Don’t let the rain wash away your fun! If running around in the rain and jumping in puddles is not your style, keep the summer vibes going with these indoor rainy day activities. Before you know it, the sun will be shining again.

Hold Down the Fort
Building a fort is something we all did as kids. Help your child turn their most creative Lego creations into life-sized buildings by gathering all of your household’s pillows, blankets, and sheets to build a fort. Forget about the mess and have fun! Test your construction skills and see how big you can build your fort. Don’t get discouraged if it all falls down. Pick it back up and start from scratch. Once your fort is sturdy, decorate it to create a cozy ambience with string lights and lanterns. In the comfort of your newly built shelter, wait out the storm with your family’s favorite movies and snacks.

Board Game Bash
Start a little friendly competition with video games and board games. Get lost in a heated game of cards and forget all about the cloudy skies outside. Make board games exciting for your kids by making up your own rules and offering little rewards for the winner. If your restless little ones have a lot of pent up energy, try playing active games like Just Dance or charades to keep them active.

Runway Strut
For parents with little fashionistas, host a mini fashion show so they can test out their model strut. Although they may be a few sizes too big, let your child try on your clothes just for the fun of it. Join them in the fun and try on clothes that have gotten lost in the back of your closet. While you and your child are caught up in the fun, this could also be a great time to figure out which clothes are ready to move on to the donation pile.

After walking the runway in your finest attire, treat yourselves to a spa day. Paint each others nails, braid each others hair, and do each others make up. This is a great way to catch up with your child and give them the space to talk about anything and everything.

Remember to keep things silly. Let whatever outfits you try on be outrageous, let your child put too much lipstick on, and let them paint outside the lines when doing your nails. The most important thing is to remember to have fun and keep the laughter going.

Kitchen Adventures
Pass the time by baking or cooking with your family. For extra fun, pick a theme and base the entire meal on that theme. Transform your kitchen into a Hawaiian island paradise with pineapple flavored confections and fruit punch or recreate foods from your favorite Disney film. Use this time to get creative and try out recipes that you typically can’t fit into your busy schedule. This is a great way to get the family together and get a head start on getting your child interested in learning how to cook.

By: Jenna Greaves

Good food can set the stage for good times. Whether you’re throwing the ultimate summer backyard party or cooking for your family, these easy four-step or less recipes will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds.

Breakfast
Farmers’ Market Frittata
Rise and shine! Get your day started with this hearty breakfast that is guaranteed to energize your family for the exciting day ahead.

Ingredients: 12 large lightly beaten eggs, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 sweet mini peppers, 4 cups roughly chopped curly kale leaves, 1 large grated garlic clove, and chopped fresh dill.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F while combining eggs, cheese, cream, chives, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
2. Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet. Throw in the sliced red onion and peppers and cook for four to six minutes, stirring occasionally. Once softened, put contents in a plate.
3. Heat the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add kale and garlic. Once the kale is wilted, move half of it to a plate. Put half of the onion and pepper mixture in the skillet and combine. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and slowly add in the rest of the kale and onion mixture. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for one to two minutes, until the edges set.
4. Put the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until center sets. Garnish with fresh dill.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Try a new spin on a classic breakfast dish with this overnight blueberry French toast casserole. Mix the ingredients together the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for an easy start to the day.

Ingredients: Cooking spray, 14-16 ounce cubed bread loaf, 1 and 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese, 8 large eggs, 2 and 1/2 cups half-and-half, 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Blueberry-Maple Syrup: 1 and 1/2 cups maple syrup, 2 cups fresh blueberries, 1 finely grated lemon, 1 lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Directions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Create an even layer of two-thirds of the bread cubes in the dish, cover with blueberries, and the rest of the bread. Dollop teaspoons of cream chees between the bread cubes.
2. Beat eggs and add in the half-and-half, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Once combined, evenly pour the mixture over the bread and refrigerate overnight.
3. The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, bring the casserole to room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining two tablespoons of sugar and bake 45 to 50 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes before serving.
4. Blueberry-Maple Syrup: Boil syrup and 1 cup of blueberries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer for 10 minutes and stir occasionally over reduced heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Serve warm.

Lunch
Southwestern Salad
This dish embraces all the colors of summer. Keep your summer body in shape and satisfy your hunger with this mix of mouthwatering veggies.

Ingredients: 2 heads chopped romaine lettuce, one 15-ounce drained and rinsed can of black beans, 1 and 1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes, 1 orange seeded and chopped bell pepper, 1 cup corn, 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, 4 sliced green onions, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 cubed ripe avocado, and 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips. Dressing: 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 chopped jalapeño, 1 clove chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup olive oil.

