Summer is well underway, and so is my summer content! Check out this roundup of  great Mindfully Scientific Mama recipes, activities, printables, and more... and stay tuned for fresh summer content soon! Don't forget to follow me on social media to grab even more summer tips, product recommendations, travel information, food allergy content, and more!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned support my small business, and my participation in this program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about my participation in this program here.

Just because Amazon Prime Day is over doesn't mean you can't still score great deals! Here are a few highly rated products, currently significantly discounted, that you'll love for summer. Grab great kids toys, outdoor furniture, and more, some for more than 50% off!

What kid doesn't love bubbles? With 4 stars and at almost 50% off, this adorable bubble blower is perfect for outdoor playtime!

This great side table has 4.5 stars, and is currently more than 50% off! It would look great in an outdoor lounge area; perfect for entertaining now that people are starting to socialize in person more! You can also find a similar one in black!

With coding becoming an essential skill for 21st Century kids to learn, parents are always on the lookout for new tools. This coding toy from Learning Resources has 4.5 stars, and is on sale for the next couple of weeks. While we don't have this specific toy, we do have a number of other Learning Resources toys, and we love the brand!

A wooden toy truck, on sale, and with hundreds of great reviews (the product has a 4.8 star rating)? Definitely worth grabbing before it goes off sale!

This all in one chair has 4.5 stars, and looks like it would be great for anything from camping, to a beach or lake day. 

Hammocks are great. Pool floats are great? But what do you get when you mix the two, then put it on sale? A 4.5 star rated deal, that's what?!

Keep your little one active and cool this summer with a new splash pad! At almost 50% off, this 4 star product is sure to bring ample smiles!

• Preschool Reading Nook
• Favorite Toddler and Preschooler Toys
• Summer Skin Care Tips for Kids with Sensitive Skin
• Must Have Products

This avocado salsa pairs perfectly with fresh grilled salmon and rice, or can be used as a dip for chips. 

It is also great for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for a number of other dishes.

This delicious and simple summer staple is sure to find multiple uses on your table! 

What have you paired this recipe with? Please tag me on Instagram in your food pictures, and let me know!

Check out even more great recipes!!! 

• Easy Weeknight Turkey and Veggie Chili
• Instant Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
• Sand Cups
• Breakfast Quesadilla
• Even More Food and Recipes

Be sure to pin this recipe to find it later. Or, share with someone you know would love it!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions help support my small business, and my participation in this program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about my participation in this program here. This article does not offer (and should not be interpreted as) medical advice, and is for informational purposes only. Always speak to your doctor regarding specifics related to your medical care. 

Summer can be tons of fun, but it comes with some unique challenges for food allergy families. Here are a few basic tips for staying safe with food allergies this summer!

1. Keep your epinepherine temperature controlled.

You may find yourself asking: What temperature should I keep my epi pen at?

Your epi pen should ideally be kept at room temperature, but that can be challenging during the hot summer months. So, how can you keep your epi pens temperature controlled*? Here are a few tips!

2. Prioritize skin care during the summer months, but always read labels on skincare products

Skincare is vital all year round, especially for those with sensitive skin and/or food allergies. Broken skin allows allergens an access point to cause contact reactions, or can result in rashes that could be confused for allergies. Summer sun, water play, heat, and sunscreen are all harsh on skin, making prioritizing skincare particularly critical during the warm months. 

Be sure to check out my top summer skin care tips for kids with sensitive skin here.

However, skincare and cosmetic products are often the source of nut and seed oils, as well as other top allergens. That means you should always read the labels of your sunscreen and other skincare products in order to ensure they do not contain your allergens. 

Sesame oil is one common ingredient in a variety of skincare products that may be hard to identify, because it is not always labeled clearly; sesame is commonly referred to as sesamum indicum on cosmetic labels. Be sure you know any and all names for your allergens, so you know specifically what to look for. 

3. As always read every label, even if it is a product you have consumed before, and bring safe foods with you.

4. Always communicate about your allergy needs and comfort levels with others around you.

If you have a child with a food allergy, be sure to communicate with any caregivers about allergy action plans. If you will be the caregiver, or if you have food allergies, it is still important to communicate about your comfort level if you will be in close proximity to others. Why? Many skincare and cosmetic products contain common allergens. If there will be food present, there is also a concern of cross contact or accidental exposure. It is always a good idea to communicate about food allergies with those you spend time with, because it allows others to take precautions with where they put their plates down, where they eat (and how they clean up their space), and what products they wear. 

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BRING TWO EPI PENS WITH YOU!!!

You should always have at least two epi pens on you at all times. This ensures you will have a second dose should the first not be effective. That is particularly relevant during summer months, when many travel to destinations that are far from emergency services and/or hospitals. And don't worry; epinephrine is a safe medication! Never be afraid to follow your allergy action plan, even if it includes the administration of epinephrine. 

