Fidget Toys Reviewed

 Just before his recent birthday, I asked my 9-year-old grandson, Tyler, to write me a list of gifts he was hoping for. On the list was a pair of Crocs Shoes and a set of Crocs Charms to go with them. (These items were given to him by his parents).  Also on the list was something called an 'Infinity Cube'. 

Admittedly, grandparents seldom keep up with the latest trends in toys, music and video games popular with the 'younger set', so we depend upon the grandchildren to 'explain'. Tyler picked the easiest way to tell me about what an infinity cube was by showing me an example on the internet. Ah, the ease of modern technology! 

Now I am out shopping and searching the toy section for an Infinity Cube. Unable to find it, I ask for help. The sales clerk takes me to a section on the shelf where there is a group of small toys called Fidget Toys. I did not know that is what they were called! And, Wow, I had no idea the range of toys that are now available as 'Fidget Toys'. 

What is a Fidget Toy?

Fidget toys are tiny toys that fit in a pocket or are easily transported in a backpack. They are intended to keep hands busy, rather like a toy version of a stress ball. Fidget toys often feature little buttons or switches that move back and forth, or ones, like the Fidget Spinner, has propellers that spin. 

Besides just being a fun thing for youngsters to 'fiddle' with, they are also called 'sensory toys' and are sometimes marketed as stress relievers or to help kids burn up pent-up energy. There have even been claims that they are stress tools for kids with ADHD (although there are no real scientific or medical facts behind this claim). Mostly, they are just for fun, as Tyler will tell you. 

The Fidget Toys Tyler Got For Birthday Gifts

Infinity Cube

An Infinity Cube is a kind of mechanical puzzle toy with mathematical principles (per Wikipedia). It is similar to the retro puzzle toy even I am familiar with – The Rubik's Cube. While 'like' a Rubik's Cube, the infinity cube is different in that it can be opened and put back together from different directions, thus creating a visually interesting effect. They are the generally found in the size of the 2x2 Rubik's Cube. 

An Infinity Cube in Action

Fidget Spinner

Fidget spinners are usually clover shaped, made of plastic or metal, and have a bearing in the center so it will spin with little effort. It appeals to all age groups and is hard to pass by without giving it a spin. The whole family has tried it out at various times throughout the day! 

Fidget Spinner in Action!

Summary

Tyler at his family birthday party

The Infinity Cubes and the Fidget Spinners are fun, and inexpensive, puzzle-type toys for kids. In addition, Fidget Toys come in many shapes, sizes and colors, from balls to cubes to those that pop or squish. It seems that the world of Fidget Toys is virtually endless.

Click Here to Find Your Favorite Fidget Toys on Amazon 

*Fidget Toys Review written by Wednesday Elf (grandmother to Birthday Boy, Tyler). :) 

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Thule Motion Rooftop Cargo Carrier Reviewed

We recently set out on a cross-country drive to visit a family member.  Since our destination was over 1000 miles away, we opted to drive only one vehicle to carry 5 adults and our dog, Merlin.

You may wonder why we took our pup with us.  He is approximately 15 years old and has arthritis.  He can no longer get up without assistance.  Leaving him in a kennel is not an option.  So, he made the trip with us.  

Merlin is a Labrador Retriever and requires as much room, or more, in the car as any adult.  We put one seat down with his bed on it so he would be comfortable on the long drive.  He was fabulous on the trip!  However, with 5 adults and a full-size doggie, we had no place for luggage.  Unfortunately, the people wanted to be able to change their clothes a few times on the trip, even though Merlin thinks that is silly.

A month before the trip, my husband spent a lot of time researching cargo carriers that would fit on top of our SUV.  He wanted one that would mount securely and would not fly off the top of the car.  He also wanted one that would minimize the drag on the car.  Plus, he wanted a reputable brand that would lock closed.  Last, but by no means least, he wanted one large enough to carry our luggage and supplies.  

Those are not unreasonable expectations for a cargo carrier on the top of the vehicle, but those combined concerns did limit options.

Before he even started looking at carriers, he looked up the manufacturer's specification for the total weight that our SUV could carry on it's roof.  We did not purchase the largest cargo carrier available.  The combined weight of the roof rail crossbars, the expected weight of the luggage, and the weight of the carrier itself,  had to be considered before the cargo carrier size was selected.

