FF - May 2015

UNICORNS & R AINBOWS!

THE

HAPPY ISSUE

100+

WAYS TO ADD MORE JOY EVERY DAY

Chomp, chomp!

Make your kids grin with our DIY elbowgator shirt.

best instant mood boosters fun up your family room

secrets of better vacations

MAY 2 0 1 5 F A M I LY F U N M A G . C O M

“

HAPPINESS IS NOT SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW. IT’S RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD.

“

treats with a smile

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Oat Clusters with Cherries & Almonds

ith made w

s! e i r r e h real c

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THE

H A P PY

FAMILYFUN

MAY 2015

ISSUE

PAGE 66

special feature

THE HAPPY FAMILY PLAYBOOK What’s the secret to family happiness? Our special report explores the latest research—and offers seven easy ways to boost your bliss.

create 9 • UNBEARABLY CUTE TEES Turn everyday shirts into sweet panda pals

10 • MAKE IT Clutter-busting containers, planters to make Mom’s day, and more

14 • KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Eat-the-rainbow pizza and cotton candy meringues

20 • TREAT OF THE MONTH Send instant smiles with our emoticookies ;) • IDEA

22 OF THE MONTH Family adventures can be the happiest birthday gifts 24 • MORE GREAT IDEAS How our readers cure bad moods and celebrate the last day of school

play

smile

explore

31 • HAVE A BALL!

51 • GRIN, GORGEOUS!

57 • SECRETS OF

Three cooperative games to create team players

Pro tips for whiter teeth

34 • HEALTHY FAMILY Dried fruit treats, yes-youcan jars, and more

Four mood-boosting books we can’t put down

HAPPY TRAVELERS Travel writers recall the vacations they loved and what made them special

36 • HAPPY HOME Eight

products we’re happy about, plus what makes our readers feel beautiful

ideas for turning up the fun in your living room

40 • FAVORITE THINGS Toy Hall of Fame: 10 classic toys, now cooler than ever • LET’S

46 PARTY All you need to host the sweetest ice cream social

IN EVERY ISSUE: 4 • HELLO! | 6 • THE FUN LIST | 78 • WORKBOOK 80 • SPECIAL BACK PAGE: THANKS, MOM!

52 • RELAX

54 • BEAUTY NEWS Hair

64 • GETAWAYS Five epic playgrounds around the country

ON OUR COVER Jamieson, age 6, photographed by Sabrina Helas; styling by Heather Rome; craft styling by Nicole Blum. H&M shirt, The Children’s Place shorts. best instant mood boosters 26 fun up your family room 36 treats with a smile 20 secrets of better vacations 59 unicorns & rainbows! 40

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 1

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WorldMags.net Editor-in-chief ANN HALLOCK Executive Editor JONATHAN ADOLPH Deputy Editor MARY GILES Managing Editor BARBARA FINDLEN Senior Editors DEBRA IMMERGUT, DEBORAH WAY Senior Associate Editor ELLEN HARTER WALL Associate Editor JOY HOWARD Assistant Editor LUCY CASALE Copy Chief FAYE S. WOLFE Research Chief BETH HONEYMAN Assistant Researcher KRISTA HOJNOWSKI Administrative Assistant JEAN CRANSTON Creative Director MOIRA GRETO Photo Director MARK MANTEGNA Deputy Art Director TIM MACKAY Senior Designer KANDY LITTRELL Photo Editor RYAN CLINE Associate Art Director LESLIE ANNE CHARLES Designer PABLO E. YGLESIAS Art Production Coordinator MARTHA JENKINS Contributors RANI ARBO, DEBORAH GEIGIS BERRY, NICOLE BLUM, JODI BUTLER, SHARON MILLER CINDRICH, LAURA M. GOMES, CHARLOTTE MERYMAN, CATHERINE NEWMAN, LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF, NICOLE BLASENAK SHAPIRO, KIMBERLY STONEY, LISA STOWE, MARYELLEN SULLIVAN, LYNN ZIMMERMAN Content Director, Parents Network DANA POINTS

Vice President, Group Publisher, Parents Network JEFF WELLINGTON Advertising National Account Director MARIA JAKUBEK Midwest Director LORI POPERNIK Northwest Director JULIE BANFIELD Southwest Director JACQUI DZIAK Advertising Sales Staff MARY JOE CLARK, ALYSSA CRAMER COHEN, ANDREA CONTI-PABST, CATHERINE DAUN, ANNE GILHOOL, GERALD J. GOLINSKE, ERROL GRIFFITHS, LIZ HASKELL, MARY CAROL MURPHY, KELLEY SHINE, CHRISTINE STRIFAS, MOLLY THOMPSON, THERESA VOYLES, ERICA WAGNER Direct Media Manager TYLER HUB National Travel Director JODIE BURLOG SCHAFER Hawaii Manager Media Links LAURIE DOERSCHLEN Sales Coordinator JEN MORONEY Assistants T.J. HANES, BEVERLEY NEUFVILLE HARDING, KYLEE HARRIS, KIM KITCHEN, MICHELLE KWAN, JESSICA LEWIS, BEN PEDROSA, AMANDA PIPICH Associate Director, Advertising Business Office BOB PARLAPIANO Associate Consumer Marketing Director JULIE WILFORD Associate Production Manager CHRIS WILSON Ad Operations Manager SARAH OTTE Quality Technical Director DAVID WOLVEK Ad Production Supervisor ASHLEY SCHAUBROECK Associate Director of Prepress RICK JOHN Quality Analyst TONY HUNT Prepress Desktop Specialist CARI WASMUND Assistant to the EVP/President, Parents Network CARINA FRIAS Senior Research Manager ALISON JAYE Associate Research Director LISA GRAMLING Executive Director, Integrated Marketing SHARON MULLIGAN Director, Marketing MARY JO RATHGEB Senior Marketing Manager SARAH LOVE MCCOURT Marketing Manager WESLEY BIRDSALL Activation Director SUSAN JOYCE Activation and Events Manager ILISA D. COHEN Marketing Coordinator JULIA CORBETT Creative Director JEANETTE CHOW Senior Promotion Designer GOSIA NOSOWICZ Custom Solutions Executive Director CHUCK HAJJ Business Director CHRISTY LIGHT Business Manager MARTY MUSSER

MEREDITH NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP President TOM HARTY Executive Vice Presidents

Vice Presidents

President, Media Sales RICHARD PORTER

Business Planning and Analysis ROB SILVERSTONE

President, Parents Network CAREY WITMER

Consumer Marketing JANET DONNELLY

President, Women’s Lifestyle THOMAS WITSCHI

Content Licensing LARRY SOMMERS

President, Meredith Digital JON WERTHER

Corporate Marketing STEPHANIE CONNOLLY

Meredith Home Group JAMES CARR

Corporate Sales BRIAN KIGHTLINGER

Creative Content Leader GAYLE GOODSON BUTLER

Digital Video LAURA ROWLEY

Chief Marketing Officer NANCY WEBER

Direct Media PATTI FOLLO

Chief Revenue Officer MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN

Brand Licensing ELISE CONTARSY

General Manager DOUG OLSON

Communications PATRICK TAYLOR Human Resources DINA NATHANSON

Senior Vice Presidents

Strategic Sourcing, Newsstand, Production CHUCK HOWELL

Chief Digital Officer ANDY WILSON Digital Sales MARC ROTHSCHILD Innovation Officer CAROLYN BEKKEDAHL Research Solutions BRITTA CLEVELAND

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer STEPHEN M. LACY

IN MEMORIAM – E. T. MEREDITH III, 1933–2003

President, Meredith Local Media Group PAUL KARPOWICZ Vice Chairman MELL MEREDITH FRAZIER

Editorial correspondence: 47 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060. Queries: queries.familyfun@meredith.com. All materials submitted become the property of Meredith Corporation, and submission constitutes permission for Meredith Corporation to use the material in any and all media. Materials may be used without compensation or acknowledgment and may be edited for length and clarity. Please include a daytime telephone number for verification purposes. Executive and advertising offices: 805 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Subscriptions: familyfunmag.com. Subscription correspondence: Send an e-mail to FFNcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com or write to FamilyFun at the address below. Mailing lists: Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully selected firms whose products may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive information from these companies by mail or by phone, please let us know. Send your request along with your mailing label to Magazine Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. © 2015 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

May 2015 • FamilyFun • 3

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WorldMags.net THE FUN STARTS HERE WITH NEWS, NOTES, AND MORE

What brings your family joy? Bubbles?

Fondue night?

A beloved pet?

Show us and we may share it in a future issue.

THE

H A P PY ISSUE

In keeping with our special issue, we want to see what makes your family beam!

From May 1 to 10, post photos and videos of what inspires you on Twitter or Instagram using #HappyIs (we’d especially love to see videos of kids saying what makes them happy) or via our Facebook page. Then check them all out on our Facebook #HappyIs gallery whenever you need a little dose of delight.

Fun families, we need you!

CELEBRATE MOM

When the editors of FamilyFun wanted insights into what makes today’s families happy, they turned to a group of trusted advisers: our Reader Panel. Would you like to be a member of this fun-loving group?

You’ll be invited to take surveys, submit your great ideas (and get paid for them if they appear in the magazine), and much more. Joining is easy: simply sign up at familyfunmag.com/readerpanel. And to see what our panel had to say about happiness, turn to pages 68, 76, and 77.

For a smile-inducing holiday on May 10, steer your family to our Happy Mother’s Day board on Pinterest and point out a few of your favorite homemade gifts, such as these charming braided bracelets.

4 • FamilyFun • May 2015

CORRECTION: The girl’s pink sweater shown on the cover of our February issue was from Mini Boden, not Peek Kids.

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TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY SABRINA HELAS. COTTON ON KIDS STRIPED SHIRT, TARGET POLO SHIRT, TOOBYDOO SHORTS

#HappyIs

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WorldMags.net FIVE REASONS TO SMILE THIS MONTH

What makes our Creative Director, Moira Greto, happy?

This Chatter Telephone from her vintage toy collection.

Dial up Grandma on Mother’s Day, May 10, and make her day—or maybe her year—by having your kids share their “Top 10 Reasons We Love You” list. For bonus points: present her with a framed copy of the list for grand-bragging purposes.

6 • FamilyFun • May 2015

2

3

a daisy chain for Lei Day on May 1. Using your thumbnail, make a ½-inch-long slit in a flower stem, then slip another flower stem through it. Add flowers until the chain is the length you want. Finish by making the last slit an inch long and pushing through the bud from the first flower.

your favorite pie on National Pizza Party Day, May 15. Check out our tempting recipes (Mexican pizza!) and party activities (tabletop curling with pom-poms) on our “Family Nights” Pinterest board.

Craft

Eat

4

Attempt to set a new Guinness world record, or at least a family one—just for fun.

A few that we think could be topped: most spoons balanced on a face (31); most finger snaps in a minute (278); and largest bubblegum bubble blown (50.8 centimeters).

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5

Laugh

when you play Horse Face, a silly take on the classic basketball game. One player makes a face (tongue out, eyes rolled, say), and the second player has to mirror the expression—without cracking up. If the referee says the faces don’t match, the second player gets a letter. The game ends when one player has spelled H-O-R-S-E.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK MANTEGNA

1

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You know you love it.

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© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. ©2014 Viacom International LLC. All rights reserved.

JUICY JUICE is a registered trademark of Harvest Hill Beverage Company. ©2015 Harvest Hill Beverage Company. All rights reserved.

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Kids love the sweet taste of Juicy Juice, made from real fruit picked at its ripest, juiciest peak. It’s 100% juice, with no added sugar – goodness, made juicy!™ juicyjuice.com WorldMags.net

PHOTOGRAPH BY SABRINA HELAS; CRAFT STYLING BY NICOLE BLUM; STYLING BY HEATHER ROME. THE CHILDREN’S PLACE SHORTS; CONVERSE SNEAKERS

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unbearably cute tees Turn a few iron-on patches into a sweet panda pal.

Find out how on page 78.

lunch box

joke What kind of socks do pandas wear?

None—they prefer bear feet!

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 9

WorldMags.net MAKE IT

more shirts to make you smile Add animal attraction to your kids’ clothes without threading a needle.

elbowgator This shirt bites—but only when your child “chomps” with his arms. Have your child put on the shirt and bend his arms as shown. Place a piece of masking tape on the top elbow to mark where the gator’s nose will go. Have your child remove the shirt.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SABRINA HELAS (SHIRTS, WIND SOCKS) AND ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI (PLANTERS); CRAFT STYLING BY NICOLE BLUM (SHIRTS) AND BLAKE RAMSEY (WIND SOCKS, PLANTERS); STYLING BY HEATHER ROME (SHIRTS, WIND SOCKS) AND ANN LEWIS (PLANTERS).

BOY’S SHIRT BY H&M, THE CHILDREN’S PLACE SHORTS; GIRL’S SHIRT BY CREWCUTS, TARGET SNEAKERS, THE CHILDREN’S PLACE HAIR POM-POMS

Cut three stamps from adhesive felt: a triangle (ours is about 1 inch tall) and two circles (ours are ⅔ inch and 1 inch).

Adhere each shape to the end of a cork or a marker cap.

Lay the shirt facedown, sleeves outstretched. Dip the triangle stamp in white fabric paint and stamp teeth just above the seam of the sleeve with the tape mark. Stamp two larger circles for the eyes and the nose, as shown.

On the other sleeve, stamp teeth below the top fold. When dry, use the smaller circle stamp and black paint to add dots to the eyes and nose. Let the paint dry.

playful puppy Wearing this adorable top turns an outfit into an “awww”-fit. A raglansleeve shirt (one with sleeve seams that run diagonally from the collar) works best, but any shirt will do. Cut two large ear shapes from fleece fabric. Run a line of fabric glue along the bottom edge of each ear and adhere them to the shirt along the shoulder seams. Add a face with black dimensional fabric paint. Let it dry.

