Author: Brittney

Cardboard Creations – DIY How to Make a Small Cardboard Mailbox

Brittney
Cardboard Creations - DIY Mailbox - How to make a cardboard mail box with easy step by step instructions

When I was young I remember every Valentine’s Day at my school we would create some kind of creative box for everyone to deliver Valentines too.  I’m pretty sure that every single year of elementary school I made the same kind of a box, a mailbox.  I loved it and I thought it was so fun to feel like I was getting letters delivered to my personal mailbox from all my classmates.

I was thinking that my son might also have a blast both writing and sending letters to the different members of our family, but because he’s a toddler I wanted to make our mailboxes out of something a little more durable than strait up paper.

So my cardboard creation for this month is a mailbox.  I built three and then talked to my son about writing and sending letters.  We wrote a letter to his grandma and put it the real mailbox, then we went home and he and I spent the rest of the afternoon writing and sending letters to each other via our cardboard mailboxes.  They were a total hit. 🙂

Cardboard Creations - DIY Mailbox - How to make a cardboard mail box with easy step by step instructions - Supplies needed
Supplies Needed For Each Cardboard Mail Box: 

  • 1 Piece of Thick Cardboard (Like From A Packing Box)
  • 2 Pieces of Thin Cardboard (Like From a Cereal Box)
  • Hot Glue (I have Elemer’s Glue pictured above, but don’t waste your time with that, it wasn’t strong enough)
  • Brad
  • String
  • Button
  • Paint

Cardboard Creations - DIY Mailbox - How to make a cardboard mail box with easy step by step instructions

Set Up: 

  1. Start by cutting a smallish rectangle from your thick cardboard the size you want your mail box to be.
  2. Take a piece of thin cardboard (like the front square of a cereal box) and bend it around your thick cardboard creating the main mailbox arch. Line the strait edge of the thin cardboard up against one side of your thick cardboard and leave an inch or so of extra cardboard off the back side.  Once it’s positioned glue it to your thick cardboard piece.
  3. Cut small slits every inch along the extra cardboard that is hanging off your box and fold those pieces inward, creating an arch.
  4. Set your mailbox down on a piece of thin cardboard with the printed side of the cardboard against your mailbox.  Trace around your mailboxes arch and cut out that cardboard leaving an extra inch along the bottom.  Glue that cutout arch over the tabs you just bent down in the steps above and glue the extra tab to the bottom of your mailbox.
  5. Turn your mailbox around to the side that didn’t have excess cardboard hanging off of it and trace that arch on another piece of cardboard (with the printed side of the cardboard facing your mailbox).  Remove your mailbox and make another arch an inch over the arch you just traced, double rainbow style.  Cut out the cardboard leaving an inch or two extra at the bottom so you have something to use to secure it to your mail box.
  6. Cut small lines on the cardboard arch you just cut out going from the outer arch to the inner arch.  Space each cut out an inch or so.  When you’re finished bend in the sections you just cut so it creates a curve.
  7. Cut a thin strip of cardboard long enough to cover the curved part of your mailbox and glue it over the bent strips you just cut.
     
  8. Finish by gluing the bottom tap to the front of your mailbox.
  9. If you want a flag cut one out a piece of cardboard.
  10. Your mailbox structure is all in place at this point.  Now it’s time for the details.
  11. Paint your mailbox and flag.
  12. Cut a small piece of string (our were about three inches long) and glue it inside the front flap of the mailbox right at the top.
  13. Glue a button to the top, middle, front of your mail box.  Now you can close the mailbox by wrapping the string around the button.
  14. Add the flag to the side of your mailbox with a brad and you’re done.  

Enjoy your personal mail delivery service.

Thanks for reading!

Have you tried to make a cardboard mailbox?  I would love to see the mailbox you’ve created or hear about any of your experiences or thoughts to make it better in the comments section.

Family Friendly Boston – What to Know About Free Cambridge City Movies in the Park

Brittney
While attending our weekly Book Bike excursions last summer I was fortunate enough to be handed fliers for all sorts of other kid friendly events going on around Cambridge for the summer.  One such activity was Cambridge City Parks Movies on the Green.

Family Friendly Boston – What to Know About Free Cambridge City Movies in the Park (With List of 2016 Movies & Locations)

Each week during the summer, I believe it was on a Wednesday night, Cambridge city gets a giant inflatable screen and hosts a movie night.  These movies take place at different parks every week and all the movies are kid friendly thought not all of them are animated.

We went to one such movie night, set out some lawn chairs, and waited for sun down.  There was about an hours worth of pre-show entertainment in the form of Jenny the Juggler.  We got to see the movie “The Penguins of Madagascar,” and once the movie started city workers showed up and handed out bags of popcorn and drinks to everyone who was there (for free).

