Five Green Activities for St. Patrick's Day Fun
I'm skipping the talk about rainbows and leprechauns this year and just doing "green" activities for St. Patrick's Day. Below are five different activities you can prepare this weekend to do on Monday with the children in your life! Interested? Keep reading!

Valentine's Day took on new meaning for me this year. February 14, 2014 forever changed the way I approach and appreciate this special day. Someone very near and dear to my heart...someone near and dear to the hearts of many, was called home a week ago today...on the day of love. The death of someone who had been a fixture in our family for what feels like forever speaks to the cliché sayings that we all know. Life is short. And while I can't say that her life was "cut short" it still serves as a reminder that no matter how well we live, how much we love, how graciously we serve, our lives won't last forever. All good things must come to an end. #Truth

 

So, I feel like I've been pretty busy this Valentine's Day season (can I say that...Valentine's Day season?) completing my various 14 day challenges. Yet and still, I wanted to make time to do at least one or two super simple Valentine's Day crafts. I had these lofty plans in my mind to complete all these fun activities, but...well, it just didn't happen. There are still a few activities I plan to do tomorrow, but as far as crafts go, we kept it real simple.

14 love notes

I’m big on words…I remember things people say to me verbatim many times. I save cards and letters. I have a book of quotes where I write words that are strung together poetically with deep meaning. I really, really like words and I know the power they have. A kind word at just the right moment can literally be the difference between life and death.

Your little ones are home now and looking to be entertained. With a few supplies, you can get started on these super easy Christmas crafts today!

It may not feel like it, but there’s still time to bring some holiday cheer into your home that doesn’t involve hanging an ornament, plugging in lights, or using tape, wrapping paper, or scissors! Below are five quick and easy things to do to make your home feel a bit more Christmas-y...in case you needed a few ideas!

 

Have you started an official Christmas countdown in your family? Do you do any special activities each year leading up to Christmas? If not, maybe this is your year to start! Doing things...making memories and starting traditions make the countdown to Christmas morning a treasured journey rather than a rushed event. You probably already have unspoken traditions in place like putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, or making cookies, but when you call attention to the little things that you already do or were planning to do, it seems so much more special and that's how memories are formed.

In my house, we've been counting down the days until Christmas on a calendar, but again, I wanted to incorporate some activities and lessons that would help prolong this all too short season. I wanted a daily reminder of the real reason for Christmas in addition to having intentional family fun. Let’s face it, we are all pretty busy and if we don’t schedule or plan for it {even fun things}, it might not happen.

 

 

You know I enjoy a good, simple craft so here are a few Thanksgiving ones you can do with the children in your life!

Pre-reading:  Right before we did each of these crafts, we read a simple Thanksgiving book that discussed why we have Thanksgiving…. the Pilgrims leaving England, the Mayflower, Native Americans {Squanto}, etc.

One of the things that I look forward to during this time of year is receiving Christmas cards in the mail. I eagerly check my box each day anticipating what family I get to see looking great in their Christmas duds. Sadly, many family and friends I know don’t do Christmas cards, but hopefully you’re not one of them. Not only is it a great way to spread Christmas cheer and connect with others, but it’s a great memory and keepsake that I’m sure will be treasured as the years continue to go by.

I mentioned in this post that I say “Awwwww” a lot when looking at things from the past, so you probably aren’t surprised that I have a hard time parting with old Christmas cards. About three years ago, I decided I needed a creative and neat way to store Christmas cards that still allowed me to pull them out during this time of year. If you’re looking for a way to store your Christmas cards, continue reading. This post’s for you!

I’ll admit… I’m feeling a little behind on my Christmas shopping already! I like being prepared and since Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I don’t have many gifts stashed away yet, I’m almost about to feel rushed. But…I have laid the ground work {thanks gift notes} and should be able to knock things out fairly quickly…once I get the ball rolling.

Gift Notes:  A Planned Approach for Gifting

 

Well, I think it’s pretty much official! The Holiday Season is here! I was hoping I could wait until around Thanksgiving to really get underway with Christmas and all that it entails, but no go. It’s here. Sigh. Get ready!

Today I'm sharing my new strategy for not only gift giving, but also keeping track of the gifts I've given. I realize this method may be a bit much for some, but I enjoy making lists and keeping track of things, so this approach is right up my alley. I'm sure there are many ways to adapt this method to fit your style, including using an app on your phone. But for my pen and paper folks, my strategy may work for you!