Directions:

1. For the salad: In a large bowl, mix together lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, cheese, green onion, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.
2. For the dressing: Blend the avocado, vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, salt, and pepper until almost smooth. Add in oil and blend again. Drizzle the lettuce mixture with the dressing and toss until combined.

Sloppy Joe
What’s better than a sloppy joe to refuel during a hot summer day? Feed your family’s cravings with this dish that is equal parts messy and delicious.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon canola oil, 1 chopped small onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 4 cloves chopped garlic, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 and 1/4 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, toasted hamburger buns, sliced dill pickles, and potatoes chips.

Directions:

1. Over medium-low, heat oil in a large skillet. Cook chopped onions, peppers, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, for eight to ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Turn up the heat to medium and add beef, seasoned with salt and pepper. For five to six minutes, break up the beef with a spoon while cooking and stir occasionally.
3. Once the meat is brown, season with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and chili powder. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Serve on buttered, toasted buns with the toppings of your choice and potato chips.

Dinner
Chicken Kebabs
Fire up the grill! There is no better dish for a warm summer meal under the stars that chicken kebabs. This dish will have everyone running when the dinner bell rings.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning 2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds, 2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 6 cubed boneless chicken thighs, 1 and 1/2 wedged sweet onions, 1 thickly sliced large zucchini, and 4 to 6 pieces of quartered pita bread. Tzatziki sauce: 1 seedless cucumber, 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 small grated garlic clove, Kosher salt, and black pepper.

Directions:

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high and soak 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together garlic powder, lemon-pepper, fennel seeds, oregano, salt, and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil. Coat the chicken with the mixture.
2. Coat onions and zucchini with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Thread skewers with chicken, onion, and zucchini.
3. Place kebabs on grill and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. For the tzatziki sauce: Scrape seeds out of cucumber with a spoon and grate the cucumber onto a paper towel. Squeeze the grated cucumber in the paper towel to get rid of excess moisture. Combine the yogurt, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and grated cucumber.

Peach and Bacon Pizza
Forget the pineapple on pizza debate! Dare to try something new this summer with this sweet and savory peach and bacon pizza.

Ingredients: Cornmeal (for baking sheet), all-purpose flour (for work surface), 1 pound room temperature premade pizza dough, 1 cup ricotta cheese, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, 1/2 pound cooked and chopped thick-cut bacon, 2 medium sliced peaches, 1/3 cup pickled red onions, 1 tablespoon pure honey, 1 and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 cup fresh basil. For pickled onions: 1/2 cup champagne vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1 cup thinly sliced red onion.

Directions:

1. Pickled onions: Over medium heat, cook vinegar, sugar, and peppercorns in a small saucepan for one minute. Mix in red onion and cook for another minute. Let sit until completely cool.
2. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal on a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. Lightly flour a working surface and press pizza dough into a 12- by 10-inch rectangle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Evenly spread a layer of ricotta cheese on the prepared dough, leaving a 3/4-inch border of dough. Sprinkle salt, pepper, bacon, peaches, and 1/3 cup pickled onions over the cheese. Drizzle the pizza with a layer of honey and oil.
4. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown, and top with basil.

Desserts and Snacks
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
No more running for the ice cream truck. Now, you can enjoy a classic ice cream sandwich any time you want with this no-bake ice cream sandwich cake.

Ingredients: 10 to 12 ice cream sandwiches, 12 ounces caramel syrup, 12 ounces cool whip, 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, 1 chopped candy bar of your choice, and maraschino cherries (optional).

Directions:

1. Line an ungreased 13×9-inch dish with a layer of ice cream sandwiches. Top with an even layer of caramel, cool whip, and chocolate syrup. Sprinkle the
2. Arrange ice cream sandwiches in a single layer in an ungreased 13×9-in. dish, cutting sandwiches to fill the dish as needed. Spread with caramel and whipped toppings. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with the chopped candy bar of your choice.
3. Cover and freeze for 45 minutes. Top with cherries.

Peach Parfait Pops
Need something sweet? Cool off with this refreshing treat that can make for both a fun family activity and a delicious snack.

Ingredients: 10 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, 1 cup granola, 15 ounces drained and sliced canned peaches, eight 3-ounce freezer pop molds, and wooden pop sticks.

Directions:

1. Stir together yogurt, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granola.
2. Fill popsicle or ice tray molds halfway with the yogurt mixture and top with peaches. Repeat layers until the mold is full. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until firm.

By: Jenna Greaves

Family time is crucial, but things can get sticky when trying to find activities that the whole family will enjoy, especially when you have stubborn teenagers to add to the mix. This summer, turn eyerolls into smiles and unlock the secret to engaging your teen in family fun. Maximize family time with these five activities that will entertain even the moodiest of teens so you don’t have to hear your teen say “I’m booored.”