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1. Use a craft knife (adults only)

feeling koi Some would say that every day is children’s day, but in Japan, kids get an official Children’s Day. On May 5, they fly wind socks that resemble carp, symbols of strength and bravery, to bring good fortune.

to cut the bottom off a plastic cup; discard. Place two duct tape squares on opposite sides of the cup, about halfway down from the top. Stick matching squares inside. Use the craft knife to poke a small hole through each ducttaped section.

2. Push the ends of a 20-inch length of yarn through the holes from the inside out and tie a knot in each end. Tape over the knots to secure them.

3. Cut about 35 two-inch squares from thin plastic

tablecloths in various colors (we got ours at a dollar store).

Cut one side of each square into a curve to make a fishscale shape.

4. Starting at the bottom of the cup, attach overlapping rows of scales with glue dots. When you reach the last row, use a permanent marker to draw facial features on the scales before attaching them.

5. Cut 15 12- by 1-inch strips from one of the tablecloths.

Attach them inside the tail of the cup with glue dots.

great for a gift

grow a little love These planters created from milk cartons make winning teacher and Mother’s Day gifts. With a craft knife (adults only), cut off the top third of an empty quart-size milk carton and discard. Draw the top edge of the planter, including the outline of the ears, in pencil, then cut along the line.

Cover the carton’s printing with two or three coats of acrylic paint. When the paint is dry, draw a face and other features with permanent marker. Add potting soil and a pretty plant.

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 11

WorldMags.net MAKE IT

paper

fun Collect empty cans of various types (ours held tennis balls, cookies, coffee, and Play-Doh).

Use double-sided tape to cover them with scrapbook paper.

Add cutout paper features with tacky glue or tape, then watch your new friends devour paper clips, coins, marbles, and more!

goofy grins Smiles can be infectious, especially when you have a collection of silly mouth masks to share. For each, use markers to draw a mouth on card stock. Cut out the shape, then tape a thin dowel to the back.

lunch box

joke How did the can feel about getting recycled?

He was crushed.

12 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI; CRAFT STYLING BY CAITLIN BOSCO (GOOFY GRINS) AND BLAKE RAMSEY (CANS); STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. OSHKOSH B’GOSH SHIRT

canned hams Conquer clutter with a clan of charming monster containers guaranteed to make you laugh.

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Started my Camry.

Rescued a dog.

Searched for the owners.

Uncovered a plot.

Escaped with the evidence.

Took a leap of faith.

Left them all behind.

Kept the dog.

ONE BOLD CHOICE LEADS TO ANOTHER.

The 2015 Camry. Our boldest Camry ever. toyota.com/camry Prototype shown with options. Production model will vary. ©2015 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

over-the-rainbow pizza This twist on a classic is colorful and customizable and teaches young chefs chopping skills. ingredients 2 pieces naan or other flatbread (we used Stonefire naan, found in the grocery store deli section) ½ cup of your favorite pizza sauce 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling ⅔ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella 4 cups chopped, colorful vegetables (we used grape tomatoes, orange and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, red onions, and cooked beets) 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1. Heat the oven to 425°.

Place each piece of naan on a large baking sheet. Spread ¼ cup pizza sauce on each, leaving a ½ -inch border.

Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella on top.

2. Layer on the vegetables in a rainbow pattern as shown. Drizzle each pizza with a teaspoon of the olive oil and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning.

this for that If your child has a milk allergy, you can use Teese Vegan Cheese in place of the mozzarella and Parmesan in this recipe.

3. Bake the pizzas until the vegetables are tender and the crust is slightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let them cool slightly. If you like, sprinkle on more Parmesan, then slice and serve.

Nutrition per serving: 268 calories, 12g protein, 9g fat (3g sat. fat), 35g carbs, 4g fiber, 8g sugar, 255mg calcium, 3mg iron, 515mg sodium

kids can ...

• Chop the veggies* • Assemble each pizza • Cut the pizzas into slices

14 • FamilyFun • May 2015

*TEST KITCHEN TIP: Younger cooks can use a plastic serrated knife to chop the tomatoes and beets.

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RECIPE BY ALI EBRIGHT OF GIMMESOMEOVEN.COM; PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOE POLILLIO; STYLING BY SALLY STAUB

active time 20 MINUTES total time 40 MINUTES makes 4 SERVINGS

FIELD TRIPS HAPPEN. WorldMags.net

Be Prepared.

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Avoid known allergens

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Know what symptoms to watch for

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Use an EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector if a life-threatening (severe) allergic reaction occurs

•

Get emergency medical help right away

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The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety.

These side effects may go away if you rest. Tell your health care WYVMLZZPVUHS PM `V\ OH]L HU` ZPKL L LJ[ [OH[ IV[OLYZ `V\ VY that does not go away.

EpiPen® (epinephrine injection) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr ® (epinephrine injection) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions.

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr ® are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical help right away.

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr ® Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you (or your caregiver or others who may be in a position to administer EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr ®) inject into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg) (through clothing, if necessary). Get emergency medical help right away. You may need further medical attention. Only a health care professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than two injections for a single anaphylactic episode. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEINS, BUTTOCKS, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may NL[ ^VYZL VY `V\ TH` OH]L SVUNLY SHZ[PUN ZPKL L LJ[Z ^OLU you use EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr ®.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional information, please contact us at 800-395-3376.

7SLHZL ZLL )YPLM :\TTHY` VM M\SS 7YLZJYPIPUN 0UMVYTH[PVU VU the adjacent page.

Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injectors shown in photo.

EpiPen®, EpiPen Jr®, EpiPen 2-Pak®, EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® and LIFE HAPPENS. Be Prepared.® are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc. licensed exclusively to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mylan Specialty L.P. © 2014 Mylan Specialty L.P. All rights reserved. 11/14 EPI-2014-1104

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BRIEF SUMMARY OF PATIENT INFORMATION Please read this information before using EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector and each time you get a refill. Consult the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You, your parent, a caregiver or others who may be in a position to administer EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector, should know how to use it before you have an allergic emergency.

This information does not take the place of talking with your health care professional about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

What is the most important information I should know about the EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr®?

1. EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® contain a medicine used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, can happen within minutes, and can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise, or unknown causes.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: • trouble breathing • wheezing • hoarseness (changes in the way your voice sounds) • hives (raised reddened rash that may itch) • severe itching • swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue • skin rash, redness, or swelling • fast heartbeat • weak pulse • feeling very anxious • confusion • stomach pain • losing control of urine or bowel movements (incontinence) • diarrhea or stomach cramps • dizziness, fainting, or “passing out” (unconsciousness) 2. Always carry your EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® with you because you may not know when anaphylaxis may happen.

Talk to your health care professional if you need additional units to keep at work, school or other locations. Tell your family members, caregivers and others where you keep your EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® and how to use it before you need it. You may be unable to speak in an allergic emergency.

3. When you have an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis): • Use EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® right away.

• Get emergency medical help right away.

You may need further medical attention.

You may need to use a second EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® if symptoms continue or recur.

Only a health care professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than 2 injections for a single anaphylaxis episode.

What are EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr®?

• EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are disposable, prefilled automatic injection devices (auto-injectors) used to treat lifethreatening, allergic emergencies including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic emergencies. Each device contains a single dose of epinephrine.

• EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and do not take the place of emergency medical care. You should get emergency help right away after using EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr®.

• EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are for people who have been prescribed this medicine by their health care professional.

• The EpiPen® Auto-Injector (0.3 mg) is for patients who weigh 66 pounds or more (30 kilograms or more).

• The EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector (0.15 mg) is for patients who weigh about 33 to 66 pounds (15 to 30 kilograms).

• It is not known if EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are safe and effective in children who weigh less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

What should I tell my health care professional before using the EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®?

Before you use EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®, tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions, but especially if you: • have heart problems or high blood pressure • have diabetes • have thyroid problems • have asthma • have a history of depression • have Parkinson’s disease • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if epinephrine will harm your unborn baby.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if epinephrine passes into your breast milk.

Tell your health care professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Tell your health care professional of all known allergies.

Especially tell your health care professional if you take certain asthma medicines.

EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.

EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® works.

Use your EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® for treatment of anaphylaxis as prescribed by your health care professional, regardless of your medical conditions or the medicines you take.

What are the possible side effects of the EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr®?

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® may cause serious side effects.

• The EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® should only

be injected into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg). Do not inject the EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® into your: • veins • buttocks • fingers, toes, hands, or feet If you accidentally inject EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® into any other part of your body, go to the nearest emergency room right away. Tell the health care professional where on your body you received the accidental injection.

If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you use your EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®. Talk to your health care professional about all your medical conditions.

Common side effects of EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® include: • fast, irregular or “pounding” heartbeat • sweating • headache • weakness • shakiness • paleness • feelings of over excitement, nervousness or anxiety • dizziness • nausea or vomiting • breathing problems These side effects may go away with rest.

Tell your health care professional if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of the EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®. For more information, ask your health care professional or pharmacist.

Call your health care professional for medical advice about side effects.

General information about the safe and effective use of EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr®: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information Leaflet. Do not use the EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give your EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® to other people.

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Important Information • If an accidental injection happens, get medical help right away.

Manufactured for Mylan Specialty L.P., Morgantown, WV 26505, U.S.A. by Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc., Columbia, MD 21046, U.S.A., a Pfizer company.

EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc. licensed exclusively to its wholly-owned affiliate, Mylan Specialty L.P. of Morgantown, WV 26505, U.S.A. © 2014 Mylan Specialty L.P. All rights reserved.

09/14 EPI-2014-0800

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• Fun ways to balance customs and cultures

Doing nothing is not one of them!

• Ideas to help you preserve your family traditions

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WorldMags.net KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

fun with food cotton candy meringues

Cotton candy, originally known as fairy floss, had its debut at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

freeze frame!

Break the ice at the start of your next family meal with this impromptu game.

To play, a family member begins by silently freezing. Other family members follow suit as soon as they notice. The game ends when only one person is left unfrozen—or when the table erupts in laughter.

18

polka dot raspberries Put a smile on everyone’s face with this berry good snack that blends fresh fruit with tiny morsels of yumminess. Set out small bowls of raspberries along with bowls of chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter chips, then give your child a tough assignment: try each filling option and pick the most gobble-worthy!

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Our light and crispy pops recall the excitement of a day at the fair. Heat the oven to 200°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, then place eight 4-inch lollipop sticks on each pan, spacing them evenly. With a hand or stand mixer set on medium speed, whisk together 4 large egg whites, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ⅛ teaspoon each cream of tartar and salt. Once it’s foamy, gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue mixing until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Evenly divide the meringue between two bowls.

Whisk red food coloring into one and blue food coloring into the other. Transfer each to a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off or to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (we used an Ateco #9). Pipe the meringue in a circular motion onto the sticks. Blend the swirls with a toothpick, using the tip to form small peaks. Bake the meringues on the upper and lowermiddle racks until firm and dry, about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Let them cool completely before removing them.

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WorldMags.net TREAT OF THE MONTH

BLACK LICORICE LACE

BLACK JELLY BEAN , HALVED LENGTHWISE SPREE CANDY PIPED BLACK FROSTING

TRIMMED CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIE HALF WITH FILLING SCRAPED AWAY

PIPED BLACK FROSTING

MENTOS CANDY WITH BLACK FOOD WRITER TRIMMED FRUIT - CHEW CANDY

MINI CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIE HALVES WITH FILLING SCRAPED AWAY AND A LICORICE LACE CENTER

emoticookies

TRIMMED CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIE HALF WITH FILLING SCRAPED AWAY

SHOW US WHAT YOU MADE

Deliver instant smiles with a batch of these cheery cartoon treats.

For each, start with a large, round cookie covered with yellow frosting, then put on a happy face using the materials noted above.

20 • FamilyFun • May 2015

TRIMMED FRUIT - CHEW CANDY

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Share a pic of your own emoticookies using the tab on our Facebook page or on Instagram or Twitter (#FamilyFunSoCute).

Then look for your photo in the So Cute! gallery on our Facebook page.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI; FOOD STYLING BY JOY HOWARD; STYLING BY ANN LEWIS

HEART - SHAPED CANDY

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WorldMags.net IDEA OF THE MONTH

drugs. First, the high, then the crashing low.

Still, kids love toys, so here are a few pointers to make this idea work. One, wait until the birthday child is old enough to grasp the benefits. Two, consider giving a small wrapped something for a few years to ease the transition. (We still do this!) And go for an experience your family wouldn’t have otherwise.

For Catherine Newman and her family, shared adventures make the happiest birthday presents—and the best memories.

IF YOU’VE EVER seen Blue Man Group perform, then you might remember the drummers splashing fluorescent paint into the air and Twinkies disappearing into mouths only to show up a bit later as erupting yellow goo.

You’ll definitely remember watching your kids’ faces: the round-eyed wonder, the delighted laughter, the cheeks flushed with excitement. Which is completely the point.

Those memories are a gift you get to keep forever.

And that’s why my husband, Michael, and I are glad that, around five years ago, we started what some might call a radical policy: we don’t give our kids birthday presents.

Instead, we let Ben, now age 15, and Birdy, 12, choose an experience for

us all. There was the Blue Man Group show for Ben’s 13th, a trip to Six Flags, a stand-up comedy evening, adventures in zip-lining and tubing (river and snow), and a night in the local hotel with the really good pool. Lately, Ben has been lobbying for a tasting-menu dinner at a fancy New York restaurant (this might be out of our price range), and Birdy once picked a climbing structure for our cat, arguing that, even though it was an object, we’d all enjoy the experience of watching him leaping and dangling, which, in fact, we all do.

If your house is anything like ours, then one reason for this change is obvious: we are so buried in clutter that

when someone knocks on the door, I fear it’s the producers of Hoarders.

We don’t need more stuff.

We are awash in bygone collections (Japanese erasers! Silly Bandz!) and good, timeless playthings, such as Legos, colorful play silks, pretend food.

True, we suffer from a serious board game habit, but there is still Christmas for giving those as well as new art supplies, books, and stockings filled with pretty tape, candy, and miniature flashlights.

