Unleashing the Spirit of Adventure

Picture this: a sunny day, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees, and you, scaling a towering climbing frame with the grace of a seasoned explorer. Outdoor climbing frames aren’t just play equipment; they’re portals to a world of adventure and imagination. With each climb, leap, and swing, you’re not just having fun – you’re forging unforgettable memories and nurturing a love for the great outdoors.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Benefits at a Glance:

• Physical Fitness: Climbing, swinging, and balancing on outdoor frames promote strength, agility, and coordination.
• Imagination: Transforming a climbing frame into a castle, spaceship, or secret hideout sparks creativity and imaginative play.
• Social Interaction: Shared adventures on climbing frames encourage teamwork, communication, and cooperation among children.
• Confidence Building: Overcoming challenges and mastering new skills on climbing frames instills a sense of achievement and boosts self-confidence.

Elevating Playtime with Outdoor Climbing Frames

Now that we’ve established the importance of outdoor play, let’s dive into the exciting world of outdoor climbing frames and explore how they can enhance your playtime experience.

1. Variety of Designs:

Outdoor climbing frames come in a dazzling array of designs, from classic jungle gyms to elaborate play structures resembling treehouses or forts. Whether your little one dreams of scaling a rock wall or navigating a rope bridge, there’s a climbing frame out there to suit every adventurer’s taste.

2. Encouraging Physical Activity:

In an age where screens often dominate children’s leisure time, outdoor climbing frames offer a refreshing alternative that promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles. By providing enticing challenges and opportunities for movement, climbing frames inspire children to stay active and embrace the joy of outdoor play.

3. Safety First:

When it comes to outdoor play equipment, safety is paramount. Quality climbing frames are designed with sturdy materials, secure anchors, and rounded edges to minimize the risk of accidents. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance ensure that your climbing frame remains a safe haven for playtime adventures.

4. Blending Fun and Learning:

Who says playtime can’t be educational? Outdoor climbing frames offer endless opportunities for learning and skill development. Whether children are honing their problem-solving abilities while navigating obstacles or learning about teamwork and cooperation during group play, every moment spent on a climbing frame is a chance to grow and learn.

Choosing the Perfect Climbing Frame

Ready to embark on your outdoor adventure? Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect climbing frame for your little explorers:

1. Consider Your Space:

Before purchasing a climbing frame, assess the available space in your backyard or outdoor area. Choose a size and design that fits comfortably within your space while leaving ample room for safe play and movement.

2. Think Long-Term:

Invest in a climbing frame that will grow with your children. Look for sturdy construction and durable materials that can withstand years of active play and outdoor elements.

3. Prioritize Safety:

Always prioritize safety when selecting a climbing frame. Opt for reputable brands with a track record of producing high-quality, safety-certified play equipment. Additionally, ensure proper installation and regular maintenance to keep your climbing frame in top condition.

4. Let Your Imagination Soar:

When choosing a design, let your imagination soar! Whether you’re drawn to whimsical castle towers, rustic wooden structures, or sleek modern designs, select a climbing frame that reflects your family’s unique style and inspires hours of imaginative play.

Maintaining Your Climbing Frame

Just like any outdoor equipment, proper maintenance is key to ensuring your climbing frame remains safe, sturdy, and ready for adventure. Here are some simple maintenance tips to keep your climbing frame in top condition:

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections of your climbing frame to check for signs of wear, loose bolts, or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent safety hazards.
2. Cleaning: Keep your climbing frame clean by regularly removing debris, dirt, and leaves. Use a mild detergent and water to clean surfaces, and avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the finish.
3. Weather Protection: Protect your climbing frame from the elements by applying a weather-resistant sealant or paint. This helps prevent moisture damage and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
4. Tighten Bolts and Fasteners: Periodically check and tighten bolts, screws, and fasteners to ensure they’re secure. Loose hardware can compromise the stability of your climbing frame and pose safety risks.
5. Inspect Anchors: If your climbing frame is secured with ground anchors, inspect them regularly to ensure they’re firmly anchored in the ground. Re-anchor if necessary to maintain stability.

By incorporating these simple maintenance tasks into your routine, you can ensure that your climbing frame remains a safe and enjoyable space for countless outdoor adventures.

Ready for Adventure?

Adventure awaits – are you ready to climb to new heights?

