Thirty seconds:

• Prevent soap scum buildup in your shower with a few quick squirts of daily shower spray.

• Swipe the bathroom counter with a disinfectant wipe, clearing it of hairspray, toothpaste and soap scum.

• Shake out entryway rugs to rid them of excess dirt and minimize traipsing it throughout your home.

Two minutes:

• Gather stray clutter into a laundry basket. Just be sure to put everything in its proper place at a later time.

• Sweep high-traffic areas, like the entryway or bathroom floor.

• Spritz the bathroom mirror with glass cleaner and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

• And at the expense of sounding like your mother, make your bed.

Five minutes:

• Start a load of laundry.

• Wash the bathroom floor. Clean-up is simple if you have already swept it during your two-minute hiatus.

• Wipe down kitchen countertops. You don’t want harmful germs finding their way into your food preparations.

• Sort through your pile of mail and toss the junk.  Remember to shred and recycle!

Busy lifestyles necessitate taking small, time-efficient steps when it comes to maintaining an orderly and clean house. If you need an extra hand, call The Maids and experience the healthiest, most thorough housecleaning in the industry.

In the technological age, sometimes I think that if a kid doesn’t have an iPod attached to their head with the TV blaring ans the radio on they wont be entertained at all. I do remember a simpler time, where any activity had to do with sweating in the hot summer sun and getting dirty, scrapes, or both. Here are a few things that my daughter and I like to do that just help to make sure she feels special. They can’t last for as long or as little as you want, and they have provided us for hours of summer time fun.

1. The Poem Game

It reinforces reading, writing and comprehension while also igniting their imagination. I write poem, any type: a limerick or short few rhyming sentences and she acts it out, then she gets a turn. You don’t know how much fun seeing her face is when I recite “the girl with the nice blue pants, loves to flap her arms like a chicken when she’d dance…”

2. Board Games

I don’t like to invest a great deal of time in board games because I don’t really like them myself, but I love a good game of checkers. It’s pretty easy to learn (she’s been playing since four with a little help) and goes by quickly. I use it as a way to teach that you can’t win ALL the time.

3. Go for a walk!

Change up the scenery and explore! It’s simple but it’s easy to forget how mesmerizing a bug can be to a little one, even when they aren’t so little!

4. Jogging Stroller/Stroller Rides

Give your little one’s a ride in the stroller! This is fun! We have a jogger that gets me out of the house and will fit a 100 lb kid in it. Remember, imagination will turn it into a race car and bring along your portable speakers to blast their favorite tunes.

5. Roller Skating

At a rink or outside this is a fun activity to try to teach your child. Make sure to buy them pads!

6. Chalking!

We take a big bucket of dollar chalk to a park and have a blast. It might be more fun for me but when you bring enough chalk to share: it’s a great way for your little one to make friends and work on sharing their stuff!

7. Bike riding: get out there!

Snap some trainers on a yard sale bike and for a few bucks you’ve got another activity to teach that will bring lifelong happiness. We ride at parks or on tennis/basketball courts for safety.

8. Playing at a park

It’s self-explanatory: play WITH your child if there are no other kids.

9. Going to the beach, pool, lake.

Swimming is great exercise and wonderful for summer. Pack a picnic lunch and some sunscreen and make a day of it.

10. Fishing

An old-time favorite, but if you can find a spot that doesn’t mean being on a boat all day it’s a real blast for your kiddo to reel one in. (Catch and release of course, if they are sensitive to animals like my daughter.)

11. Watching TV

Just kidding!!! Turn it off and turn the radio on. Turn the lights down low and have a dance party! Great exercise and a lot of fun, try a kids station to keep the trash talk to a minimum.

12. Read a book together and then draw a picture about the story.

Anything we can do to create an artistic spark is always a good time!

13. Water Activities

No pool? Get a cheap plastic one and set it up in your yard! Water balloons? Sprinklers? Squirt gun fights? Playing in the rain? C’mon it’s summer and the water is FUN.

14. Draw Nature

Go to the park or a nature trail with a sketchbook and pencil. Make a picture journal of we you see.

