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Going on a vacation is a wonderful experience!
So many memories to be made, magic to be captured, but packing… that can be stressful! #Amiright??
I have made it a little easier for you… a packing list for mamas in general. And a packing list for (older) kids if you’re the kind of mama who likes them to help out.
Below you will find out where to download these packing lists!
But first, I wanted to tell you a bit about my new adventure!
“Don’t just fly, Soar!”
Dumbo
I absolutely love traveling with my family, whether it’s a quick camping weekend or a week at the beach… it’s my happy place to take a REST from everyday life and get away as a family… and sometimes even just mommy and daddy!
I love planning our trips and I also LOVE Disney! So… with my love for travel and Disney, I’ve paired that with my love of being a stay-at-home-mom. This endeavor helps me help others plan their magical trips while still being at home with my children. (This is a vlog of an amazing Washington DC trip!)
As a travel specialist with Gateway Travel I am here for you, anytime whether it’s next month or in a couple years… to help plan your magical trip to Disney, Universal, a trip to the beach, across the world, a leisurely cruise, a trip to the mountains or anywhere!
So back to the Magical Mama Packing List… you can get theses freebies by joining the Magical Mama community on facebook!
Just join the group, answer the questions and get approved AND There you will find the freebie in the files section of the group!
Have a MAGICAL Day!
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This year’s Random Acts of Kindness Day falls on February 17, 2016.
Doing acts of kindness make us feel good about ourselves. The person on the receiving end of our kindness gets extra love that day. There is just something that makes our hearts lighter knowing we put a smile on someones face – even just for a moment.
My family has this great list of things we do in honor of Random Acts of Kindness day.
Random Acts Of Kindness Ideas
Heart Attack Daddy’s Car
Cut out as many hearts as you can out of construction paper and tape them to the inside and outside of the car. Set aside a few of them and write reasons why you love that person. When my husband was deployed, the kids and I sent him a “heart attack” care package. We stuffed that box full of hearts! So fun!
Reasons Why I Love You
My husband and I will cut out 7 hearts from construction paper – 7 per child. For one week we tape one heart to each of our kids bedroom doors. On the hearts we write the reasons why we love that child. Examples: You are creative, You are funny, You are smart, You love to read, You give the best hugs, etc.
Take What You Need Poster
Are there stores in your community that still have public boards up so people may pin things that they have for sale or their missing dog posters? We made a “take what you need” poster and pinned it up at a local grocery store here in town.
Bring A Meal
Life can be hard. If you know someone who is sick, mourning the loss of a loved one, just had a new baby, a shut in or someone who is struggling in a hard season of life and could use a pick me up – bring them a meal or special desert.
Donate
Once a year we will collect items to be donated to the local shelter. This past November we were able to donate a box full of winter hats, gloves and socks.
Click on the image below for your “take what you need” free printable. —–>
What do you and your family do in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day? I’d love to hear about your ideas.
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Written by Kari, Contributing Writer
I know there are hundreds of ways to display those beautiful Christmas cards we get each year. I’ve done most of them over the course of my beautiful life. Everything form hanging them from decorative ribbon to placing them in a crystal bowl. A couple years ago I was reading Living Magazine and found a quick and inexpensive way to display cards. I needed a change and this was perfect.
A simple wooden wreath.
Well, more like an embroidery hoop with mini-clothespins, but like I said, a simple wooden wreath. It worked perfect.
What does this have to do with health, which is what I usually write about? Nothing. Not only am I passionate about teaching and educating people on health – I enjoy being crafty too! So, this is just a look at another side of me!
It cost less than $10 for the supplies and didn’t take long at all to make. The glue drying is the most time consuming part of it all. This is when you get to play with your kids, watch Netflix or eat cookies. Or all three. You can choose the size and number of hoops you’ll need depending on how many cards you usually get. I did one large and two medium. They really look beautiful once they fill up and make it so easy for everyone to scan and look at the cards when they are visiting your home.
Now, wouldn’t you say that these simple wooden wreaths make your own Christmas scene look so much better? I thought so! Now go make one for you!
Christmas Wreath Card Display
What You’ll Need:
- a couple needlework/embroidery hoops – I did one large and 2 medium sizes
- a couple packages of mini-clothespins
- craft glue
- ribbon for hanging
What You’ll Need To Do
- I glued the mini clothespins every two inches around the hoop. I alternated the pins – one facing out, one facing in.
- let them dry overnight (simply because I got side tracked and didn’t get back to it the same day).
