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During this time, also known as the winter solstice, the Earth’s axis tilts the furthest away from the sun, giving all locations north of the equator less than 12 hours of daylight.

For years I’ve been fascinated with how ancient cultures followed the movement of the sun throughout the sky. I love tales of feasts and parties to celebrate the end of the dark, cold nights as the days become longer and the nights become shorter.

For my family the winter solstice is a special night, a night where we like to put a modern spin on history and a night where we take a break from traditional Christmas festivities and the chaos of the holiday season. We like to celebrate the longest night of the year with light, warmth and outdoor adventure.

Here are a few fun ways to celebrate the winter solstice if you’re looking for a night of outdoor celebration, instead of a night at home watching reruns of holiday movies.

• Select a Yule Log to be burned on the winter solstice. You can burn it in your fireplace or outdoors. Tradition has it that once the log has been lit it should remain remain burning. Some people decorate their Yule Log and others even save the remains to start the Yule Log fire the following year. We like to burn a special log that we’ve decorated with ribbon and leaves in our outdoor fire pit and celebrate with festive foods and drinks to warm and brighten the cold, dark winter night.

• If you live in a cold place make your own Finnish ice candles by placing a small circular container weighed down with rocks instead of a larger circular container. Add water to the outer circle, let the water freeze, remove the containers and stick a candle inside of the ice. The candles will emit a magical glow. Ice candles are traditionally used to remember deceased loved ones and family members during the holidays, but I like to think of them as adding light and warmth to the long night.

• If it’s a clear night take a few minutes to look at the sky. See if you can identify constellations such as Sirius, Orion, Capella, Taurus, and  even the planet Jupiter

• Or better yet, bundle up your children and head to a nearby park, national forest or nature preserve. Explore the dark night on cross-country skis, snowshoes or just with your hiking boots. If you’re feeling bold and on a trail that you’re comfortable with turn off your headlamps and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for a unique and fun experience. If you’re really brave and really want to get away from the holiday madness enjoy the long night by camping in a tent, yurt or cabin.

For me, the holiday season is about creating memories, having fun and spending time together as a family. The winter solstice is the perfect opportunity to create those memories and get outdoors.

Do you have any winter solstice traditions?

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This post was written by Rebeca Walsh exclusively for BonBon Break Media, LLC.

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Before I became a mother, I had many ideas of what parenthood would entail. I envisioned trips to the library, afternoons reading books in blanket forts, hours of coloring and finger painting. When my children were born, however, I soon realized that they were not built for sitting. Their bloodstreams appeared to be composed entirely of adrenaline and their minds perpetually set on adventure. We abandoned leisurely indoor pursuits and headed out into the sunshine instead.

The fresh air works like a spell on their bodies. Grumpiness melts away, tantrums cease, and curiosity outshines boredom. After a few hours of being at home, my children see only a sea of trucks, puzzles, and books that have already been explored, and I see a mountain of tasks I need to accomplish before lunchtime. We enter into a pathetic waltz. I dance around them in an attempt to get chores done, they run after me, begging to be held and entertained.

The indoors for children is both overstimulating and boring, argues Dr. Karp, the pediatrician who authored The Happiest Toddler on the Block. It replaces the constant and gentle stimulation of nature – the moving clouds, the waving trees, and bombards us with flat walls, flashing TVs, and noisy toys instead. Outdoors, I rarely need to amuse them. As they explore, they are more independent, and yet we are closer together.

Although certainly a benefit, peaceful mornings free of tantrums is not the main reason I take my children outside. Our children’s generation will see the reality of the threat that has been hovering over our heads for the last few decades. Their seas will rise, their storms will be greater, and their earth will warm in new and alarming ways. It is our duty to protect what we are giving them, but the work needed to undo the damage will extend past our own lifetimes.

I cannot expect my children to care about an earth they have never felt seep between their toes or to protect the life of a bird they have never heard sing. I am arranging a romance, hoping they will fall in love with the world they live in.

I love watching my boys run around playgrounds, bike down dirt paths, splash in puddles until their clothes are soaked in mud and I drive them home in nothing but diapers. While their lives will not be perfect, as white middle class suburban children, they are undoubtedly privileged. I do not want them to grow accustomed to ease, to fold at the first sign of adversity. Eventually they will grow and be faced with challenges, a warming earth and a world full of unrest and injustice, and I do not want them to back down from them, but to be as strong as the world needs them to be.

