Mormon Life - Summer tag

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Modest Swimsuits 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Kate Ensign-Lewis
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Swimsuit season: there's no need to dread it anymore because cute and modest swimsuits not only exist – they seem to be everywhere! Check out this season's offerings.

Only two years ago I felt stymied in my attempts to find a modest swimsuit for a family cruise – they all looked like they were meant for someone 40 years my senior or someone who really wanted to live in the 90s. I stumbled upon one of the few beautiful and modest pieces out there just in time.

But now, it seems fashionable, feminine suits are everywhere! Polka dots continue to be popular, but there are also a few cute plaids out there this year. I bet you'll find something you'll like here.

Note: One person's idea of "modest" might not exactly square with someone else's, but these are swimsuits I think might generally be considered modest.

Photo from Downeast Basics

Retro Revival Suit, $49.99

Photo from Old Navy

Women's Twist-Front Control Max Swimsuit, $44.94

Photo from Downeast Basics

Silver Screen Suit, $49.99

Photo from ModBe

Islander Top, $50

Photo from Walmart

Catalina Women's Retro Tank Swimsuit, $15

Photo from Lime Ricki

Floral Retro One Piece, $61.99

Photo from Gap

Bandeau one-piece, $59.95

Photo from Lime Ricki

Gingham Retro One Piece, $61.99

Photo from Old Navy

Women's Ruffle Tankini Top, $24.94 (bottoms $19.94)

Photo from Divinita Sole

Flower Ruched Tankini, $99

Photo from Divinita Sole

Square Halter, $99

Photo from Lime Ricki

Pink One-shoulder Tankini, $48.99

Photo from DownEast Basics

Malibu Swim Skirt, $26.99

{Food Dish} Favorite Summer Dessert

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Kate Ensign-Lewis
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: When I think of summer, I think of this refreshing dessert. There’s something about this recipe that just whispers to me across the sands of time. From summers spent eating it on the patio at my grandma’s house to stealing an extra piece after our Fourth of July celebration when I was 9 (and owning up, unsolicited, to the pilfered piece later, like a good little Mormon girl)—it just speaks of summer throughout. Maybe it’s the freshness of the lemon. Maybe it’s the cold sensation of ice cream. But I have a theory that it’s both.

It’s super easy:

1 box Nilla wafers
¼ cup butter, melted
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
½ gallon vanilla ice cream (softened)
8-ounce pink lemonade from freezer section (thawed)

Pulse 1 box (or about 36 cookies) of Nilla wafers in food processor until pulverized (like what you would expect in a graham cracker crust). Add butter and sugar and stir. Press into bottom of 9x13-inch pan.

Stir softened ice cream and lemonade in a large bowl until well combined. Spread over crust and allow to freeze until hardened, about 3 hours.

I really, really want some now. (Too bad any dairy makes my nursing baby sick. Boo.)

For the life of me, I can't find a photo of it. And since making it would be a waste in a house where one adult can't eat it and the other is apathetic to non-chocolate desserts, I found a photo of what it (almost) looks like:

(Just take off the toppings and imagine it in a square, and voila.)

Here are some other ways I’ve tried to stay cool in a tasty way:

{Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches, courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen}

{Mango Frozen Dessert with Macademia Crust, courtesy of Martha Stewart}

{Grasshopper Ice Cream Pie, Cook's Country}

{Peanut-y Banana Pudding, Cook's Country}

As you can see, we're serious about dessert in our house.

What’s your favorite summer dessert?

{Lifestyle} Summer Activities for Kids

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Ashley Jones
source: MormonLife.com

Are your kids bored? Here are a few fun summer activities for the family.

One perk of being one of the younger children in my family is that I have nine darling nieces and nephews. All nine of them, under the age of 10, and their parents will be at my house next weekend for a family reunion. My younger sister and I were put in charge of planning activities for the family to enjoy while together. It was a little difficult trying to come up with ideas of what we could do that would appease the variety of ages. Here’s a list of some things we came up with to keep the kids entertained. You may find some of them perfect for an FHE activity or just a fun summer night:

1. Movie and activity. Watch Tangled and make your own floating lanterns. I made a floating lantern just a few weeks ago and it worked so well! Check out this tutorial for more info on how to do it.

2. Relay races with eggs. Grab a few eggs, stick them on spoons, and race from one end of your yard/ driveway to the other without breaking the eggs.

3. Chalk it up to fun. An inexpensive box of colored chalk can keep kids busy for hours. Have younger kids draw pictures on the sidewalk or driveway. For the older children, try a game of Tic Tac Toe or hopscotch: draw a hopscotch pattern with eight squares; players toss a marker (try a stone or button) into a square and then hop over it on one foot.

4. Knock ’em over with backyard bowling. Find household items that will tumble over easily, such as empty cereal boxes, empty soda cans, or small stuffed toys and align them in a row like bowling pins. Then, using a smaller ball for older kids and a bigger ball for the young ones, have the children roll the ball. They score a point for each object they knock down.

5. Play Kick the Can. A variation on Hide and Seek, this game works best with at least three kids. One person is designated “it” and will guard the “can” (could use one of those metal food storage cans or a ball) which is set in an open space. While the other players hide, the “it” counts to 20 (or higher) and then tries to find and tag the other players. If captured, players must go to “jail.” Any player who hasn’t been caught can run in and kick the can, setting all of the captured players free. If the “it” finds everyone, he wins the game.

6. Create an outdoor canvas. (This is my favorite!) Hang an old sheet on a clothesline or tape paper to a fence for your budding artist(s) to paint on. Encourage them to try painting with different kinds of brushes or items. They could even try dipping grass into paint and swishing it on paper, then try painting with a leaf or a twig. The kids can also try painting rocks and creating little people or bugs with them. (Might want to dress them in play clothes you don’t mind them getting paint all over.)

7. Sleep under the stars. Pull out sleeping bags and blankets and arrange them on the grass so everyone is lying next to each other. Enjoy talking and looking at the stars before falling asleep. You could even check out a book from the library on constellations and have a contest to see who can find which constellation first. (Just don’t forget to turn off the sprinklers!)

--
Ashley Jones practices public relations for Deseret Book. She loves writing, emailing her missionary sister, and making/eating home-made popcorn.