Another reason for doing this—one supported by research—is that money actually can buy happiness, but that payoff is most likely to happen when you spend the cash on shared experiences (or donate it). Buying stuff ? Not so much. You need only watch your kids slump into that postpresent letdown to believe what the researchers say: people respond to new possessions a lot like how they respond to certain

WHEN I ASK the kids

about Project Birthday Experience now, they confess to thinking that it was going to be a kind of “antimaterialism values lesson” bummer. Happily, they quickly realized they were wrong. “Part of what’s fun is feeling like you’ve made something happen for everyone,” observes Ben. Birdy confirmed this on our way out of Blue Man. “Thank you,” she said happily, taking her brother’s hand. “That was such a fun thing you gave us.”

As experiences go, this is another I’ll never forget.

The author, her husband, and kids live in Amherst, MA. 22 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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ILLUSTRATION BY ORLANDO HOETZEL

THE GIFT OF FUN

HUGH BONNEVILLE SALLY HAWKINS JULIE WALTERS JIM BROADBENT PETER CAPALDI WITH NICOLE KIDMAN AND BEN WHISHAW AS THE VOICE OF PADDINGTON

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“Memorably dazzling!”

“Delightful!”

– USA Today

– Rolling Stone

™

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY , DVD AND DIGITAL HD APRIL 28TH!

MILD ACTION AND RUDE HUMOR

Paddington-movie.com

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Artwork © 2015 Starz Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. All Program Content: © 2014 StudioCanal S.A. All Rights Reserved. Paddington Bear™, Paddington™ and PB™ are trademarks of Paddington and Company Limited. WWW.PADDINGTON.COM

WorldMags.net MORE GREAT IDEAS

we asked How do you celebrate the last day of school?

PREPARE FOR SUMMER

My kids and I go rollerskating, since another year has skated by.

Allison Cockrill Austin, AR THROW A SWEET PARTY

We have a neighborhood s’moresmaking party with fun fixings. It’s a great way to start the summer.

Shannon Dodds Eagle, CO

GIVE A USEFUL GIFT

TURN UP THE TUNES

For my 6-year-old, MaKenzie, I assemble a “welcome to summer” kit with outdoor toys and coupons for trips to a museum, the zoo, and the movies.

Victoria Rizzi Indianapolis, IN

When we end a homeschool course, we play “Another One Bites the Dust,” by Queen—very loudly.

Lisa Klink Milliken, CO

INVITE FRIENDS OVER

We host a last-day-of-school sleepover party. The kids play flashlight tag and sleep in tents in our backyard. There’s usually a whipped cream fight involved, too.

Susie Christiansen Lenox, MI LEAVE A TRAIL OF SURPRISES

All the moms in our neighborhood fill wagons with water balloons and water guns. We hide at the bus stop and ambush the kids as they get off!

Nicole Merenda Andover, MA

Before class gets out, I write chalk messages on the sidewalk all along the route to school. During the car ride home, my daughter reads them out: “Yahoo, school’s out!” and “Summer’s just a few steps away!”

Daisha Chase Salem, OR

MARK THE FINISH LINE

HIT THE OPEN ROAD

We hang a hand-painted “Welcome, Summer!” banner on our front porch.

When the kids get out of school, they run right through it.

Teresa R. White Canton, MI

We leave for a weekend getaway straight from school. Making it all the more exciting for my daughter is that she doesn’t know where we’re going.

Angela Chandler Covington, LA

HAVE A WATER-FUN FIGHT

SET UP A SCAVENGER HUNT

My kids, Matthias, age 8, and Maddie, 11, go on a scavenger hunt when they get home. They both find summer toys, such as sidewalk chalk and jump ropes, at the end of it.

Cheyenne Allan Wahiawa, HI SHARE VACATION PLANS

My husband and I reveal our summer vacation destination when our four kids get back from school.

Each of them gets an envelope with a clue, and they have to work together to figure it out.

Amber Gabriel Melbourne, FL BEGIN A COUNTDOWN

We tear off the first link of our summer vacation countdown chain.

Every few links has a special activity written on it: “hike,” “drive-in movie,” and so on. For the last day of school, it’s always “ice cream sundaes.”

Sherry Kelley Coweta, OK

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY ORLANDO HOETZEL

Together, the kids and I make a list of fun things to do on their first day of summer break. Then from the list, I compile a surprise itinerary. Last year’s was chocolate chip waffles for breakfast, playing in the park that afternoon, then ice cream and a beach walk at night. They still reminisce about their perfect day.

Anne Koch Stevensville, MD

©2015 P&G

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Welcome to the big, messy, beautiful journey of #AMAZINGHOOD.

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WorldMags.net MORE GREAT IDEAS

we asked What are your best cures for bad moods?

SHARE A SMILE

We go to our Smile Box. Inside are slips of paper on which we’ve written suggestions for goofiness. The moody person might choose something like “Make the silliest face you can” or “Do a crazy dance move.” It always gets us to stop what we’re doing and laugh.

Hope Curry Chepachet, RI

We pull out a joke book and read aloud the best jokes.

Dominique Poli Farmington, CT RAISE YOUR VOICE

Whether I’m cooking dinner, folding laundry, or picking up my kids’ rooms, I start singing about it in a big, deep, operatic voice. At the least, it startles the kids into smiles when they’re frowning or in tears; at best, we end up in rollicking laughter.

Leo Hwang Montague, MA GET ALL ABOARD FOR FUN

I tell everyone to get ready: we’re going on the Fun Train. It always has three stops, and the only one who knows where it’s headed is me. Stops might include the library, our local doughnut shop, or a toy store. There is never any arguing when I say the Fun Train is leaving for its next stop.

Alana Greene Buford, GA

26 • FamilyFun • May 2015

PLAY WITH PETS

TAKE OUT CHEER-UP TOYS

A surefire remedy to bust my kids’ bad moods was a trip to the local pet store.

We’d make a beeline for the puppies and get licked, chewed, and loved.

Problems solved!

Christopher A. Casale Longmeadow, MA

I break out the balloons or bubbles for my kids, Emery, age 3, Jamis, 5, and Wyatt, 7. I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to remain grumpy when these fun objects are around.

Jennifer Tollefson Peoria, AZ

GO FOR THE LAUGH

CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK

My 5-year-old likes slapstick humor, such as my pretending to trip or bump into something. I’ll really ham it up so she knows I’m not hurt, and she can’t help but laugh at her normally very serious mom turning into a complete goofball.

Denise Behnke Cranford, NJ

I “turn our day around” and get my 5-year-old, Abigail, giggling by spinning her a few times. Turns to the left don’t work? Turn her to the right!

Katie Wheeler Orange Park, FL

GIVE THEM SOME DOUGH

When my children were younger, a no-fail game changer on bad days was making play dough. I’d let each child pick a color, and we’d have fun measuring, mixing, and cooking it.

Tanya Rapinchuk Cummington, MA

DO A LITTLE DANCE

If my kids are in a bad mood, we have a “1-2-3 dance party.” I count to three slowly, turn up some music, then yell, “Dance party!” It works every time.

Celeste Knights Fairchild AFB, WA

send your ideas

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Through the year, everyone in the family adds notes of good things we’ve received—“playtime with a friend,” “field trip to the aquarium,” “tire swing”—to our Blessings Box. When someone’s in a funky mood, these always get us smiling.

Lucy Fultz Bowling Green, KY

We want to know: What are your great ideas for making family life more fun?

E-mail us at ideas.familyfun@meredith.com.

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If we use your submission, we’ll pay you $100.

In case of a severe allergic reaction

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Let’s talk.

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Indication Auvi-Q ® (epinephrine injection, USP) is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in people who are at risk for or have a history of these reactions.

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US.EAI.14.04.014

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Printed in U.S.A.

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Rx Only

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Read this information before you have to use Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. You should know how to use Auvi-Q® before you have an allergic emergency. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about Auvi-Q®?

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Auvi-Q® is a prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions.

Auvi-Q® is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. You should get emergency medical help right away after using Auvi-Q®.

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Pollinator Garden

WorldMags.net FOR SUN Liatris ‘Alba’ QTY 6

Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ QTY 3

Phlox ‘Blue Paradise’ QTY 2

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Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ QTY 1

The Spring Exclusive Garden in a Box INCLUDES A TOTAL OF 16 PLANTS! Welcome pollinators to your yard with this colorful perennial garden guaranteed to provide a season-long banquet for hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and bees. This collection was designed by the experts at White Flower Farm and includes 16 pollinator favorites: 6 Liatris ‘Alba,’ 3 Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam,’ 2 each of Phlox ‘Blue Paradise,’ Salvia ‘May Night,’ Echinacea PowWow® Wild Berry, 1 Agastache ‘Blue Fortune.’ These nectar-rich varieties will keep flowers coming from spring to frost, and will cover about 18 sq ft. Ships in 3” pots and bareroot at the proper time for spring planting in your zone, weather permitting. Recommended for zones 5-7S/8W. Item MM083188, $99.00, plus shipping.

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Sponsored by the San Diego Tourism Authority, funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District assessment funds.

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L E T’ S SUR R O UND O UR SE LVE S WITH GOOD V IBES SO THAT EV ERYWHERE WE GO,

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WorldMags.net THE

H A P PY ISSUE

SIMPLE WAYS TO HAVE MORE FUN EVERY DAY

Three active games that teach the value and the fun of working together.

TOSS AND TAG

PHOTOGRAPH BY JESS KOEHLER; STYLING BY KAT GARNER. SHAUN WHITE SHORTS AND TOP, CONVERSE SNEAKERS

have a

ball!

A bouncy ball serves as a shared shield in this riff on classic tag.

The player who is “It” can tag any player without the ball. The other players work as a team, tossing the ball to any player in danger. Time each round to see which group of players lasts the longest before all are tagged.

SARDINES This game is hide-and-seek, set up in reverse. One player hides, and the others set off to find him.

When a seeker discovers the hider, she quietly joins him in his spot.

The game ends when everyone has crammed into the hiding place. The first to find the hider gets to hide in the next round.

AMOEBA TAG In this test of teamwork, players join forces to form one long chain. Tagged players must hold hands with “It” and help catch the others. The game continues until all are linked and caught.

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 31

WorldMags.net © 2015 Gym-Mark, Inc. Gymboree is a trademark of Gym-Mark, Inc. All rights reserved.

Catch of the D ay New colorful, play-tested looks for the whole crew.

gymboree.com

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Sizes 6 months to 14 years crazy8.com

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ls Real dea

for cool

kids.

play

WorldMags.net HEALTHY FAMILY

inspiring

idea Let a pillar of positive thoughts give your child a boost of confidence before her next school test, sports match, or other milestone event. Use washi tape and number stickers to decorate the outside of a stackable bead organizer (find them at craft stores; we used two sets to make our tower). Jot down encouraging thoughts on slips of paper and place one in each section of the tower. If you like, add a small wrapped treat or trinket. Each day leading up to the special event, your child can open a compartment for a small dose of “Yes, you can!”

HEALTHY SNACK

little drops of sunshine These two-bite treats get their golden color from dried apricots and contain omega-3s, vitamin E, and magnesium, all nutrients that support emotional health. In a food processor, pulse 1 cup dried apricots and ½ cup pitted dates until coarsely chopped.

Add ½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut, 2 tablespoons flax seeds, 3 tablespoons water, and a pinch of salt, and continue pulsing to blend. Add ⅓ cup unsalted, roasted cashews and ¼ cup unsalted, roasted almonds until the mixture forms a ball. Place ½ cup chopped nuts or coconut in a shallow, rimmed dish. With wet hands (to prevent sticking), roll the processed mixture into tablespoon-size balls, then roll the balls in the topping. Refrigerate for 45 minutes before serving. Makes 24 sunshine drops.

NUTRITION PER DROP: 69 calories, 2g protein, 4g fat (1g sat. fat), 7g carbs, 1g fiber, 5g sugar, 13mg calcium, 0mg iron, 8mg sodium

fun fact here’s something to smile about We all know that happiness can make us smile, but did you know that the reverse can also be true? Smiling can make us happy. “It’s all connected,” says Scott Weems, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Maryland. “If you get someone to smile, they’ll eventually be in a good mood.” Not sure you can persuade your pouting little ones to try turning their frowns upside down? Just smile yourself, says Weems. The facial expression can also be contagious!

34 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL PIAZZA (TOWER) AND TIM MACKAY (SNACK); ILLUSTRATION BY VEER; FOOD STYLING BY JOY HOWARD

TOWER OF POWER

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WorldMags.net HAPPY HOME

fun up your living room

Shiny plastic slipcovers?

Delicate porcelain figurines?

That was your grandma’s living room—a no-go zone reserved for mysterious folks known only as “company.” Your living room is different: You and your family actually live in there! It’s where you compete in epic go fish battles, laugh and cry at Pixar flicks, and create happy memories. Make sure your space is up to the task (or multitask!) with these simple ideas and upgrades.

BY DEBRA IMMERGUT

SELFIE SOFA

GEAR CONTROL

GOT-GAME TABLE

PUZZLING SECRET

POUF POWER

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL PIAZZA; STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. WAYFAIR/SURYA THROW PILLOWS; FRAMED PRINT FROM SEANGREENE.ORG. OPPOSITE PAGE: BOY’S TOP BY OLD NAVY, OSHKOSH B’GOSH JEANS

play

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2

3 1 [ print fave pics on pillows

2 [ consider a tuffet or two

3 [ turn a tired table into game central

Turn the sofa into a portrait gallery by having your best shots printed on pillows. The photo-service site Shutterfly offers a range of surprisingly soft and stylish designs. Photo Pillows, $39.99 for 16- by 16-inch size, shutterfly.com

Compact poufs make perfect kid-size seats for game playing and comfy perches for tired parental feet. When they’re not in use, they can be tucked out of the way beneath the table.

