Tag Archives: advice

7 Creative Recycled Trampoline Ideas

04/15/2019 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

trampoline, recycled, fun, fitness, kids, jumping

If you have children, you know how energetic they are. Children love jumping around and there is a high chance that you have already bought a trampoline for them to keep up with their energy.

A 10ft round trampoline is the safest outlet for your child’s enthusiasm and entertainment. But what’s more is that it gives them a method of staying fit and healthy emotionally, mentally and physically. The best part about having a trampoline is that even you can get on the trampoline and get some of that much-needed exercise.

But once your child grows older, their fascination with the trampoline subsides. If your child is 10 years old or older, you know they prefer sleepovers with friends over jumping on the trampoline. The question then arises—what do you with the trampoline?

It’s easy to donate toys and books, but trampolines are just too huge! And perhaps, you may not even want to let go of it completely because of the fun memories attached to it. If you’re currently confused about what to do with the huge trampoline in your backyard, then we’re here to help! In this guide, you’ll find some of the most exciting and creative ideas of recycling the gigantic trampoline in your backyard to keep it handy and useful!

Make a Gorgeous Garden Out of It

If you’re a nature lover, then why not make a beautiful elevated garden out of your trampoline? A 12ft trampoline has plenty of space to accommodate pots! Place some pots filled with fertile soil and deposit the seeds of your favorite plants and flowers with your children. In a few weeks, you’ll have little shoots sprouting out and eventually, a spectacular elevated garden in your backyard!

2. Turn It into an Indoor or Outdoor Hammock

Do you try to de-stress on Sunday? Then there’s no better fix than lazing around in a hammock! If you have been avoiding buying one because it is too expensive, then don’t worry. Just use your old trampoline to build one!

All you have to do is remove the top, springy part from the legs of the trampoline, cover it with a rounded cushion and tie it to the ceiling to hang. Place some plush cushions and cover it up with some light net-made fabric for extra comfort. And there you have it— your very own hammock to relax on after a long day.

3. Remove Its Base and Turn It into a Huge Holiday Garland

Why discard the trampoline in your home when you can turn it into a holiday decoration? One of the most creative things you can do with your trampoline is to use it as an ornament. Simply remove the base and the bottom gets and keep the circular iron rod. When it’s the holiday season, layer it up with braids of leaves and plants, festoon it with decorative items and complete the look with a bow on top! You can ever add battery operated lights to make it shine at night.

4. Use It for Your Own Kitchen Garden

Are you passionate about gardening? Then why not grow your own kitchen garden?

Growing a kitchen garden in your home can be tough if your backyard is already planted. But here’s where you can use your trampoline to make some room for your kitchen garden. Turn the trampoline upside down and remove its base. According to its circumference, dig up the grassy ground and place the seeds of your favourite vegetables. The best part about using the trampoline for your kitchen garden is the legs that serve as a fence for the baby sprouts. The legs protect the shoots from being stepped on accidentally.

You can also place a net around the legs for extra security. And when it’s pouring cats and dogs, you can even drape the top with a heavy blanket or wooden plank to prevent the heavy rainfall from ruining the germinating seeds!

5. Use it for an Outdoor Movie Scene

If you’re not that good with DIYs, you can actually take the easy route and use your trampoline for something even better—an outdoor movie scene! With someone’s assistance, prop up the trampoline and lean it against a tree or a stand that could support it. Cover up the bottom of the base with a reflective, white cloth and its all set to go. Bring out the projector and place it at a distance from the trampoline, play the movie and enjoy quality time with your friends!

6. Use It for In-House Camping

Are you and your family members fond of adventures? Then you probably love camping! While it may be a little too risky to go camping in the heart of woodland with your children, you can still enjoy a sense of thrill with your young ones right at home!

Yes, we’re talking about converting the trampoline into a camp. All you have to do is set up the tent on the trampoline and make an elevated camp out of it. Invite your children’s friends for a sleepover and let them have some adventure!

7. Convert It into a Massive Swing Set

Are you thinking about getting an outdoor swing for you and your family? If you are, then just turn the trampoline into a swing set and save some bucks! Remove the lets of the trampoline and secure its circumference with four strong chains. Hang the trampoline by a tree branch and voila—you have an awesome outdoor swing set! The best part about this makeshift swing is that it is much more spacious than a proper swing so more than one person can sit on it at a time!

About Author:

Bec is a wife and mother of two who works part-time in the childcare industry. Bec has over 20 years in childcare and a real passion for helping children develop their motor skills. Being a busy mum, Bec is always looking for new outdoor activities, like using trampoline for exercise as well as for playing games that you and your kids can play with your friends and family.

Health, Life, Parenting

Bumps And Scrapes: First-Aid Tips For Young Children

04/11/2019 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

first-aid, kids, bandage, bruises, doctor — **Pixabay**

Children can be very accident-prone at times. They may slip over when they are playing outside or they could even bump into the furniture regularly when they are learning to walk. Most of the time, these bumps and scrapes are nothing to worry about as it’s all part of growing up. However, there might be times when you need to intervene and provide some basic first-aid for your child. Here are a few tips that will help you with that.

