Easy Halloween Decorations for Kids

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How are you decorating for Halloween? I have never been one to be excited about this spooky season, but my kids have changed my tune. I try to make it easy on myself and picked a few items to set the tone without scaring me with the amount of work they require. Below are a few creations we made this season.

Hat Tricks for your Pumpkin

Silly Spooky Door Decoration

Felt Goodies are a Treat not a Trick

If you and your kiddos would like to get into the full decorating spirit, visit Roger’s Garden. We wrote a review of our experience at their Halloween Boutique earlier this month. Shop this post below!

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography.

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Corgi in Space

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Grace Eaplin (owner for Harmony Tree) shared the following regarding this unique Corgi in Space celebration:

"By combining our love of space, exploration, and corgis (we are obsessed), the idea of Corgi in Space was born. It was all about being bold, bright, and quirky! We wanted to contrast the bold colors of orange, yellow, and red with a navy backdrop and some silver and copper sparkle. Getting our special guest, Chandler (@thisvelcrodog), to cooperate was probably the most challenging task. However, we actually love the outtake shots because they captured his fun personality! We love all things round, so the planets, the backdrop, the desserts and treats, and the corgi all just “aligned” for us. For this theme, attention was paid to the design of the desserts & treats, such as the star-shaped Rice Krispie treats, planetary cake pops, ombre Jello cups, cheeseballs (asteroids), and the awesome planets on the cake. The florals were also more circular and dainty (to mimic the feel of stars). The exceptional Becky Yang captured Chandler’s likeness as an astronaut floating in space, which was the true star of the backdrop. We had such a fun time with this one and bringing this vision to life was just “out of this world.”

The design team’s attention to detail added so much depth and energy to the set-up, from the corgis decked out in full astronaut suits to the cheese asteroids. Our favorite detail of this theme was the galaxy cake topped with planets and adorned with stars. We hope you love these photos as much as the design team loved setting up.

HARMONY TREE VENUE INFO

Our venue offers a flexible space that includes an indoor playground and can comfortably accommodate up to 60 guests. In addition, the following are available for guests (some have a service charge/add-on fee*): a ping pong table, an air hockey table that can convert to a pool table, an indoor nerf basketball area, an indoor handball area, a Nintendo switch gaming area, projector and screen for movies, Infinity game table which accommodates four players, META Virtual Reality gaming set for four*, and toys as well as board games. Medical grade and high-quality air purifiers are placed in each room and common area.

Private rooms are available for smaller activities and gatherings, as well a studio equipped with a full-length mirror and ballet barre. A kitchen is available for light food prep (no cooking or baking). Our restrooms are handicap accessible and come with low toilets, low urinals, and low sinks for the younger guests. Security cameras are located throughout our facility for safety purposes. Our private parking lot has more than 21 parking spaces, and guests can also access street parking.

Our event coordination & design team can help create the perfect party or gathering and coordinate catering services from surrounding restaurants.

Vendors

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. Sponsor post for Harmony Tree Learning Center.

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Halloween at Roger's Gardens

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Southern California may not have much of a distinction between seasons, but I know Fall is here when pumpkin-flavored foods start hitting local menus and places begin to transform into spooky haunts that I can add to my “to-visit” list. I love when I have a full calendar of new things my family and I can experience together, and Roger’s Gardens’ Halloween boutique “Nightmare at Roger’s Garden” did not disappoint.

Read more about the Gardens and all the hard work behind the boutique’s annual spooky boo-tique below:

Roger’s Gardens is a Southern California shopping destination for creatively curated Halloween décor and one-of-a-kind Halloween artisan pieces designed in an unforgettable retail experience.

Planning for the boutique begins over a year in advance with the concept, which is defined by Creative Director, Eric Cortina. In January, the buyers start to work with collectible artisans to develop custom items for the boutique and build an assortment around the theme. Over 300 product styles and 15 collectible artisan pieces are selected. There is a wide assortment of décor with styles ranging from vintage to elegant, plus interactive, dynamic items.

In May, Eric starts to bring his vision alive by leading the Visual Merchandising team to create various props and displays that reflect the annually selected theme. Two weeks before opening day, a team of seven start to build out the space.

For over 30 years, Roger’s Gardens has been creating this amazing experiences for all to enjoy and shop. It’s a must-see event during the fall.

There are multiple curated themed Nightmares at the Gardens to see this year:

Bone Chilling Nightmare

Drift into this unstable, surreal dream space. Thunder cracks and the clouds part to reveal a bone chilling face. Emerging from the shadows is a medley of elegant décor. The nightmare begins here. Get out–there is more to explore.

Creepy Crawly Nightmare

Beware! Gossamer strands hide a chilling cave of remains, the memory of which will leave you unsettled. Poisonous spiders hide bones in this webbed abyss. The chill down your spine can’t be dismissed.

Neon Nightmare

Bright colors collide in a symphony of neon. Miscellany and curios fill this emporium, where you can seek out an assortment of rare treasures. A space where nothing is done in half measures.

Vintage Nightmare

Old haunts never leave you alone, so don’t get comfortable on the Pumpkin King’s throne. Benign faces smile, welcoming you inside, but beware of the deception and tricks they hide.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween-themed outing, you can visit Roger’s Gardens: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road Corona del Mar, 92625. Open from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm daily.