In any case we had an awesome evening. These are really fun events to attend and they may be closer to you than the Hatch Shell movies on the Green (that happen every Friday during the summer) or the Prudential Center Movies (that happen every Saturday).

Family Friendly Boston – What to Know About Free Cambridge City Movies in the Park (With List of 2016 Movies & Locations)

Things to Note: 

1) Price
Free.  Just show up at one of the parks sometime after 7 and look for the big screen before throwing down your blanket.

2) Kid Friendliness
Very kid friendly.  These events are totally targeted at children and all the movies are kid/family friendly films.  Also these are at park so if your child/children at not that into the movie it’s really easy to step away and run around a little bit.

3) Stroller Friendliness 
Yup, bring your stroller if you so choose.  I would also recommend lawn chairs if you have them and if not lawn chairs at least a blanket to sit/lay on.

4) Start Time
They start at sun down… like when the sun is all the way gone and it’s starting to get dark, so during the summer this usually means some time after 8pm, which can be late for young ones.  We only went once with our two year old (as a special treat) and he loved it, but I based on the flier I had received I was expecting it to start earlier.  So, note, the event starts at 7, with about an hour of pre-show entertainment and then the movie starts once it’s dark.

5) Pre show Entertainment 
They had something going before each of the movies so you can come as early as you want to enjoy the park and fun before the movie begins.  For us there were also a couple of different people/companies from around the area with tables set up with a few crafts/treats for the kids.

6) Parking
Most of the parks don’t have dedicated parking though there is street parking in the area and sometimes metered parking.

7) Bathrooms
Eek!  A lot of these parks don’t have dedicated bathrooms.  We usually end up scoping out the nearest Dunkin Donuts on our walks there (I will happily buy a $1 donut to use the bathroom, and they seem to be on just about every other street corner) You might want to scope out some business with bathrooms in advance if you think this might be a concern.

2016 Movie Line Up and Parks:

  • THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 7:00 PM – ECBA MOVIE NIGHT

    Featuring: Cate Flaherty – “Great Cate” Acrobat
    @ East Cambridge Savings Bank Lot: 292 Cambridge St, Cambridge 

  • THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 7:00 PM – KSA MOVIE NIGHT

    @ Volpe Lawn  – 55 Broadway. Cambridge

  • TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 7:00 PM – THE PORT MOVIE NIGHT

    @ Green Rose Heritage Park – 155 Harvard St, Cambridge

  • THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 7:00 PM – ISBA MOVIE NIGHT

    @ East Cambridge Savings Bank – Inmen Branch Lot: 1310 Cambridge St, Cambridge

  • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 7:00 PM – CSBA MOVIE NIGHT

    Featuring: Koolkidz Beatbox
    @ TBA

  • THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 7:00 PM – HSBA MOVIE NIGHT

    Featuring: Four Shadow Band
    @ Palmer St, Harvard Square

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  We loved being able to get out and see a movie and it was nice to see them at different parks around Cambridge.  It made it easy for us to find one that was within walking distance.  We also loved having something going on before the movie started, though it was a little difficult to have a little one out so late.  In any case it was a fun family night out and I would highly recommend getting out and seeing one of these movies with your family/friends this summer.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Toddler A-Z – 130 Objects That Start with the Letter “M”

Brittney
Big list of things that start with letter M

 

A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “M” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “M” objects.