Sensory play continues to be a family favorite, and with summer approaching, it was time to bring the season to the sensory bin! But why stick with a basic kinetic sand sensory bin? I upped the ante by including water beads (for some extra texture contrast).

Water beads can be a choking hazard, so this may not be appropriate for younger toddlers (and make sure to monitor a child of any age, especially if they may put the beads in their mouth or nose). That said, this is a great preschool activity (and can be a good toddler activity for the right child, with supervision).

Find the perfect gift for dad, or way to celebrate the fathers in your life! I'll be adding to this post periodically with new lists, resources, and printables, so check back regularly!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned help support my small business, and my participation in this program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more here.

Great Father's Day Gifts

• DIY Father's Day Canvas Art Gifts
• The Best Gifts for Him (this list has plenty of great Father's Day options)
• Footprint Flower Art

Free Printables - Great for Gifts, DIY Cards, and More!

FATHER'S DAY "ABOUT MY DAD PRINTABLE"

Sign up for my email list to get access to this printable, and loads more great free content in my subscriber's library!

Free Father's Day Cards - Printables for Instant Download

You can also download one of two Father's Day cards instantly below! No strings attached!

FREE FATHER'S DAY COLORING PAGES!!!

Grab your free Father's Day coloring pages over on the Facebook group! While I share many exclusives with my email subscribers, I also offer Facebook group only exclusives such as these:

Make Memories: The Best Father's Day Activities 

• For the gardening fanatic: Buy fruit trees or native saplings to symbolize growing as a family. Plant them together. Make the activity more special by giving dad a plaque he can put by the trees with the year they were planted in his honor. This is an annual tradition in my family for both mother's and father's day.
• For the fisherman: Get dad some fishing gear, and let him take the day to go fishing alone. Does he love sharing this activity with the family? Have him take the kids, take pictures, and either frame them or make a picture book for him.
• Poems and Stories for Dad: Have each child write a poem or story for their dad! Put in a composition notebook or create a picture book for an extra special keepsake.  
• For the outdoorsman: Take a camping or hiking trip as a family, or let him take one with his friends to get away for a bit. 
• For the gaming fan: Set up a gaming day! Get some great snacks for him, and let dad play his games, uninterrupted. 
• For the bookworm: Let Dad read uninterrupted, in his favorite spot. Take the kids out for awhile to give him plenty of peace and quiet. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost to you, and commissions earned help support my small business. You can learn more about this program here.

If you happen to live in or around Westchester, I also strongly encourage you to check out Lasdon Park's Dinosaur walk!!! It is an amazing resource available FOR FREE!!! The trail isn't particularly long by adult standards, but it is perfect for little feet. Along the way take time to learn about the different dinosaurs, their environment, and more. The trail also offers a virtual reality experience and stations where you can scan signs to learn more!

​Mud kitchens, dirt play, sand boxes, and mud pies are all great ways to have fun getting dirty! While many parents cringe at the idea (admittedly, I am included in that), kids love it. Warm spring and summer days are perfect for getting dirty, because you can do it in a swim suit. Just spray off with a hose when done!

​Grab a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight; then head outdoors! You don’t have to sleep outside to experience the fun of camping! Get comfy, light a fire in your fire pit if you have one, and roast some marshmallows. When it is time for bed, you can always head inside, but not before taking a long gaze at the night sky! There are some great apps out there that help you discover stars, planets, and constellations. ​

​Even small children can partake in family bike rides with a balance bike (which is obviously a lot slower than a regular bike, but a great tool for helping kids get ready to use a big kid bike!) or wagon attachment. Biking is great exercise, and allows you to get out and explore faster than using your own feet. My community has some excellent cycling trails, or just take a ride around your neighborhood. 

​Want even more ideas? I update my Instagram stories regularly with new activities I am doing with my preschooler, or things we are doing as an entire family. You can also find great ideas from around the web on my Pinterest account!
 
What are some of your family’s favorite outdoor activities for the spring and summer? Comment below and let me know!

"COVID-19 has highlighted, to an extraordinary degree, my family’s privilege. It is a word you probably hear a lot of right now in the context of systemic racism, but privilege is multifaceted. My family hasn’t lost anyone to the virus. My husband and I haven’t lost our jobs, though they have become exponentially more difficult. We aren’t struggling to keep a roof over our family’s heads or food in our bellies.............. I’m not saying this because I want to brag. Not in the slightest.... No, my summer isn’t canceled. It may be different this year, but I will not allow my privilege and expectations to ruin it. Things don’t always go as planned, but I am lucky that I have the choice to dance in the rain. I’m grabbing my umbrella. What about you?"

Share the Love!

Over the last few weeks I've been working diligently on tons of new content for you, and in anticipation of the launch, I'm releasing some fun (and educational) printable activities for your toddlers/preschoolers/ kindergarteners. This printables pack includes color, shape, and sight word activities with several levels of difficulty, as well as beach/ocean themed coloring pages. 

Plus, the bright and colorful shape activities are great for any time of year.

You can get access to these printables here.

