This week, my categories and entries are all out of sorts (snow days and holiday shopping will do that). So, here’s a way to connect with your child, play and give to others ! Make cookies like these, pretend to be silly reindeer introducing themselves and give some to co-workers or friends or a local shelter. 

Aren’t these reindeer cookies adorable? Brought to you courtesy of Mariah and Harrison — two of the most creative people I know.  But credit should also go to Family Fun magazine’s December issue, where they got the idea (although I do love the peanut cookie shape best). 

Posted under Connecting, Holidays

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

After seeing the post on Stem about an Election Party, I so want to have one (or go to one — someone invite me!)  Look at all her great ideas (below).  I especially love the Lumi-loons balloons and the Election Topics cards.  Ok, so who’s hosting? 

check out Stem for so many fun ideas!

Posted under Holidays, Parties

I love these sets from Polyvore for cute Halloween outfits “inspired” by the Scooby Doo gang, but that you can wear all year (albeit in a different way, hopefully):

See the polyvore blog for the rest of the gang

Posted under Holidays, Polyvores

Fabulous parties start here!    This is the tag line for the website Stem, and it couldn’t be more true!  Amy is the creative mind behind this really fun website full of party ideas —  ranging from retro parties (like this ’50’s kids’ party) to holiday parties to anything you can imagine (or wish you could imagine)!

She has great ideas and lives in St louis!  Yeah!   If you ever need a few ideas, or professional help (only for parties, I mean), check out Stem — or email Amy directly! We have.  

Amy has generously agreed to provide her party planning expertise to Operation Shower’s first fundraiser, Operation Give Thanks.  

Stay tuned for more information!  

Thanks, Stem!  

Posted under Holidays, Home

Halloween is my favorite holiday, so it’s never too ealy to start thinking about it for me.  Here are a few of my early favorites for this year. ..    (just click on any picture to get full details from polyvore- the real reason I did this article!)

Posted under Holidays, Kid Gifts, Polyvores