Below, please find the names of the talent behind creating this spooky event for all to enjoy:

  • Eric Cortina, Creative Director

  • Hedda Staines, Head Merchant

  • Crystal Pittman, Associate Buyer

  • Visual Merchandisers & Prop Designers: Emily Morgan, Catherine Smith, Crystal Pittman, Morgan Palla, James Maxwell, Irineo Garcia, Ray Correia

About Roger’s Gardens:

Roger’s Gardens is a destination home and garden design center offering creative solutions and unique products for both outdoor and indoor living. Our outdoor environment inspires its visitors with beautiful foliage, flowering plants, creative plantings, seasonal herbs and vegetables, designer fountains, pottery, outdoor furniture and accessories. Roger’s Gardens indoor spaces present fine home furnishings and décor, gifting, women’s accessories, holiday décor, gourmet foods, children’s gifting and décor, artisan collectibles, and plein air art, brought together in a world-class creative and inspirational presentation. Roger’s Gardens believes that beautiful living environments are about a celebration of nature, sustainability, and emotional and physical health. As a family-owned business, Roger’s Gardens has been a landmark destination in Orange County for more than 50 years. We bring beauty into your home and garden. Located directly across from Fashion Island in beautiful Corona del Mar, California.

For updates and information, please visit https://www.rogersgardens.com/blogs/events. Follow them on http://www.Facebook.com/rogersgardens and @rogersgardens on Instagram.

Sponsor post written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography.

Tips for Families Traveling to Cabo San Lucas

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We were looking for a trip to wrap up summer. I didn’t realize how easy traveling could be until my family’s trip to Cabo San Lucas. We went the week before school started, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing trips we’ve ever taken with the boys. The flight itself was only 2.5 hours from LAX and there was no time change, which is always a plus with kids and parents.

Ben and AJ loved getting their passports stamped at customs, and, of course, my boys had questions. AJ noticed there were different lines for citizens and noncitizens, so it was a great chance for them to ask questions about international travel and what it means to be a citizen or a noncitizen.

Once we got to the hotel, everything was taken care of because we stayed at a resort, which really made all the difference. It was the easiest trip we’ve had because we didn’t have to worry too much about figuring things out once we were there.

Our trip was so hassle-free that we wanted to share some things that worked for us in case your family was hoping to plan a trip to Cabo anytime soon. Here are our top three tips for traveling to Cabo San Lucas with kids.

1. Location, location, location!

Whether your family is the type to spend most of your vacation exploring the city or taking advantage of all the hotel has to offer, I cannot stress enough how important it is to choose your hotel wisely. No matter where you’re traveling, be sure that your hotel is located in a safe area. Do your homework: read hotel reviews, check out local news or crime alerts, and consider how you’ll be traveling to and from the hotel when you arrive.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Do you have friends who have travelled to the area before? Don’t be afraid to ask what worked for them (or, sometimes more importantly, what didn’t work). Our friends recommended we use a shuttle service, and it ended up being really great for us.

3. Keep it simple.

This is the most important tip to keep in mind. I think that we as parents are so used to things being complicated that we feel this pressure to over-complicate things that are supposed to be carefree. Remind yourself that this is a vacation. Don’t be afraid to make it as easy as possible on yourself and give yourself the opportunity to relax and truly enjoy your time.

Even though public transport was available as an option, we opted for a car service. We stayed at a resort that had five different restaurants so plenty of food options during our vacation. It was so much fun because we quickly became familiar with the staff and other guests. Ben and AJ got to make friends, and Ben even got the staff to play football with him. We didn’t choose the all-inclusive option this time around, but we definitely will on our next trip to Cabo, so we can try something new.

One final thing to note is the importance of staying true to your limits. When we first planned the trip, we had concerns about safety because that’s always something to consider with kids. Ultimately, we knew we weren’t going to be roaming around late at night or frequenting dive bars, and that we’d spend all our time at the resort, so we felt safe taking this trip. But there is no shame in having reservations, no matter where you’re traveling. If you don’t feel comfortable with something, you don’t have to push yourself. Feeling safe and comfortable is the foundation for planning a trip; without that, you can never relax.

We hope that, if your family does make the trip to Cabo or anywhere else, our tips help you and your rascals have a restful, relaxing vacation.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. Photos by mom on iPhone.

Back to School Supplies

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Back-to-school shopping has always held a special place in my heart. Even when I stopped being a student, I kept finding myself looking forward to the end of summer and the start of a new school year. Nothing gets me quite as excited as seeing store shelves filled with notebooks, planners, and desk accessories. Luckily, being a mom to two little rascals allows me to live my back-to-school dreams with them year after year, and I always sneak in some supplies for my office, too. Here is a list of my top 10 supplies that I have picked out for my rascals.

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Chapter Books and our MILLIONAIRE Reader

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Watching my boys grow up before my eyes is always bittersweet, but I love getting the chance to watch them outgrow different stages in their lives and move onto new ones. AJ has not only grown out of being called AJ (he goes by Austin, at least for this summer), but he has also left the picture book stage. He’s getting into chapter books and series, and helping him into this phase is nostalgic for me because I get to revisit a ton of series that I used to love as a kid. Surprisingly, there are so many series that I grew up with that are still really popular now, so I get to pass on a little bit of my childhood to him. Or, more accurately, I get to try to pass it on. I let him borrow my old set of Harry Potter books, and, as he read them, he ended up wanting his own set!