Now that we are home and our packed cargo carrier traveled over 2000 miles on the roof of our SUV, I can highly recommend the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier - Large.  Not only does it have a streamline attractive appearance, it has a lightweight construction that is extremely durable.  It didn't shake, rattle, bounce, fly open, or fly off of our SUV.  Plus, our luggage was safely locked inside so we didn't have to worry about opportunistic thieves when we stopped along the way or overnight.

 

Features of the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier (Large Size)

 Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Titan, Large, L (16 cu ft)
Click Image to Purchase
• Exterior:  77" x 36" x 17"
• Interior offers 16 cubic feet packing space (69" x 31.5" x 15")
  
• Dual Side Opening - Opens from Either Side of the Vehicle
• When Open, Lid Has Supporting Side Lid-Lifters
• Secure Closure Indicator on Lid
  
• Offers a Quick Mount System that "Clicks" When Secure on the Recommended Cross Bars
  
• Plastic Construction
• Weight of Carrier: 42 lbs 
• Carries 165 lbs of Content
• Additional Sizes Available
  

 

Things We Considered Before We Purchased Our Cargo Carrier

First, we checked the Vehicle Manufacturer's Data for the maximum weight limit allowed for our vehicle roof rack when the vehicle is in Motion (not the weight allowed when the vehicle is parked).

We ensured the Combined Weight of the following did not exceed the vehicle manufacturer's maximum roof mounted weight specifications:

1.  Weight of the Crossbars  
2.  Weight of the Cargo Carrier  
3.  Weight of the Carrier's Contents

 

Considerations When Selecting the Right Cargo Carrier 

I am sure there are more things to consider, but these are the things we found most important to us before we purchased, mounted and loaded our cargo carrier.

 Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo CarrierCheck Price
1. Roof Rail Crossbars* 
   
2. The Cargo Carrier Manufacturer's Maximum Carrier Content Weight Limit (combined weight of luggage or items to carry)
3. The Cargo Carrier Manufacturer's Specified Maximum Vehicle Speed Allowed with Cargo Carrier Installed
4. Mounting Considerations (front, back, center of roof) for the carrier.  We had to consider the lift gate on our SUV
   

 *Thule specifies crossbars that are safe to use with their cargo carriers on their website.  Our selected GMC crossbars were not listed, so we emailed our cargo carrier's manufacturer to ensure the roof rail crossbars we selected were safe to use with our vehicle and our cargo carrier before we bought them.

We mounted our carrier in accordance with our vehicle manufacturer and the cargo carrier manufacturer's instructions.  Both have specific limitations and guidance on how and where to mount the rooftop carrier.

Even after we considered all of these things in advance, we still weighed each item as we were packing the carrier to make sure we were within the specified weight limits of the roof rails, the carrier and the luggage combined.

On our trip, we saw several "interesting" ways that people carried their luggage or supplies on their roof.  Looking at those terrifying and potentially dangerous "techniques", made me grateful that my husband considered safety first before putting anything on the roof of our car.  

 

The Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier

We did need a lightweight step-stool for loading and unloading our luggage from the roof of our SUV

 Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Titan, Large, L (16 cu ft)Check Price ACSTEP Folding Step Stool 2 Step Ladder Heavy Duty Metal Stepping Stools for Adults with Anti-SlipCheck Price

 

 

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Thule Motion Rooftop Cargo Carrier Review by:

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Roots Canada Leather

Roots Canada Ltd. is a Canadian company that sells quality leather bags and accessories. Their products are loved by me and by many who value quality merchandise with a Canadian connection. 

On their blog, Roots says:

"We're proud of the 180 makers and more than 45 years of history of handcrafting leather goods at our factory in Toronto, Ontario."

I think that the fact that they still make the bags in Canada is amazing particularly in a time when so much of what we buy is not made in North America.

This page is a simple review of a few fabulous Roots products. 

Celebrities have long since loved Roots Canada. If you have Roots pieces in your wardrobe, you will be in the company of such noted celebrities as Wayne Gretzky, Jason Priestley, Robbie Robertson, Elvis Stojko, Ross Rebagliati, the Back Street Boys,  the Moffats, Jake, Matt Damon, Minnie Driver, Ben Affleck, Mark Wahlberg, David Beckham, Natasha Bedingfield, Rupert Grint, Will Ferrell, Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum, U.S. President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Jean Chretien, The Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, Tori Spelling, Ashley Tisdale, King Charles II, Princes William and Harry, Sarah McLachlan, James Cameron and, of course, the amazing Canadian Olympic athletes. 

