A Shark Tank Success Story – Meet Carrie Shaltz Haslup, Founder of TABEEZE! If you are curious about how to get a free TABEEZE product- keep reading!

Have you ever watched the ABC network TV show SHARK TANK? My husband and I are devoted fans, and one night, a woman entered the “tank” and gave a captivating presentation that compelled me to order her product BEFORE the final credits finished! Yes, I am talking about Carrie Shaltz Haslup and her incredible baby clothing line, TABEEZE!

Watch this ABC12 News story about TABEEZE and Carrie’s journey to SHARK TANK

TABEEZE is an innovative solution to a longstanding dilemma: easily removing a shirt, onesie, or romper from a young child without triggering the notorious “baby rage.” (If you’re a parent, you understand exactly what I mean by BABY RAGE!)

Tabeeze invented baby basics with smarter snaps, quicker zips, and safer materials to make dressing AND undressing a baby easier than you ever imagined possible!

CARRIE SHOULD GET THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!

Once I received the product, I was captivated by the vibrant and cheerful colors. It’s not your typical palette for a youth clothing line! The rich shades are beautifully inspired by art and nature, and I absolutely loved it!

I returned to the website to explore their offerings further and discovered a product called TUBE-EEZE. This was a game-changer! As a parent of a son who was “connected” in the ICU and at home with medical device leads, I was astounded by how simple and affordable TUBE-EEZE was, thanks to Carrie’s innovative creation. TUBE-EEZE allows a tube or “lead” to be hidden and more secure. It is easy to add to any piece of clothing and honestly- GENIUS! 

TUBE-EEZE can help solve clothing challenges with children who have GI-tubes and other needs.  Read more here.

The website describes TUBE-EEZE as, “Our unique iron-on G-tube patch gives you quick and easy access to your kiddo’s feeding port. Tube-eeze is the first of its kind, allows for custom placement, and can be used on both Tabeeze and other clothing in your child’s wardrobe. Just 3 simple steps (iron, cut, and wash) allow you to seamlessly adapt your baby’s clothing to make feeding a breeze.”

Finding out about Tube-eeze ignited my entrepreneurial instincts, prompting me to reach out to the company to initiate a discussion. I invited the TABEEZE marketing team to connect with me to explore how I could leverage my unique perspective as a special education psychologist, parent, and content creator to assist them in expanding their reach. Carrie responded promptly, which speaks volumes about the company’s commitment!

When Carrie and I connected this past week, we instantly felt a bond. Most importantly, she embodies the spirit of Tikkun Olam, which is Hebrew for “repairing the world.” This concept emphasizes the idea of paying it forward, giving back far more than we receive. I learned that Carrie has generously donated hundreds of her products to families in need. She also donates a product for every one sold. 

Carrie also makes this very generous offer: 

“If you have a NICU, disabled, or medically complex baby in your family we encourage you to apply for a special 40% discount off of your purchase. Fill out this quick application and a discount code will be sent to your email within 48 hours“

Link to apply for this offer: https://tabeeze.com/pages/sharing-is-caring-application

Additionally, Carrie is an astute business owner; with the guidance of Shark Tank’s Daymond John, she has successfully built a company that addresses clothing dilemmas for babies and toddlers in both hospitals and at home.

        • Thank you for reading and supporting TABEEZE. Know that I am a cheerleader and not a paid influencer for this product. I just love spotlighting companies that solve problems and give back to our communities. 
    • Free samples are no longer available via this blog.  Please contact the company for any information regarding products for NICU’s, etc.  Thank you. (April 4, 2025)

Reflections on a Chaotic 2024

3 a.m. is the hour when my mind seems to engage in its most profound reflections for this blog. Last night was no exception. At 3 a.m., I found myself awake, compelled to compose a “2024 year in review blog.” However, by 4 a.m., I struggled to identify ten positive aspects worthy of mention. By 5 a.m., I resolved to present an unvarnished account of the year—addressing the harsh realities, the disappointments, the sorrow, and ultimately the moments of hope and joy that emerged.

Ugly 2024

It would take me hours to describe all the harsh and unkind actions I’ve faced and seen this past year. I received contemptuous messages on social media about my views on social and political issues. Some dear friends were threatened for their opinions and choices in life. And sadly there were people who I thought were friends from college or high school who stopped connecting with me when I shared my views about the 2024 elections. I tried to learn and listen to others’ beliefs during the campaign, and even if I disagreed, I aimed to show respect and decorum. I only wish others would do the same.

