Water Sports – A Great Way to Get the Whole Family Active This Summer

As research and experience shows more and more that we need more exercise, emphasis is being placed on incorporating physical activity into our leisure time. Summer is a great time to get your whole family off the couch and into the water. Here are some types of water sports that families can enjoy together.

1. Fishing

This is a classic family water sport, and even if you don’t catch much of anything, the experience can be fun and rewarding. Boats can be rented, and most facilities offer you a choice of a guided outing or going out on your own. You can pack a lunch and spend the day on the boat. Your family can fish for food, or simply for the experience. Science-minded family members might enjoy studying the various species of fish you catch.

2. Kayaking

There are now coastal facilities that cater to all ages and experience levels of kayaking. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a guided tour along various coastlines. Some kayaking packages include camping and/or hiking as well. Children and adults who like the water and beautiful scenery might enjoy kayaking. There is fresh water kayaking available, too, at some tourist destinations along lakes and rivers.

3. Tubing

Something between water skiing and bobbing in an inner tube, tubing can be a lot of fun. The big rubber tube is attached to the back of a boat, and participants take turns riding in the tube as the boats speeds over the water. You certainly have to be a good swimmer to do this one!

4. Parasailing

This water sport also involves being attached to the back of a boat. A parasail is like a big parachute, and participants are attached to it via a harness of sorts. As the boat picks up speed, the parasailers skim along and eventually rise off the water for an aerial ride.

5. Scuba diving

Talk about a learning experience! Scuba diving can be thrilling for kids and adults of all ages. Most facilities will offer lessons if you’re inexperienced. You can choose a location with spectacular underwater formations, such as coral, or interesting undersea creatures to make it an unforgettable experience.

6. White water rafting

You don’t need a beach for this thrilling sport. Whole family groups can go on a guided tour in one circular raft. Tourist destinations along rivers with “white water” (rapids) are plentiful.

Super Foods for Kids and How to Serve Them

When you hear the words “super foods,” many people assume that kids won’t like whatever the super food is. We tend to think of super foods as unpleasant tasting, or the sort of thing you have to eat to be healthy. But really, almost any healthy food can be a super food, and they can be made appealing to children. However, there are some super foods that may really help children’s health. Here are some of these super foods, and how to serve them to kids.

1. Berries

With their high antioxidant and vitamin content, berries are considered super foods. Blueberries in particular are touted as healthy for kids – they’re said to improve immunity and brain function, and to promote eye health. If your kids are not fond of blueberries out of hand, try freezing them. Here are some other ideas:

* Blend blueberries with a little water or natural apple juice and freeze them into popsicles or in ice cube trays. You can use the cubes in smoothies.

* Blend them with yogurt.

* Make a mixed-berry smoothie that includes blueberries. Frozen berries do well in smoothies. Add yogurt, milk, or whatever else you’d like to the smoothie (you can freeze smoothies into popsicles, too).

2. Turkey

Many people don’t know that turkey is considered by many to be a super food. With its lean protein, B vitamins, zinc, and potassium, turkey is considered a healthy food for kids. Whole, cooked turkey is best; turkey that’s been processed into lunchmeat or other items contains a lot of things besides turkey – and some of them may not be so healthy. Serve turkey to kids:

* As meatloaf or meatballs (ground turkey is available in grocery stores)
* In a turkey salad
* Sliced as a sandwich
* Rolled in breadcrumbs and baked into turkey nuggets

3. Leafy Greens

Broccoli, spinach, kale, and so forth are not foods associated with children! If your kids turn up their noses at these vegetables cooked, try broccoli raw with dip. For spinach, kale, and other greens, here are some things to try.

* Mince greens and use as a pizza topping, or add them to meatloaf or meatballs.

* Make a green smoothie with leafy greens, chunked apple, and natural apple juice. You can make green popsicles with this mixture too.

* Use a blender to puree raw greens into spaghetti, pasta, or pizza sauces.

4. Chia

Chia seeds are not only nutritious, but are reputed to help stabilize blood sugar, which can be very helpful for growing little ones. Chia seeds have almost no taste and are very tiny and tender, so they can be sneaked into lots of foods. Here are some ideas.

* Stir chia seeds into applesauce.
* Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to a smoothie before blending.
* Add chia to pancake mixes or bread dough.