- Once dry, I attached the ribbon and hung it on display.
Like I said, when they are completely filled, they look really pretty – like a big wheel of cards. It’s nice to be able to see them all and be reminded how blessed we are to know so many wonderful and loving people – which always makes my heart happy.
What is your favorite way to display your Christmas cards?
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I remember doing crafty things with my Grandma and my Mom so I hope my kids will also cherish times together getting crafty. Now as an adult, I still love doing crafty things and this love of getting crafty is being past down to my kids, hopefully.
I am also a crafty things collector. I have numerous things in plastic containers, all labeled… now if I could only get that organized in other areas of my home. 
This is a simple tutorial of how to DIY for letter artwork that can represent your last name or individual’s names in your family. My two older kids and I made this for London, the youngest child.
DIY Letter Artwork
What you need:
- a letter, large enough to hang (could be cut from card board or wooden, etc.)
- tacky glue
- acrylic paint, color of your choice
- sponge paint brush
- buttons or some other crafty items
- pop can tab
What to do:
- Gather art supplies, I got the letter and buttons from Hobby Lobby
- Paint the letter with acrylic paint, let it dry
- Glue buttons on with tacky paint, let it dry
- On the back of the letter, glue on the pop can tab to use as the nail hanger
- Hang up in room
This is such a simple, easy idea to make with your kids. With the Holidays approaching, it could even be a nice, thoughtful gift.
Do you make crafts with your kids?
*post contains affiliate links
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Written by Courtney @ A + Life, Contributing Writer
It is hard to believe that we are already one month into the fall season and that before long (if not already!) we will be bombarded with all things Christmas related. But, today, I wanted to share about some of our very favorite fall things to do with our daughter, Abigail.
This time of year is perfect for being outside all day long! The crisp autumn air, the bright sun, the sights and sounds of fall, all make for a wonderful outdoor experience. There are SO many fun things that you can do, but here are just a few of our favorites! So, without further ado, I give you:
Five Fun Fall Activities For Children
1. Visit A Pumpkin Patch
The one thing we always make sure to do in the fall is to visit our local pumpkin patch! It may be small and quaint, but we love walking around and selecting our pumpkins and mums, taking a small hay ride, capturing a few special moments on our camera, and letting the farmers teach our little girl all about pumpkins.
2. Watch An Outdoor Movie
This has been a new addition to our family fun, but recently my husband, Jim, acquired a small projector to play movies on. We set up a comfy place to sit in the backyard, hang up a big white sheet, and enjoy making our very own drive in of sorts in the back of our house! Projectors are pretty easy to rent and borrow, so I highly suggest getting your hands on one and giving a backyard movie night a try this fall!
3. Backyard Camping
If you’re already in your backyard for a family movie night, why not also set up a tent and have a camp out as well? I’m not much(read: NOT AT ALL) for camping, but if the weather is right and my own personal bathrooms are close, you can get me out there
4. Play In The Leaves
We aren’t fortunate(or are we? enough to have large trees in our yard capable of being piled up and raked, but Grandma’s house sure does! There isn’t anything more quintessential childhood than running and jumping and burying yourself in a massive pile of leaves.
5. Roast S’mores
And of course, what is fall without a roaring bonfire, toasted marshmallows, and s’mores to enjoy? Getting sticky, sweet, and messy together make some of the most fun memories!
This is my list, but I would love to hear yours! So tell me,
What are some of your favorite fall activities to do with your kids?
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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of sugaring up the kids with whipped cream and candy – BUT – this was fun, they had to work for their whipped cream 
AND it was super easy.
When I was in my last few weeks of pregnancy, a few months ago and getting outside with the kids for physical activity has been a challenge! It is easy to send them outside – but they like when they have a task or when I am out there with them this was a super fun task – and they got to enjoy their hard work!!!
Mason Jar Whipped Cream
- 1 mason jar with a lid
- 2-3 TBS of (organic) whipping cream
- TINY sprinkle of (organic, raw) sugar *or stevia
- TINY drop of vanilla extract
- LOTS AND LOTS OF SHAKING.
I sent the boys to the yard to run and shake their jars… expending any energy that could possibly be gained with the sugar in the whipped cream. They had a blast!! It might take some adult shaking – but all the kids got their jars pretty close and ready to be put on some FRESH strawberries that are just coming into season!
It made a great addition to our movie night on Friday!! Because their little hands are warm, and because they are going to have to shake it longer than an adult would (or a mixer would) – chill the cream and jars well (I put both in the freezer).
