Guys, we are officially in the home stretch of summer! In exactly 21 days, Marli will be heading back to school as a kindergartener. A kindergartener! I am not ready, ya’ll. In fact, my heart breaks a little knowing I only have 13 summers left with her. *Ugly cries*
With that being said, I want to make these last few weeks really count. We’ve been spending a big chunk of our summer outdoors playing and exploring Houston, but as of late, it’s been a struggle with the unbearable heat. So, I’ve been finding creative ways to bring the fun indoors for them none of which involve any screen time.
And you know what? I don’t feel guilty having the girls at home because Direct Energy’s Weekends on Command allows us to stay cool while saving a ton on our electricity bill. With this plan, we can enjoy 100+ days of free power throughout the year because weekends are absolutely free (from Friday at 6 PM to Sunday at 11:59 PM). Even better, the girls have a new best friend compliments of signing up for this electricity plan. Her name is Alexa and they think she’s the coolest thing ever. Not gonna lie – I love Alexa too. With a simple voice command to the Amazon Echo Dot, I can manage my account, play our favorite tunes, call my husband, and even turn off the lights in our living room.
CREATE A SPECIAL NOOK: Since I knew part of our summer would be spent indoors, I wanted to create a special spot in the house just for them. I made this dreamy little nook in their room about a month ago and it’s become their absolute favorite place to retreat to. Nestled in a cozy corner, we’ve thrown tea parties, picnics, played make believe, and shared countless bedtime stories.
MOVING & GROOVIN’: It’s no secret that my girls love to dance and this is where Alexa really comes in handy. By syncing my music account, I can easily play any song from our favorite playlist. It’s a riot watching them dance, but I always come out sweating like a mad woman. It’s fun, but a serious workout for me!
STAY HYDRATED: Thanks to Alexa, I found some easy smoothie recipes the girls enjoy helping me with. We made a mango banana smoothie the other day and they’re hooked! I might ask her to help me find a recipe for yogurt popsicles or even some refreshing infused water. Anything to beat this heat! While we’re on the topic of cooking help, did you know Alexa can help with things such as setting your kitchen timer? Yes, she is that helpful!
GET YOUR GLOW ON: While we do enjoy our pool, sometimes it’s fun to change things up. Once a week, we throw a glow party at bath time and they go nuts for it. I fill the tub with bubbles, toys, a couple bubble wands, glow in the dark sticks and bracelets, and finger paint and let them go to town. They have the best time making a mess and I have such satisfaction knowing they’re getting a shower right afterwards so it’s a win for everyone. Ha!
So spill your beans and let me know how you’re staying cool this summer while still keeping your kiddos entertained. We’ve still got 3 weeks to go so I’m definitely up for more fun ideas. To learn more about Weekends on Command, visit Direct Energy’s website or watch this video. Be sure to use code ALEXA to receive a $50 Amazon gift card for signing up online.
Photography by Hayley Jackson Photography
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Direct Energy. The opinions and text are all mine.
Stephanie Eddy says
These are great tips – I love the little nook you created. My daughter, son and I love to have dance parties using Alexa too!
abeautifulrawr@gmail.com says
Awesome!
Kelsie says
Awe I love the little nook! These are all so great! I have been wanting an Alexa too!!
abeautifulrawr@gmail.com says
It’s so much fun and handy!
Erin Haugerud says
Good tips!! I can’t believe we’re almost back to school!!
abeautifulrawr@gmail.com says
I know! I’m excited, but a little sad to see it end.
Jennifer says
This is just the sweetest! My oldest loves to read and I can’t wait to have a nook of our own to read stories with him.
abeautifulrawr@gmail.com says
He will love it!
Melissa says
Such great ideas! I’m a kindergarten teacher…she’s going to have so much fun and tell you all about it. 😢 I love your little book nook…it’s a teacher’s dream.
abeautifulrawr@gmail.com says
It’s their fave spot in the house!
Jojo Hua says
We live in such an amazing time! I haven’t got those lights that can turn off when you ask Alexa to, but I’m hoping when I get my next home, we will have them!
abeautifulrawr@gmail.com says
How neat!