5. Cocoa

When it’s not mixed with lots of fat and sugar, cocoa is considered a healthy food known for its antioxidant properties. To get it into your kids’ diets without a lot of “bad stuff,” try some of these ideas.

* Make a cocoa smoothie by adding a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to a smoothie made from sweet fruits, such as bananas and/or strawberries.

* Mix cocoa into chili or Mexican sauces.

* Stir a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into a bowl of oatmeal and top with raw honey and milk.

Delicious Summer Smoothie Recipes

Few things beat the summer heat like a refreshing smoothie. Smoothies are also a great way to get fresh fruits into your diet, and kids tend to like them, too. Here are some ideas for a frosty, healthy summer treat.

The following recipes are enough for approximately two smoothies. You can increase or decrease the ingredients to vary the amount and the taste. Smoothies are very forgiving – if you don’t have some of the ingredients listed below, you can leave them out or try something comparable (soy milk instead of almond milk, for instance, or vanilla yogurt instead of plain). Leftover smoothies can be frozen in ice cube trays (use them in your next smoothie) or popsicle molds.

1. Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

In a blender, combine:

* 5 medium-sized, frozen strawberries
* 1 frozen, sliced or chunked banana
* 2 ice cubes
* 1 cup sweetened vanilla almond milk
* 1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (you can substitute carob powder if you like)

Blend on high speed until thick and creamy. Add more almond milk if it’s too thick.

2. Summer Breakfast Smoothie

This smoothie contains protein in the form of peanut butter, and it also contains chia seeds. These little seeds are reported to help you feel fuller longer, as they form a thick gel in liquid. They also add a nutritional boost.

In a blender, combine:

* 2 frozen, sliced/chunked bananas
* 1/4 cup unsweetened, natural peanut butter
* 4 ice cubes
* 1 tablespoon flax meal
* 1 tablespoon wheat germ
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
* 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
* 1/4 cup plain yogurt
* 2 teaspoons raw honey
* 1 cup milk (if using sweetened nut milk, leave out the honey)

If your blender has an “ice crushing” feature, use that to break up the frozen ingredients. Then blend on high speed until smooth. Add more milk if necessary.

3. Berry and Tea Smoothie

Leftovers of this one are especially good frozen into popsicles.
In a blender, combine:

* 1 to 2 cups of various frozen berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries
* 1/2 to 1 cup of fruit-flavored herbal tea or unsweetened apple juice
* 1/4 teaspoon Stevia extract, or to taste

Blend until smooth, using the ice-crushing feature if you have it. Taste before adding the Stevia, and remember that 1/4 teaspoon of Stevia extract is approximately as sweet as two teaspoons of white sugar.

4. Melon Smoothie

Before making this one, chunk up fresh watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and/or melons of your choice. Freeze the chunks on a wax paper-covered cookie sheet, then place the frozen chunks in plastic zip-top bags.

In a blender, combine:

* About 2 cups of various frozen melon chunks
* 1/2 cup orange juice, orange-pineapple juice, or pear juice
* 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
* Sweeten to taste with raw honey, sugar, agave nectar, or a sweetener of your choice (you may not need to use any sweetening at all)

Blend until thick and smooth, once again using the ice-crushing feature if your blender has it. Add more juice as necessary.

Summer School: When to Consider It

Sometimes extra time in the classroom may be needed for your teen. Deciding whether that time is best served during school or during the summer is a decision that many parents have to make. Here are a few considerations to make when investigating summer school for your child.

What Is Summer School?

Summer school is an accelerated program for students. Classes are taken for credit and kids attend class for three or four weeks at about four hours a day. How long you stay in class depends on the number of classes you are taking. There is usually two sessions of summer school and your child has the option of taking one or the other or both depending on the classes that they need.

Reasons to Attend Summer School

All reasons to attend summer school are not good ones. And, even though your teen might think they are all bad reasons, you as a parent have to decide to help your child secure their future.

* They won

Summer Food Safety Tips

Like cold and flu season, there seems to be a food-borne illness season – it’s said that food-borne illness is at its peak in the summer months. The warm temperatures of summer are the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, and the backyard cookout can be another environment that encourages food contamination. Here are some tips on keeping your food safe this summer.