AJ’s Own Set of Harry Potter Books

This new version has so many amazing illustrations that really captures young readers. My versions were the original from when each book was released. I even have book 3 of the British version, when I studied aboard at Sussex University.

AJ set a goal last year to be a millionaire reader at his school. This meant that AJ had to read a million words, along with passing accelerated reader quizzes. It filled me with so much pride to see his determination sprout all on his own. While I had my doubts, he ended up being one of only 70 kids at his school who became a millionaire reader! He was one of the few 3rd graders who succeeded in this challenge, and a huge part of him reaching this goal was his move into chapter books.

One thing I learned about myself through AJ hitting this milestone was how afraid I was of challenging him. I know, as a parent, I’m not alone in that. I think a common thing amongst parents, especially when your kids are so young, is that we’re afraid to push our rascals too hard or have them grow up too fast or push them too soon and watch them fail. My advice? Let them jump straight in. Give them that challenge, whether you think they’ll succeed or not. Let them set their own goals and reach them, or fall a bit short, and then watch them pick themselves up and try again.

The only way your rascals will know how much they can accomplish is if they try, and, as parents, we have to not only let them, but encourage them to do so. I can’t wait for the next challenge I get to watch AJ take on.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9.

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Glamping at The Retreat RV & Camping Resort

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I hear it all the time - go on vacations with your kids. Take them on trips. Travel. You’ll see wonderful places and make memories to last a lifetime. I wholeheartedly agree with this; I want my kids to see the world. I want them to experience cultures, languages, people, traditions, history, art, nature, and so much more. However, my kids are 4 and 6 and taking them anywhere farther than an hour and a half in the car is daunting. We just aren’t there yet as a family. Maybe in another year or two … or three, or ten. We’ll see!

In the meantime, I have found a love of exploring the areas around the city we call home. We live in Houston, Texas, and one thing to note about Texas is that it is LARGE. Fun note: it takes around 12 hours to drive across Texas (west to east) along I-10. We have so much to explore in our very large backyard.

To celebrate the end of the rascals’ first year in elementary school, we took our kids GLAMPING. The glorious and easy way to camp, explore nature, and not have to pack an entire house into a small SUV. I mean, I really did go for easy when I booked our trip at The Retreat. (We didn’t even roast the marshmallows for the s’mores; we just ate them as deconstructed pieces.)

The Retreat RV and Camping Resort is located about an hour from Houston in Huffman, Texas, right on Lake Houston. It offers a variety of lodging options, swimming in the lake or the pool, kayak rentals, boat docks, daily offerings for kids and adults alike, yard games and activities, walking trails through the wooded areas, and, of course, relaxation.

To begin any nature trip, we first secure a map of the area. We cannot go anywhere without two copies, one for each kid, as they like to make markings of what they’ve seen and where they’ve been. (Note the hand drawn black circle around C3 - that was our cottage for the weekend. My 6 year old said he had to remember which one we stayed in so he can compare it to our next cottage. Clearly, we will be returning for another glamping adventure!) Late Friday afternoon, we explored the grounds of The Retreat - beautifully tall trees, a boardwalk along the lake, and a close up of a lily pad (thanks to my 6 year old amateur photographer).

Lodging at The Retreat can be as “camping” or as “glamping” as you’d like. You can book tent sites where you bring your own tent and sleeping supplies to cozy up with family and friends. Or, you can book one of the Glamping Tents that include AC because Texas temperatures can be HOT (or at least you can do so in the very near future, as they were in the final phases of construction when we were there).

You can also bring your own RV, or you can try one of their permanently on-site Vintage RV rentals. How cute are these?!

If you want to feel a little bit more in touch with nature (and the wild, wild west), you can book your stay in the AC equipped Covered Wagons handcrafted especially for The Retreat.

I told you we went for ease, so I booked a cottage! AC, bathroom (toilet, shower, and sink), full kitchen stocked with pots, pans, silverware, plates, bowls, grilling utensils, and beds. Actual beds! My husband said this was NOT glamping, or even camping; this was a step towards a hotel resort stay!

We had a wonderful weekend of putt putt golf, gaga ball, corn hole, jumping on the inflatable air mat, swimming, playing bingo, taking nature walks, besting each other in foosball, grilling burgers and hot dogs, eating deconstructed s’mores, cooking breakfast, and making memories.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of two rascals ages 4 and 6.

Mardi Gras Themed 3rd Birthday Party

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Laissez les bons temps rouler! This popular Cajun French phrase in New Orleans means “let the good times roll” and good times were had at this Mardi Gras themed 3rd birthday party!

When your birthday falls on Fat Tuesday, you celebrate with delicious food and drinks, fun games and giveaways, and a special appearance from New Orleans’ favorite frog princess.

The main attraction at this toddler-friendly party was the white castle-and-slide-combo bounce house adorned with a custom balloon garland in purples, greens, and golds. In addition to being a gorgeous addition to any outdoor party, the open front allows caregivers to supervise the little acrobats while socializing nearby.

For the young (and the young-at-heart) guests, the party entertainment also included a photo booth, a tarot card reader, and a visit from a princess who sang songs, made balloon animals, read stories, and played games.

