibly easy for us to do that.
4. The Jesus Storybook Bible
My personal favorite book to read through with the girls is the Jesus Storybook Bible. It is written in words that the girls can understand, but it speaks to all of our hearts in incredibly profound ways. At the end of the day, it’s all about Jesus and every single story- as the book says- whispers His name. I love being able to incorporate that into our school days. One of the biggest, best, and most wonderful blessings about doing school at home!
We absolutely love homeschooling and have been so blessed by the gift it has been to our family.
What are some of your absolute must have homeschooling supplies?
The post Our Must Have Homeschool Supplies appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Five Fun Fall Activities For Children appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Written by Courtney @ A + Life, Contributing Writer
It is hard to believe that we are already one month into the fall season and that before long (if not already!) we will be bombarded with all things Christmas related. But, today, I wanted to share about some of our very favorite fall things to do with our daughter, Abigail.
This time of year is perfect for being outside all day long! The crisp autumn air, the bright sun, the sights and sounds of fall, all make for a wonderful outdoor experience. There are SO many fun things that you can do, but here are just a few of our favorites! So, without further ado, I give you:
Five Fun Fall Activities For Children
1. Visit A Pumpkin Patch
The one thing we always make sure to do in the fall is to visit our local pumpkin patch! It may be small and quaint, but we love walking around and selecting our pumpkins and mums, taking a small hay ride, capturing a few special moments on our camera, and letting the farmers teach our little girl all about pumpkins.
2. Watch An Outdoor Movie
This has been a new addition to our family fun, but recently my husband, Jim, acquired a small projector to play movies on. We set up a comfy place to sit in the backyard, hang up a big white sheet, and enjoy making our very own drive in of sorts in the back of our house! Projectors are pretty easy to rent and borrow, so I highly suggest getting your hands on one and giving a backyard movie night a try this fall!
3. Backyard Camping
If you’re already in your backyard for a family movie night, why not also set up a tent and have a camp out as well? I’m not much(read: NOT AT ALL) for camping, but if the weather is right and my own personal bathrooms are close, you can get me out there 
4. Play In The Leaves
We aren’t fortunate(or are we? enough to have large trees in our yard capable of being piled up and raked, but Grandma’s house sure does! There isn’t anything more quintessential childhood than running and jumping and burying yourself in a massive pile of leaves.
5. Roast S’mores
And of course, what is fall without a roaring bonfire, toasted marshmallows, and s’mores to enjoy? Getting sticky, sweet, and messy together make some of the most fun memories!
This is my list, but I would love to hear yours! So tell me,
What are some of your favorite fall activities to do with your kids?
The post Five Fun Fall Activities For Children appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Whipped Naked Magnesium Butter appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Written by Kari @ Living Strong Wellness, Contributing Writer
It seems these days that good, restful sleep is hard to come by. Not only with adults, but children as well. As this is not an exciting fact, it is a reality and I believe we have a wonderful variety of natural options to help us.
For instance, there are herbal teas, essential oils, supplements and something I want to share with you today â magnesium butter.
Ahhh, this stuff is amazing. Why do I love it so much? Because it provides our body something that is lacking so severely in today’s generation â magnesium.
There are many benefits of healthy magnesium levels. To mention just a few:
- Magnesium helps muscle and nerve function. Serving as calcium’s vital partner, magnesium will allow calcium to do it’s job to build muscle growth.
- Magnesium plays an important role in gut health. Without good levels of magnesium aid in the absorption of copper, potassium, vitamin D and zinc. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which will lessen the risk for diabetes.
- Magnesium can help lower blood pressure or keep blood pressure low by allowing your muscles to relax, contract and push blood through the arteries and veins without force.
- Magnesium helps melatonin (the sleep regulating hormone) stay balanced, which allows for more peaceful sleep.
- Magnesium can help balance stress hormones, eliminating stress and tension and allowing for a more relaxed state of being (which in return will help with rest as well).
The list goes on and on, but those five points alone should get people’s attention when it comes to supplementing with safe sources of magnesium. Data from 2012 stated that 48% of the American population, 79% over the age of 55, were deficient in magnesium. This isn’t good, especially when it is such a vital mineral and nutrient for our bodies.
Along with taking a liquid mineral supplement, we use magnesium butter every evening before we go to bed. We just spread a thin layer either behind our knees or on our inner arm (where the skin in thin) and that’s it! I have made this for several family members and friends and they all love it and can tell a huge difference in their quality of sleep (especially the adults…go figure)!