Disappointing 2024

My disappointment about mankind was at an all-time high this past year. The cruelty that people inflicted on their fellow humans was incomprehensible. I am disappointed that after centuries of living on this planet – we have not established a way to exist in harmony versus adversity.

And as always – children pay the highest price for the actions of adults.

Grieving 2024

I have spent part of 2024 grieving for people I lost from college, high school, and our community, including friends and admired colleagues. One of the hardest losses was our beloved dog, Bayla. While some may not consider a pet worthy of deep grief, it still hurts. We miss her every day.

Hopeful 2024

By mid-November, I saw a chance to improve my 2024 experience, choosing to shift my focus from negativity to helping others, which led me to contact my friend Linda McCallum, or “MAMA LINDA.”

Linda and I met through BCBC, a now-closed group for women. She inspires me by playing Mrs. Claus every Christmas to bring joy to preschoolers in Los Angeles. Our BCBC group used to support her by donating gifts and money. This year, since BCBC is no longer active, I asked my friends and hubby to help. Together, we brought holiday cheer to 50 children and their hardworking teachers. With the help of friends, we wrapped games and books. We also filled stockings with candy, small toys, stickers, and even “treasure boxes”.

Watch Linda (Mrs. Claus) give gifts to the children in this video. (Recorded with parent permission.)

Grateful 2024

I am ending the year grateful. I have an abundance of gratitude for my family (including the newest members who joined us this year), our good health, and the strong bonds that unite us. I cherish our ability to travel, exploring new places and creating memories that will last a lifetime. My employment at a job I really do like allows me to grow and develop professionally, which I greatly appreciate. Additionally, the laughter and fun times I have had with good friends fill my life with joy and happiness. These moments, filled with shared stories and adventures, remind me of the importance of connection and support in our lives. As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all these wonderful moments, feeling overwhelmingly thankful for the incredible people and experiences that surround me.

Happy 2024

It is New Year’s Eve, and I am excited to embrace the year’s end with joy and a hopeful spirit!

I wish all of you the best of health, happiness, and most of all peace.

~Louise

BUDGET FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON

This year, many people have expressed the need to shop on a “tight budget,” citing reasons that range from economic challenges to a desire to curb the “over the top” holiday spending indulgences.

I have put together a list of budget-friendly gifts for you to explore. Additionally, I want to highlight my daughter Natasha’s list of gifts that support charitable causes. You can find her list here.

Here are my creative and budget-friendly ideas to ensure your holiday season is truly “merry and bright” without breaking the bank!

Take advantage of the exciting pre-Black Friday sales! Many popular items, including TVs and toys, have seen significant price cuts. During my visit to TARGET, I discovered a variety of WICKED-themed items priced under $15, with an arts and crafts set available for just $5! Additionally, I found several LEGO packs for less than $20 on the Target website and Moana dolls starting at an incredible $6.59!

NO BANNED BOOKS HERE >> FAMILIUS BOOKS ARE DIVERSE and INCLUSIVE!

Books from Familius Publishing cultivate connection and enhance cultural awareness through captivating stories. This forward-thinking publishing company boldly addresses contemporary issues, including diversity and inclusion. As a proud ambassador* for Familius, I truly admire their commitment to delivering high-quality products that can be cherished and passed down through generations. Excitingly, this week they are offering a special discount! Be sure to place your orders by December 5th for timely Christmas or Chanukah delivery.

Below you will see many of my favorite titles! From the 100 First Words series ALLEGRO, SHE SPOKE, the 12 Little Elves (Nebraska, Alaska, Texas, etc.), the Puzzle Trains (Christmas and Alphabet versions), and BFF or NRF for tweens and teens! To make the Familius bookstore even more budget-friendly you are invited to use their code: READTOGETHER30. This will get you an additional 30% off from Nov. 1st – Dec. 15th (2024). * I do not receive any financial compensation as an ambassador for Familius.

This is a cute sling purse that is perfect for travel. It comes in a variety of colors and designs. (Confession- I bought one for myself and two for gifts!) Available on Amazon for less than $25


Expandable travel bag. I always travel with a spare bag in my suitcase—the kind that folds up and can be used to bring home souvenirs. These bags appear to be very sturdy and versatile and come in a variety of colors. The Black Friday pricing was under $20! A bargain, if you ask me!


