Drought

In the height of summer, one of the most common reasons for a dead lawn is lack of water. During periods of drought, it’s important to keep your lawn hydrated by either using a hose or sprinklers. Think carefully about when you water your lawn – it’s often better to water a lawn early in the morning or in the evening. If you water your lawn in the middle of the day during a heatwave, much of the water will evaporate before it’s soaked into the grass and soil. 

Lack of sunlight

If most of your lawn is in the shade for long periods of the day, this could be another reason why your lawn isn’t growing well. Like all plants, grass needs sunlight to survive. Some types of grass need less sunlight than others. For example, ryegrass can still thrive in areas that are shaded for most of the day. This could be a solution if there is no way of increasing your lawn’s sun exposure (such as cutting back trees). 

Dog urine

Got a pet dog? Their pee could be damaging your lawn! Dog urine is full of nitrogen, which kills off grass over time. Many dogs like to choose the same locations to urinate, so you’ll often get bare patches forming. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should ban your pooch from peeing on your lawn. Regularly watering your lawn or spraying your lawn with dog urine neutraliser could solve the problem.

Leaves and debris

Decomposing leaves in autumn can provide nutrients to your lawn’s soil. However, a thick layer of leaves will do more harm than good. Too many leaves will prevent your grass from getting any sunlight or water. To prevent this from happening, consider raking away leaves and debris in autumn. Alternatively, make light work of those leaves by looking into the best battery powered leaf blowers.

Cutting too short

A common mistake people make when mowing their lawn is cutting grass too short. There needs to be enough grass poking out of the earth to trap sunlight and trigger photosynthesis. If blades of grass are cut too short, the grass will not absorb enough sunlight and will die. Aim to keep grass between 1.3 and 4cm long. 

Fungal disease

If there are brown, orange or reddish patches all over your lawn, it may be due to a fungal disease. Red thread, lawn rust and fusarium are common examples. Fortunately, you can combat these diseases using a fungicide. You can compare some of the best lawn fungicides here. 

Insects

Infestations of certain insects can also cause damage to grass. Ants, chafer grubs and leather jackets are a few pests to look out for. If you suspect that bugs are destroying your lawn, you can look into various chemical or organic forms of pest control. Sprinkling a solution of dish soap and water over your lawn is a strategy that could potentially work. 

The post Lawn of The Dead: Why Is My Lawn Dying? appeared first on InstantELLA.

So, what should you be considering prior to heading to the hairdresser chair for a significant change?

Spiced Rum

Recently seen on celebs such as Zendaya, the spiced rum color trend is more of a warm, coppery tone on brunette hair. It’s a trend that’s not only easily achieved but also maintained, making it a practical choice for those with darker hair colors. While all hair colors can take on a spiced rum trend, those with naturally lighter shades can expect to have more frequent touch-ups. But if you want to give some definition and life to darker hair, then this trend can be perfect for summer.

Luxe Brunette

Celebrities such as Hailey Baldwin and Dakota Johnson have been seen with a more luxurious shade of brunette, otherwise known as mob wife brunette. Essentially, this choice is more of a rich chocolate brown with shine exuding vibrancy and healthy in a more flowing feel than an average brunette. If going lighter isn’t your cup of tea and you want to revive your dark color, then opting for a more silky brown can elevate your locks and give you locks to die for.

Barely There Pastels

Pastels are always a popular color choice over the summer, but for this year, you want to dilute them even more so they give you that barely-there look. The aim of this look is to give a hint of color that isn’t overpowering or even completely over all the length of the hair. Istad is like the hint of color, a hue dusted over hair strands to accentuate the hair, not overpower the head or wash out your complexion. This style is best on naturally light hair as dark colors might need more time to lighten the hair, so it takes and requires considerably more upkeep.

Colour Blocking

Billie Eilish has been seen sporting the color-blocking trend, and this essential is a section of color on top of your natural hair color in any form or pattern but not typically over the whole head. It’s a trend that allows you to add copper to the ends of your brunette hair or a top section of red to blonde hair; check out this post on going from blonde to red hair or even green to black hair in strips around the side of the face. Where you choose to block the color is entirely up to you, but it’s a great way to add character and personality to your hair, empowering you to experiment with your look.

