AnnMarie John

Spring is here!! Well for us it has been here for quite some time, and while I love the spring weather, what comes along with it is something I despise. Allergies!! However, I'm not going to let allergies ruin my life this season, not when I have Claritin® for relief!


I have spoken about Claritin here on my blog a few times, why? Because it's the only allergy medication that I use that works really well for me!! Not only do I suffer from seasonal allergies, but so do my kids. A few weeks ago I shared a few spring activities that you can do with your kids through summer, but today I want to share with you one of my favorites!


Recently a friend and I were chatting about our childhood and how different it is with our own children. I remember the days of staying outside until the sun went down and the lights came on. Me, my cousins and friends would run home from school, finish our homework and rush outside to play. Unless one of our parents called us inside, we enjoyed being outdoors.

With this current generation, electronics seem to have taken over their lives. My son communicates with me via text while he's in his room, and lives on his phone, and coincidentally so does my oldest daughter. This year, however, we have decided to make some lifestyle changes. The kids are not allowed their electronics until they have spent at least 30 minutes outdoors doing some kind of activity. So when I found out about Claritin’s 20 Minutes of Spring Project, I was excited! This was right up my alley, and something we've already been incorporating. It's also something I would love everyone at home to do with his or her own kids.


It really doesn't take a lot, and best of all it's totally free. One of the activities that I enjoy doing with my kids is just taking a walk around the neighborhood. It not only keeps me active, but I get to enjoy the fresh air and take in nature while on our walk. More often than not, we would end up at the park where my youngest would have a bit of fun with the other children that are there.

Colorado is beautiful, and I can see the mountains from my front porch, so why not enjoy it? There is so much to see and do and it doesn't take any money to go on a stroll around the neighborhood. Riding their bike is also something that they enjoy, and while it's great exercise, could also be a lot of fun if the entire family joins in.


However this spring I decided to bring nature a bit closer by planting flowers. Yes, the very same thing that makes my allergies go haywire. Madison and I went out and bought some supplies, including a really cute watering can, garden tools and some seeds. Last year I recycled a grill and used it for flowers, they, however, died from lack of love, so we decided to replant them all over again. Without the help of Claritin, I'm not sure it would have been possible. See, whenever I take my Claritin, and so does Madison, our allergy symptoms are relieved.


But why am I encouraging you to get up and go outside despite your allergies? Because a recent survey commissioned by the makers of Claritin found that spending just 20 minutes outside in nature can help make you feel happy.

And 97% of Americans surveyed find that spring is a great season to experience the simple joys that outdoor activities provide. Whether that is taking a stroll, gardening or even just biking. You really don’t realize how much better you feel once you go out and get active.

The 20 Minutes of Spring Project is a part of year two of a three-year partnership between Claritin and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where Claritin has committed up to $500,000 to fund programming and create resources to help get kids outside.

This year Claritin is providing an Imagination Playground to Boys & Girls Clubs of America at PS 125 in Harlem, NYC to enable kids to get outside and enjoy nature. This playground equipment is particularly relevant, as 54 percent of those surveyed said their favorite childhood outdoor activities included playing at a playground or riding a bike.
Get involved and help the kids of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It’s simple - post a picture of your favorite family-friendly outdoor spring activity on Facebook or Instagram with both #Claritin and #20MinutesofSpring by June 21, 2018. Every post triggers a $5 donation to Boys and Girls Clubs of America (up to $50,000). To learn more go to Claritin.com/20MinutesofSpring.

During our spring break a few weeks ago, Madison and I decided to visit the Pueblo Zoo in Pueblo, Colorado.


The Pueblo Zoo in Pueblo, Colorado is one of Colorados' most underrated zoo. While it's small, it's their size that makes you feel more at home, and it's also one of the more economical zoos that you can visit here in Colorado.

There's just something about Pueblo that I love. While Colorado Springs can get rather busy in terms of traffic and crowds, Denver being the main city is much worse. Pueblo, on the other hand, is rather quiet and it's that quaint quietness that I love.


We love visiting zoos, it's a great way for kids to learn about different animals and their environment, and even preserving the said environment. Madison was able to learn about penguins and marveled at the fact that she was able to dress up and learn about penguins as well.

Some of the animals we would not be able to see if it weren't for zoos, and while the Pueblo Zoo may not be humungous in size, compared to some zoos, they still do have quite a variety of animals that the kids can enjoy.


Madison and I were able to see Lions, Bald Eagles, Zebras, Bisons and so much more. There is also a petting zoo which kids will appreciate. Here's something that you may want to take note of; there are currently baby lions that were born recently at the zoo, and you may even be able to get a glimpse of them playing when you visit the lion exhibit.

So what can you expect at the Pueblo Zoo thru this summer?


Mission: Monkeys
Join your friends and community members in bringing some of the most distinctive old-world monkeys to the Pueblo Zoo! The zoo is raising funds to build a world-class exhibit next to the African painted dogs enclosure. The project has broken ground, and the zoo needs your support to drive the project home. With your support, the zoo will also be building a quarantine area behind the new monkey exhibit, which will provide a safe space for new animals to adjust to the Pueblo Zoo, for animals to relax after medical procedures, and for new mothers to be with their young. Check progress and donate at give.pueblozoo.org

Brew at the Zoo
April 29, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Watch your favorite exotic animals as you enjoy craft brews from 20 different brewers, live music from The River Arkansas, The Change Agents, and Wayne Faust. Gourmet food trucks will be available, and guests can enjoy outdoor games with friends on the Pueblo Zoo's landscaped grounds!


