Felt Poinsettia Pins

*This post was originally published on 12/16/13.  Enjoy!

I love poinsettias.  They're so festive and cheery.  I think there's something perfectly Christmas-y about poinsettias.  So while I was thinking about creating something for my mom and grandma, I really wanted to include this holiday treat.  And that's how I came up with these Felt Poinsettia Pins

You'll need:

Red or white felt

Hot glue and gun

Scissors

Buttons

Glitter, optional

1. Cut a paper petal template in two sizes of your choice.  One for the first layer, and a smaller petal for the top layer.

2. Cut 6 petals of the larger size and 6 petals of the smaller size.

3. Start arranging your bottom petals, overlapping and gluing as you go.

4. Glue your top, smaller petals on top, overlapping as you go.

5.  Adhere a decorative button in the center.

6. Add the pin back to the reverse.

7.  Finally add glitter glue of your choice to add a little sparkle.

And there you have it... a pretty gift for someone special this holiday season.  Enjoy! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayers for a blessed holiday of

reflecting on all we have to be thankful for.

Count Your Blessings today and...

Stay tuned for lots of holiday fun coming your way!

Including the Kids in Thanksgiving

 *Originally posted on 11/16/15.  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to focus on family, friends, and blessing.  It's the quiet holiday just before Christmas.  No presents, no huge holiday displays... just a thankful heart to give and receive.  And dare I say, it's one of the most important holidays on the calendar.

But for a kid, Thanksgiving can be quite lack luster.  No wrapping paper to throw off, no holiday music, cold weather and football.  How can we better include them in this important celebration?

Here are just a few ideas:

1. Create a Thankful tree-- Find a pretty vase and have the kids gather some sticks and rocks and start the tree.  Then add tags or colorful construction paper leaves.  Have the kids write down something they're thankful for, then interview others and include theirs as well.  See how many things you can find the be thankful for.

2. Have them set the table-- Thanksgiving is filled with pretty plates, cloth napkins, and shiny silverware.  It fun to set the table all fancy with vases and runners.  And it's a great time to learn about proper place settings and etiquette.  You might be surprised which of your kids gets the decorating bug.

3. Include them in creating a snack platter-- Appetizer and snack platters are fun to create with little hands.  Have them slice olives and fruit, arrange pickles, create a vegetable turkey, or mix up the dip.

4. Or a special desert-- We're making pretzel turkeys this year, but why not decorate cupcakes to go with the pie?  Or stir up a fruit dip?  My kids love helping run the mixer or learn to make homemade whipped cream.  Kids love being in the kitchen and since most deserts can be made ahead of time, including them in making desert avoids a time crunch.

5. Read a Thanksgiving book together-- Snuggling up with a good book together is always a great way to spend an afternoon.  Some of our favorites include: The Bernstein Bears Give Thanks, Turkey Surprise, The Thanksgiving Story, The Very First Thanksgiving Day, and This First Thanksgiving Day. 

6. Or watch a special Thanksgiving video-- We love watching Walton's movies on Thanksgiving.  Or why not pop in old family movies and walk down memory lane.  Or create your own family movie on Thanksgiving.  Interview other members of the family.  What are they thankful for?  What do they remember about Thanksgivings past?

7. Create Thanksgiving crafts-- Create a fingerprint fall tree with the kid's fingerprints.  Make a paper bag thankful book with a turkey on the cover.  Play Thanksgiving Bingo.  There are so many turkey crafts out there.  Go browse through Pinterest.  :-)

How are you including your kids in Thanksgiving this year?

The Wild World Handbook: Creatures {Review}

 

Divided into seven categories of creatures, the Wild World Handbook is packed full of information for learners of all ages.  Each section contains biographies of individuals influential in that field, DIY activities, field trip ideas, action points for making a difference, and more!  And there are facts and information to keep kids learning for a long, long time.  

This handbook is broken up in a way that makes sense and keeps the reader engaged.  Flowing from facts to biographies to action points, it kept me wanting to search out more and keep learning.  The activities were do-able and the information was interesting without being overwhelming.  I learned so much reading through this one and I know my kids will love it as well.  This would make a nice addition to any homeschool or a wonderful gift for animal lovers.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream

 *This post was originally published on 11/21/12.  Enjoy!  I certainly do!

Thank You, Pinterest!  I have found the yummiest Pumpkin Ice Cream.  And I can make it in my own home.  Dangerous, I know.  And to celebrate, I want to share this yummy recipe with all of you so you can enjoy this seasonal treat with me.  So if you're looking for a new Thanksgiving dessert or you're like me and just can't imagine saying farewell to Pumpkin Ice Cream till next fall, keep reading!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream
(from I Wash You Dry)

1 c. Pumpkin
1 c. Sour Cream
8 oz Cream Cheese
2/3 c. Sugar
3 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 c. Cream

1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Put in ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions.
3. Serve immediately as soft serve or put in freezer to set.
4. Serve with crushed graham cracker or dusted with cinnamon/sugar mix.

I love setting this ice cream in the freezer and dusting it with cinnamon/sugar mixture.  The cinnamon/sugar just gives it a slight crunch and it's so yummy!  Hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do.  If not, just send your leftovers my way.  :-)

What seasonal treats are you enjoying right now?