The 413 Mom

Easy Upcycle: Firefly Flouride Rinse Pump Bottle

If your kiddos use the Firefly Flouride Anticavity Rinse with the character head pump bottle -- do NOT throw this away when empty. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but don't even put it in the recycle bin. Unlike many single-use pump items, this bottle is so easy to reuse. The character head pump just screws off and you can wash out the inside and prepare it for reuse.

To start, I peeled off the labels and then saturated the bottle with some Goof Off to loosen up the stickers. I filled the bottle itself with hot, hot water to loosen the adhesive from the back too. After a bit of scraping, all of the stickiness was gone.

And, voila! An upcycled hand sanitizer pump ready for playdates, classroom, or anywhere kids hang out. The pump stick is so side it would also work well for lotion, hand soap, paint, or any other thick liquids kids use. As we all know, characters make using any product more fun. 

A few words of caution:

1) Obviously, you want to remove the rinse cup that comes with the original bottle so nobody gets confused and thinks its mouthwash (I actually came up with this upcycle idea when a house guest saw the flouride rinse in the bathroom and assumed it was hand soap and was confused why his hands were so sticky). 

2) Don't use the same color soap as whatever mouthwash your kiddos use (unlike I did). My eight-year-old is old enough to know which dispenser is soap and which is fluoride rinse, and we keep one pump in the bathroom and the other on the kitchen counter, but for an extra layer of caution be sure to very different colors. 

Original bottle looks like this in-store. The product retails for about $3.

Enjoy! #reuse #recycle #upcycle #loveMamaEarth

Gotta Try: Sambucol Black Elderberry #immunesupport #backtoschool #ad

We're all looking for an immunity boost these days. Especially as we gear up for back to school -- no matter what that may look like this year. 

I've heard a lot of good things about the immune benefits of black elderberry so I was excited when MomsMeet reached out to partner up and help spread the word about Sambucol Black Elderberry products. We had the chance to try the gummies, the syrup, and the daily immune drink powder. I was impressed with all aspects of these products, but especially the taste! 

Sambucol®, the original Black Elderberry extract, provides strong immune system support to help you and your family stay healthy throughout the year. Sambucol® Black Elderberry extract conveniently arms you with some of the best protection nature has to offer. Sambucol® is a unique black elderberry extract rich in immune supporting flavonoids. Sambucol is made from black elderberries which have twice the natural antioxidant of blueberries and more than 50% the overall antioxidant capability of cranberries.

Both the flowers and berries have a long tradition of culinary and folk medicinal uses going back thousands of years. In fact, Hippocrates (often called the father of medicine) called elderberry a medicine chest because of its seemingly endless health benefits and usability. The stem, bark, leaves, flowers, berries, and root extracts of the plant are all used in traditional folk medicine There are even some elderberry-based recipes dating as far back as Ancient Egypt!

Sambucol Black Elderberry Gummies offer natural immune support with the following benefits: 
• Black Elderberry is high in antioxidants and has been used for thousands for years.
• Sambucol gummies are pectin based, sweetened only with pure cane sugar, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.
• They are gluten, nut, soy, dairy, and egg free. They also contain Vitamin C and Zinc. 
• The gummies are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can be used by adults and children from four years old.• There is only 1 g of sugar per gummy.
• One 30-count bottle of Sambucol Black Elderberry G

The gummies actually taste really good! They are just like a sweet candy with no medicinal taste or bitter aftertaste. Same for the syrup which can easily be mixed with your favorite drink, fruit juice, smoothies, yogurt, onto pancakes, or into salad dressing. If you're in a rush, Sambucol Elderberry Immune Drink Powder can be mixed with water and taken on the go! You can easily swap this out for the kids' favorite juice or add it to your own morning smoothie. I love that the gummies advanced immune powder contains a boost of Vitamin C as well. 

Sambucol Black Elderberry Gummies are available to purchase at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Ralphs, Vons, Safeway, and Kroger. Use this link to find a store near you that carries Sambucol gummies.

I'm grateful to have discovered a black elderberry products that we will actually use! The flavor is such a hit and with three different ways to get our elderberry there's something for everyone in the family. Here's to a healthy school year! 

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Gotta Try: Hooray for Heroes Activity Kit from Springfield Museums

Running out of socially distanced summer fun ideas? Me too. Which is why we're so grateful the Springfield Museums asked us to check out their new Hooray for Heroes Activity Kit. 