Have you ever forgotten what you've purchased someone from one year to the next or couldn't remember if a gift you gave was for someones birthday or Christmas? While ultimately, we know this isn't important, it matters when you're like me and want to give nice, thoughtful gifts that preferably, you didn't give them just the year before!  In the digital age, where everything is computerized and synchronized through Google calendar, I still enjoying jotting things down the old fashioned way.

Enter gift notes.

I am not a natural decorator. Meaning…I can just look at a room and tell you what it needs and where to place everything. I have to find inspiration elsewhere, and then I can incorporate my own style and taste. When I said I was going to make a Fall wreath in my Five Days of Fall series, I went straight to Google for guidance! There are so many options out there! At first, I thought I wanted to make a burlap wreath but then I saw this one (on this amazing blog…talk about creativity and craftiness!!!) and decided to make it instead.

 

Check out the link above or click here for step by step instructions!

 

 My supplies after a trip to Michael's.

 

My wreath...but I thought it needed a few more berries at the bottom.

 

 

 There, all done!

 



Having never made a wreath from scratch before, I was pretty proud of myself! Who cares if I copied the entire idea from someone else?! And, if you don’t have a Fall wreath and like the one I have shown today, then please, let’s keep the copying going!

 

Now for the pumpkin...we didn't do much with pumpkins growing up in my family. There was no carving or picking out pumpkins every year. I knew this was something I wanted to do just because of all the fun my children had visiting the pumpkin patch last year. Plus, pumpkins are relatively cheap and definitely speak to Fall and this time of year.

 

Once again, Google showed me there are countless ways to decorate a pumpkin...without carving it! You can stencil it, put ribbon on it, or adorn it with a variety of other things. But when I saw this pumpkin decorating kit at the Dollar Tree, I knew this was the way to go!

 

 One pack of foam stickers from the Dollar Tree.

 

One small pumpkin from the grocery store.

 

One decorated pumpkin!

Did you make a wreath or a pumpkin? Send me a pic! I’d love to see it!

For the fifth and final day of 5 Days of Fall, I’ll be sharing some super simple crafts to do with any children in your life. The web abounds with craft activities to do with children, but I wanted the ones I shared to be really, really easy. The kind that don’t involve spending $50 at Michael’s and buying extra supplies like wire cutters, fabric paint, and foam brushes. Now, don’t get me wrong, those crafts are fun, but I wanted these to be basic.

Supplies Needed

*Computer and Printer (to print a coloring page and leaf letters)

*Markers
*Crayons
*White printer paper
*Leaves from outside
*Children’s paint (optional but recommended)
*Q-tips (optional but recommended)
*Blank canvas (optional)
*Brown construction paper (optional)

Craft Activity #1
Do a simple coloring page and begin a discussion about Fall, Fall colors, what happens in Fall, etc.
You can print this Fall coloring page.

Craft Activity #2
Leaf rubbing. Get a leaf or 2 from outside and place it under your white computer paper with the veiny side of the leaf facing the paper. Using a crayon (on its side) color over the leaf to reveal an outline of the leaf.

Craft Activity #3
Fall leaves are falling down. Take a piece of white paper and draw a tree trunk or use brown construction paper to cut one out. Once the trunk is on the paper, make some branches. Have the child use Q-tips to paint dots/ leaves in Fall colors falling from the tree.

Craft Activity #4
Fall canvas art. Using a blank canvas, give your child a paint brush and allow him/her to create a masterpiece using Fall colors. No canvas? Just use white paper.

Craft Activity #5
Leaf letters. There are many things you can do with these leaf letters. You can create your own by cutting out the outline of a leaf and writing a letter on the leaf. You can create a leaf for each letter of the child’s name or you can use another word like Fall or Autumn. Once you have all the leaf letters, you can hole punch the top of each letter and string together to create garland or bunting effect. You can also leave the letters apart and talk about one letter a day by writing other words your child knows on the back that start with that same letter. For example, if the letter is “C”, you could pronounce the C sound and then write the word cup on the back. These could also be used like flashcards. The possibilities and variations obviously depend on the age of the child. The activities I described are with at least a 1 year old in mind, but of course it’s never too early to talk to a child! Adapt up or down as needed!

Below are leaf letters like those used in the above picture.

Leaf Letters A-B
Leaf Letters C-D
Leaf Letters E-F
Leaf Letters G-H
Leaf Letters I-J
Leaf Letters K-L
Leaf Letters M-N
Leaf Letters O-P
Leaf Letters Q-R
Leaf Letters S-T
Leaf Letters U-V
Leaf Letters W-X
Leaf Letters Y-Z

Thanks for reading!