Colorful linens, gold chiavari chairs, tall feather centerpieces, a variety of Mardi Gras beads, and gold balloons spelling out “Mable Gras” tied together all of the décor at this indoor/outdoor celebration. Guests were provided custom face masks, custom tumblers (similar to what you see thrown from Mardi Gras floats), and temporary tattoos with the birthday girl’s face.

No Mardi Gras party would be complete without an abundance of yummy food and drinks! The plentiful spread included favorites like bourbon chicken, shrimp po’ boys, traditional king cake, and beignets topped with powdered sugar. A custom cake and dessert table provided the perfect end to a delicious meal.

For many of the guests, this was the first in-person gathering in two years, making this truly a celebration to remember. Below is the full gallery of our party; thank you to our vendors for making this birthday special.

Fabulous Vendor Partners:

By Meredith Anderson, mom of 1 rascal, age 3 years.

Favorite Childhood Books

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If anyone ever asked me to describe what my early childhood was like, I’d probably say, “I went with my mom everywhere,” but that’s only half-true. A more accurate statement would be, “I was always with my mom, and we were usually in the hospital.”

My older brother was seriously ill as a child. As a result, I spent all my time accompanying my mom to the doctor for my older brother. We walked through the sliding glass doors of hospitals more frequently than our own home. Whenever my parents were whisked away to the hospital for my brother, I came right alongside them. I always stayed out of the way, lost in the world of whatever book I was reading. Every single visit, my mom made sure I had at least three books cradled in my arm, ensuring that I had enough to keep me occupied for any duration of time.

I wouldn’t describe reading as my escape. It was, strangely, more like my connection. I was able to be by my mom’s side through everything because I was always engrossed in a book, rather than exploring unauthorized areas or being a general nuisance in dire situations. Books helped me connect to my dad, who spent long hours at work but always made sure he set aside enough time and money for father-daughter trips to Borders, back when that was still a thing. And my brother, my seriously ill but ever-positive brother, never hesitated to ask me questions about what I was reading, even through pain beyond what I could imagine.

Thankfully, my brother’s condition improved immensely. As the hospital trips became less frequent, my love for reading still continued to grow, and it’s often what I turn to in times of turmoil, even now. I am able to look back at my childhood fondly, in large part because of the feeling of safety that books offered me in times that felt anything but secure. I’d like to share a few of my childhood favorites.

Corduroy by Don Freeman

“No one ever seemed to want a small bear in green overalls.”

Corduroy is a fun story about a stuffed bear exploring the department store he lived in, in search of his missing button. In large part, this story was my favorite because green was my favorite color and Corduroy wore green overalls, which makes me laugh now because being a kid is so simple and sweet, and your favorite book can be based on something as seemingly trivial as the main character wearing your favorite color.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

“But time went by.”

Shel Silverstein’s writing style was a favorite of mine growing up for its simplicity and matter-of-fact nature. The Giving Tree was my favorite work of his because it pushed me to explore my own thoughts on generosity and taking, and the relationship between us and nature. Seeing the tree being reduced to a stump at the end was actually part of the reason I became so obsessed with being environmentally-friendly from a young age. My heart broke for the tree, who gave its all to the boy until it had nothing left to give.

In re-reading this book as an adult, the running theme of time going by, growing up too quickly, and becoming too busy for the playful things we did as kids hit a little harder. However, the theme served as a reminder to live a bit more slowly and enjoy life a little more.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

“I don’t want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted? Just like that, and it didn’t mean anything.”

Coraline tells the story of a young girl named Coraline who was bored of her plain old life. She discovers an “other” world, where things seem brighter and better, and she is instantly enamored by it, until she discovers that perfect is not all that it seems.

Coraline remains one of my favorite novels to this day. It was my first “scary” book, which made it all the more exciting. I actually started out hating the book. I couldn’t understand how Coraline could have such a disdain for her life, and her parents. For me, that was unfathomable. I love my family more than anything in the world. I immediately disliked Coraline, and put the book down for months. When I finally picked it up again, I was pleasantly surprised at the lessons Coraline learned about bravery, family, unconditional love, and having everything you want. Coraline ended up being the bravest girl I had ever heard of, and I decided I wanted to be just like her. I tried to emulate her bravery whenever I was afraid for my brother’s health, because if Coraline could face darkness and an evil “other” mother, then I could face anything, too.

I am grateful that Ngoc has given me the tender opportunity to share three of my favorite, timeless childhood books with her Hello Rascal Kids community.

While my older brother and I aren’t little kids anymore, he’ll always be my big brother and I’ll always be his little sister. We’ve changed a lot throughout the years, but our friendship has never faltered. In fact, it only continued to grow as we reached adulthood together. This past May, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Cal Poly Pomona, after a journey like no other, and I gifted him two books, coming full circle to when he gifted me a love for reading without even knowing it.

Contributed by Valerie Marquez, copy writer for Hello Rascal Kids.

