Krista Rao blogs about crafty adventures with her kids
We love silly pictures in this house! Lately, we have been using photo props to liven up our shots and have a little fun. They are easy as 1-2-3 to make and add to much to your photos.
Step 1
Download and print or create your own desired props. I downloaded a whole bunch of free and adorable props from the Oh Happy Day blog. I printed them in colour on photo paper and was very happy with the result.
Step 2
Cut out your props and attach them with tape to wooden dowels, straws or wooden chop sticks. Basically you can use anything that will be sturdy and long enough to hold up the prop where you would like it.
There’s a lot going on in Hannah Potter’s depiction of a busy and colourful highway. A starry and sunny sky rains and snows, and Hannah stands in the far right, looking a little hesitant – due to the weather, we imagine. (Typical of Halifax, according to Hannah’s father.) Rain and snow? Not fun. Multicoloured flowers the size of cars are, though. We admire the optimistic interpretation. Well worth a shiny dollar for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, we reckon!
Because alfresco trumps the kitchen table. Even in winter.
Does the thought of winter camping makes your toes curl in anticipation of turning blue? Hankering to get outside and shake off the cabin fever? Pack up your sled with well-stocked picnic basket (or insulated backpack) and head outside! There’s a freedom and excitement in eating outdoors, no matter what the weather is. Here’s what to pack to turn your winter picnic into a party:
THE NECESSITIES
Before we get started on the fun stuff, there are a few basic items you should have on hand. Blankets are optional if you’re wearing snow or slush pants, but spreading a blanket out really means a picnic. Don’t forget to bring lots of napkins for runny noses and a garbage bag for any waste. If it’s a sunny day, you may want to apply some sunscreen on the face before heading out. Read more...
It’s with great satisfaction that we proclaim this day the 15th day of Dare to Draw! So far, we’ve seen some heart-warming family portraits, radical musical instruments, and stylish footwear. This weekend was no exception to the run of great drawings by our daring participants. Check out the wonderful works of the weekend!
Assignment # 13: Draw how you get to school
Hannah Potter doesn’t go to school yet, but that didn’t stop her from picturing what it might be like to stand in front of the school bus, waiting to join the rest of the kids in their pink outfits.
Assignment #14: Draw your smile
Now this is a smile that means business. The long, batty lashes make a nice compliment to the fierce chompers. Hannah Potter, your pictures kind of make our day. (ed. — those lashes are 100% accurate) Read more...
Beth Blenz-Clucas blogs about music for kids that grownups will love too
One of the best family adventures we ever had was a trip to Brazil in the summer of 2001. We hung out with relatives of my sister-in-law in Rio, explored some of the hill towns around the city, and enjoyed days filled with amazing sights, sounds and glorious food. A side trip up to the capital of Bahia, Salvador, was like experiencing a little bit of Africa, South American style. One evening there, our whole family joined an impromptu street parade, banging percussion instruments and samba dancing up a cobblestoned colonial road with a growing crowd of people of all ages. It was unbelievable, and we could’ve danced along all night, if not for a tank full of government troops rolling through to break things up (the police were on strike, and the government was suspicious of any unsupervised group activity). Needless to say, it was an experience. Read more...
