The Holiday Countdown in on and we’ve got essential and easy tips for making your wrapping creative and easy! It’s in the bag…literally! Save time this holiday season with these stress free wrapping ideas! Handmade felt bags, custom baskets and small bags are all the top tends for this Christmas. Redefine wrapping by using creative containers and the gift itself as part of the wrapping! Finally, a little less holiday hustle & bustle makes for time to jingle & mingle! DIY is the way to go this year especially with COVID. Try making a heartfelt gift or wrap for each other!
September… The kickoff season to all things good…Autumn! This time of year inspires me to try everything we’ve ever wanted to try to do, but never found the time in the past. Whether it be picking apples from an orchard, baking a fresh apple pie, planting mums or starting a new DIY project – Autumn inspires us! Check out your local orchards and support them if you can. Many are hosting Fall Festivals (reservations may be required). It is the perfect way to get your family outside and enjoy the autumn weather while supporting local!
Having a child go off to college is a huge adjustment for both them and you as their parent! No matter how close or far they go, sending a care package can help them get settled in their dorm is the perfect way to remind them of home! Let’s face it, It’s also good therapy for mom and dad!
Make A Plan-plan ahead for mailing care packages based on holidays and college schedule. If your kiddo is at college over Labor Day weekend this will be the perfect time to get a care package there! Mark your calendar and send the next one by Halloween, week leading up to Thanksgiving break.
Make it personal– including gift cards is always a good idea and something they will most definitely use at college! Include a picture of the family dog or pet and an upbeat note from you and or siblings!
Favorite Things-next time you’re at the grocery store grab their favorite snacks to include in the care package! Also, by now they have figured out what they might be needing and don’t have for college. Grab an extra one or two of the specific things and Include them in the care package!
Make it personal– including gift cards is always a good idea and something they will most definitely use at college! Include a picture of the family dog or pet and an upbeat note from you and or siblings!
Have you ever wished that you had a guidebook to hand your teenagers on “life lessons?” A roadmap of sorts to help them discern and navigate this crazy world? Life’s Little GuideBook: Tips for Leading a Meaningful Life is just that book. It is compiled of short and sweet tips, advice and quotes to help you lead your teens and young adults through tough conversations about growing up. With a faith based perspective, Life’s Little GuideBook is meant to inspire the reader to make good decisions in order to help grow as a person of integrity.
Washable Masks & Book Covers– these are affordable and can be found at most superstores and on amazon. They are easy to cover the kids textbooks and can be removed to be washed regularly.
Water bottles– many water fountains in school buildings will be limited or not open for use due to COVID restrictions. Be prepared for your kid to need lots of water throughout the school day and many schools are requesting clear water bottles to be used.
Cases for school supplies– pencil pouches are a great way for your kids to keep their writing utensils clean, sterile and organized. Consider purchasing washable containers for pencils.
Wipeable Lunch bags- many schools going back are requiring to be brought from home. Wipesble lunch bags are easy to sanitize and clean. Look for them most superstores or on amazon.
Wipes and hand sanitizer– if possible, stock up now on travel size hand sanitizer and wipes that can conveniently fit in your child’s book bag, lunch container, and desk.
Covid has kept so many of us from interacting with others, but summer is finally here and allows us all to get outside and get moving and motivated.
Go Team- Organize a Family Olympics! Relay races, water ballon toss, an obstacle course and family flag football are great ways to get outside and get moving!
Outdoor Ping Pong Tournament – What you would have done inside – move outside on your driveway or in your yard for an afternoon of social distancing fun! Ping Pong is perfect for kids of all ages!
Giant Jenga Contest- Parents against kids! This is a crowd favorite and will be sure to make everyone laugh!
Prize Bucket- Have some small prizes on hand (side walk chalk, bubbles, favorite treat).
Being at home has given most families more time organize and do projects around the house. Spring Cleaning is a family activity that everyone can help with and see amazing results!
Back to the Basics: Making your own cleaner that works great cleaning your kitchen sink and oven. Recipe: vinegar, orange peel, baking soda and lemon peel; use sponge.
Dryer Sheets- Great for spring cleaning! Place at the bottom of your kitchen trash bags to help illuminate odor. They are great for placing on a toilet paper holder in bathrooms and under car seats as well!
DYI Dusting: Nicer weather is finally here and opening windows around the house to let fresh air is great! Dusting when windows are open is a wonderful activity to get your kids to do! Anyone can dust especially using this non toxic recipe. Recipe: water, vinegar, olive oil, essential oil.
These are scary and uncertain times. Easter is just a reminder that we must choose faith over fear. It’s important to try to plan life events at home that still have meaning and importance to your family.
Routine- if your place of worship is still closed on Easter Sunday plan on viewing a worship service online or a previously recorded sermon on your church’s website.
Be Creative– Use what you have to set an Easter Table that celebrates Easter Sunday. It’s not about making it perfect. Instead, make it special by incorporating family photos, Spring home decor and Easter themes.
Stay Positive & Rejoice– Your children will follow your emotional lead. Set the tone this Easter season with hope, faith and love.