Soft Black

Not all hair stylists are on board with taking clients jet back, but soft black is a popular choice for summer 2024, and people love it. Steer clear of the Wednesday Addams black and think of a more fluid espresso type of black with velvety hues that just misses being the blackest of blacks. Glossy, not matt, shimmery, not void of life id, that aims for the soft black look. By choosing this trend, you’re making a confident and fashion-forward decision.

Sandy Blonde

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, rocks the sandy blonde look with ease and elegance, as does Jennifer Lawrence. To achieve this look, you want to mix iced-in highlights with shades of brown to give your hair depth and dimension. While you still maintain your blonde color, you are adding to it to give it a softer feel that is miles away from last year’s buttery blonde trend and infinitely more manageable, too.

Changing your hair color this summer can give you a new lease on life and elevate your style one strand at a time. However, you need to be confident you can upkeep the colors you go for, especially if you add vibrant solid colors such as reds or go from dark to blonde or vice versa. And remember, nothing is permanent. If it doesn’t work, you can grow it and start again. But if you want your hair to be as on-trend as your outfits, these 6 colors should be on your list of choices!

The post 6 Hair Color Trends To Rock This Summer appeared first on InstantELLA.

Dress Smart, Stay Cool

Your clothing choices can make or break your comfort in the heat. Opting for lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen that allow air circulation and wick away moisture is key. Light-colored clothing also reflects sun rays while dark colors absorb them, leading to heat accumulation and making you sweatier than necessary. And if working from home is something that matters to you, why limit yourself from staying in comfortable attire such as pajamas while doing your work? Comfort is of utmost importance after all.

Master the Art of Shade

Shade can be an essential element in surviving the heat. Outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella is an easy and portable solution. At home, invest in blackout curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight rays. Alternatively consider planting trees or installing awnings, both solutions offer shade while increasing curb appeal.

Cooling Gadgets and Gizmos 

Technology offers numerous gadgets designed to keep you cool. Portable fans, cooling towels, personal air conditioners and personal air conditioners can make a significant difference. Not to mention how effective an ice pack can be at rapidly lowering body temperatures. You may be amazed how effective these small devices can be at providing relief from heat waves.

Cold Showers 

Nothing beats the rejuvenating feel of a cool shower when temperatures soar, instantly lowering body temperature and washing away sweat from your pores to leave you feeling revived and rejuvenated. If you aren’t quite up for an icy bath yet, start slowly by switching over from lukewarm water to gradually colder waters.

AC Repair

Sometimes the heat becomes unbearable, necessitating an efficient air conditioning unit to stay comfortable. If your AC is underperforming, it may be the time to consider repairs. As a starting point, start by checking basic components such as air filter clogs (these can reduce efficiency drastically) as well as thermostat settings to make sure everything is operating normally. If these steps don’t resolve your AC repair needs, it is advisable to seek professional assistance for service repair. Experienced AC technicians can identify more complex problems like refrigerant leaks, compressor faults or electrical issues. Regular maintenance (including annual check-ups) can prevent many common problems and increase its lifespan to keep you cool and comfortable through all of summer.

Siesta: An Ultimate Power Nap

Siestas have long been a tradition in many hot countries, and for good reason. By taking a midday nap or siesta, people can avoid peak afternoon heat while catching some Zs. A short slumber in a cool and dark room will rejuvenate you, helping make you more productive when you awake. Plus it provides an excuse for relaxation.

Conclusion

With these helpful yet professional tips in your arsenal, you are now prepared with strategies for staying cool this summer. To beat the heat effectively, dress smartly, find shade when necessary, and indulge in cooling showers when desired. Whether it involves technology or tried-and-tested methods, simply find what works for you best and relax and enjoy your summer.

The post Beat the Heat with Tips to Keep Cool This Summer appeared first on InstantELLA.

It’s common knowledge that gardening is hard work so try and spread your tasks out rather than attempt them all at once. Here are a few jobs to put on the list.

Clean Your Tools

You can’t keep your garden trim and tidy without the use of your tools. If you want your tools to do a good job, they have to be well maintained. If they’ve been sitting in your shed covered in mud and grass all winter, you may have some work to do.

Wash your tools clean with water and brush off any stubborn dirt. When your tools are clean, oil them to prevent them from rusting. Try and remember to wash them clean after each use.