My youngest son has recently abandoned the stroller, determined to no longer be left behind by his older brother on our weekly hikes. I watched him the other day, attempting to scramble up a hill some older boys were playing on, tumbling down once or twice before attempting another path. He was determined, and the idea that he was too young, or that his legs were too little did not occur to him. The boys spent the rest of the morning throwing rocks into the lake, running along the dirt path, challenging themselves, and ignoring the possibility of failure.

We go outside to learn, explore, and accomplish things we never dreamed possible. Playing outdoors has taught my children that they are capable of accomplishing difficult tasks, and as we are staring down the reality of climate change, this is what our world needs. We need people who are not afraid to challenge themselves, who look at a hill and refuse to believe they are too small to conquer it. We need children who have played and lived in the world outdoors and who will fall in love with the challenge of protecting it.

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Places with no cell reception. Views and vistas uninterrupted by power lines and skyscrapers.

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns got it right when he christened the national parks ‘America’s Best Idea.’

You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker or committed camper. Young or old, DINK or MWK, a trip to one of America’s national parks is the perfect way to unplug, unwind, and restore your spirit.

The rewards are immeasurable, but here are five reasons to consider a national park for your next vacation.

1. Accessible

With 59 national parks, you don’t have to venture far from your backyard. Leave your passport at home and take advantage of the best America has to offer.

Hopscotch down the East Coast, starting in Maine’s Acadia and ending in the Florida Keys’ Dry Tortugas. Venture from Washington to Oregon to California for hiking, fishing, and surfing. Explore unparalleled parks and spectacular terrains in between.

Or, cash in those frequent flier miles and hit bucket-list parks in Hawaii, Alaska, and the Virgin Islands.

2. Affordable

Compared to the major clams you’ll shell out for admission to the Happiest Place on Earth, entrance fees to national parks range from $20-$25 for a seven-day pass for the entire family.

Some parks, like the Great Smoky Mountains, don’t charge an entrance fee. You can also take advantage of fee-free weekends and events throughout the year.

With gas prices and airfare on the rise, a long weekend or mini-vacation to a park is the perfect way to escape the grid without breaking the bank.

3. Choose Your Own Adventure 

Whether you journey into the backcountry for quiet nights under the stars or contentedly view the panoramas from the passenger seat, there’s a park to fit your adventure.

Parks cater to children of all ages, with demonstrations, guided hikes, and programs to encourage budding naturalists.

Adrenaline junkies get their fix on technical climbs, subterranean treks, roaring rapids, and more. Solitude seekers venture off the beaten path and feel like they’re the last people on the planet.

For the more laid-back, a drive along Going to the Sun Road in Glacier or Skyline Drive in Shenandoah will take your breath away.

4. Untouched Splendor

National parks were created to preserve and protect America’s most beautiful natural treasures.

Magnificent views wait around every bend in the road or twist in the trail.

Rocky coastlines. Soaring peaks. Unfathomable canyons. Slumbering volcanoes. Punctual geysers.

Nowhere in the world will you find a collection of such diversity and beauty, largely untouched by man and staunchly safeguarded for future generations.

5. Treasured Time Together

There’s nothing like a challenging hike, s’mores by the campfire, or a wildlife sighting to bring family together.

Couples share tender moments on the trail. Little ones squeal as they dip their toes in icy waters. Even the moodiest teens feel inspired when they scale a peak and look back to see how far they’ve come.

Ditch the distractions, turn off the devices, and embark on an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.

Nature has a way of recharging our batteries. We leave the rat race behind and forget our never-ending to-do list. We slow down, soak up the scenery, and open our hearts and minds to new adventures and possibilities.

America’s National Parks provide the stunning backdrop to this transformation. Open year round, they’re waiting for you.

ABOUT NICOLE: Nicole Goodman is a full-time working mother of two. She is the caffeine-driven mind behind Work in Sweats Mama and a contributor to The Mother of All Meltdowns. After business hours, you’ll find her chasing her fearless two-year-old, verbally sparring with her precocious four-year-old, avoiding housework, seeking an endorphin high on long runs, and slurping down gigantic fountain Cokes.

Follow Nicole on Facebook | Twitter |Google+

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No one knows the national parks better than National Geographic. Drawing millions of tourists each year, our national parks capture a special place in our hearts — and in the history of how the planet came to be the shape it is now. National Geographic offers a beautifully illustrated 36 half-hour lecture series that takes you to more than a hundred spectacular sites guided by geologist and former college professor Ford Cochran; exploring the geology, history, and grandeur of our national parks.

As a National Geographic KIDS Ambassador, we had the privilege of chatting with Ford Cochran, geologist and Program Director for National Geographic, and we asked him if he had a chance to do three road trips, where would he go? I won’t lie, we had a hard time nailing him down to just three, but here are his DREAM National Park Road Trip Loops:

The intros to each of the parks are provided from their National Park Service or Forest Service website homepages since we haven’t visited all of them — yet.