The post Adventure Awaits: Enhancing Playtime with Outdoor Climbing Frames appeared first on InstantELLA.

The teen years can be a challenge, from the physical & personality changes, to the onset of the know-it-all attitude, to the outright age of rebellion. I can’t say I’m prepared for it all or if my teen’s going to go through it all. What I am prepared for is celebrating these years & what better way to start than a few fun Birthday Celebration ideas to ring in the Teenage years!

Video-Game Party or Arcade night

5 Reasons Why Parents Should Share Their Gaming Passion With Their Kids

Like it or not, exposure to the advances in technology & the competitiveness of gaming industry, has somewhat ensured that by age 13, most kids these days are into gaming. While I myself am not particularly comfortable with the idea of encouraging videogaming among teens, I can let down my guard for a day if it means contributing to a memorable birthday experience for my child. The best part is that you can’t really go wrong with this idea because most kids will welcome it.

My husband is a web developer, designer & gamer. My kids, have obviously taken after if with their gaming addiction. He owns most gaming systems from the traditional Atari & NES to the Dreamcast & N64 to the most recent  X-box & PlayStation and we have them at home with all the hook ups, controls & a library of physical and digital games – the perfect set up to have a Video-Game Party right at home. But if you can’t host your own party at home, an outdoor Gaming Arcade or Gaming Museum could be an alternative, albeit more costly.

Going to a Sports Event

Top Summer Activities for All The Family

My boys play soccer and last year, they participated in an all-day Futsal tournament hosted locally by the YMCA in our town. That happened to be on the day of my son’s birthday. We made it up to him later by celebrating in the week, but he surprised us by saying he didn’t feel like he missed out on his birthday because he had so much fun, with his team & friends at the tournament.

Family sports entertainment is trending these days. So, if you’re running out of traditional party ideas, maybe try this one. Buy tickets and plan your party at a sports event – a basketball, volleyball or football game – locally or out of town. The possibilities are endless. If you go with the out of town idea, you get to enjoy a road trip too. Plus think of all the down time you get having to do nothing at the game except cheer on your kid and his favorite team at the game

A day at the Spa

This would be a good mother-daughter activity to ring in her 13^th Birthday. Invite her girlfriends & cousins over & make it a day of pampering & relaxation. Include Nail painting, face scrubs & relaxing baths for starters and then let you imagination & creativity run wild. If you’re the DIY kind & would like to host this at home, the advantage is you’ll have more flexibility & privacy. But if you’re feeling generous or want to take it up a notch, book a Weekend Getaway Spa experience instead. The upside is you won’t have to lift a finger and it’ll be a stress-free experience. Whatever you decide though, your 13-year-old will appreciate you for it and it may end up being the beginning of several mother – daughter mani-pedi dates

Craft Party Workshop

How To Get Your Crafts To Market

If your child is the creative sort that loves to get their hands dirty, a craft party may be your solution to creating a distinctive and exciting experience for their birthday. You can plan this at home if you have the time & arrange for supplies but there are also professional & dedicated vendor services that offer craft workshops who will take care of the whole shebang for you.  From decorating cupcakes , paper art & fabric fun, this is an opportunity to watch your child get creative. As a child and well into my adult years, I’ve always had fun with art & this would create a cherished memory for your teen too!

Weekend Road-Trip – Camping & Sightseeing Adventure

10 Best Family Friendly Road Trip Routes in the U.S.

Who doesn’t love this one? A road-trip is fun at all ages It’s an excellent opportunity for the whole family to get involved. To avoid disappointment, start panning ahead – take suggestions from all family members, giving extra weightage to the birthday boy or gal’s suggestion.  While the road trip itself will be the main experience, It’s not all about the destination; it’s about the journey. Get creative by including sight visits along the way, stopping by your favorite out of the way restaurant & even including a hike or camping trip. The sky’s the limit, just load you travel gear, pack some snacks, hop in the car, prepare a great playlist, and hit the open road.

Celebrate at a Theme Restaurant

Geek Restaurants: Go Forth And Prosper

Dinner out with kids can be a nightmare – they can never get their orders straight, neither can they sit still, asking to be excused to use the restrooms just as dinner’s being served, there’s always a problem with the meal, someone throw’s a fit even at the mention of ‘veggies’ and before you know it you’re asking for the check and haven’t even got through your meal.