Balancing motherhood in summer

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 09:22:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

Recently, we took our high school graduate to Hawaii for his senior trip and my speaking assignment at Brigham Young University. When I asked my son what his favorite experience was out of an entire week of amazing activities, his reply was, “When you and dad were getting tumbled all over the place in the waves.”

While all I remember from that day is pounding waves, gritty sand and my medusa hair, apparently it was thrilling that we had shared in his kind of fun (called recreational torture). Being with your children this summer — not just sitting on the sidelines — is vital. I don’t have a beach body and won’t get one anytime soon. This can make me less than zealous to swim, boat or Sea-Doo (add to that climbing, camping, hiking or activities that involve getting off a deck chair).

Summer Travel Series: Independence and Liberty, Missouri

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:39:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Early Latter-day Saints experienced some of the darkest days of the Church in Independence and Liberty, Missouri. For a brief period, though, Missouri’s frontier also proved to be where some of the happiest times occurred for members of the fledgling Church.

Independence and Liberty are now destinations steeped in meaningful history for members of the Church and anyone interested in the saga of early America.

“As people visit the Church historic sites in the area, they’ll come to understand that Independence and Liberty, Missouri, areas are important and even sacred places for members of the Church,” said Gary Boatright Jr., a curator for the Church History Department.

100 things to do this summer

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:10:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

We don’t do summer camps around here. The beauty of summer is letting go of the school year's strict schedule. However, it’s always good to have a summer road map to help you survive those hot August days.

Here are some fun, (nearly free) ideas to kickstart the heat with your kids:

1. Put big globs of shaving cream on the table, and let your kids sculpt and fingerpaint. (It’ll clean your table, too!)

2. Make tinfoil boats and float them down a creek or pond.

3. Have a picnic in your backyard.

4. Play dress-up. Let the kids dress up in some of your old clothing.

5. Create a literacy library for the summer. Put a price tag on good books for incentives for your kids to read at a more challenging level.

6. Make family T-shirts and conduct your activities like summer camp.

Summer Reading List for Kids

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:33:00 -0600

by Holly Newton
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out this awesome book list both you and your kids will enjoy reading and discussing. Summer is coming! Here’s a list of great kids’ reads to keep the kids busy, beginning with picture books. There are a lot of great and newly published picture books, but I look for inventive, interactive, fun or teachable books when selecting picture books to review.

(For our Summer Reading List for Adults & Young Adults, click here.)

There Are Cats in this Book, by Viviane Schwarz, fits the first two components for me to review. This creative book has three lively cats that want you to become involved in their games, such as tossing a ball of yarn or lifting flaps to try to find them. You even get a chance to save them as they are swept into a tidal wave of water. And, if this book isn’t enough fun, there’s a follow-up book, There are NO Cats in this Book, also by Schwartz. Now the three fun-loving cats wish to leave the book to see the world. There’s more fun here with a fold-out as well as a giant pop-up. Both books have the same brush and ink drawings that splash across the pages with exuberant energy. So what are you waiting for? Go find these active cats!

Interrupting Chicken, by David Ezra Stein, is this year’s Caldecott Honor book, and its award is richly deserved. It’s time for little red chicken to go to bed and she wants a story. As Papa begins three different stories, he is constantly interrupted by little red chicken. When she tells him a story, guess who finally falls asleep? There are water-color spreads with Papa and child as the focal points. When the stories begin, the colors cleverly change to black and white. If your little ones interrupt, this might be a tale for them!

Wordless books are great for conversation. Here are four fabulous books that beg for on-lookers to discuss:

Beaver is Lost, by Elisha Cooper, is a clever pencil and watercolor palate about Beaver as he accidentally floats down the river on a log that ends up in a city lumberyard. As you follow Beaver’s adventure, the few words written are the title words and home, when he finally jumps back in the river to swim home.

Where’s Walrus?, by Stephen Savage, is an off-shoot from Where’s Waldo but in a much simpler format. A walrus escapes from the zoo as a zookeeper is in hot pursuit. Each retro-drawn page has the walrus hiding in plain sight and looking like the surroundings. Check out a shop’s window mannequins wearing red hats along with the walrus, who is standing next to them. This book will bring a smile!

The Lion & the Mouse, by Jerry Pinkney, was last year’s Caldecott medal winner. This wordless book takes you through Aesop’s fable but with the majesty of Pinkney’s watercolor Africa. No wonder this book won!

Lost & Found, by Shaun Tan, has a few words throughout and is filled with such amazing imagery, detail, and imagination that you’ll likely find yourself pouring over the book again and again. There are actually three tales that deal with how we lose and then find what really means the most to us. Mr. Tan is a most gifted storyteller through his paintings. This book is good for ages 8 to 12.

The next two books are good for early chapter readers and both have black-and-white illustrations sprinkled throughout:

Zigzag Kids #3: Flying Feet, by Patricia Reilly Giff, with illustrations by Alasdair Bright, features innovator Charlie who can’t wait to show off his newly invented flying feet. But what if his shoes don’t work? This fun book invites readers to learn from their mistakes and never give up.

The Deadlies: Felix Takes the Stage, by Kathryn Lasky, with illustrations by Stephen Gilpin, is a story ultimately about the importance of home. A family of spiders must now move out of Philharmonic Hall after Felix, a most creative spider, makes his presence known to the conductor. Their adventures and mishaps as they travel cross-country in search for a new home will keep you turning pages to the very end.

The rest of the books are good for ages 9 to 12:

Framed, by Gordon Korman, is the third installment featuring 12-year-old Griffin and his gang. Griffin has been wrongfully accused of stealing a Super Bowl ring from the display case, and now he’s headed to the jail for kids. But he and his gang are about to solve this mystery. The story is hilarious; you just may want to go back to read the other two also featuring Griffin, Swindle and Zoobreak.

Beyonders: A World without Heroes, by Brandon Mull, has 13-year-old Jason suddenly being whisked away to a magical world where an evil emperor prevails. This land has no one to overcome the evil lord and Jason, along with Rachel, a girl who has also been transported, needs to fight with the people living there as they try to find their way home. This book looks to be as exciting as Mull’s previous bestselling Fablehaven series.

On the Blue Comet, by Rosemary Wells, with colorful and nostalgic illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline, is the adventure you’ll want to read for summer. Eleven-year-old Oscar is about to go on the train ride of his life when he finds that time has moved from one decade to another. This historical fiction has many exciting elements which include time travel and mystery. You’ll love this read!