CROSSBODY BAG

I love this little light brown Roots crossbody bag or pouch that celebrates the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. Measuring just six inches by four inches by one inch in size with a 24 inch drop, it is perfect for slipping your small cell phone and credit card into. It's available from eBay seller Lunasmoon and can be found by clicking right here.

VARSITY JACKET

The vintage Roots coat shown above is representative of the many varsity-style leather and wool jackets that Roots has produced over the years. This one is a men's extra large Olympic jacket from the 2002 winter Salt Lake City Olympics and the Canadian team.  It can be found from eBay seller Luxifi by clicking right here.

WEEKENDER OR GYM BAG

Finally, I share this handsome and rare Roots Canada red pebbled leather gym or weekend bag. Also produced for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002, it is a very handsome bag with details that include punch-needle embroidery, bottom metal studs, double-strap leather handles, double zipper closure and waterproof interior. It measures 19 inches long by 6 1/2 inches wide by 11 inches tall with handles that drop 10 inches. It can be found in Curations by Jonathan's shop on eBay by clicking right here.

When talking about his Roots' 72-hour bag, Wayne Gretzky said, "It is the best weekender bag I've ever traveled with." Do you think this could have been the bag that Gretzky travelled with?

-----------------------------------------------------------

Roots makes handsome, top-quality leather pieces. If you own Roots leather, you already know of that quality. If not, you are in for a treat. Click here to see all of the Roots Canada leather items for sale on eBay. 

See you

next time!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

RELATED READING:

Roots Canada items in my eBay store.

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Cleaning Leather with Saddle Soap.

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The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

Last month, I was watching an old episode of Chopped on The Food Network and my mouth started watering when I saw one of the chefs in the competition use the crazy basket ingredients for one of the courses to make delicious calzones. Then, my friend Sam Monaco published his easy homemade calzones recipe here on Review This Reviews. I guess I had calzones on the brain, because the next time I reached for my Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix to make pizza, I decided to try using the zero carb pizza crust mix to make low carb calzones instead. 

I decided to fill the dough with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmigiano Romano cheeses, precooked sausage and herbs and serve the calzones with a good quality jarred pizza sauce as a dipping sauce. They turned out to be a big hit with both my husband and me. They also reheat well and we discovered that the leftovers are even good cold, which is great for a quick and easy hot weather dinner without turning on the oven.

I've provided both the low carb sausage and ricotta calzones recipe and variations for those of you who either don't follow a low carb or keto diet or who may be watching your calories and fat intake. And you can easily use regular pizza dough with wheat flour, if you aren't watching your carbs.

Enjoy!

Using Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix with 0 net carbs makes this low carb sausage and ricotta calzones recipe quick, easy and keto diet friendly!

Just because you're following a low carb or ketogenic diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy delicious pizza or calzones! Check out my product review of Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix with 0 net carbs, which I use in this low carb calzones recipe.

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones Recipe

Using my favorite 0 net carbs keto pizza crust mix makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare so you can get this yummy dinner on the table in less than 40 minutes. It's a real treat for carb lovers who are watching their carbs, and it's also easy to adapt to make it lower in calories and fat.

You can also substitute conventional store-bought pizza dough if you aren't counting carbs, so it's a great recipe for everyone at your table.

Buon appetito!

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Baking Time: 18–20 minutes

Tools, Supplies and Equipment

• Rectangular pizza stone with pizza paddle
• Rimless cookie sheet
• 9"x12" baking parchment paper
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment and dough hook
• Large silicone pastry mat*
• Rolling pin
• Heat-resistant 6-inch wide nonstick slotted turner spatula
• Small ramekins

*When making low carb sausage and ricotta calzones, you can't use wheat or semolina flour (which is high in carbs and can spike insulin levels) to keep the dough from sticking as you roll it out. I have tried substituting almond flour or coconut flour, but it doesn't work well. A lightly oiled silicone pastry mat is the best rolling surface I have found for working with keto dough.