What’s the best thing you’ve made in a mason jar?
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Some studies suggest that kids are spending over 6 hours a day using electronic devices, which includes TV, computers, mobile devices, video game consoles and music systems. Whoa… that is CRAZY!!
Extensive research has been conducted to establish the effects of these devices on kids. The findings of these studies show that there are both positive and negative effects. However, there are more negative effects since regular and overexposure to these devices can negatively affect the minds of children and hamper their development.
What do we do??? In our house, the rule is 30 minutes per day to use electronics, whether TV or iPad and 1 hour on the weekends or in the summer.
Here are some of the negative effects of kids using electronic devices:
Negative impact on health
Using electronic devices can have a negative impact on the physical health of kids. Sitting for many hours before TV, video game consoles or computers can lead to obesity, sleep disturbances, dry eyes, headaches, muscular diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, postural disorders and skeletal conditions in children. Other negative health effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure and agitation.
Another major concern in spinal damage from looking down too much. This is a biggie for us since my husband is a chiropractor.
Bad social development
Many research studies have shown a correlation between aggressive behavior and watching movies or playing video games with violence in them. Indulging in movies or games with a lot of shooting and killing can increase anger in kids, leading to depression, aggressive behavior and antisocial tendencies. Another disadvantage is that it limits the social life of the child when he/she is hooked to a computer or video console, affecting the development of their social and communication skills.
Affects Focus
If a child spends many hours using electronic media, it affects his/her ability to concentrate on studies. No wonder so many kids have trouble in school!
Unlike (most) adults that have good organizational and time management skills, most children find it difficult to shift their focus and attention from these devices.
We can see this in our own children. If my husband or I are on our phones or iPads, our children are curious and want to see what we are doing. They even stop what they are doing to come find out.
The fact many children own mobile devices these days and can carry them to school even makes things worse. (No, our children do not have one and won’t for a long time!!!) This can be a big distraction, and research show that kids who frequently play games, watch movies or access their online accounts find it hard to concentrate on their studies, resulting in lower grades, skipping school or dropping out of school.
Bad influence
Kids often watch commercials that instill ideas into their minds about what they have to use rather what they actually need. I see it every time we watch tv together…. “Mom, I want that!” It also creates a superficial image to which kids look up to as the only goal to find satisfaction. This can lead to health problems such as bulimia or anorexia.
Exposure to sex at an early age
I hate to say it, but kids who use internet devices can intentionally or unintentionally come across porn sites. This could drive them into being sexually active at early ages, create issues for future spouses and so much more. There is such an issue with this in our culture that sadly our culture doesn’t even think it’s a problem.
It is not that children should be kept away from electronic media, because it exposes them to a lot of positive things too. My kids love listening to Pandora and playing different learning apps or just for fun ones, but what we need to do is teach our children the importance of organizational skills, time management and how to use these devices in a meaningful and safe way.
We teach our kids that they can use electronic devices or watch tv when all the other important duties, like chores and homework are done, some days they don’t get to do any at all and some days it’s a half hour or so. In the future, I think we’ll come up with some sort of reward system where they can earn time.
It’s inevitable, they are going to use electronic devices, we just need to teach them how.
What are your thoughts? Do you set limits? Have you seen negative effects from electronics in your child/ren?
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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 time. The best part is you probably have all the stuff you need.
4 Outdoor Activities for Kids:
Go on a digital scavenger hunt
- Camera or camera phone
- Printer (optional)
There are a few ways you can do it. But I like to snap photos using my iPod of things through out the yard. A pinecone, a rock, a frog, some blueberries from the bushes in our backyard, a butterfly.
Then I give my boys the iPod and they hunt for the things in the yard. Or you can print out the photos out and put them in an album and do it that way.
Alphabet hopscotch
Grab up that sidewalk chalk and head to the driveway or front porch and write the ABCs. Then have your child hop the appropriate letter. Have them say their ABCs while they hope but stop at the assigned letter.
You can do the same thing with numbers or if your child is older, sight words.
Letter fishing
- Kiddie pool/Totes container
- Large Spoon
- Magnet letters
- Cookie sheet
Do you have a TON of magnet letter? We do. Throws those suckers into your kiddie pool or a Totes container.
Have your child fish out a letter and put it on the cookie sheet. Ask your child to find specific letters.
If your child is a little older you can use this to create certain words like ish words or at words.
For example you could put “at” on the cookie sheet and have your child fish our C for cat or TH for that.
