camping – And Then Home http://www.andthenhome.com/ Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:48:15 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.1 https://www.andthenhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cropped-Watermark-Logo-1-75x75.jpg camping – And Then Home http://www.andthenhome.com/ 32 32 Perfectly Cozy Popsicle Blanket https://www.andthenhome.com/perfectly-cozy-popsicle-blanket/ Tue, 28 Aug 2018 20:12:28 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=3507 As we enter the final, last hurrah of summer, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. Beside our patio door we have a basket full of blankets that lives there just for nights like these, when its not cold enough to call it a night but there’s definitely a nip in the air. To add that personal touch, and to really celebrate summer,  I made this fun Popsicle inspired patio blanket that’s a perfect addition for my blanket box. No sewing machine needed here; just an iron and some decorative hand stitching. To be honest, I upgraded a $5 fleece blanket that I picked up at big box store but you could easily head to your local fabric store and grab a few yards of fleece if you can’t find one. Add some sheet of felt from the dollar store and some fusible interfacing – you’ve got a custom blanket for under $15! DIY Popsicle Blanket What You’ll Need: A fleece blanket Felt sheets in six colours Brown or burlap ribbon Scissors Paper (for making a template) Fusible interfacing An iron Embroidery thread and needle Cut out a paper template to the size you want your Popsicle to be. It’s easier is you fold the paper in half and draw and cut your template from the fold. This way the Popsicle shape will be even on both sides. Now we can make the first Popsicle. Cut the yellow felt in the whole shape, this will be your base. Cut an orange layer by laying half of the template onto the and half off. When you lay the orange felt on top of the yellow, it should only cover half of the Popsicle. Finally, cut the top blue portion by laying only the top third of your template onto the felt. When layered together, this makes our first Popsicle. For our second Popsicle, cut out a full template in light green felt, like we did for the yellow layer in Popsicle number one. To make the Popsicle bumps, cut out two strips of dark green felt and then round both edges to make semi-circles. These will lay in the centre of the Popsicle, side by side. For our last Popsicle, cut out a full pink template and then a half template in yellow. Lay the yellow half on top of the pink and your done. To make the Popsicle sticks, cut out three lengths of ribbon and then round of one end. Time to assemble all the pieces! This step takes some time, it’s not difficult but setting each layer takes patience. Cut out pieces of fusible interfacing (this can be purchased at any fabric store, it is a heat activated adhesive for fabric) to match each of the felt Popsicle pieces and the sticks. Use an iron (follow the directions for heat setting, but be sure to turn of the steam) to attach each piece of felt together. Attach the sticks directly to the blanket, this will determine where the Popsicle’s will be so space it out before you iron them down. Once the sticks are in place, attach the Popsicle’s in place. Add some stitches around the Popsicle edges in coloured threads for an added touch. And it’s done! Curl up on the patio with a good book and make the most of the last few weeks of summer. Enjoy! We hope you loved this DIY Popsicle Blanket!  Looking for more home decor?  Certainly check out this Beach Decor DIY Flip Flop Hanger or our Tie Dye Tea Towels. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

The post Perfectly Cozy Popsicle Blanket appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> As we enter the final, last hurrah of summer, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. Beside our patio door we have a basket full of blankets that lives there just for nights like these, when its not cold enough to call it a night but there’s definitely a nip in the air. To add that personal touch, and to really celebrate summer,  I made this fun Popsicle inspired patio blanket that’s a perfect addition for my blanket box.

No sewing machine needed here; just an iron and some decorative hand stitching. To be honest, I upgraded a $5 fleece blanket that I picked up at big box store but you could easily head to your local fabric store and grab a few yards of fleece if you can’t find one. Add some sheet of felt from the dollar store and some fusible interfacing – you’ve got a custom blanket for under $15!

DIY Popsicle Blanket

What You’ll Need:

  • A fleece blanket
  • Felt sheets in six colours
  • Brown or burlap ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Paper (for making a template)
  • Fusible interfacing
  • An iron
  • Embroidery thread and needle

Cut out a paper template to the size you want your Popsicle to be. It’s easier is you fold the paper in half and draw and cut your template from the fold. This way the Popsicle shape will be even on both sides.

Now we can make the first Popsicle. Cut the yellow felt in the whole shape, this will be your base. Cut an orange layer by laying half of the template onto the and half off. When you lay the orange felt on top of the yellow, it should only cover half of the Popsicle. Finally, cut the top blue portion by laying only the top third of your template onto the felt. When layered together, this makes our first Popsicle.

For our second Popsicle, cut out a full template in light green felt, like we did for the yellow layer in Popsicle number one. To make the Popsicle bumps, cut out two strips of dark green felt and then round both edges to make semi-circles. These will lay in the centre of the Popsicle, side by side.

For our last Popsicle, cut out a full pink template and then a half template in yellow. Lay the yellow half on top of the pink and your done.

To make the Popsicle sticks, cut out three lengths of ribbon and then round of one end.