Kill Weeds

It’s common for weeds to show up as spring starts. You may begin to notice them more obviously as the weather gets warmer. They’re usually found in lawns and flower beds, and even in the cracks of patio stones.

It’s vital to use weed control to kill any weeds in your garden. Not only can they quickly take over and spread but they also steal essential nutrients from your lawn and plants. 

Tidy Flower Beds

Along with the rest of your garden, your flower beds go through harsh winter weather like wind, rain, and snow. If you find debris in your flower beds, remove it and dispose of it. You may spot fallen, dead leaves or trash that has blown in from neighboring gardens.

Once you remove this debris, your flower bed has a better chance of getting sunlight, water, and nutrients to the root of your plants. You can also trim the edges of the beds to make it look neater.

Get Rid of Pests

Gardens are like havens for some pests but pests are always destroyers. From the smallest bugs to caterpillars, rats and everything in between- no-one wants to find pests in their garden. Fortunately there are ways you can deter pests from making a home in your garden.

The best way to do this is to make sure that your garden is clean and tidy. This eliminates the chance of pests finding food or places to hide. You can use pest repellants but these can harm your plants so using natural methods is favored. For instance, putting broken eggshells into your soil is a great way to keep slugs away. There are other methods to check out, so if you’re worried about any damage to your garden, consider looking into Mosquito Control to get your space back from aerial insects!

Trim Bushes and Trees

Spring is the perfect time to trim back bushes and trees. It’s likely that they’ve overgrown throughout the winter and may be causing a hazardous obstacle in your garden. Similarly, overgrown trees can be a danger to life in strong winds or could cause damage to your property.

You can easily trim bushes yourself with the right tools. However, trees can be more complicated. You may need to contact a professional to cut down large branches if your tree is particularly tall.

Plant Summer Seeds and Bulbs

If you like to look out at an array of color in your garden when summer arrives, it’s time to start planting. There’s a wide variety of flowers that will be ready for summer if you start planting now. For instance, lilies, crocuses, and iris are all ideal for a colorful garden and work well in the same space together. If you have a raised bed to use, even better. Additionally, if you want a quick way to get a lush, green lawn this summer, consider installing sod. Choosing the best sod for your Florida property (or elsewhere) can help you avoid the long wait that comes with seeding. Sod establishes quickly and gives your yard an instant boost of greenery, letting you enjoy your outdoor space sooner.

Clean Your Patio

Like the rest of your garden, your patio has likely taken a hit through the winter. It may look dirty and covered in debris. The good news is, patios are often easy to clean, especially if you have a jet wash to hand. Remove the debris and jet wash your patio to remove dirt and grime.

If you have any stubborn stains left, you can remove these with soapy water and a brush. Look over the stones to check for any cracks or holes. It’s important that these are fixed as soon as possible because they can weaken your patio flooring and invite weeds and pests to stay in your garden. Of course prevention is the best cure, so keep any of this from happening by investing in some Edmonton acrylic patio covers, so it stays clean from the get go.

Garden Sustainability

Your garden is a natural environment so it only makes sense to keep it as natural and as sustainable as possible. One of the ways you can do this is to start collecting rainwater. Your plants, flowers, and lawn will need to be watered during the summer but that doesn’t mean you have to do it with your hose pipe.

You can also think about starting to compost. Compost offers your plants rich nutrients and the best growing environment. It takes patience to create your own compost but it’s certainly worth it in the long run. Moving beyond soil and water management, planting native species is also a meaningful way to support a sustainable garden. Native plants are naturally adapted to your region’s climate and ecosystem, generally requiring less water and fewer chemical inputs, while providing vital support for local pollinators and wildlife. To assist with this, reputable providers such as Direct Native Plants typically offer a wide selection of native trees, shrubs, and perennials specifically suited to help you create a thriving, eco-friendly landscape.

Clean and Treat Garden Furniture

You’ll never use your garden furniture more than during the summer months. Whether you’re spending time alone in your garden or entertaining guests, your furniture must be in good condition. Start by cleaning your furniture with some soapy water to remove the dirt.

Once your furniture is cleaned, you should treat it. You can do this yourself or hire someone to do it for you. Treating your furniture will ensure it can stand the test of time by avoiding damage from the sun or spillages.