Pull Up a Pouf seats, $129 each, landofnod.com

Score big with this fun and functional makeover for a bland or aging coffee table. Apply adhesive chalkboard decals and keep chalk or chalk markers stowed nearby. Chalk by BLIK, $12 for a 16- by 26-inch sheet, whatisblik.com

CRAFTER’S TIP: To avoid color clashes, think about converting pillow pics to black and white (most photo sites offer a tool for this).

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How to: Clean the tabletop well and arrange the adhesive decals (with the backing still on) as desired on it. (We used four sheets with corners meeting at the table’s center.) With a ruler and chalk, measure and mark trimming guidelines, then lay the sheets on a flat surface and trim them with sharp scissors. Affix the decals to the table, slowly adhering them one sheet at a time and smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.

May 2015 • FamilyFun • 37

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WorldMags.net HAPPY HOME

This isn’t your grandma’s living room. You and your kids actually do a lot of living in here!

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4 [ keep clutter in disguise Hide cords, DVDs, game cases, and other digital debris in roomy bins that blend with your decor. We adore these fool-the-eye canvas boxes from Mollaspace, designed to look like a shelf of books, an alarm clock, a radio, and a retro stereo speaker. Home Storage System bins, $10 to $20, mollaspace.com

5 [ stop asking “where’s the remote?”

6 [ post a sign of good things to come

7 [ unbox the games (but keep them tidy)

If you let kids decorate a special container for corralling the remote controls, they might even use it! We dressed up a dollarstore bucket with decorations cut from leftover chalkboard decals; other options include stickers featuring favorite movie characters or pretty patterned tape.

Anticipating future fun is a winning strategy for increasing family happiness (see page 74 for the thought behind this). One easy way to do it: turn a glass picture frame into a “coming attractions” sign for upcoming family movie nights. Slip a piece of colorful paper into the frame and write announcements with dry-erase marker.

To keep diversions close at hand, clear out that closet full of neglected board games in tattered boxes and display the game pieces in clear containers. File the boards and instruction sheets in magazine holders nearby. Stack any too-large boards neatly on a shelf.

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8 [ solve the puzzle puzzle Sure, they’re a fantastic source of unplugged fun—but how can you prevent jigsaws in progress from eating up valuable tabletop real estate? Simple answer: assemble puzzles on a corkboard. Attach furniture sliders to the board’s back, and it can be slipped under a sofa between play sessions. The cork surface will help keep pieces in place.

May 2015 • FamilyFun • 39

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WorldMags.net FAVORITE THINGS

OUR

TOY HALL OF FAME

WHAT MAKES A TOY A CLASSIC? Sure signs: you see it in nearly every home with kids, and it’s rarely put away. The following new versions of classics are destined for that same much-loved status. Each combines a proven pedigree with irresistible newness. Let’s play!

BUILDING BRICKS

SIDEWALK CHALK

FOAM BALLS

Legos and their kin endure thanks to a simple algorithm: Number of pieces you own x Age of child = Number of hours of happiness.

CURRENT FAVE Lego Classics are open-ended throwback sets that encourage kids to build from their imaginations—no instructions, no expectations. Ages 4 and up Starting

The crayon’s outdoor cousin lets kids turn boring asphalt into works of art, hopscotch courts, and Matchbox freeways. Then it rains, and they get to do it again.

CURRENT FAVE The Do Art Outdoor Chalk Art Set includes 12 sticks of vibrant chalk, two foam chalk holders, a kneeling pad (hello, parents!), and a blending brush, all in a handy case.

Ages 4 and up $15, greatartstartshere.com

Grandpa Nerf Ball allowed us to play sports indoors without getting yelled at. Today, safe, soft foam balls are everywhere, even flying from a unicorn’s mouth.

CURRENT FAVE Poppers give foam balls an extra shot of fun. Squeeze the belly of the unicorn (or one of the more than 20 other beasts), and the ball bursts out with a satisfying pop! Ages 4 and up

WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

at $16.99, shop.lego.com

40 • FamilyFun • May 2015

WHY IT’S A CLASSIC

WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

$9.99, fatbraintoys.com

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WRITTEN BY ELLEN HARTER WALL

HALL OF FAME

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YOUR TRIP BEGINS HERE

#VisitArkansas

Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs

There’s a lakeside botanical garden in Arkansas with a few surprises alongside the peonies, tulips, chrysanthemums and hydrangeas. Also surprising? Bathhouse Row’s turn-of-the-century spas, one of the EPA’s “Cleanest Lakes in America” and a Smithsonian-affiliate science museum. Come. Let us surprise you. ORDER YOUR FREE VACATION PLANNING KIT AT ARKANSAS.COM OR CALL 1-800-NATURAL.

Hope Watermelon Festival

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro

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Lake Ouachita, Hot Springs

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FAVORITE THINGS

EXCLUSIVE!

EASY-TO-GROW BLUEBERRY PLANT BrazelBerries® Blueberry Glaze™ is unlike any other blueberry variety. With its small stature (just 2-3’ tall) and incredibly glossy, dark green leaves, Blueberry Glaze™ is reminiscent of a boxwood and can easily be sheared as such. The white with pink spring flowers beautifully contrast the deep foliage color. Small, little dark (almost black) berries present in little bundles mid-summer. The small berries have intense flavor much like the flavor of wild blueberries. With their deep flesh color, these berries pack a healthful punch with their antioxidant-rich qualities.

Ships in a 1 gallon pot at the proper time for spring planting in your zone, weather permitting.

Recommended for Zones 5-8 S&W. Item MM004580, $31.95, plus shipping.

ORDER TODAY:

1-800-420-2852 REFER TO CODE PAR02

CRAFT KITS Transforming a pile of simple materials into a wow-worthy item gives kids a real sense of accomplishment. That’s something that never goes out of style.

CURRENT FAVE The Mini Pom-pom Pets kit comes with all a kid needs (yarn, felt noses, bead eyes, and so on) to make more than 20 fuzzy friends.

Wrap the yarn around a dinner fork to create pom-pom pandas, monkeys, owls, even a walrus.

Ages 8 and up $19.99, klutz.com WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

AIR-POWERED ROCKETS WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

When you’re a toddler, stomping can get you a scolding. When you’re older, it can send a foam rocket soaring above the treetops, which is way more fun.

CURRENT FAVE With the X6 Zoom Rocketz, kids (and kidlike parents) get to launch a six-pack of rockets, one right after the other, up to 100 feet high. Ages 8 and up $28.99, zingtoyshop.com

ORDER ONLINE:

BHGGardenStore.com

42 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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Order early; quantities are limited and are reserved VU H ÄYZ[ JVTL ÄYZ[ ZLY]LK IHZPZ

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APPS

BALSA WOOD PLANES

WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC They’re

A step up from paper airplanes, these models are simple enough for a kid to assemble and attempt to repair after the inevitable air disaster.

CURRENT FAVE While the Airplane Design Studio is a bit of an investment, it allows builders to create, customize, and assemble their own flying machines from more than 35 parts, including wings, tails, bodies, landing gears, and propellers. Ages 8 and up

magical kid-pleasers, cheap, and always at your fingertips.

CURRENT FAVE We’re hooked on Heads Up!, a hilarious game that makes our kids look up from their screens and interact with us. One player holds the mobile device against her forehead as it displays words or phrases. The others say or act out clues to get the phone holder to guess the phrase correctly.

Bonus: They’re all being filmed! 2 or more players.

Ages 8 and up free for Android, $0.99 for iOS

Tennessee

A summer vacation in the Smoky Mountain towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville combines unlimited outdoor adventure with family-friendly attractions, live entertainment and shopping.

Celebrate Independence Day at Pigeon Forge’s

WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

$27.99, guillow.com

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25th Annual Patriot Festival with great food, live music, and dazzling fireworks. Visit Graceland in Memphis, the home of Elvis Presley. Get a glimpse of Elvis’ private life inside Graceland Mansion and through the special museums and limited-time exhibits including, The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Elvis’ custom jets, Elvis: Live from Vegas, and Elvis’ Hawaii.

®

VISIT

WorldMags.net © EPE. Graceland is a trademark of EPE. Elvis Presley™; Photo © 2015 ABG EPE IP LLC

For FREE travel information and special offers, go to www.TravelMeredith.com

Starting at just $6,000, it’s easy to find your AWAY.

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When you go RVing, AWAY is closer and more affordable than you might think.

FAVORITE THINGS

F O L D I N G C A M P I N G T RA I L E R

T RU C K C A M P E R

BLOCKS Often a kid’s first toy, the versatile, colorful cubes that once entertained Baby become the stuff of teetering towers, then the sprawling castle of evil Lord Alphabet.

CURRENT FAVE Classic ABC Blocks offer an extra educational aspect, presenting images and letters from 21 lands and cultures such as China (shown here), France, and Persia. Ages 3 and up $38, WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

T RAV E L T RA I L E R

“ E X PA N DA B L E ” T RAV E L T RA I L E R

S P O RT U T I L I T Y RV

unclegoose.com

F I F T H -W H E E L T RAV E L T RA I L E R

T Y P E B M OTO R H O M E

T Y P E C M OTO R H O M E

T Y P E A M OTO R H O M E

SOAP BUBBLES

BOARD GAMES

It takes a little bit of skill—but not too much—to create a delicate iridescent orb.

Once kids master the art, the sky is truly the limit.

CURRENT FAVE To make sure the mood doesn’t pop, we like Fubbles No-Spill Big Bubble Bucket. The domed top keeps the solution inside should the tub go tumbling, and the three wands mean more kids can play at once.

Ages 3 and up $12.99, littlekidsinc.com

WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC Nothing brings a family together like ruthless competition over meaningless bragging rights—all at the comfort of the kitchen table.

CURRENT FAVE The frenzied action of Flingin’ Frogs ensures there are lots of guffaws to go with the gamesmanship. Players flick their frogs in the air, trying to land them for points on the lily pads. 1 to 4 players. Ages 4 and up

WHY THEY’RE A CLASSIC

Snap a photo of this tag with your smartphone to find an RV dealer, watch videos, and more.

44 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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$8.99, patchproducts.com

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What’s your idea of AWAY? Wherever or whatever it is, an RV is the best way to find it on your terms, your timetable, your itinerary. And it’s more affordable than you might think.To learn more, visit GoRVing.com and see an RV dealer.

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WorldMags.net LET’S PARTY

scoop up some fun!

Whether you’re throwing a birthday party or just getting together with friends, this old-fashioned ice cream social has it all, even a cherry on top.

WRITTEN BY ELLEN HARTER WALL CRAFTS BY LISA STOWE PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIE BIDWELL

K

Let guests build their sundaes in edible cookie bowls. See page 48.

set out some parfait bouquets Making these carnation “sundaes” is a great pre-party activity for the kids. Have them place glass marbles in each dish, leaving an inch or so of space at the the top, then add water. Insert the carnations and top with a cherry.

K pretty garland decoration Set a party mood by hanging a string of these colorful utensils from the serving table. First dip spoons into nontoxic acrylic paint and allow the excess to drip off. Lay the spoons on a protected surface, then sprinkle them with sprinkles (fun to say and do). Use adhesive-backed Velcro dots to attach the dried spoons to a length of rickrack. The spoons look good enough to eat—but don’t let little kids try!

46 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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make-and-take caps Tell the kids that years ago, folks who made ice cream sundaes were called soda jerks. When they’ve stopped laughing, have them use crayons, markers, and stickers to decorate their own retro-style hats. (We got these at amazon.com, 4 for $4.30.)

K

K

cone-to-cone relay game After your guests have had their fill of ice cream, put their serving skills to the test with this relay race. Divide the players into two teams, each forming a line. Give each player an ice cream cone. At “Go,” teams pass a small foam ball from one cone to another. If the ball drops, the team has to start over. The first team to pass the scoop down the line wins.

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 47

play K

WorldMags.net LET’S PARTY

set the scene A make-your-own sundae station tempts guests with a host of toppings.

The premeasured ice cream and makeahead cookie bowls allow for easy serving and cleanup.

Use a tiered cupcake rack to hold ice cream cones.

please eat your bowl Our cookie and brownie bowls are home-baked, using muffin tin molds and dried beans for weights. See page 78 for directions.

K get the scoop The day before the party, place servings of ice cream into cupcake liners. Put them on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refreeze.

When guests arrive, simply set out the scoops and let people serve themselves.

48 • FamilyFun • May 2015

K

don’t fudge this topping No ice cream sundae is complete without hot fudge.

For our easy homemade version, combine 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, ¾ cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon butter in a double boiler. Heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate melts and the mixture is creamy and smooth. Makes 1½ cups.

For extra party pizzazz, customize your sauce with a special flavoring.

• Orange: 1 cup hot fudge + ½ teaspoon orange extract • Mint: 1 cup hot fudge + ½ teaspoon peppermint extract • Mexican: 1 cup hot fudge + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon + a pinch of chipotle chile powder

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STYLING BY ANN LEWIS; FOOD STYLING BY SALLY STAUB; CRAFT STYLING BY CAITLIN BOSCO; GROOMING BY LIZ WASHER. GIRL’S POLKA-DOT TOP BY CIRCO FOR TARGET, GAP JEANS; GIRL’S BLUE TOP BY H&M, GAP PANTS; BOY’S PLAID SHIRT BY H&M, JEANS BY CHEROKEE FOR TARGET; BOY’S STRIPED SHIRT BY OLD NAVY, MINI BODEN PANTS

K

Place toppings, such as fruit, candy, and sprinkles, in individual bowls. Set the nuts to one side in case any guests are allergic.

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Readers’ Resource

Our advertisers invite you to receive FREE information about their products and services. You may: 1. Complete the attached card, circle your choice of advertiser numbers and mail, or 2. Visit travelmeredith.com to request information online 22.

Lafayette-West Lafayette—Winery, breweries, Pete Dye & Hale Irwin golf course designs, Wolf Park, Purdue, festivals, downtown, galleries and outdoor art trail.

42.

Chautauqua County—Learn, laugh and play in Western New York, with lakes, wineries, Chautauqua Institution.

Lucy Desi Museum and Peek'n Peak Resort.

23.

