Sly Spoon

Touring Boston – Free Fun Fridays – Tons of Great, Budget Friendly, Ideas to Tour Boston During the Summer

June 8, 2016October 15, 2021 Brittney

Every year during the summer Boston does this thing called “Free Fun Fridays.” Each week they have a handful of museums and historic type things open for free for the day and it changes every week all summer long. This is the perfect chance to explore some of the museums and attractions that your interested in that might otherwise seem too expensive.

Touring Boston - Free Fun Fridays - Tons of Great, Budget Friendly, Ideas to Tour Boston During the Summer

We were lucky enough to go on Freedom Trail day. When my husband and I came to visit Boston before moving we had a brief exposure to the historic waking tours while we were touring one of the cemeteries. The actor leading the group was telling some really funny stories and we were intrigued, but didn’t end up going on a full tour ourselves.

Freedom Trail Tour Boston Capitol Building

Now that it was free we made the extra effort to check it out and we loved it! If you come to Boston I would highly recommend the historic tour.

I had to laugh at human nature when we were bought to the historic state house. We were told that about 50 years ago the city was going to tear down the building because they needed to widen the road. A bunch of people got together to try to raise money to save the building but in the ended didn’t raise enough so the city was going to demolish it. However, they were approached by some county in Illinois that was all for the widening of the road, but wanted to buy the state house and reassemble it brick by brick in Illinois. To which the city of Boston immediately replied with something along the lines of “You can’t have our historic state house! This is Boston history!” and the state house still stands in the middle of the city.

Freedom Trail Tour Boston Historic State House

In any case Free Fun Fridays are everything the name suggests and you should really make an effort to check out some of the events.

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.

Freedom Trail Tour guide dressed up actor

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

June 7, 2016January 22, 2024 Brittney 5 Comments

Big list of objects that start with letter K

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 “K” 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 “K” objects.