This kit is geared towards kids in grades preschool through fifth and is available for purchase for $35. It includes enough activities to keep the kids busy for the rest of this very quiet summer:

• Color-Your-Own Superhero half-masks
• Magnetic slime ingredients
• Scratch art cars and banners
• Primary paint strips
• Build your own solar system sticker set
• Markers
• Mini shields
• Hero nomination form
• Create your own superhero ID
• Write a mystery message (puzzle)
• A selection of hero themed reading materials and books
• Invent a gadget with Wikki Stix
• Create a 3D star
• Decoding secret messages
• And more! 

From the Springfield Museums: 

Blast off into adventure with our Hooray for Heroes kit!  Let us help keep your children busy at home with art, culture, and science activities for children, featuring both super and real-life heroes.  Kits are a perfect way to experience the museums from home or extend your in-person visit, combining education and entertainment to keep them actively engaged and learning while having fun!

Kids in grades PreK-5 can look forward to science experiments and demos, art-making, picture books, ideas for outdoor play, and other fun surprises!  Our detailed instructions and complete kit will make it easy to have fun and keep learning all summer long.

Additional materials for more than one child available and include additional sets of the consumable supplies in each kit for $10 per child.  (Photo above shows one full kit plus one additional consumable set). You can order for your entire family or even your daycare or camp setting.

Of course, Faith's favorite activity was the magnetic slime:

And mine was the teeny, tiny zine we created about the life of Supreme Court Justice Sona Sotomayor:

You can purchase a Hooray for Heroes Activity Kit for your own little superhero here. Not only is it a great selection of uplugged, sneaky learning activities, it helps benefit one of our most beloved local institutions. 

The kit coincides nicely with this Saturday's Virtual Family Fun Day (August 15, 2020) highlighting their new Hall of Heroes exhibit. The Virtual Day's activities include:

• Downloadable activity sheets that explore art, science, and culture, using materials easily found at home
• Videos, including one that features David White, illustrator of children’s books for Scholastic and comics for LEGO Magazine
• An opportunity to ask questions via the Super Hero Hotline!
• Chances to win prizes by posting your art work using #AtTheMuseums and #HoorayForHeroes

Follow along with all the fun at SpringfieldMuseums.org. 

#AtTheMuseums #HoorayforHeroes #SpringfieldMuseums #ChildhoodUnplugged 

Gotta Visit: Granville Gorge (Southwick)

It's been such a hot summer who doesn't want to visit the coolest spot in the 413 -- The Granville Gorge. The gorge is located on Route 57 in Southwick, MA as you approach the Granville town line. It's a great spot for families with bigger kids to explore and cool off during the summer months but especially during this strange summer of social distancing. 

Once you pull in the gravel drive, find a spot to park around the circular lot and follow a trail down into the gorge or just freestyle it down the ravine. 

Even though I've been visiting here since I was knee high to a grasshopper, I actually wouldn't recommend this gorgeous spot for littles. The rocks are extremely slippery and it is a very steep slope down into the gorge. I mean, the definition of gorge is a narrow valley with steep, rocky walls. That screams big kid adventure. 

Unfortunately, there is often some broken glass scattered around the parking lot, trail and banks left behind by asshats who can't respect themselves nevermind Mother Nature. So it's important to wear real shoes to visit here -- not flip flops. 

No matter what age you are when you visit, wear the swimsuit or bring a change of clothes. The water is too inviting and I've already warned you about the slippery rocks. I'm not a water shoe type of girl, but if you have them, bring them here. 

There are plenty of shallow pools where you can relax and let the kids play and explore. There are lots of water skimmers, tiny fish, and newts to find here. Bring your nets to catch and release the many nature friends to be discovered. 

In these times of social distancing it's important to note that this is always a popular spot in the summer. The main swimming hole is usually busy. But there are lots of other spots you can chose to cool off in. Just continue along the banks until you find a quiet spot of your own. Or visit later in the day around dinner time. We've had good luck this summer finding a socially distanced spot later in the afternoon. 

The Gorge is located on Granville Road (Route 57) in Southwick, MA. There is no charge to visit, hours are posted as 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There are no facilities at this property -- use the bathroom at home before you trek out. 