Best National Park Road Trips

#1 Pacific Northwest Circuit

Olympic National Park

With nearly one million acres, Olympic encompasses several distinctly different ecosystems and protects a rich mosaic of natural and cultural history. Untamed rivers flow from glacier-capped peaks through valleys of old-growth forests, waves crash against a shoreline rich with life, and only trails traverse the vast interior of this internationally recognized wilderness.

Mt Rainier National Park

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

Mt. St. Helen’s

Located in Southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1,368,300 acres of forests, mountains, river valleys, waterfalls, wildernesses, and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.  The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has something for everyone.

— If you want more, add in:

Fort Clatsop – Louis & Clark National Park

Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the Native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America’s most famous explorers.

The park encompasses sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. Follow in the footsteps of the explorers and have an adventure in history.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake has inspired people for thousands of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom.

Mt. Hood National Forest

Located twenty miles east of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the northern Willamette River valley, the Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams to Olallie Scenic Area, a high lake basin under the slopes of Mt. Jefferson. –

According to Mr. Cochran, the Timberline Lodge is a must!

#2 Colorado Plateau Circuit

Grand Canyon National Park – a national treasure

Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep. Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size.

Bryce Canyon National Park

There is no place like Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion) can be found on every continent, but here is the largest collection of hoodoos in the world! Descriptions fail. Cave without a roof? Forest of stone? Photographs do not do it justice. An imagination an wonder will serve you when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park.

Zion National Park

Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.—If you want more, add in:

Arches National Park

Visit Arches and discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures unlike any other in the world. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. This red rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.

Mesa Verde National Park

On June 29, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park to “preserve the works of man,” the first national park of its kind. Today, the continued preservation of both cultural and natural resources is the focus of the park’s research and resource management staff.

Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the park, inspires visitors to imagine what life was like over seven hundred years ago. But the task of preserving this nearly eight century old site has its challenges as well as its rewards. Learn about the current conservation and stabilization project of this magnificent ancient structure.

#3 US – Canada

Glacier National Park

Come and experience Glacier’s pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans.

Developed when the Park Service felt it was their job to provide accessibility and they created a road that climbs over a major pass “Going to the Sun Road” which has been called the “Most Beautiful Drive in the United States”.

Waterton Lakes National Park (Canadian)

The prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.Bampf

Banff National Park (Canadian)

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and the world’s third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world’s premier destination spots. Do not miss Lake Louise and The Icefields Parkway (Canada’s most spectacular drive!).

—add in these two National Treasures with this incredible group.

Yellowstone National Park

Visit Yellowstone and experience the world’s first national park. Marvel at a volcano’s hidden power rising up in colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. Explore mountains, forests, and lakes to watch wildlife and witness the drama of the natural world unfold. Discover the history that led to the conservation of our national treasures “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

Grand Tetons National Park

Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.

National Geographic National Park Book Store

Click to purchase using our Amazon affiliate links

As always, our friends at  National Geographic Kids have provided us with some FANTASTIC books to accompany your research and your adventure!

This is a fun, kid-friendly guide with a cute story about Buddy the Bison and a brother and sister team as they explore the park.

The next three books should be on EVERY road trip this summer. Seriously, these are fantastic resources with fun activities, puzzles, games, facts and more! They will keep your kids entertained for hours and help them (and you!) learn about our national treasures, the National Parks.

When you go to a National Park, seek out the Visitor’s Center and get a stamp for your passport book. We just started ours this year and my kids are already plotting for more!

Buy your National Park Passports and get started!

FINALLY, I couldn’t write this post without including a plug for Ken Burns’ Documentary on the National Parks. It is absolutely stunning and will fill you with awe.

So — where are you going to go?

If you head out, tag your photos with #BonBonBreakIRL

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Are you missing something on the list? We have hyperlinked the entries to Amazon so you can get your MUST HAVE camping supplies before you hit the road.

If you don’t have EVERYTHING on this list, don’t panic. We filled out our list over the years and upgraded here and there. There are still quite a few items we don’t have (kayaks!) and they are on the top of our wishlists.

Are you ready to go and you just need the list? Download a printable version HERE.

