'hood Magazine: March 2023

‘hood

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

2023

GUIDE

For children ages 16 or younger

how it works

Special offers and discounts will be sent to your email two months prior to your child’s birthday to help plan their celebration. On the date of their birthday, coupons and/or offers from our partners will be emailed to you, redeemable for the specified time on each offer. Scan the QR code to join.

Summer Lovin’

As my children grow, so do their interests in summer camps. We were once a family that did a few half-day camps over the summer, and now we’re into full-day or week-long ones. That is one of the reasons why we’ve packed this issue full of the great camps available in our area and renamed our March issue to our Summer Camp Guide! While we still have a few articles and expert advice in these pages, we dedicated most of this issue to camps and programs.

The extensive list has not only STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) type camps but also outdoor adventures, sports, animals, and camps for individuals with special needs. With 36 camps, you’ll find at least one camp for your child. Grab a pen, circle the ones that pique your child’s interest, and get registered soon before the spots fill up.

Also in this issue is a story from a local mom who shares tips for navigating the summer with her three children. If you need help managing camps, activities, and care for your kids this summer, check it out! In our Ask the Expert section, you’ll find advice from local businesses. You’ll also find recommendations on helping your children get uncomfortable in an article from LifeScape.

We have so much fun celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in our house each year. When the kids wake up in the morning, I have a fun leprechaun hunt through the house for them to find treasures. If you are looking for fun ideas to do this year, check out our Digital Bonus Pages starting on page 33 or head over to www.thehoodmagazine.com.

President & Publisher

Steffanie Holtrop

605-366-1479

steff@thehoodmagazine.com

Editor Miranda Ochocki editor@thehoodmagazine.com

Art & Design Director Ally Chase

Digital Media Director Jaclyn Small Calendar Jessie Paquette

Circulation

Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg

Cover Photo Submission

Great Plains Zoo Camp Invention AR Workshop City of Sioux Falls

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited. ‘Hood Magazine is published 9 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

©2023 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Steffanie Holtrop Publisher

‘hood Online

St. Pat’s Beef Pot Pie

A delicious meal with a festive twist? Give this Irish inspired recipe a try from South Dakota Beef.

The Beach is Calling

I think it’s safe to say that around this time of year, we’re all dreaming of warm days at the lake or sitting oceanside as a salty breeze blows through the air. You may even find yourself daydreaming about that perfect escape. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to own a vacation home, I’m here to help. You just need to decide if you are buying a second home or a rental property. Figuring out how much time you’ll spend in the home yourself versus renting it out determines what kind of mortgage you can get. Learn more from DVN Mortgage (NMLS #21096) – Plains Commerce Bank at www.thehoodmagazine.com

St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Rainbows and leprechauns OH MY! Don’t miss our online exclusive bonus pages starting on page 33.

Community Sponsors. Thank you Our community experts, bringing advice and tips to our ‘hood community.

Summer Camp Packing Tips

If you are planning to send your child to a summer camp, take a look at these packing tips. We have some helpful hints and some product recommendations we think you and your child are going to love!

Assisted Living

Assisted living is one of the fastest-growing options for long-term senior care. Residents in assisted living communities often enjoy spacious apartments with the comforts of home, all while receiving the right level of care to meet their ongoing health needs. Assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing or managing medications allows these residents to enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

As a caregiver, starting the conversation about moving an aging loved one to an assisted living community can present certain challenges. This is especially true when our loved ones have been living in the same home for many, many years with no intention of leaving despite their decline in health. However, family caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed by their caregiving responsibilities, and may not even be qualified to provide the sufficient level of care needed.

While it’s important to keep our loved ones’ desires in mind and give them a voice in the decisions made about their future, there are a few telltale signs that moving to assisted living would be a wise decision for their overall health and wellness.

Read on and find out the signs Trail Ridge Senior Living thinks we should know.

beyond the pages

Find local directories, stories, recipes, extra articles and so much more. Find it all at www.thehoodmagazine.com

Find upcoming events on our online calendar.

by Kerri DeGraff

Tips for Navigating Summer:

Camps, Activities, and Care

Around this time of year, I panic when I think about summer. What is my plan for the kids? How am I going to keep them busy? How am I going to keep them active? How am I going to keep them learning?

