Summer Reads

You can read more about my adoration for author and illustrator, Susan Branch here.

{her comment on my post sent me over the moon!!}

......

I reach for her Summer Book time after time for inspiration!

It's chock full of her darling, watercolor illustrations (not to mention her mouth watering recipes) and all of her charming stories, quotes, and ideas for enjoying this glorious, sun-soaked season to the fullest!

If you haven't already done so, do yourself a great big favor and grab a copy and head for the nearest porch swing, hammock or adirondack and be prepared to be delighted {oh and psst...check out her charming new blog, too!! } 

Summer wouldn't be summer without some great books, a trip to the bookstore/library, and a few great inspirational magazines! 

What are you reading this summer?!

I spy with my little eye

Remember playing "I Spy" when you were little?! 

This is fun & modern twist on an old classic!

As anyone watching little ones knows, finding new ways to occupy them with quiet games is a constant challenge!  Since summer is the season for vacations and travel, it's always a good idea to be well prepared for anything.  

I'll be featuring a few of my favorite must haves that are portable, adorable, and fun —

but the best part is that they help us moms to stay organized!!

I love these clever (and adorable) little "I Spy" bags from etsy seller, Those Greathouse Women. The bags come in a variety of darling shapes and sizes to please just about anyone. 

I bought a cute little whale "I spy" bag for my son {above}, but they come in so many different styles from ice cream cones, sharks, robots, cupcakes, etc...

On the back of the whale is a list of all of the tiny items

the child has to "spy" inside the window of the bag! 

It's so helpful having portable travel toys onhand for taking kids on trips to the doctor's office, dining out at restaurants or over family and friends, attending church services, or any other time you're craving a little peace and quiet time {That way we all have fun!} ♥ 

Happy Flag Day!

Don't forget to show your patriotism today!

June 14th

The Boy and The Flag

I want my boy to be the best,
I want him to be great;

I want him Life's distant West,
Prepared for any fate.

I want him to be simple, too,
Though clever, ne're to brag,
But, Oh! I want him, through and through
To love his country's flag!


~ Edgar Guest

Summer {safety} Essentials

Schools out

and

Summer is just about to officially kick off!

A couple of important safety things that I think are worth mentioning...

Sunscreen!

We all know we should be using it...

So don't forget to slather it on yourself

and the kids every time you're outdoors.

I love the Neutrogena spray for my son {photo above}!

It's waterproof, sweatproof, and goof proof!

Just spray and go!

The other summer essential for us...

an on-the-go First Aid kit!

I love my little kit that was made by etsy seller, Pillow Sew Cute.

It's called - what else - but the

Ouch Pouch :)

Just fill this handy (and adorable) see-through pouch with all of your first aid essentials...

Don't have an Ouch Pouch?!
You can easily make your own little toteable first aid kit using any little bag or pouch
(a zip top makeup bag would work great or even just a plastic ziplock bag).

Some ideas to fill your own kit:

:: Sunblock ::
:: Insect Repellent ::

:: Bandages ::

:: Neosporin ::

:: Medications (Allergy, pain reliever, diabetes, etc...) ::

 :: Inhaler ::
:: Travel-size tissues ::

:: Thermometer ::

:: Antiseptic wipes ::

:: Burn ointment ::

:: Sanitizing hand gel ::

:: Sunprotecting Chapstick ::

:: Tweezers (for splinters!) ::

and don't forget the lollipop to soothe the pain!  :)

They come in a variety of sizes and you can choose your fabric pattern.

I choose a cute, kid-friendly hiking print called Happy Trails Camping.

I love that I have a handy little kit to drop in my bag or suitcase and go!

Summer fun should be(or at least seem) effortless!

And we don't want anyone's good time to be ruined by a scape, burn, cut or splinter!

If you're like us,

you'll be spending a lot of time outside this summer,
on the road, or on the go.

Simply toss one of these 
portable first aid kits
in your bag
and you're ready for anything...
camping, hiking, fishing, biking,
swimming, vacations, road trips, etc...

Make the most of every blessed, joy-filled summer moment!

And be safe while doing all of your favorite activities!!



Lazy summer days, fishing lakeside :)



The fun part about ordering an Ouch Pouch

is that once a week she holds a drawing from her orders...

the lucky winner gets their pouch delivered

already filled with first aid essentials!

(I should know - I was one of the lucky winners!!)

Have a fun and safe summer!

This post is part of Tutorial Tuesdays

on Hopestudios.blogspot.com

and Monday Playdate
on http://beneaththerowantree.blogspot.com

and Tip Me Tuesday
on Tip Junkie