Like everyone else, we are always looking for cool activities to do…while still trying to social distance. This has definitely not been an easy adjustment for anyone in our family but we are adapting and learning new things everyday! I’m hoping that everyone else is doing well and praying for all of us daily. While watching the news one day I stumbled upon a segment with a beautiful, talented young lady in our local area that is a growing mini chef! Her name escapes me at the moment but she was demonstrating how to make a simple parfait for kids, that is fun and engaging.

So below me and the mini have concocted a simple parfait treat for you all to enjoy this summer with what’s around in your house! You might want to buy other things to make this fun for your kids as well!

Quick Easy Summer Parfait

Ingredients

-1/2 cup yogurt of your choice (Dairy or Non Dairy)

-Whipped cream (1 spray can or 1 tub)

-Fruit of choice cut or diced (Strawberries, blueberries, or grapes)

- 3-4 Oreos crushed with fork

-Extras …sprinkles, gummy bears etc. for toppings

Directions

1. Measure out half of cup of yogurt of your choice in separate dish. Use a teaspoon or tablespoon to spread a little out to fill bottom of cup.

2. Take fruit of choice and drop in about a tablespoon of diced fruit over yogurt, then add in extra toppings! The extra toppings should be the crushed Oreos or sprinkles.

3. Repeat steps in order the same from number 1-2 until you almost reach the top of your cup.

4. At the end add whip cream and a sprinkle of only the extra topping or fruit to top whip cream off.

5. That’s it your finished!

During this unprecedented time we are in with our kids, keeping them creative is key! I know that’s how I feel, with my five year old. I’m trying to keep him engaged everyday, with different fun things he can do that’s fun and learning based. I decided to use this blog post to pass on to everyone what I’ve been doing with him and hope it helps others. Of course some of this stuff I’ve kept on hand and other things have been purchased on Amazon since I know the mail hasn’t stopped. I will update this post as I go along and find new things, please feel free and keep referring for new projects!

• Slime or Kinetic Sand

1. Yes! I’ve said it…even though parents are over kids making slime or playing in sand, but it holds their attention and that’s facts! I know you all will hate me for saying it because yes it is messy at times but it’s an easy activity, to make or buy! It’s nothing like slime or fun sand to peak kids creative minds! Aides in developing and continuing fine motor skills! See pics below I decided to use sand this time with my mini. I purchased from mine from A. C. Moore when they were going out of business. Below I will list other links on Amazon to order from below and give information on how to make it with things in your house!

The sand is great for less mess and lasts longer with care! My guy sat with this for a hour or so playing and making things! If you can’t order them! Molds can be a great way for them to create, use cookie cutters, molded pans metal or silicone that can be washed after.

Above are two great priced options featured right now on Amazon Prime that you all can pick up!

Slime

Elmer's Glue Deluxe Slime Starter Kit, Clear School Glue & Glitter Glue Pens, 3 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KSQ4DH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q.KDEbJ0VC96Y

Sand

SLIMYSAND by Horizon Group USA, 1.5 Lbs of Stretchable, Expandable, Moldable, Non Stick, Slimy Play Sand in A Reusable Bucket, Purple- A Kinetic Sensory Activity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XZWLG2N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_b.KDEb4NMM91S

Recipes for Slime

With Glue

Let's make some slime
Step 1: Add glue. Add about 1 cup (8 ounces) of glue to your mixing bowl. …
Step 2: Add baking soda. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of baking soda and blend it with the glue. …
Step 3: Add color. …
Step 4: Add contact lens solution. …
Step 5: Mix. …
Step 6: Watch the transformation. …
Step 7: Presto, slime!

Without Glue

1: Basic fluffy slime recipe
2: Put 1/2 cup shampoo and 1/4 cup of cornstarch in a bowl.
3: Mix well.
4: Add 3 drops of food coloring (optional).
5: Add 1 tablespoon of water and stir. Slowly add 5 more tablespoons of water, stirring well after each one.
6: Knead the slime for around 5 minutes.

More coming soon below! Check back daily for updates!

Amazing Stencil Kit for Home & Travel by Mimtom

Soooo happy Friday all or what’s left of it! Today after our normal homeschool routine as of late, I decided to teach art class too! Above is a picture of the actual set and my guy using it! I finally got around to opening the amazing art stenciling kit that my uncle bought for my son last Christmas! Side note: I know this is terrible but this kid gets so many toys and his moms an artist so I hadn’t payed attention to this gift yet! Once opening this amazing art stenciling kit for ages 3 and up I realized I should have opened it way earlier. I love that this kit comes with everything your child needs for stenciling, even if you had no other tools in your house! The kit includes stencils, sketch pad, color pencils, sharpener, mechanical pencil and carrying case. There are 240 plus different shapes to trace, so know doubt this kept my kiddo busy for awhile.

Right now this kit is on sale on Amazon with Prime shipping @ $26.90 with 10% off coupon! Run and go get it!

Mimtom Drawing Stencil Set

Mimtom Drawing Stencils Set for Kids and Boys | 51 Arts and Crafts Stencil Kits with over 240 Creative Shapes to Unleash Your Child's World of Imagination | Kid-Safe Fun Activity Toy for Ages 3 and Up https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WNYRWZ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dARFEbB1E305Z

Helpful Learning Sites for Kids!

Getaway:

noun- 1. an escape or quick departure, especially after committing a crime.
"the thugs made their getaway"

INFORMAL- 2. A vacation.
"a perfect family getaway"

“Jobs fill your pocket, Adventures fill your soul”
― Jaime Lyn Beatty

The quote above speaks volumes! I have been looking into the “Getaway” glamping houses since the beginning of last year after reading about them. I even decided to add it in as a bucket list item! I was excited to go based on reading that they support artists and to get time to do my artwork in the quiet of the Shenandoah forest. Unfortunately, I wanted to take someone with me but no one was interested at the time! So I was left putting it off until I found a camp mate.