A Multi-Charging Cable for the Win! Finally one cable charges most of devices – a great find – especially for travelers! Priced under $15 and Available on Amazon


EXPERIENCES for FRIENDS and FAMILY

SCAVENGER HUNTS – Discover the hidden gems of your local town or city (or a place you have traveled) with an exciting scavenger hunt. URBAN QUEST ADVENTURE provides a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening, whether as a couple or in a group. We had a blast in Paso Robles, California, where after three hours of exploration, we uncovered the solution to our final clue and celebrated in style at some of Paso Robles’ amazing bakeries and ice cream shops!



MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS– from books, wine, and more – there are so many ingenious subscription services. Buy a month or a year! CRATE JOY offers a variety that should please most. They are offering a Black Friday discount – so now is a good time to cyber-shop!


SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED

If a cause or organization resonates with you – please try to show them your support.

A New Way to Shop – Purchasing Unclaimed Mail, Mystery Boxes, and More! Featuring an Interview with Jodi Lytle, The Pallet Princess!

People have an undeniable fascination with a good shopping mystery! From storage units that have been abandoned and left unpaid long enough to go up for auction, to return items from major retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, sold for mere pennies on the dollar; the thrill of discovery is irresistible. There’s also unclaimed mail, encompassing undeliverable packages that have roamed the globe searching for their rightful owners. When no one claims these lost items, they too are auctioned off in pallets to eager buyers looking to uncover or resell these hidden “treasures.”

I must confess, I’ve become quite captivated by this fascinating world. I’ve indulged in an astonishing number of “Storage Unit Unveiled” episodes that could entertain me for years! Additionally, I’ve made unique purchases from Unclaimed Baggage, including electronics and various items left behind on airplanes. In fact, shopping for unclaimed baggage offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a computer, tablet, or phone at an unbeatable price. And for under $50 you can find a warehouse full of gems! (Check out these items below from Unclaimed Baggage today!)

This brings me to my latest obsession: Jodi Lytle’s (@PallettPrincessO) Instagram and TikTok pages. She shares her unique process of purchasing large pallets of unclaimed mail and surplus inventory from various stores via her authentically modest videos. With an engaging flair, she unboxes these intriguing finds on her Instagram and TikTok accounts, inviting her audience to join her in the excitement of discovering whether the items are hidden “treasures” or mere “junk.”

Jodi exudes a lively energy that captivates everyone around her. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, especially when she attempts to guess the contents of the mystery package based on its wrapping or the color of the paper! Frequently, she’ll exclaim with playful disdain, “I bet it’s car parts.” Alongside this, there’s an amusing streak of wishful thinking—”I hope it’s something nice.” Viewer comments vary widely, from supportive suggestions to outright rudeness. It often pains me to see her defend her reasoning for purchasing pallets—often at a thousand dollars or more—only to face criticism for her choices.

What Jodi is providing is FREE ENTERTAINMENT during a time when a diversion from the ills of the world is very much welcome!

Of all the intrigue that these various websites and content creators provide, the one that has truly offered me the most “payback” is Jodi’s Mystery Jewelry Boxes. I recently purchased my first box, which promised to include 20 individually wrapped new jewelry pieces.

This box exceeded my expectations. Jodi sent 30 pieces, all with their price tags still attached. My curious self tallied up the tags from Banana Republic, Saks, Nordstrom, Stein Mart, and more. The total value came to an impressive $690! When discussing ROI (return on investment), converting a $60 expense into $700 is undeniably fantastic!

The mystery box created an enjoyable addition to our family reunion gathering. It was such a success that I decided to purchase a second, then a third, and finally a fourth—after all, the holiday season will be upon us before we know it! Below is just a small sample of what has been included!


I asked Jodi to respond to a few questions. After all, inquiring entrepreneurial minds want to know more about this concept. She is a boldly honest mid-westerner – and gosh that was refreshing!

JODI’s INTERVIEW

Jodi: I buy from some wholesalers I trust.  The links are in my link tree.  Pallet world is very unmonitored and that leads to a lot of scammers.  I always say “If you can’t touch it don’t buy it.”  You can find wholesalers on face book and monitor their page for a while to ensure that they are good real people. 

Jodi: There are only two places that I know of that sell unclaimed mail currently.  One is GRP in Dorr Michigan (Mitch and his wife Jess are great.)  and the other is Pallet Liquidation Depot in Oshkosk Wisconsin (Tell Mike Jodi sent you.) 

