Simple Ideas for Celebrating a Birthday without the Junk

Birthdays come once a year, per family member, but for me, I often feel all rushed and hurried like it snuck up on me.  Some might call this procrastination (ahem!) ;) and others might call this the "creative last-minute" adrenaline rush.  When celebrating birthdays in our family, I typically do something special on the day and have a birthday party later on. I did this for our daughter Julia's recent Frozen Birthday Party since her birthday in a few days after Christmas, we … [Read more...]

5 Tips For a Successful Homeschool Year

Written by Karen @ To Work With My Hands, Contributing Writer Today is the first day of our new school year. Today the books are out again, all fresh and crisp. Everyone is excited, and everything is new - for now. But within a few weeks - maybe even days - the newness wears off and my children will wonder how they got duped by those pretty, crisp-covered books again. Sound familiar?  After 20 years of homeschooling, we still sometimes struggle. But along the way, I've learned a … [Read more...]

Tropical Delight Smoothie

Written by Kari, Contributing Writer   There is something about summer that brings with it the need to make me feel like I live near the ocean, palm trees and an abundant supply of coconuts. The truth is, I live in the foothills of Colorado - which I absolutely love - but it doesn't bring with it the euphoria of ocean waves and coconut beverages!   This is where I use our love of smoothies to fulfill this need for all things tropical. Everyday during the hot months of Colorado, we … [Read more...]

4 Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids

Written by Lydia @ Frugal, debt free life, *NEW* Contributing Writer I feel like Summer is the ultimate time for frugal fun. There are so many activities and events you can participate in as a family. And what is MORE frugal than your own backyard? I am big believer in free play. Free play is pretty much my best friend. However, I do want summer to be a time of learning and enrichment for my little ones, as well. Today I thought I would share some ways you can make outdoor time learning … [Read more...]

Over the Rainbow {First Birthday Theme}

I cannot believe we actually have a ONE year old! Granted she's the 3rd baby, but only a few short years ago, I didn't know if we would have any more babies, then I got pregnant and after 40+ weeks she was welcomed into the world at home on March 5, 2014.  London is a vibrant little lady. She's full of life!  She adores her big brother and sister, she's into everything. Her laugh is contagious and only smiles when she feels like it (Hum, wonder what kind of teenager she'll be) … [Read more...]

1st Birthday Canvas

I absolutely love getting crafty.  Between part-time homeschooling, activities, and the regular day to day tasks I feel as though getting crafty has been put on the back burner. I have been more focused on getting the chores done, working around naptime, and so much more that I have forgotten to have a little fun.  So my mission as we enter Spring and on into Summer, is to have more fun!  And getting crafty is so much fun to me and my kids love it as well. So I … [Read more...]

How To Attract Butterflies and Birds To Your Yard

Written by Karen @ To Work With My Hands, Contributing Writer I love spring! It's my favorite season of all. When the dull gold-green grass brightens to vibrant, fresh green and the tender leaves begin sprouting on trees and bushes, I get eager to turn my attention outdoors. The garden calls, and I'm ready to clean out dead leaves that have littered the beds, repot plants that need larger homes, and bring some fresh new color to the garden and yard. And on the days I spend many hours … [Read more...]

Protein Packed Nut Butter Bites

Written by Contributing Writer, Kari at Living Strong, Health & Wellness Snack time! Personally, I'm not a big "snacker". I can go meal to meal without needing any extra food to keep me going. Although, having a family, I need to have a plan on hand for our meals and snacks and then I need to make sure they are ready and available to eat! My kids, on the other hand, seem to need a snack every 30 minutes. I can understand why since they are on the go, non-stop, active kids. This can … [Read more...]

A Magical Frozen Birthday Party {Tips and Ideas}

Once my daughter saw Frozen about a year ago, I knew that would be her theme of choice for her next birthday party. I guess it's because of the catchy "Let it Go" song in combination of a story about sisters that caught her heart. So I have been collecting ideas for a while now but of course didn't have anything ready until less than a week before the party. (Let the procrastinators band together) ;) But really, it doesn't have to be extremely elaborate or cost a lot to have a fun FROZEN … [Read more...]

Frozen-Inspired Elsa Dress Giveaway

I wonder how long the Frozen craze will last?  Undoubtedly for years and years because once the now preschoolers and elementary aged girls are over it, the toddlers will gravitate towards it.  Either way, our newly 6 year old daughter fell in love with it and just had a Magical Frozen Birthday Party. It was an absolute blast.  AND of course she had an Elsa dress. She's been dressing up in princess dresses since she was about one or two, alongside her older … [Read more...]