Alienated, by David O. Russell and Andrew Auseon, has two friends discovering that aliens are real, and publishing a small weekly newspaper in order to disclose the whereabouts of the aliens. But now they’ve discovered that the aliens they have written about have gone missing. What’s happened to them? Are they hiding deeper in earth, or have they been kidnapped by the evil alien overlord? The storyline is riddled with humor and anticipation as the friends try to discover what’s happening to these creatures from outer space.

The Emerald Atlas, by John Stephens, is a thrilling book that evokes magic, adventure, and excitement. Three siblings are bounced from one orphanage to another until they finally arrive at an excessively large, old house. When they begin exploring the many rooms, they discover a green book that they magically fall into. They are transported back to the recent past where they discover some enchanting and captivating people. The Emerald Atlas is overly large, with 417 pages, but that’s a good thing. Once you start, you won’t want it to end. And there’s more good news: two more books are planned for this trilogy.

--
Holly Evans Newton has taught kindergarten through 7th grades for 25 years and writes a weekly children’s book review column. She travels around the country presenting book review presentations to elementary schools where she reviews the top books of the year.

{Lifestyle} Sunscreen, Please!

Sat, 14 May 2011 11:36:00 -0600

by Ashley Jones
source: MormonLife.com

Question: When did tan skin become the “in” thing? Can you pin a date or time period on it? Chinese women do everything they can to cover their skin when walking outside; most American women do everything they can to uncover their skin while in the sun. True, I think most of us will agree when I say we love the sun. I haven’t seen much of it lately (thanks a lot, Utah), but I’m confident it will show its pretty little face sometime soon. But with that happy sun, comes a little “Debby-Downer.” I’ll secretly admit to you that I’m always a little depressed when I read the medical reports my mom sends me about how detrimental the sun is to my skin. Argh. I’m not sure why I keep reading those if they just strike fear in my heart about cancerous moles the size of my head. However, in this instance, I will admit defeat and say, “Mom, you are right.”

As great as it feels to get that initial “burn” which we hope turns into a tan, you’re not doing your skin any favors. Sure, it may clear up acne for a bit, or allow you to wear that darling pair of shorts you bought last summer on clearance, but is it worth it later on when the wrinkles and age spots start to appear? Who wants to risk skin cancer, raise your hand? No, thanks. I’m a little more passionate about this topic than I use to be – I’m fair-skinned, blonde and turn into one big freckle during the summer months. However, I’m starting to see the effects of my sun-negligence from my teen and college years: wrinkles, old-looking skin, sunspots … I sound like my mom. But it’s true!

With all the negative aspects, here are 10 positive ways to work with the sun, not against it:

1. Try avoiding the high afternoon hours when the sun is strongest. These hours usually range between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Do spend short amounts of time in the sun in the morning hours and late afternoon hours – Vitamin D is your best defense against those winter blues, among other things.

2. Hats are very in style right now. You can pick up a cute Fedora for a few dollars and wear that while running errands or while at your son’s soccer game. Two positives to this: it covers up your bad hair day and it protects that beautiful face of yours!

3. If you are dying to get that bronzed look, try a fake tanning lotion, rather than hurting your skin. (I’m blowing my cover by admitting this, but it’s worth telling you - my favorite tanning lotion is Au Courant. My sisters and I have tried a couple different types, and this is by far our favorite. Google it.)

4. Please take extra caution on overcast days. I have two horror stories of getting burned to a crisp because I thought the sun didn’t shine when it is overcast. I was “painfully” wrong.

5. If you have a family trip planned for Hawaii, or some other place where you’ll be out in the sun a lot, make sure you get some sun before you go. Your Snow White skin will be shocked if all of a sudden you’re exposing it to July rays in Hawaii. What is the Boy Scout motto? Be prepared.

6. I’m not much of a sunglasses wearer, but sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes and the sensitive skin around those baby blues.

7. Don’t go tanning. I’ll say it again: don’t go tanning. I think the only time I might suggest tanning is when you’re trying to prep your skin for your Hawaii trip. (See tip #5.) But other than that, my opinion of tanning is if you want to ruin your skin, by all means, go tanning.

8. Obviously, wear sunscreen if you go to the pool or are out boating. That’s another no-brainer. You could also take a swimsuit cover-up and slip it on when you’re not swimming.

9. Find a face moisturizer with an SPF factor of at least 15. Apply daily, please.

10. If you burn easily, carry a non-oil based sunscreen and apply it throughout the day if you’re going to be outside a lot.

The sun is our friend – don’t be paranoid or afraid to go out and play in it. Just be wise and prepared, and you’ll love every minute this summer!

--
Ashley Jones practices public relations for Deseret Book. She loves writing, emailing her missionary sister, and making/ eating home-made popcorn.

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Swimsuits Part II

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:03:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

We had so much success with our first swimsuit guide (click here), that I thought, “Why not post more?!”

Now again, I realize that one person’s idea of “modest” may not be another’s, and that swimsuits are subjective to body type, but here are a few more swimsuits that I think can generally be considered modest.

(You can take LDS Living’s poll on the tankini vs. one piece debate here.)

These suits range from steal ($17) to splurge ($148).

Photo from ModCloth.
Bathing Beauty One Piece $89.99

Photo from ModCloth.
Plus Size Bathing Beauty One Piece $89.99

Photo from Lime Ricki.
Odessa Tankini Top $37

Photo from Lime Ricki.
London One Piece $60

Photo from ModBod.
Sunkissed Tankini $42

Photo from Anthropologie.
Water Splatter Maillot $148

Photo from DownEast Basics.
Santa Barbara Halter $32.99

Photo from DownEast Basics.
Sausalito Halter $32.99

Photo from Diviine Modestee.
Turquoise Dots Set $84

Photo from Diviine Modestee.
Flounce Halter Set $84

Photo from Old Navy.
Striped One Piece $29.50

Photo from Macy’s.
Jantzen One Piece $98.

Photo from Target.
Polka-dot Tankini Top $19.99

Photo from JC Penney.
Zero Xposur Action Top $27.99

Photo from JC Penney.
Floral Bandeau Tankini $17.99

Photo from Kneeshorts.
Trimshaper Swimsuit $49.99

Photo from Hapari.Plumeria Sport Tankini $46

Summer Reading List for Adults & Young Adults

Wed, 11 May 2011 12:49:00 -0600

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

(For our Summer Reading List for Kids, click here.)

Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon; 2010 Whitney Award winner. When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their own: Kim, newlywed and pregnant, frightened of what the future might bring. Brenda, struggling to manage three unruly boys and a crippling bout of depression. Jessie, secretly grappling with mixed feelings about her emotionally abusive husband. Marianne, wrestling with a rebellious teenage daughter. And Nora, the seasoned Army wife with perfect hair, an immaculate home—and an ill-tempered mother dying of cancer. Knowing the separation of deployment is extremely difficult, Nora gathers the wives every week to share lunches and burdens. In good company, they worry over safety in the field and stability at home and offer one another counsel and comfort. Together they must confront the painful realities of war that pull families apart and bring friends together as sisters.

The Evolution of Thomas Hall by Kieth Merrill. Thomas Hall is an artist with astonishing talent—and a vainglorious sense of self. Since his days as a child prodigy, he has reveled in recognition and believed in his inevitable destiny. He presumes his artistic brilliance deserves a lavish life of independence, fast cars, and drop-dead gorgeous women. But when "Cass," the woman from the Healing Place, walks into his life, nothing can ever be the same again. Thomas finds himself faced with a challenge he could never have imagined, suspended between the snarling beasts of his fanciful imagination that belie the existence of God and the undaunted faith of a little girls named Christina. What he discovers about the child's harrowing escape from death brings him face-to-face with the most frightening question of his life. Award-winning filmmaker Kieth Merrill writes a cinematic story of one man's journey in search of his soul filled with imagery that unspools like a movie in our minds.

Lucky Change by Susan Law Corpany. After a fluke lottery win, Karen Donaldson—the ward charity case—is determined to use her millions to pay back all the kindness she's received. But the future holds a few more surprises for Karen, her neighbors, and someone she thought was gone forever. Sweet, funny, and full of heart, this off-beat comedy is perfect for anyone who's ever dreamed of making it big.

Pieces of Paris by G.G. Vandagriff. Annalisse and Dennis seem to be living the American dream until Annalisse's secret past and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder threaten to destroy their family. This skillfully crafted novel explores the long-term effects of personal tragedy in haunting flashbacks of Annalisse's former life, flashbacks that are interwoven with a passionate romance and reveal a person entirely different from the woman Dennis thought he married. But as each revelation increases the emotional gulf between them, Dennis's investigation of a toxic waste incident ignites the wrath of a former political ally and an industrial firm that will go to any lengths to cover up a shocking crime.

The Rogue Shop by Michael Knudsen. Promising his aunt to avoid all Mormons, Chris Kerry came to Utah to get an education—and nothing else. But with the help of some friendly neighbors and eccentric coworkers, Chris uncovers a truth that stitches together his lost heritage in a way he never imagined. This hilarious, moving novel illuminates how we recognize truth even in the most trying of circumstances.

Free Men and Dreamers Vol. 4: Oh, Say Can You See? by L.C. Lewis. Though the capital smolders, the battered Constitution and the presidency have survived. But the British left the struggling government no home. Gone are the symbols of America—the Capitol Building, the President's House, and nearly every relic of the infant nation. Britain's next target is the port city of Baltimore, but has the raid on Washington stiffened the Americans' backs? As the Willows women mourn their absent men, they await the birth of a blessed child.

Miles away, attorney Francis Scott Key embarks on a diplomatic mission that will leave an everlasting mark on America. Proving that the pen can indeed be more powerful than the sword, Key records the fears and hopes of his embattled people. His epic poem soon set to music and titled "The Star-Spangled Banner," rallies a shattered nation to rise from its knees to claim the dream of "one nation under God" during the closing hours of the War of 1812.

Trespass by Sandra Grey; 2010 Whitney Award Winner. Lieutenant Viktor Rostov warned them not to cross him. If Hans Brenner had listened, Natalie Allred might not have disappeared—and Hans might not be lying mortally wounded, his life forfeit to the Soviet MGB. All Hans wanted was to marry his sweetheart in America. But that was before an agreement between Hans and U.S. intelligence went horribly wrong.

Lieutenant Rostov has no choice; with his daughter, Lucya, sentenced to a Siberian death camp, he must deliver Hans or risk losing Lucya forever. To preserve Lucya’s life, Hans must help the Soviets build a bomb, and Natalie must swear allegiance to the motherland and to Rostov himself. Escape seems impossible within the iron grip of the secret police. And when the MGB begins to suspect betrayal, Hans and Natalie’s survival will hinge on two people. One must trespass against the laws of a nation that gave him a second chance, and the other must make a heart-wrenching choice: trespass against his country or against his heart.

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright. Jillian is caught between three men and two cities. First is Geoffrey in Boston, Jillian’s hometown. She would have married this brilliant ad exec if he hadn’t stolen some of her best work (and gotten her promotion as a result). Second is Jack in Los Angeles, who signs Jillian up for a love study at a local university hoping to find out if she still loves Geoffrey—and splits as soon as her brain neurons fire an emphatic yes. As Jillian goes back to Boston to investigate the underhanded dealings of a competing agency, she meets guy number three, Nathan, the dentist who hates the advertising industry because his ex-girlfriend, Nicole, recently dumped him for some hotshot ad exec. When Nicole’s fiancé turns out to be Geoffrey, this love triangle becomes a full-blown love quadrangle with savvy players, snappy dialogue, and a plot that won’t stop twisting.

The Legend of Shannonderry by Carol Warburton. Gwyneth Beddows, a young woman of nineteenth-century England, has often felt lonely and unloved by her father, who believes the rumors that his pretty daughter might not actually be his child. Gwyneth finds consolation in the saddle of her spirited stallion, a promising racehorse who has drawn the attention of Irish horse master Cormac D’Arcy. The handsome young man also brings a life-changing message from Gwyneth’s grandmother—a frail yet feisty Irish woman Gwyneth has never met. Events orchestrated by her father force Gwyneth to flee England, and with the help of D’Arcy, she arrives at Shannonderry, her maternal family’s ancestral home, where Gwyneth learns of a legend that will have a profound impact on her life and the lives of those around her. Touched by the promise of destiny, Gwyneth seeks to save the family estate from certain ruin. But with fierce rivals on the scene and her embittered father in the periphery, Gwyneth must call on the strength of her heart if the historic legend of Shannonderry will ever be fulfilled.