Kabob: A dish consisting of pieces of meat and/or vegetables that are skewered and grilled.
Kale: A leafy green vegetable that is rich in nutrients and often used in salads or cooked dishes.
Kale chips: Thin, crispy chips made from kale leaves that have been baked or dehydrated.
Kale plant: The plant from which kale leaves are harvested.
Kale salad: A salad made primarily with kale leaves and various toppings or dressings.
Kale smoothie: A blended beverage made with kale, often combined with other fruits or vegetables.
Kale soup: A soup made with kale as one of the main ingredients.
Kaleidoscope: A tube-shaped optical instrument that contains mirrors and colored pieces of glass or other objects, creating colorful and symmetrical patterns when viewed.
Kangaroo: A large marsupial native to Australia known for its powerful hind legs and ability to hop.
Kangaroo jumper: A type of sweater or sweatshirt with a kangaroo pouch pocket in the front.
Kangaroo paw flower: A unique flower native to Australia that resembles the paw of a kangaroo.
Kangaroo pouch: A pocket-like pouch located on the front of a kangaroo’s body where the young offspring are carried and protected.
Kangaroo Rat: A small rodent native to North America that is known for its ability to survive in arid desert environments.
Karaoke machine: A device that allows individuals to sing along to recorded music, typically with a microphone and a display for lyrics.
Karate Belt: A colored belt worn as a ranking symbol in karate, indicating the level of skill and knowledge.
Karate Uniform: A traditional attire worn in karate practice and competitions, usually consisting of a white jacket and pants.
Kayak: A small, narrow boat primarily designed for one person to paddle with a double-bladed paddle.
Kayak paddle: The double-bladed paddle used to propel a kayak through the water..
Kazakhstan flag: The national flag of Kazakhstan consists of a sky-blue field with a golden sun and eagle design in the center.
Kazoo: A simple musical instrument consisting of a hollow pipe with a membrane that creates a buzzing sound when played.
Kebab skewers: Thin metal or wooden sticks used to thread and grill pieces of meat, vegetables, or other ingredients in kebab dishes.
Kelp: A type of large, seaweed-like algae that grows in underwater forests and is rich in nutrients.
Kerchief: A small square or triangular cloth used as a head covering or accessory.
Kernels: Referring to multiple individual seeds or grains of corn or other grain crops.
Kerosene lamp: A lamp that burns kerosene as fuel to produce light.
Ketchup: A thick, tomato-based condiment often used as a topping or dip.
Kettle: A container with a handle and spout used for boiling water or other liquids.
Kettle grill: A type of grill that uses charcoal or wood to generate heat and has a dome-shaped lid with a venting system.
Kettlebell: A type of weightlifting equipment shaped like a ball with a handle, used for strength and conditioning exercises.
Kettledrums: A percussion instrument consisting of a large metal pot with a skin stretched over the top, played with mallets or drumsticks.
Kevlar vest: A bulletproof vest made from a strong synthetic fiber called Kevlar, designed to protect the wearer from projectiles or stab attacks.
Key: A small piece of metal or plastic used to open or close locks.
Key lime pie: A sweet and tangy dessert made with key lime juice, eggs, condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Keyboard: A set of buttons or keys used to input data or commands into a computer or electronic device.
Keyboard stand: A support or platform used to hold a keyboard instrument in an elevated position for playing.
Keypad: A set of buttons or keys arranged in a specific configuration for inputting numbers, letters, or commands.
Khaki: A light brownish-yellow color or a fabric of this color, typically used for military uniforms or casual clothing.
Kickstand: A retractable device attached to a bicycle, motorcycle, or other similar vehicles that supports it in an upright position when not in motion.
Kid: A young human being, typically referring to a child or young person.
Kidney: One of the two organs located in the lower back responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.
Kidney Bean: A type of large, reddish-brown bean that is shaped like a kidney and commonly used in various cuisines.
Kilim rug: A flat-woven rug or carpet made in the traditional style of Turkish, Persian, or Central Asian kilims.
Killer Whale: Also known as an orca, a large and powerful marine mammal belonging to the dolphin family and known for its predatory behavior.
Kiln: A thermally insulated chamber or oven used for baking, drying, or firing clay, pottery, ceramics, or other materials.
Kilt: A knee-length pleated skirt, traditionally worn by men in Scotland as part of their national dress.
Kimchi: A traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage, along with various seasonings.
Kimono: A traditional Japanese garment, typically made of silk and characterized by its loose-fit, wide sleeves, and wrap-around style.
Kindle: An electronic device used for reading e-books, featuring a digital screen that mimics the appearance of printed paper.
King: The male ruler of a kingdom or the highest-ranking piece in chess.
King Snake: A non-venomous snake species belonging to the Colubridae family, known for its bold and contrasting color patterns.
Kingfisher: A colorful bird species found near rivers and lakes, known for its ability to dive from a perch and catch fish.
Kiosk: A small structure or booth, often found in public places, where goods, information, or services are sold or provided.
Kiss: A physical gesture of affection or greeting, typically involving pressing one’s lips against another person or object.
Kit: A set of items or tools assembled together for a specific purpose.
Kitchen: A room or area in a house or restaurant where food is prepared and cooked.
Kitchen utensils: Tools or implements used in the kitchen for cooking, baking, or food preparation.
Kite: A lightweight object with a tether or string attached that is flown in the air for recreation or sport.
Kite surfing board: A specialized board used for kite surfing, a water sport in which a rider is propelled by a kite.
Kitten: A young domestic cat, typically under one year old.
Kiwi: A flightless bird native to New Zealand or a fuzzy-skinned fruit with green flesh originating from China.
Kiwi fruit: A small, oval fruit with brown fuzzy skin and bright green flesh, often referred to as simply “kiwi.”
Kleenex: A brand of disposable facial tissues commonly used for blowing one’s nose or wiping the face.
Klondike Bar: A brand of ice cream treat consisting of a square ice cream bar coated with chocolate or other flavors.
Knee: The joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg in the human body.
Knee brace: A supportive garment or brace worn around the knee to provide stability, compression, or protection.
Knee pads: Protective gear worn on the knees to cushion impact or prevent injury, commonly used in sports or construction work.
Knee-high boots: Footwear that reaches up to the knee.
Knee-high socks: Socks that extend up to the knee.
Knee-length dress: A dress that falls to the knee or just above.
Kneeling bench: A small bench or stool designed for kneeling on.
Knife: A tool or utensil with a sharp blade, used for cutting or stabbing.
Knight: A historical military rank and title, often associated with chivalry.
Knight’s helmet: A protective headgear worn by knights in medieval times.
Knit: a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles or a knitting machine.
Knob: A round handle or projection used for opening or closing something.
Knocker: A device on a door used for knocking or announcing one’s presence.
Knot: A fastening made by tying one or more pieces of rope or string together.
Knotted rope: A rope with one or more knots tied in it.
Knuckle: The bony joint between the finger and the hand.
Koala: A small, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia.
Koi fish: A colorful freshwater fish often kept in ornamental ponds or gardens.
Koi pond: A pond specifically designed for housing and displaying koi fish.
Koi pond bridge: A bridge that spans across a koi pond, providing a pathway over the water.
Kombucha: A fermented tea beverage known for its probiotic properties.
Kong dog toy: A durable, rubber toy for dogs manufactured by the brand Kong.
Kool-Aid: A powdered drink mix flavored with fruit and usually sweetened with sugar.
Korean barbecue grill: A grill used in Korean cuisine to cook various types of marinated meat.
Kraft paper: A sturdy, brown paper often used for packaging or crafts.
Kraken: A legendary sea monster from Scandinavian folklore, often depicted as a giant squid or octopus.
Kremlin: A fortified complex in Moscow, Russia, which includes palaces, cathedrals, and governmental buildings.
Krill: Small, shrimp-like marine crustaceans that serve as a major food source for various sea animals.
Kudu: A large African antelope species known for its long, twisted horns.
Kumquat tree: A fruit-bearing tree that produces small, citrus fruits called kumquats.
Kumara (sweet potato): A root vegetable that is sweet and often used in cooking.
Kumato Tomatoes: A variety of tomato that is dark brown in color and has a sweet flavor.
Kumquat: A small citrus fruit that is similar to an orange but has a tangy taste and can be eaten whole.
Kung Pao Chicken: A Chinese dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.
Kung Pao Noodles: A dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and a spicy sauce similar to Kung Pao Chicken.
Kung Pao Sauce: A spicy sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine, typically made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.
Kurrat: A herbaceous plant with long, slender leaves that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Kwark (Dutch type of yogurt): A type of yogurt that is popular in the Netherlands, known for its creamy and thick consistency.
K’nex: A construction toy consisting of interlocking plastic rods and connectors for building various structures.