These are just a few of the things we might do on a weekend or hot summer day where we are all together. Be creative and make some memories with your little one. The time is ticking to when they will be embarrassed to be seen in public with you but they will never forget the time you put in and the love you share.

What are some of your favorite summer activities? I’d love to add them to my own list! I’ve got two more months of this!

Ingredients

For the Pate a Choux

1 stick of butter
1 tsp. of sugar
4 eggs, plus 1 egg white
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour

For the whipped cream

1 Tbs. of instant coffee powder
2 Tbs. of powdered sugar cup powdered sugar
2 cups of heavy whipping cream
Pinch of salt and 1 Tbs of cornstarch (optional)

2 ounces of dark chocolate
Splash of heavy cream

Directions

1. Combine the butter, sugar, salt, and 1 cup water and boil in a small saucepan. Once the mixture is boiling, remove from the heat and stir in the flour. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough forms and does not stick to the sides of the pan.

2. Add the dough to a bowl and beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Peaks should form in the dough.

3. Preheat to oven to 400 °. Fill a large plastic gallon bag with the dough and snip a corner in the edge. Pipe mounds of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until the puffs are golden brown. Cool completely.

4. While the puffs are cooling, make the cream. Combine the coffee powder with 1 Tbs of boiling hot water and cool. Whisk either by hand or an egg beater  the coffee, whipping cream, powdered sugar, and salt until a thick whipped cream forms. If the cream is too water, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch to stabilize it.

5. Make the ganache by putting a heat proof bowl over a gently boiling pot of water and combine the chocolate and cream until melted.

6. Assemble the cream puffs. Cut the puffs in half with a knife and set the tops aside. Dip the tops in the chocolate ganache and sprinkle tops with chopped nuts (optional). Put a heaping tablespoon of the cream in the bottom half of the cream puffs. Replace the puff tops. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

We’re highlighting 16 proud papas who share their upcoming Father’s Day plans, the joys of fatherhood, and their cherished family memories.

Richie Sambora:

Rockstar papa Richie Sambora, 53, and his ex-wife, actress Heather Locklear, are parents to 15-year-old daughter Ava.

The Bon Jovi rocker opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about the joys of fatherhood and his plans on Father’s Day.

“I’m very lucky because to me, every day that I spend with my daughter is Father’s Day,” the proud papa gushed. “She is my diamond. No matter what happens there is a joyful energy around us. My favorite thing in the world is her.”

He went on to talk about his late father, whom he continues to cherish.

“I celebrate by thinking about my dad and all the gifts he’s given to me,” he shared. “He was non-judgmental, good natured and had good humor and morality. I also celebrate by going out on a daddy-daughter date.”

What has fatherhood taught the award-winning guitarist?

“A lot of things to mention here but, I guess truly, how to love unconditionally,” Richie said. “I’ve learned to take responsibility, be flexible, and have respect for my parents for what they’ve given me.”

Tamera Mowry-Housley & husband Adam Housley:

Tia & Tamera star Tamera Mowry-Hardrict and husband Adam Housley are parents to 7-month-old son Aden.

The Sister, Sister alum, 34, spoke about her hands on hubby.

“My hubby has a lot of patience, and I knew that because he has a lot of patience with me,” she laughed. “He has so much patience with Aden and will do anything for him and his family. He definitely puts us first, I feel it and I know it.”

Tia Mowry-Hardrict & husband Cory Hardrict:

Tamera’s twin sister, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, and her husband Cory Hardrict are parents to nearly 2-year-old son Cree.

What makes her hubby such a great dad? “Aww, that’s such a great question!” Tia gushed. “No one has ever asked me that.”

“What makes my husband a good dad is that he’s very aware,” she added. “Let’s say I’m exhausted from working all day. He’ll see that and say, ‘You know what, Tia? I’ll go ahead and take care of Cree and give him a bottle when he wakes up in the middle of the night. Why don’t you go to the other room and get a few extra hours of sleep?’ He’ll also say, ‘Alright Tia, go take a nap. I’m going to take Cree to the park.’”