Basic Camping List

Sleeping and Shelter:

• Tent – (We adore this tent. It’s up in 2 minutes, no lie.)
• Ground tarp or tent footprint
• Extra stakes
• Dust pan/brush
• Sleeping bag  HOT TIP: We tried out Coleman’s memory foam sleeping bag and it is a game changer!!
• Sleeping pad (love this one! And here is the cot)
• Pillow

Around Camp:

• Camp chairs
• Hammock
• Lantern
• Matches/lighter
• Axe or hammer
• Charcoal
• Firewood
• Fire starters/newspaper
• Small Shovel

Camp Kitchen:

• FOOD
• Cookware: Pots and pans – or go for a Dutch oven
•  Cutting board
• Stove with fuel/propane
• Cooking oil
• Condiments & Spices
• Coolers & Ice Blocks
• Tablecloth
• Mugs
• Reusable Plates & Silverware
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Coffee Press
• Food Storage Plastic Bins
• Freezer and Sandwich bags
• Can Opener/Bottle Opener

Cooking Utensils:

• Knives (this is a GREAT Father’s Day gift)
• Spatulas
• Slatted Spoon
• Measuring Cups

Washing & Cleaning Station:

• Biodegradable Dish soap
• Washing Tub
• Sponge/Scrub Pad
• Paper towels
• Drying Towel
• Trash bags

Clothing & Outerwear:

• Jacket
• Fleece Sweater
• T-shirts: Short & Long Sleeves
• Camp Pants
• Sweats
• Shorts
• Underwear
• Sleep clothes
• Laundry bag

Footwear:

• Hiking Boots
• Athletic Shoes
• Sandals
• Wicking Socks

Accessories:

• Gloves or mittens
• Hat
• Bandana
• Beanie
• Sunglasses

Swimming & Rain Gear:

• Rain Jacket or Poncho
• Swimsuit
• Towel

Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Comb/brush
• Deodorant
• Feminine products
• Toilet paper
• Personal medications
• Contact Lens Solution
• Contact Lens Case
• Hand-sanitizer
• Lip Balm

Safety & Navigation

• Headlamps or Flashlights
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellant
• First Aid Kit
• Extra batteries
• Compass
• Park & Campground Map
• Permits or Camp Reservation
• Whistle
• Water (If not available)
• Water filter or purification
• Water bottle
• Pocket knife or Multi-Tool
• Rope

Miscellaneous

• Camera
• Cash & Coins
• Notepad & pen
• Rubberbands

For Families…

• Camp Toys & Games
• Bubbles
• Child Carrier
• Ball
• Frisbee

For Outdoor Activities…

• BinocularsCar Camping List
• Trekking Poles
• Day Pack
• Hydration Pack
• Canoe/Kayak/SUP
• Bike & Helmets
• Fishing Gear

For A Little Glamping…

• Air Mattress & Pump
• Sheets & Blankets
• Wine Glasses
• Candles
• Decorative Lights

Again, here is the free printable list.

One last mention, Coleman sent us this bad boy:

and we were THRILLED! We took it camping, to the beach, on the dock and sailing. When we had a backyard BBQ, we wheeled it over next to our large BBQ and threw on 10 m0re burgers! Coleman has DEFINITELY upped their game with this portable outdoor cooking DREAM! Get your own here.

 What would YOU add to this list?

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The other considerable benefit to camping with kids (aside from the simple fact that it’s a blast), is that camping gets children unplugged from the screen-filled world of digital devices that are turning their grey matter to oatmeal. Camping gets the kids—and you—unplugged, connects kids to nature, and facilitates family bonding. It’s all worth the effort. Here are a series of tips from my book, The Down & Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids, for making the packing and planning of a family camping trip go smooth as peanut butter (the creamy kind, that is).

Prep Kids Ahead of Time

My kids have always loved camping without reservation. But some children will require some pre-trip preparation.

• Read camp-themed picture books before you go.
• Camp in the backyard.
• Take a night walk in the neighborhood to get kids used to the sounds of the night.
• If your kids are afraid of the dark, bring portable nightlights and headlamps.
• Pack disposable glowsticks and tuck them into the tent’s mesh pockets just before bedtime.

Use Checklists

Kids require a surprising amount of gear. We’ve skipped the checklist in the past and arrived at the campsite without diapers. Not good! Now I have checklists for my checklists.

• Print out a complete family camping checklist.
• Use the checklist as you pack!
• Double-check the list before you pull out of the driveway.
• Revise the list during your trip if you realize something’s missing.

Organize Your Camping Pantry

Even if you’re car camping, try not to over-pack. It makes it hard to find anything.

• Simplify by getting rid of extra cardboard and plastic packaging on food.
• Portion out the food you need rather than bringing that industrial size carton of Goldfish.
• Put spices and ingredients in small plastic containers or little baggies.
• Label everything.
• Crack eggs into a Nalgene bottle for scrambled eggs so you don’t have to worry about eggs cracking in the cooler.

