Chelsea Furlong

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SUMMER
Skateboarding for Kids 101
- August 5, 2021
Skateboarding is a fun and active way to spend time outside. It’s not only a great full-body workout, but it helps build core strength, balance, and confidence in kids. It’s one of those fast-action sports that are not only fun to watch, but a blast for kids to participate in. Today, Chelsea Furlong, a Virginia Beach photographer and skateboarding mom of two, shares all her tips for skateboarding with kids. Chelsea shares everything you need to know, including how to choose the right skateboard, best skateboarding gear, skateboarding safety tips, advice for parents, and more.

Skateboarding obsession begins

A couple of years ago my kids asked for skateboards for Christmas. They were using small plastic mini boards made for toddlers but they were ready for something bigger and better. My brothers got them their first real skateboards for Christmas that year and our family’s new obsession began. Within a few months of receiving those gifts, my kids absolutely fell in love with skateboarding. That love eventually became a full-blown obsession. We currently don’t have a single day that goes by without some kind of skateboarding involved. Even on the days when the weather is terrible, they’ll practice in our garage, watch tutorials and youtube videos, or practice tricks on their TechDecks. Skateboarding, for us, has become a lifestyle.

Becoming a skateboarding mom

Many people reach out to me on a regular basis with their questions about skateboarding and how to get their kids started. It’s common for a mom to send me a message on Instagram saying something like, “My child is interested in learning how to skateboard. I’m a little terrified, and I don’t skateboard, so I have no idea where to start. Can you help me?”

Let me start by saying, I don’t skateboard, either! That’s right. My kids tell me they feel more comfortable riding a board at this point than they do walking on their own two feet. But their mother is a totally different story! Haha!

The good news is you do NOT have to know how to skateboard to help your kids get started skateboarding. All you have to do is grab the basic equipment, get them outside and support them on their journey as they practice and get better. It’s not always easy (rarely is anything involving kids easy), but it’s worth it. Skateboarding has become such a vibrant passion for my kids, a fun and active activity that gets us all outside and keeps us on our toes! It’s been a great way to teach my boys valuable life skills and has allowed them to make amazing friendships with a diverse group of skaters.

Benefits of skateboarding for kids

Skateboarding is a full-body workout. Observe your kids on a skateboard and you’ll quickly realize that they use a variety of muscles and movement skills to propel, stop, steer and manipulate the board. Riders exercise their feet, legs, arms, and torso as they twist and balance with each trick and turn. Skateboarding is great for helping develop coordination and core strength. It takes a long time to get good at skateboarding and doing tricks, so it’s a great activity for teaching kids about practice and perseverance. It’s becoming a more popular sport by the day and is really fun to watch, as well as participate in. Skateboarding is a healthy screen-free outdoor activity that gets kids plenty of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and Vitamin D.

Best age for getting started skateboarding

Like nearly any sport, there’s no perfect age to get them started. You’re never too old to learn to skateboard (although, your body may disagree after a few spills!), and even young kids can give it a try. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that kids under 5 not skateboard. Mainly, this is because their tiny bodies can’t take the impact and you don’t want to risk broken bones and injuries for kids this young. Kids of all ages participate in this sport. But no matter what age your kids are, at first they’ll need close adult supervision and support.

What do we need to get started?

You don’t need very much to get started skateboarding, but the gear is important. Here are the few basic pieces of skateboarding equipment you’ll need to get your kids off and rolling:
- skateboard
- helmet
- protective pads
- closed-toe sneakers or skate shoes
I get lots of requests for brand and equipment recommendations for families just jumping into skating. This has been a trial and error process for us, and what works best for my kids may not be what your kids prefer. However, I’m happy to share what works for us!

Kinds of skateboards

There are many types of skateboards available for lots of different kinds of riding. The list includes longboards, penny boards, carve boards, classic boards, cruisers, popsicle double kicks, etc. Maybe you didn’t realize there are lots of different kinds of boards? Me either! It’s ok if you don’t know what your kids will want or need at first. I’m here to help!

We currently have a few different types of skateboards lined up in our garage: longboards, cruisers, double kicks, and a carve board. For this post, I’ll be mostly focusing on the popsicle double kicks board. This is because that’s what our kids use the most, and that’s likely the kind of skateboard you’re most familiar with as well.

The popsicle double kick is the kind of skateboard most people have in their minds when they think of skateboarding. It’s a board shape with two rounded ends and both of those ends are bent upward. This kind of skateboard can be used for street skating and transition (or bowl) skating. My kids skate both transition and street, and that’s the kind of skateboard deck they both use. It’s a good beginner skateboard and a good choice for shape if you’re looking to purchase your first skateboard.

How to choose a skateboard for kids

When you’re choosing the best skateboard for a new rider, you’ll want to consider the age and size of the rider. If you’re starting a toddler or a very young child, you’ll want a mini-board. These are a much smaller size and are best for the tiny feet of younger skaters. Once your kids are a little older, they can handle a larger board.

In addition to the different styles of skateboards, there are also different sizes. My kids are ages 7 & 9. They both wear a kids’ size 3 shoe. They’re currently riding size 7.75 skateboard decks. For reference, my oldest son will likely be moving to a size 8 board within the next year.

The next bit of important information is that when you’re buying a skateboard, I recommend starting with a complete skateboard set. This just means that all of the skateboard parts are already there and assembled! Again, beginners may not know this, but there are several different parts to a skateboard that can change a lot about the ride. As my kids have become more advanced, they now fully customize their boards according to what/how they want to ride. However, a beginner skater doesn’t need to worry about any of that, so opt for a complete set.

We started out with a complete board from CCS. This is a quality skateboard for a beginner. You can even customize the design on the board with your own artwork or a photo of your new skater!

Protective gear – skateboarding helmets and pads

The proper gear when skateboarding is essential. Just as you wouldn’t let your child ride a bike without a helmet or ride in a car without a seatbelt, don’t let your skater ride with a helmet and pads. Biking helmets and skateboarding helmets are made completely differently! There are some helmets that are now formulated for both, but we recommend having separate helmets for our kids for biking and skateboarding.

Yes, you can absolutely use a bike helmet for your child who’s just starting out if you don’t have a skate helmet. It’s certainly better than no head protection at all. But, if your child really starts to get into skating, you’ll want a high-quality helmet. We use the Protec brand because they’re highly regarded in the skate community as one of the best quality, safest brands of skating helmets. Be sure to get the correct size for your child, too. If you’re not sure about sizing and fit, head to your local skate shop and someone there should be able to check it for you!

There is a LOT of falling involved in skateboarding, so I also recommend getting a set of pads for your child, as well. You’ll want both knee pads and elbow pads at the minimum. Or, you can get a full set of pads which also includes wrist guards. We use 187 Killer Pads because they’re high quality, but again, any pads are better than no pads when you’re just getting started! You can always upgrade later, if/when your kids decide that skateboarding is life! My kids are trying some pretty crazy tricks at this point, so we need gear that can handle the constant blows day after day!

Skateboarding shoes for kids

Beginner skateboarders don’t need any particular brand of skateboarding shoes, but it’s important that your child wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good tread or rubber on the bottom. You definitely don’t want them slipping around on the skateboard. Also, the grip tape on a fresh board can be hard on open skin. Occasionally, I accidentally drag my hands or arms on my kids’ boards when I’m moving them around and that grip tape is no joke!

Additional skateboarding gear suggestions

After a year and a half of serious (and I mean serious) hours put in at our local skateparks, I’ve learned to have a few other items on hand! You may not need these items early on in the process, but if you find yourself spending more and more time skating, it’s a good idea (actually, it’s a great idea) to keep these items handy and closeby:
- Medical kit – You’ll want to have bandages available from the very beginning. As your little skater progresses and attempts more difficult tricks, you’ll want to have a more substantial kit on hand. We use ours almost every trip to the skatepark, whether for our own kids or to share with other skaters getting injuries.
- Skate tool – This is a tool used to tighten or loosen the trucks (the metal part that the wheels are on)
- Extra shoe laces – Once your skater starts to attempt different tricks, they’ll also start to snap their laces! There were some skatepark days where we went through several sets of laces in a single day!
- Shoe Goo – This is great for fixing shoes that are getting torn up for skating! It’s a great trick for extending the life of your shoes.
- Camera (with video capability) – My kids are constantly asking me to take photos and videos of their runs and tricks. They like to see how they look (and how they can improve). They analyze the videos later and adjust accordingly. It’s an amazing process of self-awareness.
We keep all of these items in our skate bag so we have everything we may need all in one place!

Getting started as a skateboarding parent

Once you have all of your gear purchased and ready to go, it’s skate time! Personally, I think skateboarding is MUCH harder than it looks. It takes a lot of time to get good at a new sport like skateboarding and takes way more hours of practicing than you can ever imagine. However, if you have determined little ones that love the activity, you’ll be amazed by how quickly they improve and how strong and brave they can be. Here are a few tips and suggestions for parents when your kid is learning how to skateboard.

Get mentally prepared

I’m going to say it again: Your child WILL fall. They will get hurt. Hopefully not terribly hurt, but they will get some scrapes and bruises along the way. It’s best to prepare yourself for that fact early and be prepared to remain calm and encouraging for your child as they learn this new skill. Just like they fall off bikes sometimes (or out of trees or off the swingset), they’ll also fall off of their skateboards! It’s inevitable.

It’s important to keep a calm and confident attitude throughout this learning process because you are the model for your child. If you act nervous, stressed, and terrified, your child will also feel nervous and afraid. If you panic every time they fall off the skateboard, they will panic and be afraid to step back on the board. Your little one will look to you for praise and encouragement, so be ready for it! Provide positive feedback and keep an upbeat attitude about conquering new skills. You’ll be impressed with how quickly they’ll be able to brush off falls when they’re determined and encouraged.

Find a safe place to start

When your child is first learning how to stand on and ride a skateboard, start them on a flat, smooth surface. Your flat surface can be a paved path, parking lot, driveway, etc. Whatever you have available to you will work! If you see lots of rocks and debris, sweep or remove it so your little one doesn’t get caught on it. For your very first time on a skateboard, you might even want to start in the grass or on carpet. That’ll keep the board from moving out from beneath your little one’s feet until they feel comfortable standing on it.