Invite The Right Wildlife

Although it’s important to keep pests away, the right kind of wildlife should be welcome in your garden. By planting wildflowers, you’ll encourage bees into your garden which is a must for the environment. 

You can also use bird feeders and bird baths to welcome all different kinds of bird species to your garden. They’re fascinating to watch and beautiful to hear on a summer morning.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, take a look at the rest.

The post 10 Ways To Prep Your Garden For Summer appeared first on InstantELLA.

Here are some simple ways to ensure that your home stays cool this summer. These easy steps will allow you to retreat to the comfort of your carefully cooled home. There are many ways that you can keep your home cool, and many of the methods vary depending on location and type of home.

Curtains

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While opening windows can be good, it needs to be done wisely. Opening a window that is facing the sun is just going to make your home super hot. You need to be careful to open windows that face away from the sun’s current position.

Equipping your windows with heavy curtains can be a great solution. These curtains prevent the sun from coming into the home, therefore keeping it much cooler. You can buy thick, dark curtains known as “black-out” curtains that do this quite nicely. Sometimes though, you need custom Window Treatments to get the right look. This can mean using a combination of curtains and bespoke blinds or shutters in order to get the right fit for your window with an aesthetic that matches the décor of the rest of the room.

Service AC

How To Improve Air Quality At Your Workplace?

This is the easiest, most effective, but most expensive suggestion on the list. Getting your AC tuned up will help keep your home cool all summer. It could potentially cost you a lot of money.

Check out local businesses that offer air conditioning services to find a good deal. Even if it is expensive, it is worth it.

Fire Up The Grill

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One of the easiest ways to heat your home up is to turn on the oven and cook. Now, this can’t be avoided the entire summer, so it is good to find the ideal times to cook. The ideal parts of the day to cook, morning and evening, are good times as your home will be cooler during those times.

You can avoid cooking inside by firing up the grill and cooking out. This is a classic thing to do during the summer anyway and will allow you to avoid heating up the house. Making a picnic out of it is a great family activity too!

Patch Screens

Why Should You Choose Metal Roofing?

Patching screens by itself will do nothing to keep your home cool. What your screens do is allow you to open windows without letting the veritable army of summer bugs into your home. You can buy very cheap screen patches at Walmart that are easily applied to windows and prevent bugs from coming in.

By doing so, you are allowing yourself to better ventilate your home by opening windows. If you open a window at each end of your house, you are creating a perfect path for a cool breeze.

Conclusion

Your Next-Level Cookout Guide

Summer is a great time of year, but it is very hot. Make sure that you are taking all the necessary steps to allow your home to be cool all summer. Simple, easy fixes are readily available; get your home in summer shape and beat the heat this year!

The post 4 Simple Actions to Take to Prepare to Beat the Summer Heat appeared first on InstantELLA.

Camping

Fun Gear and Gadgets for Your Next Camping Trip

People try and make camping so complicated. They think they need to bring their entire bedroom and kitchen in order to have a good time, but to be honest the less hassle the better. A tent or hammock, a sleeping bag, a way to make fire, and a tinfoil dinner is all you need to have a fabulous camping trip with a few friends.

Hiking

Must-Have Gear for Your Bucket List

Getting out and hiking is a wonderful way to stretch your legs and breath in some fresh air. Make sure you use the buddy system and stay on the trail so your adventure into the wilderness will be accident-free.

BBQ

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If you do a BBQing party you can have everyone bring an item or two. That way it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to have great food with fabulous company. Most apartment complexes offer patio grills so it shouldn’t be hard to find somewhere to cook your meat. Also, to keep the event stress free, try sticking with easy BBQing options. Grilling up steaks for an entire party of people probably isn’t worth the effort you’re going to have to put into it.

Campfire/bonfire

Image Source

Campfires don’t have to include food, but a bag of marshmallows, some graham crackers, and a few chocolates can go a long way to make a group happy. Encourage your musically include friend to bring along their guitar so you can enjoy a few silly songs by the glow of the fire.

Fishing

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You don’t have to be an avid fisherman to enjoy a little fishing. Find yourself a pole, hook, and line and take a relaxing trip down to the side of a river. If you catch something, that’s great, fish for dinner! If not, that’s alright too. At least you had an excuse to be outside.

Picnic

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Picnics are another great pot luck activity. Have some people bring food and others bring games. With everyone pitching in something you’re bound to have a fantastic day at the park.

