I wanted to share with you a post on Real Simple magazine from a new friend of mine, Amy Belle Isle.  She is a wonderful party planner here in St Louis, with Stem,  and was a HUGE help with Operation Give Thanks, my first attempt at hosting a fundraiser! 

She is truly a great lady as you can tell by her article Here with great ideas on paying it forward this holiday season.  If you are running out of ideas (or even if you are not), do this!!

Posted under Gratitude

One of the things I am working on with my son, and myself, is to reflect on and be more grateful.  I believe that stopping to recognize and give thanks for the little things, gives one a great perspective and contributes to your overall happiness. 

With Thanksgiving on the way, there are obviously lots of reminders to be thankful.  I love this “thankful turkey” craft I found on Tutus and Turtles as something you can do with your children to celebrate a month of gratitude.  Just make a cute turkey like below and each day before Thanksgiving write something for which you are thankful.  At the end you will have a glorious thankful turkey and a great experience that might even become a tradition.  See here for full  instructions (originally from Make and Takes).

One thing I am grateful for today is how my son’s first grade class has a fun name for each day — “Marvelous Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Thinking Thursday and Fun Friday.”  When we talk about what day it is, this actually helps provide a sense of optimism and joy to start our day.  Every day is special.  You just sometimes need a reminder!     

Posted under Connecting, Gratitude, Happiness Project, Holidays