Whether or not you consider yourself crafty, crafts are a great way to celebrate a season or holiday. They make nice decorations, terrific teaching tools, and great opportunities for some quality family time. Here are a list of crafts found from around the web, requiring minimal supplies, that can help you get started. Thankful Notebook […]
Nov, 13
As we head into the holiday season, there are many ingredients that are good to have on hand. Your first step is to go through the spices and baking supplies that you already have and begin to do a thorough examination of the quantity (how much is left in the jar) and the quality (what […]
Nov, 07
You wake up on November 1st ready for action. Halloween costumes cleaned and packed away. CHECK. Halloween decorations removed and boxed up. CHECK. Halloween clearance items purchased at 90% off. CHECK. Now looms the giant bags of Halloween candy your family acquired last night. Trick-or-treating seems like a good idea until you realize that you […]
Oct, 31
Looking for ways to entertain your favorite Halloweeners? Whether you are looking for some fun for a party, in lieu of trick-or-treating, or in addition to trick-or-treating, here are some fun ways to create or add to the Halloween spirit. Witches Stew Game • Cut ten Halloween shapes, such as ghosts, bats and pumpkins from […]
Oct, 28
Whether you are planning a Halloween party this year or just want to get your family into a festive mood, a spooky menu can be a lot of fun. Try out some of these creepy recipes and you will be sure to thrill your table guests! Mummy Dogs • Wrap hot dogs in crescent rolls […]
Oct, 26
On Halloween eve, my family excitedly gathers at the kitchen table armed with newspaper , drawing paper, pencils and their beloved garden grown pumpkin. We scoop out the insides, clean, count and roast pumpkin seeds and then get to work on the carving. Our children sketch out ideas for eyes, noses and mouths and every […]
Oct, 24
‘Tis the season to cuddle on the couch with your preschooler or early gradeschooler, grab a flashlight, turn off the lights, and read some fun Halloween books. Halloween celebrates the imagination, so choose some books this month that stir the senses…happy reading! The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting […]
Oct, 19
Friday, September 23rd, is the first day of autumn. The ushering in of a new season can be an exciting time and there are numerous ways your family can celebrate. Go for a fall nature hike • Make note of the signs of change (leaves changing color, fallen acorns, cooler breezes, etc). Make a handprint […]
Sep, 21
September is the perfect month to begin to work on your Christmas or holiday gift list. Creating a gift list allows you to focus on the possibilities, save money when you watch for sales, create meaningful handmade gifts, and collect gift ideas in a tranquil manner instead of a frenzied rush. While it may not […]
Sep, 19
Today, September 16, is exactly 100 days before Christmas. Many of you will either jump up and down with excitement at the prospect of another holiday season approaching. Some of you may gasp and hold your heart and wonder how you’ll have the strength to make it through another year. Either way, 100DaystoChristmas.com is just […]
Sep, 16
In 1978, President Carter proclaimed that the first Sunday after Labor Day would be National Grandparents Day. Whether you celebrate it officially this year (it falls on September 11th) or decide to devote another day to these important relations, here are some clever ideas to shower grandparents with love. Go around the table after dinner […]
Sep, 08
Now that all of the Christmas gifts have been opened, it is time to express gratitude. I am a firm believer in writing thank you notes after receiving a gift. When my daughter was old enough to string together her own words to write sentences a few years ago, I began to train her on […]
Jul, 20
Birthdays are an important tradition all over the world. Do you know that it is estimated that you share your birthday with about 18 million other people around the world? Ever wonder if other people are doing something besides blowing out the candles on their favorite cake to celebrate their special day? Here are some […]
Jul, 18
The French national holiday Bastille Day commemorates the infamous storming of the Bastille, a Parisian prison, on July 14, 1789. Because this date marks the beginning of the French Revolution, it is a day to celebrate freedom for all people. Bring a little French culture and history into your home by celebrating this day of […]
Jul, 13
Themes can be a fun way to organize a child’s birthday. Once you and your child settle on a theme, things like invitations, cake decoration, decor, crafts, and activities are easier to plan. Not sure how to celebrate your child’s birthday this year? Pick one of these popular themes and get your creative juices flowing! […]
Jul, 11
A child’s birthday is a milestone of their youth. Making it special can mean anything from an intimate gathering of immediate friends and family to a full blown birthday bash. If you are planning to go the party route but the idea of hosting your child’s next birthday party at your home makes you feel […]
Jul, 06
I love of serving foods that are red, white and blue at our 4th of July party each year. Showing patriotism through food is just part of the fun! Here are some foods both from around the web and some of my own ideas that will help you build your own red, white, and blue […]
Jun, 27
I am not a dad, and I would not want to pretend to speak for all dads out there. However, one thing I know is that it is imperative that all dads feel how much their role in the family is appreciated. Showing that appreciation does not have to be in the form of large, […]
Jun, 16
Are you going to or hosting a Memorial Day party this year? How about some salad inspiration? They are easy to prepare, easy to serve, and can feed a crowd. Here are some yummy new favorites. Antipasto Salad from Giada Delaurentiis Tomato Feta Pasta Salad from Ina Garten Potato Salad from Tyler Florence Emeril’s Favorite […]
May, 26
Mother’s Day presents a unique challenge for myself and most moms: honoring the mothers, mother-in-laws, or mother-like figures in our lives while enjoying the benefits of a special day of pampering and thoughtfulness for ourselves. Here is a list of ways that will help you make the most of this coming Mother’s Day. Call your […]
May, 02
With Easter just around the corner, now is the time I start thinking about different games I can play with my family to get them in the holiday mood. Whether the week before or the day of, carve out some time to have some Easter fun with your family with some of these games. Beautiful […]
Apr, 20
If the idea of your child getting way too much sugar on Easter morning makes your teeth ache, here are some alternatives when it comes time to filling their Easter eggs. Stickers Temporary Tattoos Raisins or Craisins Coins (for older children) Bouncy balls Tubes of flavored lip balm Band-Aids (my kids treat these like gold) […]
Apr, 18
Saint Patrick’s Day has always been a festive day in our family. Elaborate construction of leprechaun traps, scavenger hunts, shamrock kisses and a menu of green-colored food! Last year I served only green-colored food all day and my kids talked about it fondly all year long. Here are a few ideas to add to your […]
Mar, 16
What child doesn’t LOVE games? Give your children a Valentine’s Day they will remember by playing a few of these Heart Day games. It’s a great way to really show them how much you love them! Who’s Your Match?Divide your family into 2 teams and form two rows facing each other. The first player on […]
Feb, 11
Sure, you tell your loved ones you love them all the time. How about changing it up this Valentine’s Day and say “I Love You” with a more multicultural flare? Let them know you love them and build their cultural awareness at the same time. Click the links below to be taken to Google Translator […]
Feb, 02