Outdoor Nature-Based Play Spaces

We ordered a wood play set for the kids. Frankly, the research involved in this purchase was just as thorough and time-consuming as it was when we purchased our first home. But after weighing all the pro's and con's (price, quality, add-ons' and accessories), we decided on a small, yet sturdy set that will hopefully last us a few years until the kids outgrow it.

But aside from the play set I want to add a lot of other elements to our backyard. Unique and creative items that will help the kids stretch their imagination to new heights. Therefore, I am doing a lot of research looking for "fun backyard" ideas. I thought I'd share some of my favorite find with you!

I am loving this post on "How to Create an Irresistible Outdoor Playspace for Children" by Jenny at Let the Children Play.  I am loving the idea of "loose parts play". The idea is to take a variety of items (natural or not) to give the kids a way to explore and be creative and independent. Jenny explains the theory perfectly in this post.

Credit ~ Let the Children Play

I am even trying to find "Natural Building Blocks" (logs and large branches cut into various widths to make stumps and "blocks". I love this post on Modern Parents Messy Kids where they talk about their cool ideas on the subject.

Credit ~ Modern Parents Messy Kids

Another cool element I have found is adding water play to the play area. We already have a pretty basic water table, but I am hoping to incorporate it into a cool water wall like this one I found on the Play Based Learning site. 

Credit ~ Play Based Learning

Our local Feed Store sells Fairy Garden Supplies, and even often holds workshops to show you how to get your Fairy Gardens started. I have found though that they can be pretty pricey, so I am hoping to create a more thrifty version over the summer. Allowing the kids to be creative and find small, unique items that we can transform into something like this.

Credit ~ Miniature Garden Shoppe

Is nature based play a priority on your summer bucket list with your kids?

Lactaid ~~GIVEAWAY~~

this is a sponsored post

I haven't always been "lactose sensitive". I used to be able to eat ice cream, cheese, and anything with milk in it without a single tummy problem. It wasn't until I was in my upper 20's that I started to notice that milk wasn't sitting right with me. Therefore, I have been a Lactaid user for a long time now, and I am happy to partner with them this summer to educate you on the product.

One thing I was never really sure of, was just how "real" Lactaid is. Is it real milk? Is it some kind of factory made faux product? But I learned that Lactaid is in fact REAL MILK! It just has the added lactase enzyme. Lactase is what breaks down lactose in the body. Everyone has varying levels of lactase, therefore it determines if you are lactose intolerant, lactose sensitive, or lucky enough to not be bothered by the break down at all. Lactaid replaces the lactase that those lactose intolerant individuals lack, letting us enjoy their products.

I too wondered about the calcium content of Lactaid. I learned that one 8-oz serving of Lactaid contains 500mg of calcium, which is 50% of your daily requirement. A regular 8-oz serving of milk contains only 300mg.

Something else I noticed in my own personal eating, is that the harder the cheese, the easier my body could digest it. I didn't know the science behind until now, that the harder the cheese, the less moisture and/or whey is in it, meaning it has lactose it has in it. Thanks Lactaid for verifying my unscientific theory!

Lactaid of course makes milk, but they also make ice creams and cottage cheeses. I haven't seen either of these two products in my local grocery store, but I hope they consider carrying them soon, because I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to ice cream. Sensitive tummy or not, I always eat it, and shortly afterwards, I always regret it.

Melissa d'Arabian, author of NY Times bestselling cookbook Ten Dollar Dinners,  Celebrity Chef, Television Host, and Lactaid Brand Spokesperson, will appear on the Today Show on June 25 to tell you more about Lactaid. So don't miss it.

I have a coupon for one Mommy Instincts reader to try out Lactaid for themselves. Just complete the entry below for your chance. A winner will be chosen Friday May 24, 2013. See below for more details.

a Rafflecopter giveaway I am working on this campaign with Lactaid and The Motherhood. I am being compensated for my work. All posts are my original work.

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival coming to Chicago

Those of us in Chicagoland have come to the conclusion that this cold blustery weather isn't going away any time soon, so find indoor activities for the kids can often get a little tedious and boring. Well, lucky for us DisneyLive! Mickey's Musical Festival will be at Rosemont's Akoo Theater this weekend and my kids are super excited.

Opening night, Friday March 15 6:30pm show tickets are just $15! And use the code MOM to get $5 off Saturday's 1pm and 7pm shows and Sundays 11am and 5pm shows. There isn't a bad seat in the house at Akoo Theater and we always have a blast whenever we see a show there! Hope to see you there!

Sports Illustrated Kids

Kids love getting snail mail. During holidays and birthdays are the best times. But I love when they get the unexpected things in the mail. That's why one of my 5 year old son's Christmas gifts was a year subscription to Sports Illustrated Kids. He get super excited to check out the magazine each month, and it's a great bonding experience for him and Daddy. They read together, look at the pictures, check out the cool games and sports cards that are included in every issue.

If you subscribe today, you will get 1 year (12 issues) of Sports Illustrated Kids (both in print AND on your tablet if you so choose) and a free NFL Team T-Shirt. So what are you waiting for? Order now and make your little sports lover happy all year long.

Product Provided.