The Art And Restoration Inside Vintage VW's

More Flower Power To You VW!

Anyone who knows me, knows I love VW's and events that display them! Whether it's the  VW Transport Fest in Boston,  Busses and Balloons in New Mexico or The VDub Hippiefest in Tarpon Springs, one thing is apparent, and that is, that every one of these old VW's has been saved from a landfill.

At every old car show you see vehicles in every stage of transformation, from totally reconditioned to original shabby chic. 

I love that people have found and rescued many of them and very creatively given them a new life. 

Oh, and did I say, that the VW's are fun and make you smile?  Just think of Fillmore, the 1960 VW Bus, in the movie Cars. 

Vw owners are particularly creative with their restorations. Partly because it's a playful car and partly because the parts are often hard to come by, so they have to be!   Here are some unique upcycle ideas that will not only bring you back in time, but put a smile on your face.  You may even  find some of them useful.

VW Interiors: Fun or funky,  happy faces or peace symbols. upcycle or recycle,  anything goes.

Alla "Smileys" vintage happy faces ...what could be more cheerful!

Alla "50's" ... The checkerboard diner look ..from socks off to sock hops

Iphone holders were not a thing of the past...but we need them now.  A clever one.

Wine Case holders cut at an angle make great storage options.

Burlap coffee bags line doors...Mexican seat covers ..Juan Valdaez would love this!

Peace and  Love and Tie Dye ... a Hippie Dream come true.

Polka dot heaven ...how cute is this?

Clean and crisp ... a tailored look on these redone door panels.

The designer look ..rolled pillows and matching drapes on this Westfalia Weekender

 Table redo using bar coasters...why not try it with show stickers or travel decals!  

Clever much needed storage options customize  this camper 

Match it up with useful 50's and 60's collectables. Why buy new. 

Show off your personality and favorite colors.  Make it homey! 

VW Exteriors: Talk about anything goes...anything is possible! 

For more upcycle fun and ideas join Planetpals on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter 

 © jag

planetpals.com  

It's World Environment Day!

Did you know that WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY was established in 1972 by the general assembly of the UN? It's not Earth Day but still we should take notice.

To Learn more about World Environment Day, what it is, why it started , who started it and more,  go here.

To learn lots about your world see Planetpals.com the best place to learn how to have Healthy Planet and be Healthy People.

Happy Camper Guide

For many people camping is not just a place to stay but an experience!

There is nothing better than communing with nature. Waking up to smell the coffee and the scent of the ocean, the trees or admiring the vast landscape.  Wherever you camp it can bring you closer to the great outdoors.

Of course, whether you camp in a tent, camper van, yurt or RV, there are special memories to be made, particularly if you are sharing them with friends, family or loved ones.

Here is our simple guide to making those camping moments a little more special, fun and comfortable:

Know Before You Go!

• Check the weather.  
• Check checklists
• Bring directions or GPS
• Don't forget emergency Supplies

Decorate.  Make it yours.

Camp Set Up:

• Pitch your tent on level ground
• Separate eating and sleeping areas
• Designate a wet area for water and clean up
• Designate a trash area.  Keep food off the ground!
• Designate a Pet Place
• Keep things you need often handy!
• Accessorize with camping furniture, shelters, sports equipment, camper kitchen
• Decorate. Make it yours. Yes, you heard us.  A great project for the kids!  Find flowers for the table, put up a flag or sign, make a menu, make it happy.

Happy CampFire

Campfire Building:

• Matches: It is helpful to bring them in a waterproof container.  
• Logs: In different sizes. Note: Many national and state campsites don't let you bring logs because of infiltrating insects and decease, so you must buy them at the Camp Store. Check First!
• Fire Starters:  Many easy ways to make them (See our collection of DIY Fire Starters) 
• Build it: For a campfire, the Log Cabin style is considered best or Tee Pee style 
• Cooking: Let the logs burn for 30 minutes, that's the ideal temperature.

How to make a Campfire

Campfire Activities:

• Cooking. Why not let the kids cook! Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
• Dutch Oven Cooking is a campers favorite
• Hot coffee, Hot cocoa
• With Smores!  Try new recipes!
• Campfire songs and campfire stories
• Camp cocktails.  Doesn't have to be liquor to be fun!
• Start a tradition!
  