Balance and push

Next, it’s time to practice balancing. Some children will want you to hold their hand as they begin and some will want to do everything on their own. Once the child has practiced balancing on the board, it’s time to push off. The best way is to teach them to push off with their back foot. My kids both skate mongo, which means they push off with their front foot. It’s not hindering their progress greatly, but they really should be pushing off with the back foot instead! Some tricks can be a lot harder to master when you push mongo, so it’s just easier on the skater to learn how to skateboard using that back foot to push.

Hit the skatepark

Once they can balance and push themselves around, that’s really all there is to it! The rest is up to them to progress and try new things and a few basic tricks. I’d also recommend checking out a skatepark in your area if you have one. A lot of public parks don’t allow skateboarding, so designated skateparks are a great place to get the feel for the sport.

Get to the skatepark early in the morning when it’s less crowded and give your kids some time to practice new things. If they can ride on a flat surface, move on to slants, ramps (or mini ramps), and inclines. These are far less tricky than dropping in on transition and they teach kids how to balance their weight and keep the board moving. Even if your kid is just riding around the flats, it’s good to get them comfortable at the skatepark and start teaching them skateboarding etiquette.

Practice, practice, practice!

The most important thing my own kids needed as they learned how to skateboard was lots of time. People often comment on how “naturally talented” our kids are. And while they do have talent, it’s really been the amount of time they spend practicing that has propelled them forward.

If you’ve read the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, you’ll be familiar with the “10,000 hour rule.” That’s what I mention to people when they comment on our kids’ skateboarding and scootering abilities. On a good skate day, my kids will put in a solid 6 hours of practicing. And that’s not because it’s forced; it’s because they truly just love it. When it comes to learning how to skateboard, I always use the phrase, “Practice makes progress!”

If your kids want to take their skills to the next level, there’s also the option of private lessons, skate camps, and group coaching. A lot of these options will meet your skater at their skill level and help them advance to the next with tips and advice that’s sometimes easier to hear from a pro than mom or dad.

Are your kids interested in learning how to skateboard?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and spends as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived. Chelsea is also the Run Wild My Child Sustainability Expert and helps spearhead our efforts at reducing our carbon footprint and leads our Eco-Challenges.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
GOOD FOR NATURE, HOLIDAYS, INFORMATION, PRINTABLES
Earth Day Challenge
- April 5, 2021
Do you feel like you should be doing more to help the environment, but don’t know where to start? Are you overwhelmed by all the “eco-friendly” products out there and how expensive they can be? Do you want someone to help guide you through easy ways to take small steps towards reducing your carbon footprint? We’ve got the answer for you! Introducing our very first ever EARTH DAY CHALLENGE!

Introducing our Earth Day mini-challenge

The Run Wild My Child Earth Day Challenge is an 8-day challenge designed to help busy parents become more knowledgeable about eco-friendly swaps, products, and actions, without the guilt or overwhelm.

No matter where you are in your journey to reducing your carbon footprint (already making changes or just getting started), we’re here to help offer tips, action items, and products you’ll love. At the end of the challenge you should have everything you need to start making small, but powerful, changes in your life and around your home.

Who this challenge is for…

This is the perfect challenge for busy parents that love and appreciate the outdoors. You know the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and want to make sure your children (and their children) will have a beautiful healthy planet to explore. You already make a conscious effort to make some eco-friendly decisions, but would like to know how you can do more, without getting shamed, overwhelmed, or pressured into spending a lot of money.

How this challenge will help you

This challenge will give you lots of easy-to-implement eco-friendly ideas for different rooms in your house. You don’t have to do all of them – you get to pick and choose what works best for your family, your budget, and your lifestyle.

The challenge will give you an online support group with others going through the challenge together and taking action. You can meet friends, ask questions, help others and hold each other accountable.

By the end of the challenge, we know you’ll be educated and equipped to start making small (but impactful) changes in your home and life to help save the planet. And we’ll help you get your kids involved, too! Together, we can make a difference!

What’s included in the challenge

Our Earth Day Challenge includes so many amazing products and bonuses. Here’s what you can expect to get:
- 30+ page downloadable PDF & workbook
- Access to a private pop-up Facebook group for support, interaction, and accountability
- Daily challenges and eco-friendly action items
- Challenge hashtag and features on @runwild.mychild Instagram page
- List of 30+ eco-friendly activities to do with kids
- Printable Earth Day Bingo cards
- DIY “green” recipes for household cleaning products
- And so much more!
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://runwildmychild.com/product/earth-day-mini-challenge/” text=”ALL FOR ONLY $22″ ]

(we know, it’s crazy cheap)

Daily challenge themes and action items

Each day of the challenge has a theme and a worksheet where you can take notes and write down the action items you’d like to take. We not only take you through your home room by room to find ways to be more ec0-conscious, but we’ll help with some mindset changes and encouragement so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- Day 1: Create an Eco-Friendly Bathroom
- Day 2: Create an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
- Day 3: Create an Eco-Friendly Bedroom
- Day 4: Eco-Friendly Outdoor Spaces
- Day 5: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Day 6: Eco-Friendly Kids & Baby
- Day 7: Shopping Local, Little, and Less
- Day 8: Celebrate Earth Day
Meet the hosts

Chelsea Furlong

Chelsea is a photographer, mother of two busy boys, member of the RWMC Creative Team, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and spends as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing their best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

Sara McCarty

Sara is the Founder of Run Wild My Child, a resource website, online community, and podcast all about getting kids off screens and outside, one adventure at a time. She’s a mom of 3, a wife, and a corporate securities lawyer. She grew up in the country, but now lives in St. Louis and is determined to raise her city kids to be as wild and feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching. She’s passionate about reading, photography, plants, coffee, cooking, and key lime pie.

Challenge details

The Run Wild My Child Earth Day Challenge starts Thursday, April 15, 2021, and ends on Earth Day, April 22. We’ll send out materials the day before and get the ball rolling! We’re super excited about this and can’t wait to see you there!

[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://runwildmychild.com/product/earth-day-mini-challenge/” text=”JOIN THE CHALLENGE” ]

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
7 Ways to Ease Anxiety Using Nature
- October 23, 2020
This year is destined to go down in the history books for a lot of things. Unprecedented high levels of stress and anxiety in parents, being one of them. More than possibly ever before, self-care for parents needs to be a top priority. Moms in particular, tend to take care of everyone but themselves, leading to overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, Virginia photographer and homeschooling mom of two, sharing 7 ways that parents (and kids) can reduce stress and ease anxiety using nature and natural treatments. We hope this post will inspire you to make nature part of your self-care routine.

Easing anxiety with nature

Well, here we are…at the tail end of 2020. This has to be one of the most stressful years our generation has ever experienced. The unexpected and unprecedented global pandemic has likely added stress to your life. Parents, in particular, have had a massive amount to deal with on top of the everyday stressors we normally experience.

Often, lots of stress can lead to anxiety. I know this because I have anxiety and depression. I have to be extremely careful with myself and very intentional about how I live my life to be sure I don’t get stuck in a dangerous downward spiral. And anyone else who has anxiety and/or depression knows how difficult it can be to pull yourself out of a particularly difficult time.

Over the years, I’ve tried so many things to ease my anxiety and support my mental health. I’ve tried everything from therapy to medications to natural remedies, and every combination of them. I can tell you without a second of hesitation that for me personally, getting back to nature has helped me more than anything else. I know that many of you may be experiencing added stress and anxiety so I wanted to share my most impactful ways of easing anxiety during difficult times.

1. Get outside

Now I know this seems very basic, but getting outside can instantly stop an anxiety spiral. There is countless research that shows how spending time outdoors in green spaces is good for your physical and mental health. Make spending time outside a priority and reap the benefits of less stress, better health and lower anxiety levels.

Sunlight and fresh air

We hear all the time that it’s so important to get sunlight but I don’t think people take this seriously enough. Many people have a vitamin D deficiency. This can still be the case even in the summertime. We tend to forget that humans are animals and in the 200,000 years homo sapiens has existed, only VERY recently have we lived so much of our lives indoors. Even a few generations ago, people were spending most of their waking hours working outside.

Modern-day society has put us indoors much more than we’ve ever been, and evolution can’t change our make up that quickly. I would argue that humans simply haven’t adjusted to being inside so much. Our bodies desperately need the sunlight and we need the fresh air.

Fresh air is good for our bodies and minds. Anyone that’s spent any time wearing a mask recently knows just how wonderful fresh air can be. Deep breathing outside in the fresh air can do amazing things for your body and mind.

Sleep better

Spending lots of time outside helps with so many things, one of them being a reset of our circadian rhythms. This is crucial for establishing regular sleep patterns. Personally, lack of sleep is always a major trigger for my anxiety and depression. I have to be very aware of my sleep schedule. When I’m not getting enough sleep, my anxiety greatly increases. Spending lots of time outside really helps the body settle down at night and sleep better.

Exercise

When you’re spending more time outside, you’re also likely getting more exercise. Exercise is another thing people take too lightly when it comes to mental health. I know this because I was one of those people. When I’m starting to feel like my depression and anxiety are kicking back up again, I monitor how much exercise I’m getting.

Not only is exercise good for the health of your body, but it’s critical for the health of your brain. You need the endorphins that your body produces when you exercise. Walking, running, biking, and yoga are great activities to do while you’re spending extra time outside.

Mindfulness

Another practice I’ve found helpful for my anxiety is using mindfulness or meditation while I’m outside on a walk. Anxiety can put your brain in a pattern or a cycle. In order to get out of it, you need a pattern interruption. Taking a walk and using the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness method is a great way to ground yourself and bring your brain back to the present moment. It’s super easy and works wonders!

Just take a deep breath in and out. Then identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. When I do this, I try to completely isolate each of those senses and remove any input from the other senses. You want to take your time with this grounding exercise and really slow down your body and brain. When you’re finished, take one more deep, cleansing breath. You’ll feel so much better!

Sit-spotting

The idea of sit-spotting is simple, but powerful: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature let the nature around you soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. If you choose one particular place to do this repeatedly, sit-spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort, and relax you instantly, as you get to know the location.

I recommend you find a place in or adjacent to a natural or semi-natural setting where you can sit and observe. Preferably, pick a place that’s close to home so you can get there easily whenever you need a mental break. Sit quietly there, observing nature around you with all of your senses. Listen for birds and other animals. Observe the colors and light. Touch the rocks and moss. Smell the fresh rain or snow. Visit your location in every season and vary the time of day (morning, noon, night) to see how your spot changes.