Shenanigans and Spices
Grab your aprons and fire up the oven! Now is the perfect time to get your teens in the kitchen to sharpen their culinary skills. To convince your teen to join you in the kitchen, remind them of the added bonus that you get to eat anything you create. To keep your teen engaged, embrace the silly mistakes that come with trying something new. Remember to laugh about burnt food and spilled milk to remind your teen to not take life to seriously. Not only will this be a fun activity that the entire family can join in on, but it will also give you the opportunity to teach your teen an essential life skill without them even noticing. You never know, they may just surprise you with breakfast in bed or a gourmet dinner one day. Once their skills are up to par, challenge them to a little friendly cook off for an extra fun family activity. Loser has to do the dishes!

Game On
You’re never too old for a family game night. Stick to classic board games or shake up game night with active games like charades or Pictionary. Get your teen engaged in the fun by offering to play one of their video games. Turn the night into a full blown tournament and play round after round to see who can come out victorious.

Lend a Helping Hand
Make the most of your teen’s free time this summer and get a head start on knocking out some volunteer hours. Give back to community by volunteering at foodbanks, libraries, and shelters. Search for local volunteer programs that interest your teen so they can get the most out of completing their hours. Turn your teen’s volunteer work into a family outing by inviting the whole family so your teen doesn’t feel alone in the process. Even the little ones can join in with programs like U.S. Hunger which has a job for the every family member.

Fam Jam
If your teen is typically accompanied by a singing set of headphones, they may enjoy this next activity. Search for local community webpages for live music events to satisfy their inner songbird. Find events that have something for the whole family. Try going to farmer’s markets and local festivals that have live music, vendors, food trucks and games. You can shop for unique handmade items, munch on tasty treats, and challenge your family to a friendly competition of cornhole while listening to local artists perform.

Hit the Field
Get your head in the game! Stay active during the off season by enrolling your teen in local sports programs or take them to a local sports complex and play with them. Reverse the roles and give your teen the opportunity teach you something new by trying out their sport for a change. Another great way to engage the entire family in a sporty activity this summer is by choosing a unique sport that no one in the family has tried yet. Take on the challenge of testing your family’s skills on the newly popular pickleball courts or take a swing at golf.

By: Jenna Greaves

School is out and kids finally have all the time in the world to do whatever their heart desires. While past generations used to take this time to play outside, kids nowadays tend to spend a lot of time basking in the blue light of a computer screen rather than the sunlight. This summer, take on the challenge of separating your child from their closest companion, their phone, and encourage them to try some alternative activities. To keep your kid active, here are four activities to limit screen time this summer.

The Great Family Bake Off
Bakers choose your stations! Gather your family together in the kitchen to create confections to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bake together or add a little spice into the mix by making it a friendly competition. For little bakers, make simple treats to cool off like yogurt pops. For executive chefs, create more advanced dishes like lemon tarts or classic bites like chocolate chip cookies. The best part of it all, you get to eat everything you create!

2-Step Edible Cookie Dough
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons milk, ½ cup milk chocolate chips, ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions: Microwave flour for 1 minute and 15 seconds, stirring it every 15 seconds. Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.

Get Crafty
Encourage your kid to embrace their creativity with summer crafts that will bring out their inner artist. Give your child some paint, pipe cleaners, tissue paper and glue and let their imagination run wild. Bring them outside to collect their favorite rocks, then paint them and stick googley eyes on them to make pet rocks. Find empty tissue boxes and transform them into dinosaur feet. The possibilities are endless when your children have the time, space, and supplies to tap into their inner Picasso.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Motivate your kids to get some vitamin D and learn more about nature with an outdoor scavenger hunt. Make a list of common outdoor items like bugs, plant species and animals for your child to find in your backyard. Your kids will never want to return to their screens after they can learn and discover the glories of nature.

Outdoor Movie Night
Okay this one might be considered cheating because it technically still counts as watching tv, but this time it’s outside. Set up a sheet and a projector like the old drive-in movie days and gather together to watch your favorite family flick. Create a cozy ambience with string lights, fluffy pillows and warm blankets. Don’t forget to bring plenty snacks to munch on like smores, pizza, and of course, bring the popcorn. To maximize the outdoor experience, turn the movie night into a backyard camping trip by setting up a tent and sleeping bags to cuddle up under the stars.

By: Jenna Greaves

Let’s face it. Six months have passed and New Year’s resolutions have been forgotten. Between work and taking care of little ones, life can get hectic, and selfcare can be swept under the rug. After overcoming the first half of the year, take the time to reconnect with yourself, recharge, and reset to conquer the second half of the year.

Reconnect
Before setting new intentions for the second half of the year, the first and most important step is to take a moment to assess where you are at right now. Check in with yourself. How are you doing? When was the last time you had the chance to sit with yourself and talk to God?