Jodi: If we can find a good supplier we would be open to different mystery boxes.  We have been searching but have not found any product that we feel is quality.  Stay tuned because who knows what is next! 

Jodi: This question made me laugh……..CAR PARTS! But it honestly depends on the pallet.  

Louise: If you resell them – where do you usually do that – Etsy? Ebay? Another site? Combination of more than one site?

We do not really sell what we open.  When we used to buy big pallets we would sell locally to friends informally.  We donate and share about 90% if not more.  We keep about 1% of items that we open. 

Jodi: It is rewarding.  When an individual gets back an item that is special to them it makes me so happy.  

Jodi: Please follow along and go on daily adventures with us! 

Jodi:

LINKTREE

Tiktok Palletprincess0

Instagram Palletprincess0

Facebook Jodi Lytle

Thank you for reading!

A Review of the Woodloch Pines Resort

Recently, my family enjoyed an amazing four days in the idyllic rural setting of the Pocono Mountains, specifically at Woodloch Pines. When I say family, I mean our lively group of 20, spanning from just 7 weeks old to our “seniors”. If “Woodloch” rings a bell, it’s likely because this all-inclusive resort has proudly been voted the #1 Family Resort for the past five years by USA TODAY. Frankly, it has truly earned its bragging rights, as our experience was nothing short of FANTASTIC!

Woodloch has been a beloved destination for 65 years, conveniently located about 2.5 hours from the New York City area. As a family-run business, guests are warmly welcomed daily in the dining room by various members of the family, reflecting their pride in the establishment. They take great care to ensure that no visitor leaves bored or hungry! Each day, a new schedule featuring 30 daily activities and the resort meal menus is made available to guests. Our family was thrilled to take advantage of nearly all the activities within our first 48 hours of arrival! A full list of the activities can be found here . Below, I’ve compiled a selection of our favorite activities, listed in no particular order…

Boat rides on the lake (this is a short ride on fairly calm waters- a total of 15-20 minutes.)

Bumper boats (A favorite among our younger family members)

Bumper cars (Who doesn’t love bumper cars?!)

Pickle Ball – (Weather permitting)

Archery (Family members reported “fun, but just OK”)

Arts and Crafts Projects (The kids loved this!)

Sensory Room (Great for the toddler/ preschool kids)

Indoor heated pool with a splash pad (A BIG WIN with all!)

Mini-Golf (for all ages!)

Indoor arcade (Larger than I thought it would be and filled with many favorite games.)

Petting Zoo (Again – great for the little ones)

Pony Rides ( This too is for the little ones)

Bingo, Trivia, and other group games for prizes! (We must have played every single game they offered! It was a ton of fun and we were winners! Note that Bingo winners can earn some serious $$)

Hiking trails (These trails were reported as not too strenuous.)

Escape Room (Honestly, tougher than we thought – but a ton of fun!)

Paint and Sip classes (Sadly, we signed up but it was canceled due to illness of the teacher – Next time!)

Nightly shows featuring magicians, musical groups, and balloon artists (The performances varied from quite impressive to mediocre. However, the balloon magician’s act was a bit too intense for our little ones, who ended up fleeing the room in tears!)

Special events for holidays (We were there Halloween week and the parade was a blast)

Relax at the coffee house or sports bar (both yummy)

Enjoy home-cooked meals, if you wish. (The resort was very good at honoring requests for special diets- bravo!)

and spa! (Another huge favorite!)

And if you are so inclined – go ahead and have your wedding on the property!


ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Woodloch Pines offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. Our family opted for the Mountain Laurel building, which, although a bit further from the main lodge, provided a peaceful atmosphere and convenient access to the daily shuttle service. (The shuttle operates throughout most of the day and night, traversing the entire property.) Additionally, there is ample parking available for guests. The sidewalks vary in accessibility, featuring both easy pathways and more rugged, rocky sections.

Important note: There are some pretty steep inclines to walk and if you need to push a stroller or wheelchair this may be a bit taxing.


The rooms at the Mountain Laurel building were well-designed and spacious, with the ones we booked featuring convenient kitchenettes. The larger suites boasted expansive closets and an in-unit washer and dryer unit. For guests without in-unit laundry, additional facilities are available on the premises for added convenience.

A few tips

If you want to plan a big family gathering at Woodloch Pines, book your stay quickly. This place is very popular!

