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Super Summer Bucket List!

Get the most out of your Summer! With the kids’ out of school, they might have a little bit too much time on their hands. To avoid hearing the familiar whine, “I’m BORED!” pick one, some, or all of these activities to make sure they (you) get the most out of their (your) Summer! 

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Crazy Home Features (and their affordable alternatives)

Who else enjoys looking at expensive houses and their one-of-a-kind renovations? Well, I do. I don't know it it's masochism, voyeurism, or pure curiosity(ism), but I love seeing extremely luxurious home features that I wouldn't be able to spy on without the aid of the internet. There's a chance that I could get rich enough to build one of these awesome features into my gold encrusted mansion, but I'm a writer, so I won't hold my breath. Plus, why should I wait to love my home? The most expensive option isn't the only option for revamping your crib (did you know MTV Cribs came back last year?). With a pinch of creativity, your home can be just as fun. The following is what I came up with for alternatives (and their prices), but don't let me restrict you; the only limit is your imagination.

 

Most people love the theater. And I definitely see the appeal of having that same experience in the comfort of your home, but a home theater comes with a hefty price tag.

According to HomeAdvisor, a person can expect to pay an average of $17,500 to install a home theater system, but the actual cost range could range between $2,000 to $63,000. The price really depends on what kind of projector you get. 

In my opinion, I think going the thrifty route instead of installing an actual home theater is way more fun. What if you want to do an outdoor movie? Your makeshift theater can easily follow you outside! But an actual home theater doesn't allow for much flexibility in location.

Projector

+ $89.99 ($)

 

+ $199.99 ($$)

 

+ $499.99 ($$$)

 

Popcorn Maker

+ $39.99 ($)

 

+ $99.95 ($$)

 

+ $269.99 ($$$)

 

Mini Fridge

+ $199.99 ($)

 

+ $279.99 ($$)

 

+ $ 352.36 ($$$)

 

Beanbag

The bean bag is totally optional and the one I have listed is BIG. Big enough to fit a small family.

+ $300

 

I tried to find an estimate for this and came up empty, but I don't think it would be too expensive to assemble. The drawback is you'd need the right type of space that is usually only available in more expensive homes, like multiple floors with enough room so as not to feel overcrowded. If you don't have the space, replicating this cool feature doesn't seem possible, BUT replicating the effect is easy!

It's basically a hammock reading nook, right?

$104.98 to $519.98

If you don't have the space to accommodate a full hammock, a hanging swing is an easy fix! They have swings for kids and adults, and while the kids option is cute, I think a bigger swing makes more sense for longevity. 

Hammock/Swing

+ $31.99 ($)

 

+ $38.99 ($)

 

+ For Kids $102.99 ($$)

 

+ $128.88 ($$)

 

+ With Stand $269.99 ($$$)

 

 

 

Bookshelf

+ $72.99 ($)

 

+ $109.99 ($$)

 

+ $249.99 ($$$) 

 

Look, I'll admit it; there's some really cool built-in indoor slides on the internet. 

Look! Here's a secret slide! It reminds me of...secret tunnels... (Nacho Libre, anybody?).

Let's have a giggle-break so you can understand my movie reference. 

From my research, the price tag for a built-in slide is AT LEAST a couple thousands on top of hiring an architect. Or you can outsmart the system and set aside 4 years at your local university to become an architect yourself...

OR StairSlide!

+$74.50

Surprise! A blog on an eCommerce site is slightly promotional! Who would've known? 😅

But seriously, StairSlide is an awesome solution to not having the space or funds for a built-in indoor slide. It's the ingenious in-between sliding down in a laundry basket (which is bound to end in a head injury) and dropping thousands on a one-of-a-kind home fixture. 

Okay, I've filled my StairSlide nerd-out quota for the day. Next cool feature!

 

I'm not even sure what'd you call this--indoor koi pond. Okay, I guess I did know what to call it.

Doesn't this look cool in a wannabe Bond villain way?

Based on my research, a quality koi pond could set you back somewhere between $5,000 to $60,000+. And that doesn't even include the maintenance and upkeep needed to ensure happy, healthy fishies. 

$17.50 - $69.99

For a practical alternative, you can get a fish tank! It's more cute than Bond villain cool, but they're a great way to add a little "something" to your home.

+ $49.99 ($)

 

+ $69.99 ($$)

 

OR go the super easy route and pretend you have a koi pond

$17.50+

 

 

As I said before, these are the alternatives that I could think of, but don't let that stop you! Is there another cool home fixture that I didn't name? What's your thrifty solution? 

 

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How To Do April Fool’s Day Right

Does your family participate in April Fool’s Day, or does it usually end in hurt feelings? Sometimes the line between “Haha! You got me!” and “No! Why’d you do that?!” can be blurry. So I understand the hesitation, but follow this guide, and it’s possible to stay firmly on the “haha” side and love April Fool’s Day. 

1. All Eyes On You
   
   What makes anything instantly funny? If you guessed googly eyes, you are correct! If you said a whoopee cushion, you're close but no. The only necessity for this prank is googly eyes which are surprisingly cheap. Next, apply the googly eyes to anything you can think of; the only limit is your creativity! Maybe stick them on everything in your fridge? Put googly eyes on all your family portraits (I think that has the potential to be creepy, though)? Or personify all your houseplants?
   
   Laugh break: SNL sketch of Christopher Walken putting googly eyes on all his plants. 
   
   
   
   
2. Balloon Avalanche
   
   What better way to start the day than being rained on by balloons? Honestly, I'm drawing a blank. This surprise is easy to set up, and the effect is worth it. It's hard not to have a happy day if this how the world greets you.
   