The following is a guide for making the most out of these downloads. And be sure to send me pictures of your little ones enjoying these great activities! I'd love to share them to Instagram and Facebook with links to your social media accounts. 

How to Make the Most Out of These Activities

Disclosure: This post contains links to Amazon products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at not added cost to you, nor are there any strings attached. Learn more here. 

Shape Matching

The shape matching activity offers four levels of difficulty. The first level has shape words written in the same color as the shape itself, plus images of the shape in the same color. The next level has shapes and words on the main card, but no in color. The more difficult levels offers the shape words with coloring, which requires color matching with exposure to site words, while the most advance level offers shape words without coloring, requiring sight word recognition.

There are two great ways to use either level of this activity.

The first is to cut out each shape card, and the word card (you can cut this out into a single card rather than individual word cards). Then have your child use a glue stick and glue the correct shape next to the correct word. 

You can also use a laminator and velcro to create a reusable activity. First laminate the entire page. Then cut out the individual shapes and the big words card. Finally, apply velcro to the backs of the shape cards and next to each word. Your child can then use the same cards over and over, rather than you having to print multiple copies and waste paper. 

Product Recommendations from Amazon for This Activity

​Fish (Color) Matching 

This activity has three different versions; three levels of difficult for one version, two levels of difficulty for a second, and a single level of difficulty for the third. 

The first version is similar to the shape matching activity, and can be done the same way (either with glue sticks or a laminator and velcro). Also like the shape matching activity, the fish matching activity asks your child to match colors to the correct color word. The easiest level has the color words written in color with a matching fish. The intermediary level offers site words written in matching colors to the respective fish. The hardest, sight word level simply has the color word written in black ink. A second version of this activity requires no cutting, just drawing lines from the fish to the correct color word. 

​A third version of this activity is a coloring page, where your child must color each fish with the color word on its body. This requires sight word reading, and is more advanced than the other versions of this activity. 

These activities are also great for binder games. Click here to learn more about how to make one!

This printables pack also comes with four coloring pages! 

Not quite ready to sign up? While you would be missing valuable content, I do make select coloring pages available for download without signup on my Craft Corner page, as well as worksheets available for direct download on my Activities page.

Have you done any of these activities with your child?

​Be sure to comment below to let me know how it went, or send me pictures (via Instagram, Facebook, or email) of your child enjoying the activities, and I'll post on social media with a tag to your account!

Love this? Be sure to share!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to Amazon products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program helps support this blog and has no added cost or strings attached for you. Click here to learn more. 

What kid doesn’t love a dirt cup? And just in time for beach season, here is a perfect take on this classic dessert. Use the ingredients and instructions below, or just get creative and have fun!

What you will need:

1. Clear plastic cups 
2. Vanilla/Gold/White cake, baked into cupcakes. Slice of top and crumble, leaving the bottoms of the cupcakes aside.
3. Chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies, crumbled
4. Something blue! Use cool whip, whip cream, or vanilla pudding with blue food dye or blue frosting.
5. Candy toppings: Swedish fish, ‘o’ shaped candy like lifesavers or gummy rings.
6. More decoration ideas: You can use pop up cocktail umbrellas or plastic beach decorations like these:

Click on images to view product pages. We've not used these items in our own home, but they have great reviews on Amazon and would be great additions to this project.

​You may also like the following products for this activity:

Click on images to view product pages. We've not used these items purchased from Amazon in our own home, but they have great reviews on Amazon and would be great additions to this project.

Instructions:

​In three easy steps your child can create this adorable and delicious beach themed dessert.

1. Place a cupcake bottom at the bottom of the plastic cup. 
2. Add a layer of “blue”, followed by a layer of crumbles of choice (cookie, cake, or both), and a second “blue”
3. Top with candy and decorations.
4. ENJOY!!!

Many readers already know baking is educational. Measuring helps teach fractions and fine motor skills. Baking helps teach sequences, following steps, highlights cause and effect, and for older children, gives the opportunity to practice reading skills. 

So, to use the sand cup activity as a homeschool activity, simply have your children help with baking!

You can use prompts below as a guide, and tailor them to your child's academic level:

1. Read the instructions. What is the first step?
2. First we pour 'x'. What comes next? 
3. We need [1/2 cup] of [sugar]. Let's look at the bottom number (the denominator). How many parts make a whole in this fraction? (Answer = 2). 
4. What temperature do we need to set the oven at? What do you think would happen if we set it higher? Lower?
5. Let's use the food dye to make new colors! What color do you think yellow and blue would make? What about red and blue? What would happen if we added more [red/blue/yellow/green] to this?
6. The recipe says to bake for 30 minutes? 30 minutes is how much of an hour? (Answer: 1/2 Hour). What if we baked for 15 minute? How many parts of an hour would that be (Answer: 1/4)? How many parts of 30 minutes is 15 minutes? (Answer 15/30, 1/2, etc.). 

​Love this? Be sure to share!