Feel free to share any Fall crafts you enjoy…for children or adults!

Have a great weekend!

Hello! I hope at least some of these Fall tips I've shared this week have helped encourage you to be intentional in welcoming in this new season. It won’t last long so enjoy it while you can. Today, I’m sharing fun Fall traditions to do with friends and family.

 

1.      Attend a football game. Be it NFL (you’re lucky if you get to do this), college, or high school, football games can be fun to check out, even if just for a half. The half-time show, be it a special performance, a marching band, and/or flag twirlers should provide entertainment for people of all ages.

 

2.    Enjoy the scenery. So, thinking of Fall always makes me think of the spectacular display of leaves once they’ve changed colors. Absolutely breathtaking. Find a location with lots of foliage and take a drive or walk through this area with the sole purpose to fully take in all the wonders of nature.
 
3.     Find a local Fall activity in your area. Pretty much every city and town does some type of Fall Festival, Harvest Festival, or Fall Fair or carnival. Even if it’s not officially through your city or town, most schools and/or community centers have some type of annual Fall event. Look for one that suits you and your friends and family and make an effort to attend.

4.    Do some treating. Halloween can be controversial and it’s something many people don’t “believe in” or support. So while trick or treating may or may not be your thing, there are many other ways to fellowship and have fun around October 31^st. Look for church activities that encourage families to come out or get your costume ready and do some trick or treating, the old school way!

5.     Make hot chocolate or apple cider. I’m not sure what beverages speak of Fall more than these two. Now that your living room is all decorated and clean, make some hot chocolate or apple cider and make it a movie night! Doesn’t that sound fun!?!

If you’re like me and haven’t gotten all your Fall décor out, you might enjoy perusing the following links for inspiration! Ready to get some Fall décor out now?! Below are five things you can purchase to Fall-erize your house in a snap!

     1.      Get a Fall wreath.

2.    Put out a Fall-ish rug, doormat, or garden flag.

3.    Get a Fall centerpiece.

4.    Put some Fall pillows on your couch.

5.     Buy a pumpkin or two and place them on your steps or elsewhere in your home.

 I bet TJ Maxx is booming with Fall décor. Check out these links from 2 other great stores for Fall décor.

 

Pier 1 Fall decor  Kirkland's Fall decor

Below are five Fall-ish things I hope to try very soon! I’ll report back and share any tips!

      1.      Make an apple recipe…since apples seem to be the fruit of the season.

2.    Try a Fall inspired latte from Starbucks…just because…

3.    Make a hearty soup.

4.    Make a Fall wreath. This ought to be good!

5.     Decorate a pumpkin. This ought to be even better!

What are some things you hope to try for Fall?

Fall has fallen! It officially arrived on Sunday, September 22. Sigh. Where is the time going?

For the next 5 days, I’ll be posting things that I have done, plan to do, or want to do as it relates to Fall and this time of year. I’d love to hear about things you do or will do for Fall, so do share in the comments!

 

 Here are 5 health related things I’ll be doing around the house this week now that Fall is here.

 1.       Stock up on tissue. I’m sure this one seems a bit lame, but it is so very important. Fall... ‘tis the season for unexplained and random runny noses…you know the type…like the type of runny nose that only occurs in the morning or at night before bed. Fall is also the time of year where cold viruses always seem more rampant. Save yourself a roll of toilet tissue and stock up on face tissue now!

 2.    Dust. I dust the main areas of my house once a week, Tuesdays to be exact. But with Fall comes cooler weather and likely more time spent indoors. Below are some areas in my home that could use some extra dusting. I plan to tackle these areas this week.

*  Dust the blinds...like for real, not my usual once over with the swiffer duster.
*  Dust the vents.
*  Dust baseboards in all rooms.
*  Dust fake flowers and trees. Am I the only one with these in their house?
*  Dust the top of the refrigerator. Yikes. Have you looked on top of yours lately?

 3.    Clean the carpet. How often do you have your carpet cleaned? We haven’t done this much at all and I plan to hit the high traffic areas this week.

 4.    Vacuum out the couch and clean pillows. I’m sure most people vacuum out their couch once every other week or so, right? HA Not me! Vacuuming them out this week should be quite interesting! And by clean the pillows, I mean sprinkle with a little baking soda or spray some Lysol on them. How do you clean your couch pillows?

5.     Change the air filters. This is a really simple one to do and like the others, this helps reduce the allergens in your home.

What health related things do you like to do for Fall?