Land o'Lessa

Wow. Today’s the last day of school before vacation for my rugrats, and others around the country are being let out tomorrow – and you know what that means… only a few days left to shop, and also? The kids will be HOME for TWO WEEKS.

I give it less than 24 hours before I hear the first “I’m bored!” But that’s Ok, because I’ve a WHOLE LIST of “Honeydos” for when they’re silly enough to say such things. You know, “honey, do this… honey, do that…” – it works for more than just husbands!

One thing I’ve noticed about the kids as they enter pre-teen and teen years, is that while the presents get smaller, they’re more expensive! But here’s one for your (and my!) girls who are ages 8-14!

It’s called the “New Moon Girls“, and there is an online community and a bi-monthly print magazine, too. The chats are moderated, and there’s a staff member online at all times to ensure the safety of the girls. It’s an ad-free space that’s by girls for girls, where they can share their thoughts, opinions, poetry and artwork in an environment meant to help boost their self-esteem, positive body image and confidence.

You can get a 30 day free trial, and then it’s just $29.95 for a full years access, which includes the bi-monthly magazine too. (You can see the current magazine here.)

You know me, I’m all for safe and positive places for our girls, where they can express themselves and be the strong amazing people we know them to be! So check it out today!

As most of you know (but if you don’t, consider this the HI GUYS GUESS WHAT portion of the entry), I live in Alaska, and have for most of my life. One of the benefits of living here is the scenery – we’re surrounded by mountains, and hills and forests and trees and all the wildlife that entails – including (but not limited too) an annual parade of Mama and Baby moose that live in our neighborhood. One year one even birthed her calves in my sister’s back yard!

I only lived elsewhere for the first 8 years of my life, and the only really vivid memory I have of that city was the HUGE climbing tree in my front yard. Coincidentally, that’s also what I miss… a good climbing tree. These up here are… spindly. But fortunately, that’s not all there is to be explored around here!

I always love it when Deana emails me. She always has the good stuff! Recently, while we were moving to our new pages here, she sent me an email letting me know about the new PSA campaign from the US Forest Service and introduced “Where the other you lives”. It’s aim is simple – help you help your kids to reconnect with nature, disconnect the Game Systems for a while, and having some good, old fashioned, outdoor adventures!

While the campaign is aimed at our tweens, primarily, that doesn’t make it any less viable for your teenagers. If nothing else, they need to scope out their next wild and parentless party and/or lover’s lane location!

….what?

Here’s the thing. U.S. children spend 50% less time outdoors than 20 years ago, and research shows that children who play outside play more creatively, have lower stress levels, more active imaginations, are fitter and leaner, with stronger immune systems, a greater respect for themselves, others and the environment. An overwhelming amount of tweens even WANT to be out there hiking the trails and kicking rocks!

So what are YOU waiting for? Check out DiscoverTheForest.org for places to go and things to do. Find your way back to Nature today!

PS – speaking of the ever lovely Deana giving us the good stuff? Stay tuned! We’ve something AWESOME cooked up just for you! Be sure to check back in the upcoming days!!!