Ingredients

Filling:

• 12 links Applegate Naturals Classic Pork Breakfast Sausage (or other sausage of your choice)
• 1 cup whole milk (4% fat) ricotta cheese (I recommend Maplebrook Farms brand)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 4 ounces finely shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh or dried herbs to taste (I love Penzeys Greek or Italian Herbs for this recipe)
• 16 pitted black Greek olives (I use Divina organic kalamata olives), coarsely chopped

Crust:

• 1 package Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Assembly:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Water

Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup Primal Kitchen unsweetened pizza sauce (Rao's and Yo Mama's are also good low carb, keto friendly brands of pizza sauce)

Directions

1. Place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 425 ℉. Line the rimless cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. To make the filling, pan fry the sausage links according to directions in a nonstick pan, then halve each link lengthwise and slice. (Alternatively, crumble and brown bulk Italian sausage.) Add to a mixing bowl along with the ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, finely shredded mozzarella, herbs and chopped olives and mix to combine. Cover and set aside.
3. To make the dough, add the keto pizza crust mix, water and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to mix at low speed until the dough comes together. Scrape the bowl and the paddle attachment, replace the latter with the dough hook attachment and let the mixer knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it is uniform and smooth.
4. To assemble, use 1 tablespoon of the oil to grease the silicone pastry mat. Divide the large ball of dough into four pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Roll out each ball thinly. Place 1/4 of the filling mixture along the center of one half of the dough, leaving a margin of dough around the rim. Moisten the rim with water, fold the dough over the filling and press the moistened edges together firmly. Use the extra-wide turner to help you carefully lift and transfer the calzone onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with the three remaining balls of dough and the rest of the filling. Use your fingers to spread the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the tops of the calzones.
5. Open the hot oven and, using potholders to protect your hands, carefully slide the parchment paper with the calzones onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bottoms are nicely browned and the tops are baked through.
6. Put 1/4 cup pizza sauce in each ramekin and serve with baked calzones.

Serving Suggestion

I enjoy serving these low carb sausage and ricotta calzones with either a side salad of fresh greens or just some micro greens, as shown here. (Check out my Hamama microgreens seed quilts review. These microgreens are SO easy to grow, no green thumb required—just soak in water and let them do their thing!)

Nutrition Information

For those of you who are counting calories or carbs or tracking macros on a low carb or ketogenic diet, these generously-sized low carb sausage and ricotta calzones each have 691 calories, 54.3g of total carbs, 46.3g of fiber, 8g of net carbs, 35.1g of protein and 51.1g of fat.

Variations for Conventional, Low Calorie or Low Fat Diets

If you're not worried about calories, carbs or fat, you can easily substitute homemade or ready-to-use pizza dough, your favorite sausages (Italian would be great) and your favorite pizza sauce. You could also roll out your dough on a board sprinkled with semolina and bake on a semolina-sprinkled pizza stone. 

To reduce fat and calories, you could try substituting low fat ricotta (although the filling might be a bit watery) and substitute Applegate Naturals Chicken & Sage Breakfast Sausage links.

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

Read More Recipes reviewed by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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Decorate a Room with Royal Blue

 Blue is my favorite color. My mother always had some part of our home decorated with royal blue. It could be the pillows for the couch, the curtains, or throw rugs, somewhere in the house was the color royal blue. My mother was a master at color coordinating. I'm sure this is why blue is my favorite color.

Decorating with Royal Blue Reviewed

Some Royal Blue History:

This deep and vivid shade of blue is said to have come from Rode Somerset a small village in England, well known for its millwork. In the 18th century, one of the mills created a robe for Queen Charlotte using a deep blue dye named Royal Blue.

So, the next time you have a bedroom to makeover consider decorating with the color Royal Blue. Then you could have a room fit for a King and Queen.

Decorating a Room with Royal Blue:

Decorating a bedroom or any room in your house with royal blue can be challenging but satisfying. The rich majestic color is associated with power and luxury, making it an ideal choice for a bedroom. 

Consider the mood and style that you want to create in the room. Royal blue will represent the sky and sea and is associated with open spaces to create a calming mood.

It is best to use royal blue as an accent color in contrast with neutral shades such as white, beige, or gray. This will create a sense of balance in the room and allow the royal blue to stand out. 

As an example, our living room curtains are royal blue, the walls are painted antique white, and the furniture and carpet are beige, the television stand and table are dark mahogany. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the room allowing the royal blue to stand out and make a statement.

I'm certainly not an expert at interior decorating, my mother was very good at matching colors and I have my wife Fran to thank for decorating our living room.

With these tips in mind, you can create a beautiful and sophisticated room with the color royal blue as its centerpiece.