Steuben County Tourism—Pokagon State Park, Trine State Recreation Area plus 101 lakes, buffalo preserve, interpretive nature center and hiking trails.

43.

Dutchess County Tourism—Dutchess County offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Stay more than a day to get the full experience.

Arkansas—Visit an undiscovered vacation paradise with rivers, lakes, mountains, museums and music. Plus there’s beer.

24.

Visit the Indianapolis Zoo—Something for everyone year-round with behind-the-scenes experiences and hotel packages available.

44.

Finger Lakes—Crystal clear lakes, award-winning wineries, spectacular scenery and charming villages in New York’s fabulous Finger Lakes Region.

CALIFORNIA

25.

Whitewater Valley Railroad—Travel through time on Indiana's most scenic railroad. Scenic excursions and family favorite special events offered throughout the year.

45.

Hudson Valley/Orange County—CHARGE (shop Woodbury Common Premium Outlets) and RECHARGE (Storm King Art Center is the largest sculpture park in the U.S.). Wineries, river cruises, and a craft village all come with 4-star dining and great places to stay on the Hudson River.

ALABAMA 1.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach—Come be transformed by our sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise water and enjoy a variety of family-friendly attractions and accommodations.

ARKANSAS 2.

3.

Happiness is calling from San Diego—Visit sandiego.org/ value for deals, coupons, and more information to start planning your trip.

MARYLAND 26.

Baltimore—Baltimore knows just how special a day out with your family can be. Aquarium, Science Center, paddle boats, Irvine Nature Center and more.

46.

27.

Carroll County—Delight in our unique festivals, antique shops, country inns, golfing, superb restaurants, and wineries. Just 45 minutes northwest of Baltimore.

Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks—Lake George Area in New York's Adirondacks - Easy to get to.

Easy to Enjoy!

47.

28.

Cecil County—Discover beautiful countryside, shimmering harbors, and quaint historic villages, right on I-95!

Experience unique shops, fabulous cuisine, State Parks, Hollywood Casino, award-winning wine, charming inns, and more! Once you visit, you’ll return again and again!

Long Island—On our Island you can dive from the sky or dash into the sea. Try ocean fishing or kayaking. Take a surfing lesson or meander through Wine Country. An amazing adventure or a relaxing vacation – the choice is yours. And all the choices are here.

48.

29.

Sullivan County—Generations of fun! Arts, culture, outdoor recreation and more!

49.

Villas of Amelia Island Plantation—Nestled on 1350 acres on the Northeast Florida coast, enjoy luxurious accommodations, 3.5 miles of beach, pools, spa, tennis, golf, 9 restaurants and family-friendly activities.

Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County— Montgomery County is located on the northwestern border of Washington, D.C. Search our website for hotel deals, things to do and events just minutes from D.C.

Washington County—Where the Mighty Hudson meets the Adirondacks. Events and tours, family fun, farm fresh food, historic sites, hiking trails, water sports. Want more?

30.

Deep Creek Lake—Skiing, boating, biking, the mountain coaster or curling up by the fire—find your adventure in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland!

9.

VISIT FLORIDA—The state’s official source for travel planning to the Sunshine State.

31.

Escape to Talbot County—The best of the Chesapeake!

Free guide with information, trip ideas, shopping and more.

10.

Water the Family Tree. Marathon, The Florida Keys— Between boating, diving, and splashing on the beach, Marathon offers unlimited activities for your family to grow close together.

32.

Frederick County—Museums meet martini bars, rolling country side abounds with wineries, breweries, creameries, orchids outdoor rec, and historic sites.

FLORIDA 4.

5.

Daytona Beach—The Original American Beach, Florida's Sunshine Escape with activities for the family. Request your free Visitors Guide.

Florida’s Space Coast, Orlando’s Closest Beach—Has Kennedy Space Center, the largest manatee population and zipline, plus Port Canaveral cruise ships.

6.

Navarre Beach—By paddle or pedal. By zip line. By the seat of your pants. Once you get here, you'll see why it's called Florida's Playground.

7.

Pensacola—Find out what you're searching for in Pensacola-sugar white beaches, rich history, coastal cuisine, shopping, culture & more.

8.

GEORGIA

33.

Hagerstown — Washington County—Visit Civil War battlefields, parks, and outlet shopping. Hiking, biking, kayaking, museums and lots more!

NORTH CAROLINA 50.

North Carolina’s Crystal Coast—Enjoy an escape miles away from the ordinary but closer than you could have imagined. Along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, beaches, nature and history all wait for you to discover. Leave life as you know it behind and find a new definition of escape.

51.

South Carolina—There’s more to us than great golf and world-class beaches. Come and discover “undiscovered” South Carolina!

SOUTH CAROLINA

11.

Atlanta Metro’s Hot Picks—Get the 411 on the Top 100 things to see and do in the Atlanta area!

34.

Georgia—Your destination to unwind. Your destination for the extraordinary. Your destination to enjoy time and again.

Georgia is Pretty Sweet.

Howard County—Experience the treasures of historic Ellicott City and Columbia. Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington DC.

52.

12.

Elvis Presley Enterprises—Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock 'n' Roll at Elvis Presley's home, Graceland Mansion, in Memphis Tennessee.

35.

Georgia Aquarium—Plan your trip to the world’s most magical aquarium. Georgia Aquarium. Where imaginations go to play.

Maryland Beaches—Maryland’s only seaside. Explore Assateague Island, Ocean City and authentic main street communities offering unique shopping and dining experiences.

53.

13.

Pigeon Forge—Pigeon Forge is the center of fun in the Smokies and has endless experiences your kids will love.

Order a travel planner today.

54.

14.

Golden Isles—Our warm hospitality, like the glorious weather, welcomes you year-round. Every season there’s endless reasons to explore the Golden Isles!

36.

Somerset County—Explore our landscape, sample the bounty of the bay, discover the sweeter side of life and celebrate the Chesapeake experience.

Sevierville—Dolly Parton’s hometown and “Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins.”

15.

Lanier Islands—Enjoy an adventure filled family vacation!

Experience Lanier World's boardwalk, beach and water park, zip lines, boating, horseback riding, golf and spa.

You're closer than you think!

37.

Upper Chesapeake Bay—Kent County offers fishing, boating, wineries, theaters, art galleries, shopping, award winning Farmers' and Artisans' market and more.

55.

38.

16.

Pine Mountain—A charming family escape awaits an hour southwest of Atlanta in Pine Mountain.

17.

Richmond Hill—Just south of Savannah, the once Henry Ford's winter home, Richmond Hill is a coastal community brimming in history and nature.

Welcome to Maryland—Explore beaches, mountains, and the Chesapeake Bay. Discover Civil War Trails and Scenic Byways Driving Tours. Enjoy local seafood and culinary delights.

Smugglers’ Notch Vermont, America’s Family Resort®— Your best value for Family Fun—anywhere! America’s Family Resort features mountain resort village lodging, award-winning children’s programs (6 wks – 17 years), 8 pools, 4 waterslides, Zip Line canopy Tours, hiking and activities everyone will love. Family Fun Guaranteed!

18.

19.

21.

39.

The Thunderbird Inn—Stay where fun people stay, especially during our 50th Birthday year, at the hippest hotel in Savannah, Georgia!

Visit Dublin—Award-winning dining, performing arts and history abound in downtown Dublin.

INDIANA 20.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Franklin County—Let us help you plan your getaway to the Beautiful Brookville Lake, Historic Metamora or Unique German town or Oldenburg.

Indiana State Parks and Lodges—Making memories for all ages! From adventuresome to relaxing, we've got you covered.

DEPT. FF0515RR

New Hampshire Lakes and Mountains—Year-round outdoor recreation, dramatic lake and mountain scenery, attractions, tax-free shopping, outstanding dining and lodging options.

TENNESSEE

VERMONT

VIRGINIA 56.

MID-ATLANTIC 57.

NEW YORK

Great Mid-Atlantic Family Vacations—Request free travel information and register to win an adventure-filled mountain vacation to Sevierville, TN.

SOUTHEAST

40.

Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau—Discover more than four centuries of history, culture, and entertainment in New York’s Capital City!

58.

41.

Campground Owners of New York—From simple and rustic locales accommodating tents and pop-up campers to full-service RV resorts and parks catering to seasonal campers and park models. There is a location ideal for you and all around New York State.

59.

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Virginia Beach—Live the life in Virginia Beach! Explore the outdoors, savor cuisine, and stroll the 3-mile boardwalk.

Great Southeast Family Vacations—Request free travel information and register to win a mouth-watering Foddie Getaway in Baton Rouge

HOTELS/RESORTS/SPAS Americas Best Value Inn—A family of 1,000 inns, hotels, and suites throughout North America, offering hometown comfort, quality and service at an exceptional value.

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©2015 Hormel Foods, LLC

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THE

H A P PY ISSUE

LOOK- GOOD, FEEL- GOOD IDEAS FOR MOMS

grin, gorgeous!

PHOTOGRAPH BY PATRIC SHAW/TRUNK ARCHIVE

Your smile doesn’t just light up a room—it brings delight to your whole family. To keep it white and bright, cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg recommends mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and baking soda into a paste. Brush it on once or twice a week to help remove surface stains.

For a deeper treatment, reach for the Go Smile On The Go Teeth Whitening Pen. No rinsing is needed, so you can quickly apply the gel and still keep up with your kids ($33, gosmile.com).

QUICK TIP

Sugar can erode enamel and make teeth more susceptible to staining. If you don’t have a toothbrush on hand after a sweet treat, swish water around your mouth to help rinse away residue.

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 51

smile

WorldMags.net RELAX

mood-boosting books Make the most of your me-time with four new reads that delight and inspire.

Picnic in Provence: A Memoir With Recipes

| Can a sophisticated New-Yorker-turned-Parisian-turned-newmom find happiness in a tiny town in Provence? Here’s a hint to the answer: the region arguably grows the best produce in the world, and Bard is a passionate foodie. Frank, thoughtful, and full of cultural insights, this Lunch in Paris sequel will have you pining for the next flight out—and Bard’s summer fruit compote. Happily, that recipe is included, along with more than 60 others.

BY ELIZABETH BARD

Little, Brown and Company, $26

I Take You

BY ELIZA KENNEDY | A week before her wedding, Lily Wilder goes on a bender of indecision, fueled by alcohol and men.

Into this run-up to the Big Day, first-time novelist Kennedy packs an intricate plot, a sly meditation on sexual politics, and even a gripping legal primer (if you’re ever deposed, you’ll know what, and what not, to do). This book is smart, funny, and unputdownable. Crown, $24

BY LUCY SYKES AND JO PIAZZA | Imogen Tate, 42, editor-in-chief of Glossy, returns from medical leave to find her beloved fashion magazine has gone all-digital. At the helm is Imogen’s former assistant, Eve Morton, 26. As Imogen struggles to tech up, fast, Eve makes it her mission to rattle her onetime mentor. The send-up of 24/7 online culture is hilarious, but this is a satire with heart. Doubleday, $24.95

The Dream Lover

BY ELIZABETH BERG | In this fictional re-creation of the 19th-century world of George Sand, wildly popular author Elizabeth Berg brings a complex and complicated woman thrillingly to life. After leaving her abusive husband, Sand moves to Paris and becomes a celebrated writer. But even as she preaches women’s freedom, she can’t shake her own demons or her dependence on the love of men. Random House, $28

52 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ASTRONAUT IMAGES/GETTYIMAGES

The Knockoff

WorldMags.net THE LOVE OF READING

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smile

WorldMags.net BEAUTY NEWS

hair products that make us happy $28, sephora.com | With a heavenly, woody fragrance, this is three phenom products in one.

It adds gloss without weight, conquers frizz, and gives my style a little texture. —Krista Hojnowski, Assistant Researcher JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS SEA MIST SEA SALT SPRAY $16.50, johnmasters.com |

COOL COMPANY Sweet Ties Hair Ties founder Anna Mandarino is 15.

She runs her business with mom Holly and 12-year-old twin sisters, Katie and Claire.

I get beachy waves year-round (even in snowy New England!) with this spray. And the lavender oil makes my hair smell amazing. —Lucy Casale, Assistant Editor SWEET ROSE FLOWER HEADBAND IN BRONZE $20, sweettieshairties.com | There

are two things about this headband that make me cheerful: it keeps my hair back, and it looks really elegant. It dresses up any outfit! —Deborah Way, Senior Editor AMERICAN CREW FIBER $16.95, americancrew.com | This styling product is (shhh) actually a men’s brand but sculpts my short do perfectly. It gives it the right amount of lift and hold, without making my hair look greasy or feel stiff. —Mary Giles, Deputy Editor

we asked ... what makes you feel beautiful?

like my mom.”

Jennifer Lavender-Schott Ferndale, MI

Keeping my nails painted.

I usually stay up late and give myself a manicure after my four kids are in bed. I love that time all by myself.

Kim Smith Cary, IL

Bronzer.

Gotta love the fake tan Colleen Secov Northampton, M

When my h m.

Bright lipstick!

a Garcia

Ashley Riddle Bellevue, NE

. It’s at s e as a m ough, I feel powerful unstoppable.

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WRITTEN BY LUCY CASALE; PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERICA MCCARTNEY

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FAMILY FUN. FAST. REALLY FAST. Amidst the rolling hills of southern Indiana lies a special place where awe and delight are common; where every day is a holiday; and where multitudes of twists, turns and tumbles keep you coming back for more. The place is Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in a quaint little town called Santa Claus, home of the nation’s only launched wing coaster—Thunderbird! Your family will experience the extraordinary rush of going 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, soaring 14 stories in the air, doing a barrel roll and feeling zero gravity on this newest and fastest roller coaster. Excitement truly is around every corner at Indiana’s home of the holidays with rides for all ages, family-friendly entertainment, the nation’s #1 wooden roller coaster and #1 water park. New-fashioned family fun. That’s Honest-to-Goodness Indiana.

Launch Family Fun at VisitIndiana.com/Flying

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Make a splash with your summer getaway!