Birdwatching

All the New Tech of the Great Outdoors

While perhaps not the most thrilling activity, birdwatching can be very fascinating. Bring along a bird book or download an app on your phone to help you know what you’re looking at. Some apps even have the birds calls available so you can draw your new feathery friend in for a closer look.

Biking

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Biking can be whatever you want it to be. If you’re in the mood for some intense mountain trails remember to wear a helmet and stay safe. You could also stay around town and enjoy a leisurely ride around the park to get you outside and breathing in the spring air.

Slacklining

Adrenaline Junkie Loves Doing Flips On Slackline

If the area you live in is filled with trees then it might be time to live out your childhood dream of being a tight rope walker. All you need is a slackline and two trees that are relatively close together. As you’re learning, start with your line close to the ground so your fall isn’t quite so painful.

Climbing

Top Summer Activities for All The Family

Few things provide a greater adrenaline rush than going out and scaling a cliff face. Whether you are just trying out the sport or are an avid climber remember to always use the right equipment correctly so you can stay safe.

It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing as long as you are getting outside and staying safe. Enjoy the nice weather!

The post 10 Spring Activities To Get You And Your Group Out And About appeared first on InstantELLA.

If you, like me, have a tendency to get swept up in the changing seasons, you may be missing out on changes that can help you feel great as the months get colder. Check out these five ideas to see what you might benefit from this pumpkin season!

Your Look

The Biggest Street Style Trends of Fall 2018

Who doesn’t love getting a fresh new look? Seasonal changes inspire lots of people to cut and color their hair or update their wardrobe, and it definitely serves as a confidence booster when your kids are heading back to school and life just seems busier. And with new trends emerging each year with every season, it’s easy to find something new and fun to try.

Even simple changes like parting your hair on the other side of your head or investing in a warm jacket that will transition perfectly into winter weather will get you in the Fall spirit and ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Your Workout

How to Guarantee Your Workout is Always Working

If you like to get your sweat on at the gym, it’s easy to stick to the same workout you’ve been doing for the last six months, but the coming of a new season is the perfect excuse to make some alterations. New class schedules will start coming out, too, and it may be fun to add one or more of these into the rotation.

You should also think about how the change in weather will affect your preferred workouts and what you can substitute on those days. Does the road you love to run get icy early on? Transition to a new route or the treadmill. Will your regular gym hours be crowded now? Try a bodyweight workout at home or joining a Fall sports league.

Your Hygiene

The Definitive Guide to Dry Skin

As many women can attest, when the weather changes, it can make perfectly controlled skin suddenly dry up or breakout and hair brittle and dull. Anticipate how the Fall season will affect your skin and update your skincare routine accordingly.

You may switch out one product or all of them, but it’s worth it to keep your skin and hair looking beautiful. And if your last visit to the dentist was quite a while ago, replace your toothbrush so those pearly whites can keep impressing.

Your Food

Fall Weeknight Dinners

You’ve gotten into a great rotation when it comes to meal plans, but with the harvested fields come a slew of new delicious foods you don’t want to miss out on.

It’s time to take a quick hour and rehash your go-to recipes. You may choose to add squash to an already amazing meal or go full out with a different meal that compliments the new corn recipe you’ve found on Pinterest.

Your Schedule

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With the new season comes a change in commuter routines and the habits of the general population. Will your favorite coffee shop now be overrun with college students? Will it take 20 more minutes to drive by the elementary school along your normal drive to work?

Now is a good time to think about how you’ll need to adjust your own routine to avoid traffic buildup and busy crowds. But it’s also a good time to map out all your favorite seasonal activities so you can make the most of the corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and football games you love.

But don’t get weighed down by the stress of your current schedule; you can start looking at dates for your next vacation, too! Making your spring or summer plans now will help you and your best friends get through the never-ending winter months.

The post 5 Changes to Make When Summer Turns to Fall appeared first on InstantELLA.

See how many of these things you can do before the summer ends.

1. 1. Go camping off the grid. Don’t go to a well-groomed campground. Pack up your gear and hike out into a forest to camp where no one else has been.
   2. Spend an entire day at a water park. You always wanted to do this as a child. Now you’re an adult and can do whatever you want! So go for it!
   3. Play slip’n’slide kickball. Get a few tarps, some kiddie pools, a beach ball, and a bunch of friends and you’re set! Just be careful not to knock out a tooth or you may be paying a visit to the dentist.