  1. M&M: A small candy coated chocolate treat.
  2. Macadamia Nut: A type of nut that is native to Australia and commonly used in baking.
  3. Macaroni: A type of pasta that is curved and tubular in shape.
  4. Macaroon: A sweet cookie made from coconut flakes, often dipped in chocolate.
  5. Macaw: A large, brightly colored parrot species found in tropical regions.
  6. Machine: A mechanical device or apparatus that performs a specific function.
  7. Magazine: A periodical publication containing articles, stories, and other written material.
  8. Magenta color: A deep purplish-red color often used in printing and design.
  9. Magnet: An object that attracts certain metals, such as iron or steel.
  10. Magnifying Glass: A handheld lens used to magnify and enlarge small objects or text.
  11. Magnolia: A type of flowering plant with large, fragrant flowers.
  12. Magpie: A black and white bird known for its intelligence and tendency to collect shiny objects.
  13. Mail: Items or packages that are sent through the postal system for delivery.
  14. Mailbox: A receptacle for receiving incoming mail.
  15. Mallard duck: A common species of duck with a green head and a distinctive quacking sound.
  16. Mallow: A plant with soft, fuzzy leaves and often used in herbal teas or for medicinal purposes.
  17. Malt: A grain (typically barley) that has been soaked, germinated, and dried, used in brewing and baking.
  18. Maltese: A small breed of dog known for its long, silky white fur.
  19. Mammoth: An extinct species of elephant that once roamed the Earth.
  20. Man: An adult human male.
  21. Manatee: A large aquatic mammal with a round body and paddle-like flippers.
  22. Mandarin (Mini Orange): A small, citrus fruit with a bright orange peel and sweet flavor.
  23. Mane: The long, thick hair that grows from the neck of certain animals, such as lions or horses.
  24. Mango: A tropical fruit with a juicy, sweet, and tangy flavor.
  25. Mango juice: A beverage made from the extracted juice of mangoes.
  26. Mannequin: A life-sized model of a human figure used to display clothing in stores.
  27. Mansion: A large, impressive house, often associated with wealth or luxury.
  28. Map: A visual representation of an area, usually showing its geographical features and landmarks.
  29. Maple Leaf: A leaf from a maple tree, usually associated with Canada.
  30. Maple Syrup: A thick, sweet liquid made from the sap of maple trees, often used as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
  31. Maraca: A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow gourd or ball filled with seeds or beads.
  32. Marble: A type of hard, metamorphic rock commonly used for sculpture or as a building material.
  33. Mardi Gras mask: A decorative mask worn during Mardi Gras celebrations, often featuring vibrant colors and designs.
  34. Margarine: A butter substitute made from vegetable oils, often used as a spread or for baking.
  35. Marigold: A flowering plant with bright, colorful flowers, often used in gardens or as a natural remedy.
  36. Marinated olives: Olives that have been soaked or flavored with herbs, spices, or other ingredients for additional flavor.
  37. Mark: A visible indication or sign, often used to indicate a specific point, boundary, or characteristic.
  38. Marker: A writing instrument used to make permanent or temporary marks on surfaces.
  39. Marsh: A wetland area with soft and wet soil, often characterized by the presence of reeds, grasses, and water-loving plants.
  40. Marshmallow: A sweet treat made from sugar, egg whites, and gelatin, often toasted over an open flame.
  41. Marshmallow fluff: A creamy, whipped confection made from sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites.
  42. Mascara: A cosmetic product used to darken, thicken, and lengthen eyelashes.
  43. Mascot: A person, animal, or object adopted as a symbol to represent a group or organization.
  44. Mask: A covering worn on the face, often for protection, disguise, or ceremonial purposes.
  45. Mat: A flat piece of material used as a floor covering or to protect a surface.
  46. Match: A small stick or strip of material used for lighting fires or igniting flammable substances.
  47. Material: Substance that something is made of.
  48. Mattress: Large pad for sleeping or resting on.
  49. Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment made from eggs, oil, and vinegar.
  50. Mazarin cake: Rich, almond-flavored cake typically filled with fruit preserves.
  51. Maze: Complex network of paths or passages, typically designed as a puzzle.
  52. Meadowlark: A type of songbird known for its melodic calls.
  53. Meal: Food that is prepared and eaten at a specific time.
  54. Measuring Tape: Flexible strip used for measuring lengths and distances.
  55. Meatballs: Small, round balls made from ground meat, often served with sauce.
  56. Medicine: Substance or treatment used to prevent or cure illness or injury.
  57. Meerkat: Small carnivorous mammal that lives in groups and is native to Africa.
  58. Melon: Large, juicy fruit with a sweet flesh and hard rind.
  59. Metal: Solid material that is typically shiny, hard, and can conduct electricity.
  60. Metal detector: Device used to detect the presence of metal objects..
  61. Meteor: Piece of rock or metal that enters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up, creating a streak of light.
  62. Mickey Mouse: Iconic cartoon character created by Walt Disney.
  63. Microphone: Device used to convert sound waves into electrical signals, typically used for amplification or recording.
  64. Microscope: Instrument used for viewing objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
  65. Microwave: Appliance used for cooking or heating food using electromagnetic waves.
  66. Milk: White liquid produced by female mammals to feed their young.
  67. Milkshake: Beverage made from milk, ice cream, and flavorings, typically blended together.
  68. Milky Way (galaxy): Spiral galaxy that contains our solar system, seen as a band of light in the night sky.
  69. Millet: Small, round grain often used in birdseed and as a dietary staple in some cultures.
  70. Mineral: Naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and ordered atomic structure.
  71. Miniature pinscher (dog breed): Small breed of dog known for its alertness and spirited personality.
  72. Minion: Fictional characters from the movie “Despicable Me,” known for their yellow color and mischievous behavior.
  73. Minivan: Small, versatile vehicle with seating for several passengers, typically used for family transportation.