   What You’ll Need:
   
   + Crepe paper
   + Balloons
   + Tape
   + Balloon pump (optional
   
   What Now?
   
   + Begin at the bottom of the door and tape the crepe paper across the frame.
   + Leave a slight slack in the crepe paper for the balloons to fit.
   + Fit the balloons between the door and the crepe paper.
   + Do this row by row and inch towards the top of the door. This way, you can make sure the balloons fit without wasting time and tape.
   
   Watch it in action! From the Youtube channel Fun with Mama
   
   
   
   
3. Bubble Wrap Under the Rug
   
   The title is probably self-explanatory. Hiding bubble wrap sheets under the rug might give the unsuspecting target a slight freak-out that they stepped on something valuable or make them do a quick panicky tiptoe dance off the carpet. Either way, it’ll be fun to watch.
   
   
4. Bug Infestation
   
   Get sneaky with some plastic bugs and slip them into little hiding places: a drawer, in the fridge, or maybe in their bed? Anywhere that will give someone a little scare. Just be careful if anyone in your house has a severe phobia of bugs; if someone does, maybe skip this one.
   
   (Extra points if you hang up some plastic spiders from fishing wire in the doorway)
   
   
   
5. Heart Attack
   
   This prank is slightly different from the other ones I have listed. You can do this as a family activity for the next-door neighbor or anyone you think might need a little pick-me-up.
   
   What You’ll Need:

 

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10 Ways to Reduce Screen Time

 According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the recommended amount of screen time is as follows: no screen time for children under two, one hour a day for children two to twelve, and two hours a day for teens and adults. I definitely exceed the recommended time for adults by a lot. I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but I’m staring at a screen right now. 

Actually, that’s very believable; I literally have to look at a screen to write this.

And you have to look at a screen to read this.

Okay, what I’m trying to say in a roundabout way is that screens have become integral to our daily lives. 

Even though it feels like a necessary evil as an adult, it can be incredibly harmful to developing minds. But don’t take my word for it. Pediatrician, parent, and researcher Dimitri Christakis explored what the stimulation from media does to a child: 

[it’s the] overstimulation hypothesis, which is that prolonged exposure to this rapid image change during this critical window of brain development would precondition the mind to expect high levels of input, and that would lead to inattention in later life…as a school-age child [reality is] boring; it’s too slow…Why do I have to walk from here to there? That’s the general idea that you’re conditioning the mind to that reality which doesn’t actually exist. (6:39-7:18, TEDxRainier - Dimitri Christakis - Media and Children)

He continued to share an uncomfortable result from putting the “overstimulation hypothesis” to the test. The more television a child watches before the age of 3, the more they’re at risk of having attention issues when they enter school. For each hour they watch a day before age 3, their chance of problems with attention later in life increases by 10%. If they watch an average of 2 hours a day, they’re 20% more likely to have attention problems (Christakis). I recommend watching his whole TedTalk. He explores more of his scientific research, which is incredibly eye-opening. You can tell it’s really scientific; he experimented with mice and everything. Nothing’s ever really scientific till there’s a mouse experiment. Everyone knows that.

 

 

So, we established why it’s so important to limit screen time for younger children. As they grow into middle school and high school, the issues don’t end but shift. Too much time in front of the screen can translate to too little sleep and unhealthy weight gain. When they’re streaming, playing video games, or on social media, what is the screen replacing? Are they missing out on learning from real-life experiences? Exercise? Connections with friends? 

It’s easy to point out the problem, but it’s a whole other thing to take the actual steps to address the issue. I’ve scoured the internet for different tips to reduce screen time in the household, and I want to share some of my favorites.

 

1. Put the screen in a shared environment.

   Leaving the screens out in the open won’t only make it easier to limit screen time, but it’ll make it easier to have some control over what kind of content your child chooses to watch.
    

2. Set goals, but be realistic

   Going cold turkey is hard for anyone, no matter the age. So, if the recommended hour is a far cry from your child’s present reality, do small attainable goals. Plus, there are particular environments where screens are your best friends, like long plane rides. Be consistent but bending every so often is not the end of the world.
   
   

3. Don’t eat and watch

   This tip is hard. When I think of watching something, I think of snacking. When I’m snacking, I think of watching something. It’s a vicious cycle. A very unhealthy vicious cycle of overeating.
   
   

4. Establish phone-free zones/times

   Be clear that there are certain times and places that are phone and tablet free. Choose a time when it’s essential to have a face-to-face connection, like at the kitchen table during dinner, on family game night, or an hour before bedtime. 
   
   

5. Limit your screen time

   I know. I felt personally attacked when I read that nugget of advice. It’s like the old saying, monkey see monkey do. If your kids see you spending most of your time on your phone or laptop, why would they do any different?
   
   

6. Make them part of the decision-making process.

   Okay. So, you limit your child’s time on screens. When are they allowed their screen time? Let them choose! Maybe it’s right after school? Or maybe as soon as they’re done with homework? When they choose the time, it’s like limiting screen time is a mutual decision and not some form of punishment.
   
   

7. When they do have screen time, choose the content wisely.

   The amount of screen time isn’t the only decider in whether or not a child is at risk of attention problems. What they watch is just as important. Citing Dr. Christakis again, he states that slower educational programs like Mr. Rogers or Bluey pose no risk of attention problems, entertainment programs with bright and quick scene changes increases the chances by 60%, and violent programs have even more rapid sequencing and 
   
   

8. List alternatives to screens

   Okay, they are no longer attached at the hip to their screens, but now what? Give them alternatives. If they have nothing to do but stare at screens, they’re going to stare at screens. Get art supplies, sports equipment, *cough* a StairSlide *cough*, basically anything that will support or help them explore other hobbies!
    