Stargazing Tips for Summer Skywatching

1. 1. Sleep under the stars. Take a hammock out or just some blankets on a warm night and sleep under the stars. Find someplace quiet and dark where you can enjoy the serenity that a calm night offers.
   2. Do a fun-run. There are tons of fun 5ks everywhere throughout the summer. Whether you want to do a color run or an obstacle course, get a couple friends and sign up for one before the summer is done.
   3. Live like a tourist in your hometown. Visit all the touristy hotspots in your town. Maybe you’ll finally see the appeal in why all these people visit.
   4. Go white water rafting. If you’re inexperienced, make sure you find a location where a guide can take you out on the water to be safe (trust me, it’s still just as fun).
   5. Have a water balloon fight. Water balloons are not just for kids. Find an open field, put up some cardboard or wooden “bases” to hide behind and bring a couple hundred water balloons.
   6. Spend the day at a lake. Go swimming or fishing in the lake. Have a campfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Just enjoy a break from the busy world.
   7. Go on that fair ride that you always chicken out on. You know the one I’m talking about – the one on the bungee cords that shoots you up into the air. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
   8. Learn something new. Take a cooking or pottery class. Learn to ride a motorcycle. Get chickens for your backyard and learn how to take care of them using an automatic chicken feeder. I don’t care what it is, just learn to do something you’ve never done before.

9 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Riding Across the Country

1. Go on a biking trip. Back a light bag, get a couple friends to do the same, and just take off on your bikes and see where the road takes you.
2. Spend a day thrift shopping with a budget of $50. See if you can find any real treasures worth keeping.
3. Build a sand castle. Go to the beach, whether it’s at a lake or on the coast, and build the biggest sand castle you’ve ever seen. Make it a group effort or have a contest with your friends.
4. Spend a day reading in the sun. Make some iced tea or lemonade, lay out your beach towel or lounge chair, and relax in the sun while enjoying a book you’ve been meaning to get to.

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Don’t wait for the summer to pass you by. Start making it count now!

The post The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Adults 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.

Don’t be overwhelmed just yet. If you play your cards right, summer vacations can be a time of fun, learning and rediscovery of your own youth! Here’s how you do it.

Create a Routine

It does not end with planning a drive down to the beach or renting the perfect beach-house getaway. I’d recommend chalking out a schedule, planner or routine of activities even before summer starts. That way you will not only be prepared on day #1 but you would have been able to pre-register and save a spot for all those outdoor summer activities as well, you know what they say about the early bird. Obviously, having a plan would also ensure you’re making the best use of time and opportunities during this vacation.

A quick tip on planning the summer for your kids – include a mix of activities because children get bored easy and love variety. While a large part of summer is about the kids, it’s not all about them. Remember that you need to be relaxed and having fun too. Don’t cram your calendar with activities 24/7. Not only will that burn you out (and may burn out the kids too) but it leaves no room for re-adjustment or tweaking, and that’s no fun! Lol. Take on only as much as you’ll logically be able to handle and save room for downtime.

Having said that here are a couple of activities you and your kids can include in your summer routine.

Interactive Learning

Summer is all about Fun and so is Interactive Learning.  It involves a PC, tablet or other devices, interactive software, immediate answers to queries, virtual rewards and badges/ titles for performance and even online competitions. Sound like a video-game? Yes, because it pretty much is and that is exactly why kids find it so much fun. Except they’re learning along the way too.

American educational technology companies like IXL, through their online tools and website, offer students a chance to practice educational material. Often affiliated and recommended by the Public-School System, they provide students an engaging yet focused environment in which to excel. Sign-ups are free, through the affiliated school and students like my kids can use them throughout the year. Hint: even during summer

Registering your kid(s) at the Local Library’s online Summer Reading Programme is another great example of interactive learning. These programmes include several other exciting activities that go along with reading. My kids, for example read “The giving Tree” and then completed the lesson by planting a sapling in our backyard. They also enjoyed building their original Legos after reading a book on Lego design; and made their own tin can- robots after attending a book reading at the library which focused on robots and machines. Find IT Virginia and similar free online resources provide opportunities for e-reading and learning.

