Do it…good for your health and good for the environment.  I would LOVE to see Richland One get on this bandwagon for the coming school year.  Anyone else with me on that?  If yes, let me know and let’s get organized!

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There are tons of things to do in Columbia. With Summer break starting, I thought I should just hit the majors here.

• Sign up for a Tag It Art camp.  Owner Jackie Humphries is so creative and really loves working with kids.  The kid-centric art space she has created is nothing short of awesome, and her week-long art camps cover all sorts of themes that will appeal to both boys and girls.  Go!  Support local business!
• Get cupcakes from Cupcake!  Cupcakes are cute and fun to eat.  Your kids will think you are awesome when you bring home special cupcake treats.
• Go to the Nickelodeon Family Film Series Events.  Ok, I admit this one is near and dear to me, but the programming is really unique, with monthly sessions featuring interesting short films hosted by Lunch Money!  If this awesome event were in NYC, Seattle, or Chicago, the event would sell out and the line would form an hour in advance.  Don’t miss out!  Events are scheduled: June 19, July 17, August 14, September 25, November 13, and December 11.  Mark your calendars now!!!
• Shop at K.D.’s Treehouse.  Again, awesome local business with eco-friendly clothes and toys for newborn - 8 year olds.  They also carry art, jewelry, music, and some ladies’ shirts by local screen printer/crafter Emily McCravy.  Her Fox + Grapes line is…guess…awesome!
• Go to the Owens Field Skate Park!  We are so lucky to have such an awesome skate park here in Columbia!  Guess what….skating is free!  Well, free after you get your board and helmet and pads…which you can get at another awesome local business, Blue Tile Skate Shop in 5 Points.  They have a great selection of boards, which you could use to skate, or which you could use for art in your kids’ rooms.
• Use the Three Rivers Greenway!  The Greenway starts across the Blossom Street bridge with the Cayce Riverwalk, and turns into the West Columbia Riverwalk.  At the Gervais Street Bridge, you can cross over to the Riverfront Park walkway which borders the canal on the other side of the river.  You can find all the information you need to know on The River Alliance website.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll post more suggestions in the weeks ahead. Columbia is an awesome place to live and raise kids. Get out there and take advantage of what our city has to offer!  Columbi-Yeah!

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On Friday and Saturday, Family Connection South Carolina is hosting a fundraiser at the Columbia Armory.  The Cocky ‘N Tiger Tailgate event begins on Friday at 7:00pm with an evening cookout and live music.  The fun continues on Saturday with a BBQ cook-off, children’s activities, a car show, craft vendors, and more.  Family Connection South Carolina serves families of children with special needs.  All proceeds from the weekend event will benefit Family Connection.

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Don’t forget that this Sunday (September 20) is the day for the Columbia Peace Day celebration.  The event is sure to be fun, and it is free!  I’ll see you there!  3-6pm at the Unitarian Church (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) on Woodrow Street.

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Don’t miss the Back to School Bash at K.D.’s Treehouse this Saturday, August 1.  Events start at 9am and run until 12:30pm. Free!  2900-C Devine Street.

Highlights include the Nature Learning Company (and all their creepy crawlies), Cool Can Sam from Harvest Hope Food Bank, arts, crafts, face painting, giveaways, a live musical performance by The Plowboys, and more!!  Harvest Hope will be accepting school supplies donations.  Anyone making a donation on August 1 will get 20% off all regular price merchandise in K.D.’s Treehouse.

The last event at K.D.’s Treehouse (A Little Earth Day Party) was a blast, with a great turnout.  Please come out and support Columbia’s only children’s boutique specializing in eco-chic clothing, toys, and gifts for kids age 0-8.

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When we moved into our house, we were very excited about having a playroom for our children. While I love having a dedicated play space, I hate when it starts looking stale and unruly. To inspire you to keep your playroom fresh and fun….

• Get this Today Is Calendar to add a splash of color to your playroom walls!

• Decorate with this artsy growth chart (and teach your kids the metric system)!

• Buy a Fatboy Bean Bag - they come in several sizes and 12+ colors.

• Get a cardboard castle or house your kids can decorate themselves. Or grab a large shipping box and make your own!

• Decorate the floor with this fun Playspot foam mat.

I’ll keep adding new playroom ideas so stay tuned!

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