9. Limit handheld devices

   Handheld devices like iPhones and tablets are usually the most popular perpetrators of excess screen time. It’d be better to avoid handheld devices for your child altogether, but this is sometimes not realistic. When they get older, there are more extracurricular activities which come with more independence, but you might not be comfortable letting them into the world without a way to communicate. Maybe they need a phone if their activity got out early and they need a ride? Or do they want to tell you they found a ride home with a friend? Or even just for a general check-in. There are ways to stay connected while maintaining safe screen time limits.
   
   Get them an Apple Watch instead of an iPhone: they still have the freedom to text their friends, but more importantly, you have peace of mind that there’s a way to check in with them even when they’re away from home. Plus, no one can comfortably scroll through social media or watch Netflix on a 40 mm square, so the chance of spending too much time on it is slim to none.
   
   Look into kid-friendly phones: while these devices vary somewhat, they only include what your child needs and excludes what they don’t–like social media. The family lifestyle site, verywellfamily.com, made a great list of some of the most popular options.
   
   

10. Explain the ‘why?’ behind the rules

    Of course, your child will go to a friend's home, and the friend’s household rules will be different. You will probably hear, “But Timmy’s mom lets him do this and that,” and possibly endure a tantrum. Get ahead of the explosion, and explain why your home has specific rules. It’s easier to follow a rule when you understand the reason behind the rule. You might not be able to altogether avoid an outburst, but it’ll be downgraded to a whine or two.

 

If you do happen to incorporate some of these steps into your life, remember that limiting screen time is beneficial long-term. Like the wise words of Dr. Dimitri Christakis (yes, again), ”If you change the beginning of the story, you change the whole story.” There will be moments when you’re frustrated and tempted to hand your child an iPad for a nugget of peace, but that one extra hour planted in front of a screen could do unseen damage to their future (save the screens as a last resort). 

 

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St. Patrick's Day and Its Traditions

 

via GIPHY

 

Let’s begin with the man himself, St. Patrick! Did you know that St. Patrick wasn’t even originally from Ireland? The island's patron saint actually originated from the British Isles in the 5th century. I don’t think it matters, though; the home you choose is way more noteworthy than the home you’re born into, right? It gets even crazier when you learn how he first arrived in his chosen home. When he was 16, he was kidnapped and shipped to Ireland as an enslaved person. 

He did manage to escape to his native home only to travel back to Ireland some years later after he was inspired to return as a Christian missionary to the previously pagan land. He’s credited with introducing Christianity and driving snakes out of Ireland; even though there’s some speculation around whether his life is more fiction than fact, I can safely say that St. Patrick is a symbol of Irish culture. St. Patrick’s Day isn’t only a celebration for the man, but a celebration for Ireland! 

Why do we celebrate on March 17th? 

We are not sure when he was born, but it’s believed that he died on March 17th, 461. So, St. Patrick’s Day is a party around the anniversary of his death…it almost seems like they didn’t like him that much. Celebrate a person’s birth? Yay! Happy Birthday! Celebrate a person’s death? Feels a little macabre. This reaction makes a lot more sense when you understand how it was first recognized; St. Patrick’s Day was first celebrated in Ireland in the 9th or 10th century as a solemn religious holiday. Once the holiday made its way to America, it evolved into the party we recognize today. 

Why parades?

Surprisingly, the first St. Patty’s parade took place in America. With the influx of Irish immigrants in the 1700s, the displaced population became homesick. Instead of observing the Irish holiday as a quiet affair, as they would back home, it became a bright celebration of their heritage! From then on, St. Patrick’s Day became a happy event and a show of Irish strength with annual parades in Boston, New York City, and other American cities. 

Why green?

The bare minimum for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is wearing green, but why? Why is green so significant for the holiday? Well, there isn’t one clear answer. Like most old legends and traditions, the reason “why?” varies from person to person. Here are some of the more significant answers for why we wear green:

+ For Ireland’s nickname: The Emerald Isle

Ireland earned the title “The Emerald Isle” because of its abundance of natural greenery. Ireland’s staple weather feature is rain. The temperature may change, but precipitation is a constant. Summer? Warm and wet. Winter? Cold and still wet. As you can imagine, this lends its hand to the island’s beautiful green rolling hills or, as Johnny Cash would say, its 40 shades of green. 

+ For the Irish flag

The Irish flag has three vertical stripes: orange, white, and GREEN. The symbolism behind the design is actually super interesting. The green represents the Catholics, the orange represents the Protestants, and the white between the two colors symbolizes the peace between the two religions in Ireland. Even though this proposed reason for the green on St. Patrick’s Day is delightful, I wonder why orange doesn’t have the same love? For this reason, I doubt this is the answer to why we wear green.

+ For the shamrock

I think this is the most substantial reason why we wear green. The shamrock (three-leaf clover) has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland. St. Patrick is believed to be the one to bring Christianity to the island and used the shamrock to explain the idea of the Godhead (God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost). Whether or not this took place, the event to solidify the shamrock as a symbol of Ireland is powerful…rebellion.

+ It could’ve been blue

The color most associated with St. Patrick used to be sky blue or “St. Patrick’s Blue.” Early depictions of the man would show him wearing this blue which became the color of the Order of St. Patrick (a part of Ireland chivalry). In even earlier mythology, the symbol of Irish power was a woman in a blue dress. When Henry VIII took the throne and declared Ireland part of England, blue became the official color. As you might assume, the people of Ireland weren’t that enthusiastic about this new arrangement; they used St. Patrick’s shamrock as a sign of rebellion and Irish independence. Isn’t that awesome? This, in turn, made green the color to represent Irish culture. Again, isn’t that awesome?!