Check out this post for more useful information on sit spotting.

2. Eat clean

Cleaning up what you put into your body is another way to help improve your mental health. Mother Nature provides us with everything we need to nourish our bodies and make healthy new cells. Your body is always replacing your cells…why not make sure that the new cells you’re creating are healthy ones?

When I was desperately searching for answers to my own battle with depression and anxiety, I was having many odd physical symptoms in addition to the emotional ones. My psychiatrist looked at my medical charts and told me my declining physical and mental health looked similar to other patients she had with autoimmune disease.

Clean eating research

That sent me down an information-seeking rabbit hole, and I’m SO thankful it did. After doing tons of research, I changed my diet completely. Thanks to books like The Wahl’s Protocol and The Autoimmune Fix, I learned so much about how your body uses the food you eat to either make you healthy or make you sick.

Every person is different, and you’ll have to find what works for you, but I swear by the diet I’m permanently on. It has changed my life. It’s a big commitment but if you’re at the point where you’ll do anything to improve your mental health (like I was), it’s absolutely worth it.

The importance of good food

Adding large amounts of nutrient-dense foods is crucial to a properly functioning brain and nervous system. There is also a massive connection between your brain and your gut (which is also known as your second brain.) Nature can provide you with all the nutrients you need, you just have to make eating them a priority.

Do yourself a favor and start paying more attention to what you put into your body. How you feel afterward. Are there particular foods or meals that make you feel better? Or worse?

Bonus fact: Did you know that eating two or more handfuls of cashews a day, can have the same effect as Prozac? The high levels of tryptophan in cashews help to increase serotonin. Thanks, nature!

3. Supplements

In addition to honing in on your diet, you may want to consider adding some supplements to your daily self-care routine. Every person is different, but I’ve felt best when I’m taking a high quality fish oil, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and a B-complex. Fish oil supports brain health. Vitamin C supports the immune system. Vitamin D plays an important role in brain and nerve health, and mood regulation. And B vitamins help with energy levels, as well as brain and nerve functioning.

When my anxiety starts to get worse, I also add in my special anxiety-reducing tea. I add Holy basil and magnesium powder to chamomile tea. This is a great way to calm your muscles and nerves fairly quickly. I recommend Nature Calm magnesium powder to all my friends. Watch out, though. A little goes a long way with this stuff! You only need a very small amount to get the benefits.

CBD oil

The other supplement I use on a regular basis that has really been life changing for me is CBD oil. When it comes to CBD, you need to do your research. Not all CBD oils are created equally. I’ve tried various brands, types and strengths and it took quite a lot of trial and error to find the exact brand, strength, and dosage that works for me. It’s similar to a prescription medication in that way. It may take a little time to find what works for you.

I found that a small amount of CBD oil daily helps to keep my mood level, and then I take more as needed. When I know I’m going into a situation that can be a trigger for me, I take some of my oil about 20 minutes in advance. It’s been very helpful.

4. Essential oils

Speaking of oil, essential oils are another gift from nature that we can use to help ease anxiety. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt. When I’m feeling stressed at home, I can often reset my body and brain by using some essential oils. This also helps my kids reset, so it’s a win-win!

At home, I use a diffuser with my oils. When I’m on-the-go, I love my lava rock jewelry. I just absorb a few drops of my favorite oil into the lava stone and I can smell it all day! Again, this is also great for my kids, too. They’ll often ask for my jewelry when we’re out in public or even riding in the car. They love it!

If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, do some research. Different oils will have a different effect. Some oils can boost your mood and energy, while others can calm you down and help you sleep! You can change the oils to match what you need. Two of my favorite oils that help me calm down are lavender oil and a blend called Balance.

5. Plants

You may be seeing a recurring theme here. Not only can we benefit from plants by adding more of them to our diets and using plant oils, but we can also benefit from just surrounding ourselves with plants! Did you know that just having plants in your home can improve your mental health, improve your air quality, help you sleep better, boost your immune system and increase your productivity?! Amazing, right?

Gardening is another activity that can improve your mental health and help ease anxiety. You’ll get fresh air and sunlight, exercise, and the right kind of mental stimulation. There are two main modes of attention: focused attention and fascination. Focused attention is the kind you use at work, and too much of it can lead to stress. Fascination is the kind you use in hobbies and can help reduce anxiety when we’re feeling so much stress we can’t cope.

Gardening can help ground us and help us stay in the present moment. If you’re growing foods and herbs in your garden, you can also use the produce and herbs to heal you from the inside! One activity, but double the benefits for your mental health!

6. Animals

Whether it’s a household pet or a creature you meet in the wild, animals can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve found that having a dog in our home greatly reduces my anxiety levels. Having a warm pet snuggled up to me helps me slow down when I need to slow down. And on the flip side, my dog helps me get moving when I’m feeling sluggish. When the dog has to go out, I have no choice but to pull myself up and go walk him. It’s wonderful because once I’m outside for even a few minutes, I start to feel better. Pets can also be a needed distraction when you’re stuck in an anxiety loop. Distraction is a great way to interrupt a pattern or cycle, and pets are great for that!

If you’re not able to have a pet in the home, you can still enjoy the same stress-reducing benefits outside in nature. I’ve found so much joy just watching the birds that visit our bird feeder each day. We’ve become used to hearing their familiar chirps and songs each morning to start the day. We love watching them visit our window. Similarly, I’ve found it so comforting to visit the large waterfowl that live in the inlet nearby. I walk one trail regularly and often see the birds in their favorite spots. It’s wonderful to sit and watch them. It’s another activity that can help you embrace the present moment and stop the cycle of worrying. I’m not going to lie… I’m that person on the trails speaking out loud to each creature along the way. I always greet them with a “Hello, friend” and thank them for visiting with me. Yes, I do also say goodbye when I move on. (You talk to wild animals too, don’t you? It’s okay. I won’t tell.)

Check out this post for more info on the benefits of raising kids around animals.

7. Water

Get in the water! I know it sounds extremely cliché to say take a bath, but TAKE A BATH. Or a shower. Or even go for a swim, if that’s an option for you. The reason we even exist is because our planet has water. The planet is mostly water. Our bodies are mostly water. And water can be extremely calming for humans. If you have kids, you may have used a nice, warm bath to calm your baby. It can work just as well for adults!

I’ll be honest, I was never a bath-taker until recently but it has been an amazing tool for me when coping with anxiety. It took a lot of work (which sounds weird, I know) but I had to practice sitting in a bath! I was so used to moving quickly from one thing to the next, that it felt very uncomfortable to just sit in a bath and relax. If this sounds like you, try starting with 5-8 minutes and then add a few minutes each time you’re in there. I found that listening to meditation music or a podcast like Affirmation Pod with Josie also helps!

Again, I know this one also sounds cliché, but drink more water. Seriously. Go get some right now. I’ll wait.

Great! Your body thanks you for that!

Your body takes in a lot of toxins every day. Not only are they unhealthy for you physically, but they’re unhealthy for your mental health. Drinking lots of water is one way you can help wash out those toxins. Water also helps your brain by preventing dehydration, which can cloud up your thinking. Your brain is about 75 percent water! And 1 in 4 adults is dehydrated right now. You need lots of water to make sure oxygen is flowing to your brain and ensure it has enough energy to produce serotonin. Dehydration can also be a trigger for panic attacks, so be absolutely sure you’re getting enough water every day.

Treating anxiety with nature

I know it seems simple. Almost too simple. But truly the most effective treatment for my own depression and anxiety has been to get back to basics. Get back to nature. Get closer to the life our bodies and minds lived for millions of years, before modern-day society changed everything.

Three weeks. Do these things for three weeks consistently, and then reassess how you feel. I think you’ll be amazed.

And if you don’t see improvements, or ever find yourself in a situation where you’re truly struggling, please ask for help. These are difficult times for everyone. You’re not alone. You can find a list of free, 24-hour helplines here. Don’t ever be afraid to pick up the phone and call.

What are your favorite nature-based ways to improve your mental health?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, a mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, and they spend as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
BEACH, CANOE/KAYAK, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
How to Stand Up Paddleboard with Kids
- August 21, 2020
Summer will soon be coming to an end soon, but right now there’s still plenty of time to get out on the water! One of the most fun outdoor water activities for families is stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Not only is stand up paddleboarding a great work-out, but standing upright on a paddleboard lets you look down into the water and really connect with the nature around you. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, a professional photographer and (new) homeschooling mom of two, here with tips on how to stand up paddleboard with kids and everything you need to know to get started.

Benefits of stand up paddleboarding (SUP)

Paddleboarding is a great way to spend time with your family outdoors. You get fresh air and sunlight, which we can all use during stressful times, as well as plenty of full-body exercise. SUP promotes balance, increases arm, leg and core strength, and improves endurance as well. The balancing works on your foot, leg, and core, while the paddling is great for your arms and shoulders! Paddleboarding is also a great way to build confidence in children. They get so excited when they’re able to stand securely and do it themselves. Being on the water is also amazing for stress release, which we could all use more of right now. Being outside and in nature is imperative to your family’s mental health.

SUP during COVID

Because of the pandemic this year, there’s been a boom in individual sports that allow for fresh air and physical activity, while still following social distancing guidelines. Biking, skateboarding, hiking, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding are popular outdoor, COVID-friendly family activities. While the beaches may be closed during the pandemic, stand up paddleboarding gives you an opportunity to enjoy the water without using the beach! Our city allowed the residents to exercise outside during quarantine, so stand up paddleboarding was a great option!

What do I need to stand up paddleboard with kids?

The supplies needed for stand up paddleboarding are minimal! You’ll need a stand up paddleboard, a paddle, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person. There is a fairly wide range when it comes to the price of paddleboards, depending on the size, material and brand. We have two solid paddleboards, but many people now are purchasing inflatable stand up paddleboards (iSUP) because they are easier to store and transport!

When picking a stand up paddleboard, it is important to note the size and weight limit of the board. Wider boards are easier to balance on and great for doing yoga and toting kids along! They usually have a higher weight limit as well. The thinner boards can be more difficult to balance on but are better for SUP surfing! If you have young children that you plan riding with, be sure that the board you pick can handle the weight of you both!

Some SUPs come with a paddle, but if you are purchasing the board and paddle separately I recommend an adjustable paddle. With an adjustable paddle, you can make it smaller for the kids when they’re paddling and then make it larger for you when it’s your turn to paddle.