Pack for all kinds of weather. Also, bring your sunblock and your bug spray. It is in the middle of the woods, after all.

There is a charming gift shop, but like many resort gift shops, it can be a bit expensive. However, just a 15-minute drive away lies the quaint town of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Here, you’ll find the typical box stores that can help you save a few dollars if you take a moment to stop by on your way to the resort to stock up on bottled water, snacks, and other essentials.

In closing, until we visited Woodloch Pines, I wasn’t particularly fond of the Poconos; my previous vacations at other resorts in the area had left me underwhelmed, with one place we even departed from early. However, Woodloch stands out as a distinctly different experience.

Check out availability, pricing, and more here.

Learn about their accessibility.

Read about the homes for sale on their resort property.

Disclaimer: I wrote this review of Woodloch Pines on my own, without any perks or benefits. This is my honest opinion based on my experience. Thank you.

Tips for Visiting Vancouver Island – Victoria, British Columbia

Recently, I traveled to Victoria, British Columbia with my hubby, exploring a good portion of Vancouver Island and the capital city. How to get here? Many ferries come to this island from the mainland of Canada (the city of Vancouver) and the United States (Seattle). Also, the Victoria International Airport is very busy and has frequent flights to and from North America and beyond.

If you have read any of my travel blogs then you know to expect a list of travel tips. So, without further adieu here are my helpful tips, recommendations, and photos!

TIPS for VISITING VANCOUVER ISLAND

TIP 1: Consider traveling during the off-season

Victoria is a popular destination during warmer months due to cruise ships stopping en route to or from Alaska. Consider visiting Victoria, and the rest of Vancouver Island, earlier in the Spring or the Fall. You may have more rain, but you will not have to endure the crowds. If you are on a cruise with limited time – then consider my “Top 3” places to explore on this island.

My TOP 3:

1. BUTCHART GARDENS

2. EMPRESS HOTEL for HIGH TEA

3. INNER HARBOR of DOWNTOWN VICTORIA


TIP 2: MAKE A PLAN BEFORE VISITING

My top places to travel also are popular with others, so consider planning and purchasing tickets to visit Butchart Gardens and The Empress Hotel for High Tea. These two places are very impressive and also deserving of your consideration. Butchart Gardens can take several hours to meander the paths along the Sunken, Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens. There are shops, restaurants, and even a carousel. During the summer weekends, musical entertainment is available along with fireworks on Saturday evenings.

The Empress Hotel is downtown in Victoria. It is located in the middle of the inner harbor and offers a multitude of places to visit. There is High Tea at the Empress (a very lovely two hours can be spent here having tea and assorted yummy sandwiches, scones, and desserts.). There also is a miniature museum on the perimeter of the hotel and well worth spending another hour or two visiting. (This is a very fun place to bring children!) Except for the museum, it is best to purchase in advance tickets for the gardens and high tea. Plus, enjoy the sculptures all around the hotel, as well!


TIP 3- Wear Comfortable Shoes to Walk the Downtown, including the Inner Harbor

Victoria is a walking city. Dress for a temperate climate and lots of walking. Be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella!


TIP 4- Use the very accessible bus transportation system.

Tickets can be purchased on the bus or the Visitor’s Center located on the corner of Wharf and Government Street.


TIP 5- Visit a winery or cider mill on the outskirts of Victoria’s downtown.

Located under an hour from downtown is no less than ten wineries and cider mills. We loved the Cowichan Valley’s Merridale Cider Mill – mostly because it had delicious ciders and sandwiches, but also because it was very family-friendly. Their property included much to see, including faerie gardens!

Learn more here:


TIP 6: Visit the beaches

Along the perimeter of Victoria, you will find inlets, harbors, and beaches. From the sea glass beach in Sidney (near the airport) to “SPLIT ROCK LOOKOUT” in Malahat (a lovely serene area off the beaten path). Pack a picnic, sunblock, and go hike the beach trails!


TIP 7: Visit at least ONE Castle!

If you are like me, you find castles and lighthouses fascinating. But, after one or two you have had enough! So, if you feel the need to explore a castle- make it Craigdorrach in the downtown area of Victoria! The history is fascinating and the castle is beautiful. BUT… be warned – there is no elevator, ramps, or any other attempt to make this place accessible. It is privately owned and everything is in ENGLISH (not even French – the official second language of Canada!)