(Don’t worry; I look best in cool colors. So whether it was blue or green, I would’ve looked fantastic. I knew that was keeping you up at night.) 

What’s with the pinching?

Do you remember when you were little and didn’t wear green on March 17th? Everywhere you turn, pinch, pinch, Pinch! Hopefully, it’s less common today than it was a couple of decades ago; but knowing how kids operate, pinching is probably still alive and well. 

 

Why do they pinch, though? Easy, leprechauns. The leprechaun is a figure in Irish and Celtic  folklore and is believed to be a fairy type. According to myth, leprechauns are incredibly cranky and mischievous. (Honestly, I would be a little cranky too if I was responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies all-day. Don’t they fly? Why do they need shoes?) They enjoy pulling pranks and…PINCHING! The reason to wear green to avoid their pinches does vary. Some say it’s because the holiday’s signature color makes you invisible to their spritely fingers and others say green is their favorite color and pinch anyone not wearing it. 

Either way, wear green and keep your fingers to yourself! 

via GIPHY

 

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2 Delicious No-Bake Pie Recipes

It’s 03/14, and you know what that means…pi day! To celebrate this day which happens to line up to a famous sequence of numbers which is also the name of a popular dessert, let’s make pies! Now, I’m not much of a baker, but I’m not going to let that stop me from making a delicious pie. For any fellow non-bakers, I’ve found some no-bake pie recipes I would love to share. Plus, if you want your kids to help you out around the kitchen but are a little hesitant to let them around the oven, these recipes are perfect for you; everyone has fun in the kitchen, and no one runs the risk of burning the house down. It’s a win-win! 

Nutella Lovin'

 

Toffee Peach Pie

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How to Clean Your StairSlide (and other toys)

Everything needs a good clean once in awhile. If you have kids, this is especially true. Whether it’s because of their literal sticky fingers or the dirt they tracked into the house, anything freshly clean in their vicinity is on borrowed time. The funny paradox is that people without kids have time to really clean and people with kids REALLY don’t. In this post, I want to do a solid for the people who have no time to clean and make this a one-stop information dump to keeping sanitary. Most of these toys can be cleaned weekly if they’re in daily use. However, if your child is on the younger side and has a penchant for putting their toys in their mouth, I would clean them every other day or so.

Another good rule of thumb to keep toys clean is to encourage your children to wash their thumbs. And their fingers. Maybe their palms while they're at it. Hand-washing. I’m talking about hand-washing. Unless your kid is a baby with a penchant for putting things in their mouths, the most contact they’ll have with their toys would be with their hands. So, to increase longevity between washes, go to the source and promote hand-washing.

How to Clean:

The Stairslide

For most solid plastic toys, you can put them in the dishwasher without a problem. While StairSlide doesn’t have any screws or crevices, it definitely won’t fit in your dishwasher; that probably went without saying. Please send me a picture if you do manage to fit yours in the dishwasher; I would be genuinely interested in seeing that marvel.

Since there isn’t a lot of hand contact involved when using the StairSlide, it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often as other toys. 

+ If there are any visible scuffs, it's best to spot clean them with a damp towel before you try to disinfect

+ To disinfect it, feel free to use your choice of sanitary wipes (Lysol or Clorox), a cloth wet with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, or a mixture of 1/2 cup chlorine bleach with one gallon of water.

+ Allow the slide to completely air dry before use.

Other Solid Plastic

As I said before, this kind of toy can be thrown in the dishwasher; everything is easier when an appliance can do the job, amiright?

+ Ensure all toys are on the top level to avoid turning the well-loved objects into a melted gloopy mess; the lego bricks will no longer fit right and any dolls/personified toy will become the thing of nightmares and/or Sloth from The Goonies.

+ Nestle the larger toys in between the top rack's prongs and place the smaller toys in a mesh bag to avoid them jostling about in the wash.

+ Don't put Barbies in...their hard can't handle the humidity.

+ Don't put hollow toys in since they can collect water which leads to mold.

Electronics

I probably don't need to tell you but electronics + water = bad. So, how do you clean them?

+ Disconnect them from power or take out all batteries.

+ Spot clean any especially sticky or grimy parts with a wrung-out soapy clean cloth.

+ After you have spot-washed the toy, rinse the soap off with a different damp cloth and let it air dry.

+ To kill bacteria/viruses on the surface, you can use the typical Lysol/disinfecting wipe. Make sure to wring it out well.

+ If you expect the toy to be in your kid's mouth at any time, rinse it again with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

Stuffed Animals

Most of these toys are machine washable, but before throwing them in, make sure any rips or tears are repaired since washin

g might turn the small rips into not-so-small rips.

+ Place them in a mesh laundry bag or a tied-off pillow case.

+ Set the washer on the gentle cycle with warm water.

+ Dry the toy (still in the pillow case/laundry bag) on low-heat and low-tumble.

+ If you can't machine wash the toy or you think the color might bleed, use a steamer or the same cleaning technique as you would with electronics.

Barbies/Dolls

Barbies or dolls are comprised of vinyl-like plastic and plastic hair which calls for slightly different cleaning. 

+ Regularly sanitizing with a damp lysol wipe is great, but the unique vinyl-like plastic sometimes gets sticky which normal cleaning won't remove.

For the "Stickiness"

+ Start with a damp clean cloth.

+ Sprinkle baking soda on the cloth.

+ Wipe the baking soda on the Barbie until the stickiness is removed.

+ Rinse under running water.

+ Allow it to air dry.

For the Hair

+ If there are any tough tangles, apply some conditioner and leave it for a couple of minutes and then brush it out.

+ If you put in the conditioner, rinse it out under running water.