Heart of a Hero by Marie Higgins. When Summer Bennett returns to Richfield after a five-year stint at her aunt's finishing school, she discovers a lot has changed. Her father has suffered a crippling injury, and Summer is desperate to get the money to pay for surgery that could allow him to walk again. When she hears of a reward offered for capturing a cunning gang of bank robbers, her years of etiquette training fall by the dusty roadside. But unexpected competition from her family’s longtime friend, Jesse Slade, is thwarting Summer’s plans. Wanting nothing more than to use Jesse's head for a slingshot target, soon Summer finds her aim shifting from his head to his heart. Engaged to Summer’s sister Violet, Jesse also feels a new irritation with Summer, the former burr under his saddle, now always on his mind. Summer's father expects him to marry Violet, and Jesse won't let him down. But why does Jesse find himself encouraging Summer's attentions, and why do sparks fly every time they are together?

Meg’s Melody by Kaylee Baldwin. It's only after her husband leaves that Meg finds out she's pregnant. Now facing the prospect of single parenthood, she'll have to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and a friendship she wasn’t expecting to see her through. This touching story combines romance with real conflicts to remind you it's never too late to find love—if you know where to look.

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey. When Jordan MacDonald goes behind his mother's back to get his pilot's license, he soon finds out that a life full of dishonesty attracts more turbulence than he's ever faced in the air. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands, this heartwarming story of romance and self-discovery will take you to new heights with each turn of the page.

Cold as Ice by Stephanie Black; 2010 Whitney Award Winner. After five patient years, Abigail Wyatt’s sisterly care is finally paying off: her younger brother, Derek, is abandoning his self-destructive lifestyle and seeking his parents’ forgiveness, thus ending the painful estrangement that wounded the whole family. But just as the pieces are falling into place for the prodigal’s return, a woman named Karen Brodie is murdered in a local park—and police name Derek as the prime suspect. Rather than standing firm and cementing the positive changes in his life, Derek succumbs to his cynical fears and runs from the law, leaving Abigail with her hands tied. Literally.

Derek’s raw panic convinces everyone that he’s the killer—except Abigail. With the help of Kyle, a charismatic new friend she might be falling for, Abigail digs deep into Karen Brodie’s troubled past in hopes of clearing Derek’s name. But as she uncovers a sinister plot of greed, envy, and vengeance, this loyal sister must face the painful truth that things—and people—are not always as they seem.

Murder by Design by Besty Brannon Green. After cracking Foster Scoggins’s murder case, Kennedy Killingsworth figured life in Midway, Georgia, would settle back to normal (meaning desperately dull). But that thought vanishes when a black-clad man climbs in her bedroom window. Startled awake by a hand clamped across her mouth, Kennedy realizes the hand belongs to Sloan, the gorgeous and somewhat terrifying construction worker with a surprising alter ego. Since he once saved her life, Kennedy doesn’t protest as Sloan stows federally classified information in her not-quite antique Tiffany lamp. Complications rise even further when the sun comes up. Amidst gossip about her ex-husband shopping for engagement rings, Kennedy heads to the cemetery for Midway’s annual Decoration Day, when residents beautify the graves and then picnic among the dead. Transient artist Jarrard Dupree soon joins the dead when he’s accidentally run over by a bunch of college kids. Yet when JD’s terrible paintings suddenly begin drawing dazzling offers from New York art dealers, Kennedy knows at least one of her neighbors has blood on his hands. Intrigue builds in high Southern style as Kennedy’s investigation reveals which townsfolk are foes, which are friends—and which may become more than a friend.

Adult Speculative

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson; 2010 Whitney Award Winner. Brandon Sanderson’s newest series, The Stormlight Archive, opens with The Way of Kings. This novel introduces the three protagonists who will be our windows to the strange and wondrous world of Roshar and the drama about to unfold there:

Dalinar, the assassinated king’s brother and uncle of the new one, is a war-weary old soldier plagued by dreams of ancient times and legendary wars, visions that may force him into a new role he could never have imagined.
Kaladin, a highborn young man who has been brought low, indeed to the most miserable level of military slavery, and must suffer and struggle to survive and rise again.
Shallan, a naïve but brave young woman who will do anything to save her impoverished noble house from ruin.

Through all the volumes of The Stormlight Archive, Brandon Sanderson will make Roshar a realm we are eager to visit.

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner. Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles and no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to. Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated, and now Cranks—people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare—roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal. Far from finished with running, the Gladers must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them. Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card. Only his father knew that Rigg possessed the power to see deep down the paths of people's pasts. But only after his father’s death does Rigg discover that he has another special gift: the power to change the past. Unfortunately, with that knowledge, all certainty and safety began to melt away. This coming-of-age novel by renowned LDS author Orson Scott Card takes readers on a triple-speed journey through time.

Young Adult

The Healing Spell by Kimberly Griffiths Little; 2010 Whitney Award Winner. Twelve-year-old Livie is living with a secret and it's crushing her. She knows she is responsible for her mother's coma, but she can't tell anyone. It's up to her to find a way to wake her momma up. Stuck in the middle of three sisters, hiding a forbidden pet alligator, and afraid to disappoint her beloved daddy, Livie struggles to find her place within her own family as she learns about the powers of faith and redemption. Livie's powerful, emotional, and sometimes humorous story will stay with readers long after the last line is read. Set in the lush bayou of Louisiana, Kimberley Griffiths Little brings Livie's story to life with power and grace.

The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum. The final book in the riveting Hourglass Door trilogy begins when Abby steps through the black door, and she doesn’t dare look back. Though it means leaving Dante—wounded, bleeding, and possibly blind—she knows it is the only way to save her family and stop Zo from manipulating the river of time and throwing the future into chaos. In the end, Abby must face a final confrontation that will take her to the very origins of the hourglass door. If you haven’t yet, also check out books one and two in this great series, The Hourglass Door and The Golden Spiral.

The Limit by Kristen Landon. In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. 13-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next, but quickly dismisses the thought. After all, his parents are financially responsible, unlike the parents of those other kids. As long as his parents remain within their limit, the government will be satisfied and leave them alone. But all it takes is one fatal visit to the store to push Matt's family over their limit—and to change his reality forever.

The Peasant Queen by Cheri Chesley. After running away from home, Krystal is transported to a faraway kingdom where an evil tyrant is bent on taking the crown—and Krystal's hand in marriage. But when she falls in love with the rightful heir to the throne, she must make an impossible choice: sacrifice her one chance at happiness or face the destruction of an entire kingdom.