If investing in your own SUP isn’t in the budget, look for a local SUP rental company! Renting equipment is a great option for those just getting started to see whether they’ll like it.

Other items to bring along

Another great item to have, but isn’t necessary is a waterproof bag that can attach to your board. We have one like this that I’m able to clip right to my board. We usually keep bug spray, sunscreen, car keys, and a cell phone in there in case of an emergency. You obviously run a risk of the bag detaching and losing your keys/phone in the water, so always double-check that it’s securely fastened. When we have our whole family on the water, we feel having a way to call someone during an emergency is definitely worth the risk of the bag detaching and falling in the water.

How to get started stand up paddleboarding with kids

Once you have your gear, the only other things you need are water and a sense of adventure! Learning how to stand up paddleboard may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t take long before you’re on your board cruising through the water. Here are a few more tips for getting started.

Where to go to stand up paddleboard?

You can technically try stand up paddleboarding in any body of water. However, I’d recommend that beginners start on lakes and ponds and avoid the open ocean or rivers. This way you don’t have to worry about large waves or fast-moving currents. The more confident and comfortable you are, the easier it will be for you to start transitioning to moving water and the open ocean.

Get comfortable on your board first

Before you get your children involved, you’ll want to be sure YOU are comfortable stand up paddleboarding. You should feel comfortable balancing, paddling, falling and climbing back up on the board. When you add children to the mix, you’ll have to manage all of that PLUS assist them in the water and back onto the SUP if they fall. If you’re brand new to the sport, I recommend taking some time on your own to get the hang of it. Start on your knees and then work your way up to standing.

Practice in shallow water

Once you’re feeling ready, it’s time to add in the kids! Before you toss your kids on a paddleboard and head out of a long adventure, you’ll want to be sure they’re comfortable in the water and on the board. You’ll want to help them practice in shallow water so you can stand beside them, hold the paddleboard, and assist them as they become more comfortable. It may take quite a few spills and retries before they figure it out.

Make practicing fun for the kids

Before taking our kids out on adventures, we made games for them to play on our stand up paddleboards. It’s important that your children feel comfortable falling off the board, swimming back to it, and climbing back up on it. We let our kids practice by standing up on the boards and jumping off into the water! Kids LOVE doing this! It’s like having your own dock to jump off.

The other game they play is a made-up game called “Paddle Battle.” This is better for older children. Both kids stand up on a paddleboard facing each other, a few feet apart. I call out, “3, 2, 1..Paddle battle!” and they each use their legs to rock the SUP back and forth until someone falls off. The last one standing is the winner! This is great for balance and stability practice, and they get used to the feeling of falling off the board and then climbing back on.

SUP with younger children

For younger children, you’ll want to have them feel what it’s like to sit on the board. You can have them explore the paddleboard on land and in the water. Have them sit on the board while you stand next to them holding the board and give them a nice, slow, calm ride around a shallow spot. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can try kneeling on the SUP with them sitting in the front, and paddling from a kneeling position. That way you’re still nice and close to them, and able to provide comfort and encouragement.

Practice paddling

When the kids are comfortable on the stand up paddleboard, you can then have them begin to practice paddling! You’ll want to start in a shallow place so that you can stand next to them and help them navigate. If they’ve been kayaking, learning to paddle on a SUP will be easy! Make sure your children are comfortable paddling in a straight line as well as making turns before you head out too far. My kids like to paddle forward fast and then stop the paddle in the water to make quick turns.

Get out there!

Once you and your children are all comfortable on your stand up paddleboard, it’s time to adventure! Depending on the ages of your children, you may choose to have them sit on the stand up paddleboard with an adult paddling or have them paddle on their own.

Pro tip: Our children are at an in-between age right now. They’re older and able to paddle alone, but not for long distances. So they use these children’s kayaks for longer adventures and paddle in their kayaks while my husband and I use our SUPS. The small kayaks are lightweight and easy to carry. They’re also very easy to turn so it’s great paddling practice. It’s a wonderful way for all of us to have a great experience on the water during a longer journey!

Find what works best for your family and head out exploring! The memories you make together will be priceless, and you’ll all go home feeling rejuvenated.

Have you been stand up paddleboarding with kids?
What’s your favorite tip?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and spends as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
BEACH, BIKE, CRAFTS, GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, HOLIDAYS, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, WATER
15+ Activities to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids
- April 14, 2020
Earth Day is next week and the world needs you and your actions! There are so many things parents and kids can do to help protect, preserve and restore our planet – from cleaning up, to recycling, composting, planting a garden or just enjoying the beauty of nature! Today, we have Chelsea Furlong (professional photographer and eco-conscious mom of 2) here with 15+ eco-friendly activities kids and families can do together to celebrate Earth Day. And bonus that all these activities can be done at or around the home, while socially distancing.

15+ Earth Day Activities With Kids

Earth Day 2020

April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. On that historical day, 20 million Americans filled the streets with protests to stop the destruction of our precious planet. This essentially started what became the planet’s largest civic event and an environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated annually worldwide on the 22nd day of April.

While this year is a bit of an anomaly and we’ll have to celebrate at (or close to) home and away from others (no marches or protests this year), there’s no reason why this can’t be the best Earth Day celebration ever! Use this as a way to avoid shopping/purchasing anything new (especially plastics) and use what you’ve already got on hand in new ways. Get creative and make the most out of the things you already own or can find in nature close to home.

Celebrating Earth Day with kids

Getting kids involved in taking care of the planet when they’re young encourages them to continue the tradition as they get older. It’s a parent’s job to teach kids to be good stewards of the earth encourages them to love and respect their planet and nature. There are so many amazing ways you can celebrate this day with your kids and family while being conscious of your carbon footprint. Here are some of my favorites!

1. Nature scavenger hunt

Make a list of things found in nature around your home, neighborhood or a local park. Then go out for a walk or hike with the family and see how many items you can find. In order to save paper, you could make the list on your phone or a reusable dry erase board or reusable writing board. We love our Boogie Board writing tablets for things like this!

2. Neighborhood clean up

Grab some gloves and garbage bags and beautify your neighborhood by removing all the trash humans have tossed around. My kids actually love doing this because they almost always find treasures they want to clean up and keep. Our oldest son keeps a whole lot of other people’s discarded items to use in creating art and sculptures, and we don’t mind one bit! We get to enjoy his creative mind while giving the trash a second life before it’s tossed into a landfill for decades, centuries, or possibly forever.

3. Family bike ride

Going on a family bike ride is a great way to get the family outside enjoying what Mother Earth has to offer while being active and adventurous! Head to your favorite bike trail or try a new one. You can enjoy your town or city without polluting the air and you’ll feel so great afterward!

4. Get out on the water

Spend the day observing nature from the water. Instead of using something motorized, try a kayak, rowboat, stand-up paddleboard, or other pollution-free water vehicle.

5. Make a bird feeder

There are TONS of ways to DIY a bird feeder using recycled materials. We made bird feeders using recycled toilet paper tubes, popsicle sticks, and even pine cones! We have a great post on making ec0-friendly bird feeders with kids using materials you already have at home! No need to leave the house!

6. Practice Earth Day yoga

My kids love doing yoga! Celebrate Earth Day with kids by doing a special outdoor kid-friendly yoga session. Stand barefoot in the grass so you can feel the earth under your feet and are grounded. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the sunshine and wind on your skin. You can pick some earth and animal-related poses to do. Tree, turtle, butterfly, lotus, and frog are some of my children’s’ favorite yoga poses.

7. Make seed bombs or seed paper

Another great activity to celebrate Earth Day with kids is to make seed bombs (with clay) or seed paper using recycled paper scraps you have lying around the house or in your recycling bin! You can bomb an area in your yard or neighborhood and see how they grow over the spring. Or give them out as gifts to friends or leave them on a neighbor’s doorstep as an Earth Day present. Feel free to use my seed paper valentine instructions as a guide, with a few swaps. Change the color (to blue/green) and shape (to a circle like the Earth) to match the Earth Day theme.

8. Start a garden

Kids love playing in dirt! Have them help you make a family garden. You can plant a flower garden or edible garden, and work together to take care of the plants. If you don’t have a lot of space or live in a city, you can always do a potted garden or patio garden! We don’t have a lot of space to plant edibles where we live, but we still try to grow some herbs and vegetables every year using pots and containers. Here are some recommendations for easy vegetables to grow with kids and a great post on how to make gardening enjoyable for kids.

Eco Tip: Be sure to buy the pots/containers pre-loved at a thrift store or from someone else!

9. Plant a tree

There’s no better time than Earth Day to plant a tree! Spring is a great time to plant and Earth Day is a great reason. Pick a special spot to plant a family tree that you all can visit for years to come! If you plant a fruit tree, you’ll also have the added benefit of beautiful blossoms and fruit you can enjoy once your tree is mature.

10. Make earth art

Doing an art project is always a fun way to celebrate and document any holiday. Making art from natural materials is so much fun to create. Plus, there’s a fun added benefit in that other people will find joy when they come across your artwork! You can use any kind of materials you find in nature to create a masterpiece on the ground. We like to use shells, sticks, rocks, leaves, flowers, petals, nuts and sand.

11. Start composting

Starting a compost is something that has been on my list to do for years now and I think Earth Day is when we’ll start! My oldest son has been bringing me food scraps daily, asking to put it in a compost instead of the garbage. I promised him we would do some research and begin one soon. We don’t live in a rural area and don’t have much of a backyard space so our compost will need to be small. However, there are plenty of great options for composting in small spaces and in the city! A friend uses this composting tumbler in their backyard and adds the finished compost to their flower beds. You could research composting with your kids and start this year, too! And when you start your compost project, make sure to include a few bins for little hands so the kids can help out, too!

12. Have a picnic

A great way to get outside and enjoy nature is by having a picnic. You can have a picnic inside or outside! But be sure to keep it earth friendly by:
- packing your picnic in reusable containers,
- bringing reusable utensils/straws/water bottles, and
- bringing cloth napkins/hand towels.
Bonus: Try to reduce your picnic carbon footprint by preparing a vegan meal!

13. Take a hike

One of our favorite outdoor activities is hiking. Hiking always inspires us to take care of our beautiful planet by reminding us just how impressive nature can be! This year, if you can safely get out to a place away from others, take a fun Earth Day celebratory hike. Bring along a bag to pick up any trash/litter you see and some binoculars to do some birding while you’re out!