1. Cooking on the grill

More than one case of food poisoning has come from meat that’s undercooked. In fact, some of the more severe illnesses can result from eating partially raw or rare red meat. Since summer is the season for grilling burgers, make sure you cook the burgers absolutely thoroughly, all the way through, with no pink showing.

Many people grill in the summer when they are not used to grilling or cooking at other times, setting the stage for cooking inaccuracies. Be sure there is no red juice from burgers pierced with a fork. Set burgers on a white platter and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving – if any reddish juice ends up on the platter during the rest period, put the burgers back on the grill.

2. Washing up

Summer is a time for picnics and cookouts, and many times there is no hand-washing facility available at the cooking site. Bring jugs of water and antibacterial soap to the site so that you have these crucial elements available for food preparation and surface clean-up. Any time you handle raw meat, wash thoroughly before handling other foods, especially foods that won’t be cooked such as vegetables, fruits, or bread. You should also wash hands before handling utensils and cutting surfaces.

3. Coolers

When you transport foods like potato salad or burger meat, they need to be kept cold en route. Pack plenty of ice or frozen “ice” blocks/gel packs along with the food. One good idea is to freeze water in used, plastic water bottles and distribute those around the food in the cooler. On the way, keep the cooler in the car where it’s air conditioned rather than in the trunk.

4. Put food away

At home, it’s easy to forget foods on the counter. In the summer, it’s especially important to put food back into the refrigerator or freezer after using. At cookouts and picnics, have a cooler handy to put leftovers into right away. It’s said that food should not be at room temperature or exposed to warm outdoor weather for more than two hours.

Quench Your Thirst – Refreshing Homemade Summer Drinks

Few things beat the heat like well-chilled, frosty drinks. Iced water, juice, lemonade, and iced tea are fine, but they can get a bit boring after a while. Here are some ideas for some interesting, easy-to-make drinks to quench your thirst this summer.

1. Melon Slushy (4 servings)

* 2 cups chopped watermelon
* 1 cup chopped cantaloupe
* 1 cup chopped honeydew
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 tablespoons (or to taste) sugar, honey, or other sweetener

Freeze the chopped fruit chunks on a wax paper-covered cookie sheet. When frozen, place the frozen melon chunks in a blender along with the lemon juice, water, and sugar. Blend until smooth and pourable, adding more water if necessary. Serve over crushed ice.

Tropical Variation: instead of melon, chop and freeze 2 cups fresh pineapple and 2 cups mangoes. Use orange juice instead of lemon juice, and leave out the sweetener until you’ve tasted it.

2. Minty Lemonade (6 servings)

* 2 cups sugar
* 6 cups water (2 cups boiling, 4 cups very cold)
* 2 cups lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (spearmint or peppermint)

Pour the two cups boiling water over the mint leaves; steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a saucepan, add sugar, and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes and cool. While it’s cooling, squeeze the lemons and combine the juice with 4 cups of water in a pitcher. Stir in the cooled mint syrup and serve over ice (taste as you go – you might not want all the syrup). For a decorative touch, garnish glasses with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.

Easy variation: mix commercial lemonade with lightly sweetened mint tea.

3. Chocolate Mint Cooler (1 serving)

You don’t have to wait for winter to enjoy chocolate drinks. Try this refreshing, fizzy drink on a hot day.

* 1 tablespoons chocolate syrup
* 1 tablespoons mint syrup
* 6 to 8 ounces seltzer or sparkling water

Make mint syrup as described in Minty Lemonade above. Add 1 tablespoon of this syrup to a tall glass. Add the chocolate syrup and stir to combine. Pour in fizzy water, leaving room for ice, and stir briskly. Add ice cubes and stir again.

4. Ginger Water (3 servings)

A forerunner of ginger ale, ginger water is a traditional drink enjoyed by farmers working in the fields. It’s tart and refreshing, not unlike a sports drink.

* 1/3 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* -2 cups cold water

Shake or stir the vinegar with the brown sugar and ginger until the ginger and sugar are dissolved. Stir in cold water and mix well. Serve over full glasses of ice.

How to Shape Up Your Family This Summer

It can be fun to get into shape over the summer. Some say it’s easier because the weather just seems to coax everyone outdoors and into fun activities. If you want to shape up your family this summer, here are some ideas.