The recipe is simple and last a long time on the shelf! We always use it, so we go through a 4 ounce container in about 3-4 months (three of us use it). Since the recipe doesn’t contain water, it would probably last a good 6-8 months if kept clean (wash hands before using the butter) and can always be extended to 12-18 months or longer if refrigerated!
You can make this recipe ‘naked’, meaning adding no essential oils, or you can add your favorite calming and sleep inducing oils such as lavender, cedarwood, vetiver, ylang ylang or sandalwood! If you are using therapeutic grade essential oils, only use a total of 40 drops of oils combined for this amount, which is one cup.
The end result with the color will vary depending on the type of shea butter you use. We use a raw shea butter that has a deep, deep yellow tone and rich scent and amazing benefits that trump refined and bleached shea butters.
Whipped Naked Magnesium Butter
What You’ll Need:
- 3/8 cups virgin coconut oil
- 3/8 cups raw shea butter
- Âź cup magnesium oil (how to make it yourself)
- Âź cup almond or jojoba oil
What You’ll Do:
- Melt the virgin coconut oil and raw shea butter over low heat just until it’s all liquid.
- Add the almond or jojoba oil, pour into a medium glass bowl and allow to cool to room temp. You can leave on the counter for an hour or so or you can stick it in the fridge to speed up the process. I like the fridge :o)
- Using a hand mixer or immersion blender, take your room temp oil mix, turn on the blender and slowly add the room temp magnesium oil.
- Mix or blend this until it is creamy. You can’t have any separation, which means, no water droplets anywhere. This can take a few minutes if the oils are room temp. If they are too warm, it will take longer.
- Place the bowl in the fridge for around 30 minutes. You want to see it starting to harden and solidify.
- Once it’s solidifying, remove the bowl and using the mixer or blender with a whisk attachment, whip the mixture until light and fluffy! If you are adding essential oils, do it during this step.
- Store in a glass jar or container and place in a cool, dark place.
I hope you enjoy the wonderful benefits of this magnesium butter that is safe for you and your entire family!
What is your favorite natural solution for calming and peaceful sleep?
The post Whipped Naked Magnesium Butter appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post 5 Reasons Electronic Devices are Hurting our Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Some studies suggest that kids are spending over 6 hours a day using electronic devices, which includes TV, computers, mobile devices, video game consoles and music systems. Whoa… that is CRAZY!!
Extensive research has been conducted to establish the effects of these devices on kids. The findings of these studies show that there are both positive and negative effects. However, there are more negative effects since regular and overexposure to these devices can negatively affect the minds of children and hamper their development.
What do we do??? In our house, the rule is 30 minutes per day to use electronics, whether TV or iPad and 1 hour on the weekends or in the summer.
Here are some of the negative effects of kids using electronic devices:
Negative impact on health
Using electronic devices can have a negative impact on the physical health of kids. Sitting for many hours before TV, video game consoles or computers can lead to obesity, sleep disturbances, dry eyes, headaches, muscular diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, postural disorders and skeletal conditions in children. Other negative health effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure and agitation.
Another major concern in spinal damage from looking down too much. This is a biggie for us since my husband is a chiropractor.
Bad social development
Many research studies have shown a correlation between aggressive behavior and watching movies or playing video games with violence in them. Indulging in movies or games with a lot of shooting and killing can increase anger in kids, leading to depression, aggressive behavior and antisocial tendencies. Another disadvantage is that it limits the social life of the child when he/she is hooked to a computer or video console, affecting the development of their social and communication skills.
Affects Focus
If a child spends many hours using electronic media, it affects his/her ability to concentrate on studies. No wonder so many kids have trouble in school!
Unlike (most) adults that have good organizational and time management skills, most children find it difficult to shift their focus and attention from these devices.
We can see this in our own children. If my husband or I are on our phones or iPads, our children are curious and want to see what we are doing. They even stop what they are doing to come find out.
The fact many children own mobile devices these days and can carry them to school even makes things worse. (No, our children do not have one and won’t for a long time!!!) This can be a big distraction, and research show that kids who frequently play games, watch movies or access their online accounts find it hard to concentrate on their studies, resulting in lower grades, skipping school or dropping out of school.
Bad influence
Kids often watch commercials that instill ideas into their minds about what they have to use rather what they actually need. I see it every time we watch tv together…. “Mom, I want that!” It also creates a superficial image to which kids look up to as the only goal to find satisfaction. This can lead to health problems such as bulimia or anorexia.
Exposure to sex at an early age
I hate to say it, but kids who use internet devices can intentionally or unintentionally come across porn sites. This could drive them into being sexually active at early ages, create issues for future spouses and so much more. There is such an issue with this in our culture that sadly our culture doesn’t even think it’s a problem.