While we are all excited about the sunshine and warmer weather, the stress of planning everything is difficult. I’ve been navigating keeping three kids, ages 11, 10, and 7, active over the past several summers. I hear the saying that kids need to learn how to be bored, but boredom in my house often turns into wanting to be on electronics or fighting between siblings.

Here is some advice that I have learned on keeping your kids busy and engaged this summer.

1. Start planning now. It still feels like we are in the throes of winter, but many summer programs are open for registration. And many of those fill up fast, leading to more parental stress. Determine your care plan as soon as possible and select what activities your kids are interested in and what works for your family’s budget and schedule.

2. Create a village and work together. Regardless of your care situation, having a group of families can work together to get kids to and from

Make connections with parents before school gets out to provide opportunities for kids to connect in the summer.

camps and activities is extremely helpful. It’s also great when you have a network that can help make sure you know when to sign up for those activities. I’m blessed to have friends who remind me when dressup days are occurring during the school year, and they also share when camps or fun activities are opening.

3. If your kids are at home, come up with a daily schedule. It doesn’t have to be rigid or fancy. You can get plenty of ideas from a quick search on the Internet. Our schedule is simple and includes chores, reading, physical activity, getting outside, and free time for fun. We also try to set boundaries and limit time watching TV and playing on electronics.

4. Keep your children’s minds active and learning. Summer is a great time to take kids to the library and engage them in reading. There are also wonderful camps and classes in the community to provide unique and fun learning opportunities.

5. Find ways for your kids to connect with friends. Summer can be lonely for kids who are used to seeing their closest friends daily at school. Make connections with parents before school gets out to provide opportunities for kids to connect in the summer. Ask these parents about their kids’ activities and consider signing up your kids together.

by LifeScape

Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Challenging activities are just that: challenging. As parents, we want to protect our children from the harsh realities of life, including failure. Sometimes children respond to difficult events with whining, complaining, or behaviors. Nevertheless, hard things are a necessary part of life, so how can we teach our children determination and perseverance to accomplish hard things when complaining and opposition can be the norm?

Here are some things to try:

• Teach the task. Even though you may think your 10-yearold should know how to clean the bathroom, ensure you demonstrate how to complete each step of the task. Do check-ins, especially the first few times, to ensure everything is going smoothly. Schedule practice time to work on a specific skill, like if your child struggles with lay-ups in basketball. By practicing and putting effort into a particular skill, children will learn that they can develop their abilities.

• Start small. Instead of requiring your child to clean the entire bathroom, ask them to clean only the sink.

• Provide opportunities to develop perseverance. The activity you choose is less important than the effort it takes to complete and the learning that comes with it.

• Allow your child to feel big feelings. It’s hard to see our kids struggle; however, learning comes amid struggle. Resist allowing your child to quit that sport with which they are struggling or rushing in to help with the school project. Also, kids pick up on your emotions, so watch your attitude toward the activity and monitor your levels of frustration or anxiety.

• Provide your experiences with struggles. Teach that failing is OK by talking to your children about your failures and what you did to

Praise the effort. Praising the effort, rather than the accomplishment, tells your child you are proud of the work they put into the task, increasing the likelihood that they bounce back from future challenges.

Teaching our kids a “growth mindset” is an effective parenting approach. People (yes, adults too!) with a growth mindset are more resilient and tend to push through struggles because they believe hard work is part of the process and failure is not permanent. Even if your child is already receiving therapy, always feel free to ask their therapist about ways to work together to ensure your child succeeds in growth. l

Expert Ask the

Do you have a question for a Sioux Empire expert? ‘hood will be inviting area experts to weigh in and answer various questions from our readers.

with special needs to camp benefit the whole family?

Camp High Hopes provides yearround programs and respite care that positively impacts the family.

Benefits to campers: While at camp, campers learn new skills, challenge limitations, gain independence, overcome fears, and build self-esteem through adaptive, therapeutic recreational activities.

Benefits to caregivers: When your child attends camp, you get a break. Your child is having fun and is well taken care of, so you can focus on work, recharge, or spend time with others.

Benefits to families: You and your child will meet others facing similar challenges. Expanding your social circle improves physical and mental health.

Certified Educator of Infant

What is a baby spa?