TIP 8 – RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS

We ate at a few really good restaurants and a few not so good. I already covered the two exceptionally yummy high teas we attended at Butchart Gardens and The Empress Hotel.

The only restaurant that we found as a standout was NAUTICAL NELLIES on Wharf Street. This restaurant has a casual atmosphere with a pub-like feel. There is outdoor seating and they have take-out options. It also had an eclectic menu that included lobster mac and cheese (double yum), a spicy street corn, and several varieties of sushi! We ate three times at Nautical Nellies and would have gone back again if we had more days! Their waitstaff also was very attentive and answered all of our questions (due to allergies – I got questions!)

In closing, we visited Victoria during their Canada Day celebration festivities! We booked our hotel for July 1 (Canada Day) at the Delta Marriott. It just happened to be the exact area where they launched the fireworks display for all who were visiting the harbor. Our room proved to be an excellent vantage point to photograph and video the fireworks. Enjoy the video!

Tips for Visiting Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia

Butchart Gardens is 55 acres of amazement! Privately owned by Jennie Butchart and operated by her family and considered the “must-do venue” of Victoria for tourists to visit! Thousands of people explore Butchart – and this year I was one of them during a recent trip to Victoria. I decided to share some insights and photos about Butchart Gardens for all of you to enjoy!

Tips for Visiting Butchart Gardens

TIP 1: Plan your trip before arriving in Victoria. Start by visiting the Butchart Gardens website to familiarize yourself with the layout of the area and also to purchase tickets. Keep in mind that there are many activities, including musical bands on Fridays and Saturday fireworks. I also would recommend making a reservation at the Butchart Tea House!

TIP 2: Go early in the day! Be sure to print your tickets or have them downloaded onto your phone. When you pass through the entry gates ask for the brochure guide that describes all the flowers and trees. This guide is very helpful is very little signage to help you know the names of the area flowers and trees.

Also, know that the crowds increase during the day, so plan on arriving at the gardens when they open. There are clear maps throughout the acreage. We started with the Sunken Gardens. The walkway had both steps and ramp inclines, so a person with mobility issues (such as a wheelchair) could access the gardens without much difficulty.


Photos of the Sunken Garden

TIP 3.: Earl Grey anyone? I highly suggest you make the TEA HOUSE a stop during your visit. No reservations? Don’t worry! Just plan on standing in line at the Tea House by 10:45a.m. to secure a spot or perhaps be one of the first to enter. (We were online for 15 minutes and seated and served our tea by 11:10 a.m.) The tea and food are delicious and well worth the wait and cost. ($52 Canadian when we visited). The food includes a trifle as the starter, then an array of foods served on a fancy three-tiered china platter with scones, bite-sized sandwiches, a small quiche, and selected desserts. While it may seem that this is not enough food – it was so much we took home several of the desserts as we were too full! (I highly recommend the peppermint tea.)


PHOTOS OF the BUTCHART GARDENS TEA HOUSE


PHOTOS OF The BUTCHART ROSE GARDEN

Everything is coming up roses at Butchart Gardens!

TIP 4 – This is a very popular area in the gardens – so expect crowds and try to time your entry into this area when there are no strollers or large groups behind you in line. This will allow you to take your time without people trying to rush you through this spectacular display or accidentally bumping into you. The roses are on both sides of the sidewalk and people tend to traverse from side to side – thus creating a “traffic jam”. This can lead to some less patient visitors trying to push their way past slower folks.


The Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Gardens are often cited as a favorite among visitors! I would have to agree! They are very serene with ponds, fountains, and even a zen garden.


TIP 5 – Gelato! There is a very busy gelato kiosk on the way out of the gardens. The cones looked delicious, but honestly, I was too full from the tea house treats that I skipped getting one.

TIP 6- Stop at the souvenir shop! This shop was packed with lots of gardening and souvenir-type gifts. Of course, there were walls covered with packs of seeds cultivated from plants grown in Butchart Gardens! I picked up a large selection for my home garden and to give as gifts. As a reminder – get the label and packaging needed to make it through customs in the country where you live. AND… some countries do not permit packs of seeds to pass customs.


