Can't go wrong with summer bubble fun

It's that time of year again - time to send the kids outside to play. My personal favorite is to sit on the back porch while my daughter makes - and chases - bubbles.

Being two though, she often tips the bubble juice, spilling it all over the yard. But I've decided that's no big deal, because I can just make more.

Here are some easy recipes for do-it-yourself bubbles, with stuff you have around the house.

And, if you are really feeling creative, help your kids make their own bubble wands using pipe cleaners. I found a pack of brightly colored pipe cleaners at Michael's for $1.

Option 1:

1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid
2 cups of water
2 teaspoons of sugar
If you are feeling really adverturous, add a few drops of food coloring to make unique bubbles.

Option 2:

6 parts water
2 parts dishwashing liquid
3/4 part corn syrup

Here are some tips to get the most from your bubble juice:

1) If the bubbles pop easily, or the juice doesn't seem to work well, add a little more water
2) A quick survey of the Internet shows that parents (and their kids) seem to prefer Dawn or Joy when making the best bubbles.
3) Want to catch a bubble? Just get your hand wet.