She added: “I think ‘considerate’ is the best word to describe my hubby. That’s what makes him a good dad. He’s aware and he also takes the time to play with Cree. He’s very proactive, which I think is awesome.”

Freddie Prinze, Jr.:

Star couple Sarah Michelle Gellar, 36, and Freddie Prinze, Jr., 37, are parents to daughter Charlotte, 3, and 9-month-old son Rocky.

SMG opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about their thoughts on celebrating Father’s Day.

“We always say that every day is Father’s Day and every day is Mother’s Day so we don’t make a big deal out of that specific day,” the Buffy alum shared. “And we always spend the weekends together as a family anyway.”

Antonio Sabàto, Jr.:

General Hospital alum Antonio Sabàto, Jr. is dad to three kids: Jack, 18, Mina, 11, and Antonio, 2.

The actor-model, 41, recently talked about the joys of fatherhood.

“Everything!” Antonio gushed on what he loves about being a dad. “It’s a constant responsibility—everything that I do, every move that I make, is for the well-being of my family. All of my decisions are made with them in mind, and they are the most important part of my life.”

The Guncles:

Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood stars Bill Horn and Scout Masterson (a.k.a. The Guncles) are parents to 3-year-old daughter Simone.

The proud TV dads spoke about their upcoming Father’s Day plans.

“In past years, Simone and her Nana took us out to brunch,” Scout said. “Since Simone is 3-years-old now, we’d like to do something a little more fun – like mini golfing!”

He added: “We feel so blessed to be dads, that everyday truly feels special to us.”

Helen Slater:

In honor of Father’s Day, The Good Mother actress Helen Slater dished to us about her devoted husband, Robert Watzke.

When asked what makes her hubby such a great day, she shared, “His devotion to the family, sense of humor, and kind nature,” she also said. “It helps that he’s from Iowa City [laughs].”

Elisabeth Röhm:

The Client List’s Elisabeth Röhm - who raises 5-year-old Easton with fiancé Ron Anthony – recently had this to say about her partner in life.

“Easton is Ron’s top priority, and that is obvious,” she shared. “He shows her plentiful love and affection, and it’s clear that everything he does is for her and our family. She knows it as well, and I think that’s important.”

Chris O’ Donnell:

NCIS: Los Angeles actor Chris O’Donnell is dad to five children: Lily, 14, Chip, 13, Charles, 10, Finley, 7, and Maeve, 6.

The Scent of a Woman star, 42, told us what Father’s Day means to him.

“It means spending time with my family,” he said. “I also plan to play golf without a trace of guilt. Some of my most memorable gifts from my kids have been homemade cards – my kids putting their feelings into words.”

Melissa Rycroft & Tye Strickland:

Reality star Melissa Rycroft and husband Tye Strickland are parents to 2-year-old daughterAva.

The Bachelor alum, 30, boasted about her “hands on” hubby.

“Oh my gosh, I lucked out on the daddy department,” she gushed. “I have to say, the fact that he’s hands on, that he wants to be involved, that he enjoys daddy daughter time, is just such a blessing. I know that I’m very, very lucky. Just seeing him with her and seeing how she responds to him, it definitely makes you fall in love a little bit more.”

Amy Grant & Vince Gill:

Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Grant and husband, country legend Vince Gill, are parents to five children: Jenny, 31, Matt, 25, Millie, 23, Sarah, 20, Corinna, 12.

The singer-songwriter, 52, opened up about what makes her famous hubby, 56, a great dad.

“He is good at lightening the mood. He enjoys teasing, and I think that’s a good thing,” she shared.

“I’ll tell you what makes him a good stepfather,” Amy continued. “He has three stepchildren and he gave them all their space and didn’t pretend like he was their choice. He was their mommy’s choice, and slowly over the years they grew to love him.”

Scott Wolf:

Party of Five alum Scott Wolf is dad to sons Jackson, 4, and 6-month-old Miller.

The Everwood star, 45, spoke about fatherhood, the favorite role of his life.

“[Father's Day] means celebrating my favorite (tied with husband!) role in this life,” he gushed. “Hopefully it means breakfast in bed and a relaxing day with the family. Every day with these too beautiful boys feels like Fathers’ Day to me.