  74. Minnie Mouse: Female cartoon character and love interest of Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney.
  75. Mint: A herb with aromatic leaves, often used for flavoring food or making tea.
  76. Mint chocolate chip ice cream: Ice cream flavor that combines mint flavor with small chocolate pieces.
  77. Mirror: Reflective surface that forms images of objects by reflecting light.
  78. Mist: Atmospheric condition where tiny water droplets are suspended in the air, reducing visibility.
  79. Mistle thrush: Species of thrush bird known for its loud and melodious song.
  80. Mistletoe: Parasitic plant commonly used as a Christmas decoration, traditionally associated with kissing.
  81. Mitt: Protective hand covering, typically used in sports such as baseball or softball.
  82. Mitten: Hand covering that covers the entire hand and all fingers together.
  83. Mitten crab: Species of crab known for its furry claws, native to Asia.
  84. Moat: Wide, deep trench surrounding a fortified structure, usually filled with water.
  85. Moccasin: Soft, leather or suede shoe without laces or buckles, typically with a soft sole.
  86. Mockingbird: Species of bird known for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds.
  87. Molar: Back tooth used for grinding food.
  88. Molasses: Thick, dark syrup produced during the refining of sugar.
  89. Mole: Small, burrowing mammal with velvety fur and strong forelimbs, known for creating tunnels.
  90. Mom: Informal term for mother, a female parent.
  91. Monarch butterfly: A large, orange and black butterfly found throughout North America.
  92. Money: Currency or legal tender used as a medium of exchange for goods and services.
  93. Mongoose: A small carnivorous mammal native to Asia and Africa, known for its agility and ability to kill snakes.
  94. Monitor: A device used to display and control the output of a computer or other electronic device.
  95. Monkey: A primate with a long tail and flexible limbs, typically found in tropical regions and known for its intelligence and curiosity.
  96. Monogram: A design consisting of two or more letters, typically the initials of a person, used to personalize or identify something.
  97. Monopoly board game: A popular board game where players compete to buy, trade, and develop properties to be the wealthiest player.
  98. Monster: A large, often imaginary or fictional creature that is typically frightening or grotesque in appearance.
  99. Moon: The natural satellite of the Earth, visible in the sky at night and varying in appearance throughout its lunar cycle.
  100. Moonstone: A milky-white gemstone that exhibits a shimmering effect, resembling the moon’s glow.
  101. Moose: A large deer species with antlers found in northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
  102. Mop: A cleaning tool consisting of a bundle of absorbent strings or fibers attached to a handle, used for wiping floors or surfaces.
  103. Moped: A small, low-powered motorcycle or bicycle with pedals, commonly used for short-distance transportation.
  104. Mosquito: A small flying insect that feeds on the blood of animals and humans, often causing irritating bites.
  105. Mosquito repellent: A substance or device used to repel mosquitoes and prevent their bites.
  106. Moth: An insect closely related to butterflies, typically with plain-colored wings and nocturnal habits.
  107. Motorboat: A small watercraft powered by an internal combustion engine, used for leisure or transportation on water.
  108. Motorcycle: A two-wheeled vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, used for transportation.
  109. Motorcycle helmet: A protective headgear worn by motorcyclists to reduce the risk of head injuries in accidents.
  110. Motorhome: A large, self-propelled recreational vehicle (RV) that provides living accommodations and is used for travel and camping.
  111. Mountain: A large landform that rises prominently above its surroundings, typically with steep sides and a peak.
  112. Mountain Goat: A sure-footed ungulate adapted to mountainous terrain, characterized by its shaggy white coat and long horns.
  113. Mountain Lion: Also known as a cougar or puma, a large predatory feline found primarily in the Americas.
  114. Mountain climber: A person who climbs mountains as a recreational or professional activity.
  115. Mountain range: A series of mountains or hills arranged in a line or group, often extending over a significant distance.
  116. Mouse: A small rodent with a pointed snout, typically having a long tail and found throughout the world.
  117. Mouth: The opening in the face used for eating, speaking, and breathing, containing the lips, teeth, and tongue.
  118. Mouthwash: A liquid solution used for rinsing the mouth, typically containing antiseptic or refreshing properties.
  119. Mozzarella: A white, soft Italian cheese with a mild flavor, commonly used in cooking and on pizza.
  120. Muffin: A small, individual-sized bread product, often sweet and typically baked in a cup-shaped mold.
  121. Muffler: A device on a vehicle’s exhaust system that reduces noise and controls emissions.
  122. Mulberries: The edible fruit of mulberry trees, typically dark-colored and used in cooking or eaten fresh.
  123. Mummy: A preserved corpse or body, often resulting from deliberate preservation techniques or natural processes.
  124. Muscle: A bundle of tissues that can contract and relax to produce movement in animals.
  125. Museum: A building or institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of objects of historical, cultural, scientific, or artistic significance.
  126. Mushroom: A type of fungus characterized by a distinct cap and stem, typically found in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors, often used in cooking or for medicinal purposes.
  127. Mushy peas: A traditional British dish made by boiling marrowfat peas until they become soft and mushy, often served as a side dish with fish and chips.
  128. Music: A creative art form involving the arrangement of sounds, melodies, and rhythms in a harmonious and expressive manner, often conveying emotions or telling a story.
  129. Muslin fabric: A lightweight, plain-woven cotton fabric typically used in the production of clothing, curtains, bed sheets, or other domestic items.
  130. Mustache: Facial hair grown above the upper lip, often styled and groomed in various shapes and sizes, traditionally associated with masculinity or fashion statements.
  131. Mustard: A condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant, typically ground into a powder or mixed with other ingredients to create a spicy, tangy sauce used in cooking or as a spread.