While you can find baby spas throughout Canada, Australia, and Europe, the concept is still quite new in the United States. In fact, there are currently only four in the nation, and one of them is right here in Sioux Falls!

Baby spas provide tools to help you navigate the first year and a half of your baby’s life. Services include infant massage classes, water movement, and other important parent and caregiver education. These tools are known to help with common issues such as gas, colic, and constipation. They are also great ways to help with bonding between the baby and parent, baby’s sleep and appetite, and simply help your baby to relax.

Stephany Kay Owner / Photographer

What to know when booking a Motherhood Bundle?

When you have a baby, especially a first-born, you have no idea what to expect but know you want to capture every moment. It seems like just yesterday that my son came into the world, and now he’s a little man and a few years from graduating high school. Because of this, I know how important it is to capture those first precious moments for new families because they’re grown in a blink of an eye!

We’ll kickstart our journey with a maternity session, then capture baby’s fresh features with a lifestyle newborn session, and finally plan a family session highlighting your new addition within the first 12 months.

5804 Correctionville Rd

Sioux City, IA 51106

www.camphighhopes.com

712-224-2267

smorgan@camphighhopes.com

2309 West Trevi Place Sioux Falls, SD 57108

www.yournurturedbaby.com

605-929-3688

info@yournurturedbaby.com

122 S. Phillips Avenue, Suite 240 Sioux Falls, SD 57104

www.skayphotography.com

605-595-4189

stephany@skayphotography.com

BALANCE

BALANCE & BUDGET

Providing kids with a well-rounded meal or snack can be overwhelming. Then, trying to make it affordable and appealing to your little, is it even possible?! Good news, it is, and the fit team is here to help! Check out our top tips to simplify this common challenge.

ROUND IT OUT

• Keep the USDA MyPlate in mind when building a plate. This is a great visual to reference when making choices.

- Make your grains whole-grain.

- Vary the color of your fruits and vegetables for different vitamins.

• Pair carbohydrates with proteins to make them more filling.

- Scrambled eggs and whole-grain toast

- Whole-grain crackers and cheese slices

- Pasta and canned tuna

- Rice and chicken

• Dairy can be added in many ways!

- Try cheese, yogurt, or milk to add a quick dose of dairy.

• Choose water or milk for your drink.

- Hydration is just as important as the foods you choose. Milk and water provide the most nutrition and hydration to kids’ bodies and brains.

KEEP IT COST-EFFECTIVE

• Don’t be afraid to buy off-brand. The foods are usually the same in taste and nutrition levels.

• Choose “in-season”, frozen, or canned produce.

- If possible, pick fruits canned in 100% fruit juice.

• Buy value packs and freeze the leftovers.

Summers are full of adventures, and our area has many great camps and programs available to keep your kids engaged and learning. With the following pages full of options, we’re sure you’ll find a great fit for your family. These camps and programs range from a few hours to overnight and on a wide variety of topics and experiences.

www.sfta.net

We provide lessons for ages 4 on up. The goals of our programs are to introduce youth to the sport of tennis and instruct players with experience, raising skills to a higher level. Lessons are run in two five-week sessions with two fun be ginner tournaments. We operate at local parks.

First Tee - South Dakota

www.firstteesouthdakota.org

First Tee - South Dakota is a youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and values that will empower your child through challenges. We have programs for ages 5 to18 throughout the year. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at 605.367.7092.

CTE and Southeast Tech Career Exploration Camps

www.ctecareercamps.com

The SFSD Career and Technical Education Academy is planning to offer summer career exploration camps for middle school students. Please visit our website for the latest details, dates and registration information.

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation

www.flowcode.com/page/parks-jobs

Make your summer super! Lifeguard with Parks and Recreation. Lifeguard pay is $16.48 for a fun, flexible, fulfilling seasonal job. Apply today!

L UTHERANS OUTDOORS

SD

At Lutherans Outdoors we provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect. These connections allow each person to explore and play in a nurturing environment, leading to a stronger faith foundation, discovering personal gifts, developing new skills, and building lifelong relationships.