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

Preschooler Letters – “L” is for “Leaf” Craft

June 6, 2016August 22, 2023 Brittney

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

Supplies Needed:

Colored Craft Paper
Letter “L” Cutout
Glue
Markers
Plastic Wrap

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

Set Up:

We started this craft by going outside and picking up a bunch of colorful fall leaves from the ground, which was a lot of fun in and of itself. Then we took our gathered leaves and glued them down to our letter “L”. When we had glued down all of our leaves we put a small piece of plastic over the top of our letter and put a book on top of that so that our leaves would be glued flat to our “L” (the plastic was so we wouldn’t get glue all over our books). When the glue was dry we glued our “L” down to our craft paper.

We finished by talking about different seasons and how some trees change during different times of the year.

Tracing Letters:

*Courtesy of http://bogglesworldesl.com/

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.

Touring Boston – What to Know About Visiting the Frog Pond Summer Splash Pad and Wading Pool

June 1, 2016October 15, 2021 Brittney

One of my absolute favorite summer activities is visiting the Boston Frog Pond! The Frog Pond is a giant pond in the middle of Boston common with water that’s 6-8 inches deep. There is also a huge geyser of water that fountains out of the middle and this pond that is meant to be splashed in. (Posted life guards and everything!)

I took my son and he loved every minute of it. He loved being there to play in the water, he loved having friends to play with and he loved following the other kids and trying new things like laying in the water on his belly and his back.

Touring Boston - What to Know About Visiting the Frog Pond Summer Splash Pad and Wading Pool

It was a really hot day and I was glad I came in my swimsuit because I was right there next to him sitting in the water to cool off. We had a great time and were so glad we had friends to join us.

Things to Note:

1) Price
Free, free, free. Just show up and start splashing.

2) Location & Amenities
Right in the heart of Boston, part of Boston Common. The Red Line on the “T” stops pretty much at the park so you can get there without even having to bring a stroller. There is a bathroom located right next to the Frog Pond that has lockers you can use for the day. There is also a snack bar attached to it if you need burgers and fries to get you through a busy day at the park. Life guards are posted around the pond. There is a carousel next to the pond ($3/ride) and an enclosed playground, not to mention plenty of trees and shade.

3) Hours
The Frog Pond opens in late June and seems like it usually open until about Labor Day. Hours vary, and it’s closed if the weather is bad. Generally its open 11am – 6pm.

4) Other Seasons
Even when the pond is closed there are all sort of events generally going on around the pond. In the winter you can ice skate on it, in the fall they have pumpkin floating festivals and more. All in all it’s a really fun place to visit.