+ Apply gentle/baby shampoo and work it into the hair to remove any dirt.

+ Rinse under running water.

+ Work in some conditioner.

+ Once again, rinse it under running water.

+ Pat dry.

+ Comb the hair to remove any remaining tangles.

+ Allow it to air dry.

I know some people like to clean with vinegar, and while it's great for on removing grease and limescale and kill some germs, it's lower on the scale of actually sanitizing and disinfecting compared to other solutions. If ever in doubt, hot soapy water should do the trick

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Ten Tips for Building a Fort

 

Stuck inside the house? This might sound crazy, but you should build a smaller house, like a Russian nesting doll but with houses. In less confusing words, you should build a pillow or blanket fort. It's a classic and excellent way to treat cabin fever. Sounds fun, right? If you take the following tips we’ve collected, we guarantee you’ll have a Pinterest-worthy pillow fort/smaller house!

1. Use sheets I don’t know about you, but I love heavy thick blankets–they’re great. But they do not help when building your masterpiece. It’s puts too much strain on your fastener of choice. While some might not have a lot of light blankets, everyone has one too many sheet sets. These are fantastic for fort building!
   
   
2.  Padding Remember those heavier blankets? Lay them out inside! If you want to get extra comfy and fancy with it, use sofa cushions or even an air mattress.
   
   
3. Clothespins. Have lots and lots of clothespins on hand. 
   
   
4. Rope/command hooks You know when little kids draw a tent? It’s basically the two top lines of a triangle–that’s the type of fort you can make with some rope and command hooks! Plus, it’s super easy!
   
   
   
5. Fairy lights This is probably the most optional feature of a fort, buuut it is the cutest. It instantly elevates the look and sort of feels like you’re in a fairytale. I got mine from Target; all things cute and (mostly) inexpensive come from Target. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cardboard boxes If you’re anything like me, you have a little bit of a problem with online shopping…and what comes with Amazon packages? Boxes/cat houses! When you run out of pillows and still need some height? Cardboard boxes for the win!
   
   
7. Heavy books or a stack of magazines Trying to spread a blanket or sheet usually leads to it slipping. Weighing down the edges with heavy books or the stack of magazines every home seems to come with. Depending on how much it ultimately weighs, the blanket shouldn’t budge anymore.
   
   
8. PVC pipe This is a totally different monster than your run-of-the-mill pillow fort and is a little more heavy-duty. This method is probably better suited for older children. I don’t think I could explain this as well as this Mommy Blog: https://oneshetwoshe.com/diy-fort-kit/
   
   
   
   
   
9. TREATS! Sure, the activity might be fun, but you know what would make it better? Food! Food makes everything better. Honestly, food alone makes for a pretty fun time. So, pop in some popcorn to snack on in your makeshift blanket cave!
   
   
10. Entertainment So, you’ve built the fort. Now what? Grab your favorite board game or queue up a cute movie on the ipad (I recommend Paddington 2–it’s 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. I don’t know the one critic who thought it was rotten, but their opinion is wrong). Even though StairSlide is heavy on promoting screen-less time, there’s no harm with screen-entertainment in moderation. And if you watch it as a family, even better!
    
    You can use all of these tips, some or even none to build a cozy fort when it comes down to it. Since they are usually improvised by whatever’s lying around the house, no fort is the same. They’re like snowflakes but considerably warmer. No matter how it turns out, it's a success if your kids come away with some fun family memories! 

When you’re a writer, it’s too easy to talk the talk but not walk the walk. I, Lucy, am not that sort of writer. I made a fort. 

Do I have kids? No. Did I have fun? Definitely. 

As the saying goes, pics or it didn’t happen, right? Well, wah-pow!

(Surprisingly, I used my StairSlide to create height and pin a blanket to the table) 

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A Super Bowl Everyone Will Enjoy

The Super Bowl is this Sunday. Whether it’s the game, the half-time show, or the commercials, there’s something for almost everyone. The keyword in that sentence is “almost.” The Super Bowl with all its parts is quite an affair. A very long affair. A football game on its own isn’t the most time-sensitive. Whenever there’s a play, the whole game is paused to see the action in slow-mo, reverse, from below, from above, through infrared, or maybe even what it would look like if it were old-timey Western (as pictured). 

 

You are happy to watch it, though! It’s fun and can get very exciting, but it’s probably a little too long for kids to sit still. To make sure you both enjoy game day, we’ve compiled a list of different activities to occupy their attention and allow you to sit back and relax.

1. Coloring
   

   The coloring pages are located at the bottom of the post. Of course, I included the teams’ mascots and helmets, but there’s also a blank jersey and helmet so they can design their own!
   
   

2. Lego Challenges
   

   If you have little kids, odds are, you have legos. The game is the perfect time to break them out (just make sure to not walk around barefoot in the lego-danger zone)! To get the kids really engaged while you’re sitting back enjoying your Sunday, give them little football-themed challenges of what to build.
1. The year’s roman numerals (LVI)
2. The Superbowl trophy (or what they think the trophy should look like)
3. Build a lego football stadium (depending on how much detail they want to include, this might take the whole game)
4. Goalposts (if they choose this activity, hold on to it for the next activity)
   
   
3. Paper Football 
   
   The lego goalpost is a fun addition to this game, but the goalposts can easily be replicated with your hands. This video is an excellent explainer of the rules and how to make the paper football.
   
   
   
   
4. Balloon Volleyball
   
   Let’s bring another sport into the mix–Volleyball! Well, it’s volleyball in the loosest of terms. Essentially, it’s “don’t let the balloon touch the ground!” I can personally attest that this game is addicting. We even play it in the office sometimes! I recommend setting up some obstacles (and hiding the breakables).
   