Try To Stick To Natural Remedies

There are a whole load of different creams, ointments, and lotions that you can buy in shops to use on children’s cuts, bruises, and rashes. But these can sometimes be made using quite strong chemicals and ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. You might want to instead stick with some natural remedies. For instance, honey can be used to soothe a rash. If you apply some honey to the affected area and then cover it with some gauze, your child should stop complaining about how much it itches. Similarly, coconut oil and olive oil both have anti-inflammatory properties so can also be used on various childhood booboos.

Don’t Panic When Toddlers Tumble
When children are learning to walk, they will want to be on their feet all of the time. Unfortunately for them, though, they will be extremely unsteady and this could result in a lot of tumbles. There is usually no need to panic when your young one does fall down, though. After all, this is all part of learning to walk! They will usually try to get back up themselves, but might need your assistance. It might be worth to check for bumps on their head and to give them a quick once over to ensure that they are ok but, more often than not, they will be fine.

Don’t Delay When Taking Them To A&E

Of course, there might be times when things are more serious and they need medical attention from a professional. If you think that this is the case, you shouldn’t delay when getting them to A&E. It’s also worth pointing out that you will need a medical report from a doctor describing their injuries if someone else caused the accident and you are going to Gray and White Law or a similar law firm to find out about compensation. If your child’s injuries are very serious, you should call for an ambulance to get them to A&E as quickly as possible.

Always Praise Children For How Well They Cope

No matter what kind of bumps or scrapes your child goes through, you should always praise them for dealing with the situation so well. This will help them grow in confidence. If their injury looks a lot worse than what it actually is, you should also continually reassure them that everything is going to be ok and they don’t have anything to worry about.

Bumps and scrapes can sometimes be scary, but these tips will help you keep a level head!

Going Strong, Health, Life

Looking After Your Joints – Practical tips

03/27/2019 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

As we get older joint pain becomes more common. Sometimes we push on and ignore it, but that could be the reason you end up with a hip replacement, shoulder surgery or long term issues.

Typically joint pain will start due to an injury, which is easy enough to get when you’re in the yard playing with the kids. Other times it is the onset of arthritis. Whatever happens, there are plenty of ways that you can take care of your joints.

joints, health, aging, healthy living, pain — **Photo by Caroline Attwood on Unsplash**

Salmon

Or more precisely – most oily fish. Tuna, sardines, or mackerel are all perfect choices. Depending on your preferences, you can find high-quality and cheap fish to eat. Additionally, fish is a healthy and nutritious source of protein. Eating fish can also help to reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Besides, eating fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, alongside them being packed out with antioxidants, could as much as half the risk of arthritis.

It has long been noted the positive impact of fish oils on joints. If you don’t particularly like fish, then you might want to try a cod liver oil supplement. If you’re vegan, then flaxseed supplements are going to be your choice.

Move It Move It

If you sit for most of the day because of work, it might be time to work with a Pomodoro timer. This little trick will make sure that you get up and walk for at least five minutes every hour. There is also the added bonus that they make you more productive.

If you are simply at home and have more control over what you do and when you should stand up and stretch at least once every 15 minutes.

While you are standing and waiting for something, you likely (like most people) lean to one side. This causes excessive pressure in one area. Try to spread your weight across both legs for a more even distribution.

Regular exercise will also help you protect your joints. It will keep your weight in check for a start, and following on from that it will keep your energy levels up – which will avoid pain and swelling.

Joints are designed to move and move often. Try to stick to things that won’t put them under any unnecessary stress. Swimming, yoga, pilates and walking are all great places to start. Even cycling is great!

Don’t Play Hero

We all like to think that we can carry the weight of ten men from the car to the house, but in reality, that train of thought will land you in a lot of trouble. Try not to overload yourself and carry too much at once.

It might be the food shop, or it might be the big Christmas shop, whatever it is, take shorter trips or use the shopping cart all the way to your car.

Simply put? Avoid overloading yourself, and you’ll avoid pulling a muscle or damaging your joints.

Don’t Ignore Pain

One of the quickest ways to end up with permanent damage is to ignore the initial pain. We often put things off, being absolutely sure that it is nothing serious. But, unless you’re a doctor, then you simply don’t know.

If you have a recurring pain, or an injury recently that has taken a while to feel better – get it checked out.

The quicker you are to get it checked out the sooner you will be able to treat it – if you need to.

Watch Your Weight

It might not really need to be said, but the more extra weight you carry, the more work your joints will need to do. The additional stress can cause damage over a period of years.

So work on shaving a few pounds off when you can.

Footwear

What you wear on your feet chances your posture. They should be comfortable and supportive in all the right places. When you can, head to a reputable shoe store and get your feet measured. Over the years, and even during a single day your feet will swell and change shape. Buy shoes that will accommodate that.

If you intend to run, or even walk for long periods, you should go to a specialist sports store. They will analyse your gait and instep and show you the exact shoes that will provide you with support in the arch of your foot.

It doesn’t take too much to look after your joints, small changes in your daily life and plenty of water can keep your joints in good working order for years to come. Of course, a little extra helping hand in the form of a capsule supplement is never a bad thing either! Take care of your joints, and they will take care of you too.