Pack a Portable Crib

When our kids were babies and toddlers we always brought along one of those handy fold-up cribs. They fit nicely in a tent as long as you have a giant manor-like family tent. Sure, a pack-and-play is a big-ticket gear item in an already full car, but it can keep babies and toddlers contained and help them sleep at night. When you’re setting up camp, you can pop your little cherub in the crib. At night and for naps, the familiarity of a pack-and-play will help them get to sleep.

Bring The Kid Potty

Of course, if your child is in the middle of potty training, you’ll think to pack the little potty. But even for kids who are recently potty-trained, you might consider bringing along a small kid toilet and stowing it in the atrium of the tent. It’ll save you trips to the campground’s bathroom and will make nighttime potty breaks a simple affair.

Start a Nature Journal

For hikes or even just around the campground, bring along a nature journal and a small box of pencils, colored pencils, crayons, and markers as well as a field guide (print or online) to identify flora and fauna. My kids love knowing the scientific names of plants and animals. Here are some other journaling ideas:

• Create beautiful pages with leaf prints by coloring the backside of a leaf with kid markers then pressing the leaf on the paper.
• Use the side of a crayon to make a rubbing of tree bark or a trail sign.

Prepare to Play

When we camp as a family, our kids find entertainment with sticks, rocks, and pine cones. They can spend hours playing in a stream. However, it’s wise to pack balls, a pack of cards, and travel-sized board games just in case they announce that they are bored—right when you’re making dinner. And if you need to retreat to the tent during a rainstorm, small toys and games can help pass the time. Here are some game time ideas:

• Playing cards (for Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Hearts, War)
• Card games (Snap, Wig Out, Spot It, Rat-a-Tat Cat)
• Travel-sized games (dominoes, chess, checkers, Scrabble, Boggle, Blokus, Apples to Apples)
• Lengths of rope for knot tying
• Frisbees, hackey sacks, Nerf football, Whiffle ball and bat
• Small trucks and cars
• Polly Pockets
• Bubbles
• Sand toys
• Camp-themed kid books

Go with Friends

We love to camp with just our family, but we also enjoy group camping with other families. It’s a different vibe for sure. Most kids have more fun and whine less when they’re with their peers. Adults can enjoy chatting with other adults. Group camping also means you can divide up meal responsibilities. Another upside: If you forgot something important (like marshmallows), your friends probably have it.

Remember the First-Aid Kit

Always bring a well-stocked first aid kit with bug-bite remedies, children’s ibuprofen, Band-Aids and about 26 other things. I always include a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass. Kids are forever getting little splinters and prickers.

HOT TIP: We tried out Coleman’s memory foam sleeping bag and it is a game changer!! There is NO reason that mom shouldn’t be comfortable and warm as well.

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Know Your Soil

Your garden won’t grow without good soil.  All the minerals, microbes, and nutrients in the soil contribute to making your plants grow. A soil test is a great start to knowing what might be missing or overabundant in your soil. Too much nitrogen can mean lots of green growth but no flowers or vegetables. Too little calcium can make peppers and tomatoes rot on the vine. Simple soil tests can be picked up at your local independent garden center. These will give you a quick check of acidity and ingredients in your soil.

For a more in-depth or specific test, contact your local County Cooperative Extension Service. For just a few dollars, they’ll test your soil to determine a very accurate breakdown of the minerals and chemicals in your soil. This is especially important if you’re gardening organically so you know what amendments you need to nourish your soil for a better harvest. Our local extension office charges six dollars for a test. Many of the extension offices have options for running the test for specific needs, i.e. blueberries, grass, vegetables, etc.

Once you know your soil composition, you can start preparing for a great gardening season. Get to know your soil. It’ll thank you for it.

Let It Sit

Shhh….it’s a little gardening secret that a great way to let your soil replenish is to let it sit.  Rest.  Take a nice, long nap.  How long you let it rest is up to you.  Many of the gardening gurus I trust recommend letting your garden rest at least two weeks between seasons, if possible.  If you can let it rest longer, by all means go for it.  This year, my garden has been resting since January 1. Hopefully this break will mean that the squash vine borers have left now and won’t enjoy our zucchini instead of us this year.

