When school is out and summer time hits, a couple of things change in Mom's life. First, the kids will need a little more entertainment to keep them occupied during those daytime hours. Second, the family will probably be taking trips to take advantage of the summer vacation time. 

Both of these circumstances bring to mind one very important thing, something that is necessary in any event and activity that the family takes part in during the warmer months- snack time. In the spirit of all things convenient, it can seem so simple to grab pre-packaged snacks for the kids during the on-the-go summer months, but why not grab something that is both healthier and tastier for them? 

Not sure where to begin? Use our favorite summer snack ideas as a jumping off point, with the understanding that the possibilities are truly endless!

Our Favorite Summer Snacks

Image courtesy of Life in the Thrifty Lane

1. Sweet, salty and oh-so good- Apple pie is an American favorite, and so is popcorn. When those two combine, imagine the tasty treat that is in store for your kiddos!

2. Scrumptious on a stick - In a rush with no time for a sit-down breakfast? You'll love this breakfast version of the beloved summer skewer. It's as tasty and healthy as it is easy to create!

3. Road trip-ready munchies- Instead of settling for chips or candy at the gas station, pack your own snacks pre-road trip. This list of food is packaged and ready to take in the car, keeping your stop time at a minimum and your fun time at the destination top priority.

4. For the picky little taste buds- For the moms out there that are thinking how wonderful it would be to have your child welcome a healthy snack, don't worry, because we've found just what you've been looking for. With just the right amount of sweet and full of the apple sauce flavor that every child adores, these bites are easy to make, eat and take on any adventure.

-The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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Keep Learning Alive!

We don't know about you, but just adore summer. With longer days full of sunshine and vacation, it's the time of year that backyard celebrations and activities reign above all else. We hope you have plans to soak up as much sunshine as possible this year, and we're here to help you come up with a few out-of-the-box activities that the family can enjoy outside. Hey, these games might even be considered beneficial to your child's development... sounds like a winner to us!

Our Favorite Backyard Activities

1. A backyard birthday celebration- Throw out all of those old birthday party ideas, because this camping themed party is sure to be a success. Featuring fun activities that bring the fun of camping into your backyard, we just adore the idea of this kind of unique summer celebration!

2. Obstacles for entertainment- The adventure of an obstacle course is a great way to keep the kids active and engaged this summer. Thanks to this list, you'll probably even have most of the items on hand, making it both entertaining and incredibly convenient to create.

3. Digging for dinosaurs- Did somebody say adventure? Engage your little one's imagination with a real-life dinosaur dig. All you need is a few supplies and you'll be on your way to excavating a few fantastic treasures (and a whole lot of fun)!

4. Outdoor fun for the littlest ones- Give your toddlers the thrill of outdoor entertainment with these fun games that help develop their sensory skills. With simple supplies found right at home, these activities will surely keep them entertained for hours.

5. The wonder of color, summer style- When the weather is warm, nothing says outdoor fun like some water balloon play. When you add color mixing to that activity, you've got the makings of one educational and entertaining summer activity. What more could you ask for?

Let the backyard fun begin!

-The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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Bye Bye, Toy Mess!

It's hard to believe that Easter is upon us! As you prepare for the family celebrations, church services and egg hunts, it may seem that you hardly have time to collect all of the goodies for the perfect Easter basket. Not to worry though, because we've done the legwork for you, putting together a few great ideas for this year's special treat. A little non-traditional and a lot of fun-- that's what your little ones will get come Easter Sunday!

For the Girls

Nothing less than the best will do for your princess, and this Easter basket packs all of the fun and entertainment that she adores. Using the 3Sprouts Owl Caddy instead of a traditional basket, you'll find the following snuggly toys and fun games inside...

1. Pink Bunny Napping Blanket

2.Eeboo Fairytale Spinner Game

3. Jellycat Pony Tails book

4. Pink Automoblox car

5. Mudpuppy Magnetic Design set

For the Boys

Your little man is full of energy, and this special basket plays right to his needs for action and entertainment. In lieu of a regular wicker basket, we grabbed the Used Easter Bunny Basket, which he'll love long after the egg hunt ends. Here are the other fun things he'll find inside...

1. Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Bunny (ivory)

2. Tegu Blocks

3. Mudpuppy Magnetic design set

4. Mini Automoblox

5. Petite Collage first puzzle

For the Babies

Even the tiniest of itty bitties deserve a special Easter surprise this year, and this basket is just perfect for your babe. You'll get endless use out of the 3Sprouts Bee Caddy that we used as a basket, and he or she (and Mommy!) will adore the fun toys and must-have items inside. Here's what made the cut...

1. Jellycat Cream Bashful Bunny

2. Sophie the Giraffe

3. 3 Marthas Burp Cloths

4. Wubbanub

5. Angel Dear Duck Lovie

6. Guava Mitts

Don't waste one more second worrying about filling that basket! After all, your time is much better used when making memories with the special little ones that light up your day!

Happy Easter!

-The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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