1. Cookouts

The great American cookout can be a fun way to get everyone active. Picnics are similar in that they encourage everyone to get out and move. You can plan activities or just let everyone run around outside. Maybe hold a family football tournament or some other competitive activity. You can do a cookout in your backyard or at a local park with proper facilities.

Make it a regular event to reap the healthy benefits. And make sure you’re cooking healthy food – that adds to the fitness aspect of the cookout.

2. Start a garden

Gardening involves exercise, especially if you shun automatic luxuries such as gas-powered tillers, weed whackers, and other motorized amenities. Children tend to like gardening, too. Try giving them a special plot or area of the garden to tend. Gardens require maintenance, so weekly or bi-weekly “family days” in the garden are not only healthy, they are also necessary for the garden to thrive. The healthy foods that result from your efforts will enhance your family’s fitness journey.

3. Get involved in your community

A little research will reveal what your community is up to this summer. Maybe a clean-up day is being held, or a summer activity camp, or some other event that promotes wellness and exercise. There may be fundraising walks, marathons, or tours around your town. Sign the family up for more than one of these local events this summer.

4. Find an activity everyone enjoys

Family members usually appreciate being asked for input. Have a family meeting and discuss what activities everyone likes. Maybe your spouse likes biking; your youngest child enjoys swimming; your oldest likes baseball. Then, schedule these activities into your family’s routine so that everyone’s activity gets done during the month or week. Even if it’s playing tag, the point is exercise that family members enjoy specifically.

5. Taste the season

It’s summer! Produce abounds – from peaches to tomatoes to grapes. Don’t hesitate to incorporate these healthful, seasonal foods into your family’s diet. Summer is a great time for grilled vegetables, frosty fruit smoothies, and big salads.

6. Keep it positive

Try to keep the summer fitness program a positive thing. Telling the family something like, “You’re/We’re all too fat” is not necessarily the best way to get everyone enthusiastic about participating. Rather than focusing on body image, talk up the fun of the activities and the deliciousness of healthy summer foods.

How to Shake Your Sodium Habit

Sodium has been getting a lot of attention lately. It is said that most of us eat far more than our bodies need, which may cause or exacerbate a host of health problems. In fact, excessive sodium may reduce your absorption of calcium, cause you to retain water, and stress your kidneys.

Because of these health concerns, more and more people are trying to shake their sodium habit. But how? Here are some tips.

1. Know where it’s hiding

Excessive sodium intake does not come from the salt shaker alone. One of the problems with sodium is that it lurks in pre-made foods, from fast food to frozen dinners. Even store-bought sweets can contain a decent amount of sodium. Some common foods that contain sodium are:

* Pickles
* Canned foods
* Deli meats
* Deli foods like chicken wings, potato salad, and so forth
* Poultry injected with “broth” or “saline/salt solution”
* Frozen meals and pre-prepared foods (not whole frozen fruits and vegetables)

So make sure to read labels when they’re available, and to ask about sodium content on unlabeled foods such as restaurant fare. Many canned foods are now available in “no salt added” varieties. (Many labels list their sodium content in grams. It helps to know that 1 teaspoon of salt is about 6 grams.)

2. Boost flavor

When cooking at home, try to focus on enhancing flavor in other ways besides pouring on salt. Begin by using whole, fresh foods; pre-made, pre-packaged, pre-cooked foods tend to have added salt. Here are some flavor-enhancing tips.

* Lemon juice can really help satisfy the urge for a salty taste. On foods such rice, whole grains, fish, and steamed or saut

Scuba Diving for Kids – What You Should Know about It

Although it’s not usually written as such, “scuba” is actually an acronym. It stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, which sets it apart from snorkeling. Snorkeling involves special equipment, too, but it comes down to using a tube to breathe natural air from under the water.

Scuba diving is different. Scuba divers carry their air in tanks with them under the water. Some scuba classes begin with snorkeling as means of introduction to scuba diving. It’s important for parents and caregivers to understand the difference between these two terms before deciding on what water activity they choose for their kids.