Deconovo Solid Blackout Curtains - (42x84 Inch, Royal Blue, 2 Panels) Back Tab and Rod Pocket Light Blocking Curtains for Living RoomCheck the PriceHOMEIDEAS 6 Piece Bed Sheets Set (King, Royal Blue), 1800 Bedding Soft Brushed Microfiber Luxury Sheets, Deep Pockets, Easy Care, Wrinkle & Fade FreeCheck the Price

 

For More Decorating Ideas from Review This click here:

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Reviewing the Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent Crossbody Bag

I hate carrying purses and dislike crossbody style bags but I'm so excited to share with you the Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent bag and tell you why it is the perfect purse for people who don't care for purses. The versatility and the size are perfect for me. The colors and prints offered make it appealing to a variety of tastes.

Vera Bradley makes quality bags with a large variety of colors, prints, and styles. I had carried the tote bags for many years for work - until I've outgrown them due to the amount of stuff I have to carry back and forth. 

Personally, I stopped carry purses many years ago and only carry things in a wallet. That worked well for many years. I didn't have to carry extra items for my small children. And I no longer had to carry ladies' hygiene supplies.  With my wallet in one pocket, cell phone in another, and truck key in yet another I was set. Perfect. No chance of me leaving my purse lay somewhere.

However, as I grow older, I find myself needing to carry a pair of reading glasses. While I don't use them often when out, labels are very hard to read when shopping. Or while dining in a low-light restaurant with small print menus. I recently left my purse and glasses behind when my son treated me to dinner. I had to ask him to read portions of the menu to me!  

But enough about me... let's get on to why this Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent Crossbody Bag is so wonderful.

I do not like Crossbody style bags. I'm short and round that the strap just cuts across my body in an unflattering manner. I love shoulder carry bags but they are typically such large bags.  I only need a small bag. This Frannie Crescent can be used as a crossbody style bag if you choose. But the long strap is removable and the short strap remains. The short strap is just long enough to go over your shoulder and the bag tucks under your arm.

Like all Vera Bradley bags, there are a variety of prints and colors to choose from. I choose "bees". I LOVE this print. Many Vera Bradley colors are very bright which I like but I don't necessarily want to wear every day. Vera Bradley bags are durable. And being they are made from cotton there is no chemical smell that accompanies some faux leather bags. 

The Frannie Crescent bag has a quality zipper (I despite those cheap plastic zippers that pull apart easily). There are two interior pockets - one is zippered and one is not. The lining of the purse is slightly different than the cotton exterior. The interior feels more "wipable" than the exterior. The website boasts that this bag is made of "recyled cotton". Perhaps that is the difference I'm feeling. I like that the interior feels as though it will be easy to clean. And as always, Vera Bradely has made this cotton bag washable. I forgot to mention, the bag has a flat bottom. So it sits up where I place it. 

Vera Bradly Bees Print Bag on Amazon

I am very excited to find a bag with a print I love and the size I need to carry my 4 or 5 necessary items with me.  If you are looking for a smaller purse these might be just what you need also. I know I love mine and I thought I'd never want to carry a purse. While I ultimately chose the bees print, I had a hard time deciding between it, the black, and this adorable turtles print. 

Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent Turtles Print Bag on Amazon

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15 Things to Do With Family on a Summer Day

Summer is a wonderful time to create lasting memories with your family through exciting and engaging activities. As a family, we used to do many of these outings when our kids were little.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or educational experiences, countless opportunities exist to make the most of the season. To help you plan a fantastic summer day out, here's an expanded list of fifteen unique and enjoyable activities that will entertain the whole family.

15 Family Outings for a Summer Day

1. Visit an Outdoor Water Park: Dive into a day of splashing fun at a local outdoor water park. Enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools that keep everyone cool and entertained.

2. Explore a Wildlife Sanctuary: Take a trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary and discover the wonders of nature. Learn about various animal species, observe birds, and spot a few elusive creatures in their natural habitats. This is especially fun when the weather is pretty cool.

3. Go Fruit Picking: Visit a nearby farm and indulge in summer's sweet and juicy bounty. Spend the day picking fresh berries, cherries, or peaches, and enjoy a delicious picnic surrounded by picturesque orchards.

4. Plan a Beach Day: Pack your beach essentials and head to the nearest sandy shore. Build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, swim in the refreshing ocean, and soak up the sun while creating unforgettable memories.