Time to assemble all the pieces! This step takes some time, it’s not difficult but setting each layer takes patience. Cut out pieces of fusible interfacing (this can be purchased at any fabric store, it is a heat activated adhesive for fabric) to match each of the felt Popsicle pieces and the sticks.

Use an iron (follow the directions for heat setting, but be sure to turn of the steam) to attach each piece of felt together. Attach the sticks directly to the blanket, this will determine where the Popsicle’s will be so space it out before you iron them down. Once the sticks are in place, attach the Popsicle’s in place.

Add some stitches around the Popsicle edges in coloured threads for an added touch.

And it’s done! Curl up on the patio with a good book and make the most of the last few weeks of summer. Enjoy!

We hope you loved this DIY Popsicle Blanket!  Looking for more home decor?  Certainly check out this Beach Decor DIY Flip Flop Hanger or our Tie Dye Tea Towels.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products or services mentioned on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

The post Perfectly Cozy Popsicle Blanket appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids https://www.andthenhome.com/tipsandtricksforcampingwithkids/ https://www.andthenhome.com/tipsandtricksforcampingwithkids/#comments Sun, 13 May 2018 14:50:41 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=3186 We love camping!  With three kids now we go a little less then when we were younger, but we still try to go camping at least once or twice a summer at campsites local to us.  Here are a few Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids I’ve picked up along the way.  Camping with kids can a little intimidating but when planned right, it can be a rewarding family adventure!   TIPS Plan ahead –Campgrounds book fast, especially if you’re going to a National Park or Family Resort.  Be sure to book at least 4-6 months in advance, yes, that could mean planning your camping trips in January or February. Think “Glamping”– Or a least, don’t rough it.  Be sure you can drive your car to your site and if it’s your first time going with your young kids, consider renting a bunkie or yurt.  It doesn’t hurt to have the camp fire experience…and then sleep in a bed! Routine as normal– Try to adhere to your routine if you can.  This is especially true if you have very young kids.  When we went with our then one year old, we encouraged nap time at her regular time and I insisted on both girls having a shower and in their jam’s at the regular time.  Dry run– If you’re tenting it, do some practice runs in the backyard or even the living room for the first time.  Get them use to sleeping on fold out cots or air mattresses with ‘tent noises’, cooler nights and warmer mornings. Arrive early– Arrive as early as the grounds will allow, this will give you time to set up with daylight.  Don’t forget to have the kids help!  They can help with the tent, set their bed up and gather sticks for the fire. Pack for weather– Remember that the nights can be cool, so bring sweaters and warm pants.  Don’t forget rain gear too.   TRICKS Ziplock bags –Pack a variety of sizes and use them for dirty clothes, keeping items dry (matches and fire related items), bundling items together and keeping trinkets the kids find.  We have a rock collector in our home.  Be sure to bring at least one large freezer ziplock for all of your valuables, phones, wallets etc. which can be easier to keep track of and will keep sand out. Dollar Store Cloth Hamper– I pack one of these for all dirty clothes, this way I can just throw them in and deal with them at home, no confusion, dirty clothes are gone (for now). Freeze Your Water –Freeze bottles of water before hand and pack your food around them.  This serves a double purpose.   Wipes/Hand washing –It doesn’t really matter how old your kids are wipes are ALWAYS handy.  Camping is dirty and a quick clean can help during the day.  You could also have a hand washing station, using a gallon jug with spout, paper towel and soap set up on a picnic table. PACK   How is Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids finished without a list of what to pack?  I won’t mention the obvious, like the tent or camping chairs but get to some items that may be overlooked. Bring a mat for the entrance to your tent or cabin, it’s always nice to have a designated area for shoes and somewhere to wipe your feet! Batteries/bulbs (extra) Plastic grocery bags (on top of the ziplocks already mentioned) Duct tape Towels Toilet paper Sunscreen, bug spray and aloe vera First aid kit Hats (summer and winter incase it gets really cool) Flashlights, sparklers, kids rainbow lights, glow sticks…all things light-up and dark fun! Potty, depending on your kids age this could be a game changer! Stoller, I found this helped put both of my girls to sleep when they had trouble the first night. Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids PLAY Finally, entertainment.  You’d think camping would be enough to keep the kids entertained…think again.  Bring some toys and fun games (some reserved just for camping!).  Here’s some ideas… Buckets, shovels, sand items Water guns Bikes Lawn games like bocce ball or these fun DIY Lawn Dominoes Games like Jenga, Snakes and Ladders Art supplies in case you get rained in Design a scavenger hunt before you go with a list of items to find! Matchbox cars are great for playing in the dirt and grass, making hills and ramps Okay, one more list to help when camping with kids! EAT   What you’re going to eat is important!  Here are a few eats that are easy and tasty to help you feed your family without your kitchen.  I recommend making most of the meals or preparing everything you can before you go, this will save time and sanity on the campsite. Pita bread/bagels Rice crackers, crackers or other easy to eat snack food Spreads – peanut butter, hummus, cream cheese Fruits – apples, bananas, oranges  Veggies – pre-cut carrots, cucumber, peppers Cheese Pre boiled pasta with sauce (here’s a great recipe – Campfire Sausage and Rotini Pasta) Don’t forget baked goods and treats! Well, that concludes our Camping with Kids – tips, tricks, pack, do and eat.  Now I really feel like camping!  I hope it helps get you ready for camping with kids.  Do you have any tips to add??  Certainly let us know in the comments. Oh, and don’t forget the coffee!!  