Safety

With some companies advertising scuba classes for kids as young as 5, you might find yourself concerned about safety. This is understandable, and professionals share your concern to the point that certification is required for any scuba diver. There are various diving societies, and adults and kids who wish to participate in scuba diving must be certified by one of these societies. Safety concerns are best addressed by choosing the right school and instructor.

Instruction – What to Look For

When you are searching for scuba instruction for your kids, there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some tips.

1. The total package – A good scuba instruction school will not skimp on necessary equipment and personnel. As you’re shopping around, ask various schools what their price includes. If the cost is very inexpensive, ask them what is included in the package. It should include equipment, informational literature, materials for training, and certification. Also find out how many classes are included in the price.

2. Experience – Find out how long the instructor has been teaching scuba to children, and what his or her certification is. It’s also not a bad idea to find out how long the school has been around. If it’s many years, it probably has a good reputation. Sources recommend at least 1 year of experience in an instructor, and 25 certifications given by him or her.

3. How many kids? – The number of kids in the class per instructor can make a difference in how well your child learns the skills and scuba safely. It is not so much how many kids are participating in total, but what the student-to-instructor ratio is that’s important. If there are multiple instructors, you might want to ask about each one’s experience, too.

4. Personality – It’s important to like the instructor and see him or her as a good fit for your kids. Even if an instructor has all the qualifications, if you don’t like him or her, it’s not necessarily going to be a good experience. Choose someone whose teaching style fits your kids. An instructor should be patient, clear and easy to hear, and enthusiastic.

How to Prepare Your Child for Summer Camp

When school is out, kids feel sweet freedom. But, what will they do during the summer? Summer camp is an option to keep your kids busy. Here are a few tips to prepare them for the experience.

The idea of summer camp can be both exciting and scary. For a younger child who may never have been away from home before, it helps to explain to them what is going to happen.

Types of Summer Camps

Depending on your schedule, budget and ages of your children, there are two main types of summer camps: overnight and day camps.

Day camps allow kids to arrive in the morning and then leave at the end of the day. For that time, they are engaged in fun activities with chaperones.

Overnight camps usually last for a week at a time. Kids arrive and are settled in by parents and then leave at the end of seven days to return home. Some camps might be longer but most are around a week long.

Preparing Your Child

Sit your child down and explain to them what will happen at camp. Ask for literature from the various camps so that you can present it to them. One way to involve your child and put them at ease is to allow them to help in the selection process. Kids new to summer camps may opt for more than one kind of day camp for the first summer.

Older children or children with siblings may opt for an overnight camp. They can meet new friends or spend time with their siblings in a different environment. If the campers have any questions, contact the camp directly in enough time to get the answers and still make an informed decision before the deadline.

Here are some tips to get your kids ready:

* Know what to pack

What to Pack in a Picnic Basket – Delicious Recipe Ideas

Packing food for a picnic is an art. It needs to be portable, not too messy, durable (it can’t be something that melts, for instance), and, perhaps most important – delicious. Ideally, picnic food should be healthy, too, especially if you are going to be expending energy playing games or hiking. Here are some recipes and tips on what to pack for your next picnic.

1. Pita Bread Sandwiches

Pita bread is ideal for a picnic. It’s easy to pick up and tends to be less messy than bread. You can stuff pitas with all kinds of fillings. Some ideas are:

* Hummus, lettuce, cheese, and alfalfa sprouts
* Deli meats such as salami, turkey, roast beef, or pepperoni
* Raw or saut

Smart Organizing Ideas for Your Kitchen

When folks re-do their kitchens, one of the primary decisions often comes down to more counter space versus more storage. But you can have oodles of both and still have a frustrating experience in the kitchen if things are not organized. To get the most out of your kitchen, it pays – sometimes quite literally – to have things in order. Here are some ideas that may help.

1. Look up

One of the most overlooked areas for storage is the walls. Hooks, pegs, and shelves can be mounted to the wall easily for storage. Rows of pegs are nice for aprons, hot pads, and so forth. A couple of shelf brackets and a nice wooden board make a quick shelf for seasonings or dishes. A row of hooks is good for hanging measuring cups and spoons. Screw eyes can be mounted to the bottom of wooden shelves, providing a place to hang pots and pans.

