As summer ends, I’m determined to squeeze in ONE more picnic! When we lived in Florida, my family spent most of our weekends picnics at the beach. My most precious memories include Eben and a picnic blanket – the perfect setting for mother-son chatting.
Now, he’s a grown man (23! WHAT?), I make sure that when we do spend time together, I’m in the moment (and yes, we still chat like never before!)
Here are some eco-friendly picnic goodies to inspire you to get outside for one more summer picnic:
1. A Cozy Picnic Blanket: I love a good picnic blanket, and now that we are empty nesters, I’m determined to have more romantic picnics (just the husband and me!). I love these picnic blankets. How do I choose which one?
2. A Hydration Station: The essential item to pack on a picnic is water—it’s crucial to stay hydrated on hot summer days (even these end-of-summer ones!). These are our favorite glass carafes; we always use them for multiple flavors of tea in the fridge!
3. A Good Read: Snuggle up with my boys is my favorite (we do scary movie nights when Eben visits from grad school), and next, snuggling up with a good book! This one seems up my alley; I love a good charcuterie board!
4. A Picnic in a Basket: Of course, I will need something to pack all the goodies in. This eco-friendly picnic basket is on my list! I have wanted a formal picnic basket forever!
Do you have a thing for picnics, too? What is your picnic must-have?
Summer adventures and eco-friendly outings are coming to an end, and this is a great opportunity to involve children in caring about the environment. Here are tengreen end-of-summer activities you can enjoy with your children—from beach and museum visits to seeing your backyard in a whole new light; kids will relish making these summer memories while learning more about Mother Nature.
1. Local Farms: Visiting a local farm is a great way to show your children how food is grown and harvested. They can see which fruits and veggies grow in your area, and they may also interact with and learn more about farm animals. Some farms offer classes that allow kids to milk a cow, collect eggs from hens, feed the goats and sheep, and ride a horse. You could also visit a fruit farm, such as a strawberry patch, and spend the day picking your berries.
2. Nature and Science Museums: Many local nature and science museums feature exhibits that allow children to see, touch, and interact with fascinating subjects. You can also check out an IMAX movie with a nature theme to give kids a grandiose view and insight into the environment.
3. Butterfly Pavilion: Visit a butterfly pavilion and experience free-flying butterflies, birds, subtropical and tropical flowers, plants, and trees.
4. Zoo: Your zoo may offer a junior zookeeper program where your child can learn about caring for the animals while learning about their natural habitats and any threats they face.
5. Nature Preserves: My family lived in Southern Florida for five years and loved our time at the local nature and animal preserves. You can take guided tours to learn about the animals that live there, and many offer classes.
6. Library: Your local library is stocked with environmental information that your children will love. Check out issues of Ranger Rick and National Geographic Kids.
7. Botanical Gardens: Visit your local Botanical Gardens and learn about native plants, trees, and flowers. Many offer classes and have ample space for an outdoor picnic. While you are there, look closely for bugs and birds.
8. Hike and Swim: Explore a natural trail in your area. Let the kids explore nooks and crannies and climb on rocks. Please pack a lunch and enjoy it next to a watering hole where the kids can swim.
9. Hit the Beach: Slather some sunblock on your kids and top them off with a great summer hat, then enjoy the waves, build sandcastles, or bury each other in the sand. The beach is undoubtedly one of nature’s best forms of entertainment. Take kids on a Heal the Bay mission to clean up trash on their treasured beach.
10. Your Backyard: Walk around your neighborhood or local park. Prepare a nature scavenger hunt for the kids. Write down several items on a piece of paper. Give each child a bucket to collect the items found on the list, such as a leaf, rock, flower, feather, etc. This is tons of fun and gets them looking for items they may have overlooked.
What are your green outing plans for this summer? Let us know in the comments section!
Can you believe that Easter is this weekend? One of my favorite parts of Easter is putting together a fun spring basket of goodies for Eben every year. This year, his basket will be full of natural and organic candies, naturally dyed eggs, a reusable water bottle, and a couple of great books.
Whether you are creating Easter baskets for your children or someone else that you love, here are 5 other baskets that I am smitten with and that can be put together last minute too!
#1: Just for Fun!
If you have younger children, they will delight in receiving a basket full of fun toys – especially wooden toys. I love these curated items from You are my Fave – the perfect combination of fun toys with just a smidgen of sweetness!
#2: Nature Lover
I love this Greenvine Basket from Pottery Barn – I think it would be a great basket that you could use year after year, changing the theme each time. It would be fun to pack with new books or card games for your child.
#3: Chef’s Delight
If you have a child who loves to cook, why not surprise them with a basket full of their own cooking essentials? I would also include the ingredients to bake up a sweet treat together!
+ Chef’s Basket via Handmade Charlotte #4:Bunny Pillows
Who wouldn’t take a bunny pillow over an Easter basket? Instead of chocolate, I would stuff that little pocket with a new book or two!
#5: Little Farmer
This basket might be my favorite and is the type of basket that I would give Eben almost every year when he was younger. I even gave Eben a pizza garden for his 5th birthday – we planted it together and he loved it!
If you are looking for simple, sweet, and vegan treats to put in the Easter basket this year, this post is for you! Here are eight of my favorites that will make your Easter basket sweeter than usual. Wouldn’t these all be perfect for this year?