It is not that children should be kept away from electronic media, because it exposes them to a lot of positive things too. My kids love listening to Pandora and playing different learning apps or just for fun ones, but what we need to do is teach our children the importance of organizational skills, time management and how to use these devices in a meaningful and safe way.
We teach our kids that they can use electronic devices or watch tv when all the other important duties, like chores and homework are done, some days they don’t get to do any at all and some days it’s a half hour or so. In the future, I think we’ll come up with some sort of reward system where they can earn time.
It’s inevitable, they are going to use electronic devices, we just need to teach them how.
What are your thoughts? Do you set limits? Have you seen negative effects from electronics in your child/ren?
The post 5 Reasons Electronic Devices are Hurting our Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Tropical Delight Smoothie appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Tropical Delight Smoothie
What you need:
1 banana, sliced (either fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup ice (this is optional and typically used when the fruit you are using isn’t frozen, if you are using frozen fruit, it usually is plenty cold and you won’t need the ice)
What to do:
What is your family’s favorite smoothie?
The post Tropical Delight Smoothie appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post 4 Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Written by Lydia @ Frugal, debt free life, *NEW* Contributing Writer
I feel like Summer is the ultimate time for frugal fun. There are so many activities and events you can participate in as a family.
And what is MORE frugal than your own backyard? I am big believer in free play. Free play is pretty much my best friend. However, I do want summer to be a time of learning and enrichment for my little ones, as well.
Today I thought I would share some ways you can make outdoor time learning time. The best part is you probably have all the stuff you need.
4 Outdoor Activities for Kids:
Go on a digital scavenger hunt
- Camera or camera phone
- Printer (optional)
There are a few ways you can do it. But I like to snap photos using my iPod of things through out the yard. A pinecone, a rock, a frog, some blueberries from the bushes in our backyard, a butterfly.
Then I give my boys the iPod and they hunt for the things in the yard. Or you can print out the photos out and put them in an album and do it that way.
Alphabet hopscotch
Grab up that sidewalk chalk and head to the driveway or front porch and write the ABCs. Then have your child hop the appropriate letter. Have them say their ABCs while they hope but stop at the assigned letter.
You can do the same thing with numbers or if your child is older, sight words.
Letter fishing
- Kiddie pool/Totes container
- Large Spoon
- Magnet letters
- Cookie sheet
Do you have a TON of magnet letter? We do. Throws those suckers into your kiddie pool or a Totes container.
Have your child fish out a letter and put it on the cookie sheet. Ask your child to find specific letters.
If your child is a little older you can use this to create certain words like ish words or at words.
For example you could put âatâ on the cookie sheet and have your child fish our C for cat or TH for that.
Color hunt
- Sidewalk chalk
Color a square on the driveway or front porch and ask your child to find items in your yard that match that color. Green leaves, purple flowers, etc.
These activities not only provide educational time, they also keep kids occupied on those long summer days.
What activities do you like to do outside that create a love for learning?
The post 4 Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Day Hiking with Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
One of our family’s favorite things to do together is to get out in the woods and explore. Sometimes we venture farther off into the mountains or state parks, other times we keep closer to our home and stick to nearby environmental centers and local parks.
It’s a free and fun, and a great source of exercise for all of us.
There are times when fatigue or forgetfulness make me prefer the comfort and ease of staying home, but inevitably, as soon as we are outdoors together, I quickly remember why the effort is worth it and how special these times are.
Being outside, exploring nature, testing their physical strength, learning from observation– getting your kids outdoors is one of the best things you can do for them this summer.
And doing it together is important too. Your children will pick up on your enthusiasm and sense of the worth of being in nature.
You don’t need to take a lot with you when you are going out for a simple day hike with your kids, but there are a few things you want to be sure not to leave behind.
Here is are 5 items that always make it into our bags when we head off onto a trail:
1. Water
Obviously a hiking necessity. A bottle for everyone makes it easier to keep track of how much everyone is drinking and can help motivate younger children to stay hydrated. Don’t skimp on water breaks– rather, make it a point to take them together and see that your kids are taking drinks too.
2. An energy boosting and filling snack
Hiking can be physically strenuous and at some point you are going to need to replenish your energy with a good snack. A good snack is especially helpful for children who don’t typically have the stamina of adults and who would benefit from taking a short rest to eat. Granola bars with protein, nut butter balls, apples, oranges, a bag of seeds and nuts, sliced cheese and so on give everyone the fuel they need to complete a hike.