African Painted Dogs - Snapshots from the Field talk
May 3, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
African wild dogs are very social... so social that their communication abilities make them one of the most effective hunters in the world. Join African Painted Dog keeper Gina and veterinary technician Kim and learn what sets these dogs apart, how they're managed at the zoo, and how you can support these rare canines.

Plant. Grow. Fly. garden grand opening
May 19, 10:00am - 11:00am
This garden is a haven for some of the hardest workers out there...pollinators! Kids can get their hands dirty and use their imaginations at five different nature play stations including a giant bird nest, musical instruments, and an outdoor kitchen! Guests will learn about local pollinators, local plants, and how they can support them right at home or create their own pollinator gardens. Garden ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00am.


Father’s Day Weekend
June 16-17 
Fathers and Grandfathers get in free! Bring Dad in for a zoo adventure!

Zoofari Friday
June 22
An evening of drinks, dinner, music, animal encounters, truck tours, and live & silent auctions. Find out more at www.pueblozoo.org/zoofari

Zoo Overnight Campout
Aug 11-12
Saturday-Sunday
Bring the whole family to the zoo and enjoy the thrill of camping! Your adventure includes dinner, camp games, an exclusive tour, stargazing, continental breakfast in the morning and admission to the zoo all day Sunday. Pricing and full info: www.pueblozoo.org/overnights


So if you're ever visiting Colorado, take a side trip to Pueblo and make a pit stop at the Pueblo Zoo.

Hours:
Fall/Winter: October - April
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 4pm
Sun 12pm - 4pm

Spring/Summer: May - September
Daily 9am - 5pm

These Mother's Day Stamped Tile Coasters will put a smile on your mother's face.


Two years ago my mother passed away, and not a day goes by that I don't think about her. The past few days have been especially rough, with my thoughts incessantly upon her. While not a day goes by that I don't think about my mother, with Mother's Day approaching the thoughts has increased.

The knowledge that she is in a better place, no longer in pain and suffering from the dreaded C word is what gives me the strength to go through each day. We tend to take mothers for granted. Sure they are our mothers and while we may think of them as Supermom or Superwoman, they are not invincible. So pick up that phone and give your mother a call today, and don't forget to say "I Love You", because you don't know what tomorrow may bring forth.


I had an entirely different craft in mind to do this weekend with Madison, but then I started thinking. What would I like to get this year that is different and one that would be cherished and used for years to come? One that the kids can create easily instead of purchasing because, to be honest, handmade, homemade gifts mean so much more to me than gifts they acquire in the store. That's how this Mothers Day Stamped Tile Coasters came into existence.


Madison had found some stamps that we used at Halloween, but I didn't have any stamps that were specific to Mother's Day, so I ended up getting a few and went to Lowes and purchase some ceramic tiles. While the tiles are cheap, the stamps can work out to be a tad expensive if you decide to do different designs on each tile as we did. However, you can't put a price on a mother's love, so don't worry about the price tag. This project is one that you can get all the kids involved in and when it's over, not only will they be proud of what they just created, but you'll love it as well.

So here goes! And by the way, if Madison can do this, so can you.


Supplies needed

4x4 Ceramic Tiles (very inexpensive at Lowes or Home Depot)
Mother's Day Rubber Stamps (I purchased this and a few others)
Ink Pads  (Get black and a few other colors of your choice)
Cork
Sealer (either this or this works)
Rubbing Alcohol
Glue Gun
Scissors

Directions

Step 1 - Begin by wiping clean your tiles with the alcohol. This will remove any oil or debris on your tile so you can begin your work.

Step 2 - Grab your inkpad and stamp of choice and get your stamper well inked.


Step 3 - Now you have to be careful with the way you stamp on the tile. I suggest just stamping straight down and up. Because tiles are smooth they can slide and that will leave your work messy. I'm speaking from experience as we tried stamping and rocking back and forth as you may do on paper, and it just left a big mess. The great thing, however, is that you can wipe it clean with alcohol and start all over again.



Step 4 - Once you've stamped your creation, let dry. If you can place it in the sun that will be best, or you can even use a blow dryer to dry it quickly if you're in a rush.

Step 5 - Seal with your sealer and once again let dry. I suggest spraying at least 2-3 coats waiting a few minutes for it to dry between coats.

Step 6 - Measure your cork and cut to according to the size of your tile. You're then going to glue the cork on the bottom of the tile to prevent scratches on your surfaces.


Step 7 - Wrap with jute or a pretty ribbon and gift to your mom, grandma or that special woman in your life on Mother's Day.

That's it! You're done and now you have some unique Mother's Day Stamped Tile Coasters that your mother will feel proud to place her cup of coffee, or even serve her guests on.


P.S. If you're wondering, I picked up that cute cup that's perfect for Mother's Day at the Target dollar spot.