5. Attend an Outdoor Concert: Check your local events calendar for open-air concerts or music festivals happening in your area. Enjoy live music, dance to your favorite tunes, and let the rhythm bring the family together. What's nice about this activity is that as the day rolls into the evening, if the kids are little, they can sleep while mom and dad enjoy a nice night out, all together as a family.

6. Organize a Scavenger Hunt: Create an exciting scavenger hunt in a local park or even in your own backyard. Prepare clues, set up challenges, and watch as your family members work together to solve the mystery and claim the prize.

7. Plan a Family Bike Ride: Explore your town or city on a family bike ride. Pick a scenic route, pack some snacks, and enjoy the fresh air as you pedal through parks, along bike trails, or along the waterfront.

8. Visit a Science Museum: Stimulate your mind and feed your curiosity by visiting a science museum. Engage in hands-on experiments, marvel at interactive exhibits, and delve into the world of science and technology together.

9. Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a delicious picnic basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and head to a nearby park. Find a cozy spot under a shady tree, lay out a blanket, and enjoy quality time together surrounded by nature.

10. Take a Nature Hike: Explore the great outdoors by taking a family hike. Find a scenic trail suitable for all skill levels, observe wildlife, breathe in the fresh air, and revel in the beauty of nature.

11. Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars: Look for local outdoor movie screenings in parks or drive-in theaters. Bring blankets, popcorn, and cozy up as you watch a family-friendly film beneath the starry sky. This is the only thing my family hasn't done on this list!

12. Visit a Local Farmers Market: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of a farmers market and indulge in fresh produce, homemade goodies, and artisanal crafts. Teach your children about healthy eating while supporting local businesses.

13. Plan a Camping Trip: Disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourselves in nature on a family camping trip. Pitch tents, build a campfire, roast marshmallows, and bond over stories and stargazing.

14. Explore a Botanical Garden: Take a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden, and admire the stunning displays of colorful flowers, unique plants, and serene landscapes. Some gardens even offer educational workshops and activities for children.

15. Visit a Theme Park or Amusement Park: Experience an adrenaline-filled day of roller coasters, games, and attractions at a nearby theme park. Enjoy thrilling rides, indulge in tasty treats, and make unforgettable memories together.

In conclusion, these fifteen activities provide a diverse range of options for family fun during the summer. From water parks and wildlife sanctuaries to picnics in the park and camping adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones, seize the sunny days, and make the most of this delightful season by engaging in these exciting and memorable experiences.

Happy Independence Day Week, and Happy Canada Day! Get busy making memories. 

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Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood

 

Book review of the latest Buchanan Family romantic suspense novel.

The six brothers and two sisters in the Buchanan Family are all involved in either the technology field or law enforcement, most particularly the FBI. Julie Garwood's books in this series revolve around one or more members of the family and their extended families of the Renards and the MacKennas. 

Grace Under Fire features Grace Isabel MacKenna and the Buchanan brother we have not heard much about to date – Michael.  

Synopsis

Grace Isabel MacKenna had a hundred things to do today. Killing someone wasn't one of them.

Isabel MacKenna  is on her way to a Buchanan Anniversary Party in Boston before leaving for Scotland to collect an inheritance. After flying from California, where she just graduated college, to Boston, Isabel decides to take a brisk walk before checking into her hotel. But she gets lost and ends up with a wounded man in her arms and is forced to shoot his attacker. 

The Buchanans send Michael, former Navy SEAL and now lawyer, to assist Isabel through the police questioning. Then, mysterious threats against Isabel surface and they appear to be related to the land in Scotland known as Glen MacKenna, which Isabel is due to inherit on her 21st Birthday. 

After the Anniversary party, Isabel flies to Scotland to claim her inheritance. Michael Buchanan follows her and appoints himself as Isabel's bodyguard, even though she is determined not to need one. Isabel knows she should be grateful for Michael's help, except she has harbored an extreme dislike for him for years. Now she seems to be stuck with him despite their constant bickering and sizzling attraction. 

Isabel and Michael may have to deal with their growing feelings for each other – but first Isabel must survive the threats from those who want to keep her from inheriting Glen MacKenna. 

Summary

Grace Under Fire is a fun and fascinating read, as are all the books in Julie Garwood's Buchanan Family series. 

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Wired - Review by Wednesday Elf

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*Book review of Grace Under Fire written by Wednesday Elf

Book 14 of 14 in the Buchanan Renard MacKenna Series by Julie Garwood

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