It really is one of the coolest spots in the area -- you can literally feel the temperature cooling as you descend down into the gorge and feel the heat rising as you make your way back out. 

I can't give you an exact address to load in the GPS but look for this sign: 

 

Things to bring: real shoes (not flip flops), towels, and a bathing suit or change of clothes for anyone who likes to explore. Follow the gravel road to the parking area and hike down to the water. Enjoy! 

 

Road Trip Worthy: Newgate Wildlife Management Area (East Granby, CT) #hikingwithkids

I've got another quick and easy explore to add to the list -- Newgate Wildlife Management Area in East Granby, CT. This property surrounds the Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine, so once museums reopen to the public you can easily make a day of it and add a historical bent to the trip by purchasing tickets to the historical attraction; however, you do NOT need to purchase any admission to explore the trails surrounding the property. This is a FREE hiking area -- although the hiking description is generous. The trails are not maintained and while you can get a little ways into the woods, we could not discover any legit hike through points. It was all explore and turn around. But, still, worth the trip.

There are two entries to the trails -- we took the one just south of the Newgate property. It's a fun space to clamor around and explore some cool rocks and trees. The memorable feature of this spot is the land immediately surrounding the historic prison. You can check out a few of the museum's accessories as you head from the parking lot to the wide trail:

There are lots of fun photo ops here -- I'm sure they'll only improve with foliage season. If you plan to visit this space near sunset you will NOT be disappointed. There are a few good picnic spots too. I'd recommend making an evening of it and pack a dinner to eat in this beautiful space. As you can see there are some open spaces where kids can run around and play. 

These trails are NOT stroller friendly -- bring a carrier or hike with big kids only. This can be a quick visit to break up a day. I wouldn't plan for more than an hour here.  There is plenty of free parking on site -- easy in, easy out. Set the GPS for 115 Newgate Road in East Granby, CT -- the trail shares parking with the museum parking lot. Look for the Newgate sign. 

*Once museums are back open, if you want to extend your day, purchase admission tickets to explore the Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine. You can work in a little sneaky learning for the very affordable admission price of $6/adults and FREE for kids ages 12 and under. History nerds will rejoice. Read my review here.

Road Trip Worthy: Scantic River State Park Bailey Road Trail (Enfield, CT) #hikingwithkids

The Bailey Road trail at Scantic River State park provides a quick and easy explore with a big payoff -- super cool ruins of an old Gun Powder Factory to explore. You'll find amazing old things in the woods here. (See my review of another leg of Scantic River State Park at Powder Hollow here). 

There are a few obvious paths here -- you sort of need to just wander around until you can pick up the main trail. Follow the trail straight along the canals that once powered this factory. Keep an eye out for all kinds of cool factory remains along the canals. Because of the required scrambles to get up on the old factory foundations, this is a big kid hike. I'd say like age 7 and up. If you have a baby in tow you definitely need a carrier. No strollers here. 

If anyone is your hiking party has a thing about heights, please be sensitive -- climbing up some of the foundations and canal supports can be triggering for some (sorry, Auntie). If you're going to explore the ruins it's definitely a hand-holding experience for anyone under age 8. The trail itself is pretty flat, clear and easy. If you have a history nerd or hard core explorer in the family they are going to adore this outing. 

You'll reach the end of the hike once you reach the Scantic River. If you gently explore around the roots of the biggest tree at the end of the trail at the riverbed (the one with the rope swing) you'll likely find a cool snake den. I'm not sure about entering the water here. The end of the trail is very close to folks' backyards and the water is a bit stagnant here. Not as fun as down the road at the Powder Hollow park. We usually just follow the return path out to the street and walk back to the car. 

This is a quick hike -- an hour at the most. There are no facilities on the trail. Look for the dirt pull off with the trail head sign -- the GPS lists it as 13-101 Bailey Road. Look for this:

For a rough direction, if you pull onto Bailey Road from Broadbrook Road, drive bout 0.5 miles and you'll see dirt pulloffs for parking. That's when you know you're there. If you visit in summer or fall, you can make an afternoon of it and visit Easy Pickin's Orchard which is right across the way at 46 Bailey Road. 

I'm sure you'll love this trail as much as we do. Drop us a comment below when you visit and let us know what you think! See you on the trail! #hikingwithkids #newenglandlife

Pedaling Pony -- pre-launch sale, save 50% for lowest prices plus FREE shipping (Purchase price only $17.50)

 

I love the inclusiveness of this product -- that it can be clipped to not only any bicycle, but any scooter, wheelchair, walker or stroller. Because EVERY kid should be able to ride their own pony!