Summary & Rating ★★★★★

Five stars. I think the Boston Frog Pond is a blast and my son has adored it since the first time we let him put his toes in it about a 1.5 years old. This past summer when he was 2.5 it was amazing to be able to sit on the side of the pond and let him run around in the water. The water is shallow enough that I didn’t feel like I needed to shadow his every movement and he had so much fun playing with the other kids in the pond and splashing around. This is one of our most favorite summer activities and if you’re around for the summer it’s something you shouldn’t leave Boston without trying.

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.

Boston Common Frog Pond
Boston Common
Boston, MA 02116

Phone: (617)635-2121
Website: http://bostonfrogpond.com/

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

May 31, 2016January 19, 2024 Brittney

Big list of things that start with letter J

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 “J” 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 “J” objects.

Jack Fruit: A large tropical fruit with a sweet, fibrous flesh.
Jack Rabbit: A large North American hare with long ears and powerful hind legs.
Jack Russell Terrier: A small, energetic dog breed known for its intelligence and hunting abilities.
Jack-In-The-Box: A children’s toy consisting of a box with a clown or figure that pops up when the lid is opened.
Jack-o-lantern: A carved pumpkin used as a decoration during Halloween.
Jackal: A wild canine species found in Africa and Asia, known for its scavenging habits.
Jacket: A piece of outerwear typically worn on the upper body, often with sleeves.
Jacket potato: A baked potato served with various toppings such as butter, cheese, or sour cream.
Jackhammer: A powerful tool used for breaking up hard surfaces, typically operated pneumatically.
Jackknife: A folding pocketknife with a blade that folds into the handle.
Jackpot: The main prize or highest possible reward in a game of chance or lottery.
Jacks: A children’s game that involves bouncing a ball and picking up small metal or plastic objects.
Jacuzzi: A brand of whirlpool bath or hot tub.
Jade: A precious green mineral often used in jewelry and carvings.
Jade necklace: A necklace made from the gemstone jade.
Jagged rock: A rock with rough, uneven edges or surfaces.
Jaguar: A large, powerful wildcat species found in the Americas, known for its distinctive spots.
Jaguar print: A pattern or design resembling the spots of a jaguar’s coat.
Jaguar tooth: A tooth from a jaguar, sometimes used as a souvenir or decoration.
Jail: A facility or building used for the confinement of individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a crime.
Jalapeno: A medium-sized chili pepper, typically green and moderately spicy.
Jalapeño poppers: A dish consisting of jalapeno peppers stuffed with cheese, breaded, and deep-fried.
Jam: A sweet spread made from fruit and sugar, typically used on bread or toast.
Jambalaya: A Creole dish from Louisiana, consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables.
Jambiya dagger: A traditional Arabian dagger with a curved blade and ornate handle.
January: The first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Japanese fan: A handheld folding fan, often decorated with traditional Japanese designs.
Japanese lantern: A traditional lantern made of paper or silk, often used for decoration or in festivals.
Jar: A cylindrical container with a lid, typically used for storing food or other substances.
Jasmine tea: A type of tea flavored with the fragrant flowers of the jasmine plant.
Javelin: A long spear-like weapon used in athletic throwing events.
Javelin thrower: An athlete who specializes in the javelin throw event.
Jaw: The movable part of the face that contains the teeth, used for biting and chewing.
Jawbone: The bone of the jaw.
Jawbreaker: A large, hard candy that takes a long time to dissolve in the mouth.
Jay: A species of colorful songbird often found in woodlands.
Jazz Band: A musical ensemble that performs jazz music.
Jean jacket: A denim jacket typically worn as outerwear.
Jeans: Casual pants made of denim fabric.
Jeep: A rugged and versatile off-road vehicle.
Jell-o: A brand of gelatin dessert.
Jelly: A sweet, semisolid spread made from fruit juice and sugar.
Jelly Beans: Small bean-shaped candies with a soft, jelly-like center.
Jelly Donut: A type of donut filled with jelly or jam.
Jellyfish: A gelatinous marine animal with tentacles that can deliver a painful sting.
Jelly jar: A jar used for storing jelly or other preserves.
Jelly roll: A type of sponge cake rolled up with a filling, often jelly or cream.
Jelly-filled donut: A donut filled with jelly or jam.
Jersey cow: A breed of dairy cattle known for producing high-quality milk.
Jester: A medieval entertainer known for their jokes and tricks.
Jet: A high-speed aircraft powered by jet engines.
Jet Engine: A type of engine that generates thrust by expelling high-speed jets of exhaust gases.
Jet ski: A small recreational watercraft propelled by a jet of water.
Jetpack: A device worn on the back that uses jet propulsion to enable the wearer to fly.
Jetsetter: A person who frequently travels, especially by jet, often for pleasure or business.