2. Magnetism

The refrigerator is about more than juvenile artwork displays and grocery lists. Use the magnetic surface of your fridge to mount inexpensive plastic file boxes. Look in the office supply section of your favorite store for these – they are made to mount to the side of a metal filing cabinet. They can really be a help on the front of your refrigerator.

While you are going for magnetic storage, look for magnetized hot pads and other kitchen items. (You can also make your own magnetic hot pad by cutting open a small slit on a hot pad, slipping in a magnet, and sewing the slit shut.) The hot pads can be stored on the fridge, or on the front of the dishwasher or oven door. Other items do nicely with a small magnet glued to them.

3. Lazy Susan

While rounded storage shelves are not necessarily the most efficient use of space, they do prevent waste because you can easily see what you have; forgotten food items do not deteriorate out of sight (while you buy new ones because you forgot you had them). Items that require some wiping up – molasses, honey, and other condiments – do well on a Lazy Susan, because you can reach all the shelving to wipe it.

4. Easy to reach

Not every bit of storage in a kitchen can be easily reached; it’s understood that some storage areas just won’t be that accessible. Into these, put the dishes you use only at holidays or other special occasions. Keep your everyday dishes and cookware on lower shelves.

How Not to Raise a Picky Eater

If you are the parent of a young child, are you concerned that he or she is going to grow up to be a picky eater? Some kids are picky as toddlers; others become picky later. But there are things you can do to minimize the picky phase of your child’s life, whenever or if ever it occurs. Here are some tips and ideas.

1. Breastfeed

Recent studies have shown that babies who are breastfed longer than six months are less likely to be picky eaters. And if your older baby is picky about his or her solid food, breastfeeding well into the solid food years can help make up for any nutritional deficiencies that could result from the pickiness.

2. Real food

There’s a party game that’s sometimes held at baby showers where guests sample baby foods without the benefit of labels. Guests then try to determine what the baby food is made of. The game is challenging, because the jarred baby foods all taste basically the same – bland! Whether they’re orange, green, yellow or white, it’s very hard to tell just what the food is.

It doesn’t take much imagination to see how this could ruin a baby’s taste for real food. Once they start trying new foods that aren’t in jars and are hit with all that flavor, it’s no wonder they refuse the food!

Many experts and nutritionists recommend giving babies small, softened portions of regular food, as long as it is not too highly seasoned with spices and as long as it is not one of the common allergens. Soft fruits can easily be mashed for babies, and soft foods like avocado can be finger foods. As babies get older, they can be introduced to softened, mashed versions of whatever the adults are eating at a meal.

3. Keep a positive attitude and listen

Most experts agree that mealtimes should not be battles, and food should not be a source of tension or control. Punishing a child for not eating everything on his or her plate is not recommended (in this day of rampant obesity, do we really want to promote over-eating?).

Young children are attuned to their bodies’ needs perhaps better than adults, who may have all kinds of emotional and psychological hang-ups about eating. If your child says he or she is full, it’s not recommended that you force them to keep eating. Focus on teaching your child to listen to his or her body’s cues. Many adults have to re-learn this to keep fit, so why not try to make your child’s future a bit easier in this regard?

Independence Day Craft Ideas for Teens

Crafts aren’t just for little kids! Teens can get in on craft-making, and it’s a good way to celebrate Independence Day with your teens. You have to move beyond the simple crafts of childhood, but there are all kinds of sophisticated crafts that teens can enjoy. Here are some ideas.

1. Necklaces

Boys and girls both wear necklaces, and they can also make good gifts for teens to give each other. Fabric necklaces are a great way to make a necklace that is not necessarily gender-specific. Here’s how to do it.

Supplies:

* Piece of old clothing or cloth, about 2 feet long and 1 inch thick.
* Beads in Fourth of July colors and/or designs
* Scissors
* Needle-nosed pliers

Directions:

First, lay out your design of beads in a row. Then, fold the end of the fabric strip into a point and poke it through the beads. String them on the fabric in the order of your choice, using the pliers as needed. The beads will be tight on the cloth, so you can space the beads however you like. When you’re finished, tie the ends.

2. Bracelets

Use stretchy fabric and a smaller strip of cloth to make an Independence Day bracelet.

3. Headband

For a festive headband, your teen can make the above necklace using stretchy fabric that’s a bit wider, and thicker beads.