  

Outdoor Activities:

Play a game or make one

• Bike
• Swim
• Nature walk
• Natural scavenger hunt
• Invent a game
• Play a game or board game
• Read 
• Write in a nature journal.

Bed Time:

• Have pajamas and toiletries in an easily available spot. 
• Prepare individual bed/bath kit for each person with: PJ's/ towel / soap / toothbrush / toothpaste etc
• Have flashlights readily accessible
• Night time story 

What you need and why

Neccesities: 

• Camping essentials. Items you need in any situation while camping or outdoors. 
• Read more about what you need and why

See our camping boards on Pinterest:

• Camper and RV Upcycle Ideas
• Roadtrip, Picnic and Camping Ideas  
• Renovated VW Campervan Ideas
• Emergency Survival Ideas

Happy Camping! Wherever you go.

Happy June Full Moon Pals!

The June Moon:

Tuesday, June 2, 12:19 p.m. EDT. The Full Moon of June is known as the “Mead Moon,” “Strawberry Moon,” “Rose Moon,” or “Thunder Moon.” It rises around sunset and sets around sunrise; this is the only night in the month when the moon is in the sky all night long. The rest of the month, the moon spends at least some time in the daytime sky. 

See the names for every month

Learn more about the Full Moon Names,  Moon Phases and Moon Facts at Planetpals!

A Crafty Book Report Of Walt Disney

This Book Report Idea Is An A+

When Chris had to do extra credit for his book report of Walt Disney,  he chose to make a recycle DIY bottle sculpture craft of him, here's how!

The Book Report:

Christopher's elementary class project was to read a book from the WHO WAS Series of biography books for kids.  Each child chose to read a different book and was encouraged, as extra credit, to make an image of the person they read about. 

The book Christopher chose to read and illustrate for his report was "WHO WAS Walt Disney". Since Christopher chose Walt Disney, he made an image of Walt for the extra credit. We are glad he went the extra mile! 

 WHO WAS Series of Biography books for kids.

His Extra Credit Project:

Given suggestions by the teacher, one of the project choices was to use a soda bottle. He started with a large 2 liter Soda Bottle, which he filled with some sand to make it stable.

Start with an empty soda bottle

• Then he added some scraps of felt to make his outfit 
• He covered a foam ball with clay for the head and mustache.
• We suggest if you make one, you use DIY LINT Clay.  
• Plus he added yarn scraps for hair, eyes and an arty outfit!

The bottle sculpture half decorated

Finally,  to make it look just like Walt Disney, he added his finishing touches: 

• An artist beret 
• Mickey Mouse patch from felt scraps
• A palette from recycled cardboard
• Some paint and a brush  

Voila it's Walt!

The finished sculpture of Walt Disney!

Great Job Chris!  Clever and creative just like Walt.  

Not only did Chris learn about one of the most visionary people of the world, he leaned how to upcycle and get crafty, like a Planetpal!

Definitaly an A+.

Happy National Weather Observers Day.

It's National Weather Observers Day! Learn About Weather, Fun Facts About Weather and Weather Phenomena

Happy Teachers Day!

We love Teachers at Planetpals :)

To Play Pley Or Not To Play - A Review

Recycling Legos - What a great idea!

When we heard about Pley we were so excited!  What a great idea to recycle Legos because there are so many sets and pieces that can accumulate!  This idea was not only Earth friendly, but cost saving, because conceivably, you could get about 3-4 sets a month.

Being Planetpals, it was a perfect idea for our Grandchildren. A lesson on recycling.  So, for an upcoming Birthday we ordered a subscription. You can imagine how excited my Grandson was that he had all those Legos coming. He couldn't wait!

Wait he did,  many months.  

Because that first anticipated set did not arrive.  So, I called the company.  I couldn't reach a human being.  Simultaneously, I emailed them.  I got an email advising me that there was a big Christmas backlog (his birthday was early November) and that they would be sending a set as soon as possible and giving me a credit for that first free month.  The set finally came, two months late. My grandson made it as soon as he could, then sent it back to get another set. Well, the second set never arrived.  Not for Christmas, not for New Years.