Central Preschool & Kindergarten Summer Fun

www.centralsf.org/cpk

Your child will have a blast this summer as we explore topics such as camping, sandcastles, watermelons, and even bubbles. We’ve designed each morning to include hands-on learning centers, sing-along time, Bible lessons and a tasty snack! Summer Fun for ages 3-6. Must be potty trained.

Field trips and special speakers are also used to enhance the educational experience. Our teachers help each child become an individual who is aware of their abilities and who can focus on their own strengths. Stop in and check out our program and teachers anytime! No appointment necessary.

Museum

Visual Materials www.sfmvm.com

ZooCamp

www.GreatZoo.org

Join us for a summer camp adventure at the Zoo! With wide ranging topics and schedules to choose from, there’s bound to be something your child will enjoy. Each camp includes games, crafts, tours of the Zoo, animal encounters - and more! Register at www.GreatZoo.org.

Sanford PROMISE

http://Promise.SanfordHealth.org

Sanford PROMISE is hosting summer programs for middle school and high school aged students. Each program provides hands-on, immersive STEM experiences tailored for their age group. The Inside Out and Finding Your Roots programs are for grades 6-8 and Research in Action is for grades 9-12.

Safety Village of South Dakota

Summer Education 2023

www.safetyvillage.org

Safety Fairs, Heroes Camps and Teen CRASH

Clinics-The Safety Village of South Dakota is committed to reducing accidents involving children and teens by offering Safety education to help identify safety issues and to offer healthy injury prevention choices. We partner with community safety organizations to coordinate these comprehensive safety programs.

Inspiration Hills

www.inspirationhills.org

Inspiration Hills offers a variety of exciting Christian camp experiences for all age groups: horse camps, indoor air-conditioned camps, outdoor camps, grandparent/grandchild camps, high school leadership camps, and more! Experience team building activities, our ACCT certified ropes course, axe throwing range, and more exciting games!

SafeSplash SwimJam

www.safesplash.com/locations/sioux-fallssouth-sd/swim-camp-stroke-clinic

At SafeSplash, we believe swimming is a life skill®, and that consistency and frequency are key to a swimmer’s success. Swim camps are the perfect way to advance faster. Our camps, called SwimJams, span two weeks, and students meet four times during the week for 30 minutes at a time.

AR Workshop Sioux Falls / ART CAMP

www.arworkshop.com/siouxfalls/ #YOUTH_CAMPS

AR Workshop Summer ARt Camps promote creativity and hands-on STEAM learning in a fun and social environment for all children ages 7–14. As well as little crafter camps for younger children. We’ve added brand new sessions (no repeats). So your child can do one camp, or all of them!!

Wings Summer Camp

www.wingsgym.com/wings-maincamp-care

Your kids can explore it all through Wings’ weekly themed summer camp. We’re committed to giving your child an exciting & rewarding camp experience. Something different every week at our Bahnson location. Sign up for all 12 weeks or pick the weeks you need. See our ad on page 29.

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

www.prairieplay.org

We have camps and classes for ages 2–12. Our experiences are hands-on and child-led. Our maker studio helps to foster creativity, curiosity, and self-expression through a variety of activities, including robotics, circuitry, theater, sculpture, and more! Head over to our website calendar at www.prairieplay.org for a list of offerings.

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Summer Activities

www.ogknights.org/parents/camps

We provide a wide range of camps and activities to keep your child busy this summer. We have a variety of PreK-12th grade options including athletics camps and academic summer classes to avoid the “summer slump”. See full camp and class descriptions on our website!

BritZa Performing Arts Studio

www.BritZaPerformingArts.com

New Location! Let your creativity soar this summer while exploring dancing, singing, and acting! Be a part of a production, make and take puppets, and mystery-themed dance camps are just a few of the imagination-packed offerings for your child to experience! Summer camps available for kids aged 2 through high school.

Code Ninjas

www.codeninjas.com

Code Ninjas offers an immersive environment for children to explore technology and develop new skills. We offer a wide range of camps that teach kids of all skill levels computer programming. We offer engaging topics like coding, game building, Minecraft and Roblox. Check our website for full camp schedule.

Destiny Youth Ranch

www.destinyyouthranch.com

We are a non-denominational, non-profit organization that runs camps and retreats where you can learn more about faith and horses in a quiet atmosphere. We have great speakers, worship, crafts, games, and campfires! We teach basic horsemanship, arena riding, and trail riding on over 45 acres of land!

