LilSugarSource: 9 Pinterest Users to Follow For Amazing Kids' Crafts

You've exhausted your bag of craft tricks, found inspiration through our rainy day guide, and are still hungry for more artsy activities for your kids! We've found nine Pinterest users who have so many fantastic craft ideas for little ones that even we were slightly overwhelmed! (What to make first? Milk-box playhouses? Duct-tape rings?) The crafting possibilities are endless - and beautiful - so start clicking and get ready to repin!

• Tinkerlab:
• • Come For: A ridiculous abundance of quick projects, creative ideas, and even art "recipes" to cover any and every kind of craft your kid could possibly be interested in.
  • Best Craft Boards: "Crafts and DIY" offers some seriously awesome ideas of how to repurpose household items (duct tape, egg cartons, and more) into beautiful kids' crafts. "Art Recipes" offers easy instructions to make your own soy crayons, yogurt paint, glitter

Read More »from 9 Pinterest Users to Follow for Amazing Kids' Crafts

The Boy Scouts will continue to ban openly gay people from being members or volunteers. (Photo: Thinkstock)After two years of review, the Boy Scouts of America announced today that they will uphold their policy of banning homosexuals from volunteering with or being members of the organization.

"After careful consideration of a resolution asking the Boy Scouts of America to reconsider its longstanding membership standards policy, today the organization affirmed its current policy, stating that it remains in the best interest of Scouting and that there will be no further action taken on the resolution," the BSA said in a statement.

Related: Oregon court opens Boy Scouts "perversion files"

The decision was made by an 11-member special committee, whom the organization refused to identify, saying only that the committee members "included a diversity of perspectives and opinions" and their decision "reflects the beliefs and perspectives of the BSA's members, thereby allowing Scouting to remain focused on its mission and the work it is doing to serve more youth."

"With the country moving toward

Read More »from Boy Scouts Decide to Uphold Policy Against Gays. Does This Go Against What They Claim to Stand For?

LilSugarSource: Ice Cream Social: The Best Ice Cream Parlors Around the Country

Load on the sprinkles and put a cherry on top because today is National Ice Cream Day! Summer is in full swing, and there's no better time to enjoy the cold, creamy treat. Every town has their cherished sundae spot, but we've rounded up the best parlors across the land. From a spot serving amazing handcrafted gelato to unique dives, these ice cream parlors are fun for the whole family. Did we miss your favorite? Make sure to leave a comment sharing the best ice cream in your neck of the woods!

• Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour - Dania Beach, FL: Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour is so full of excitement that you almost forget you're there for a tasty treat! Featured on the Food Network, Jaxson's is a family-friendly dive that you can't miss if you're in South Florida.
• Big Dipper Ice Cream - Missoula, MT: This local favorite has been featured in Food and Wine as well as Budget Travel. Big Dipper Ice Cream offers

Read More »from Ice Cream Social: The Best Ice Cream Parlors Around the Country

By Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC.com

Estimates for the back-to-school shopping season are starting to come in and some of the reports are pretty grim, as analysts fear recent weakness in consumer spending will only grow worse in the months ahead.

"I think it's kind of data point upon data point, and nothing is coming up roses," Citigroup analyst Deborah Weinswig told CNBC, citing signs that the weak consumer spending that began in the late springtime has worsened in recent weeks.

As a result, Weinswig lowered earnings estimates for some retailers during the back-to-school selling season, which is the second busiest time for retailers after the Christmas holiday season.

Weinswig's call came in the wake of Monday's report that U.S. retail sales fell for a third straight month in June as demand for everything from cars to electronics to building materials slowed. That report, combined with three months of weak monthly same-store sales reports from retail chains, weak store traffic and

Read More »from Empty Backpacks for Back-to-School Season?

By Amy Julia Becker

My memories of summer include bug bites, games of kick-the-can, swimming lessons, and countless hours curled up in a chair reading. My kids have finally reached the age where they experience summer the way I remember it. Penny, who is 6 ½, and William, almost 4, go to camp two days a week. They swim, do arts and crafts, play on the playground, and make new friends. The highlight of camp so far has been Penny receiving her "duck badge" when she swam from one side of the pool to the other and earned the right to swim in the deep end.

The other three weekdays vary. They've gone with their babysitter to the playground and the library. We've taken trips to the beach with plastic buckets and water shoes, and they've scraped their knees and thrown rocks and collected as many varieties of seaweed as they can find. We've created obstacle courses in the front yard. Most days they wander next door to visit their great-grandmother. They know the afternoons hold "quiet times"

Read More »from What Summer Camp Has to Do with Obama’s Tax Plan

ice cream coneFinding fun activities to do with your kids in the summer isn't tough, but after a few weeks of visiting amusement parks, going to movies, and paying admission to zoos & museums, keeping your little ones entertained can get a bit pricey.

But there really are plenty of things you can do with your children that are not only enjoyable -- but also inexpensive and easy to manage, especially on those days when you feel like you don't have much energy left.

More from The Stir: 25 Family Must-Dos for the Summer Bucket List

Here are 30 cheap, fun, and simple activities to enjoy with your kids this summer.

1. Run the sprinkler -- For easy fun on sweltering days, put your kids in their bathing suits, turn the sprinkler on, and let 'em run wild while you relax in a lounge chair in the yard.

2. Head to the library -- Encourage your kids to love reading by making regular visits to the library, and check out a few books each time to bring home for some snuggle time on the

Read More »from 30 Simple Summer Activities Your Kids (& Your Wallet) Will Love

men assemble breast pump

On the latest episode of Mom vs. Man from CafeMom Studios, host Lauren O'Quinn challenged a group of five men with a very daunting task -- to see if they could collectively assemble a breast pump in 60 seconds or less.

More from The Stir: American Women Are the Worst Breastfeeders

And I know what you're thinking -- there's no way these guys were able to pull it off, because putting a breast pump together is hard enough for a breastfeeding mom, let alone a bunch of men who look like they're barely out of college.

Take a look at the clip below to see how they fared -- their efforts may surprise you!

LOL! Can you believe that they were actually able to pull it off? And honestly, these guys really seemed to enjoy the process, especially the dude in the pink shirt. After taking the pump for a test drive, he seemed kind of in pain at first -- but then he got pretty into the whole deal. I wouldn't be surprised if he begged Lauren to give it another try once the

Read More »from 5 Guys Tackle a Breast Pump: You've Gotta See This! (VIDEO)

We know how it is. After you have kids, the best time to shop is often the middle of the night. Next time you're up at midnight and looking to refresh your kid's room, wardrobe, or just refresh your Pinterest wish list, check out some of our favorite sites to browse.

The Land of NodThe Land of Nod
Launched: 1995
The goods: Storage collections, wall art, bedroom furniture, and rugs
Why we love it: Things are looking quite colorful at the kids' furniture shop from the same folks who brought you Crate & Barrel. Need proof? The Jenny Lind bed now comes in hot pink. Where: At landofnod.com.

Little Dudes OnlyLittle Dudes Only
Launched: 2007
The goods: Fore Axel & Hudson, Chaser Kids, Creative Recreation
Why we love it: Boys will be well-dressed boys, thanks to the L.A.-based Web retailer dedicated exclusively to young gents. The shop-by-look option (skater, punk, vintage) keeps your Mr. Opinionister happy.

Where: At littledudesonly.com.

Nursery Decor We Love!

Little Skye BoutiqueLittle Skye Read More »from Our Favorite Online Kids' Boutiques