When I contacted them again, I asked to stop my subscription. I told them that my grandson was experiencing too much disappointment because he was waiting and the sets were not coming, and that was not how I wanted a gift from me to be.  

Another disappointing thing was the email i received back.  Pley told me that I would have to continue to pay my subscription because there was no way out, and if I didn't want my grandson to continue with the subscription,  I could transfer to some other kid.  What?  

So, I called the credit card company and put a block on Pley because they refused to cancel it.  They did and told me I will be given a complete credit. Whew.

Next billing cycle. I receive one credit, and one charge.  Upon calling the credit card company, I am told that Pley contested the subsequent refund! 

For us Pley was a "No More Play"

We no longer wait for Pley to arrive, but I have since read many reviews and many comments on blogs. Many parents, like us, not only thought Pley was a good recycling idea, but the idea of getting several sets a months for one fee appealed to many, too. 

But that is not the case when sets were not delivered on timely manner or at all, and in many cases parts were missing once or more than once.  Those that contacted PLEY often received the same responses we did and a non concern from the company.

What to do?

Why not exchange Legos with friends

If you are like us and love the idea of recycling Legos and giving them extended life, but don't want to get into a negative and costly situation, perhaps you can start a Legos swap group among friends and neighbors or even at school. If you don't want to keep all those sets around, donate them to a school or organization when you are finished with them.  You can achieve the same thing.  Here's how to have a swap.

Why not re-use those Legos for other things!

Our Legos board on Pinterest is chock full of great ideas (over 300 of them!) for all those lego parts.  Check them out…But beware: your kids will have to use their imagination!

May it be the FULL MOON!

Did you know we call the moon names?

The moon has been given names from different peoples based on the calendar and their culture for centuries! Some of May moon names are: The Milk Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, Grass Moon, Planting Moon, Panther Moon, Dragon Moon and the Moon When Leaves Are Green.

The full moon for this May occurs on Monday, May 4th at 3:42am Universal Time (11:42pm on May 3rd in Eastern Time).  On Sunday night, this Full Moon will be at 13 degrees and 23 minutes of Scorpio opposed the Sun in Taurus.

See the names for every month: http://www.planetpals.com/ancient-full-moon-names.html

Learn more about the Full Moon Names,  Moon Phases and Moon Facts at Planetpals!

Happy May Day!

It's May and there are lot's of ways to help this beautiful Earth!

Check them out:

Planetpals Spring Journal

Planetpals Nature Journal

Planetpals Summer Journal

See what ECO Friendly events are in May

What's Eco Events Are Happening in May

Keep Smiling With A Healthy Mouth

With These Simple Tips You Will Be On Your Way To A Healthier Smile

Don't Overlook Dental Care!  

Research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease also show higher incidences of pre-term, low birth-weight babies.

According to MouthHealthy.org Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you: 

Don't Brush Away The Importance of Brushing:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. 

• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth. 

• Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. 

The Proper Brushing Technique Is To:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.  

• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.  

• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. 

• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes. 

• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh. 

Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Disinfected:

• Soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash. Rinse thoroughly before using again.

• For everyday cleaning, you can store your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide. When you brush your teeth, change out the hydrogen peroxide.

• Boil your toothbrush for about 3 minutes. Although it is hard on your toothbrush, boiling water will most germs.

• A toothbrush can be put into the silverware compartment of the dishwasher to be sanitized. Run your toothbrush through on the hot cycle without soap.

• Purchase a UV toothbrush sanitizer. These nifty gadgets work by combining steam with dry heat to sanitize your toothbrush. However if you don’t want to shell out the money, studies show that soaking your toothbrush in Listerine works almost just as well.

Lots more ways to be healthy:
What is Here For You To Learn About A Healthy Lifestyle: 

• Health and Food Precautions
• Food Pyramid 
• New Food Pyramid " MY Plate "
• Healthy Lunch and Green Lunchbox
• Healthy Kids Checklist
• Healthy Food Recipes
• Healthy Edible Food Art Crafts

Happy Campers Guide To Being Prepared

Happy Campers are prepared campers.  It doesn't take much to be prepared. A few simple items can help you in any weather and in any circumstance.  