14. Make nature crowns

Nature crowns are a really fun and easy craft you can make and wear in celebration of Earth Day! No need to buy anything, just use whatever you can find in nature. You can make nature crowns out of just about anything – flowers, grasses, clover, vines, sticks, dandelions or wildflowers! Be creative and have fun with it!

15. Make nature paint brushes

Head out on a nature walk and collect different materials to use as paintbrushes! Pick up things like sticks, leaves, long blades of grass, flowers, etc. Take them home and dip them in paint to make a family piece of artwork to hang up forever. It’s a great way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. You’ll be able to look at the art you made and remember the time you spent with your children for years to come.

16. Earth Day puppet show

Another fun way to celebrate Earth Day with kids is to make puppets with materials from your recycling bin. Or, you could make sock puppets from all those single socks you have lying around! You can have your children do some research online or read some books about ways to protect our planet. Then they can share what they’ve learned by putting on a puppet show! This is also an amazing activity to share with family and friends on FaceTime or other video chatting app during quarantine. You don’t have to leave your house and you can bring some joy to others in isolation from a safe distance!

17. Make sculptures, art, or robots using items in your recycling bin

My kids love making art from trash! It gives those items one more life before they get tossed into the recycling bin or trash can. Use materials you would normally throw away or recycle and repurpose them into art, a sculpture or a robot (or a monster or an alien or anything!). Let them paint and decorate their creation. Display it proudly!

18. Build a fort

Another great way to celebrate Earth Day is to head out into the woods with your family and make a fort together! Use materials found on the ground to design a shelter. (Do NOT take down anything alive! I’m sure you’ll have plenty of options that are no longer alive and that have fallen to the ground without the help of humans!) You could have a picnic inside your fort, read some books, or just sit in the quiet and observe Earth’s gifts surrounding you.

How will you celebrate Earth Day with your family?

About the author

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
CRAFTS, GARDENING, GIFT GUIDE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HOLIDAYS
DIY Eco-friendly Plantable Seed Paper Valentines
- February 6, 2020
February is the month of love! We not only want to encourage you to spread love to friends and family, but to make sure you’re also loving on your planet. As Valentine’s Day approaches, parents are faced with trying to figure out what to send to class with the kids. We know plastic trinkets, individually wrapped candies, and pre-printed cards are fun and easy. But those things aren’t always great for the environment. This year we hope you’ll consider some eco-friendly alternatives. Today, we have the amazing Chelsea, professional photographer and eco-conscious mom of 2, sharing a simple project for turning recyclable paper into adorable Valentines that are good for the birds and bees! Chelsea walks us through how to make DIY wildflower plantable seed paper Valentines that are fun and easy for kids to make from materials you already have at home.

Making a change

Each year I try to make a few changes in our lives that allow us to leave a smaller footprint on Earth. As I was thinking about what to do for this year’s valentines for my kids’ classmates, I realized this was another area we could make improvements. It seems like every year my kids bring home more and more stuff from their class holiday parties. Little plastic trinkets, individually wrapped candies, plastic baggies stuffed to the brim with junk that eventually ends up in the trash.

And let me be honest, my kids absolutely LOVE IT. They love receiving all those fun treats and they love giving them out as well. But this year I can’t do it. I can’t add to the growing problem. So, I decided to find an alternative that would more closely match our values.

DIY plantable seed paper Valentines

Instead of buying something that would be thrown away, we decided to make something. These DIY plantable seed paper valentines made from recycled paper are a perfect alternative to the usual store-bought valentine items! They check all of the boxes when it comes to a Valentine that aligns with our values. They’re handmade, which allows for me to spend extra time with the kids. They’re made from recycled materials, giving a new life to things that would otherwise be thrown away. And they’re plantable, which means our little Valentines will keep on giving long after we’ve gifted them!

Not only will these homemade Valentines provide beauty when they’re grown, but they’re extra good for the environment. We deliberately chose a wildflower pack that’s specifically made for birds and butterflies! Win-win for everyone! We had so much fun creating these eco-friendly seed paper valentines and hope you will too. They’re super simple to make and absolutely adorable!

Plantable seed paper materials

The great thing about these Valentines is that you don’t really need anything special to make them! Other than the wildflower seeds, you probably already have all the materials necessary to make your own plantable seed paper at home right now. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
- Paper scraps
- Food dye (optional)
- Wildflower seeds
- Water
- Large bowl
- Blender or food processor
- Grease splatter screen (or screen material)
- Towels
- Cookie sheet
- Pencil
- Scissors
How to make plantable seed paper

I was pleasantly surprised just how fun and easy it is to make your own DIY plantable wildflower seed paper. It didn’t take us long at all and we were so happy with the way it turned out. The paper is also so versatile and can be used for any variety of holidays, gifts or projects. Tuning the plantable paper into Valentines was so much fun and we truly loved the way they turned out.

Step 1: Gather paper and rip

The first step is to gather scrap paper and let the children rip up the paper into small pieces. I highly recommend using paper that has been used and that you’d normally recycle, as opposed to new clean paper. You can really use any kind of paper, from printer paper to construction paper. You can use junk mail, papers from the kids’ schoolwork that you aren’t keeping, flyers, old coloring book pages or even newspapers.

We used a stack of papers that would be normally tossed into the recycling bin. We also used one piece of red construction paper, just for some added color. You can use any colored paper depending on the color you want your seed paper to be, or just leave it out altogether.

Step 2: Soak the paper

Next, place the ripped pieces of paper into a bowl of water. Let the paper bits sit in the water for 10-15 minutes to allow the paper to fully soak and saturate.

Step 3: Puree to a pulp

Once the recycled paper is soaked, place the pulpy mixture into a blender or food processor. If you want create colored paper, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring to the mix. We used two drops of red dye for ours. Put it all in the blender and liquefy it! This step should definitely be supervised by an adult!

*Please note: the blending can be hard on appliances so you’ll want to use a high-quality appliance. This may also dull your blades. Blend at your own risk*

Step 4: Add seeds and spread

Place a towel on a cookie sheet. Then place a splatter screen over towel. Once the paper mixture has been blended into a pulp, pour it back into the bowl. Then mix the wildflower seeds into the recycled paper pulp.

Have the children use a spoon or their hands to spread the pulp onto the screen. Using your hands or a spoon, spread the pulp as thinly and evenly as possible over the entire screen, pressing lightly to squeeze out any extra water. The towel beneath the screen will also help absorb the extra water that comes out of the paper.

Step 5: Let dry

Once the pulp has been evenly spread on the screens, leave it to dry. Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the pulp and humidity. Our paper took several days to dry completely. Give it time! During the drying process, you’ll need to remove the wet towels under the paper and replace them with dry towels. Once the seed paper was stiff enough to handle without falling apart, I flipped it once to help with the drying time.

Step 6: Cut into shapes

When the plantable seed paper is completely dry and stiff, it’s ready to be made into Valentines! Use a cookie cutter as your template or even just a cutout shape of your choosing. We chose a heart (naturally!). Trace your shape onto the seed paper using a marker and then carefully cut them out. You may want to have the children do the tracing and have an adult do the cutting because the paper is quite fragile!

Step 7: Share the love!

Once you have your plantable seed paper cutout into the shape of your choice, that’s it! Your frugal, earth-friendly valentines are complete and ready to give to friends, neighbors and family members. Let them know that they just need to plant the paper in a sunny spot to grow a beautiful little patch of wildflowers that will brighten their days and help the birds and bees. You could even print off some cute cards with fun phrases on them to attach to the Valentines. Pinterest has some great free printables to use!

Plantable seed paper makes a great gift!

Plantable seed paper doesn’t only have to be for Valentine’s Day. You can make wildflower seed paper for so many occasions, using any kind of cutout shape, size or color. So it would be great for Earth Day, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion or holiday. These little cutouts make a great take-home favor for birthday parties and bridal/baby showers as well.

Do you make your own Valentines?
How do you make holidays more eco-friendly?

About the author

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION
Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips, Swaps & Gift Ideas
- December 12, 2019
For many, the holidays are a time of celebration, gift-giving, and abundance. This is the time of year we tend to overspend, over-indulge and make a lot of choices based on what’s easy and convenient. However, we’re all aware of the desperate shape of our planet and how much it needs our help. Now is a great time to make some deliberate decisions to be more eco-friendly in your actions and support brands and companies that are doing good for our planet. Our creative team member and resident eco-mom, Chelsea Furlong is here today to help us make small changes in our actions and purchases this holiday season to be a more conscientious and Earth-friendly consumer. Not only does Chelsea have lots of great ideas and tips for things you can do to be more sustainable, but she’s got a huge list of eco-friendly holiday gifts for everyone on your list!

Eco-friendly holidays

It can be really hard to not get caught up in the consumerism which often goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season. Once those sales start, we tend to get ourselves all worked up and forget that there is ultimately a cost with every single purchase we make. This holiday season, I encourage you to slow down, step back, and really think through your actions and purchases. The decisions we make today will have an impact on our planet for years (decades). If we all make small choices that are better for the environment, the combined impact can be huge! Together, we can make a difference.

Sustainability tips for the holidays

If you’re interested in making some eco-friendly holiday choices this year, stay tuned! In this post, I’m sharing some general tips to be more sustainable and help minimize your environmental impact. These are small actions and eco-friendly swaps that make a big impact. I’m also sharing some of my favorite Earth-conscious and eco-friendly gift ideas. These gifts are not only good for the planet, but most of them will support a small business.

Swap out your wrapping paper

When it comes to wrapping paper, we all know how much waste ends up in our recycling bins on Christmas morning. It’s always upsetting to me to see all that paper pile up! This year, instead of buying regular wrapping paper, make a better decision. Purchase reusable wrapping gift bags or buy them from a small business on Etsy.com.

Want to make your own recycled wrapping paper? If you forget your reusable bags (on one of those countless trips to the grocery store for last-minute ingredients for holiday meals), opt for paper bags. When you need wrapping paper, simply open them up and have your kids decorate the bags. Their art makes beautiful (and very special) wrapping paper! We do this every year and the grandparents love seeing their grandchildren’s artwork all over their gifts. You can also use recycled kraft paper for this.

You can also skip the wrapping paper altogether! Instead, just DIY a little decoration made from materials you find in nature. Attach a branch of pine or a twig of holly to the unwrapped gift instead!