Nick Lachey:

Nick Lachey, 39, and wife Vanessa Lachey, 32, welcomed their first child, son Camden, on September 12.

“It has changed me for sure. It literally affects everything you do, every decision you make,” Nick said. “Your priorities completely shift and your kids instantly become the most important thing in the world. I think it’s made me a more patient person as well.

“My greatest joy is waking him up every day,” he added. “Seeing that little boy look up and smile at me every morning is the perfect way to start my day. The biggest challenge is having enough time in the day to do everything I need to do.”

Perez Hilton:

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton became a dad earlier this year when he welcomed his son Mario Armando Lavandeira, III, or Perez Hilton Jr., on February 16.

The first-time dad gushed about the joys of fatherhood.

“Being a father is awesome and everything I could have hoped for and more,” he shared.

Giuliana Rancic & Bill Rancic:

Bill Rancic and wife Giuliana Rancic welcomed their first child, son Duke, on August 29.

Giuliana shared about celebrating Bill’s first Father’s Day.

“I want to plan a very special Father’s Day since this will be Bill’s first,” Giuliana said.

She added: “Since we’re spending Mother’s Day in LA, I’d love to plan an exciting weekend in Chicago – Bill’s hometown – with both of my boys. Depending on the weather, I’d love to start off with a run with Bill and Duke in the jogger along the lakefront. It would be really nice to walk to the zoo, some museums, and then top the night off with dinner at RPM Italian.”

Jewel & Ty Murray:

Singer-songwriter Jewel and husband, rodeo cowboy Ty Murray, are parents to nearly 2-year-old son Kase.

The Grammy Award-winning singer happily shared this about her “dedicated” and “hands on” husband.

“My husband’s a very dedicated dad,” she gushed. “He doesn’t want to work or do anything but stay at home and help with the baby. He’s a very hands on dad, which is a great thing about him.”

Andrew Zimmern:

Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern is proud dad to 8-year-old son Noah.

The television personality, 51, talked about how fatherhood has changed him.

“It has increased my patience by a factor of about fifteen, and it has also made me increasingly aware of the problems I have with my own selfishness,” Andrew shared. “When I am just thinking about me, I am not being very useful to my son or my wife. Having a child is a supreme motivator in that regard.”

Happy Father’s Day to all the fabulous dads out there!

Today’s blog post is brought to us by:

Celebrity Baby Scoop is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

One of the things is not like the other. :) via Instagram

The rest of the weekend included activities like having an Aloe Vera & Rum Massage at the hotel, a beautiful sunset dinner at Marina Pirata, a moonlight hike tour with Eddy Croes, a private snorkel excursion with Tranquilo Sailing at Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad, lunch at Old Fisherman’s Restaurant, Culinary Excursion and Dinner at White Modern Cuisine.

We also had a Meet-and greet with Chef Croes and Frank Kelly, and enjoyed the evening at MooMba Beach before packing our bags and heading home.

There was plenty to do in Aruba! Aruba is an exotic place and one you have to see for yourself!

One that has absolutely NO filter. Check out Aruba travel to plan your next trip! Make it memorable and one you will remember.

Some of my very favorite Daddy’s Day memories don’t include traditional presents at all, but simple memories sharing love and gratitude with my family. Here are my top 5 suggestions that’ll help ensure Dad gets an extra special Daddy-friendly celebration this year:

1. BBQ Time:

It’s a known fact that dads love to barbeque – a whole lot of them do, anyways! If the dad in your life loves to grill then I suggest planning an extra special Daddy’s Day barbeque complete with dad’s favorite foods, favorite beer and favorite people. You can leave the grilling to Dad, but make sure you take care of everything else! Family barbeques are great for bonding, laughter and lots of fun. Don’t have a yard or a barbeque? Don’t fret, check out local parks and find a great spot that will work for you. And make sure you pick up something for dessert to end the night “sweetly”!