Matched by Ally Condie. Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . except that Ky Markham's face also flashes for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and must choose between Xander and Ky—between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

{Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Swimsuits

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:10:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Oh, swimsuit season, how I love to loathe you. That’s because I can never find a modest swimsuit that doesn’t look like it’s from the 90s or the women’s Olympic dive team. But ladies, we have reason to be happy: the one piece is making a comeback! The retro-style look is back, and that means so are modest swimsuits.

Now, I realize that one person's idea of "modest" may not be another's, and that swimsuits are subjective to body type, but here are a few swimsuits that I think can generally be considered modest.

(You can take LDS Living's poll on the tankini vs. one piece debate here.)

Check out these adorable suits that range from steal ($10) to splurge ($188).

Photo from Lands' End.
Lands' End Tankini Top $38.15

Photo from Lands' End.
Tummy Control One Piece $49.99

Photo from DownEast Basics.
Sea Harbor Halter $32.99

Photo from DownEast Basics.
Sausalito Tank $32.99

Photo from Old Navy.
Beaded Halter Tankini $10

Photo from Old Navy.
Ruffle-Trim Tankini $17.50

Photo from Anthropologie.
Haute Seas One Piece $188

Photo from Anthropologie.
Ruffle-Wrapped Halter Suit $158

Photo from Anthropologie.
Lane Lines Maillot $168

Photo from ModBe Clothing.
Knot Top—Flower Vine Brown $48

Photo from ModBe Clothing.
Knot Top—Peachy Pink $48

Photo from Target.
Crochet One Piece $34.99

Photo from Target.
Merona One Piece $34.99

Photo from J Crew.
Retro Dot One Piece $88

--
Ashley Evanson is the Online Editor at LDS Living. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves looking at design blogs, wishing she could be as hip as the people she reads about. Her favorite color is light tan.

Summer Fun (on a low budget!)

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:52:00 -0600

source: deseretbook.com/timeout/blog

Doesn’t it feel good when the sun is out?! (Hopefully it is for you, WHEREVER you are!) Well, you don’t need your wallets or days of “time off” from work to escape the daily grind and enjoy the summertime sun. You don’t need to travel to an exotic island or climb a mountain peak to have a relaxing or an adventurous summer. Promise! We’ve got a few helpful (and low budget ideas ;) to help with YOUR own Summer Escape!

-Hankering for a camping trip but can’t get out of town? It’s okay! Set up a tent in your own backyard, or, if you don’t have one, your living room. Sticky s’mores, goofy camp songs, and reading books by flashlight required!

-Take your own kids or borrow someone else’s (I’m sure they’d LOVE the break!) Make a trip to your local zoo. Pretend you’re on a safari but don’t forget to bring a camera to snap shots of those exotic creatures! (or visit an online zoo http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/default.cfm)

Top 10 Water Safety Rules for Kids

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Julie Christensen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: You can find some great general guidance for water safety at LDS Living's article "Water Know-how." For more specific rules on maintaining safety, check out this Top 10 list.

Stay away from open water in your neighborhood, including ditches, lakes, and drains.
Never enter a backyard pool or hot tub without an adult's permission.
Don't roughhouse, run, or push around a pool.
Never swim alone.
Don't dive in shallow pool water or into lakes or rivers.
Take a break when you feel tired.
Don't panic if you become exhausted. Call for help. Then turn on your back and float until you are rescued or have the energy to swim to the edge of the water.
Get out of the water if you see lightning.
Wear a life jacket whenever you're swimming in open water or riding in a boat.
Follow lifeguards' directions.

Water Know-how

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Julie Christensen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Time to hit the beach or pool. You have the beach towels, the sunscreen, and the cooler. But do you have a water safety plan? According to Kids Health, nearly one thousand kids drown each year in the United States, and most of those deaths occur while children are under the supervision of a parent or caregiver. Keep your kids safe this summer by understanding the basics of water safety: supervision, education, and safe swimming environments.

Watch Your Kids John Haynes of the American Red Cross says that the best way to keep kids safe is through constant adult supervision. Assign someone to actively supervise children at all times and stay within arm's reach of children under age five. Avoid distractions like talking on the phone, reading a book, or visiting with friends, and never entrust a child to watch another child. Keep a cell phone with you and always check the water first if a child is missing.

Young children between ages 1 and 4 are most at risk for drowning. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional deaths for this age group. Never leave young children alone around any body of water, including the bathtub, fountains, inflatable pools, and even the toilet. Haynes says that older children need supervision too. He explains that older children get into trouble when they become exhausted from playing too long or overestimating their swimming ability. Watch your kids for signs of fatigue and take frequent breaks. Even children with strong swimming skills have drowned.

Teach Kids Basic Skills Sign your kids up for swimming lessons. Previous recommendations advised parents to start children in swimming lessons after age 4, but according to a recent study by the American Medical Association, swimming lessons "may help protect against drowning in the 1-to 4-year age group." The American Academy of Pediatrics has formally updated their water safety guidelines accordingly, saying children ages 1 to 4 may benefit from swim lessons.

Ann Shindler, a registered nurse and owner of Starfish Swim School in Denver, Colorado, advises parents to look for lessons taught by certified, experienced teachers who teach children basic survival skills in addition to strokes. She advocates small group sizes (four to six kids per teacher) and warm water pools. "Swimming lessons are like car seats," she says. "They may not prevent every injury, but they're a great preventative measure."

Swim Safe Teach your kids to stay away from open water like creeks, canals, and drains in your neighborhood, as well as neighbors' hot tubs and pools. Drowning often occurs when children slip or fall into water. In fact, according to the National Water Safety Program, two-thirds of drowning victims never intended to get in the water. Teach children to always ask permission before getting into water and to swim in designated areas, supervised by a lifeguard.

Swim where a lifeguard is on duty, whenever possible, but remain vigilant in watching your children. In most public pools, the average ratio of lifeguard to swimmer is 1 to 25. Even the well-trained lifeguard might not see everything.

According to Safe Kids USA, 75 percent of drowning incidents occur in home pools. Keep your pool safe by installing a four-sided isolation fence with a locked gate. For an added layer of protection, consider installing pool alarms and covers. Remove pool toys after use so children aren't tempted to go in after them. Install a rigid lockable cover on your hot tub and always keep it locked.