4. Tote Bags

There are so many tote bag ideas for teens. You can use anything from duct tape to old tank tops to make a tote bag. Here is one idea for a patriotic tote bag for your teen to make using duct tape (the resulting waterproof tote can be used for the rest of the summer for trips to the pool or beach).

Supplies:

* Duct tape (you’ll need about 20 yards) in blue, red, and silver (or white if you can find it)
* Scissors

Directions:

What you’ll be doing is making duct tape “sheets” by attaching the sticky sides of multiple strips of duct tape. Begin by laying 8 pieces of duct tape, 16 inches long, sticky-side-up on a table or clean floor. Make sure the strips overlap slightly. Repeat the procedure, but this time lay the strips sticky-side-down onto the previous strips. When you’re finished, there won’t be any sticky part showing.

Do the same thing to make two duct tape sheets with rough edges.

Lay one sheet on top of the other, and trim the edges so that they are even, equal squares.

Attach three edges of these squares using strips of duct tape folded over the edge. On the fourth side, which will be open, you can add a strip of duct tape on either side of the opening so that all 4 sides have a stripe.

For two handles, use a 20-inch piece of duct tape folded in half lengthwise, sticky-side-in. Then tape the ends of this folded strip to the inside of the bag’s opening.

If you like, cut decorations from colored duct tape and stick them to the outside of the bag.

Independence Day BBQ Recipes

Cooking out on Independence Day is traditional and fun. If you are thinking of cooking out this July Fourth, you might be wondering what kind of food should you serve, or if you should have a theme. Here are some ideas for foods and meals for an Independence Day barbecue.

1. Main course

There is nothing wrong with going strictly traditional here – burger, hotdogs, and steaks are fine and uncomplicated. But if you want to get a bit creative, try some of these main course ideas.

* Multi-cultural kabobs – If you want to have a multi-cultural theme, or just celebrate the American melting pot, try grilling kabobs in various flavors.

For an Asian flavor, the kabobs could include chunks of chicken, bell peppers, and onions with a soy sauce or teriyaki marinade/baste. Greek kabobs could have grilled chicken and onion chunks flavored with lemon juice, olive oil, and Greek herbs, and put on the skewer with grape tomatoes and topped with feta cheese.

Make Hawaiian kabobs with chunks of pineapple and ham, served with Macadamia nuts. For Middle Eastern-style kabobs, use garlic and lamb with spices like curry and cumin. Kabobs are a great way to serve multi-cultural flavors in one barbecue.

* Ribs – Barbecued ribs are a traditional American favorite for the Fourth of July. Baste them well with sauce if you like, and serve with grilled corn.

* Pork Barbecue – If you don’t want to grill ribs, you can grill a pork roast, then carve it up and serve it with barbecue sauce on buns.

2. Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are really special. You can grill just about any veggie, but for Independence Day, why not focus on American veggies like potatoes and corn? (While corn is a grain, it is usually served as a vegetable at your average barbecue.)

Before grilling, toss potato wedges in oil, salt and pepper. Lay them on the grill and cook until they are browned. Corn really does not need any particular flavoring during grilling – just lay shucked ears on the grill and turn them often. Brush with melted butter when done.

3. Dessert

Apple pie, of course, is traditional American fare, and presenting one at a barbecue will undoubtedly please your guests. There are other creative ideas for desserts, too.

* Dip fruit in melted white chocolate. Then melt more white chocolate and divide it into two portions. Color one portion red and the other blue, then drizzle over the white chocolate-dipped fruit.

* Mix mini marshmallows with blueberries and strawberries for a sweet fruit salad.

* Watermelon served alone makes a great dessert, or you could dress it up a bit by carving it into a basket shape and filling it with fruit.

* Make a fruit pizza using vanilla cookie dough (press into a circular pizza pan, bake and cool), cream cheese icing, and blueberries and strawberries. Drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Independence Day Craft Ideas for Toddlers

Many toddlers love crafts. Why not introduce them to the Independence Day holiday this way? Here are some ideas for celebrating this Fourth of July with toddler crafts.

1. Patriotic Top Hats

Let your toddler sport this homemade hat proudly!

