Art

Wondering how to keep your kids entertained all Summer? Stave off Summer boredom with these 10 fun and affordable activities recommended by Circle of Moms members.

1. Library Programs

Local library Summer programs are recommended by numerous Circle of Moms members. As Rebecca S. advises: "Libraries are always having free events with story times, magic shows, etc." And Evelyne R. shares: "I also love to take my children to the library, most of them have a Summer reading program that offers prizes for books read. My children love this and it is free."

2. Free Bowling

Free bowling for the kiddies all Summer long? Sign us up! Thanks to Kids Bowl Free, children can register for two free games of bowling every day this Summer at participating bowling centers in the US and Canada.

3. Gardening

Gardening is a great Summer activity for children of all ages. "The garden is full of hidden surprises" for preschoolers, says Jeanette B., as they can be entertained by "just looking under rocks (and) feeling the textures of different materials, such as grass, leaves, flowers, stones, [and] fir cones." For older children, Alissa V. recommends encouraging older children to independently make or redesign a small flower bed. No backyard? See if community gardens accept children as volunteers (try the ACGA locator tool). And don't forget a field trip to the local farmers market for inspiration.

4. State Parks

To engage curious kids, says Laurie W., "the best activities involve the outdoors — lakes, ponds, streams, conservation areas and trails — to explore rocks, bugs, birds, and plants." And as Chaya S. suggests, Summer is a great time to explore state parks in your area; many have kid-friendly guided nature walks and science centers.

Keep reading for six more ideas!

I am always drawn to the boxes of old photos at my local flea market, but after stockpiling them over the years, I have to admit that I have no idea of what to do with them. Luckily, a company called Project B does, and the results are fantastic.

The team behind Project B seeks out anonymous vintage photos and makes them available in museum-quality, limited-edition prints — essentially rescuing bits of history and bringing them back to life.

The photos are strong on their own, but since they are already curated in albums such as Inside Hollywood and Americana, it's easy to buy prints that work well together. With prices starting at $95, you are going to be tempted to stock up on a little bit of history.

If you're still stumped about what to get mom this Mother's Day, you're in luck! Turns out, getting a gift on the fly can be just as thoughtful as a present you took weeks to plan. Trust us. Keep reading to get the skinny on our three go-to gifts for mom (that won't require overnight shipping)!

Terrariums
Think of it as a riff on the tried-and-true Mother's Day bouquet — only this one won't wilt after a few days. While you could pick up something stunning like this geometric vessel, you could also get away with shopping your shelves. Glass punch bowls, vases, and even wineglasses can look just as cool. For tips and an easy how-to, check out our terrarium DIY!

Gift Baskets (Done Right!)
I know what you're thinking, but replace the cellophane and granny basket visual with a more modern, lidded version filled with foolproof home goods. One-stop shops like Target or Cost Plus World Market will guarantee you a good-looking basket and the fixings. Tea towels, wrapped soaps, neutral picture frames, and a beautifully packaged candle will never steer you astray.

Decorator in a Box
For the mom who wants to redecorate a room or has a design conundrum, consider buying her a gift certificate for Decorator in a Box to slip into a Mother's Day card. Decorator Annie Pauza offers a virtual design service that's more affordable than hiring a traditional interior designer. It's great for moms who need creative help but don't mind doing the leg work. Starting at $350, you can purchase a design plan for an entire room (complete with a decor shopping list, layout, swatches, etc.) or you can pick a single service, a la carte item for something like paint color selections or window treatment design starting at just $50.

Framed Art
If you're stressed about the sticker shock and time commitment associated with this type of gift, don't be. Peruse coffee-table tomes filled with photography or vintage botanical prints and snip something for mom. Ikea carries a range of affordable frames with clean lines that look good with any type of art. Use the mat that is sold with the frame or pop into craft stores like Michaels for a custom job that won't cost a fortune.

Eye candy for art enthusiasts and sugar hounds alike, pastry chef Caitlin Freeman's new book, Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art ($16, originally $25), is definitely worth perusing! While Caitlin's desserts are currently sold at SFMOMA's Blue Bottle Coffee Bar, she masterfully breaks down the process into 27 recipes for the book that range from basic to downright ambitious.

What started as a field trip to SFMOMA for a college photography class, ironically shaped Caitlin's serendipitous path to becoming a master of sweets. The former co-owner of San Francisco's pastry shop Miette and current pastry chef for Blue Bottle Coffee Company, Caitlin blames her career change from aspiring photographer to pastry tycoon on Thiebaud's Display Cakes. "Once I discovered it, I found myself sneaking off for illicit visits while my classmates ogled the old Walker Evans photos," she writes.

We caught up with Caitlin to delve into the book's fascinating backstory. Keep reading to get the scoop on recipes from the book she swears anyone can do, her crazy kitchen renovation ideas, and more!

• Twenty-three irresistible wallpaper patterns — Real Simple
• Designers' favorite paint colors and how to use them — Houzz
• Grab a good book and make your own reading nook — HuffPost Home
• Black! The surprising neutral choice for everything from your bedroom to your office — Country Living
• Surfboard as coffee table? Ten bold decorating moves — House Beautiful
• The best wall-mounted shelving solutions for any look — Remodelista