The Mom Memo
The Mom Memo No. 25: Make It a DIY Summer!
Time to entertain your kids…because they are already bored.
Hey Mama
Summer officially starts this week, so why does it feel like our kids have been hanging around the house for months at this point? If another month and a half of whining, moping, or “fill in the blank” complaints fills you with dread, we’ve got good news for you. School starts in about a month and a half! Also, check out our summer sanity ideas for quick and easy ways to keep your kids focused on something besides screens (for a couple of minutes at least).
Hot Topics
Quick reminder – we are all about our mom community. We’re looking to create an active, supportive group of moms who are learning and growing from one another. So join in and start posting! Check out our active groups and find topics that you’re most interested in learning more about. When you find a group you’re passionate about, click “View Group” and then the “Join Group” button to start a conversation.
Or start your own group! Drop us a line and we’ll help make it happen.
Mom2Mom
Summer Sanity Series: 3 DIY Crafts You Can Actually Do
Confession: not all of us are crafty. And that’s ok! If you’re looking for activities that don’t have to be Pinterest perfect, we’ve got you covered.
- Create an underwater aquarium scene by filling a plastic jar with transparent, colored slime and shoving some plastic toy sea creatures into it.
- Fold up some paper boats (find a tutorial online) and spend an hour racing them across a local pond (or just your bathtub!).
- Get cool and creative by cutting up some colorful basic sponges into four strips, tying them tightly together with a fishing line (or something similar) and soaking them in water. Voila: homemade water bombs.
3 Summer Activities You Say You’ll Do But Always Forget
If the start of the summer feels like a bright, warm horizon of opportunity and hope, mid-summer probably feels more like a sweaty, sticky afternoon that keeps threatening thunderstorms but just drags on and on with 98% humidity. Try to remember all the memories you wanted to make this year and resurrect these summer plans:
- Camp out overnight in the backyard. Even if you wind up back in the house at some point during the night, you can have bragging rights for trying.
- Have a scavenger hunt. If you have the time and energy to actually HIDE things strategically, good for you. But this can just be a list of summertime things (i.e. a butterfly, the ice cream truck) kids need to check off a list once found.
- Attend an outdoor concert. Bring a blanket, some snacks and enjoy some music while you watch your little kids dance. #heaven.
Mom Jeans & Things
Mom Jeans & Things are product and service recommendations for you and your family that you’ll really use and love – because we have! Read through our recent blogs to check out all our suggestions on everything from great gift ideas to ways to make your summer spectacular.
Hey Mama Podcast
We know what you’re thinking. “Do I REALLY need another podcast in my life?” You do if you’re interested in listening to a variety of moms sharing experiences about work, life, and motherhood – all while trying to keep it together and prioritize themselves once in a while. Hosted by The Moms Society founder Katie Patterson, we’ll discuss a variety of topics, share ways to proactively grow, and laugh a lot. Check out all three episodes!
Explore the City
TAKE THE KIDS
Girls Rock! Des Moines Summer Showcase
June 25, 3pm | Wooly’s, 504 East Locust Street
Part of the Wooly’s Rock Camp Showcase, we don’t know too much about who’s playing, but we’re thinking there’s a lot of girl power involved. Kids under 10 are free!
Kids Comic Art Class
July 10 – July 21, 3pm (MWF for 2 weeks) | Mainframe Studios 900 Keosauqua Way Des Moines, IA 50309
Got a kid who’s crazy about comics? Upgrade their enthusiasm from passive reader to passionate creator. Led by local artist and educator, Claire Sedovic, kids will craft a superhero character and their own multi-panel comic all while learning new drawing and painting techniques. Register soon!
Des Moines Arts Festival
June 23 – 25 | Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines, IA
Enjoy a variety of music across the Hy-Vee Main stage and Roots stage, as well as pop-up performances across the festival. Plus art demonstrations, exhibitions, and galleries. The only thing better than an outdoor music and arts festival is one that is FREE!
Storytime at the Heritage Carousel
June 23, 10:30 | Heritage Carousel, 1801 Pennsylvania Ave. Des Moines, IA
Hosted by the Des Moines, library, you and your little ones will enjoy stories, songs, and movement led by Ms. Alicia. Plus a FREE ride on the carousel. Meet you there!
Farmers Market | Music in the Junction w/ Steam Boars
June 22, 4pm | 100-300 Block of 5th St. & Railroad Park
Come for the food and stay for the tunes! The Valley Junction Farmers Market is home to over 80 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, arts and crafts, and prepared foods. Enjoy live music starting at 6pm from the Steam Boars, a fiery quartet whose original music incorporates rock, funk, blues, and jazz in a unique sound that will blow your mind.
Cupcake Story Time
June 25, 2pm | 322 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
Story-themed cupcakes sound like our new favorite dessert. Enjoy a “Story Time and Discussion” led by a local Kindergarten teacher. Then, each child will decorate two of their own themed cupcakes based off of the readings. Also includes a beverage, a chef’s hat to decorate & step-by-step decorating instructions.
GET A SITTER
Progressive Dinner presented by The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
July 10 | Various locations
We love the idea of walking off our dinner calories WHILE we’re partaking. Enjoy a progressive dinner through the walkable Ingersoll Avenue and stop for courses from Eatery A, Cheese Bar and Star Bar and finally a nightcap cocktail, as you make your way through a complete meal.
Cocktails and Cardboard
June 22 (and every other Thursday), 6pm | 321 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
Get your game on while you get a buzz on. Come enjoy a variety of games brought to you by The Dealt Hand and drink some delicious craft cocktails while playing!
King or Queen of the Court Pickleball Challenge
June 23, 7pm | Smash Park, West Des Moines
Test your Pickleball skillz and compete for the crown. The royal winner will receive a $25 Smash Park Gift Card and is officially crowned King or Queen of the Court!
Crafty Cocktail Hours
June 26, 6pm | The Brenton Arboretum, 25141 260th Street, Dallas Center, IA
If our crafting skills are subpar, a drink or two can only improve them, right? Take on a Pinterest worthy craft courtesy of Wildflower Factory while our bartender shakes up some tasty cocktails.
The Moms Society Moms Night Out – Botox Party
July 27, 6pm CST
Join this exclusive hang with other members of The Moms Society for connections, conversation, and special savings on Botox for a smoother summer. Secure your spot now!
Send Us Your Feedback!
Moms love feedback (unless it’s complaints about the meals we’re serving) so send us your questions, comments, or suggestions about this newsletter!