Finally, if wrapping paper is your thing and you do choose to purchase those large rolls of wrapping paper, try to opt for a brand made with recycled paper. Every little action matters.

Eco-friendly tips for holiday meals

Speaking of those last-minute trips to the grocery store, we all know this is the season for lots of parties, baking, and eating. Whether you’re bringing a potluck dish to a family member’s house or hosting your own big shindig, there are lots of ways you can make your meals more eco-friendly and better for the environment. Here are a few ideas. Keep these in mind for all your party planning.

Avoid single-use tableware

While it may be easy to grab some single-use paper or plastic plates, napkins, and utensils, it’s truly unnecessary if you already own these items. These materials are used for maybe 15-20 minutes, and then they’re generally tossed right into a landfill. In addition, think about the significant resources used to create those items in the first place. From the trees or oil from which they’re made, to the energy that runs the factory which produces them. The entire process uses up valuable resources. While it may save you some time doing dishes, it’s really not worth the trade-off when you look at the big picture.

The same goes for paper towels and napkins! Although they may be easier to use, it’s so much better for Mother Earth to skip them altogether. You can purchase reusable napkins for almost nothing at your local thrift store. Keep a basket of folded-up cloth towels and napkins right on the table for your family and guests to use instead. If you’re not comfortable offering mismatched towels and napkins during gatherings, you can go a little higher end with unpaper towels made by one of my favorite companies, Marley’s Monsters. And while you’re over there, feel free to grab a couple of their reusable sponges to use instead of throw-away ones you have sitting on your sink!

Avoid single-use food storage

Most of us will have leftover meals and baked goods from our holiday gathering or have baked goods to give to others during the holiday season. Instead of using a plastic sandwich bag to store the items, pick reusable sandwich bags or use washed-out food jars.

We try to buy items packaged in glass jars over plastic anytime possible. Once the olives, pickles, salsa, etc. have been consumed, we give them a second life before they end up in a landfill. (Did you know: only about 9% of your recycling actually gets recycled? So even if you usually put your glass/plastic jars in the recycling rather than the trash, there’s still a good chance it ends up in a landfill.) You can store all sorts of products and leftovers in glass jars! And if you’re sending guests home with leftovers, you won’t have to worry about getting the food containers back!

If you usually store your food on plates or bowls covered in plastic wrap, you could opt for a reusable beeswax wrap instead. And most of us know that it’s always better to purchase stainless steel or glass food storage containers in place of plastic ones. But, since they’re significantly more expensive than plastic ones, I still recommend using the free glass food jars most of you already have sitting in your fridge instead!

Buy your food locally

When planning your holiday meals, try sourcing your food locally! Look for a local CSA for your produce or your neighborhood farmer’s market. See if there’s a local farm nearby where you can buy your meat. Go to a local bakery for your bread. You may be surprised at all the amazing options you have nearby once you start looking into it! Not only will the food be fresher and locally-grown, but you’ll also be supporting small businesses in your area.

Christmas tree dilemma

One of the biggest eco-friendly holiday swaps relates to trees. When it comes to Christmas trees and the environment, there are arguments for both real and fake trees. On the one hand, an artificial tree can be reused many times and keeps a real tree from being cut down and then decomposing. But, on the other hand, cutting down a live tree can be both environmentally beneficial and economically conscious. Let’s take a deeper dive into both options.

The environmental impact of a real tree

I’ve read many articles on the environmental impact of both real and artificial trees and I’m still “Team Real Tree.” We know that decomposition does put carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. And we know that fossil fuels are used to deliver them. However, the benefits of purchasing (or cutting down your own) real tree outweigh the few environmental costs.

For example, when you purchase a live tree you’re supporting a farm that depends on the income from those trees to continue to run. While the trees are growing, they’re helping to clean the air. Once the trees are cut down, they’re replaced with new ones. Once you’re finished with the live Christmas tree, it can often be repurposed. Here at the beach, we bring our trees over to the water to help prevent beach erosion. Many cities also collect the live trees and turn them into mulch or other products that are used throughout the year. In those cases, the tree gets another life before it decomposes.

The environmental impact of artificial trees

While artificial trees can be reused for several years, they’re made from products that will sit in a landfill for generations after we’re gone. They’re often produced in factories overseas and use lots of resources to reach the United States. Instead of supporting a small farmer, you’re likely supporting a large corporation. Unless you do a significant amount of research, you’ll also not know how that factory operates. How does it treat its workers? What are the carbon emissions produced by that factory? There are lots of details we don’t immediately know about the production of those artificial trees. But, if you have any local Christmas tree farms, you can talk directly to the farmer!

If you do have an artificial tree, don’t beat yourself up or immediately throw it out. Data shows that you should reuse it for at least 7 years to balance out the environmental impact. And when you’re done with it, try donating it to a school, hospital, nursing home or somewhere that might be able to squeeze a few more years out of it! The longer we can keep them out of landfills and in use, the better.

Another option (which I think is the best option), is to get a live tree that hasn’t been cut! Some places even rent them out! However, buying a full tree that can be planted after Christmas is the most expensive option. A small potted tabletop tree (not a full-sized Christmas tree), runs around $70. And as the size goes up, the price goes up. Not everyone can afford it, but if it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the much smaller size, it’s a great super eco-friendly Christmas tree choice!

Eco-friendly holiday cards

Like everyone else, I truly love receiving holiday cards. I used to excitedly send them out, but in the last few years, I’ve opted out. Considering that those cards will most likely just be thrown away in two weeks, it’s sadly not worth it to me. The wasted paper, the cost of the cards, the fossil fuels necessary for delivery all add up. Plus, the overwhelming stress of choosing the perfect card and all the time necessary to address, stamp and stuff the envelopes. It’s one thing I’ve taken off my to do list and has the added bonus of being good for the planet. Feel free to give yourself this same break!

But if holiday cards are your jam, instead of traditional paper cards, consider sending eco-friendly holiday cards made from plantable paper. These have seeds incorporated into them and can be planted in your garden. Another alternative is to send digital cards. I know this doesn’t have nearly the excitement as a real card and may not seem as personal, but it also won’t have the environmental impact. If you truly love sending traditional holiday cards and can’t give it up, look for a brand that uses recycled materials or is compostable.

Eco-friendly holiday gift-giving

When it comes to gift-giving, I’ve become much more conscious as a consumer over the last few years. When I’m looking for items for our family or to give as gifts, I often spend a lot of time researching. It’s important to me to spend my money on brands and companies that support my values and beliefs. I like to choose products that are made with the environment’s best interest in mind. These little changes can make a big difference, especially if we all start shopping with our hearts and our heads.

Choose slow fashion

As a society, we are very hung up on “fast fashion,” for example. Fast fashion is the result of clothing companies making the consumers believe that your wardrobe needs to be replaced at least every quarter. Because of this, many people are purchasing cheaper fashion items to be used only for weeks and then tossed out. Instead of falling into this fast fashion trap, I recommend taking the time to really research where your clothing is being made and how long that item will last. It is definitely more expensive to buy higher quality items, but those items will last years (often decades, depending on the brand.)

Patagonia is one of the best examples of slow fashion that I know. This company intentionally makes products meant to last a long time to reduce the number of clothing items tossed in a landfill. They also have a repair service they encourage you to use if your gear gets damaged. They prefer that you fix a product you’ve purchased from them before purchasing a new one! Not many organizations put the planet before their bottom line. Obviously, you will pay significantly more than you would at your local Target, but you’ll have the items a long time or you’ll be able to pass them down to other people several times.

Buy second hand

There are also many options for purchasing pre-loved fashion items now, too. Thrift stores and online used boutiques allow you to avoid falling into that fast fashion trap! If you’ve never purchased second-hand clothing, just give it a chance. Years ago, the thought of second-hand fashion products freaked me out. I get it. But trust me, it’s actually pretty awesome! I get so excited when I have a good thrifting day and get lots of name brand gear without the guilt. You may find that you love it, too!

Purchase high-quality brands

If you are going to buy new items, look for ones that have a track record of lasting a loooong time. You don’t want to purchase something that’s going to fall apart after a few washes. When we purchase items, we also consider things like:
- Are the items sustainably made?
- Is the company certified fair trade?
- Is there a product guarantee or warranty?
- Does the company participate in/donate to any organizations that positively impact the environment?
I’ve often found that the brands we’re interested in purchasing from are part of 1% for the Planet or One Tree Planted. If I’m considering similar products from a couple of different companies, I will always pick the one that gives back in some way. As an added bonus, usually, when a company participates in one of these organizations, they’re more likely to be careful about their carbon footprint throughout the entire process.

Buy products locally

I used to be someone who ordered almost everything online. It was so easy! However, as I saw the boxes piling up on my doorstep (and all my neighbors’) the more it started to bother me. Not only did it make me aware of how much Americans are consuming on a DAILY basis, but it also made me start thinking about how many resources we’re using up for every single item we get delivered. I realize that many of us will still need to purchase some items online because we may not have direct access to stores that sell the items we’re looking to buy. But I highly recommend putting in that extra effort to check your local stores first. Instead, you’ll put your hard-earned money right back into your local community and avoid the use of resources it takes to deliver every individually boxed item to your door.

Best eco-friendly holiday gift ideas

Phew! That is a lot of information! Now that we’ve gone over the general best practices, let’s get to the fun stuff! Here is a list of some of my favorite eco-friendly holiday gift ideas. I hope this will help as you work on your holiday shopping! This list has everything you need for everyone on your list to have a truly magical and eco-friendly holiday! Hopefully, some of these items will even inspire the recipient to make more earth-conscious decisions and take more eco-friendly actions in the future. Our planet needs more conscientious consumers.