Whether it’s out in nature, the driver’s seat of your car or the office bathroom, find a quiet place where you can carve out a few minutes in your busy schedule to pray. Dig deeper into your connection with God by joining a Bible study group at your local church or simply tune your radio to Z88.3.

Reflect with God about the events that have brought you this far into the year. Thank Him for all of the happy memories and ask Him to help you understand the hardships. Listen to God and ask him how he wants you to live out the second half of this year.

Recharge
Rest is essential for both the mind and body. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to forget that you need time for yourself too. Whether it’s a trip to the spa, curling up with a good book or taking a walk around your neighborhood, spend at least one day this summer taking care of yourself. Have a “you” day where you do whatever you heart desires.

Take a note from your vacationing kiddos and have a little fun this summer. Cherish the time you have with your children over summer break by taking a trip to one of Florida’s sandy beaches, thrilling theme parks, or educational museums. On a rainy day, stay in and dance to your family’s favorite songs, build a fort, or have a movie night.

Reset
Once you have taken the time to reconnect with yourself and God and recharge, it’s finally time to reset. Work with God to discover the right path for you. Write down your goals and intentions in a journal or on sticky notes and place them somewhere you can revisit them often. Along with your newly refurbished resolutions, choose a verse or two that you would like to hold on to as a guiding light on your journey.

To keep your goals achievable, plan out the steps you intend to take. Create a vision board and set reminders to keep your resolution at the forefront of your mind. It is also crucial to have a solid support system through this process. Share your goals with your family and keep them updated about your progress. For further support, have your family join in on your half-year reset by setting a new goal for the entire family such as Friday family movie night or weekly outings.

No matter your goals, remember to make time to rest your mind and body and spend time recharging with your family before charging full speed ahead into the next six months.

By: Jenna Greaves

 

Summer is here and school is out! There is no better time than the present to get the whole family together to soak up the summer sun. Gear up to celebrate the season with these inexpensive family activities that will allow you to make the most of summer without breaking the bank.

Fun in the Sun
Appreciate all the Earth has to offer and spend some time breathing in the great outdoors. Make a splash at Blue Springs State Park or Wekiwa Springs State Park where you can cool off by kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming through the crystal, freshwater springs. When you’re ready to refuel, take a break and break out the picnic blanket to enjoy a snack in the sun.

Picnic basket essentials checklist: Pinwheel sandwiches, sunscreen, napkins, fresh fruit, sunglasses, bottled water, paper plates and plastic utensils, and an insulated thermos.

In sunny Orlando, spend the day on the water in one of Lake Eola’s famous swan boats for just $15 and learn the secrets of the city with Orlando’s Historical Highlights Walking Tour. Available on for download on any Apple or Android device, this tour will bring you through landmarks, such as the Orlando Public Library, Lake Eola, and Church Street Station for under $6. As you walk, hear the history of the city through the cattle barons, citrus farmers, gunslingers and NASA engineers that made Orlando what it is today.

If your family likes to be one with nature, visit Harry P. Leu Gardens and walk through three miles of scenic trails filled with over 40 diverse plant species. Discover plants from all over the world and learn how each contribute to the ecosystem. Stop by the butterfly garden to feel the enchanted glory of nature as flocks of butterflies bounce from flower to flower. As a bonus, children under four get in for free!

Artistic Excursions
While Central Florida’s scenery is already a masterpiece in itself, there are also many hidden gem art galleries to explore when the inevitable summer showers pour. Don’t let the rain stop the fun! Head down to Winter Park to admire the artistic work at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center or the Rollins Museum of Art at Rollins College for free. For parents with older, college bound kids, this is a great time to knock out a college tour while having fun with the rest of the family.

When the sun shines again, step outside into the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden where you can see 50,000 square-feet of enchanted sculptures. Also in Downtown Orlando, take a tour of the city’s murals. From the Happy Hearts Wall at Infusion Tea to the Skyline Mural on 42 Concord St, see how many hidden paintings you can spot around town.

But first take a selfie! Both of these adventure spots are perfect for a family photo-op.

Thrilling Theme Parks
Although Orlando is notoriously known as the home of Mickey, ditch the expensive Disney tickets and head to its neighbor Old Town where admission is completely free. Be transported to a classic Florida town decked out in palm trees and brick roads. Adventure seekers can feel the rush on Old Town’s many rides and rollercoasters while others can shop ‘til they drop at the unique stores and gift shops. After exploring the parks attractions, take a break to cool off in one of Old Town’s mouthwatering restaurants.

If your family is looking for a little friendly competition, visit In the Game ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. Challenge your family to classic arcade games each under $5. Win prizes, get lost in the mirror maze, solve your way out of an escape room or bring your imagination to life at the X-D motion theater and virtual reality experience. In the Game is guaranteed to satisfy sibling rivalries and bring the entire family together.

By: Jenna Greaves