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Summer Bucket List

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Since having kids, I’ve realized the importance of creating traditions. My boys inspire me to make summer time special. With my job as an event planner, summer is the busiest time of year. I’ve always felt overwhelmed with trying to balance work and family. But this year, I’m approaching this season with a new outlook. Summer is a great opportunity for our family to slow down and soak in time together, and gives us reasons to go through our Summer Bucket List. We’ve made our list simple and included items we all enjoy as a family. Here are a few item we have in our list:

  • Take a trip to the beach

  • Make fresh lemonade

  • Shop at a farmers market

  • Visit the library

  • Eat ice cream

  • Have an outdoor movie night

  • Pack a picnic in the park

Thank you to Chelsea’s Messy Apron for this bucket list, visit her website to download file.

What’s on your summer bucket list? We would love to hear and see your ideas. Please tag #hellorascalkids so we can follow along with your adventures

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9. Photo from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

DIY Crayons

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DIY Crayons for All Occasions

For party favors, treat bags, and the school art teacher!

My rascals have entered the age of birthday parties (both hosting and attending) and I can’t get enough of this. I adore watching my kids interact with friends, practice their communication skills, and learn social norms naturally. Not to mention they are building confidence and independence. I know there will be a day when I don’t get to attend the parties with my kids and they won’t want me around during their own party. Until then, I’ll bask in this enjoyment.

At a birthday party my youngest rascal recently attended, he received DIY crayons in the favor bag and they were a hit amongst the partygoers. Kids were thrilled to have a multicolored crayon in a fun and unique shape. Parents were excited about it being a useful item and having fewer candy treats in the bag. The crayons were an all-around winner. In fact, my older rascal, who did not attend the party, proclaimed that it was a cool party favor, one he hadn’t seen before, and one he would have wanted.

So, we started experimenting with making crayons at home. We explored mixing colors, various molds, and the oven vs the microwave method. We have given DIY crayons as gifts to art lovers, included them in holiday treat bags at school, and plan to include them in upcoming birthday party favor bags.

The process is fairly straightforward and is suitable for young helpers. We offered our services to the elementary school art teacher and took home her collection of broken crayons.

Step 1

Fill a bowl with crayons.

Step 2

Add warm water and wait 5 minutes for the adhesive to loosen.

Step 3

Remove the paper wrapping and discard.

Step 4

Overfill the molds with crayon pieces and experiment with mixing colors.
(Protect your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.)

Step 5

Bake at 250 degrees for 10-15 minutes, turn off the oven, and then let rest for 20 minutes.

Step 6

Let the crayons cool completely, about an hour.

Step 7

Ta-da!

The uses are endless:
- Add to your own home art supply
- Give to a local day care or underserved community
- Add as an “extra” to birthday and holiday gifts
- Include in treat and favor bags
- Stocking stuffers
- Easter egg stuffers
- Anything you can think of!

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of 2 rascals ages 4 and 6.

For the Love of Birds

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Spring has sprung and nature can be seen waking up, stretching wide, and basking in her glory. Where we live in Houston, Texas, this often means tree pollen and allergies (ugh). But, when we can see through our puffy and itchy eyes, there is so much to behold, particularly with our winged friends. In spring, you can hear the birds before you see them, tweeting and singing from different parts of the yard in concert with each other. You can hear the flutter of their wings as they move from one tree to the next. You can even hear their warning calls when a predatory bird enters their turf.

To celebrate and honor the birds this year, my rascals created a DIY bird feeder and a bird perch. Both activities require supplies easily found around the house, only take a few minutes, and can be reused all season long.

SUPPLIES FOR BIRD FEEDER

  • an empty and dry half gallon milk carton (or an empty tissue box)

  • bird seed

  • twine, rope, or ribbon

  • tool to pierce small holes (such as an awl or scissors)

  • cutting tool (scissors or box cutter)

  • paint and paintbrushes (completely optional)

DIRECTIONS FOR BIRD FEEDER

  1. Carefully cut 2 openings in the milk carton (or tissue box) and pierce 2 holes in the top.

  2. Fill the bottom of the bird feeder with bird seed.

  3. Thread the ribbon through the 2 holes in the top.

  4. Hang from a tree. I recommend tying the feeder to the tree as opposed to looping it on a knobby part or branch because the thieving squirrels in my neighborhood pulled the entire bird feeder off the tree and scampered off with it like the nature burglars they are.

SUPPLIES FOR BIRD PERCH

  • narrow box (like a toothpaste box)

  • 2 pencils (or straws, skewers, chopsticks, dowels)

  • twine, rope, or ribbon

  • tool to pierce small holes (such as an awl or scissors)

  • paint and paintbrushes (completely optional)

DIRECTIONS FOR BIRD PERCH

  1. Pierce 4 holes in the lower 1/3 portion of the box. The 2 holes across from each other should roughly be the same distance from the bottom of the box. Stagger the height of the holes so that when the pencils are inserted, they will not hit each other.

  2. Insert the pencils into the holes.

  3. Tape the ribbon to the bottom side of the top flap of the box. Close the flap and tape the flap down so it won’t open up.

  4. Tie the bird perch to a tree.

Happy Springtime! Remember to take a moment each day to smell the flowers, listen to the sweet sounds of nature, and enjoy the feeling of sun on your face.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother of 2 rascals ages 4 and 6.

Spring Books

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I’ve asked each of my rascals to select their favorite Spring book. We celebrated this season of growth and change with books that include blooming flowers, trees, adventure, and gardening.

The Story

We Are the Gardeners is the first book by Joanna Gaines and her children. This book tells the story of how the Gaines children became interested in gardening after their dad brought a fern home. The children began watering the fern multiple times a day and, over time, the fern died. The children were disappointed but learned the important lesson of never giving up.