Eco-friendly stocking stuffers
- Metal or paper straws
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Soap or shampoo bars by Chagrin Valley Soaps
- Bite toothpaste bits
- Reusable utensils
- Compostable phone case by Pela
- Safety razor
- Eco-Dough
- Deodorant paste or eco-friendly Deodorant Sticks
- Silk floss
- Kooshoo hair ties
- Bath bombs or bath salts (you can even DIY)
Eco-friendly holiday gifts
- Ansel + Ivy plants
- Stainless steel travel mugs or water bottles
- Children’s clothing from Sawyer
- Hamilton Perkins Collection bags
- Plan Toys
- Lil Bellies products for outdoor kids
- Paperless towels from Marley’s Monsters
- KeepCup
- Fazl socks or hat
- Clothing from Christy Dawn
- House of Marley speakers or headphones
- Bamboo bowls or cutting board
- Greenpan cookware
- Yoga mat by Manduka
- Plant Therapy essential oils
- Tea strainer with loose leaf tea
- Compost bucket or tumbler
- Food storage containers
- Eco crayons
- Cosmetics by Elate or Aether Beauty
- Rothy’s shoes
- Lux Woods watches
- Proof sunglasses
DIY a gift

There are also tons of eco-friendly holiday gifts you can make yourself. Pinterest has an endless supply of ideas. This year I’m making vanilla extract using some vanilla my husband brought back from a work trip to Madagascar! I plan to reuse some glass jars and dress them up a bit to use as gifts for friends.

Another great DIY gift for kids is to make an art cart! We have a cart like this in our home and we have all sorts of art supplies and “trash” items. Our kids love making art from trash. I have a constant collection of plastic, cardboard, and paper products that I add to our cart throughout the year for the kids to use to create whatever they want. Whenever we have other kids over at our house, they always head right to the art cart to see what fun items are stored in there. You can even use a storage unit you already have in your house or find one at the thrift store instead of purchasing one new. Grab some items from your recycling bin, get some art supplies at the thrift store, and let your kids create! They’ll love it!

Give experience gifts

I’m sure many of you already do this, but gifting someone an experience rather than a possession is always a great eco-friendly holiday gift idea! You could gift a membership to a local museum, rec center, zoo, aquarium, nature center, science center, children’s museum, or botanical garden for families with children. You could even gift memberships to AAA, a local gym, yoga studio, spa, etc. for adults. Gifts like these keep on giving and you can avoid the guilt of getting someone “stuff” that they may or may not even use.

Gift cards and activities

Similarly, gift certificates and gift cards are another great eco-friendly holiday gift option! You could gift an experience using a gift card to the movie theater, an indoor golfing facility, climbing gym, local pool, digital music or movie service. Local spas, painting or art classes, or restaurants are also great options. If you have a traveler in your life, you can even get AirBnb and airline gift cards now!

For families with children, how about offering to pay a month’s worth of tuition to things like dance lessons, music lessons, sports, swim lessons, or other activities? As a parent, I LOVE when family members offer to help with these kinds of activities. They get really expensive, and since the kids are already doing the activities, it’s very practical. Another great idea is to offer babysitting services so the parents can have a night out! Most parents I know would welcome any of these in place of toys that will clutter up their house.

Make a donation

Finally, making a donation to an organization in your friend or family member’s name is a wonderful eco-friendly holiday gift alternative to giving material items. You can find an organization you know the person is passionate about and donate directly to that cause. It’s a great way to show someone you truly listen to their heart while contributing to a cause in need of funding!

Eco-friendly holiday changes

There are so many ways to keep your holidays eco-friendly. I hope you’ve come up with some small, but impactful changes to make this year! If we all choose to make even a few eco-friendly decisions, we can make a big difference. Hopefully, we’ve convinced you it’s worth trying! I’m always looking for new ideas to reduce my carbon footprint, so I’d love for you to share some of your small changes with me.

What small changes have you made to reduce your carbon footprint?
What are your favorite eco-friendly gifts to give?

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
BOOKS, CRAFTS, FALL, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOORS INSIDE
5 Fantastic Fall Books and Activities for Kids
- October 7, 2019
Fall is definitely in the air! One of our favorite ways to usher in a new season is to read books about the changing weather and what we can look forward to. We’re always on the lookout for fun books and ways to make outdoor learning exciting, so today’s post is a win-win. We have the amazing Chelsea, Virginia photographer, former teacher, and adventure mom of two, here sharing her family’s 5 favorite fall books and activities for kids. Not only are each of these books beautiful and fun to read, but they’re paired with awesome nature-inspired crafts and activities that are guaranteed to keep your kids entertained, active, and learning!

Favorite fall books and activities for outdoor kids

Fall is starting to make an appearance here in southeastern Virginia and we couldn’t be more excited! In our house, we love to match the books we’re reading to the current season or approaching holidays. We recently took a trip to our local library to check out almost every book in the fall children’s book section to kick-start fall. Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite fall children’s books and providing a fun family activity to do with each book. Whether you’re a homeschooler, a parent of children not yet in school, or a parent of school-aged kids, these fall books and activities will be sure to enrich your child’s learning while fully embracing the beauty of the season!

Choosing the books

In order to choose the best books possible, I used a VERY official and scientific method of measurement. My kids. We checked out a dozen fall nature-inspired books from our local library and read them all. If they asked to read a book again the instant we finished, it passed the test. I kept the ones they wanted to read multiple times and returned the rest! Here are 5 of our favorite fall books and an activity to go with each one!

Book 1: Because of an Acorn by Adam and Lola M. Schaefer

Because of an Acorn is a wonderful fall book about how all living things are connected. You’ll love both the story and the illustrations! Children are often amazed that giant oak trees all start as tiny little acorns. The book does a great job of showing how every tree, plant and animal in the forest are connected and tied to each other.

Activity: Acorn characters

Once you’re finished reading the book, take a little nature walk to collect some acorns, caps and tiny sticks. While you’re out exploring, you can discuss what kind of trees produce acorns and how to identify them! My kids had fun looking up at the leaves on each tree to see which ones were oaks and then looking around on the ground below to see if any acorns had dropped.

Once you get home, use your treasures to make little characters! We used tacky glue but I’m sure many different kinds of glue will work. If you have very small children, you may want to have them lay out the character and then leave the gluing part to a grownup! Once your characters are dry, you can draw on eyes if you’d like and then head back out into the woods to create tiny houses for them! You can break this activity up into multiple days or take a whole afternoon for it! The kids will have so much fun creating little families and then using imaginative play to make them come to life. And the best part is all that wonderful fresh fall air you’ll get from the time spent outside!

Book 2: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Shultz

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a childhood classic! Linus, Charlie and the rest of the Peanuts gang await the arrival of the Great Pumpkin on Halloween night. I wasn’t surprised that my kids really loved this one, because they love any Peanuts book! This book’s been around so long that it’s not only a new favorite of theirs, but a classic favorite of mine from childhood. I love being able to share that with them.

Activity: Painted rocks

In the story, one of the Peanuts characters gets rocks instead of treats during trick-or-treating, so we decided to go collect some rocks to paint. Once the boys had found the perfect rocks, we took them home, rinsed them, and dried them. Then we used acrylic paints to decorate them like pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. Once they were dry, we headed to a park nearby to hide the rocks in fun places to be discovered by others! My kids are always excited when they find painted rocks at our park so we decided to keep that ball of fun rolling by placing some of our own there for other kids to enjoy.

Book 3: Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Stumpkin is the cutest little book about a pumpkin with no stem that never gets picked to be purchased and brought home. My kids love wordplay and making up words by putting other words together, so they were already hooked by the title. They really loved the illustrations and asked to take extra time on each page to enjoy the pictures. This one was a big hit!

Activity: Jack-o-lantern volcanoes

Once you’re finished with Stumpkin, a fun activity to do with the kids is to carve small pumpkins and then make “volcanoes” out of them. If you’ve enjoy doing science/STEM experiments at home, you’ve probably already used baking soda and vinegar for other projects. But have you ever watched the chemical reaction take place inside a jack-o-lantern?! It’s so much fun! The kids will love watching the bubbles come out of all the holes. In addition to the baking soda and vinegar, we also used some dish soap because I had read that it bubbles up more and I do think it worked!

Book 4: Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland

Fall Leaves is a really gorgeous picture book about the beauty of this magical season. Part poetry and part silent pages, this book showcases just how pretty fall is when the leaves change color and the whole world turns red, orange and yellow.

Activity: Fall leaf art project

This activity is so much fun and goes perfectly with the beautiful artwork in the Fall Leaves book! It’s also really easy and the kids loved it. Head out on a nature hunt to find different colored fall leaves. Once you’ve collected some, head back home to make your art.

Leaf art supplies:
- water color paints
- paintbrushes
- water
- straws
- paper
- glue
- the leaves you’ve collected
Once you have the supplies, instruct the children to use the paintbrush to get lots of water and some paint on the brush. Then have them make a “puddle” of water on the bottom of their paper. Use the straw to blow the water upward and out to make the trunk and branches of a tree.

When they’re finished with the trunk and branches, have them pick their favorite leaves to glue onto the branches. This project is great for building and developing fine motor skills, so feel free to have them create more than one tree!

Book 5: Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is another beautiful book about the changing seasons. In this book, a young girl takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming autumn season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.

Activity: Fall leaf art with crayons

If you’re like us, you have all sorts of old, broken crayons hanging around the house! These projects are a great way to use up some of those crayons. They’re also perfect activities for families who live in areas that don’t have season changes! You don’t need to use any real fall leaves for these projects but can still make some art that celebrates the autumn season. Both of these actives are a throwback to my own childhood and were very nostalgic for me! It was fun doing some activities with the kids that I did when I was a kid!

Option 1 – melted crayon shaving leaves

For the first crayon art project, you’ll need:
- a cloth towel
- crayons
- a vegetable peeler or scissors
- wax paper
- an iron
- construction paper
Obviously, with that list of supplies, it’s important for an adult to be around to help out with the project! Depending on how old your kids are, you’ll either have them make crayon shavings using whatever tool you have around, or you’ll have them pick the colors and you can do the shavings for them. Put all the shavings in a pile and set aside.

Next, use construction paper to cut out the trunk and branches of a tree (or several!). You will use it to create a fall scene on the wax paper. You can do one tree with some construction paper grass, multiple trees, whatever you like! Once you have the parts of your scene cut out from construction paper, place them on a sheet of wax paper to begin creating your fall scene.

After the construction paper parts are in place, have your child take the crayon shavings and sprinkle them wherever they want fall leaves to be. Once everything is where you want it to be, place a second sheet of wax paper on top. Then place the towel on top of everything. Use a hot iron (job for a grownup!) to seal the two pieces of wax paper together. This will also create a beautiful effect with the crayon shavings because it will melt them together! So much fun!

Option 2 – leaf rubbings

The second fall art activity you could do with crayons is make leaf rubbings! My kids LOVE doing this. It’s such a simple, timeless activity. When the kids see the leaf prints starting to appear, they light up with joy! My kids could do a hundred leaf rubbings and still be excited every time they see the leaf print appearing on the paper.