The post Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> We love camping!  With three kids now we go a little less then when we were younger, but we still try to go camping at least once or twice a summer at campsites local to us.  Here are a few Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids I’ve picked up along the way.  Camping with kids can a little intimidating but when planned right, it can be a rewarding family adventure!  
Camping with Kids And Then Home

TIPS

Plan ahead –Campgrounds book fast, especially if you’re going to a National Park or Family Resort.  Be sure to book at least 4-6 months in advance, yes, that could mean planning your camping trips in January or February.
Think “Glamping”– Or a least, don’t rough it.  Be sure you can drive your car to your site and if it’s your first time going with your young kids, consider renting a bunkie or yurt.  It doesn’t hurt to have the camp fire experience…and then sleep in a bed!
Routine as normal– Try to adhere to your routine if you can.  This is especially true if you have very young kids.  When we went with our then one year old, we encouraged nap time at her regular time and I insisted on both girls having a shower and in their jam’s at the regular time. 
Dry run– If you’re tenting it, do some practice runs in the backyard or even the living room for the first time.  Get them use to sleeping on fold out cots or air mattresses with ‘tent noises’, cooler nights and warmer mornings.
Arrive early– Arrive as early as the grounds will allow, this will give you time to set up with daylight.  Don’t forget to have the kids help!  They can help with the tent, set their bed up and gather sticks for the fire.
Pack for weather– Remember that the nights can be cool, so bring sweaters and warm pants.  Don’t forget rain gear too.  
Camping with Kids And Then Home

TRICKS

Ziplock bags –Pack a variety of sizes and use them for dirty clothes, keeping items dry (matches and fire related items), bundling items together and keeping trinkets the kids find.  We have a rock collector in our home.  Be sure to bring at least one large freezer ziplock for all of your valuables, phones, wallets etc. which can be easier to keep track of and will keep sand out.
Dollar Store Cloth Hamper– I pack one of these for all dirty clothes, this way I can just throw them in and deal with them at home, no confusion, dirty clothes are gone (for now).
Freeze Your Water –Freeze bottles of water before hand and pack your food around them.  This serves a double purpose.  
Wipes/Hand washing –It doesn’t really matter how old your kids are wipes are ALWAYS handy.  Camping is dirty and a quick clean can help during the day.  You could also have a hand washing station, using a gallon jug with spout, paper towel and soap set up on a picnic table.

PACK

 
How is Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids finished without a list of what to pack?  I won’t mention the obvious, like the tent or camping chairs but get to some items that may be overlooked.
  • Bring a mat for the entrance to your tent or cabin, it’s always nice to have a designated area for shoes and somewhere to wipe your feet!
  • Batteries/bulbs (extra)
  • Plastic grocery bags (on top of the ziplocks already mentioned)
  • Duct tape
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen, bug spray and aloe vera
  • First aid kit
  • Hats (summer and winter incase it gets really cool)
  • Flashlights, sparklers, kids rainbow lights, glow sticks…all things light-up and dark fun!
  • Potty, depending on your kids age this could be a game changer!
  • Stoller, I found this helped put both of my girls to sleep when they had trouble the first night.

Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids

Camping with Kids And Then Home

PLAY

Finally, entertainment.  You’d think camping would be enough to keep the kids entertained…think again.  Bring some toys and fun games (some reserved just for camping!).  Here’s some ideas…
  • Buckets, shovels, sand items
  • Water guns
  • Bikes
  • Lawn games like bocce ball or these fun DIY Lawn Dominoes
  • Games like Jenga, Snakes and Ladders
  • Art supplies in case you get rained in
  • Design a scavenger hunt before you go with a list of items to find!
  • Matchbox cars are great for playing in the dirt and grass, making hills and ramps

Camping with Kids And Then Home

Okay, one more list to help when camping with kids!

EAT
 
What you’re going to eat is important!  Here are a few eats that are easy and tasty to help you feed your family without your kitchen.  I recommend making most of the meals or preparing everything you can before you go, this will save time and sanity on the campsite.
  • Pita bread/bagels
  • Rice crackers, crackers or other easy to eat snack food
  • Spreads – peanut butter, hummus, cream cheese
  • Fruits – apples, bananas, oranges 
  • Veggies – pre-cut carrots, cucumber, peppers
  • Cheese
  • Pre boiled pasta with sauce (here’s a great recipe – Campfire Sausage and Rotini Pasta)
  • Don’t forget baked goods and treats!
Camping with Kids And Then Home
Well, that concludes our Camping with Kids – tips, tricks, pack, do and eat.  Now I really feel like camping!  I hope it helps get you ready for camping with kids.  Do you have any tips to add??  Certainly let us know in the comments.
Oh, and don’t forget the coffee!!
 

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