Family

Now Offering Sensory Birthday Parties!

Kids birthday parties don’t have to be chaotic. Are you looking for a unique birthday party entertainment idea that will keep your kiddo busy and entertained the whole party? Select the location of your choice and we will set up our sensory picnic table with two custom sensory bins that are yours to keep! Perfect for kids with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.

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10%OFF

if you mention Upper Westsider when booking or ordering

ELSA RHODES

Never underestimate the power of a good hair day

Hair Extensions + Full Service Hair

Elsa has been in the hair industry for 20 years and has seen many trends come and go. Originally from Los Angeles, she joined Salon Blissful in Peoria and is fully commi ed to continuing the development of her skills to provide the latest hairstyles and techniques. Elsa is also fl uent in Spanish. She is extremely passionate about helping you achieve your “hair goals” without comprising the health of your hair.

8265 W Happy Valley Rd Ste 105 Peoria, 85383 (909) 374-8415 Mobile | (623) 213-8501 Salon ElsaRhodesHair.com | SalonBlissful.com elsahair@gmail.com @elsahairr | elsa.rhodes

Family

Tips and Tricks for Summer Travel With Kids

By Tricia Travers, Owner of Simple Steps Learning

As a parent, we all know how stressful it can be to travel with our kids. Did I forget anything? Did I pack enough snacks? Did I close the garage door? Sound familiar? If so, I have your back. I have been there too! To help you prep for summer travels, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for traveling with kids.

SNACKS – A LOT OF SNACKS: You can never have too many snacks. I repeat, you can never have too many snacks when traveling with little ones! You can use any lunch box you would like but I recommend LunchBots Medium Trio II Snack Container – it’s available on Amazon.

MELISSA & DOUG WATER WOW BOOKS: These books are amazing when you need to keep kids busy while traveling. You fill the included pen “paint brush” with water and let your little one have a blast painting it. As the “paint” dries, the pages will turn back to white, and they can be painted repeatedly. Available on Amazon.

MINI PLAYDOUGH JARS BY SIMPLE STEPS

LEARNING: These come in a variety of colors and are easy for travel. Available at simplestepslearning.com.

DRY ERASE BUSY LEARNING BOOKS BY SIMPLE

STEPS LEARNING: We love these dry erase markers because the eraser is attached to the pen cap. Available at simplestepslearning.com.

MELISSA & DOUG REUSABLE STICKER PACKS: Use these repeatedly. No wasted stickers or paper. What’s not to love? Available on Amazon.

LACING CARDS: The string is attached and your kids will practice fine motor skills while learning to sew. Our favorite are PlayMonster Lacing & Tracing – Dinosaurs and Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Activity Set: Pets. Both are available on Amazon.

BOOKS AND HEADPHONES: Be sure to pack your kids’ favorite books and headphones. You can find many options at big box retailers like Target or online at Amazon.

A BACKPACK: Your kids are going to need something to hold all their fun new travel toys in. You can use any backpack you have at home.

GEL WINDOW CLINGS: This is perfect if you are on a plane and your little one has the window seat. My kids love this activity when we are on the plane! Available in all shapes and sizes on Amazon.

CARD GAMES: My older child loves to play cards when we are on the plane. He has our undivided attention for hours so why not? Go on Amazon or to your favorite toy aisle and pick up your favorite card game.

I hope these tips and tricks help you and your family when on the road or in the air this summer. Happy travels!

Tricia Travers is a mom of three and owner of Simple Steps Learning. At Simple Steps Learning, they create themed, engaging, Montessori inspired learning books, busy bags, and sensory bins for children. Visit simplestepslearning.com to learn more.