If you’ve never done this before, you only need some paper (computer paper works great), crayons, and leaves! Any leaves will do – they don’t have to be fall-colored. Place the leaf underneath the sheet of paper, hold it down carefully, and rub the SIDE part of an unwrapped crayon back and forth on top of the paper. You’ll see the shape of the leaf appearing on the paper! Leave them on the larger sheets of paper or cut them out. As my kids would say- easy, peasy, lemon-squeezy!

Favorite fall books and activities for kids

And there you have it! 5 beautiful fall books and activities for kids. Not only will you and the kids love these beautiful books, but the accompanying activities are some that the whole family will enjoy! This should definitely keep your little ones active, inspired, and excited about reading and nature.

What’s your favorite fall book for kids?

About the author

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. We love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com

More RWMC posts from Chelsea:
BEACH, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
15 Water Activities for Kids & Ways to Get Active on the Water
- August 13, 2019
It may be back to school season, but there’s still LOTS of summer left! Temperatures have been soaring around most of the U.S. over the last couple of weeks. It’s only natural that many of us have been gravitating toward the water to catch a break from the heat! Today, we have the amazing Chelsea Furlong, photographer and mom of 2, here with 15 kid-friendly ways to get active on the water this summer! Not only will these water activities for kids keep them cool, but they’ll help with swimming skills, improve balance and coordination and wear them out! This post is sure to inspire you to get outside and into the water as soon as possible!

Get active on the water

Summertime is the BEST time to get active with your family and it’s extra fun when the activities involve water. With two very busy kids in our house, we’re out adventuring on the water almost every single day. We’re lucky to live in Virginia Beach where the weather is warm most of the year and the beach is nearby, but we’ve done lots of these water activities for kids on lakes and rivers all over the East Coast!

Benefits of spending time on the water

As my children continue to grow, our list of family activities to do on the water grows right along with them. Each summer we’re able to add a few more fun water activities to do together that we weren’t quite able to do the previous year. We love being able to create so many incredible memories with our children while also getting plenty of exercise! The more time we spend outside together, the happier we all are. And it doesn’t hurt that the kids are nice and tired when bedtime rolls around!

15 kid-friendly ways to get active on the water

Getting outside and active on the water doesn’t have to be hard. And it doesn’t have to be the same old thing again and again. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors and keep cool. Here are 15 different water activities for kids that will get your kids outside and active on the water this summer!

1. Stand up paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding has become one of our absolute favorite summertime water activities for kids. We started when our kids were young (ages of 4 and 6), so our kids are now great at paddleboarding alone or just sitting along for the ride. Stand up paddleboarding is a great full-body workout. While you’re balancing, your body is using your core, shoulders, arms, legs, and back. If you’ve done it before, you know that it’s even great for foot strength! You’d be surprised at how tired your feet will get from gripping the board to balance.

Our kids also love to play a game they call “Paddle Battle.” They stand on opposites sides of the board, facing each other, and rock the board from side to side to try to get the other person to fall off the board first! They can play this game for hours and never get sick of it! They enjoy climbing up onto the boards and jumping off of them as well. If you’re not comfortable heading out for a long paddle, your kids will have a blast simply playing around on the boards. They’ll come up with all sorts of fun games!

2. Kayaking

Another favorite water activity of ours is kayaking. Depending on the age/size of your kids, they can join you on a ride or paddle along in their own kayaks! Our kids have learned to kayak on adult-sized kayaks. However, there are wonderful kid-sized kayaks that you can use as well. You’ll be surprised how quickly children will learn how to use their paddles to navigate a kayak. And if they’re able to go a distance on their own (even in very shallow water where you’ll easily be able to walk to them if they need help), the pride on their faces from that sense of independence is absolutely priceless. It’s like learning to ride a bike for the first time!

3. Hiking or trail walking

Sometimes our favorite water activities for kids involve more than just water. Whether you’re near an ocean, lake, river, creek or stream, you should be able to find lots of great walking trails close to water to enjoy! Here on the coast, we have several boardwalks, as well as walking/hiking trails along the inlets. If you’re further inland, you can usually find great hiking trails in state parks or up the mountains beside rivers and waterfalls! If you have young children, it doesn’t even have to be a very long distance. Just a quick trail with water to toss some rocks into will thrill them!

4. Nature hunts

Along those same lines, nature hunts can be an amazing way to spend a few hours by the water! We often find ourselves out on a nature hunt during that rough late afternoon/early evening timeframe when it’s too early for bed, but the kids aren’t tired yet. You know what I’m talking about. That’s a perfect time to go out for a nature hunt if you have some water nearby. We’ll walk or ride bikes to the beach or inlet, and the boys will search for bugs, crabs, turtles, birds, snails, etc. They’re never disappointed.

Kids are so curious – they can find some kind of amazing treasure wherever they go. Even a new rock and a stick is enough to excite my kids. You can either come up with a specific list of items for the kids to search for, find a list online, or forget the list and just see what you happen to come across. No matter how you decide to do it, the exercise, fresh air, splashing, and nature treasures will always be a crowd-pleaser.

5. Pedal boating

Another great way to get active on the water is to cruise around on a pedal boat! I remember trying these out as a kid when we were on vacation at places like campgrounds with ponds or lakes. Sometimes local parks will have these for rent on the lakes. My kids are lucky because their grandmother happens to have one for them to play on at camp! And they love that thing!

Last year their legs were a little short so the adults ended up doing most of the pedaling. This year, however, both boys had both grown quite a bit and were able to reach the pedals on their own. Pedal boats are a surprisingly good leg workout and if you pedal around enough, you’ll likely feel it the next day! Our kids love cruising around where there’s lots of seaweed but still shallow enough for the sunlight to illuminate the creatures swimming below.

6.Yoga

While it may seem like a land activity (and it is), yoga can really be enjoyed anywhere, including on or near the water! You can do yoga on the beach, on docks at the lake, and even on a stand up paddleboard! We like to turn our paddleboard yoga session into a bit of a challenge. We’ll see who can get into certain poses without falling off the board or see who can hold specific poses the longest. There’s no shortage of laughter during that particular activity!

7. Skimboarding

Skimboarding is a fun outdoor summer water activity for kids that my boys have are just getting into this year! At the beginning of the summer, they saw some older guys using them at our beach and they didn’t stop talking about it until I finally broke down and got them a skimboard of their own. At 5 and 7, I wasn’t sure our kids would be old enough yet but they proved me wrong! They’ve had a ton of fun on that skimboard. It takes a lot of patience and coordination. Plus, it occupies them for hours.

8. Dock jumping

Those of you living the lake life will be very familiar with this one! This activity has been a people pleaser for decades and will never get old. My kids can spend an entire day doing this and never get sick of it. Jumping off, swimming back to the dock, and then climbing up the ladder over and over for hours. Such a great way to enjoy a warm day while also getting lots of exercise. Like most everything else in our lives right now, the boys turn this into a competition to see who can jump the highest, furthest, or do the best trick.

We alternate between using the life vests when I’m not in the water with them and no life vests when I’m right there to assist if they get too tired to swim back to the dock unassisted. This activity was probably the best activity we’ve done all summer to help them learn to swim better. They made massive improvements in their swimming abilities after just an hour of jumping without the life vests and swimming back to the ladder! And I was right there to catch them or lend a hand if they needed a little extra help.

9. Surfing

Surfing is something that’s only just now popped up on our radar as our boys are getting older. Now that they’re better swimmers and have a great sense of balance on our paddleboards, we’re ready to add surfing to our list of favorite water activities for kids! I grew up in the mountains so I’ve never tried surfing before, but since we live on the ocean it’s time to give it shot. If you live in a beach area or plan to vacation to one, you’ll likely have access to a few places that offer surfing camps for kids and private lessons. Since our youngest isn’t quite old enough for the surfing camps yet, we decided to do private lessons as a family! I have a feeling that surf boards will be on our kids’ wish lists in the near future!

10. Climbing

If you’re in the mountains rather than on the coast, I highly recommend taking some time to adventure near waterfalls! My kids are fascinated by waterfalls because we don’t live in an area where you can find them. Whenever we head to the mountains they insist on going out to find some! Usually, you can also find some great spots nearby to climb rocks! We stick to small falls with fairly easy-to-navigate rock areas, since we’re not well-trained in rock climbing yet. When we get hot and sweaty from our climbing, we just find a little pool without fast-moving water to plunk down in and cool off! Please be warned – there is no shortage of beautiful rocks to take home in places like this, so you’re pockets and backpacks will get heavy!

11. Canoeing or row boating

When it comes to being out on the water, you can really just assume that everyone will have a blast using any kind of boat. Kids love learning to paddle and are filled with pride when they’ve gained the skills to do it independently.

12. Go to a splash pad

For those of you who aren’t near nature-made splash areas, you can still have fun getting active in places like splash playgrounds or splash pads! More and more cities are building wonderful splash pads to run around in! These are especially great for families with babies and toddlers because you don’t have to worry about the water being too deep!

13. Go to a pool

Along those same lines, find a pool nearby! Both indoor and outdoor pools are a great way to spend some quality time with your family. My favorite thing about going to a pool is that I have to leave my phone behind! Once I jump in the water with the kids, they get some absolute undivided attention. It’s so refreshing and necessary!

14. Playing a sport

When you pack up your beach bag, add a soccer ball, football, or frisbee! Depending on where you’ll be and how many people will be there, you could also play volleyball or whiffle ball, too. Tossing a ball back and forth in the water is actually one of my very favorite things to do with my kids. We can keep cool by being waist-deep, connect with each other, and practice hand-eye coordination. You can purchase some fantastic frisbees and balls made specifically for water. We LOVE these. They soak up water and then splash it all over when you toss them. It’s tons of fun!

15. JUST PLAY!

My final suggestion is to just jump in and play anywhere there’s water! You can swim around, play on floats, use kickboards or boogie boards, or dive to the bottom to find treasures. Anything you do in the water together will be fun and your children will appreciate the quality time with you! You honestly don’t need to rent or purchase any of the fancy stuff I mentioned above to enjoy water activities with kids. Splash around with your family and make some summer memories that will last a lifetime!

What are some of your favorite ways to get active on the water?

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach and spend as much time outdoors as possible! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

Personal Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com

Chelsea Furlong

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