Let it Work

Wait, am I contradicting myself?  Well, not really. You’ll still find weeds that need pulling (now is a great time to start teaching children the difference between weeds and the tops of the carrots since there are no frilly tops or pretty pink radishes to distract them). Weeds need to come out while they’re still small enough to not damage the resting soil.  While you’re out pulling the weeds, top off your garden with compost.  Cover it over with a good thick layer of compost, either from your compost pile or bagged composted manure. While you and your garden are resting, the nutrients in the compost will wiggle their way into your soil, building it up and working to nourish it. If you have the results from your soil test, the resting stage is a great time to make the additions recommended in the report. If you’re going to let your soil rest for a while (say, more than a month), cover it with mulch.  This will help prevent erosion and leaching of needed nutrients. If you’ve had a snowy winter, you’ve got a great built-in mulch for your garden.

Making a New Garden

If you’re making a garden for the first time this year, all the above still applies to you. Yes, it really does. Once you get your bed laid out or built, put your soil in. Then let it rest. Yes, that sounds completely illogical for making a new garden but it will pay beautiful dividends in the long run. Promise (speaking from experience). The resting period may not need to be as long, but the garden will still need one. It gives the soil a chance to settle into its new home while you work up enough energy to get that trunk-load of plants into the soil.  And that second trunk-load you bought on the way home from getting breakfast when the car just magically turned into the nursery and the plants just hopped into the trunk (they did demand a ransom payment, but we won’t talk about that).

You’re Ready to Grow

Enjoy your new garden. Feast upon the harvest of your hard work and sweat. Share with the neighbors. Have fun!

“If you’ve never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden.”  ~Robert Brault

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This post was written by Mia of Modern Mia Gardening exclusively for Bonbon Break Media, LLC

The post 4 Tips to Help Your Garden Spring into Action first appeared on BonBon Break.

It’s spring, the very beginning of the gardening year, so why do some folks feel like they are already behind?

This is a crazy time of year for the gardener, I totally understand. Between seed starting, transplanting and soil prep, it’s easy to feel like you just can’t keep up.

Here’s a few tips to keep it a bit simpler this season.

ABOUT ERICA:  What happens when a professional chef turns into a gardening fanatic? Can ‘homemaker’ be a political statement? How self-sufficient can a family be on one-third of an acre in suburban Seattle? Where is the right balance between living cheap and living well? Can one ever have too many rutabagas? How much lawn do growing kids really need when there are fruit trees to be planted? Erica blogs about gardening, cooking, urban homesteading and living slow-ish in the Maritime Northwest.

Join the conversation at Northwest Edible Life and at the NW Edible Facebook Page, Twitter and Pinterest.

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The post 10 Tips to Simplify Your Spring Planting first appeared on BonBon Break.

While getting out and vacationing is much more difficult for most families once school starts, quick weekend (or even day) trips seem to be even more essential than they were throughout the summer.  A quick “stay” or “don’t-go-far-away” vacation on the weekends helps ease everyone back into school without completely snuffing out the adventure fire.

The best part is that getting away this time of the year is even more enjoyable because most people don’t do it.  The tourists have thinned, the weather has cooled to a more comfortable temperature and the bugs are gone until next summer (in most areas).  

Quick Tips for Fall Trips for Families:

• Check out your local attractions that you usually overlook because they are so close to home.  
• Go camping.  Go somewhere close or drive a couple hours.
• Not into sleeping on the ground? The Forest Service has an excellent, affordable cabin rental program on their public lands. 
• Toss that aside and book a cheap hotel room last minute.
• Take a day away. Visit a museum, zoo, hiking trail or national monument.  
• Pack a picnic and just eat dinner (or lunch) outside in a public park.
• Rent a kayak, SUP or canoe or take a ferry ride.
• Road trip to a new restaurant in the next town over.
• Take a train ride.
• Make your own local photo scavenger hunt (visit the fountain, take a photo with your favorite food at the grocery store, jump over a creek, etc.).
• Catch one of the last Farmer’s Markets.
• Check out your State Fair.
• Go visit a friend (that one you hoped to visit all summer long, but never got around to).
• Load everyone in the car and take an “auto tour” – just enjoy the sights.

Since those of us with kids know that road-tripping with kids isn’t always easy, we’ve put together some of our best tips for keeping everyone happy and comfortable.  These work for both short trips or longer ones (or that full-day “auto tour”):

• First of all, make sure everyone is comfortable.  Often, we put kids in car seats without much thought to anything besides their safety.  This year, our kids are riding in the ProComfort Symphony DLX All-In-One Car Seat.  We love that it is the one car seat that they ALL can fit in (5-110 lbs).  See more about it below.
• Pack snacks individually and keep them a surprise.  Pull them out as needed – everyone gets the same thing in their own container.  We love to use reusable snack bags.  Keep the sugar down for happier kids in the long run, and crumbs to a minimum for less mess after the fun.
• Plan for some cheap, yet effective entertainment.  Pipe cleaners work like a charm.  Let them build, tell stories about what they built, and build again.
• Resist the urge to check your smart phone.  Turn it off and put it away (except to snap a photo, of course!).  Your kids will thank you and you will feel more refreshed from the outing.  
• Bring audiobooks.  Most libraries will let you check them out for a limited amount of time and pre-load them onto your player.
• If all else fails, bust out a DVD or Tablet with videos.  But, reserve this as a last resort – it greatly limits interaction AND means kids are missing the views out their windows.

