Reflections on Vacation

Machu Picchu, Peru- One of the Wonders of the World
and a great reflective spot to contemplate life!

I've just returned from an amazing month long vacation! This was my first "real" vacation since I started my business 5 years ago... a vacation where I "turned my shop off" (a feature of Etsy to put your shop on vacation) and I didn't have email or internet access for most of the trip. It was wonderful to say the least!

This morning when it came time to turn my shop "back on", I admit, there was some hesitation. This came as a big surprise. I absolutely love what I do, so why was I hesitating? I guess I can sum it up in a few words-- quality of life!

The past several months before vacation were very busy for me. Like many working moms, I was having a difficult time "balancing" family life and work. I was working morning, noon and night... including weekends. My kids and husband missed me, and my workout routine became non existent. At this same time, several articles were coming out about working moms-- and the realization that "having it all" is not really a reality! How true this was.

Vacation time has given me a little of that balance back-- and now the trick is to figure out how to keep it. Up on top of Machu Picchu in Peru, as I stared at one of the wonders of the world, I realized that although I love my work, and am so flattered and honored by all my amazing customers, I will be an even happier worker if I can balance work and life better! So, time to fit in my workout, take time to actually "be there" for my kids, and stop working nights and weekends so I can spend time with my very supportive husband! 

So, in the next coming months I may be changing things around slightly to help out with my balancing act, but I'm still very excited to hear about your fun party ideas and creating a memorable event for you.

Summer means... Vacation Time!

Vacation Journal Page by B.Nute productions

It's so hard to remember what you did on vacation. Here's a free printable I made last summer, that I'll be using again this summer for our trip, a free printable Trip Journal Page. Print them out, bring a couple pens or crayons to your restaurant for the evening, and have your kids fill them out. They'll love reading the stack of journal pages when they get home. Also, once school starts, the pages can come in handy if they have to write a "What I Did This Summer" essay!

Summer means... Playing in the Sand

Digging in the Sand

The beach is the best in the summer! I can't tell you how many hours my kids have just spent digging and playing in the sand. I only bring a few accessories-- a couple buckets and shovels, and this seems to be fine. They've made feasts of pretend foods, a hot tub, castles with moats, and loads of tunnels. So if ever in need of an activity, head to the sand!

Summer means... Berries!

Summertime means berries!

Berries are abundant in the summer... and they are the best! I always get sad when I start to see them leave the stores in the fall... although you may see them occasionally in the off season, they are not nearly as sweet as in the height of summer. Here are some ways to celebrate berries this summer:

Go Berry Picking- Head off on a berry picking adventure with your kids. There are many berry patches throughout the US, so just look on the web and find your local spot. Pick Your Own is a great site that lists farms. If you happen to be too late in the season, then venture to a farmers market and pick out a berry sampling.

Make Jam - I remember making jam with my mom when I was younger. It was an all day process, and the results were delicious! Just doing a quick search on the web for jam making with kids, there are plenty of sites with ideas. From 30 minutes jams to more intense recipes, the outcome is well worth the effort!

Berries and Cream - There is nothing like fresh berries in a bowl with a little cream. Mmmm.

Berry Pie - Making a fresh berry pie is quite a treat... if you don't have much time, but would love to make a pie with your fresh berries, just click for some easy berry pie ideas.

Try Some Different Berries - Olallieberries, logan berries, gooseberries, lingonberries, and more... why not introduce some other berries to your family besides the tried and true. Do a taste test and see which one is the family winner.

Make Fruit Roll Ups - I remember making fruit roll ups with my mom one summer. I couldn't believe that it was so easy to make! Here's a recipe from Family Fun to make your own: Homemade Fruit Rolls

Summer means... Reading a Good Book

Reading outside on a Summer Day

There's nothing like a good book in the summer time. For adults, there's "beach reads," mysteries, best sellers or historical novels to get us swept away. For kids the experience is the same. How about pick out a book about one of the places you may visit on vacation, or indulge them in their favorite past time from fairies to Pokemon, there's a book for everyone.

So head over to GoodReads, or your favorite book site, get some books and start reading!

Free Printable Book Report Page from B.Nute productions

Also, be sure to head over to an earlier post of mine to print out a free printable Book Report page so kids can remember what they read!

Summer means... Stargazing!

Summertime Stargazing (image by B.Nute productions)

Summertime means stargazing! I never take the time to just go out side and look up... but whenever I do, I'm amazed. 2 years ago we spent the night at a place called Safari West, an wild animal preserve in Northern California. At night, we looked up and I've never seen the Milky Way so prominently shining. It was stunning. On this years summer trip we will be on the equator! I can't wait to see the stars from that perspective. I'm hoping for quite a show, since we will be in the middle of no where, with out any light pollution for hundreds of miles.

Here are some fun stargazing sites I found to get ready for my trip. I hope you enjoy them as well:
Observe the Night Sky - Games for Kids
Summertime Stargazing Ideas with Kids
Lie Back and Look Up... family adventures with the night sky

Summer means... Corn on the Cob

Corn on the Cob - A Summer Time Treat

There's nothing like sweet corn on the cob in the summer time! Here are some recipes for this delicious summer treat:
Corn on the Cob Recipes and Toppings
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Divine Caroline - The Only Corn on the Cob I will Make (boiled with milk and brown sugar)
10 to Try: Corn on the Cob Toppings from BHG
6 Corn on the Cob Flavoring Ideas