Many families will spend time at lakes or beaches this summer. Teach your children that swimming in open water is different than swimming in a pool. Children should always wear water shoes to protect their feet from hidden rocks, broken glass, or trash. The water along shorelines may be shallow, but can unpredictably increase in depth. Insist that inexperienced swimmers always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, even if they stay close to the shore. Rough waves or undercurrents can easily knock a child over.

Before your next swimming adventure, take some time to review safety rules with your kids. If you own a pool or spend a lot of time beachside, educate yourself by taking a CPR class and a water rescue class. That way, when temperatures soar, you can pack that cooler and head for the pool with confidence.

Summer Fun for the Children; And the Parents Too!

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:34:00 -0600

source: millennialstar.org

My children have started a fun new game this Summer thanks to a very creative friend. They play “camping.” Their friend found lots of old odds and ends around the house and garage and loaded them into his wagon and brought them over to play. The children loved it so much, they play it every day!

My children asked me if they could take some of their money to the local Deseret Industries and buy some old things to play “camping” with. They left with dishes and old telephones. They were in heaven picking the new toys and had even more fun paying for them with their own money. Then it came time to pay and they never wanted to stop.

16 Days of Summer Fun

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:16:00 -0600

source: ldsliving.com

Mormon Life says: Great ideas here. Struggling to come up with a summer’s worth of activities? We’ll get you on your way in no time.

If "I'm booorred" is an all-too-familiar phrase around your household during the summer, you'll probably want to jump start the fun this summer with the following activities. Here at LDS Living, we've pulled together some ideas to keep your children busy, many of which can be done without even leaving home. Try them and you may find that not only has the monotony ceased, but your family has created traditions your children will look forward to for years to come.

Day 1
Have a pajama day. Start the summer right by letting the kids relax. Make your first day a fun family activity. Make a favorite breakfast, watch cartoons, and enjoy a day of relaxation.

Day 2
Hold a family reading competition. Make summertime learning fun! Challenge each other to read a certain amount of books before the summer ends, either aloud and together or individually, and then reward yourselves with a fun trip or other family activity if you succeed. Make a simple chart to show progress.

Day 3
Host a car wash. Let your kids choose if they want to offer their services free to your neighborhood, or if they think they are professional enough to charge money. Let the kids save their earnings for a fun trip or activity.

Day 4
Play with bubbles. There are many ways to get fun and creative that go beyond buying bottles at the store. Let your kids make their own soap (dishwasher soap and water) and wands (pipe cleaners, coat hangers). Also, using powdered tempera paints, dish detergent, and liquid starch you can make colorful bubbles.

Self-employment for the Summer

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: There's a lot of competition for summer jobs where I go to college. What should I do? Dear Dave,

I'm a college student in Utah, and I compete with lots of other students for summer jobs. Do you have any suggestions for debt-killing work?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

My best suggestion for debt-killing work in that kind of situation has always been self-employment. You'll make a lot more money cutting grass, walking dogs, or detailing cars. You can control your time, too. Plus, you'll make a lot more per hour than you will at any mall job. By the time they take taxes and everything out of that, you'll almost wish you hadn't bothered!

A few years ago, I knew a couple of college guys who pooled their money and bought a pressure washer and some other equipment to start a business. They came to the house, washed and re-sealed our driveway, and I paid them a few hundred dollars apiece for the job. It took all day, but they walked away with their pockets full of money. You'd have to flip a lot of burgers to match that!

You can make some serious summer cash if you'll look at yourself as a small-business owner and not someone's employee. I'm not going to lie to you. If you take this route, you're probably going to be involved in some pretty hard work. But the truth is, you'll never make really good money without doing some pretty hard work!

-Dave

* For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com.

Fire Up the Grill

Fri, 21 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Nothing is better for summer days than smoky, mildly charred meats, veggies, and fruits. Grilled food can taste even better (and your grill can last longer) with consistent cleaning. Here are some things to consider:

Grates: Clean grates completely after every use (key word: after; it's easier). Once the grill has cooled a little, but it still slightly warm, take your time and brush off remaining food. Don't worry about cleaning it to a shine; just get rid of bumps. Brush on oil with a paper towel when finished, to protect from rust.
Charcoal grills: Don't just dump out the old charcoal; brushing out the ash and other remnants will cut down on bad-tasting smoke. Clean both top and bottom grates. Clean inside and outside of lid.
Gas grills: Always brush off grates and sides when complete. Clean and replace caked-on rocks or briquettes to cut down on smoke. Turn on the "clean" function each time before cooking to get residual food off (but don't think this function gives a free pass to neglect other cleaning).

If you're planning to use your grill for the first time in a year, make sure to first turn off the gas connection if you have a gas grill. Take apart the grill and use fine steel wool on the grates. Clean off hard-crusted fat from the grill with grill cleaner. Never use cleaning solutions on a warm grill; wait until it is cool. Spray valves with WD-40 and re-oil to prevent knobs from breaking off. Next, for a gas stove, make sure to check on the burners to make sure they're not blocked. Clean everything with soapy water, then heat again to burn off residue.

Mom-friendly Vacations

Fri, 14 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Kim Grant
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Ahh, summer! Children are free from homework. Husbands can once again return to the golf course. And moms . . . wait a minute. What does summer mean for moms? No free time? Thinking up itineraries for bored children? And the anticipated (or dreaded) family vacation? After all, summer trips, though intended as vacation, are often just a change of scenery, not of workload. While it's not very fair, it is a reality that going on vacation can mean just as much work for a mom (maybe more) than if she were at home. In fact, according to ICM Research, moms work an average of six hours a day cleaning, organizing, packing, and taking care of children while on vacation. But before you feign an illness to stay home from your trip, consider these suggestions that might create a more mom-friendly environment for your family vacation.

Call in the troops. This is a "family" trip you're taking, so why are you the only one planning it? Divide responsibilities between family members, taking into consideration everyone's capabilities. Even young children can pack their own belongings if they have a list. Assign older children to use the computer for scouting deals or attractions in the area. Keep all important telephone numbers together so that someone else can confirm airline, hotel, dinner, and show reservations; make sure each reservation gets checked off once it is confirmed. Everyone should also have their own daily checklist they can mark off until the day you leave.

Remind your children (and husband) beforehand that this is a vacation from home, not from helping. Tell them in advance that you'll require help cleaning out the car, keeping your temporary residence tidy, and keeping an eye on younger children.