2. Garage Makeover:

Know a dad who loves his garage or “man cave”? This Daddy’s Day give his special hideout a makeover! It’s up to you whether you want to ask for Dad’s help or turn it into a surprise!! Make sure you frame a family photo and place it in just the right spot to show Dad you’re always by his side and you understand he might need a place to escape to from time to time! Kids can help their dads organize tools, get rid of old toys and help clean up a garage or “man cave” space that dad will love.

3. Daddy’s Day Out:

If the dad in your life is always talking about a new restaurant he has been dying to try now’s your chance to take him out! Daddy’s Day Out should be entirely planned by you and your children ahead of time. Figure out what it is that Dad has wanted to do and just do it! Daddy’s Day Out will make Dad feel both loved and appreciated, while allowing him to enjoy some family time participating in an activity or visiting an establishment he’s been talking about for months.

4. Surprise!

A good surprise goes a long way. If you have older children or family members you haven’t seen in a great deal of time, Daddy’s Day is the perfect day to get everyone together to surprise Dad! You can all meet at a specific destination or have someone get Dad out of the house for a few hours and throw the surprise party there. The efforts taken to gather loved ones will surely touch Dad’s heart and make memories he’ll reflect on often.

5. Adventure:

Some dads love adventure! And Daddy’s Day is just the day to show the dad in your life just how adventurous you and your children are. Has Dad been talking about renting a boat and exploring a nearby lake or cove? Has he been hinting about his desires to take a camping trip? Whatever it may be, show Dad you appreciate his adventurous side and take a special family outing altogether! Make sure to think out of the box, be creative and don’t forget to plan the details.

No matter how you choose to show the dad in your life just how much he means to you, make sure he knows just that by the end of the day. Make time to express your favorite moment, tell him the top 10 reasons you’re happy he’s you’re dad or allow time for each family member to “toast” to Dad. So have fun and shower Dad in love and appreciation – he’ll be sure to remember the special day for the rest of his life.

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

From Channing Tatum, to Steve Martin, to Nick Lachey, to Bill Rancic, look through our list of 10 celebrity dads enjoying their first Father’s Day.

Channing Tatum:

Channing Tatum and wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum are the latest Hollywood couple to became first-time parents.

The Magic Mike star, 33, and the Step Up actress, 32, welcomed their first child in London, England on May 30.
As of June 2, no further information had been announced about baby Tatum. But just hours before welcoming their baby, we saw the handsome couple walking their dogs in their London neighborhood.

Bill Rancic:

Bill Rancic and wife Giuliana Rancic welcomed their first child, son Duke, on August 29.

Giuliana opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about celebrating Bill’s first Father’s Day.

“I want to plan a very special Father’s Day since this will be Bill’s first,” Giuliana said.

She added: “Since we’re spending Mother’s Day in LA, I’d love to plan an exciting weekend in Chicago – Bill’s hometown – with both of my boys. Depending on the weather, I’d love to start off with a run with Bill and Duke in the jogger along the lakefront. It would be really nice to walk to the zoo, some museums, and then top the night off with dinner at RPM Italian.”

Dax Shepard:

Parenthood star Dax Shepard, 38, and House of Lies actress Kristen Bell, 32, became parents in March.

The engaged couple welcomed a daughter on Thursday, March 28. “Lincoln Bell Shepard is here,” the proud new papa announced via Twitter. “She has mom’s beauty and dad’s obsession with breasts. Hooray!!!”

The Veronica Mars star recently boasted that Dax is “the best” dad. “It’s like he’s just made a new best friend,” she added. “He just talks to her all the time. And sings to her all day. It’s wonderful.”

Chris Pratt:

Scary Movie star Anna Faris, 36, and husband, Zero Dark Thirty actor Chris Pratt, 33, welcomed their first child, son Jack, on August 25.

“He was born nine weeks premature, so we spent a month in the intensive care unit with him,” Chris revealed in January. “But he’s totally healthy now. He is just so perfect and I love him so much.”

“Chris is an amazing dad. He really is,” Anna recently gushed of her husband. ”He feeds the baby almost every morning so I can sleep in. . . It’s very sexy to watch him be a dad!”

Wiz Khalifa:

Model Amber Rose, 29, and fiancé, rapper Wiz Khalifa, 25, welcomed their first child, son Sebastian ’The Bash’ on February 21.