Themed Restaurants and Family-Friendly Interactive Dining will assuredly solve most of these problems, by keeping the kids entertained well past dessert and have you feeling like a kid again. While Chuck E. Cheese & Funquest have been traditional options,  there are multiple locations all over the country , especially in New York & Chicago, offering breakfast at an amusement park on a Ferris wheel, miniature golf, watching medieval knights jousting & building your own LEGO figures. The Lemon Tree Kids & Family Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA has mini-train, face painting, and ball pit – he makings of the best party ever!

Every kid should experience this at least once – a birthday celebration is a great opportunity! Such Restaurants have varied themes to choose from- Robots, Medieval Times, Aquariums & jungles, Outer-space & Sci-fi & Old Western Salons & Taverns – but all offering a crazy fun good time while you eat your meal & celebrate your birthday!

Movie Night, Snack Contest & Pajama Party

9 Fun Sleepover Party Food Ideas

I read that aloud to myself & almost want to be a kid again – it sounds like pure fun & literally personifies the phrase ‘going to have fun till the sun goes down’. Lol

My younger son went to his first sleepover at a friend’s recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. They watched movies, ate pizza, played basketball & helped make breakfast the next morning.

Since this a birthday, you can make it exciting by having a movie marathon. Ask the kids in advance if they have any preferences or look up some fun movie ideas for kids yourself. When the kids start getting hungry, introduce a snack contest. Most kids – boys and girls alike – just love getting their hands dirty in the kitchen. The snacks don’t have to be elaborate. There are several fun, easy & healthy snacks that teens can make on their own with minimal supervision.

If the party is going to be indoors, then crafts, board-games, reading time & hide-n-seek are great indoor entertainment options to fill up the evening.  Finally end it all with a pajama party and pancake breakfast the next day!

To sum up….

It should be noted that you may have the best intentions when it comes to celebrating your teen’s birthday but it may be wise to give a thought to the planning process as well. My advice is to brainstorm some of these ideas with friends & certainly run them by your immediate family. Decide if you are going to party at home or elsewhere. Finally, pick a theme or activity, choose a date & make a few calls to check on availability.

If you’re reading this and researching ideas, you’re already doing an awesome job as a parent & on your way to having the best 13th Birthday party ever!

The post 13 going on 30: Fun Birthday Celebration Ideas to Ring in the Teenage Years! appeared first on InstantELLA.

I’m very particular about the cut, fit & style of my clothes & I realized there was such a variety in this case too.  Fashion can be overwhelming & as a woman, I get it. So today, I’m going to share with you the different types of sweatpants, brand and styles available, sizing tips & how to plan your next outfit & maybe, just maybe I’ll find my perfect pair in the process:

Types

When shopping for Sweatpants, you have to first know that there are different types & while we loosely club all these under the category of ‘Sweatpants’, there are some real technical differences between each type in terms of cuts, length, fabric & even the activity they are made for – Yoga , gym, dance, travel, running or lounge wear for example.

Sweatpants

Loose, warm trousers with an elasticized or drawstring waist, worn when exercising or as leisurewear.

Joggers

A pair of pants where the bottom of the pants are made with elastic or cuffed (regular & broad) which come closest to exuding retro vibes. Champion’s Premium Reverse Weave Sweatpants fits the bill.

Trackpants

Wind-breakers, tear aways/ break-aways/ rip- offs & popper pants all fall into this category. Trackpants are like Joggers but are made of polyester materials that are smooth and wrinkle free, usually worn for track events. Adidas’s famous Tiro soccer trainers with ankle zips is a good example of these.

Skinny Leg Sweatpants or Sweatpant Leggings

This is a relatively new category to the market. Today, technological improvements to synthetic materials have made products that contain spandex more washable and durable than an organic material such as cotton. Skinny Leg Sweatpants or Sweatpant Leggings, as the name suggests, may be made of these improved synthetic materials or the same cozy sweat pant-like cotton fabric. Either ways though, other than having the elasticized or drawstring waist, these stretchy, tapered leg sweatpants are skinny & fitted like leggings. They look wildly different than the sweatpants your dad was used to wearing! I’ve only come across one brand so far – ‘SO Joggers’ – that actually brands their version of these as the – Sweatpant Leggings. However Forever 21’s  Marled Knit Joggers and Brushed Combo Lounge Pants also fall in this category.

