This weekend is the Great American Backyard Campout, but with the heat and humidity we may not actually do any backyard camping. If we are actually home we will put up a tent for play or bring it inside for a great humidity-free camping adventure. We did put up two different tents in our backyard but only for a day or two so we didn’t kill the grass. I actually moved the smaller play tent around everyday so the grass underneath wouldn’t be flattened and die.
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What do you do when you want to make Jambalaya and do not have Cajun Seasoning? If you have a smartphone you Google a recipe! That’s just what my hubby did the other day while I was cooking lunch. He put together this homemade Cajun Seasoning for the Jambalaya I was putting into the crockpot for dinner. (Another recipe I found online and added to my Camping Pinterest board!)
We used this Cajun Spice Mix from allrecipes as our base. I love having all the ingredients on hand to mix up a new spice mix.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Just so happens that I used to sell Tupperware and have kept these nice spice containers for creating our own mixes. They are quite handy for times like this when we want to make a new spice mix from herbs and spices we already own. No need to run to the grocery store to pay high prices for a mix when you can make your own!
Yes, it’s Summer but that doesn’t mean learning get’s shelved with the curriculum books. There are a handful of great places you can get free homeschool curriculum ideas. I know you are thinking, “But I don’t have time to learn a new curriculum or to set something involved up!” Don’t worry these are quick and easy solutions to your learning dull-drums. Some you can sign-up for their newsletter so you are sure to not miss a single lesson or idea. I have used all of these resources for myself or to help refer other families so their curriculum can get spiced up a bit.
Remember sometimes a change in pace or type of learning is all you really need to ignite your child’s passion for learning again. (I will be taking my own advice and trying some new things with my kids this Summer as well!) Be sure to bookmark these sites, pin them, or share on facebook so other families can find these valuable resources!
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What does every little Scientist need? A bunch of tools and I have a great idea for an On-the-Go Kit of course. Just so happens I am a school and craft supply pack rat, lol. This can be a bad thing BUT for the most part is very good for our homeschool. My children have access to all sorts of fun goodies that mom has collected or saved for them.
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The super Summer buzzword that came to be before 2008 but was made uber popular since the recession – the STAYCATION! You will see, hear, and read it everywhere as Summer gets closer and closer. I love the idea of a vacation but with four children 11 years and younger it may not be as fun as it sounds. This is why I think I have some reasons why Staycations are a great idea that you should consider.
Not everyone can afford a fancy, expensive vacation. Planning a vacation above your means puts stress on the whole family. This also sets an unnecessary standard that your children with grow to expect each year! Instead plan something free, cheap or local. Create memories that are easy for your children to do with their family when they grow up (stargaze, hike, go play at a park,etc). Check your state parks, county parks, and city parks for free or cheap activities. You never know you may just create a fun family tradition!
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