Get family-friendly ideas at VisitIndiana.com/Flying

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THE

HAPPY ISSUE

IDEAS FOR GETAWAYS BIG AND SMALL

SECRETS OF HAPPY TRAVELERS

Though every family vacation is special, some are simply more amazing than others. What makes the difference? Five writers and a photographer share the strategies behind their favorite getaways in hopes of inspiring your own excellent adventures.

K The pictures seen here capture photographer Julia Vandenoever’s family trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. Her story appears on page 61.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIA VANDENOEVER

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 59

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WorldMags.net HAPPY TRAVELS

J The photographer’s

TURN EXPLORING INTO A GAME

FIND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

MAKE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

BY PAO L A VITA

BY J E F F WAGE NH E I M

BY L AU RA B I L L I NGS COL E MAN

“WHY ARE GONDOLAS black?” “Find a fruit you’ve never seen before and ask what it’s called.” “List four steps used in making glass.” These were just a few of the challenges in a scavenger hunt I created for our extended family’s week-long vacation in Venice, Italy, last summer. Matteo and Amalia, then ages 11 and 6, were skeptical at first. But once I explained they could earn points for their answers—and combine them to win such prizes as postcards, an Italian dessert, or a much-coveted gondola ride—they were hooked. Within minutes of beginning our first walk, they were obsessing about how many lion figures they could spy and where we might find a fruit stand.

Searching out answers to detailed questions helped our whole family get off the beaten track and experience Venice as a living city, not a museum.

It also kept our multigenerational group working together. Each day, the kids partnered with a different grandparent (we had three with us), who kept score, answered bonus questions, and awarded extra points for cooperation, attitude, and quality of answers. And as the kids bravely interviewed locals and searched for offbeat items and places, we all got an education. By the end of the week, we had a deeper appreciation and understanding of that magical city, and a lot of fun memories we revisit every time we gather.

I’M HANGING OUT

with a Neil Young autobiography on the screened-in porch, a breeze wafting up the hill from the lake. I’ve just spotted my wife’s kayak heading in toward the dock, past the swim class where our daughter, Rebecca, is practicing the backstroke with the rest of the 8-year-olds. I figure I have another half hour to myself—just me, Neil, and the rocking chair—before the whole crew returns. Like a hurricane.

I actually love family time. That’s why we return every year to Silver Bay YMCA center in the Adirondacks: to strike a balance between togetherness and personal space. Both are in abundance here. After enjoying our separate afternoon activities, we’ll grill dinner together outside our four-room cabin. Then I have a shuffleboard date with Aaron, my 10-year-old, while the womenfolk work on their weeklong stained-glass projects in the crafts building. We’ll meet later at the campfire, where the college kids on staff will lure us into singing goofy songs. We’ll retire early, though, so we can wake up in time to join Tom, a graybearded college professor who’s here every summer, on his morning nature hike, which is storytelling in motion.

Between the kids’ day camp and the activities—and downtime—for grown-ups, we follow our passions on parallel paths here. But they always converge, and we love it when they do.

This vacation feels like a way to live.

OUR FAMILY’S VACATION road map began to materialize last summer, when 9-year-old Finn asked for a membership to Ancestry.com (go figure). The two of us went right down the rabbit hole, turning up sailors and Puritan settlers up and down the East Coast, including in Groton, Massachusetts, the destination for an October family wedding.

Thus inspired, we took 10 days off from school for a study of colonial America, diving deep into the places tied to our forebears’ arrival in the New World. Starting on Cape Cod, we tracked familiar names around Massachusetts, from Concord (my tenth great-grandfather was a founder of that town in 1635), to Salem (where the wife of our eighth great-uncle was the first to be hanged at the witch trials), to Boston-area Revolutionary War battle sites (where some of our forebears fought as minutemen, and others sided with the crown). My three sons, ages 9, 11, and 12, dutifully documented their discoveries for their history teachers at home, but we were happy being tourists, too, watching whales, visiting art galleries, and eating lobster rolls.

New England in the fall is a fantastic destination for many reasons, but having family connections to uncover gave our travels there an added dimension that kept all three boys curious and full of questions. Seeing family names on gravestones—and even watching a reenactment of the trial of our “Auntie” Bridget Bishop in Salem—brought history home in a whole new way.

60 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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CAMERA IMAGE BY DANIEL BRUCE/FLATICON.COM

daughter, Madeleine, celebrates their arrival at the park last June for a multifamily camping trip.

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VACATION WITH FRIENDS B Y J U L I A VA N D E N O E V E R LIVING FAR AWAY from immediate family, my husband, Casey, and I have created a family of friends over the years. All our kids are like cousins, having known one another since they were babies. I’d been wanting for years to gather the group at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve for the spring runoff, when the melting snowpack creates wide, shallow pools and little streams through the dunes, safe enough for little ones.

It’s like Colorado’s beach.

Last June we piled into cars with four other families and made the five-hour trek from our home in Boulder.

With 10 adults and eight kids, ages 2 to 12, among us, there were playmates for everyone. We set up tents in a group campsite and over the next two days splashed in the shallow water, climbed the dunes, jumped in the sand, hiked to a waterfall, and explored a cave with the older kids, which was pretty scary but memorable. A few dads even snowboarded down the dunes, and my kids added a new stamp to their National Parks Passports.

But it was the unplugged time together—cooking, hiking, and hanging out around camp—that really made it special. As a parent, being able to let go of that running-around-withyour-head-cut-off feeling and just sit with friends is a rare treat. Now it’s a new tradition, and we’ve already booked the dates for this year. I look forward to many more memorable vacations with this crew of friends.

The melting snowpack creates wide, shallow pools and little streams through the dunes.

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WorldMags.net HAPPY TRAVELS

EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED

BY L E S L I E GARI STO P FAF F

K Julia’s daughter, Madeleine, makes a sand angel. N An alien-themed tourist attraction down the road in Alamosa. I 7-yearold Embla, one of eight kids on the trip, shows off her nature ID cards. L The group hikes along a stream on the way back from Zapata Falls, located just outside the park.

BUILD ON A CHILD’S PASSIONS

BY AL I SS ON C L ARK

time together— cooking, hiking, and hanging out around camp—that really made it special.

62 • FamilyFun • May 2015

be notoriously hard to please on vacation. There’s no instant joy from a newly discovered playground, no napping in a stroller while mom and dad take in a museum. So when our son, Owen, started playing trombone in middle school, we planned a trip around his passion for jazz. Our destination: New Orleans, which offers plenty of kid-friendly opportunities to explore the city’s legendary musical heritage.

We arrived during a free festival that drew performers from around the world and began our visit watching a parade of middle- and high-school brass bands.

We also saw drum circles and dance groups. And when a strolling band broke into an impromptu show on a street corner, Owen saw that performances don’t have to wait for an end-of-year school concert. Sharing music can always be part of your life.

We had envisioned the trip as a way to deepen Owen’s interest in music, but my husband and I learned things, too.

Playing to our son’s expertise meant that he got to teach us (a great way to get older kids to open up). Not only did he explain the difference between a tuba and a sousaphone and what puts the swing in a swing rhythm, he shared more about band, and his life in general, on that trip than he had the whole year!

OLDER KIDS CAN

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LURED BY PHRASES such as “waterfront” and “great room,” we’d rented the cottage on Cape Cod sight unseen. But as we approached it, the only water we could spot was filling the ruts in the unpaved driveway. Inside, there was nothing “great” about the cramped living room except for its vaulted ceiling. Even worse, the stuffy little house was filled with an odor that my then 4-year-old daughter, Lily, accurately compared to the aroma of the Easter egg that had gone undetected in our dining room for six months.

After some exploring, we discovered the source of the smell: the advertised waterfront, a broad marsh below a wooded bluff, reachable by a perilous set of wooden stairs hammered into the cliff side. We’ve always been drawn to water, so, stink or no stink, Lily and I gingerly eased our way down the steps.

It was low tide, and across the mossy rocks, fiddler crabs ducked and danced, tiny glittering fish darted in tide pools, and piles of shiny razor clam shells littered the shore.

That week, we whale-watched, wave-jumped, and bodysurfed, but all our days began and ended at the marsh, which generously yielded up its treasures: a horseshoe crab “shell” that, when prodded, lumbered away under its own steam, a family of snails beneath a tangle of salt marsh hay, a slippery sand eel. On our last morning, as Lily pointed out an egret fishing for its breakfast, it occurred to me that we often find the greatest joy in the unexpected—an observation that applies equally well to salt marshes and family vacations.

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WorldMags.net GETAWAYS

5 fabulously playful places Creative designs and a dose of magic set these epic playgrounds apart. BY R A N I A R B O When you’re a kid, the line between real and imaginary is deliciously fine. The best places to play—whether a backyard mud pit, a couch-cushion fort, or one of the brilliantly designed spaces presented here—straddle that boundary. They inspire creative dreams, stretch minds and bodies, and encourage experimentation,

building knowledge and confidence in the process. Most important of all, they’re just plain fun! The five spots featured here celebrate play in big—and unique—ways.

From Berkeley’s build-your-own adventure-scape to a fully accessible Virginia wonderland, each makes it easy to find your happy place.

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The Earth Cycles Gallery in The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at Dallas Arboretum

WorldMags.net 1 | The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

PHOTOGRAPHS, LEFT, COURTESY OF DALLAS ARBORETUM; THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: NANCY HOYT BELCHER/ALAMY; JULIENNE SCHAER; DON SWEENEY FCPA; TOM UHLMAN/ALAMY

Dallas, TX Half teaching arboretum, half fantasyland, this eye-popping, eight-acre facility at the Dallas Arboretum opened in 2013. Education aplenty is deftly tucked into state-of-the-art exhibits featuring water play, science experiments, 3-D movies, touch screens, and oldfashioned footpaths through mini-habitats.

Kids can meet supersize ants, mushrooms, and flowers; climb in a 32-foot fabricated tree; and walk a garden maze. Arboretum admission $15 ages 13 and up, $10 ages 3-12, free ages 2 and under; $3 extra for Children’s Garden. Reservations recommended. dallasarboretum.org

2 | Berkeley Marina Adventure Playground Berkeley, CA It’s all DIY at this makerspace-by-the-sea, where children can earn the use of hammers, saws, and paint by picking up trash, stray nails, and other construction debris around the site. This “adventure playground” model—of lightly supervised free play with natural and creative materials—bloomed in Europe in the 1940s.

Berkeley is the flagship of the few U.S. facilities.

Kids ages 7 and up can ride the zip line and work

independently to build the landscape of their dreams; younger ones must stay within arm’s reach of a parent. Free for families of four or fewer kids; fees apply for larger parties; a waiver is required. cityofberkeley.info/ adventureplayground

3 | Pier 6 playgrounds Brooklyn, NY With a five-star view of Manhattan and five distinct landscaped playgrounds, Pier 6 is a destination play space for locals and tourists alike. Kids can sample two-story slides and giant climbers; test out 10 swing sets (including ropes for the Tarzan-minded); dig in a 6,000-square-foot sandbox; and explore a marsh garden, then cool off with water-jet play in a boulder-strewn grotto (shoes recommended).

On site is a brick-oven pizza joint, and ice cream is nearby at Pier 5. On summer weekends, the $2 ferry to Governor’s Island leaves Pier 6 every 30 minutes. Free. Water lab open only in summer. brooklynbridgepark. org/park/pier-6

4 | Clemyjontri Park McLean, VA The large, bright play structures in this accessible park would thrill any young child, but for kids who can’t navigate traditional playgrounds, this park is, as Goldilocks would say, “just right”—and

something special.

Pint-size wheelchair drivers can navigate ramps between structures and roll right onto the gilded carousel. There are high-backed swings and one that accommodates a wheelchair. The playground surface is designed for wheels; the large jungle gym sports fun challenges for all abilities; and a learning panel features braille.

Free admission; rides cost $1.75. Carousel open seasonally, weather permitting. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ clemyjontri

5 | City Museum

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St. Louis, MO From the Enchanted Caves to the fantastical roof playground, this artist-built museum is jammed with mosaics and sculpture designed for climbing, crawling, and sliding.

(Museumgoers of a certain age should consider knee pads.)

Kids flock to the sinewy steel climbers and multistory slides that loop through both indoor and outdoor exhibits. On the roof (open in warm weather for an extra $5), they’ll find a giant praying mantis, a pond, a school bus, slides, swiveling chairs, and a Ferris wheel with sweeping views of St. Louis. $12 ages 3 and up, free ages 2 and under. Some attractions have age and height restrictions. citymuseum.org

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happy What would bring true happiness to your household? A winning lottery ticket? A vacation home on a faraway beach? A new minivan free of pretzel crumbs? In fact, a growing body of research suggests that lasting family happiness isn’t about momentous events or acquiring more things. It’s about learning to savor life’s small pleasures … together.

We often speak of “finding” happiness—as if it’s something we stumble upon, a lucky penny on the sidewalk of life. Actually, it’s an emotion over which we have a fair amount of control. Science is confirming what Dorothy had to go to Oz to discover: Happiness is not somewhere over the rainbow. It’s right in your own backyard.

In the pages that follow, our experts share the latest research into the mystery of positive vibes, plus easy ways of putting these findings into action every day, from laughing more to plugging

in less. The great news is that introducing your kids to happiness habits is a package deal. “It’s buy one, get one free. You can’t teach these habits without getting happier yourself,” says Christine Carter, PhD, author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents and a senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. When you all work on it together, “positive emotions are amplified, and the benefits are stronger.”

In the process, you’ll build strong bonds, which adds to the bliss: “Having close family

relationships is a key predictor of overall happiness,” says Jeffrey Froh, PsyD, a Hofstra University psychology professor and coauthor of Making Grateful Kids: The Science of Building Character.

At first, you may have to take the lead. But then watch some magic happen. “Kids want to do these things, not because they are Pollyannas, but because it feels so good to them,” contends Carter. So are you ready to get happy? Read on for seven proven strategies (and many more tips and activities) for raising upbeat kids and increasing family joy.

