Projects for the week

Our active room

Maybe you've already heard about our active room, set up in the basement of our house. It's a perfect spot to let kids move however they like and burn off all their energy without disturbing the other family members who'd prefer a bit more calm. To set up your own active room, first think about the best place in the house, clear the space and consider getting and installing a few of these items, depending on your preferences and your kids':

• A floor mat (gymnastics-style) to prevent injuries
• Climbing holds to mount on the wall
• A swing
• Gymnastic rings
• Balls of all sizes
• A balance board
• A hopper ball
• A mini trampoline
• Stilts
• A skipping rope

To encourage the development of creativity in children, nothing beats exploring through drawing, painting or crafting! To build their independence and leave them free to explore as they please, why not set up a space in the house dedicated specifically to art and crafts? Don't have any free space? Simply fill an empty cupboard or a cart with the necessary supplies! Be sure to include:

• Washable paint, containers and paintbrushes in different sizes
• Sheets of cardstock
• Glue sticks and liquid glue
• Popsicle sticks
• Pipe cleaners
• Coloured markers, crayons and pencils
• Oil pastels and chalk pastels
• Scissors
• Polymer clay (such as Fimo)
• Decorative items (gems, stickers, glitter, etc.)
• Sheets of felt
• Paper/cardboard bags and plates
• String/rope
• Recycled materials (toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes, etc.)

Don't forget to download and display, in plain view, the craft corner rules poster created by our collaborator Mlle Range-tout!

Our stockpile space

Have you long dreamed of adopting the Belles Combines stockpiling method but don't know where to keep the items you stock up on? Now's the time to create your stockpile room/space! Consider choosing the often least-used spots in the house, like under the stairs or an unfinished part of the basement. Finally, take the time to carefully assess your needs based on your consumption habits and get to work! Consider getting the following items:

• An extra freezer
• Shelving, shelves or cabinets
• Bins in different sizes
• Les Belles Combines storage labels
• A basket to make carrying items easier

And above all, don't forget to print our stockpile lists!

A new bedroom

Has your teen been asking you for months to redecorate their bedroom? Why not get them concretely involved in the project? To build their independence and introduce them to managing a budget, give them an amount that seems reasonable to you and let them do the shopping themselves for the various items needed to redo the decor of their own space. And of course, have them help with the painting and the small jobs that are probably needed! Be sure to remind them to include in their budget:

• Paint and accessories as needed
• Furniture to replace, if needed
• Bedding
• Light fixtures
• Decorative accessories (frames, posters, etc.)
• Curtains
• Storage accessories (bins, baskets, etc.)

Our cooking or baking project

In daily life, we often don't have enough time to try recipes that take more preparation or seem more complicated to make. Why not use spring break to build our cooking skills and try bigger culinary projects? Here are a few ideas that are sure to make your mouth water:

• Make homemade bagels
• Bake a cake worthy of the finest pastry shops
• Make fresh pasta
• Make homemade croissants or pains au chocolat
• Make fine chocolates

Our reading nook

Would you like to encourage your kids to read more, or do you want a quiet space where you can settle in to read your own books in peace? Use spring break to create a reading nook everyone will enjoy! To do so, consider including:

• Books of all kinds that suit the kids' ages (novels, picture books, non-fiction, comics, etc.)
• Shelves or a bookcase to hold the books
• Cushions or comfortable chairs
• Blankets
• Good lighting

Would you like first access to all the content published in the Magazine each month, plus our Toolbox, which includes free downloads that are as practical as they are fun? Subscribe to Belles Combines Magazine today!