Fun Things to Do this Summer in Central Iowa

strawberries

The next time your child exclaims, “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do!” you can keep a few of these ideas in your back pocket for just such occasions.       Strawberry picking! A couple of summers ago we took a road trip and picked strawberries at Berry Fresh FarmsRead the Rest…

Jester Park Natural Playscape

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While on the search for new parks in the Des Moines area I came across a great one. Just north of the metro in Jester Park is the Jester Park Natural Playscape. My friend and I picked a beautiful day to meet up for a playtime and picnic for theRead the Rest…

Water Fun in Central Iowa

poolplay

  The Warmer Weather is upon us and many pools and aquatic centers are now open.  Start your planning now. Check out some of Central Iowa’s water hotspots.       ADVENTURE BAY – ADVENTURELAND: 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona IA 50009  Google Map Calendar and Hours Features: Includes 20Read the Rest…

Scheels Kids Klub – Free Classes

Monday Nights at Scheels in Jordan Creek Mall – Click Here for Directions For kids ages 4-12.  All classes start at 6:00 pm and last about an hour.  Parents can stay or shop.  BONUS!  Each kid gets a free piece of fudge. To sign up: Call 515-727-4065 or sign upRead the Rest…

Children, Pesticides and The Dirty Dozen

children-eat-vegetable

The following is the American Academy of Pediatrics statement on pesticides and children: “Pesticides are a collective term for chemicals intended to kill unwanted insects, plants, molds, and rodents. Children encounter pesticides daily and have unique susceptibilities to their potential toxicity. Acute poisoning risks are clear, and understanding of chronicRead the Rest…

Homemade Granola Recipe

One of my favorite summer breakfasts is Greek yogurt parfaits with homemade granola and fresh fruit. Sliced bananas, strawberries and blueberries when they are in season are perfect in parfaits. The Greek yogurt keeps you full with all the protein and I love the crunchy, slightly salty taste the granolaRead the Rest…

Black Bean Brownies

I first tried a black bean brownie at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market.  I loved the idea of adding black beans to the brownies to give it that extra boost of protein and fiber.  After looking around and trying to duplicate the great brownie I tasted at the market, IRead the Rest…

Fun With Vinegar and Baking Soda

bakingsodaandvinegar

With all the rain, finding indoor activities for the kids lately has been a priority around my house.  One of our old standbys that the kids always love to do is playing with vinegar and baking soda.  There are lots of different methods of play, but this is the oneRead the Rest…

Free Kids Workshops and Clinics at Lowes and Home Depot

Looking to teach your kiddos some do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment?  Look no further than your local Lowe’s or Home Depot store. The Home Depot offers FREE hands-on workshops designed for Kids each month.  The workshop includes a free apron and commemorative pinRead the Rest…

Girls Nite Out – Shop.Taste.Sip.Pamper.

GirlsNightOut

Need a night out with your girl friends? Come join us for YFC’s Girls Nite Out! Guests can look forward to chair massages, hair and beauty consultations, and LOTS of shopping! There will also be LIVE MUSIC, WINE, and HORS D’OEUVRES. Admission is FREE! A swag bag will be giftedRead the Rest…

Chickpea Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies – A Must Try Recipe

This is a recipe I adapted from Jessica Seinfeld’s book, Deceptively Delicious.  My original intent was to make these for the kids adding a healthy twist to the normal chocolate chip cookie.  Adding the chickpeas is great way to add protein and fiber.  Plus I added the flax seed mealRead the Rest…

5 Natural, Kid-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Ants

goldfish

Ants love kids (No I’m not talking about their aunts).  Or I guess I should say ants love all the food kids like to drop around the house.  Whether it’s the little crumb from some Goldfish crackers or fallen pieces off a granola bar your kids are providing a buffetRead the Rest…