Supplies:

* White poster board
* Red and blue construction paper (large sheets)
* Scissors
* Glue and/or staples
* Pencil

# Note – you can use white posterboard instead of construction paper for the tube and the rim.

Directions:

Roll a piece of posterboard into a tube and secure with glue or staples. Make sure the tube fits your toddler’s head.

Cut strips of red and blue strips of construction paper, wrap them around the tube, and glue into place. Leave white between them so there will be red, white and blue stripes.

For the hat’s rim, lay a piece of posterboard on a flat surface, and set the striped tube in the middle of it. Trace around the tube to make a circle. At four equal points around this circle, draw four square tab shapes facing into the circle. You will cut out this circle but leave the tabs. When you cut, don’t cut in from the sides; start in the middle.

Once the center circle is cut out, cut a larger circle around it – that’s the hat’s brim. You will have a large ring shape with tabs around the center circle. Set the striped top of the hat into the cut-out circle, and fold the tabs inward and glue them.

2. Patriotic Star Wand

Let your toddler pretend to make the fireworks happen with this “magic” wand.

Supplies:

* 12- to 18-inch wooden dowel in the thickness of your choice (1/2″ or 1/4″ works well)
* White craft foam
* Glitter glue in red, white and blue
* Loose glitter in red or blue
* White glue
* Scissors

Directions:

Coat the dowel in white glue and roll in the glitter color or colors of your choice. Lay it aside to dry – a wax paper-covered tray should work.

While it’s drying, cut two equal star shapes from the white craft foam. You might want to use a pre-cut star pattern, or cut one star and use it as a pattern for the second.

Put white glue around one of the star’s five points, leaving a glue-free place between one set of points (this is where you will insert the dowel later). Lay the second star on top and lay flat to dry.

Decorate the stars with glitter glue, or with white glue and glitter sprinkled on. Once the stars are dry, carefully find the non-glued spot. Make sure the dowel will fit. Then fill the spot with glue and insert the dowel. Let dry overnight.

There are other crafts you can do, too. Think of star-spangled centerpieces for your table or picnic, or decorated cups to hold treats. And have fun!

Happy Birthday USA – How to Celebrate Independence Day

There are all kinds of ways to celebrate Independence Day. You can go the traditional route and have a picnic or cookout, or you can get creative by singing songs, putting on historical plays, or making your own decorations. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Independence Day, here are some ideas.

1. The picnic

Make this traditional Independence Day celebration your own unique experience. Make a red, white and blue berry cake and bring along a red, white and blue picnic blanket or tablecloth. You can even lay out three different tablecloths or blankets to get the effect. Pack all-American food like apple pie and potato salad. There are all kinds of picnic themes that would fit the celebratory mood, from a period costume party to a 1950s-style “Americana” picnic.

At the picnic, play some appropriate games. Fly a patriotic kite (weather permitting), or play the American game of baseball. Frisbee is another popular picnic game.

2. Decorations

You can decorate your house inside and out to celebrate Independence Day. Strings of lights aren’t just for Christmas; in red, white and blue they make a festive summer decoration for the occasion. Fly the flag in your yard or porch. You and the kids can make decorative crafts, such as red, white and blue paper chains or window stickers. Other ideas include:

* Pinwheels on stakes in your yard in red, white and blue or flag patterns

* Red, white and blue paper lanterns

* Red, white and blue balloons tied to your mailbox, porch, or other area of your home and property

* Red, white and blue streamers in your house or porch

Just remember to be responsible with your outdoor decorations – it definitely does not show appreciation for your country if you litter!

3. History

See if there are any celebrations in your community that are historical. There might be re-enactments to attend, or activities to participate in. You might even want to organize such an event yourself. In your own family, you can celebrate the history of Independence Day by having family members read sections of the Declaration of Independence aloud. Check your local library for books you can read aloud to your kids, or that older kids might enjoy reading themselves.

4. Fireworks

As long as you are not in violation of local or state laws, setting off some colorful fireworks can be a lot of fun. Just be considerate – think about your neighbors, and don’t set fireworks off too late in the evening. Also remember to be safe – be sure you have all the proper equipment, and keep any such items out of children’s hands. Make sure everyone is at a safe distance when you set them off. Have a fire extinguisher handy.

In lieu of fireworks, you can set off sparklers and other fun items that snap, spark, or otherwise produce a sparkling effect without the concerns of fireworks.

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