Skate City

www.skatecitysd.com

SKATE FREE ALL SUMMER if you have your own skates and a Summer Skate Card from Skate City! Skates are available to rent at $3.00/ session. Summer Skate Cards are on presale from February 1st to May 31st for just $15 each. Pricing is $25 each starting June 1st.

EmBe Summer Camps

www.embe.org

EmBe creates confident youth leaders by building on strengths and deepening skills. Explore EmBe’s unique summer opportunities –Robotics, Babysitting Camp, Art Camp, Camp Girls on the Run and so much more. We empower kids of all ages to be their best selves. Summer fun starts with EmBe!

Sioux Falls Figure Skating Club | 2023 Shooting Stars Summer Skate Camp

http://bit.ly/3XWfff0

The SFFSC is inviting your child to the 2023 Shooting Stars Summer Skate Camp! This camp will focus on building skating skills in a fun, exciting environment while encouraging your child to step out of their comfort zone, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. Ideal for children ages 5-12.

Camp OnAqua

www.catfishbay.com

Camp OnAqua is a week-long day camp for kids ages 8-13. This camp gives kids the opportunity to experience water recreation in a fun and safe learning environment. Includes water skiing, fishing, canoeing, tubing, swimming, and more. For more information, please visit www.catfishbay.com.

Camp High Hopes

Camp

incredible opportunity for kids with disabilities and special needs to experience a fun and enriching summer! With so many adaptive experiences to choose from, your child can explore new activities, build relationships, and develop selfconfidence while challenging their perceived limitations.

CAMP HIGH HOPES

Washington Pavilion www.WashingtonPavilion.org/ summercamps

Washington Pavilion Summer Camps are hands-on experiences that create memorable moments in an amazing, one-of-a-kind environment. The Washington Pavilion provides wonderful opportunities for students of all ages to venture into the worlds of art, science and theatre.

605 Ninja www.605ninja.com

We offer SO many fun summer camps for ages

6-14. Sweat, Train, & Play like a Ninja Warrior with our Ninja Camps. Get your Circus on at our Aerial Silk & Lyra Hoop Camps. Learn to Vault, Roll and Trick in our super fun Parkour Camps.

STARTS HERE

Get inspired today

• A Art Camp

• B Babysitting Camp

• C Camp Girls on the Run + Robotic Innovation

• C Camp GirlVIP

• C Changemaker Bootcamp

For camp dates and registration visit EmBe.org

• J Junior Lifeguard Camp

• R Robotic Imagination Camp

• R Robotic Impact Camp

• R Robotic Innovation Camp

O u r L e a r n t o S k a t e p r o g r a m

o f f e r s f u n a n d e n g a g i n g g r o u p c l a s s e s f o r s k a t e r s o f a l l a g e s a n d s k i l l l e v e l s !

Apple Tree

Children’s Center

www.appletreechildren.org

Apple Tree’s Summer Camp Program is full of outdoor activities, field trips and hands-on projects to help keep children’s minds and bodies active. Be sure to call and reserve your spot early and find out all that our program includes like hot lunches, snacks, sunscreen, and field trip costs.

J u n e 5 - 8 | A u g u s t 7 - 1 0

T h i s c a m p w i l l f o c u s o n b u i l d i n g s k a t i n g s k i l l s i n a f u n a n d e x c i t i n g e n v i r o n m e n t !

Y o u r c h i l d w i l l s t e p o u t o f t h e i r c o m f o r t z o n e , m a k e n e w f r i e n d s a n d c r e a t e l i f e l o n g m e m o r i e s .

I d e a l f o r a g e s 5 - 1 2 a n d b e g i n n e r s k a t e r s t o F r e e s k

Color Me Mine

Sioux Falls

http://siouxfalls.colormemine.com

Come and join us for a fun and creative camp! We will be making five amazing projects using ceramics, clay, and other fun materials! Each camper will receive a Color Me Mine canvas bag for their projects.

YMCA Camp Leif Ericson

www.siouxfallsymca.org/camps

Campers ages 4-15 are welcome to join our day camps where kids of all backgrounds discover who they are and imagine who they can be, with activities that foster lifelong skills, build selfconfidence, and create lasting friendships. 2023 programs are offered Monday-Friday in two-week sessions, June 5-August 11.