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The post 20+ Tips for Fall Trips for Families first appeared on BonBon Break.

In our experience, most teens enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. They just don’t always know where to go or how to get there.  And when they don’t have transportation or inspiration, their natural fallback is electronics.

Finding Time and Getting Out

When kids are little, it seems like parents are always looking for ways to get them outdoors: playgroups at the playground, bike rides with the tagalong, hiking and exploring parks and river trails. With little kids, the possibilities for adventure are endless because little kids see everything as an adventure. Only rarely do they tell mom and dad, “No, I don’t want to go there.” They’re game for anything.

Not so teens. Teens crave independence. This is good and right, but it also means your teens may have strong opinions about what they want to do and when. Oftentimes, teens have very busy schedules. They have homework, sports, music, or theatre, a job and other extracurricular activities. Sometimes they’re just plain tired from growing and changing.

When you suggest fishing or a hike, they may not want to go at this particular moment. But that doesn’t mean they never want to go. They just don’t want to go right now.

Parents are busy, too. Sometimes it’s hard to find time for a bike ride or float down the river. It can be incredibly discouraging to have finally carved out some time to spend outdoors with your teen, only to have them shut the door on the expedition.

So What’s A Smart Parent To Do?

Lead By Example. Teens are much more likely to get up and out the door with a parent’s support. Don’t just suggest that your teen go for a bike ride. Go with them. And when they don’t want to go, just go yourself.

Stay active and keep inviting your kids on adventures with you. Active parents will have more active teens.

Plan Ahead. If something is on the calendar, it’s more likely to happen. Plan a adventure. Make sure everyone in the family is committed to that date and make it non-negotiable. Tell your kids, your spouse, and your friends, “This is the day we’ve agreed upon. Nothing’s gonna stand in our way.”

Teenage Trail Boss. Include your teen in choosing where to go and when. Enlist the entire family in planning the adventure, whether for a day, a weekend or a week. Give your teen specific responsibilities and let your child contribute to the success of the trip. If he or she has  ideas about where to go or what to do, jump all over that and follow your teen’s lead.

Just Listen. Adults often look at outdoor activities in terms of exercise and goals. Teens are rarely motivated by burning calories or passing a milestone.

They are more interested in the experience as a whole. They’re interested in the sights along the trail, the overall experience and in slowing down with you and sharing their ideas and concerns.

Some of the best conversations I’ve had with our younger son have come while cross-country skiing or riding a chairlift at a ski resort. Out of our normal routine, with all the things that divert our attention out of sight and out of mind, we have time to connect.

Don’t worry if you don’t get to the summit of the mountain or the end of the trail. Just enjoy the conversation and fun along the way.

Some Ideas for Outdoor Adventure With Teens

No matter where you live, you can always find outdoor adventure. Here are four ideas that currently strike my fancy.

Rafting. Find a river, get a guide, and get going. I’ve yet to meet a teen who doesn’t love the thrills and spills of a raft trip. With the guide in charge, there’s no worry and plenty of fun.

Climbing. Climbing takes skills, knowledge, and a good partner. And it’s something you and your teen can do together, building your abilities over time. Start indoors at a climbing gym, get some instruction, and you’ll be out on a crag before you know it.

Snowshoeing. If you live somewhere snowy, you can rent snowshoes and hit the trail with a minimum of practice and training. You basically just strap ‘em on and go. Cross-country skis are a bit more challenging, but the learning curve is still much lower than downhill skiing.

Camping. Whether you go in a tent or a camper, or even stay in a cabin, camping provides a break in the normal routine. Life slows down.  Depending upon where you are, you may have opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and more. Visit a National Park, a state park or find a remote campsite in a forest. Unplug and tune into what makes your family special.

What are your favorite activities for getting your teen up and out the door?

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 This post was written by Kristin Lummis of The Brave Ski Mom exclusively for Bonbon Break Media, LLC

The post Getting Teens Unplugged, Off the Couch, and Out the Door first appeared on BonBon Break.

Each day we say “yes” to so many things yet, at the end of the day, when we think about how we are spending our time, are we saying “yes” to the people and activities that truly matter in our life?