Purchase though this link and use the coupon code THE413MOM to Save 50% off the usual purchase price now during the pre-launch sale receive FREE shipping. Bring this cutie home for only $17.50. All of our kids are looking for novelty during this shutdown time -- Pedaling Pony can turn their transportation into something magical. 

BUY NOW

Summer Meals for Kids 2020

No Child Hungry this summer! I've created a list of FREE meals programs available in Western Massachusetts. If you know of any sites that are missing please LMK. Visit links for each community for more details. You can find the page here. 

Summer 2020 -- a list of socially distanced possibilities for summer fun!

Ok, so it's not going to be the summer we hope for each year. Lots of traditions are going to be missing. But there are some fun programs and community resources available. I'm documenting everything I can find on this page. Be sure to check the program links for social distance requirements and any last minute scheduling changes due to the current climate. I'll be updating this page whenever I find a new opportunity so bookmark it and check back often! Also, if you know of any good programs or socially distanced events open to the public to share, please LMK so I can add to the list. Cheers to making the most of this summer! 

Summer List 2020

Road Trip Worthy: Scantic Rapids Powder Hollow Loop (Enfield, CT) #hikingwithkids

One of our new favorite hiking spots is right over the Massachusetts border in Enfield, CT-- The Powder Hollow section of Scantic State Park.  This hike has it all -- rapids, easy access to safe water, frog ponds, lots of fallen logs to practice balance on, wide open clear trails and old ruins. What more can you ask for? 

Powder Hollow is a local favorite. The trail is nearly always busy -- even though we're practicing 'social distancing' right now -- if you don't like to be alone on a trail this is a good pick. You're also close to a neighborhood the whole time so there's no deep woods creepiness. However, if you're worried about social distancing on the trail -- this might not be the right time for you to explore here. 

Powder Hollow is named for the Hazardville Powder Factory -- a gun powder factory that supplied over 40% of the gun powder used by the Union during the Civil War. Follow the obvious trail in this park to discover the remains of this old gem. This is the type of spot that immediately makes kids think of a "secret hideout." Take it from our experience: Stay. On. The Trail. There are a few spots where it seems like you can blaze ahead on a less travelled path but you will end up frustrated (you can't really get too lost here as you are right off Route 190 and surrounded by neighborhoods) and needing to cut through the brush. Not a pro move if you've got littles with you. The woods are very overgrown in season and who knows what itchy leaves are hiding in there. If you really want to explore, visit during the dead season and you can walk all around to the discover all the hidden remains without fear of poison anything. 

There are a few frog ponds to explore, lots of fallen trees to practice balance on, tons of bird calls to identify. This is a really fun spot. In the summer you can bring your bathing suit and a floaty if you want to enjoy the rapids at the entrance to the trail. Or pick any other of a number of spots to enjoy the water. Bring water shoes for the littles if they don't appreciate natural water. There are many fun spots with different depths to explore and even some spots with still water. Lots of opportunities to cool off. 

This is an approximate two-mile loop hike. The terrain is easy with some slight elevation. Not stroller friendly. You need a backpack carrier if you're bringing a toddler or younger. Very dog friendly trail. You will meet lots of furry friends along the way. The trail is obvious and easy to follow. Even off season there are a few spots where you can cross the dry stream bed to collect rocks. 

A good turnaround point is when you reach the high cliff over the river -- you'll find some barbed wire and no trespassing signs. Although you can continue the trail here around the private property it's a little risky for little kids. 

For a delicious treat after your hike visit Collins Creamery located right up the street at 9 Powder Hill Road. Some of the best locally made ice cream and soft serve around. (Open daily in season -- early spring through fall). 

If the parking lot at the corners of Maple Avenue and Powder Hollow Road is full (which it often is and often patrolled by police), head over the bridge and take a left past the big red barn. Follow Dusthouse Road back to the baseball fields and park there. Parking here adds a quarter mile to the hike, but it's worth it (and you'll miss out on a chance at a parking ticket). 

Set the GPS for Scantic River State park at 98 S. Dusthouse Road in Enfield, CT. You'll be glad you did. See you on the trail!