What’s Trending: Modern Cuts

I’ve notice brands like Adidas, Nike, Champion, Beachbody, American Eagle, Lou & Grey and Calvin Klein among others have put on spin on sweatpants, introducing modern cuts to the traditional style. These cuts feature a relaxed thigh and gradual tapering throughout the leg, towards the ankle. The typical ankle cuff design is eliminated and instead merged with the calf section for a more sleek, elongated silhouette often defined by zippers, contrast stitching and other embellishments. Lastly unlike the typical full length or capri jogger sweat pants, the length of these modern trending cuts are cropped – midway between calf & ankle for a more 7/8^th length. Adidas Changeover Joggers & Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Sweatpants are good examples.

Sizing Tips

Most brands run true to size when it comes to Sweatpants. In my experience, Adidas is most true to size, Hollister tends to run smaller, and Calvin Klein & Abercrombie & Fitch both run a little larger. Again, sizing also depends on the type of ‘sweatpant’ you’re shopping for. Some styles are meant to be oversized fits, while the more trending modern cuts may run snug but that’s the intention. I’m a size S/4 in bottoms & can best describe myself as a larger small but definitely not medium. When regular adult size S is too snug for me, I’ve often found the perfect solution in a Youth XL sizing which is similar to an adult small. I recommend, for those of you who run into sizing problems, maybe do some more research on Youth & Adult sizing similarities and see if these work for you!

How to style your outfit!

Finally, the fun part – putting all this knowledge into practice! Sweatpants (here I’m referring to all the  types including trackpants, joggers, modern cuts etc.) have long thought to be  ‘comfort-wear’, or ‘sport-wear’. But the more I look around me & understand the modern world of fashion, I’ve realized the Sweatpant is a very versatile & fashionably dynamic category of pants.

Not only are sweatpants today worn for sports, sporting events & warmups (adidas actual markets specific sweatpants depending on warmup, during & after practice activities!), they’re worn to the gym, for workouts, road-trips , travel and hiking. Whether it’s to keep you warm or get you noticed, today we live and run chores in their sweatpants.

Think of dates & casual weekend activities. Pair your favorite sweatpants with a cool pair of sneakers & T-shirt & you’re all set. Or take it up a notch with a denim jacket, beanie & muffler or cowl wrap for winter!

Finally, elevate the sweatpants to the office/ work environment & formal events. Here, it’s critical that you choose the right kind of joggers that look more like harem pants & trousers. Keep sporty vibes to a minimum. The fabric here also contributes to the look. Something made of thick cotton-polyester blends or jersey knit comes across as casual. Whereas synthetics like polyester, modal and rayon look significantly more elegant. The slouchy joggers by H&M have worked well for me in an

Accessorize your outfit with a heel, a formal jacket & statement pieces like jewelry, scarf & a handbag and you can really dress it up

It’s all about you – your personality, how you wear & accessorize your joggers and sweatpants that make all the difference and transform the jogger from comfy, laid back and casual to sexy & elegant!

The post Joggers, Sweatpants, Trackpants – What’s the difference & what looks best on you in 2020? appeared first on InstantELLA.

Things To Do on a Summer’s Day

Is there anything you didn’t do last year that you wished you would have done? Now’s the time to make plans that you want to fulfill this year when the weather is nice again.

Top Summer Activities for All The Family

We’ve made a list of 50 things that you should do this year to take advantage of the beautiful warm weather.

1. Plant a garden.
2. Go hiking.
3. Go camping.
4. Climb a mountain.
5. Run a 5k.
6. Lounge in a hammock.
7. Repair your asphalt driveway (call some paving contractors!)
8. Smell the flowers.
9. Swim in a lake.
10. Go horseback riding.
11. Do a nature photo shoot.
12. Have a barbeque.
13. Visit the ocean.
14. Go bird watching.
15. Have a picnic.
16. Play frisbee.
17. Try golfing.
18. Go fishing.
19. Watch the clouds roll by.
20. Go stargazing.
21. Climb a tree.
22. Go to a waterpark.
23. Make a slip-n-slide.
24. Volunteer to walk dogs at a local dog shelter.
25. Read a good book (outside!)
26. Do yoga on your lawn as the sun rises.
27. Go for a bike ride.
28. Visit a zoo.
29. Build a fence.
30. Watch fireworks.
31. Have a water balloon fight.
32. Play beach volleyball.
33. Try water skiing (or tubing).
34. Have a garage sale.
35. Make lemonade.
36. Build a fort outside.
37. Have a bonfire.
38. Throw a backyard party.
39. Have a luau.
40. Dive into a pool.
41. Make salsa.
42. Go berry picking.
43. Make strawberry jam.
44. Go to a farmer’s market.
45. Drive a four wheeler.
46. Go mudding.
47. Get lost in a corn maze.
48. Go apple picking.
49. Visit a haunted forest.
50. Go to a pumpkin patch.