By Jennifer King Lindley l Photographs by Priscilla Gragg l Illustrations by Josie Portillo

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PROP STYLING BY CHLOE FLEURY; WARDROBE STYLING BY MICAH BISHOP; GROOMING BY TRICIA TURNER

family playbook

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Practicing some simple habits can boost happiness levels in your home.

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 67

¾

P R I N TA B L E S

commit acts of kindness

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

When you and your children pitch in to make a get-well card for Uncle Gary, you know you’re making a difference in the life of someone who needs a lift. But showing kindness to others is also an effective way to get happier yourselves. Researchers call the warm glow we feel after doing something nice a “helper’s high.” And these good feelings start early. In a Canadian experiment, toddlers who gave their snacks to others were rated as happier than those who ate the treats themselves. In another study, kids ages 9 to 11 who did three kind things each week for a month (such as picking up litter or helping a sibling with homework) enjoyed greater feelings of happiness and more popularity at school, notes Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, author of The How of Happiness and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside.

To get the biggest feel-good bang out of helping others, consider Lyubomirsky’s intriguing finding: “My studies revealed that practicing three to five acts of kindness per week may be ideal. If you do them all in one day it’s especially powerful.” This may be because same-day deeds don’t get so lost in daily routine. So go ahead: devote some family time to not-so-random acts of caring. Doesn’t that sound like a lot more fun than doing chores anyway?

Boost the feel-good benefit from altruism by donating time as a family.

These sites can connect you with organizations and ideas that let the whole gang pitch in:

MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN

The organization is all about getting kids excited to help out in their communities, with suggestions by age and interest.

1 ❘ Declare a weekly Three Good Deeds Day. Challenge each family member to chalk up a trio of thoughtful acts, then report back at dinnertime. To chart how much kindness your family can spread (good karma in the bank!), get our printable Good Deeds Tracker to hang on your fridge.

2 ❘ Keep a kindness fund. Donate together to a favorite charity. The bonus payoff: feeling happier than if you had treated yourself. (In a 2007 study, when researchers gave subjects $5 cash, those who spent it for the good of others reported just that result.) To make it fun, tag a jar with our printable Kindness Fund label, set it in a central spot, and be sure deposits are greeted with hearty cheers.

THE WISH LIST...

doinggoodtogether.org This site shares a slew of creative charitable projects, with step-by-step directions, from baking biscuits for shelter dogs to cleaning up trash in your local park. generationon.org

volunteermatch.org Type in a zip code to find nearby family-friendly opportunities or longdistance ways to assist, such as sending care packages to U.S. troops.

We asked kids: What would you wish for to make your family happier?

A HAPPY GENE? It’s true: some of us are just happier by nature. That’s why one family may have a glum Eeyore and a bouncing Tigger sitting at the same dinner table. But while genetics account for about 40 percent of our feelings of well-being, according to Sonja Lyubomirsky, the rest is a combination of our life circumstances and our behavior. That suggests it’s often within a family’s power to improve the overall household mood. “Happiness is best thought of not as an inborn trait,” says Christine Carter, “but as a set of skills that can be taught.”

A REAL POKÉMON

A DOLPHIN

EVERLASTING MORE TIME TO JUST PLAY TOGETHER

MORE HUGS AND KISSES

A SAILBOAT THAT HAS A ROOM IN IT

WORLD PEACE

ALL THE LEGO SETS

DOGS THAT PICK UP THEIR OWN POOP

A LIBRARY FULL OF BOOKS

FROM FAMILYFUN’S HAPPINESS SURVEY OF NEARLY 300 FAMILIES. SEE MORE ON PAGES 76 AND 77.

68 • FamilyFun • May 2015

● Find all of the printables mentioned in this article at familyfunmag.com/printables.

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PAGE 67: GIRL (LEFT): NORDSTROM SWEATSHIRT, ZARA SKIRT, CRAZY 8 HEADBAND; GIRL (RIGHT): ZARA SHIRT AND SHORTS, ARIZONA TANK; MOM: XHILARATION TOP, ZARA PANTS. OPPOSITE PAGE: GIRL'S SWEATSHIRT AND SKIRT BY CREWCUTS, CRAZY 8 PINK TOP, CHEROKEE SHOES; BOY'S TOP BY BURBERRY, CRAZY 8 PANTS, SEE KAI RUN SHOES

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Doing a good deed is a win-win. It helps others and adds to the deed-doer’s happiness.

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lol—a lot Yes, laughter is the best medicine, and it appears to work best if you’re diligent about

MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN 1 ❘ Share good jokes. Along with the cookbooks, keep a few humor compendiums in the kitchen. Two can’t-miss titles: Ten-Second Tongue Twisters, by Mike Artell (ages 6 to 9, barnesandnoble.com) and Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids, by Rob Elliott (ages 6 to 12, amazon.com).

2 ❘ Encourage clowning.

Schedule An Evening of Ridiculous Parlor Games once a month. Try a funny walk contest, a silly version of Simon says (“Simon says cluck like a chicken”), or a fictional dance-off (“Daffy Duck versus the Hulk. Go!”).

3 ❘ Troll online. Bookmark links to hilarious kid-friendly videos for impromptu viewings when real-life laughs are in short supply. Find animal clips at cuteoverload.com or give your kids a screen-time assignment to search for the most comical videos on The Muppets’ YouTube channel.

Easiest way to save links: click the “Watch Later” icon, found on the lower frame of YouTube offerings.

YOGA FOR YUCKS A new twist on an age-old discipline, laughter yoga combines breathing techniques with playful exercises designed to relieve stress and induce chuckling. Laughter is “a release valve for pent-up emotions and tensions,” says Jennifer Lennon, a Boulder, Colorado, yoga instructor. As a bonus, a good laugh has been shown to be a great cardiovascular workout.

Try some of Lennon’s family-friendly suggestions to get your own gang giggling.

Don’t worry if as a grown-up you feel a little silly at first.

“Start by getting pleasure from your kid’s enjoyment,” says Lennon. “Just smiling and making eye contact doing these moves helps create an emotionally enriching connection.” Pretty soon you’ll likely be ha-ha-ing, too.

THE DANCING NOODLE

THE FAMILYFUN FUNNY FILM FESTIVAL Forget Cannes. We consider these flicks true masterworks because even after countless viewings, they still make our families snort into their popcorn.

Pretend you’re an uncooked spaghetti strand thrown into a pot of boiling water. Slowly get floppy and relaxed as you bounce around in the bubbling water and start to cook.

THE HELLO HUG

BRINGING UP BABY DESPICABLE ME

Wild animation voiced by Steve Carell

THE LEGO MOVIE GALAXY QUEST

Screwball comedy—with dinos!

Tons of blockheaded fun and action

Super-silly science-fiction satire

SCHOOL OF ROCK

Jack Black = best sub teacher ever

THE PRINCESS BRIDE

70 • FamilyFun • May 2015

Funny swashbuckling fantasy

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Stand some distance from a family member. Now run toward each other but miss a few times. Finally, meet and hug. A giggly reunion is pretty much guaranteed!

THE AIR TICKLE

Lie on the ground while the others pretend to tickle you— no actual touching allowed.

Seeing people wiggle fingers near ticklish places is usually enough to get laughs rolling.

DAD’S T-SHIRT BY OLD NAVY, J.CREW SHIRT; MOM’S DRESS BY OLD NAVY, TARGET NECKLACE; GIRL’S DRESS BY CRAZY 8; BOY’S SHIRT BY ZARA

getting your daily dose. So what do you do if your home isn’t exactly Comedy Central?

Easy! Gather the clan around the goofy cat videos and indulge in a quick and guilt-free silly session. Even if we have to resort to clips of Grumpy Cat to provoke a chortle, we still get a genuine “squirt of dopamine”—one of the main brain chemicals associated with happiness and pleasure, says Scott Weems, PhD, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Maryland and the author of Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why. It doesn’t much matter what we’re laughing about, as long as we’re doing it.

And these good feelings multiply when we giggle together. One study found you’re 30 times more likely to laugh when you’re around others than you are when you’re by yourself.

The closer the relationship, the more intense the effect, notes Weems. In fact, he says, we should think of laughter as the Krazy Glue of a close family. The takeaway? To get happy, get intentional about getting regular guffaws, and make sure your loved ones are getting theirs, too.

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Get serious about getting goofy.

Laughing can bring families closer.

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3

jump for joy

Talk about happy feet! How you and your family members hold yourselves and move can actually affect your household vibe. A recent study at the University of Michigan found that subjects who performed movements associated with joy—jumping, skipping, holding their shoulders open wide, standing tall, and being light on their feet—experienced a boost in mood. “Our body is constantly sending signals to our brain that affect our feelings,” says Tal Shafir, PhD, a specialist in dance movement therapy and neuroscience who worked on the study. And Shafir herself walks the walk (or skips the skip): “I love skipping and galloping and sometimes do them in the middle of a jogging session. Adults usually feel uncomfortable skipping, but they can do it with their kids.” Moving in this fleet-footed fashion has been shown to make grown-ups feel as happy and free-spirited as children, she says.

Kristen Race, PhD, a psychologist and author of Mindful Parenting, encourages her family to get happy with a different kind of move. They kick off their shoes and groove.

“Dancing reduces stress hormones,” explains Race. To make it extra fun, “we all take turns choosing songs.” They glide across the floor and get silly with their steps, and pretty soon they are howling with laughter. (The other classic stress reliever that gets them wiggling around: tickle fights.)

MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN 1 ❘ Turn it into a race.

Hold a backyard skipping and hopping competition by placing pool noodles, garden hoses, and other low obstacles across the yard to be hopped over on one foot; the areas between them must be crossed by skipping.

Anyone who runs is out.

APP WE LOVE

2 ❘ Try bouncy gear.

Stock up on playthings that encourage joyful jumping. A pair of pogo toys that our testers loved: the Kidoozie Hop ’n Squeak Unicorn Pogo Jumper, $19.95, intplay.com, and the Go-Go-Pogo, $59.99, amazon.com.

An instant happiness lift could be just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

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GLEE FUEL There are no instant edible cures for the blues. But not surprisingly, scientists have found that maintaining a healthy diet with key nutrients can improve your emotional well-being. “Studies have demonstrated there’s a decrease of between 30 and 50 percent in depression when people eat a more whole food–based diet,” says Dr. Drew Ramsey, author of The Happiness Diet. For a family meal plan that’s rich in feel-good ingredients, focus on foods with the nutrients below.

OMEGA 3’S

B-12

B-9 (FOLATE)

VITAMIN E

MAGNESIUM

anchovies rainbow trout salmon sardines

beef cheese clams eggs yogurt

broccoli chickpeas lentils spinach

almonds avocados sunflower seeds swiss chard

bananas brown rice pumpkin seeds quinoa

Cranking music with a buoyant beat offers an easy way to get rear ends off sofas and spirits on the upswing. Compile and share your own playlists with Spotify, or browse the app’s “Mood” area to choose ready-made ones. And check out the “Kids” area, which offers fun playlists to fit common moments from “family road trip” to “bedtime stories.” Free, iOS and Android

72 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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4

unplug for a while

The families with the highest happiness

2 ❘ Park your devices.

To house mobile devices during dinner time, craft a “device parking garage.” A large tissue box works well—choose one in a pretty design and tag it with our printable Gadget Garage label.

HUES FOR GOOD MOODS

BE FLEXIBLE ABOUT TIMING. “We shift dinner around so that everyone can be there,” says Christine Carter. “Sometimes we eat at 5:30, sometimes 7:30. Even when dinner seems compromised (it’s takeout again, we’re in bad moods), we’re actually reinforcing its importance. Among the chaos, there’s consistency.”

SHARE YOUR DAY. To get the most out of precious table time, Race’s family plays “Rose, Bud, Thorn.” Each person takes a turn describing her Rose (the best part of her day), Thorn (the worst part), and Bud (what she’s looking forward to tomorrow). Turning sharing into a game may inspire kids to open up more.

MAKE DINNER A PRIORITY. “If I’m driving to Cub Scouts, then basketball, while wolfing down dinner, I’m not paying attention to anything. I’m just surviving,” says Jeffrey Froh. To protect mealtime, he and his wife limit their kids to two extracurricular activities each.

Can paint choices lift the household atmosphere? “No question, color has an enormous effect on our well-being,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the organization that advises retailers and designers on color trends. We asked about the best hues for a happy home.

play spaces: For an upbeat (but not-too-crazy) energy, consider cool brights, such as periwinkle or turquoise. Our pick: Dream I Can Fly by Benjamin Moore

kids’ bedrooms: Look for golden or coral hues. “They are cheerful and engaging because they remind us of sunshine,” says Eiseman. Our pick: Pineapple Soda by Behr Paints

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kitchens: For a warm gathering spot, Eiseman likes red, rose, or orange shades, “or comfort-food yellow!” Our pick: Gladiola by Sherwin-Williams

May 2015 • FamilyFun • 73

¾

1 ❘ Declare tech-free times. The ride to and from school, for example, is a great chance to check the emotional weather or just daydream together. Ask some bluesky questions: “If the car were a teleporter, where would we go?”

The more families dine together, the less they whine together. “The more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to do drugs, smoke, get depressed, and ditch school, and the more likely they are to get good grades, look people in the eye, learn big words, and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ ” notes Kristen Race. To fit family dinners into a hectic schedule—and make them count— try these tips.

P R I N TA B L E

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MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN

THE DINNER DIVIDEND?

Check out thefamilydinnerproject.org for more games and conversation starters.

quotients are those who feel truly connected to each other, say experts. They make time to focus on one another—listen to problems, share a much-needed hug. But there’s growing concern that our gadget obsession may be fraying these all-important bonds IRL. In researching her book The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, family therapist Catherine Steiner-Adair, EdD, interviewed more than 1,000 children and teenagers: “They talked about having to vie for their parents’ attention with a screen. Kids recognize when we are disconnected from them.”