The Artwork

This book takes illustrations to the next level. In true Magnolia style, this book is beautiful and worth purchasing for the artwork alone. I also love the custom hand lettering that illustrator Julianna Swaney included throughout the book. I’m already a huge book lover as it is and books with aesthetic appeal continue to woo me.

The Lessons

In addition to being a fun, beautifully illustrated read, We Are the Gardeners teaches children important life lessons of never giving up after we fail. Failure is part of the gardening journey and a part of growing up.

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

The Story

A timely story about how beautiful life can be when we celebrate our differences.

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be follows a group of children as they build hot air balloons.

Some kids like to work alone, some kids like to work in a team, some kids like to follow a plan, and some kids like to see where their creativity takes them. No matter how the little ones build their balloons, once up in the air, the sky shines bright with a confetti of colour.

The Artwork

With stunning watercolor illustrations on every page, this is a gorgeous book about sharing our individual talents and abilities with the world, and never holding our true selves back.

The Lesson

Each of us is different and we all have unique gifts to offer the world. We can celebrate our differences.

Whether you grab a picnic blanket and go out in the sunny backyard or cozy up in a chair by the rainy window, these Spring books are the ones that my kids love reading over and over again.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography.

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Mom's Self Care

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With Mother’s Day approaching, I began to think of the moms in my life. A running theme for many of them is the struggle with balance and the demands of motherhood. More often than not, self-care is the one area that moms tend to let fall by the wayside. Putting your best self forward requires intentional choices (especially for busy moms), even if that means stepping outside your comfort zone and putting yourself first. You CAN feel healthy, look great, and live a joyful life, all while juggling a family and a career. The key? Make time for yourself, big or small; any time you save for yourself will contribute to the well being of your entire family.

Easier said than done, right?

What moms tend to overlook is that their own self-care is a way to make them happier and healthier, which, in turn, makes them a more effective member of the family. It’s also an opportunity for them to model health and balance for their children.

Recently, I took the day off from work and planned a day for myself - that’s right a day just for me. My self care day may look different than yours, but it incorporated places and activities that recharged me. My day included a trip to Morning Lavender Café for some retail therapy and tea tasting. I am a extrovert at heart and wanted to be surrounded by my friends, so I invited a few to join me. We had afternoon tea and I spent time chatting and catching up with my girlfriends; this really did fill my cup. I sent everyone home with homemade bath salts and a promise to take a relaxing bath some time during the week. Just a few hours to myself had me feeling refreshed.

After my day out, I thought about sharing a few simple self-care tips. Pick one or make up your own routine; it can help make you feel more balanced and happier.

Get your body moving.

Whether you need to exercise more often or just want to shake up your regular routine, choose activities that motivate you to exercise consistently. I like having dance parties in the living room with my kids or yoga alone in my bedroom.

Feed your body well.

Good food fuels your body, so make sure you eat and drink high-quality ingredients. You need to nourish yourself with proper foods. It's great for your kids to see you practicing self-care because you're modeling healthy behavior. I cook fresh meals often and try to eat fresh fruit when possible.

Get connected.

Don't let your busy schedule squeeze out time for family and friends. If weekly date-nights aren't going to happen, then try to at least schedule some time to connect on a regular basis. We had date nights every Tuesday before having kids. Now, date nights are more limited but it is still important for us to plan time together.

Put your healthcare on the calendar.

You wouldn't let your kids miss their annual check-ups—so don't let your own health fall off the calendar. Schedule annual checkups, appropriate tests, mammograms, skin exams, pap smears, flu shots, and vision screenings. And get to the dentist for an annual exam and cleaning (my least favorite). This is not my favorite task but whenever I schedule an appointment for the kids, I will make sure I schedule one for myself as well.

Make sleep a priority.

Moms often get sucked into the "get-stuff-done-when-there-is-time" mentality. Try instead to give yourself the gift of true rest. Getting adequate sleep has helped me have the energy to manage anxiety and increase my positive outlook for the next day. It has allowed me to be in a sharper, better mood when I am awake.

Stay connected to yourself.

As a mom, it's easy to lose yourself in the day-to-day routines of family life: car pools, laundry, preparing meals, paying bills, cleaning, etc. Before you know it, 10 years have gone by and you're a shell of your former self. The antidote? Pursue hobbies. Journal. Do things you love just because, like tea tasting.

Tea Tasting

Because this brings me so much joy.

When thinking about self-care: Be realistic while setting your daily goals and regularly assess your priorities.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 7 and 9. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography. Friends: Wilmarose Orlanes and Michelle Groom. Location: Morning Lavender Café.

Weekend Trip: Tips and Ideas

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Taking a weekend trip is incredibly underrated. First, it gives you a chance to escape daily stress, unwind, and relax. Second, it offers time with your family to explore an entirely new region without spending a fortune and not worrying about missing school or work. Whether you’re traveling a few hours away, or to the next state, Hello Rascal Kids shares some tips to become a weekend traveler.

