Activities For Kids Who Are Bored: The Boredom Bowl

How many days or even hours into summer break is it before you say "I'm bored. There's nothing to do!" Before you roll your eyes and sigh loudly, hoping Mom will get the hint, try this sanity saver: the Boredom Bowl. Choose a fish bowl, hat, or any other container. This will be your Boredom Bowl. Now, try to think of a bunch of summertime activities. What do you love to do on a hot summer day? Write on a piece of paper, fold it and drop it into the Boredom Bowl. It's that simple. What could you do if it's raining or you do something horrid, like break your ankle? Write it down! Think of things that are free, cheap, or even that cost a few bucks. Write each one on a separate piece of paper and put it in the bowl. Keep the bowl and several small pieces of paper on your desk or near your bed, so that the minute an idea pops into your head, you can write it down. Collect ideas and add to the bowl, so that by the time summer is here, you are ready. Whenever you think, "I'm bored!" reach in and pull out a boredom buster. Then, do it! Some ideas for boredom busters:

• Go for a walk as a family (or with just one chosen family member.)


• Go to the roller skating rink.


• Play a board game (list each board game on separate pieces of paper.)


• Read one chapter of a book.


• Buy a new book.


• Go to the library.


• Go to a park (name each of the parks separately.)


• Dance.


• Do a craft (list them specifically.)


• Take a class through (community education or a hardware store, perhaps.)


• Race Dad to the end of the block.


• Go for a bike ride.


• Play hopscotch on the sidewalk.


• Make up a story, one line at a time.


• Take digital photos of all the family members doing something goofy.


• Make a collage from magazine pictures and words.


• Volunteer to wash the windows at a disabled or elderly neighbor's house.

Whining isn't really that much fun, but boredom stinks! The Boredom Bowl is a great way to get rid of both.

Stephenie is a mom of girls who love to find something fun to do every day. Visit Stephenie's site http://www.faith-filled.com

Spa Party - Choose Your Spa Activities, Gifts, Food, and Party Supplies, and You're Ready

Most of us, at one time or another, need some "down time" - time to relax, visit with friends and pamper ourselves a little. But sometimes the cost of spa treatments, manicures and pedicures, keep us from giving ourselves that needed "lift".

Why not turn your home into a "spa" for an afternoon or evening by throwing your own "spa party"? It's the perfect way to give yourself and your friends that perfect "out".

Putting together a spa party is easy when you think about what you and your friends would enjoy doing most. Choose your colors, your activities and your gifts for your guests and you're ready to go!

Invitations: Send your guests colorful invitations (perhaps in pastels, bubbles, flowers, etc.) to join in the fun. If you'd like, you can throw in a bar of soap, potpourri or small sachet as a bonus.

Setting:

Create a calm and relaxing, yet fun, atmosphere for your spa party by using potpourri or scented candles. Dim the lights, put on some soft music, and place a bright centerpiece on the table with pastel balloons and ribbons dotting the room.

Activities: Invite or hire a friend (or a professional) to come to your spa party and demonstrate to you and your friends the best methods for skin, hair or nail care. You can arrange tables so that your guests can try out hand lotions, manicure or pedicure products and techniques. If you are feeling ambitious, your spa party can include facials--giving your guests time to visit as they wait for their face masks to set.

You can also give your recommendations for products you like in make-up, hair and skin care--providing inexpensive samples if available.

Food: Would any spa party be complete without a few indulgent foods? Set small plates of chocolate, mints, or fruit and veggies with dip at each table for your guests to nibble on while they visit or paint their nails.

Spa Party Gifts: Before, during, or after your spa party, add some glitz and glamour by giving each guest a pink or white boa, glamour glasses, mini-pillows or cosmetic cases. If you're looking for more, consider gift baskets with products used or discussed during the spa party.

So go ahead! Take some "time out" for yourself and your friends by hosting a spa party that will be big on fun and friendship and low on cost! Happy pampering!

Bonnie Larsen is a mother of five children ages 6 to 14 and a supporter of her husband in his venture to sell party supplies at ZippaPartySupplies.com. For more ideas and Spa Party Supplies, click here: Spa Party.