3. Bug repellant and bite cream
We don’t actually use much bug repellant, but if your family is prone to insect bites, this is good to have on hand. A little lavender essential oil or Hyland’s Bug Bite Ointment is also good to tuck into your bag in case of itchy, irritating bites someone gets along the hike.
4. Two diapers and a small amount of wipes. (If a baby is attending the hike)
This is one instance where you don’t need to overpack “just in case”. Bring what you need for one or two changes while you are out. If something requiring more happened, it may be time to call it a day.
5. Small backpacks or bags for the kids
Children old enough to carry them should be encouraged to take along a small bag to hold their water and treasures that they find along the hike. Small rocks, neat leaves or feathers, a cool looking stick– these can all be great mementos to bring home to continue talking about your hike.
Help them to resist the temptation overpack their bag before starting out. Keep it light and they will be more likely to succeed in carrying it themselves.
A few more items that are sometimes good to have on hand:
1. Sunscreen
If you are hiking out in the sun or plan to stop and play in the water, apply sunscreen before you start and take along a small tube for reapplications as needed. Here’s a great DIY Sunscreen!
2. A map and compass
Most trails are well marked and maps aren’t often necessary.
3. Baby carriers
Depending on the ages of your children, a good baby carrier (or two!) might be a lifesaver. We love our backpack style carrier for young babies (perfect for naps on the trail) and our framed backpack carrier which is better for toddlers who can’t walk long distances on a trail but want to be a part of the experience.
What is your family’s favorite outdoor activity?
The post Day Hiking with Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>The post Protein Packed Nut Butter Bites appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>
Written by Contributing Writer, Kari at Living Strong, Health & Wellness
Snack time!
Personally, I’m not a big “snacker”. I can go meal to meal without needing any extra food to keep me going. Although, having a family, I need to have a plan on hand for our meals and snacks and then I need to make sure they are ready and available to eat!
My kids, on the other hand, seem to need a snack every 30 minutes. I can understand why since they are on the go, non-stop, active kids. This can present a problem when you are wanting to feed your family healthy foods that nourish the body. Unfortunately, the quick and convenient, grab and go processed options you find on the grocery store shelves don’t make the cut for me. It’s hard enough to make sure they have nourishing and healthy lunches everyday – then to add in snacks to mix, that means more creative ideas are needed!
I know it would be easier to go this route, but I’ve spent too many years building a strong foundation of health in my family, this is one area I don’t want to skimp on. This means I need to be creative in the kitchen when it comes to snacks.
I have a long list of snacks that we rely on, but one of our favorites are these Nut Butter Bites! The kids love helping with them as well – which I think makes them even more enjoyable. Kids love helping and being a part of creating the food they eat.
These amazingly healthy bites are a great snack for my active kids and only a couple are needed for them to feel satisfied. Packed with protein from the nut butter, a healthy source of energy from raw honey, good and healthy fat from the coconut and extremely low in sodium – you can ‘t go wrong with these delicious treats! They are more like a dessert than a snack. That’s always a plus!
To top off these already great nut butter bites, roll them in sucanat (unrefined cane sugar), shredded coconut, cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips (we like Enjoy Life! allergen-free brand). Hands down, these are healthier than any overly processed and refined ‘snack’ you can get off a shelf.
Sure, there’s a few minutes of time involved, but isn’t your family worth it? Of course they are!
Along with many other healthy snacks, appetizers, beverages, main dishes and desserts, this recipe can be found in my cookbook, Real Food. Real Kitchen. So Good! I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as we do!
- ½ cup organic natural peanut butter (no added ingredients, just peanuts) or nut butter of choice
- ½ cup organic raw honey
- ½ â 1 cup organic unsweetened coconut, finely shredded
- ⅓ cup organic mini dark chocolate chips, soy-free (we like Enjoy Life! brand, allergen-free)
- sucanat (unrefined sugar) for rolling the bites (other options: you can roll them in coconut, chocolate chips or cocoa powder)
- In a medium size bowl, mix the peanut butter and honey until combined thoroughly.
- Add the chocolate chips. You can add more or less according to your taste (I always add the larger amount).
- Add the coconut in ¼ cup amounts until the consistency reaches a thick, yet semi-sticky state.
- You donât want it so sticky that you canât roll it, but you donât want it so dry that it wont hold together. Find the happy medium.
- Once you are able to roll them and they still have some stickiness to them, roll into balls and then roll in the sucanat.
- Place on wax or parchment paper on a baking sheet or plate.
- Refrigerate for a while so they can harden up a bit, transfer to a glass jar and keep in the fridge.
 What is your favorite healthy snack?
The post Protein Packed Nut Butter Bites appeared first on Day2Day Joys.
]]>