Where to Go for a Weekend Getaway:

Think about what type of getaway you're looking for when planning a weekend getaway. This will help you narrow down your options and get creative. For example, if you're looking for something fun and love the outdoors, then perhaps look for a nearby farm or ranch that has outdoor activities for the entire family. Here are a few easy weekend trips that your family can enjoy:

  • Beach trip to your local beach town

  • Wine tasting or brewery hopping

  • Visit a new city for a special sporting event

  • Hiking through new trails

  • Visit a new museum or local events

Packing for a Weekend Away

Before you grab everything in your closet, take a deep breath and remember to pick the right bag, to pack light, and pick clothing that fits the activities and weather at your destination.

What to pack:

  • 1-2 pairs of pants

  • 1 pair of shorts or a skirt

  • 2 base layer tank tops

  • 2 tees or blouses

  • 2-3 soft fabric bras

  • 1 hoodie or cardigan

  • 1 jacket

  • A pair of flats and another pair of shoes

  • Booking confirmations

  • Personal items

You can mix and match each item to create dozens of outfit combinations, so even this short list is already way more than you need for a weekend getaway.

Budgeting for the Weekend Travels:

With all of life's monthly expenses, saving up for a weekend getaway can be challenging. It's simple to plan a weekend getaway within two days, but your budget will significantly influence where you go. You may want to put money aside for your vacation before you even start to plan it. You can set up automatic deposits into a vacation savings account and make weekly or monthly deposits to help make budgeting easier.

Creating Memories:

Nowadays, snapping thousands of pictures from your phone is not uncommon, but not many of these make it to print. A great idea for capturing memories from weekends away is to create a specific photo book and add to it every time you have a weekend away. One album can hold multiple adventures and makes a great gift for a loved one who has shared in creating those memories. When you’re ready to create your photo book, connect with services like Printique or Shutterfly.

Making the Most of the Weekend:

No matter where you go, make the most of the weekend away as a family or with your loved ones. Getting away for the weekend can be done easily on a budget when you prepare.

For family traveling tips and much more, visit Hello Rascals!

Sponsored Post by Courtney Rosenfeld of Gig Spark.

Lavender Bath Salts

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This recipe for relaxing lavender bath salts is easy to make at home for yourself or to give as a pampering gift. As a mom to two boys, I use this recipe all the time as a great way to unwind after a long day. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also smells amazing. The lavender essential oil helps to soothe the skin and promotes relaxation, while the sweet almond oil or olive oil helps to disperse the essential oil evenly in the bath and to moisturize the skin. Epsom salt helps to deliver magnesium to the body through the skin and soothes tired muscles. You’ll feel like you just came from the spa with softer, happier, skin and a calmer, more peaceful mind.

You Will Need

  • Bowl: medium (glass)

  • 2 cups Epsom salt

  • 2 TB. sweet almond oil/olive oil

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil

  • Fresh/dried lavender petals

  • Airtight glass container

To Make:

In a medium glass bowl, add the Epsom salt and sweet almond oil or olive oil, and mix well. Do not use a plastic bowl because the essential oils will absorb into it. Add the lavender essential oil and mix again. Garnish with fresh or dried lavender petals, and store in an airtight glass container.

To Use:

Add the bath salts to a warm bath, and soak for at least 20 minutes to reap the full benefits of the Epsom salts and the lavender essential oil.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9. Photos by Simply Adri Photography.

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Lost Books Review

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Living in Los Angeles, there is no scarcity of things to do. You can fill every weekend with something new and never run out of adventures to pencil in for another day. But, with so many trendy spots and photo-ops popping up faster than I can add them to my calendar, it’s really easy to get caught up in a blur of newness. If I tried to visit them all, the journey would never end, so things really have to catch my eye for me to give them a visit. The maze-like labyrinth of Lost Books LA pulled me right in. I’m a reader at heart (specifically, a sucker for a good romance), so I fell in love with the way they breathe new life into the lost art of book shopping. We spoke with owner, Jenna Spencer of Lost Books LA to learn more about this bookstore and the story behind it.

Lost Books LA creates a space where a love for plants and books can intersect. Guests enter through a tunnel bursting with over 350 living plants hand-placed by Yuko of Yuko Kitchen in DTLA (@yukokitchen), who spent over 150 hours perfecting the tunnel. This sounds like an adventure in itself, but, beyond the entrance, the store is home to a selection of curated new and used books, vinyl, thriving tropical plants, and a saltwater fish tank featuring “Dori” and her friends. As if that weren’t enough to create an unforgettable experience, the store will be adding chirping finches in the bookshelf aviary. When asked how Lost Books LA juggles the variety of things they offer, Jenna said, “When working with things you love, it’s a joy, not a juggle!” This love, coupled with an amazing staff who serve as the backbone of Lost Books LA, is what allows the space to literally flourish. So, why books and plants? I asked Jenna how they landed on this unique pairing, but, to Jenna, the pairing seemed too natural not to combine!

The idea for the store itself came in the aftermath of a dinner date between Jenna and her husband. While taking a stroll down the twinkle-light-filled street after dinner, a large “for rent” sign was waiting for them in the window of a shop just two doors down from their meal. They locked eyes and instantly knew that this was their spot. A few days later, they signed the lease, and Lost Books LA was born.

Meet Jenna Spencer

Thank you for sharing Lost Books LA with us.