Can you think of any other letter “M” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Toddler Letters – “M” is for “Monster”

Brittney

 

Letter M Craft - Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft M is for Monster with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Supplies Needed:

  • Colored Craft Paper
  • Letter “M” Cutout
  • Elmer’s Glue
  • Scissors
  • Goggly Eyes
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Pom Poms
  • Feathers
  • Markers
Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft M is for Monster with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Set Up:

I cut out our “M” ahead of time, then we sat down at the craft table and covered our M’s in a small layer of glue.  Then we went wild gluing whatever we wanted to our letter. When my son was finished layering craft supplies on his M I did another small layer of glue to make sure everything would stay down, then we let them dry before gluing them to our full sheet of paper.

Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft M is for Monster with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Tracing Letters:

Have you made this craft?  What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

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Family Friendly Boston – What to Know About Free Hatch Shell Summer Movies (With List of 2016 Movies)

Brittney
Friday nights all summer long you can head over to the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade to check out a free movie on the green.  The first time we went we came equipped with blankets and snacks. We quickly realized that we had no need to bring our own snacks because there were vendors lining the green handing out all kinds of sample snacks.  We ended up getting some free ice cream bars, mini chocolates, popcorn, flavored water, mini salad with a fork, and more.

Family Friendly Boston – What to Know About Free Hatch Shell Summer Movies (With List of 2016 Movies)

While waiting for the movie to start there is also great pre-movie entertainment.  When we went there was an announcer standing near the Hatch Shell playing games with the crowd and giving away random things like T-shirts for prizes.

Then the movie started and we settled in to enjoy our night.

Movie Line Up 2016

June, 2016 
Friday June 24, Sunset (8:25 pm) – “Mininons”

 July, 2016 
 Friday July 15, Sunset (8:19 pm) – “Cinderella (2015)”
 Friday July 22, Sunset (8:13 pm) – “Inside Out (2015)”
 Friday July 29, Sunset (8:06 pm) – “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

 August 2016 
 Friday August 5, Sunset (7:58 pm) – “The Good Dinosaur”
 Friday August 12, Sunset (7:48 pm) -“Jurassic World”
 Friday August 19, Sunset (7:38 pm) – “UP”
 Friday August 26, Sunset (7:26 pm) -“Ant-Man”

Things to Note:

1) Prices
Free, come enjoy this awesome event every Friday night all summer long.

2) Kid Friendliness
Totally kid friendly.  Lots of space to run around and all the movies are kid friendly films, mostly animated but a few that aren’t and are just family friendly.

3) Stroller Friendliness
Yes, stroller friendly.  Bring a stroller, bring a blanket, maybe even bring lawn chairs if you can swing it.

4) Volume
We were sitting not super close to the front, probably in the first third of the field and the movie was LOUD.  Super loud for our then infant son.  When picking your sitting location check out where the speakers are and consider moving away from them, I promise you will be able to hear the movie from any place on that field.

5) Getting There
There is limited parking near the Esplanade, but you would be much better off taking the “T”.  It’s about a five minute walk from the Red Line – MGH station.

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  We loved this activity, it was one we felt like we could go to with our young son to see a movie and get out without disturbing others and as he’s gotten older it’s only gotten better.  He loves it and we love it making it a really fun summer outing.  Plus, how can you complain about free? Especially when a free movie also comes with lots of free snacks.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Hatch Memorial Shell
47 David G Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 626-1250
Website: http://www.hatchshell.com/