Houghton Happenings: Celebrity Fun for the Everyday Family ~ Guest Post

Arianna is a full-time mom and a fashion-lover, world traveler, animal lover, and family woman extraordinaire. She loves to cook and bake, travel to new places, share great fashion finds, and spend time doing crafts and projects at home with her kids. She’s got a crazy busy life, but she wouldn’t have it any other way! Follow her blog at http://ariannaknowsbest.blogspot.com/!

Celebrity Fun for the Everyday Family

It’s summer, and we all know what that means: the kids are on break from school, the husband is out back at the grill, and the scorching temperatures remind us that winter was a long time ago. Everyone plans for a relaxing summer, but with the new addition of bored kids wandering around the neighborhood, looking for new ways to be entertained, summer quickly becomes the busiest time of year for my household.

A few girlfriends and I were talking about how much it would cost to take an adult-only vacation. We fantasized about infinity pools, maid service, cabana boys and every parent’s favorite noise—silence! Oh, the lifestyle of the rich and famous! That’s when we had a brilliant plan: if we can’t jet off to some exclusive destination, then why don’t we create our own chic locale and be our own homegrown celebrities?

Celebrity summer: Relaxing on a Yacht in St. Tropez

While we are lounging by the pool, stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Rihanna are splashing in the crystal clear waves of St. Tropez. This hotspot on the French Riviera is home to beautiful views, huge yachts, and the constant limelight, thanks to all the celebrities who vacation here. Whether arriving via private jet charter or helicopter, celebs are flocking to the shores of this tranquil community.

Reality summer: Go Sailing!

Grab the sunscreen and life vests! Head out to your nearest lake or beach and rent a canoe, kayak, or sailboat. While it may not be a billion dollar yacht, the added fun of gliding along the water with your loved ones will be sure to bring smiles (and maintain a fatter wallet) to you and your family.

Celebrity summer: Do Something Awards

Finally, awards’ show where winning takes more than just being a pretty face! The Do Something Awards honor young people from all over who have worked hard to help their communities. The winners are presented with grants that range from $10,000 to $100,000. Members of Hollywood’s A-List such as Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ben Affleck have attended in the past.

Reality summer: Throw a Volunteer Party!

Having fun and helping others never went together so perfectly! Come up with a “team” name, design custom t-shirts, and look for ways to improve your community! Let the kids choose which project they want to do, whether it’s a beach clean up, visiting a retirement home, or helping feed the homeless. Don’t forget to celebrate a job well done with ice cream sundaes after a long day of work! By adding fun touches, it makes volunteer work feel more like a choice than a chore!

Celebrity summer: Alice in Wonderland Baby Shower

Famous makeup artist, Joyce Bonelli, recently celebrated her new addition to the family with an Alice in Wonderland themed baby shower. Soft, delicate touches of the fairytale favorite were replaced with checkerboard patterns, dark red roses, and elaborate gifts!

Reality summer: Favorite Kids Book Themed Baby Shower

Use your favorite childhood book as inspiration for a fun baby shower! Play off the illustrations for colors, decorations, and games! Make sure to have slips of paper around for everyone to write down the title of their favorite book from childhood. Keep the slips for when your baby is older and needs ideas for what to check out at the library!

Armed with only some pool floats and a few pitchers of sangria, we came up with these fun ideas to recreate our celebrity inspired get-togethers. Who needs Kim K. breastfeeding on some red carpet? Our ideas are fun and just what the doctor ordered to have a stress-free summer!