Lost Books LA is actually a companion store to The Last Bookstore, but don’t be fooled by this relationship: the two stores are completely unique from each other. The Last Bookstore is 22,000 sq ft., 2 levels, and provides a museum-like experience. Famous for its book tunnel, The Last Bookstore also boasts a rare books Annex filled with first editions and one of a kind collectibles, thousands of hand-selected new and used books and records, a mezzanine of talented artists, a haunted horror vault, and more. There’s even a yarn shop!

Where The Last Bookstore is museum-chic, Lost Books LA is an intimate boutique. In addition to their highly curated selection of new and used books and vinyl, they sell house plants and award-winning espresso, nitro brew, and cold brew through Coffee Love. Lost Books LA also offers a wellness wall filled to the brim with essential oils, magic mists, crystals, and a collection of oil perfumes. It’s the self-care loving best friend we all deserve.

Even though it may seem like Lost Books LA is at its peak, this is only their beginning. They have plans to add a custom hibiscus tea to their menu, a sign for their storefront is in the works, and are eventually planning for an official website. When asked about the future in the long-term, Jenna said, “We’re excited about events, signings, shows and more, but, for now, we’re not trying to be anything more than what we are in this moment - and that’s books, vinyl, plants, and a whole lotta love.”

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9. For more of Lost Books LA, find them on social media at @lostbooksla. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography.

DIY Bunny Balloon

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I love working on activities with my kids around holidays, but it’s sometimes hard to come up with ideas on my own while I’m juggling my day job, my brands, and being a mom to two little rascals. For times when I’m in a slump, I love hopping on Cottonwood Home’s website to pick something fun for my boys. I know they’ll always have something on theme for the season, and their DIY Bunny Balloon Activity was no exception.

We highly encourage you to purchase the Bunny Balloon Wand Activity Kit from Cottonwood Home. The kits come with everything you need to make these adorable balloons with your rascals.

Materials Needed:

  • 5 inch white balloon

  • Bunny face template

  • Bunny eyes

  • Balloon stick & cup

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Crepe streamers & yarn

Directions:

  1. Inflate your balloon. Tie it off and attach to the balloon cup by sliding it into one of the slots. Attached the cup to the balloon stick.

  2. Cut the nose, ears, and whiskers.

  3. Using a glue stick, carefully adhere the parts of the bunny’s face onto the balloon.

  4. Tie the ends of the crepe paper together with yarn and attach to the balloon cup.

  5. Take your Spring Bunny with you on all your adventures or invite to a Spring Brunch!

We love mini crafts projects to transition to a new season. This simple craft project is a great spring time activity for your little rascals.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9. Sponsored Post by Cottonwood Home. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography.

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For the Love of Chocolate

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My son AJ loves his chocolate, but not your average Hershey milk chocolate bar. This kid loves dark chocolate - 70-75% dark to be exact. We wanted to share a few easy tips to create some treats you could make and customize for your own chocolate lover.

Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

TIPS: Use fresh marshmallows because they melt easier and are soft and gooey, which is ideal for Rice Krispies squares. Old marshmallows get dry and melt into a big glob which also makes them hard to mix into the cereal. Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat to avoid burning the mixture. It will take a few more minutes, but it will also prevent the Rice Krispies squares from getting hard and you’ll end up with soft and chewy treats.

Chocolate Strawberries

TIPS: Pick good strawberries. Choose firm, ripe strawberries without bruises and if possible, strawberries that are red all the way up to the stem. Take the strawberries out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before dipping them. Wash them and gently dry them all over with a paper towel. You want to make sure they’re very dry, otherwise the chocolate won’t set on them properly. Tempering the chocolate will help prevent the chocolate covered strawberries from looking streaky, gray or dull after the chocolate sets.

Chocolate Pretzel Sticks

TIPS: Pretzels sticks may be dipped and drizzled in any variety of melted morsels for different looks. For example, dip them in semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle them with melted white morsels. Or dip them in milk chocolate and drizzle them with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Dip, dunk, drizzle, and sprinkle as you please. These delicious sweet and salty snacks will have your rascals running back for more.

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9.

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Ah! Reading and Spelling (and Books to Help)

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Learning the rules of the English language is no easy feat. Letter sounds change depending on other letters in the word. Entire words are spelled completely differently when made into a plural. Root words change when you add the -ing and -ed suffixes. It is a lot for kids (and non-native speakers) to learn and a lot to try to teach.

Two books that have helped my young learners are The B on Your Thumb by Colette Hiller and P is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter. Well, if I’m being honest, the first book has helped my kids and the second book mostly brings me joy amongst the insanity of teaching my kids to spell and read.

The B On Your Thumb is a compilation of poems that scaffold reading and spelling for young learners in a very fun, imaginative, and creative way. The poems are delightful and a helpful resource for reinforcing specific skills at home. We keep this book handy whenever we are reading and sounding out new words. You can use this book as a direct reinforcement for whatever reading and spelling strategy is being practiced in the classroom; or you can use it as a launchpad for learning a new skill.

P is for Pterodactyl is a humorous book about so many of the wonky spellings and sounds in the English language. It is quite the tongue twister and brain mixer as you attempt to read English words with atypical spellings and sounds. This book reminds me that learning the rules of the English language is not easy and to have grace and patience with my kids (as well as immense respect and appreciation for classroom teachers everywhere!).

Grab a copy of these books to add to your home library and toolkit.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mom of 2 rascals ages 4 and 6.

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