Her observations are borne out by a recent study in the journal Pediatrics. Almost three quarters of parents observed at Boston-area fast-food restaurants were reported to be using phones during the meal, and while they did, children often tried to get their attention.

No need to toss your iPhone, but do power down for regular screen-free time, especially during crucial moments like the morning rush.

“You sound very different being interrupted when you’re making eggs than when you’re answering an e-mail from your boss,” says Steiner-Adair. And keep reminding each other (adults and kids!): the key to happiness won’t ever be found on that mesmerizing little screen.

To lighten the mood, pull the plug and connect with your kids.

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5

The nicest thing you can give your kids is a deep appreciation for what they already have.

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get into gratitude

We know we should teach our kids to appreciate gifts; that’s why the thank-you note to Nana always gets mailed promptly. But teaching them a more general attitude of gratitude can be a powerful bliss-booster as well. “The research shows that the relationship between gratitude and happiness is very, very strong,” says Jeffrey Froh.

In one classic study, participants kept a journal for 10 weeks in which they noted five things they felt grateful for each day (a sunset, a call from a friend, the perfect ice cream cone). The result: they felt 25 percent happier at the study’s end.

“Gratitude is about savoring the past, present, and also the future,” Froh says. “It’s squeezing the juice out of life and extracting all we can.” A long while before a big Disney vacation, Froh and his wife, Cara, talked about it regularly with their two kids. They watched videos, looked at brochures, planned each day in advance together. “We were able to savor the anticipation for months.” It’s a great reminder: look for ways to make the most of the happiness that comes from good things, while they’re happening—and before and after, too.

1 ❘ Teach kids to stop and shoot the roses.

When they encounter something special, say, a favorite pond on a hot day, encourage your children to take a “picture in their minds,” suggests Christine Carter. Show them how to make a frame with their fingers to help capture the scene, then ask them how the picture makes them feel. “This will help them soak in the positive feelings,” she says.

WHAT QUIRKY THINGS MAKE YOU HAPPY?

2 ❘ Make an anticipation board for upcoming fun. Pin our printable “Awesomeness Ahead” sign to the top of a corkboard and put the board in a central spot.

Post plans for outings, brochures from your next vacation spot, or the menu of a new fro-yo shop you’re planning to visit.

3 ❘ Hand out tokens of your esteem. Print out our tiny thank-you tokens. Have the kids hand them to a nice cashier at the grocery store, a sibling who shared her doll, or anyone else who’s done them a kind turn.

FamilyFun Facebook fans and staffers reveal the little things that never fail to give their families a boost.

pond swimming Leslie Charles

nightlight shadow puppetry

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jessica Carlson YUCCA VALLEY, CA

Tia Fowles

SPANISH FORK, UT

silly string Katie Fils WHEATON, IL

the partridge family’s christmas carol album Martha Jenkins ART PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

monkey bread Get your crew thinking thankfully with the Gratitude Journal, where you can note the little (and big) things that make your life better. It also offers inspirational quotes to boost your motivation and mood. $1.99, iOS

APP WE LOVE

74 • FamilyFun • May 2015

morning ice cream

Kristin Seiler

HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA

living room picnics

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Karla Bolton SOUTH RIVER, ON

stuffed-animal weddings Charlotte Meryman CONTRIBUTOR

ok go videos Beth Honeyman RESEARCH CHIEF

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¾

P R I N TA B L E S

MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN

6

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go play outside

a day at the beach, sun-kissed and blissful, this will come as no shock: new studies confirm that spending time outside is a powerful way to feel better. In one study, even five minutes of what researchers call “green exercise”—physical activity in nature—was shown to boost mood and self-esteem in all age groups. British researchers, using an app called Mappiness that allowed subjects to report their mood and location, found that people reported more positive feelings in natural environments than in urban areas.

According to Marti Erickson, PhD, a developmental psychologist and cofounder of the Children & Nature Network, exploring a park or trail is a particularly fine opportunity for the essential parent-child bonding known as “affective sharing”—oohing and aahing together over a novel sight or experience—because you’re free from the distractions of our hyperstimulating world. So go ahead, take that ramble along the shore or stroll to the local green spot. It could be one simple path to happiness.

Getting active outdoors has proven payoffs for body and mind.

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If your family has ever piled into the car after

MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN 1 ❘ Set a get-outdoor goal together. Visit every park in town (or every state park in your state!), explore a new outside activity each season (kayaking, ice-skating), or try to spot 50 kinds of trees or birds (for a digital assist on the latter, check out App We Love, below).

2 ❘ Join a club. Having fun with other families is a great way to get kids jazzed about the wild. That’s the idea behind the nonprofit Children & Nature Network’s Family Nature Clubs, which can connect you with existing clubs or provide a kit of information on how to start one. Groups of families come together to splash in rivers, hike in parks, or go on bug safaris. “Often you’ll see kids running off together in excitement,” says Erickson.

HANG OUT WITH FIDO There’s magic in a little dog cuddle! Results from a preliminary study at the University of Missouri, Columbia, suggest that a few minutes of stroking your pooch prompts the release of a number of feel-good hormones in humans.

And cat lovers, take heart. Similar research has found other pets are powerful stress relievers, too—at least when they aren’t clawing the sofa.

Lure your kids on a mood-boosting hike by turning it into a birding quest. Merlin Bird ID, from Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, will ask five simple questions about the bird you spotted (What color is it? What is it doing?), then come up with a list of possible matches, each including photos, sounds, and other details, from its catalog of 400 of North America’s most common birds. Free, iOS and Android

APP WE LOVE

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May 2015 • FamilyFun • 75

7

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P R I N TA B L E

MAKE HAPPY HAPPEN 1 ❘ Play bright-side bingo on errands.

On our printable bingo cards, kids cross off squares when they spot an upbeat moment, such as someone being helpful or a friendly good-bye.

2 ❘ Be a spin doctor. When your child complains about losing a Lego piece, say “Maybe someone else will find it and build something cool!” You can even turn this into a fairly hilarious game, spinning wild “unfortunately/ fortunately” scenarios.

THE WISH LIST ...

We asked kids: What would you wish for to make your family happier?

We’d be together all day every day.

We’d all live in a castle.

76 • FamilyFun • May 2015

We’d never get sick ever … or throw up.

Put a smile on everyone’s face by trading in your go-to breakfast for one of these morning meals fortified with mood-boosting nutrients, as recommended

by Dr. Drew Ramsey, author of The Happiness Diet. (See his list of happy nutrients on page 72.)

REPLACE THIS ¶

We’d have Thanksgiving and Christmas We’d have every day. lots of money. I mean TONS!

We’d play outside more often. It would never be cold or rainy.

BRIGHTER STARTS

WITH THAT ¶

FROZEN BREAKFAST ENTRÉE

2 EGGS SCRAMBLED WITH CHOPPED KALE OR SPINACH, PUMPKIN SEEDS, AND A SPRINKLE OF CURRY POWDER

MEGA MUFFIN

SMOOTHIE WITH COCOA POWDER, FROZEN BANANA OR BLUEBERRIES, KALE AND COCONUT WATER OR MILK

INSTANT OATMEAL, HONEY, AND NUTS

STEEL-CUT OATS WITH FRESH FRUIT, HONEY, AND NUTS

Jennifer King Lindley, a freelance reporter and writer in South Bend, Indiana, contributes to Real Simple, Allrecipes Magazine, and other magazines. She’s never happier than when she’s covered in pet hair—and now she knows why.

● Find all of the printables mentioned in this article at familyfunmag.com/printables.

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OLD NAVY SHIRT

We humans evolved to be on the lookout for the bad, what scientists call a “negativity bias.”

Sure, this worked for our early ancestors. You don’t want to be admiring the daffodils and oblivious to the charging lion. In the modern world, however, this same tendency can make pessimists of us all.

The good news: we can train ourselves to look on the bright side. “Our brains are giant filters, and they look for patterns,” says Christine Carter. “If you practice looking for the good, you’re saying to your brain, ‘This is what’s important.’ You’ll establish new neural connections that way.”

One easy technique for encouraging optimism— in your kids and yourself—is a routine Carter started when her daughters were small. At bedtime, she’d take a moment to recount three good things from her day, then have the girls do the same. “There is plenty of scientific evidence that the regular and conscious practice of gratitude increases well-being, both physical and emotional,” she says. At the very least, it’ll bring sweet dreams, and at the most, it’ll foster many sunny days ahead for the ones you love.

With some basic tactics, you can help kids develop an optimistic worldview.

celebrate sunny thinking

WorldMags.net happiness by the numbers

To read some of the comments from kids who took our survey, see pages 68 and 76.

We asked our Reader Panel what brings joy to their lives. Here’s what they told us.

TOP 6 ACTIVITIES

TOP 6 ACTIVITIES

that make parents happy

that make kids happy

37% Vacations

42% Vacations

37% Outings (zoo, playground, museum …)

27% Time with other families or relatives 23% Playing board or video games 22% Eating meals together 22% Celebrating special occasions

35% Celebrating special occasions 31% Playing board or video games 26% Outings (zoo, playground, museum …)

25% Watching movies, TV, or videos together 21% Time with other families or relatives

Parents rate their family happiness

17% higher today than when they were kids.

On a scale of 1 to 10, they gave their families an average happiness score of 8.1 versus 6.9 for their childhood family.

WE ASKED

READERS’ DAILY happiness habits 88% 88% 66% 33%

Share a meal

29%

Get active

Laugh together Read books together Discuss things they are grateful for

READERS’ WEEKLY happiness habits 65%

Watch a funny movie or video

52%

Play board or video games

51%

Participate in spiritual or religious events

49% 49%

Get active

s

Socialize with friends or relatives

what would make your family happier? {or} Go out to a restaurant 46% ` Have a housecleaner 94% {or} Have a kids’ chauffeur 6% ` Yearly trip to a major theme park 32% {or} Weekly local outings 68% ` New big-screen TV 12% {or} Weekly family game night 88% ` More money 52% {or} More time 48% ` Backyard swimming pool 69% {or} New car 31% ` Dream vacation 71% {or} New family room 29% ` Cook a fun meal 54%

TOP 4 THINGS that bring us down

64% Not enough money 45% Parent(s) having to work too much 32% Competing with screens and technology 31% Housework/chores

We’d love your thoughts! Join our Reader Panel at familyfunmag.com/readerpanel.

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About our survey: Nearly 300 members of our Reader Panel responded to our happiness survey, conducted last November.

All were parents of children ages 5 to 12. After completing their portion of the survey, the parents then asked one of their kids to answer two other questions.

May 2015 • FamilyFun • 77

TRAVEL DIRECTORY

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To receive free travel information from these advertisers, see Readers’ Resource on page 49

ALABAMA

Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of

carefree.

how-tos

recipes

CREATE

LET’S PARTY

Press a 4-inch square of paper-backed fusible web (we used Heavy-Duty Wonder-Under) to the back of a piece of black jersey fabric. On the paper backing, draw eye, nose, and mouth shapes or trace the shapes from our template (you can find it at familyfunmag.com/printables). Use a hole punch to add pupils. Arrange the pieces on the sleeve of a white T-shirt and press with an iron according to the fusible web package directions.

Cut ear shapes from black jersey and press fusible web to just the lower half of each, then fuse the ears to the shirt.

COOKIE BOWLS Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray.

Line each cup with your favorite cookie dough (our testers liked chocolate chip and sugar cookie), keeping the dough about ¼ inch thick. Place a cupcake liner over the dough in each cup and weigh it down with a layer of dried beans. Bake at 350° for 12 to 14 minutes. Let the pan cool for 5 minutes, then remove the beans and liners. Let the cookie bowls cool in the pan for 10 minutes more before carefully removing them.

UNBEARABLY CUTE TEES, page 9

877-341-2400 | GulfShores.com

CONTACT US E-MAIL letters.familyfun@meredith.com WRITE FamilyFun 47 Pleasant Street Northampton, MA 01060

Need Space?

Dream Higher!

Custom made solid wood Loft & Bunk Beds. Need more creative space, a larger desk, an arts & crafts table or a complete bedroom makeover for your child?

Easy-To-Assemble Kits Hancrafted in the USA. Now on sale. 866-739-2331

SUBSCRIPTION HELP ffncustserv@cdsfulfillment.com 800-289-4849

PLEASE EAT YOUR BOWL, page 48

BROWNIE BOWLS Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray.

Fill each cup halfway with your favorite brownie batter. Coat the bottom of a second muffin tray (the same size as the first) with cooking spray, then place it on top of the filled cups and press down until the cups almost touch. Bake at 350° for about 24 minutes. Let the top pan cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing it. Let the brownie bowls cool in the pan for 10 minutes more before carefully removing them.

OUR WEBSITE familyfunmag.com SOCIAL MEDIA

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EARN INCOME ONLINE AT HOME: BBB Accredited. Free Training. www.myevmamas.com for Families

For Ad Rates: 800-647-7530

78 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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FamilyFun (ISSN 1056-6333), May 2015, Volume 24, No. 5, is published monthly (except bimonthly in December/January and June/July) by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023.

Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription prices: $14.95 per year in the U.S.; $24.95 (U.S. dollars) in Canada; $34.95 (U.S. dollars) overseas. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to FamilyFun, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to FamilyFun, P.O. Box 875, STN A, Windsor, ON, N9A 6P2. © Meredith Corporation 2015. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA. Ride-along enclosed in edition AN.

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WorldMags.net thanks, mom!

FROM THE MOTHERS OF (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): KAT V. (FROM HER GRANDMOTHER); MALINDA L-C.; VANESSA K. C.; SARAH D. T.; MARY M.; VALERIE L. K.; FIONA M.; ILLUSTRATION AND LETTERING BY JILL CALDER

In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our Facebook fans to tell us the best advice their moms gave them for looking on the bright side.

Here are some of our favorite responses.

80 • FamilyFun • May 2015

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They played a game of License Plates And spotted two Montanas.

But when brother spied Alaska, The whole car went bananas.

Inspired by the London Family of Mill Valley, CA Share your Goldfish® Tales at GoldfishSmiles.com

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©2014 Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated.

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