Fresh air.

Muddy hands.

Sandy feet.

Spinning bike wheels.

This is what happens when we say “yes” to the outdoors with our family. The time we spend outside together breathes new life into our family, it breeds curiosity and welcomes wonder. Being outside together brings new conversations about topics we’ve never shared. It is an opportunity to show and share our hobbies and talents with our children. These beautiful moments outdoors don’t need to be moments reserved for vacation, the weekend, or a special event planned months in advance. Sharing the outdoors with your children is something we can have every day, right at our fingertips; it is an open invitation for fun with our families.

In this post, we will show you five ideas that will help you reconnect with your family in fun, spontaneous, and meaningful ways in the outdoors.

Limit Other Commitments

This is likely the most controversial suggestion, so we will start with it because it is key to finding weeknight time outdoors with your family. You have to cut back on your commitments. If you jam your schedule full of baseball, hockey, camps, soccer, and t-ball, where does outdoor quality time fit in with your kids? It doesn’t, I know this truth from experience. Quality time isn’t organizing all the equipment, eating a meal in the car or making siblings sit along sidelines. Sports and activities are important and teach our kids values of sportsmanship and teamwork, but one night a week for a child in an organized activity is plenty. Depending on how many kids you have also adds the level of commitments. If you can allow your family 2-3 open weeknights (no structured activities) there is so much more time available for spontaneous weeknight time outside.

Hit the Beach

Beaches tend to be less busy on the weeknights but don’t just sit and observe. Digging in the sand or taking a swim together is a great way to interact with your child. I love swimming together because there are no distractions, especially the phone. I feel like a kid again in the water, jumping off a dock or playing a silly swimming game. The lake has become our family place, it’s where we feel like we belong, where we connect most with nature and our family.

Have a “Yes Outdoors Night”

Make it a surprise or a planned activity, but hold a “Yes Outdoors Night,” where whatever the kids ask to do outside you do. Set your own family’s parameters (cost, distance from the house, etc.). Our recent “Yes Outdoors Night” was a weeknight canoe ride. Admittedly, I needed convincing to do a bigger outdoor activity on a weeknight, but I was easily converted that not only was it doable but something we must do more often. That’s where the kids having a “Yes Outdoors Night” comes in, by allowing them the opportunity to suggest activities, they feel empowered to make a fun decision and as adults it allows us to be open to nontraditional activities that may inspire a new tradition or family hobby.

Share Your Favorite Outdoor Hobby Together

Sharing your favorite outdoor hobby together can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors as a family. Whether it is biking, fishing or gardening, sharing your hobby gives you a chance to share your expertise with your family and enjoy something outside you love. We are participating in a community garden and it has been a great way for me to share my love of being outside in the garden and teach my kids and even my husband, about gardening. The kids loved pulling weeds and helped get some new plants in the ground. My son said to me during the gardening, “You’re not having fun if you’re not dirty!” My husband looked over at me and we didn’t have to say a thing because we knew this experience was afforded to us because we chose not to overwhelm our schedule and our dirty time in the garden is now tucked in my heart as a fun memory.

Neighborhood Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

While a night walk or bike ride in the neighborhood is a great way to get outside, a fun way to make it a new experience each time is to make it into a scavenger hunt. Before we leave the house I’ll take a piece of paper and make a grid with things we might see when we are outside. You can include insects, plants, or animals and the kids have fun checking off the boxes as we are walking.

L.L.Bean shared several clothing items and accessories with our family to try out during our family outdoor time. I loved that the clothes and boots were true to size, the kids opened the boxes and were able to put the clothes on right away and enjoy them. As a mom, I loved that I could select the sizes I needed and they had a great fit. The kids commented about how soft and comfortable the clothes felt which is super important to me. I want the clothes to be functional for being outside and be comfortable. We know that our kids grow so fast and I love that L.L.Bean has this in mind when designing their jeans. Not only is the fabric high-quality and durable, they have built in an adjustable waist with grow-with-your-child buttons and pant legs that can be rolled up or down with an adorable red banding. The most important aspect to me is that the products are functional and they let my kids be kids in the outdoors, whether it is stomping around in L.L.Bean Boots in the garden or running in their jeans.

We hope you’ll take the time to say yes to the outdoors with your family this summer. When you do, snap a picture and share it on Instagram with the hashtag, #BeanOutsider

For more information about the L.L.Bean Jeans and L.L.Bean Boots shown in this post, check out the L.L.Bean web page.

This is a sponsored blog; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by L.L.Bean to share this post.

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The post Say “Yes” to the Outdoors with Your Family first appeared on BonBon Break.