Soccer Sprouts

www.sdsoccersprouts.com

We are an education-based soccer program that helps children learn the FUN-damentals of soccer through games and activities, while developing their gross and fine motor skills. Our PROFESSIONALLY trained coaches believe children learn by playing, and we strive to give them a solid foundation to enjoy soccer for many years.

Butterfly House & Aquarium Summer Camp

www.ButterflyHouseAquarium.org

Get down and dirty in the incredible world of insects - or take a deep dive into the wonders of water with Butterfly House & Aquarium summer camps!

Camp Invention

www.invent.org/local

Camp Invention® is bringing new, imaginative STEM experiences for grades K-6! Register for the all-new program, Wonder, at invent.org/local. Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25!

SD GFP Outdoor Campus - Sioux Falls

https://gfp.sd.gov/toc-east

The Outdoor Campus’ mission is to provide education about outdoor skills, wildlife, conservation and management practices of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to all ages in order to preserve our outdoor heritage.

Siouxland Libraries

www.siouxlandlib.org

Get ahead through Siouxland Libraries 2023 Summer Reading Program. Read books and win prizes from June 2 through August 11. Reading together makes Siouxland Stronger Together.

To view the list of Summer 2022 Camps and Programs on our website.

FUN CRUISE

Saturday, July 22nd 9am-2pm

Get ready for family fun this July! Local families will be cruising the Sioux Empire and visiting local businesses to take part in fun activities and, of course, win prizes! Fancy the Unicorn is back! She’s excited to spread her rainbow unicorn joy all through the community leading up to the Familyfest Fun Cruise!

more info at familyfestsf.com or email: info@familyfestsf.com

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE

Each month we release a special BONUS section with exclusive content only available ONLINE. These pages are filled with fun crafts, recipes or stories that fit the theme each month. Don’t miss out on this extra fun! Scan the QR code to check it out!

Fun Things To Do ?

You could list your events for on thehoodmagazine.com

Here is how to create an event:

1. Create an account.

2. Post your event details.

3. Add a logo or photo.

Things to know about our calendar:

• You can create reoccurring events.

• You can share straight to social media.

• We share our calendar with our email list.

• We do weekly social media callouts linking to our calendar.

Looking for events to do as a family?

Check out thehoodmagazine.com or scan our QR code and click on the Things to Do tab! You can save our events right to your calendar, so you don’t forget the details! With the click of a button, you can share any event with friends or family and finalize all your plans too!

Looking for something to do for particular age? No worries! Our calendar does that too!

CELEBRATE SKYFORCE! WITH THE

We plan, you party! Skyforce Party Packs are the best way to celebrate your birthday. Pick your party package and your Skyforce representative will take care of everything make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

REGULARSCHEDULE SEASON

found some fun events we think you will enjoy! Scroll through all the events on our website, or head straight to the date you are looking for.

Here are some events you will find on our calendar for March:

Free First Friday at The Pavilion

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Blue’s Clues & You at The Orpheum

Sioux Falls Skyforce vs Memphis Hustle

SPRING CLEANING tips + tricks

As busy parents it can be a challenge finding time to tackle Spring cleaning. But with these easy tips, you will be able to cross off your to-do’s in no time at all.

1. Do what you have time for!

If you only have a short amount of time, don’t try to clean the whole house top to bottom. Instead break it up by rooms, and aim to do one room a day or even one room a week if that is what your schedule allows. Setting up realistic expectations as to what you can get done, will help you be more successful.

2. Start in a corner.

When it is time to start cleaning a room, start in a corner. Have a gar bage back ready and your cleaning supplies and wipes and rags. Remove anything and everything from that corner. Throw away any collected items you don’t need (like old maga zines!). Once everything is removed, start wiping down the walls and baseboards. Remember to vacuum or sweep before moving items back. Once you have the corner cleaned, start working your way around the room until the whole room has been cleaned.

3. Get those nooks and crannies!

Spring cleaning isn’t about “picking up the house”. This is the time to get into those areas that have been neglected. Before you start cleaning, look around and see if anything needs to be removed and soaked. Items such as ceiling fan blades, vents and light switch covers can easily be removed. Depending on how dirty they are, they may require some soaking, so remove those first to allow them to sit while you work on the rest of the room.