   
5. Bingo
   
   Printable bingo cards are linked at the bottom of the post. You might have to point/yell out when a particular action happens in some of the squares. There’s some football terminology that I don’t even know (but that is a pretty low bar). 
   
   
6. Sunday Sundaes
   
   This is great for the half-time show! Unless your kids are big fans of early 2000s hip-hop and rap, they won’t have much interest in this year. However, I would be willing to bet they are big fans of frozen treats and have much interest in...ICE CREAM! You can simply put out ice cream, but how else could you utilize the solid word-play of Sunday Sundaes? 
   
   
7. The Stairslide
   
   It would be silly to omit the Stairslide from your list. It provides HOURS of fun! Plus, it gives your kids an outlet for all their physical energy. While you’re sitting and watching the game (no judgment. I’m sitting and watching Netflix as I type this), they’re getting in some fitness without even realizing it. 
   
   
   

Click Here for Bingo Cards

 

Coloring Pages

 

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5 DIY Valentine's Cards

Valentine’s Day is coming! This holiday means love, hearts, and chocolate. Have you ever tried heart-shaped Reese’s? Shaped Reese’s are better; I don’t make the rules. 

I loved the holiday when I was a kid. I enjoyed making cards for everyone in my class and receiving Valentine’s from others. This exchange leads to an unsaid competition to distribute the most fabulous card. Even if your kids are doing school virtually, there are still people in their life who they would love to make a card for; you are probably one of them. 

Instead of expensive store-made cards, I would love to share five cute DIY Valentine's card ideas I found. Plus, you can make them with things you find around the house! Do you have scissors, glue, and colorful construction paper? You already have what you need for the majority of these crafty cards! (P.s. Some of these are easier with templates. Feel free to nab the .jpegs I made at the bottom)

(Each numbered card title is a link to the necessary detailed instructions)

 

1. 3D Heart Card

What you need: 

• White cardstock (or any other color you want for the base of the card)
• Paper of various colors
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue stick

 

2. Paper Roll Printed Card

What you need:

• White cardstock
• An empty paper roll
• Red or pink paint
• Elastic (if needed)

 

3. Hot Air Balloon Card

*Disclaimer: This one is a little advanced, so older children might have more fun with this one

What you need: 

• Pink or red cardstock
• Kraft paper (or any paper for the basket)
• Craft sticks
• Markers
• Glue stick
• Tacky glue

 

4. Fortune Cookie

What you need: 

• Colorful/patterned paper
• White paper strips (for the fortunes)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Pencil

 

5. Bear Card

What you need: 

• Cardstock–red (for the heart), white and gray (for a polar bear), or brown and tan (for a brown bear)
• Scissors 
• Black marker
• Glue

 

It’s easy to post other things other people made simply, so I took the time to make my own! I was a little peckish, so I tried my hand at the Valentine fortune cookie…it didn’t taste as good as I thought it would. 

 

 

While these different techniques make the cutest cards, make the card YOU want. Change the colors! Add little doodles of hearts! Whatever you want to put your own little spin on it. A homemade card tells the receiver you took the time and adding a little bit of yourself lets them know that you personally care. What’s a better gift for Valentine’s than your time and affection? Nothing!

Heart-shaped Reese’s is a super close 2nd, though.

 Templates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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You Guys Are TOO Cute!

We recently held a giveaway over Instagram for a stuffed animal penguin and have selected a winner! This was no easy task; all the entries were too cute! I wish we had more penguins to hand out, but they are an endangered species; of course, I'm only kidding (about the reason we don't have more to give away, not about the endangerment). We only had one penguin to give away because it was a prototype and therefore one-of-a-kind!

Our one and only prototype plushie penguin now has a new home and a new name! From the very cold Utah to the considerably warmer California, the penguin traveled to Vivian and her daughter who then named him Walter. Isn’t that name incredibly fitting for a penguin? 

As stated before, all video entries were very cute. This is why I would like to dedicate this blog post to show Vivian’s and a few other adorable customer videos that were entered, so you can understand how difficult this decision was.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin (@mclaughlin_vb)

   

Every Christmas morning should feature matching pajamas!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sean Fitzmichael Devlin (@seanfitzmichaeldevlin)

  

They're zooming! 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mallory Lelah (@mustangmallory)

 

 Their landing set-up looks so soft!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Holly Shannon (@hollysplexus)

 

The Stairslide set-up for their twins is absolutely charming

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeannie Freed (@_jeanniefreed)

 

Running up and down the stairs, it looks like they're having so much fun!

 

We are planning to have more giveaways in the future, so follow our Instagram @stairslide
to keep up-to-date and possibly win upcoming giveaways!

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Toys + Imagination

A child’s imagination is a beautiful thing. I only wish I had the same boundless imagination I had when I was a kid; I would never get bored, and I wouldn’t have to depend on Netflix so much for entertainment (I guess I could read a book instead of Netflix…eh). They’re able to spend hours at a time playing pretend. A child’s imagination is what keeps the toy business thriving! A toy isn’t whole until imagination is applied to it. 

Barbie is a doll–after imagination, Barbie becomes a princess or an accomplished astronaut (it’s 2022). Legos are just plastic bricks made to destroy bare feet–after imagination, they become a giant tower or a UFO. The same goes for the Stairslide! Aside from turning boring stairs into a nifty slide, the Stairslide can be used in many ways. Asking the parents in the Stairslide office, we found some fun real-life Stairslide uses. 

Stairslide is a racetrack.

• “My boys love to put their cars down it!”
• “They put all their hot wheels down the slide to see which car is fastest.”
• “They love to race their pinewood derby cars on the Stairslide!”

Stairslide is for extreme off-roading.