All of this and more are waiting for you when the weather is nice again. Don’t spend all of your time this spring, summer, or fall indoors. Get out and experience the world. Take advantage of the local activities and sites around you.

The post 50 Things To Plan For When The Weather Is Nice appeared first on InstantELLA.

Beholding The Golden Green Goose That Hatched One Of The Richest Counties in America

Teton County, Idaho has an abundance of fun recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy, and we want to share some of our favorites with you.

Kotler Ice Arena in Victor, ID

Kotler Ice Arena

The Kotler Ice Arena holds public open skating every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re a pro skater or just beginning, all are welcome to participate in the fun. You can pay daily or purchase a season pass, which are also good for their “Stick & Puck” sessions to practice your hockey skills.

Check Teton Valley Foundation for times and prices.

Geotourism Center in Driggs, ID

Experience the West Side of the Tetons

If your family enjoys museums, then you have to visit the world’s first geotourism center in Driggs. Explore the beauty of the Teton Valley all in the exhibits of the Teton Geotourism Center and learn to love it as the locals do. This is a great place to bring the family for a day trip. Learn all about what makes the Tetons and Yellowstone so unique.

Yellowstone National Park

Snowmobile & Snowcoach Tours

Of course you can’t go wrong with Yellowstone National Park. It is the first and oldest national park in the world. Your family can enjoy an experience fully immersed in natural wonders, from the thousands of geysers to the wildlife that lives there. Just be sure your dress for the weather.

National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY

National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole

Take your family on a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge this winter. Find yourself within 20 feet of thousands of elk. Dress warm and get ready for an experience of a lifetime. You might even encounter other wildlife, such as eagles, coyotes, foxes, bison, and swans.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort in Jackson, WY

Winter at Grand Targhee Resort

As soon as the winter season starts, you can take your family snow tubing at the Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Enjoy the thrill of speeding down a snowy hill and then the convenience of being pulled back up the hill by their conveyor surface lift. Reservations are recommended because the tubes can sell out quickly.

The post 5 Fun Family Friendly Activities in Teton County, Idaho appeared first on InstantELLA.

We enjoyed being outside with the family on those hot days, playing sports and just being together. To really increase your fun this next summer, try creating your own personalized games. By using old, run-down wood and other recycled materials you are one step closer to bringing fun and games to the next level. BiologiQ, a manufacturer of eco-friendly plastic with plastic resin pellets, has put together this great list of ways to recycle old wood.

Try out these creative ways to turn old materials into something brilliant and exciting!

Corn Toss Game

How to Build a Cornhole Toss Set

Who wouldn’t want a Corn Toss game in the backyard? This simple and easy game has been one of the most famous wood games around. Whenever you go to the fair or a carnival, there is always a Corn Toss game somewhere. Create a fun and unique game that the kids and even the older ones will love. Start by creating the board to fit any desire or imagination you want, plus involve the little ones on how it should look. Use this idea to have a start on your board. To make this project even more creative and fun create the bean bags yourself and fill them using plastic pellets. There are plenty of designs and ways to create the bags, you will also become a pro at sewing.

Connect 4

The classic game of four in a row has been bringing fun and smiles for many years. A competitive game of quick wit and skill that can bring out the master in you. Try taking this classic game to another level by revolutionizing it to fit your outdoor needs. Looking around the house, and especially grandpa’s house where you’ll find old wood pallets that can be used to make the board. Get creative when building your game or follow this example.

Shooting Range

Last but certainly not least, a homemade shooting range. Grab your old Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle and take to your backyard. You already have a Connect Four and Corn Toss game for the kids, but you also should have your own fun. Creating a homemade shooting range is easy, but be careful not to shoot your eye out. Find an old pallet board, print off some targets and pin them or glue them to the board. It is that easy! Take the experience of other posts on our blog, use them as a way to find inspiration!

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