Need a shelter, floor cover, ground cover, tablecloth, floor mat, curtain?  Take a tarp, or two or three in different sizes.  They don't take much space and you can use them for lots of things.

Ropes, twine, string, clips and clothespins can help most anything! Hang your clothes, towels, paper towels, string up a tarp, tie up a pet, hold down a tablecloth.  You can't go wrong!

Plastic bags in all sizes are great for organizing, keeping things dry, packing them away, saving for later and tossing away.

Candles, matches, solar lights and flashlights of course.  Keep them in plastic containers to stay dry.  Light your way to the restrooms and campsite at night, light a monopoly game or late night dinner. Keep extra batteries or have a solar light!

Pocket knife or muti tool will get you though a lot of snags.  Whether you use them for an emergency or to create something you need, or suddenly discover you left behind.

Jugs and tubs to hold drinking water and wash water. Keep a facecloth wet in a plastic bag-that's always handy.

Check out our free infographic.  Print it out and save it.  Be prepared Pals!

Happy Arbor Day Pals!

Love a tree or plant one.  Share a seed or seedling.

Learn all about Arbor Day.

Happy Earthday Pals!

It's Earthday April 22, 2015 and that's Planetpals favorite holiday! We love Earth after all.

Planetpals.com The Best Place On Earth To Learn About Earthday

Have you met the Planetpals?

Learn all about Earthday and Earth From The Planetpals

Happy Earthday!

Don't Be a Drip On World Water Day

 H20 Says Don’t be a drip!

Planetpals H20 Loves water!

Simple Ideas For Responsible Water Use For Every Day Tasks For You and Your Kids! 
World Water day is March 22. It’s a good time to think about how you use water and how you can save water!. Using less water is a good idea because It protects everything on our earth and preserves one of Earth's most precious natural resources. Remember, all living things need water to grow and live!

Every day we waste water doing simple everyday tasks. For instance, did you know that sink faucets run 2.5 gallons of water a minute or that each minute subtracted from your showering time can save up to ten gallons of water.

Planetpals H20 says "Don't be a DRIP". Please, be worldly wise when you use water.

Here is a simple list of things everyone, young or old, can do every day to be worldy wise :

• Do not turn the faucet on full blast. Most the time you only really need to turn it on just a bit to get enough water for what you are doing.
• Turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• It’s in your hands! When you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands turn the faucet off when you are not using the water instead of letting it run down the drain. Then turn it back on to rinse.
• When you are washing up in the morning, fill the sink with water, soap up and use that instead of running water. Then just rinse yourself off.
• For simple hand clean ups use sanitary wipes instead of the sink.
• When you are running the water and waiting for it to turn hot or cold, collect the water in a pitcher instead of sending it down the drain. Use the water to cook with or to water your plants.
   ***Test yourself! Measure how much water it takes for your sink to get hot or cold....if you were to lose that much every day, how much you water you are wasting down the drain over a week or year!
• Rub a dub dub! If you are taking a shower, shut the water off while you soap up, then rinse. Try to limit your showers to five minutes.
    ***Test yourself! For a few days, by putting a plug your bat tub when showering to see how much water you use for each shower. See if you can use less each time.
• Let every drop go down you and not the drain! Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap each time.
• If you are doing chores and washing dishes by hand, don't let the tap run free. Instead, fill a bucket with water, one to wash and one to rinse.
• Wear your clothes more than once if they are clean and teach your kids , too! That would save on a laundry. A washing machine uses up to 40 gallons per load
• If you have a dripping faucet, and it can't be fixed right away, put a container under it and use the water for something else.

Try to think of other simple ways you can save water inside and out. Maybe you can collect rainwater or snow to water plants? You can have the kids play in the sprinkler near the side of the yard that is dry and water it at the same time.

Download a free World Water Day Shapebook activity for classroom or homeschool 

Judith Gorgone is creator and founder of Planetpals.com. Planetpals is the best place on earth for earth saving ideas. not to be reproduced without permission

:) 

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