• “He has a remote control car that he tries to drive up the slide. It doesn’t have enough power to make it, but he thinks that’s funny in itself.”

Stairslide is in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

(tbh, kids probably aren’t imagining Harrison Ford sprinting down their Stairslide) 

• “We have a giant bouncy ball that they kick up the slide; They have fun watching it roll back down.”
• “he throws ‘ball pit’ balls on his slide and gets a kick out of them.”

via GIPHY

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Hi, my name is Lucy

 

You must’ve been guessing who’s been writing these posts. If you haven’t, then this is very embarrassing; I shouldn’t have assumed–you know what they say about assuming, it’s rude, and it might get you in an awkward situation (doesn’t really roll off the tongue. They really should have thought of another saying). As you might’ve guessed from the title, my name is Lucy! I’m the head writer and a fan of Stairslide.

I’m originally from Bountiful, Utah, so you can imagine how homesick I get working for Stairslide located in Lindon, Utah. That’s almost a full hour away. Somehow, I pull through. I’m very brave. I have a degree in Creative Writing from Utah Valley University–that’s why my writing is so creative, obviously.

 

I love arts and crafts, like embroidery, painting, collaging, etc. Essentially, I love taking something plain and simple and making it one-of-a-kind and more ‘me’, i.e., the pictured painted Stairslide. I’m a homebody too. Before you start to think I’m a hermit, you should know I have a black cat named Gary. So, don’t think I’m a hermit; know that I am. 

It’s a joy to work for Stairslide and write about a product that I’m really excited about. Yes, Stairslide is a child’s toy. Do I have any children? No. Do I often slide down the Stairslide set up in the office for a boost of Serotonin? Most definitely, yes. There is a weight limit, but there isn’t an age limit. Loophole! I’m making up for all those years I had to walk down the boring non-sliding stairs.

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Studying Dad Jokes

By far, one of our most frequent customers is dads. In order to truly understand them, we had first to learn their language. Dad jokes. 

Anyone can simply look up dad jokes online and read them off, but to actually learn and engrain the jokes into our psyche, we need to go one step further; we need to create visuals of the jokes to truly understand the inner-workings of their unique minds. It’s like Jane Goodall and the chimpanzees, except nothing like that at all. 

 

Why do seagulls fly over the ocean? Because if they flew over the bay, we'd call them bagels.

 

What did the zero say to the eight? "That belt looks good on you."

 

I asked my dog what's two minus two. He said nothing.

 

 

I don't trust those trees. They seem kind of shady.

 

What does a lemon say when it answers the phone? "Yellow!"

 

I used to play piano by ear. Now I use my hands.

 

 

 

Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.

 

What happens when a strawberry gets run over crossing the street? Traffic jam.

 

 

 

By reading (and seeing) these jokes, we have stumbled on an answer to an important question; when does a joke become a dad joke? When it becomes apparent.

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How Did You Use to Slide?

Stairsliding without a Stairslide?

 

Even if our parents told us not to play on the stairs, we still did it. Now, as the parents, we seem to forget; no matter how much we say to our kids NOT to play on the stairs, they will find a way. 

via GIPHY

Personally, my three brothers and I would make an event of it. Surprisingly enough, we never broke any limbs; it must’ve been due to how much milk we drank. Whenever our mom finally got us to wash our sheets, we would lump the bedding into a snowball of fabric, wiggle our little bodies right in the middle, and fly down the stairs. And as I’m writing this, I’m beginning to realize we were playing in dirty laundry the whole time. I’m retrospectively grossed out.

How did you use to slide? Don’t say you didn’t; it’s not healthy to lie to yourself. Did you slide down in a laundry basket to receive a first-hand lesson on why helmets were invented? Or did you slide down on a pillow, bumping your tailbone on each and every step?

Thank goodness we have the Stairslide now. No worrying about your kids sliding in the dirty laundry (I still can’t believe I did that) or tumbling down in a flimsy laundry basket.

 

 

With the Stairslide, it takes the previously dangerous sport of improvised stair sliding and turns it into a sliding experience your kiddo would have at your local playground. The difference is that it’s inside, and you have control over how fast it is (the more slide sections, the faster it’ll be).

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It's a Giveaway!

Do you remember waiting in anticipation early Christmas morning? You kept poking your exhausted parents to get up (they suspiciously looked like they didn’t get any sleep) before the sun even considered rising. Once the grown-ups woke up with their camera in hand, they would unleash you to tear into the lovingly wrapped presents. Naturally, you had to pose with every present for a picture in the scrapbook or a feature on the home video.

If you bought the Stairslide, it’s more than likely that you’re the exhausted parents documenting the morning. Of course, when you see those sparkling eyes and exclaimed smiles, it’s all worth it. You love Christmas morning; the reason might’ve changed, but the morning is still full of love. 

Thank you for choosing Stairslide to be part of the happy day. It really means so much to us. So much that we want to give something back through a little contest. The winner will receive a big FREE plush penguin that’s perfect for sliding. I promise; you want this penguin. It’s a prototype which means it's completely one of a kind (and it's insanely soft)!

 

To enter, all you need to do is share some of your Christmas joy! Well, there are a couple more steps, but spreading Christmas joy is definitely the main goal. 

 

1. Follow us on Instagram.

 

2. Take a video of your kids sliding Christmas morning.

 

3. Post on Instagram with #stairslideisreal

 

We will then pick our favorite video; I have no doubt that this will be a difficult decision, but we will then pick our favorite video to be the lucky winner. Remember to have fun and stay safe!