So far in my lifetime I have never really officially been “Camping” or really “Glamping”away from indoor setups and creations! I know crazy right? With me being a Girl Scout as I’m sure most of you all have been a girl going camping is expected, but during that time in my life I was never able to go camping due to my asthma. When I was younger my asthma was terrible! I could not take part in most outdoor activities, leading my parents to become very creative in other areas to give me the same experience. Long story short I did earn that camping badge, by having a campsite my mom and I creatively setup in our home, which sufficed for my camp troop leader. Hence why I took a risk and made this trip. Now my asthma is in a much better controllable space for me to do outside activities.

Being invited on an experience like this was one I could not pass up, even with my apprehension. I was blessed to be invited by two of my gal pals to culminate their birthdays for this year. With one having one at the end of February and the other in March what a great way to celebrate by doing something out of the norm. Plus,I think we all need getaways every once in awhile. This helps us clear our heads, renew and reset the order in our lives. They chose to stay in the house for a one day overnight stay and believe me, that one day seemed like a whole weekend of fun!

Everything about the getaway house experience is kept very secretive so you can really be able to enjoy yourself. They are located all over the USA in or near parks and middle of nowhere locations. They do this purposely, so you can be unplugged to escape officially! There are two ways to book your reservations! First, by going online to there website and choosing your time to stay, outpost and cabin type. They sleep up to 4 adults and possibly 3 kids. Dogs are allowed for an extra $40 dollars per booking, if you are interested. They send you a email or text to confirm your booking then send you the actual location of the outpost a few days before you leave with your custom access code. To leave you in more mystery, you don’t know if it’s just one camper out there or others, unless you read a blog like mine or email them. Here’s a secret you are not alone it’s an outpost with several other campers to put your wonderment at ease! You can either choose a one bed or two bunk bed style camper. You either pay or there is a sponsorship for local artist or creatives where during the slow season. Where if you are one if these two can stay a day for free on them. You must produce work and write about your experience in exchange. If you are paying they are very affordable and come with just about everything you need, even a small food supply if you choose to pay extra!

We chose the larger camper with two beds, which for us worked out great for three or more people. They all come with indoor bathrooms, running water, tables, flatware/plates/cups, soap for dishes, sink, and storage options. They even give you a s’mores kit and have outlets people for you to charge your electronics. For true unpluggers they do have a lockbox to lock up your phone if you want no interruptions during your stay! Playing cards are around and books for reading that are in theme! Although small they are designed to fit everything you bring if you organize just right. I would compare these campers to a modern “tiny house” tree house minimalist interior design. The inside is covered in a beautiful all wood ensemble covering the walls and floor. The most important feature is all of them have a huge front viewing glass window. You can sit in the bed and see everything from here during the day and night. If you get a one bed you get more room to see out of the window (heads up). The bunk bed style takes away from the window a little more, but you still have great views. You are able to close both windows if you want for privacy they do come with shades. Outside they give you a camp fire site with three chairs by your camper and firewood to use.

I loved that they do put them close civilization in case you do have an emergency or late night snack attack! Our outpost was about fifteen minutes away from Walmart and restaurants. To top it off the DC Shenandoah location is close by to a winery “Early Mountain” vineyards that has amazing wines and food! So we were able to get the best of both worlds, camping and wineries! My advice is to pack light and bring only essentials! Honestly they have most things so you don’t need to pack like you are going on an eight day cruise. At the bottom I will list my packing essentials to give you some ideas. Also a big thing for most is the bugs, yes we did see and kill a few but it wasn’t crazy! Do bring antibacterial spray that will be your best friend for cleaning and wipes!

Speaking of essentials …you know I had to be extra since I am the queen of essentials “Adaptive Essentials” that is, and make my ladies camp kits! This gave them some extra stuff they did not have to bring and still make things a little fancy. This is a great DIY activity to do for any themed trip or party if your interested as well. We had so much fun eating, talking and binge watching an interesting show on Amazon prime. The time flew back after we came back from our winery trip! We opted to leave our big window open so we could see the sun set and rise and the views were unexplainable!

Our last day consisted of us getting up and cleaning our stuff out, then eating at an amazing brunch place they have down the street near the Walmart called, “Jack’s Shop Kitchen.” The food was amazing and is mostly farm to table, so your taste buds will go off in the most amazing ways! In closing even though we only stayed for one night. Getaway DC gives you so many things to do you won’t realize how quick of an adventure you really had by the end. No doubt I will definitely be back soon!

Adaptive Essentials “Glamping” Needs

• Weekender duffle bag
• Lysol wipes & spray
• Sleeping Bag
• Toiletries Kit
• Bug Spray if summertime
• Beanie Hat or Bandana
• Washcloth (if you prefer your own, they have washcloths & towels on site)
• Towel
• Sheets if you want to bring your own even though again it comes with sheets and blanket!
• Combat boots or Hiking
• 1 pair of pajamas
• Undergarments
• 1 Light all weather jacket
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of leggings
• Business casual or whatever you want if you visit the winery
• Food for your stay, I suggest Walmart shopping! (They have a cooktop for very small heat up and refrigerator) No microwave items people!
• Adaptive Essentials Camp Kit (Includes: Designer Water bottle, washcloth, tissue, hot hands, flashlight, candy, toothbrush & paste)

Restaurants

Jack’s Shop Kitchen (Brunch)

Early Mountain Winery (Winery)

Getaway House