Jewelry: Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, typically made of precious metals and adorned with gemstones.
Jewelry box: A container used to store and protect jewelry.
Jewels: Precious gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, often used in jewelry.
Jicama: A root vegetable with a crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste, commonly used in salads and stir-fries.
Jigsaw: A tool used for cutting intricate patterns or shapes in wood or other materials.
Jigsaw blade: The cutting component of a jigsaw tool, typically made of metal and available in various tooth configurations for different cutting applications.
Jigsaw piece: One of the individual interlocking pieces that make up a jigsaw puzzle.
Jigsaw Puzzle: A puzzle consisting of small, irregularly shaped pieces that, when assembled correctly, form a complete picture or design.
Jingle bells: Small metal bells that make a tinkling sound when shaken or struck.
Jockey: A professional horse racer who rides in horse races.
Jockey helmet: A protective helmet worn by jockeys to protect their heads during horse racing.
Joint: The point where two or more bones meet and are held together by connective tissue, allowing movement.
Joint roller: A device used to roll cigarettes or joints.
Jolly Ranchers: Hard candy made from sugar, corn syrup, and various fruit flavors.
Journal: A written record or diary of personal thoughts, experiences, or events.
Journalist: A person who collects, writes, or distributes news and information through various media outlets.
Jousting lance: A long, sturdy pole with a pointed metal tip used by knights in medieval tournaments to unhorse their opponents.
Joystick: A handheld device used to control the movement or actions of an electronic device, especially in gaming.
Jug: A container with a narrow neck, a handle, and a spout, typically used for holding and pouring liquids.
Juggle: To continuously throw and catch objects, usually balls or pins, in an entertaining and skillful manner.
Juggler: A person who can skillfully juggle multiple objects, typically for entertainment purposes.
Juggling balls: Small balls specifically designed for juggling, often made of soft materials for easier manipulation.
Juggling pins: Long, club-shaped objects used for juggling, typically made of wood or plastic.
Juice: The liquid extracted from fruits or vegetables, often consumed for its nutrients and refreshing taste.
Juice Pops: Frozen treats made from fruit juice, similar to popsicles.
Juicer: A kitchen appliance used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables.
Juke Box: A coin-operated machine that plays a selection of recorded music when activated.
Jumbo crayons: Large-sized crayons designed for young children who are developing their fine motor skills.
Jumbo Jet: A large commercial aircraft capable of carrying a significant number of passengers over long distances.
Jumbo shrimp: A culinary term used to describe large-sized shrimp.
Jump: To propel oneself into the air using one’s legs or feet, briefly leaving the ground before returning.
Jump Rope: A long, flexible rope used for jumping over as a form of exercise or recreational activity.
Jumping beans: Small beans that move and jump when heated due to the larvae of certain insects inside.
Jumping castle: An inflatable structure resembling a castle, often used for children’s entertainment, where they can bounce and play.
Jumping frog: A toy or game where a small frog figure jumps and leaps when pressed or activated.
Jumping horse: A toy or equipment, typically made for children, that resembles a horse and allows them to imitate riding by jumping up and down on it.
Jumping pillow: A large inflatable pillow-like structure that is used for jumping and bouncing, usually found in outdoor recreational areas.
June Bug: A type of beetle commonly found in North America, known for its buzzing flight and often seen during the month of June.
Jungle: A dense, tropical forest characterized by abundant vegetation, high humidity, and a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Jungle gym: A structure typically made of metal or wood, commonly found in playgrounds, that children can climb, swing, and play on.
Junior soccer ball: A smaller-sized soccer ball specifically designed for young children who are learning and playing the sport.
Junior tennis racket: A tennis racket specifically manufactured for junior players, typically smaller and lighter than adult-sized rackets to suit their age and physical abilities.
Juniper: A coniferous evergreen shrub or small tree with needle-like leaves and berry-like cones, often found in dry or cold regions.
Junk: Random or discarded items that are considered useless, unwanted, or of low value.
Junk Food: Food that is high in calories, unhealthy additives, or lacking in essential nutrients, often associated with low nutritional value and potential detrimental effects on health.
Justice scale: A symbol used to represent the impartiality and fairness of the legal system, typically depicted as a scale held by Lady Justice, with one pan balanced against the other.
Jute bag: A bag made from the fibers of the jute plant, commonly used for carrying groceries, shopping, or other items, known for its durability and eco-friendly nature.