The rapper tweeted the happy news, writing, “Happy Birthday Sebastian ‘The Bash’ Taylor Thomaz!!! Everyone welcome this perfect young man into the world.”

Nick Lachey:

Nick Lachey, 39, and wife Vanessa Lachey, 32, welcomed their first child, son Camden, on September 12.

“It has changed me for sure. It literally affects everything you do, every decision you make,” Nick recently shared of fatherhood. “Your priorities completely shift and your kids instantly become the most important thing in the world. I think it’s made me a more patient person as well.

“My greatest joy is waking him up every day,” he added. “Seeing that little boy look up and smile at me every morning is the perfect way to start my day. The biggest challenge is having enough time in the day to do everything I need to do.”

Jackson Rathbone:

Twilight star Jackson Rathbone, 28, and his girlfriend Sheila Hafsadi welcomed their firstborn child, son Monroe, on July 5.

“He’s the most wonderful thing,” Jackson gushed of his baby boy. “He’s so beautiful, he’s got the greatest smile, little dimples. We’re blessed because he sleeps through the night.”

A.J. McLean:

Backstreet Boys star A.J. McLean, 35, and wife Rochelle McLean welcomed their firstborn child, daughter Ava, on November 27.

“I can’t stress how much my daughter is an inspiration to stay sober,” the boy bander said. “When I come home and she opens those big blue eyes at me, it’s the most amazing feeling I could ever feel.”

He added: “I’m not looking for sympathy. It’s a constant struggle, and it’s not as easy as you think.”

Steve Martin:

Funnyman Steve Martin became a first-time dad at the age of 67 when his wife, Anne Stringfield, 41, welcomed a daughter in December. No further information has been announced on baby Martin.

“Steve’s very private,” a source said. “They are thrilled. They worked hard to have the baby.”
The couple were wed in a private ceremony in July 2007.

Robbie Williams:

British popstar Robbie Williams, 39, and wife Adya Field, 34, welcomed their first child, daughter Teddy, on September 18.

“I am on nappy patrol,” Robbie said after Teddy’s birth. “I am nappy changer, chief nappy changer. I love it. I love burping her. I love feeding her and I love changing nappies. It’s weird – I find it uniquely bonding.”

“Your world changes for the better – she’s an absolute gift, she’s an absolute joy,” he added. “I absolutely adore being a dad.”

More Hollywood Dads On Fatherhood:
Chris O’ Donnell On Father’s Day Plans And Friendship With The Afflecks
Scott Wolf: “Every Day With These Two Boys Feels Like Father’s Day To Me”
Hank Baskett On How Fatherhood Has Changed Him
A Look At Top Ten Favorite Celebrity Dads

Celebrity Baby Scoop is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

Gardening doesn't have to be complicated. It can actually be quite fun and exciting, especially when you track the progress with your children. 

1. Tomato Tub Project

Making a tomato tub is pretty easy and requires only a few steps. Please follow along with these easy steps for a fun outdoor project to create with your kids.

For the Tomato Tub project, you will need:

I’m gonna share a little secret with you when it comes to growing a successful pepper garden… SAVE THE SEEDS. Save the seeds from the peppers you are about to eat (that have not been refrigerated). Refrigeration and pepper seeds are not friends, especially when trying to get them to germinate.

 

Here’s the first thing I do when I am preparing a pepper to use for dinner, I slice the pepper long ways and take out the seeds. I put them in a bowl and let them sit out and dry for a week or so. 

Read all about how I grew a rockin' pepper garden easily!

 

3. DIY Rain Barrel

 

As you can see, the lava rocks really made a huge difference and everything just looks so much fresher. 

For your garden projects, I would recommend something like Shake n’ Feed Moisture Control All Purpose Plant Food and Moisture Control Potting Mix especially if you are planting edible food in your garden! 

Miracle-Gro’s The Gro Project is here to showcase that garden projects should not be complicated! Miracle-Gro wants to simplify gardening for a whole new class of gardeners and show that it can be easy, fun and enjoyable by coming up with fun garden projects that are for the whole family. Click that link to check out Miracle Gro's Pinterest page! They have a lot of good ideas on there.