LOOKERS Leprechaun

You can’t catch a Leprechaun without these magic binoculars! All you need are two toilet paper rolls and some fun arts supplies. You can either paint the cardboard rolls green, or wrap them in green paper. Glue the rolls together to create the binoculars.

Now decorate your magic lookers with glitter, pom poms, stickers or whatever else you can find at home.

And now you’re ready to go on your search!

Start your St. Patrick’s Day off with some green fun! Making a festive breakfast is easy, and usually can be done just by simply adding a little green food coloring to some of your regular ingredients. Adding in colorful fruit for some rainbow accents is the perfect addition too.

COUNT how many did you know?

You should always wear green on St. Patrick’s Day! It is believed that if you wear green then you will be invisible to leprechauns. If you aren’t wearing green, then a leprechaun will see you and pinch you!

Breakfast Treats

Here are some easy breakfast ideas we think your children will love:

1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

1. Green pancakes/waffles (Use whipped cream to make clouds!)

2. Cinnamon rolls with green frosting and sprinkles

3. Lucky Charms cereal

4. Leprechaun Bagel (Bagel with green colored cream cheese)

5. Rainbow yogurt parfait

Still feeling stuck inside?

It’s that time of year! The cold and snow may leave us spending a little more time inside, but we have just the thing to help pass the time! Looking to keep the kids entertained on your next snow day? Click here to view our winter boredom buster list.

MARCH MADNESS Oreos

DIRECTIONS

1. Microwave the orange candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Stir every 20-30 seconds until candy is fully melted.

2. Dip the entire Oreo into the orange candy melts. Allow Oreo to set on a piece of wax paper. Allow to set up until fully hardened, either by leaving out on counter or placing them in the refrigerator.

3. Once your orange Oreos have hardened, melt a bowl of chocolate chips in the microwave. Stir every 20-30 minutes.

4. Once chocolate is melted transfer to a piping bag. Cut a small hole from the piping bag. Practice piping a few lines to ensure the hole of the piping bag is the correct size. Adjust the size if needed.

5. When you are ready to start piping your lines, remember that a basketball has 4 lines, first divide the Oreo into 3 vertical parts:

1. Vertical line 1 is located at the far left, curving towards the middle like a wide smile

2. Vertical line 2 is straight down the middle

3. Vertical line 3 is located at the right, curving towards the middle like a wide smile

4. Lastly, pipe 1 horizontal line in the middle

6. Once you have piped all the lines, Air dry or refrigerate the Oreos until completely set.

This simple Oreo twist is nothing to be mad about! These cute little cookies make a perfect treat for the big game!

SUPPLIES

ChecklistSpring Cleaning

Ready to start tackling the house? Here is a checklist room by room for you to use!

FOYER/ENTRY

m Clean floors

m Clean baseboards

m Wipe down doors and handles

m Clean out and straighten up shoes (perfect time to put away the ones that are too small or not being used anymore!)

BATHROOM

m Clean floors

m Clean toilets

m Wipe walls and baseboards

m Clean grout lines if you have tile

m Wipe down cabinetry

m Vacuum and wipe out inside of cabinets

m Throw away any personal items that are old and expired (makeup, skincare, medications)

m Scrub sink

m Clean showers

m Wash fabric shower curtains or replace plastic ones

m Polish/wash all faucet fixtures (sink and shower/tub)

KITCHEN

m Clean refrigerator & freezer, throw out expired food

m Clean inside of oven and microwave

m Scrub countertops

m Wipe down cabinetry

m Vacuum and clean inside of cabinets

m Wipe walls and baseboards

m Clean floors, scrub grout lines if you have tile.

LIVING, DINING, BEDROOMS

m Dust and wipe down all fixtures

m Wash any washable items such as bedding, throw pillows and rugs

m Vacuum or spot clean furniture

m Wipe walls and baseboards

m Clean light fixtures

m Dust blinds

m Dust curtain rods

m Clean window sills

m Wash windows

m Clean or vacuum curtains

• Oreo Cookies, double stuff work best

• Orange candy melts

• Chocolate chips

• Piping bag or plastic bag