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Summer is a time when we can be a little more free. Free from routines and schedules, free to run around barefoot, stay up late, and enjoy the outdoors. This summer, we've felt free to be more adventurous now that my boys are older. One of our new freedoms is that we've finally been able to head to the pool on our own. In past summers, my twins were too little for me to feel comfortable taking them to the pool by myself, but this year we've had a ball spending time in the water and enjoying the summer sun.
My huge pool bag is always overflowing with towels, snacks, sunscreen, etc., so I thought it would be fun for the boys to have their own small tote bags to take to the pool for their treasures. They each created their own fun DIY tote bag and we just love them! Super easy to make, washable, and a great summer keepsake, they help us to be free to be as adventurous as we want.
DIY Flip Flop Tote Bag
My favorite thing about this DIY Tote Bag is that in addition to being functional and cute, it's a keepsake too. I was inspired to make these when I was cleaning out some of our gear from last summer, and found a pair of the boys' first flip flops. I just had to find a way to immortalize them, and since my pool bag has a flip flop print, I knew this was the perfect project.
To make your own DIY tote bag, you'll need:
- Pair of Flip Flops
- Plain Canvas Tote Bag. We did mini totes for the boys to carry, but you can do any size. Just make sure it is larger than the shoes you are using for your template.
- Pencil
- Fabric Markers
- Ribbon
- Fabric Glue
- Needle and Thread (to match your ribbon color)
Start by tracing the outline of your flip flops onto the canvas bag with a pencil. Then go over your pencil outline with a fabric marker.
Now invite your children to decorate their flip flops any way they would like! Grab lots of colors and be creative. Be sure to make one for yourself too!
My boys loved decorating their bags - in fact one of them had to make two bags, since he started the first one in black and then decided he needed more colors. The markers work really well on the canvas and allow even the youngest kids to decorate with ease.
Once they are finished coloring, take a small piece of ribbon and tie a knot in the center. Lay it onto your flip flop drawing in a slight ^ shape to make a strap. Use fabric glue to secure the sides of the ribbon to the front of the bag and allow to dry.
Once the glue is dry, use a needle and thread to make 2 to 3 simple stitches on either side of the knot to secure the center. Repeat with the second shoe and you are all finished!
I just love how these turned out! They are the perfect size for my boys to carry their own gear to the pool, or anywhere the summer takes us. (This design was mine, I just had to get in on the fun.)
Free to Be even with Allergies & Sensitive Skin
Our entire family has sensitive skin, but one of my twins has allergies as well. We first thought that he had eczema, as he would get terrible rashes on his ankles, elbows, and knees. After trying several treatments to no avail, we finally discovered that they were in fact caused by allergies. We're very fortunate that none of his allergies are severe, but we try to do everything that we can to reduce the allergens in our home so that he can be free to be a kid without worrying about itchy skin.
One of the best ways we manage our sensitive skin is to use all® free clear laundry detergent for all our laundry needs - its the #1 detergent recommended by Dermatologists, Allergists, and Pediatricians for Sensitive Skin. I use it to wash our clothes and towels (and now that we're spending so much time at the pool, we wash a lot of towels). I also love to use all® free clear for our sheets and pet bedding as it helps to remove 99% of everyday and seasonal allergens, including cat and dog dander, dust mite matter, ragweed, grass, and tree pollen. Getting these allergens out of our clothes and other soft surfaces can really help keep all our skin from becoming itchy and irritated, and I know that everything is really clean and fresh.
all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies. Follow the directions for use on the package exactly.
We also keep our clothes soft and more comfortable with all® free clear fabric softener. The #1 recommended brand fabric softener, all® free clear softener was awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association, so I know it will be gentle for my family's skin.
We pick up our all® free clear during our regular grocery trip to Giant - you can find it in the laundry aisle of your favorite store!
Does your family have allergies or sensitive skin too? Continue the conversation by joining the all® free clear community and connecting with other parents just like us! Click here to check it out.
Want even more awesome ideas on how all® free clear helps you be free this summer? See them here!
Does your family have allergies or sensitive skin too? Continue the conversation by joining the all® free clear community and connecting with other parents just like us! Click here to check it out.
Want even more awesome ideas on how all® free clear helps you be free this summer? See them here!
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