Learn more about the Gro Project here:

First-time fathers experience many emotions: love, responsibility, protectiveness, and even fear. And, whatever the father’s relationship is with the baby’s mother, both parents’ lives are forever changed. But it’s important to remember that while much of the attention may be on new mothers, fathers can—and do– perform all aspects of child care (except breastfeeding).

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), fathers of infants face special challenges. These tips, when followed, can help reduce stress and build healthy routines.

Tip #1: Learn to survive without sleep.
Babies do not have established sleep patterns that align with yours. Especially during the first few months, it is important to sleep when you can. If the baby is napping, try to take a nap, too. And, when possible, go to bed early so that when the baby wakes up during the night you will awaken having had some rest.

Tip #2: Manage stress.
Your baby is 100 percent dependent on others for all of his or her needs. And many of your caregiving responsibilities may be brand new. This can be stressful. Do your best to eat well, exercise, and accept help from others–grandparents, siblings, or close friends–who can give you and the baby’s mother a break. And, give yourself a break, too. Laundry and other household chores are less important than caring for the baby, the baby’s mother, and yourself.

Tip #3: Share in the feeding.
Even if the baby’s mother is breastfeeding, you can participate by bringing the baby to her or changing the baby’s diaper. If it is a late-night feeding, you can take the baby afterwards until he has gone to sleep. The more rested each member of the family is, the less stress there will be (see Tips 1 & 2 above). And, if you are both working outside the home, taking turns on late-night baby care will go a long way to ensuring you both have enough sleep to be productive.

Tip #4: Establish a routine.
We are all creatures of habit. The sooner you establish a routine for the baby the sooner he or she will adopt regular sleeping habits, which will be good for the entire family.

Tip #5: Give Mom a break.
Take the baby out of the house for an hour or so—for a walk, to the grocery store, wherever—to ensure that Mom has some down time. More importantly, this will provide you with one-on-one baby time.

Tip #6: Invest in your relationship.
While each of you is getting used to your new role–“father” or “mother”–don’t forget that you are parents together. Continue to support each other as you incorporate a third person into your established relationship. And, dads, recognize that you likely will no longer be the #1 focus in the family; be understanding as everyone adjusts to their new roles.

Tip #7: Build trust.
When an infant cries, your response (a clean diaper, a bottle, or simply holding her) will begin to establish trust. Providing a consistent, timely response shows the baby that you care for her and she can count on you.

Tip #8: Live with imperfection.
No one is perfect. Neither are you. Being a parent is a new adventure. Learn from your experiences and talk to other dads to gain other perspectives. As long as you provide a safe, nurturing environment for your baby, you will learn how to become a better parent. A good resource for new parents, especially mothers, is text4baby. Simply text “BABY” (or “BEBE” for Spanish) to 511411 receive three free text messages a week, timed to the mother’s due date or the baby’s birth date, through pregnancy and up until the baby’s first birthday.

Tip #9: Keep good records.
It’s important to ensure you have key information that you will need to refer to throughout the years. This includes your pediatrician’s contact information, as well as the baby’s immunization schedule, birth certificate, and Social Security Number. By gathering this information early and updating it regularly you will be prepared when it is needed most.

Tip #10: Enjoy today.
It may be cliché to say that they grow up fast, but it’s true! Learn to enjoy this unique time in your baby’s life when the most basic things—riding in the stroller, watching a ceiling fan, or trying new foods—are both new and exciting. Looking at and experiencing things as your child does can give you a whole new appreciation for life.

“Learning from other fathers and sharing your own experiences results in children who have more engaged, positive relationships with their dads,” says NRFC Kenneth Braswell. “The larger the circle of caring adults the more likely children will know that they are loved.”

While you may be a new father, fatherhood is a lifelong commitment. The NRFC offers practical tools and resources to provide guidance at every stage of your child’s development. Visit www.fatherhood.gov or call 877-4DAD411. Stay in touch with the NRFC on Facebook and Twitter.