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The History of Slides

(Preface: this blog post is going to be a shameless nerd-out for historical photos)

Some say the first playground slide was from Russia in 1910, but an image from 1900 of a rooftop playground in New York suggests different. The BBC and The Daily Mail also claim that the first slide was invented by British engineer Charles Wicksteed in 1922; his version was composed of a ladder and a plank of wood (I can just imagine the splinters 😬 😅). No matter the actual date for the invention of the playground slide, it's enjoyable to see that slides have always been a staple for playtime. Our culture might change drastically, but some thing's stay the same, like active childhood fun.

Now let’s get to the cool part: pictures!

 

Rooftop Playground in New York 1900

 

Smith Memorial Playground in Philadelphia 1904. Renovated 2005

 

 

Helter Skelter in Coney Island 1905

 

 

Nursery slide for the young Tsar Alexei in Tsarkoye Selo 1910

 

 

Charles Wicksteed's world's "first" slide in Kettering, Northamptonshire 1922

 

 

And finally, the first Stairslide (probably)! Charles Darwin made a Stairslide for his children in their countryside home, the Down House in Downe England 1842. I'm not saying our product is on par with Charles Darwin's discoveries, but I'm also not not saying that...

Darwin's Stairslide in Down House 1842

 

Which one was your favorite slide/picture?

Personally, I wish I could've slid down the whimsical Helter Skelter. It's gone; I checked. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1944 😕

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Be Back Soon!

To be specific, we’ll be back to processing orders after December 20th. The excitement for the Stairslide this holiday season exceeded our expectations by a pinch. With our record-breaking sale, we planned to run out of inventory by December 1st. However, Black Friday weekend had a different idea; by Sunday, November 28th, we sold out of our slides for Christmas.

While our online stock is on pause, we do have one physical location in Utah! You can find us at a mall kiosk in the University Mall in Orem, Utah. So, no worries for Utah shoppers or extreme gifters willing to travel like Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1996’s Jingle All The Way (I’ve actually never seen the end of that movie, I assume he found the true meaning of Christmas).

We are moving our manufacturing operations to the States during this slight lull and, of course, making more slides. Any orders placed after November 28th are set to start processing after December 20th. They won’t make it to your home by Christmas, but they are still available for Birthday gifts, gifts for giving sake, and the slides make for a perfect Groundhog Day present (that makes sense if you don’t think about it).

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More Than One Way To Slide

No single person is the same. To quote the physician turned children's book author (I assume that's how he got his name), Theodor Seuss Geisel MD, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." We are all unique in our own way and prefer to go at our own speed. 

For example, a girl might love to go jet skiing, but that same girl might scream bloody murder when her brother drives the jet ski at full speed, which ultimately throws them in the water. That was a random example; I'm not speaking from personal experience or anything...on an unrelated note, I'm afraid of jet skiing. 

We at Stairslide understand that each kids' play style is different. Some love to go as fast as possible, and some like to take their time on the jet ski, Max. To cater to your child's preference, there are two possible setups for the Stairslide:

High Adventure 

Low Impact

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10 Setup & Sliding Tips

Anything fun can quickly become very not fun if misused; playgrounds are fun, but if you run around on the wood chips without shoes, you’re sure to get splinters on the bottom of your feet (decidedly not fun). The same idea can be applied to an indoor playground, aka the StairSlide! Follow these setup and sliding tips to get the most from your Stairslide:

1. Reposition the StairSlide after each use. Did you stick the landing on the first try? Make sure nothing wiggled out of place to recreate your fantastic performance.

2. Have at least one foot of landing area for each stair covered by the StairSlide.  The wall adjacent to your stairs will thank you.

3. Stack and store the slides when not in use. You know the heart attack you get when you miss a step? Now, imagine if the heart attack is followed by your feet slipping out from under you because you stepped on a slide. Scary, right?

4. Do not use near or under stair railings. No one likes a bonked head or a goose egg that doesn’t result in a cute baby goose. (fig. 1) 

5. Use in a seated position. There’s a time and place for acrobatics; don’t try any new moves while you and the ground are moving at different speeds. 

6. Bend your knees and land on your feet. If you drop a stick, it falls flat. If you drop a bendy spring, it bounces back as if nothing happened. 

7. Use with adult supervision. Someone needs to witness (and maybe time) how quickly you slide down the stairs. (fig. 2)

 

8. Do not slide down headfirst. It takes expertise to do a headstand safely, while most people over the age of one can easily execute a foot stand. Make sure you land in a foot stand.

9. Do not use if you exceed 175 lbs Unfortunately, this means your sliding days are behind you. To quote an unnamed source, “I lead others to a treasure I cannot possess.” (fig. 3)

 

10. No more than one person should be on the StairSlide at a time. Sharing is caring, but learning how to take turns is also important.

11. Check out our Sliding Methods. There is no one way to set up the slides on your stairs. We have a few ways that might help you by visiting here.

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Meet Damian!

Everyone knows a dad’s no. 1 priority during playtime is fun!

Which is why one of the faces on StairSlide’s new ownership team is none other than fun dad Damian Dayton!

According to Damian, StairSlide™ is more than just a slide, “Like many parents today, my wife and I have struggled to raise our active 6-year-old son without defaulting to excessive screen time. And then StairSlide™ came into our lives.

“Honestly, without the StairSlide™ (and a healthy dose of imagination), I don’t know how we would have made it through quarantine. Not only did the StairSlide™ bring hours of active play to our home, but as the world started opening up, it also brought new friends. 

“Like with many startups, we noticed that StairSlide™ faced more than a few challenges. So we gathered a group of parents invested in their own kids' development and got them to invest in StairSlide™ to help this company reach its full potential. So we are excited, to say the least. 

 Agreed! We are so excited to see where StairSlide™ can go under the direction of Damian and other fun-loving parents.