TIP 7- Use the bus system whenever possible, including going to Butchart Gardens. The rapid transit system in Victoria is a far cheaper method of transportation than renting a car or taxi. You can get a pass on the bus or at the local visitor centers. The bus system is very reliable and runs a good portion of the day and night. From downtown Victoria, you can get the bus across from the Royal British Museum. The fee is $5 Canadian for a round-trip ticket. The bus leaves about every 10-15 minutes and drops off the passengers a short walking distance from the entry gates to the garden. The ride was about 40 minutes long. Food and drink are allowed on the bus. No smoking is allowed.

For more information about Butchart Gardens go here.

For more information about Victoria, British Columbia go here.

Happy Travels!

FUN ALERT – Part 2! Creative Summer Learning Activities (Reading, Writing, Videography, and more – with FREE downloadable ideas)

Hello and welcome back if you are a regular reader and a big hello if you are new to this blog. Today, I am going to write Part 2 about how to beat the summertime “there is nothing to do” cycle with your kids and sneak in strategies to retain skills. Part 1 tackled Math and this time, Part 2 will focus on READING, WRITTEN LANGUAGE, and learning about our world!

Please don’t let out a big sigh and stop scrolling because I talked ed-speak here! I promise that below you will find fun and creative ideas that even grown-ups will love. So, please keep reading, comment with your ideas, and share with others!! THANK YOU!!

As I mentioned in Part 1, the first steps are necessary and important. Step 1) Turn off devices. This is good “old-fashioned” learning. Hands-on and multifaceted. Unless otherwise noted- no devices will be needed. (And if they are it will be “with intention”.) Step 2) Engage with your child and supervise their activities if they are young or in need of help. Don’t assume that your child will know what to do or how to do it. Bonus- you are likely to have fun, too!

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR!

Start by highlighting a different country every week or bi-monthly! During this time you can 1) read about the country 2) Listen to music from the country 3 )Find the country on a globe or map 4) Plan a fake (or real) trip to the country – including making an itinerary. 5) Learn about the language of the country (or languages). 6) Play a game that is specific to that country 7) Cook a traditional meal from the country!

Margaret McSweeney, host of KitchenChat, shared this technique to help promote cooking at a young age and reading skills, “Try tasting the world by cooking through the alphabet with your children. A: learn about Argentina and make Chimichurri sauce. B: learn about Brazil and make Brigadeiro. You will enjoy exploring the globe through food with your kids.”

For example, here is a scenario… “Jane” decided that she wanted to spotlight SPAIN. She found several books about SPAIN and even a travel guide and journal from DK! She then mapped out a “wish trip” from Barcelona to Malaga. Next, Jane went to the library and found a Spanish cookbook and chose to make a recipe for paella. She also found a Spanish dictionary and young reader books to help her learn basic Spanish vocabulary. Because she was learning “with intention”, Jane was able to listen to watch Flamenco dancers, and play “futbol”! She then watched TV shows in Spanish and tuned in to Spanish-language radio shows!

DRAMA CAMP- from STORYBOARDING TO FILMING

Do you have a future thespian in your home? Perhaps a screenwriter? Or videographer? Equip your kids with the skills to create a storyboard to start creating a play, or script for a TV program or film, and let them use their creativity to figure out the rest (like sets, costumes, etc.). Remember, the TV show The GOLDBERGS and how Adam Goldberg would enlist his family and friends to be part of his videos? Well, Adam is now a very successful filmmaker and it all appears that he started with what and who he knew- his family.

In this interview, Steven Speilberg talks about his early start to making movies prompted by his dad.

How to get started? First, your kids need to understand what is a storyboard and its purpose. You can find much information about that here in this video. Using tools such as CANVA and STORYBOARDTHAT can help to organize and create storyboards. What is amazing about this creative outlet is that children of all ages can integrate several skills. They need to read, write, and use many executive functions such as organization and being flexible. (If first you don’t succeed… try, try, again!)

Hint: Graphic storyboards and comic strip makers can multiply the attention span for this kind of activity. Free to download the “boards” I have created below.

YOUNG AUTHORS

Along the same line as ‘Drama Camp” is helping a child find their inner “author”. Perhaps they want to create a book (and even self-publish- such as on Amazon). Or they wish to begin a blog (yes, WordPress allows kids to write here.) There is no limit to the ideas a child conjures that are worth writing and being read!

More fun ideas!

Create a family trivia game – your child can design their own board game based on family trivia! Topics can be as follows: 1. WHO SAID THIS 2. WHO BOUGHT THIS. 3. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? 4. FAVORITES (favorite book, color, places to visit, etc.)

Download the PDF here to make and copy your own trivia game.