The Sky's the Limit

According to the September 2012 issue of Family Fun Magazine, cloudspotting, the hobby of observing and identifying cloud types, is a great way to get kids relaxing in nature.  To try it, head outdoors with a camera or smartphone and take pictures of interesting formations.  Then identify them according to type.  There are ten major types, with many variations, using a cloud almanac.  Family Fun likes the reference section on the Cloud Appreciation Society's website (cloudappreciationsociety.org) and the app Coton ( $2, Android and iOS).  You can turn your discoveries into a keepsake by printing your photographs and putting them in a journal.

This is a great family hobby suggestion that can be fun.  Nothing like spending quality time together and learning at the same time.  Try it and the sky's the limit!

Cures for Cabin Fever

How do you keep your children entertained on bad-weather days? According to Family Fun Magazine, March 2009 issue, when your family gets tired of hot summer, winter or rainy weather try some of the ideas listed below:

1. Have a picnic in the living room. The kids can change into shorts and T-shirts, and you can prepare summer foods. (Examples: watermelon, potato salad, sub sandwiches). Then spread a tablecloth on the floor and pretend you are eating at a park. The meal will be a lovely diversion, as well as a reminder of summer's return.

2. Stage a mobile scavenger hunt. You can pile into the care for a mobile scavenger hunt. Before you leave, draw a simple picture of the things they can find (Example: cows, an airplane, two blue cars, red lights) on one piece of paper. As you drive, the children check off the items they spot. The change of scenery is good for the kids and you too!

3. Put activity books to new use. You can play "Musical coloring book." Just arrange the kid's coloring and activity books in a circle in the family or living room, then start a CD. The kids and you walk quickly around the books until Dad or someone not playing cuts the music. When the happens, everyone does an activity from the book they are closest to. The kids will like this game.

Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

by Gayle Goodson Butler
Editor in Chief, Better Homes and Gardens

Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

Whether you are simply dyeing eggs or decorating them in creative ways, this classic Easter activity can go beyond egg hunts and into beautiful art. Wow your friends and family with our egg ideas! Below are the second six ideas in the article by Gayle:

1. Easter Egg Flower Pots

Dye eggshells to be pretty pastels using an egg-dyeing kit. Carefully cut an opening in the top of the eggshell and fill with soil and a flower in a complementing color.

2, Eraser Decorating

Pour paint onto a disposable plate. Dip just the end of a pencil eraser into the paint and dot the egg. Wash or wipe off the eraser to change colors. Make sure to dot one color at a time.

Tip: You can also use a cotton swab to make small dots on your egg.

3. Toothpick Decorating

Choose two colors of paint to decorate your egg and pour the paints on a disposable plate. To make the petals of the flower, dip about 1/4 inch of a toothpick into the paint, then lay the toothpick down onto the egg. Repeat to make petals, leaving a space in the middle for the flower center. Using a new toothpick and another color of paint, dip just the tip of the toothpick in paint and dot the center two or three times. Let the egg dry.

4. Tie-Dyed Easter Eggs

Decorate a basket of eggs using rubber bands, stickers, and dye. Simply press the stickers or wrap the rubber bands onto the egg before dipping the eggs in the dye.

5. Candy Dots

Little fingers will love transforming colored eggs into cute-as-a-button 3-D show-offs for Easter celebrations. All it takes is colorful candy dots that are attached to the eggshell with thick frosting. Make your own frosting paste by stirring together powdered sugar and a little bit of water. Be sure it's thick enough to stick. Purchased frosting from a can works, too. Be sure your eggs are cool before applying the dots.

6. Polka-Dot Eggs

The fun goes on after the dipping and dyeing is done. Make patterns on your Easter eggs using colorful stickers or by gluing on circles punched out of colored paper.

Editor's Tip: Cater to shorter attention spans by having the dyed eggs ready to go before little ones start to decorate.