Become the master. Why write the packing list or other instructions over and over again? If you're like most families, the vacation basics don't change from year to year. Save a master copy of all lists on the computer and refer to each trip in the title. The packing list changes only slightly, and you can have separate sections for items you bring on specific types of trips. Also, keep a list of things to do before you leave, so you'll never have to remember to turn off the lights, water the plants, hold newspaper or mail service, etc. Just print off the master copy, black out any unnecessary items, and keep a section entitled "other" for any additions.

Schedule some "alone" time. This can work two ways while you're away. First, plan an afternoon, or even just a few hours, doing something just for you. There may be a great spa or a spin class offered in your hotel. Don't feel guilty taking some time to re-energize yourself so you have more to give during the rest of your trip.

You can also plan for a quiet evening out with just your husband. If your children are older, you should feel comfortable leaving them with some snacks and a movie (and strict rules!) for a few hours. When you have young kids, having a sitter may be the only way to try out that restaurant you've heard so much about. But what if you couldn't convince Grandma or your niece to come along? Many hotels and condos will recommend babysitting services, and there are numerous Internet sites that offer professional babysitters. Still, many moms feel more comfortable using the "Mormon Grapevine." Ask around in your ward for families that have lived in or know someone in the area you're traveling to. They might refer you to someone who can help.

Think inclusive. The up-front cost of an all-inclusive resort may seem staggering at first, but when you consider that all meals and other perks are included, it can really save you some headaches. Just think - you won't be tempted to try and cook in your kitchenette, freeing you from grocery shopping and preparing and cleaning up meals. You'll have access to bikes, boogie boards, and other equipment. Childcare and supervised kids' activities are usually available as well. By the time you've taken advantage of all that's being offered, it can be well worth it.

If you can't stomach the expense of a posh resort, ask for a list of amenities at your destination. Many hotels and condos offer the use of strollers, cribs, high chairs, and beach supplies, as well as some kids' activities.

Maid to order. If you're like most moms, you feel guilty leaving a messy hotel room for the maid to clean. But just remember, this is part of what you're paying for, and while you don't want anyone thinking that a rock star had a wild party in your room the night before, unmade beds and towels on the floor are to be expected. Teach your children to be conscientious of both the maid's time and the hotel's property, but then enjoy having someone come in and clean up after you.

Relax. In the end, nothing ever goes completely as planned. But don't think that your trip's success or failure depends only on you. Give plenty of praise when others make an effort to help, and don't be surprised when you walk into the bathroom and find wet swimsuits all over the floor. If you expect that life will happen, you may find that when you get home, you won't need a vacation from your vacation.

16 Days of Summer Fun

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Struggling to come up with a summer’s worth of activities? We’ll get you on your way in no time. If "I'm booorred" is an all-too-familiar phrase around your household during the summer, you'll probably want to jump start the fun this summer with the following activities. Here at LDS Living, we've pulled together some ideas to keep your children busy, many of which can be done without even leaving home. Try them and you may find that not only has the monotony ceased, but your family has created traditions your children will look forward to for years to come.

Day 1 Have a pajama day. Start the summer right by letting the kids relax. Make your first day a fun family activity. Make a favorite breakfast, watch cartoons, and enjoy a day of relaxation.

Day 2 Hold a family reading competition. Make summertime learning fun! Challenge each other to read a certain amount of books before the summer ends, either aloud and together or individually, and then reward yourselves with a fun trip or other family activity if you succeed. Make a simple chart to show progress.

Day 3 Host a car wash. Let your kids choose if they want to offer their services free to your neighborhood, or if they think they are professional enough to charge money. Let the kids save their earnings for a fun trip or activity.

Day 4 Play with bubbles. There are many ways to get fun and creative that go beyond buying bottles at the store. Let your kids make their own soap (dishwasher soap and water) and wands (pipe cleaners, coat hangers). Also, using powdered tempera paints, dish detergent, and liquid starch you can make colorful bubbles.

Day 5 Host an Olympics. Get together with other parents and create a Summer Olympics for all the kids on your block. The kids can help create different races and events; let them spend a few days "training" and then let the games begin!

Day 6 Hold a no-electricity day. At this point in the summer, you might think your kids' brains have already melted from TV rays. Pull the plugs on all your electronics and drag out the board games, have a picnic in your backyard, and spend some time together the old-fashioned way. Use candles at night instead of overhead lights.

Day 7 Make an "anything goes" lunch. For just one day, invite your family to have anything and everything they want for lunch. From Oreos and pancakes to potato chips and marshmallows, they'll think you're the coolest parent in the neighborhood!

Day 8 Grow butterflies. For $20, your kids can watch the life cycle of a butterfly in your own home. Go to insectlore.com to purchase a live butterfly garden.

Day 9 Live outside for a day. The fresh air does the mind good, and enjoying a cool summer breeze can be great when compared with a hot house. Go fly some kites during the day. When night comes, pull out the sleeping bags and get cozy. See if a friend has a portable fire pit you can use for roasting s'mores.

Day 10 Organize a block party. People often choose to move during the summer, so there's a good chance at least one new family will move into the neighborhood. Why not host a potluck block party and give everyone a chance to get to know one another better?

Day 11 Play Uno. No matter your age, you will always enjoy this family favorite. Start an Uno tournament that goes all week, complete with tournament bracket and elimination game. The kids will have fun playing with Mom and Dad, and even more fun beating them every now and then.

Day 12 Paint crazy. Tie up large canvases or old bed sheets, buy some nontoxic paint, and let the kids express their creativity with paintbrushes or their hands.

Day 13 Take a day trip. Find a new destination - that's only a half a tank of gas away! Tripadvisor.com/tankofgas lets you choose how much gas you want to use on your road trip (quarter, half, or full tank) and then gives you suggestions for places to travel to.

Day 14 Be chef for a day. Teach your kids to cook a meal. It can be as simple as a peanut butter sandwich for young children, or a casserole or roast for older children.

Day 15 Volunteer at an animal shelter. If your family doesn't have a pet and your kids are animal crazy, they would probably love to take some of the sweet shelter dogs for a walk. Contact your local animal shelter for more information.

Day 16 Play night games. It's summer; let your kids have one night to stay up really late. Play family night games and end the night with some hot chocolate.

For LDS Living's entire list of summer activities, check out our May/June 2010 issue. From Day 1 to Day 77 of summer vacation, we've got you covered!