The possibilities are truly endless and I would have killed to have these opportunities growing up, but am happy my kids have them now. Better late than never.

The great outdoors

Physical activity is as important as mental health. My husband and I start our day with a jog around the neighborhood, while the kids do 2 laps each on their bicycles. It doesn’t matter who beats who to the house first, but we all return awake, alive and hungry. Whoever gets home first kills time playing some good old-fashioned basketball outside.

We take it easier on the weekends and substitute the jogs and bike rides for a day of mini-golf, bowling or the park.

And while a trip to the beach is a must, if you’re looking for local activities, Facebook Events  and Groupon Coupons could be a good place to start. Explore local events and workshops , take the kids to the amusement and water parks or the local fare, state-parks and museums, buy putt-putt, laser-tag, roller-skating and arcade game coupons for the family on Groupon at a discounted rate. Save some money, Explore, and thou shall find!

And don’t forget, your own backyard can be an ideal place to spend some time – if you’ve got a pool, make sure you search for a pool service near me to keep it clean and hygienic, but even without a pool, your own outdoor space can be a fantastic place for some truly wonderful adventures. 

Help Around the House

With great fun comes serious responsibility. If you haven’t already, take this time to teach the kids the nuances of laundry, doing the dishes, helping fix a meal and generally cleaning up after themselves.  It will go a long way in teaching them responsibility and preparing them for success as adults. Initially, I used to get a lot of pushback from my kids. It started with the “do we have to?”  but after gentle persuasion it’s slowly shifting to “can I help?”. Why surely, you can!!

Get a Pet

Now’s as good a time as any to get a pet for your kids to play with. My kids brought home 2 hermit crabs – Hermie and Sebastian – from the beach this summer. They had been after us for a while to get them a dog or cat. Since these cute little crabs are low maintenance, we figured it would be a good compromise. The bonus is the kids learn a little responsibility. They have researched how to take care of the hermit crabs and decorated the crab tank on their own with minimum supervision from us adults. Who knows, if the crabs survive a couple years, they might earn their puppy or kitten one day.

Indoor Fun

Ever heard the phrases “What do I do now?” or “I’m bored” from your kid(s), implying that you as the adult, are automatically supposed to come up with a solution to fix the ‘boredom’? Not anymore. This year I invested in arts & crafts, board-games, books, Legos and DIY projects to keep the kids engaged and entertained all summer long.

Some of the more interesting games that both kids and adults can play include, Connect Four, Jenga, UNO, Scrabble, and Monopoly. These never get old. Lego building is another activity that the boys and my husband enjoy and have organized several competitions around them.

We have family game nights where in addition to playing board games we all descend into the basement for a game of Pool or tag team Video Gaming. Other nights we chill over Netflix. Choosing Trilogies and other movie series like Aliens, The Godfather or Star Wars may work well during the summers when you can watch the series back to back and the kids don’t have school the next day.

Execute the Routine

Having created a schedule, it’s important to execute. The easiest way to do this is working as a team. After drafting the schedule, my husband and I discussed it with the kids to get their feedback and buy-in. Once everyone agreed, I had the kids replicate the schedule on a calendar in their room. Now they too share responsibility in keeping track of daily and weekly activities.

While some kids can be stubborn or rebellious, I honestly believe that all kids want structure and do well when given clear directions. Creating and executing a daily routine during the summers help build structure and discipline into the day. The kids have fun, parents can manage their time better and it’s a win-win all around. You know you’ve hit the nail on the mark when reminders and instructions become fewer and smiles and laughter greater!

Remember to have Fun!!

Summer comes along once a year and so it’s important to remember to have fun, irrespective of the activity on the routine. The routine is just a guideline meant to organize the day, not to limit fun. The routine should be flexible. If at some point activities need to be rescheduled, removed or added to the plan, go ahead and make alterations to the routine. As long as everyone is on-board and having fun, you’ll be fine.

It’s been just a few weeks of summer for my kids. Not only have I survived, but I must admit I’m actually looking forward to the weeks ahead. My secret lies in creating a balanced routine that includes having all out fun while learning, growing, being creative and unlocking hidden talents together!

The post Beach More, Worry Less : Smart Tips & Activities To Keep Kids Engaged This Summer appeared first on InstantELLA.