Color hunt
- Sidewalk chalk
Color a square on the driveway or front porch and ask your child to find items in your yard that match that color. Green leaves, purple flowers, etc.
These activities not only provide educational time, they also keep kids occupied on those long summer days.
What activities do you like to do outside that create a love for learning?
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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 wanted to introduce getting a little (age-appropriate) crafty with my newly one year old daughter London.
We had a Rainbow themed birthday party and she painted this canvas at her celebration while older kids got to paint a much smaller canvas of their own. There are all kinds of ways to have fun with canvases!
DIY 1st Birthday Canvas:
What you need:
- a canvas size of your choice (we used 12″x16″)
- non-toxic paint
- sticker letters like these
, I got them from Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon
- iridescent paint
used as a top coat
- sponge paint brush
What to do:
- Gather supplies
- Adhere name using letter stickers
- Depending on where your baby is going to paint, put a disposable table cloth or garbage bag down.
- Put baby on table cloth stripped down to diaper only, unless you don’t mind the mess
- Put dabs of paint all over the canvas and rub baby’s hand so she knows what to do
- Have lots of fun watching while taking lots of pictures
- Give baby a bath and let canvas dry overnight
- Remove letters
- Use the sponge brush to paint a light coating of the iridescent paint
- Display in room as a fun reminder of baby’s 1st birthday!
I cannot believe our baby girl is one, time goes by so fast doesn’t it? This 1st birthday canvas is going to be something we’ll cherish for a long time and we’ll get to tell her that she made it at her 1st birthday one day… I think she’ll love that!
*This post contains affiliate links
What kinds of things do you (or did you) do to make your baby’s 1st birthday memorable?
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I guess it’s because of the catchy “Let it Go
But really, it doesn’t have to be extremely elaborate or cost a lot to have a fun FROZEN party.
My tip: DO NOT try to reinvent the wheel, there are soooooo many ideas out there, and that’s exactly what they are for, for you me to USE!!
I thought I’d share with you what we used to make our daughter Julia’s 6th birthday party magical!
The Invitation
I have always loved online invites.
I usually use evite but this time I used punchbowl since they had a Frozen themed invite. It’s really easy to use, just type in the info you want. And it’s free and easy to keep up with all the RSVP’s. Plus you can email right through the site to all the attendees for any updates or even reminders.
The Schedule
I always write up a tentative itinerary to use as a guide, it usually doesn’t go exactly in the order I initially come up with, but it helps me to remember everything we need to do.
The plan went a little something like this:
- 2:30- When guests arrive, I had planed to do this little scavenger hunt (but before the party started, I ran out of time getting everything ready). Instead, kids ate some snacks, hung out and started on the craft.
- 3:00- The special guests arrive, meet & greet, a story, games and photo ops. (you’ll read more under other sections below)
- 4:00- Serve the cake and open presents, enjoy time together
- 4:30- Birthday party is over, clean up
The Decorations
I think simple is better AND a lot cheaper. When I was searching, I thought easy ideas like paper chains and coffee filter snow flakes would be the way to go.
The night before the party, my kids had fun making some of the snowflakes.
To save time, I bought one 2-pack of white streamers to use instead of paper chains. And I got a few frozen- themed balloons!
I used blue plastic table clothes, metallic tissue paper, and snowflake doilies
The exception, the silver fringe curtain some photo ops. (From Oriental Trading)
The Craft
I have always loved to include making a craft instead of giving away a party favor- which quite honestly just gets lost or goes in the trash soon after.
At least a craft can be kept for a little while with special memories of making it.
I found these snowflake necklaces on Oriental Trading and I thought all the kids would love to make their own. We had a station set up and a couple different times during the party, two kids at a time got to make them.
My husband and another dad helped in the beginning then later Elsa and Anna. I think the kids thought it was neat to work with the queen and princess.
The Food
At kids’ parties, I think it’s important to have some food, whether it’s a full meal or snacks- that’s up to you. We served chili at my son’s Lego party, and everyone loved it. This time, since the party was in the afternoon, I decided a few snacks would be perfect.
There are so many free printables offered on several sites to create fun food scape. I didn’t have any card stock so I just printed the ones I chose out, then, laminated them. (I use my laminator for certain things we do for homeschool, so I quickly pulled it out and used it, it only took about 5 minutes)
There are a kazillion different food ideas to choose from but here’s what we had:
- Olaf noses- carrots with homemade ranch
- Arendelle ginger cookies
- Coronation celery and peanut butter
- Sven’s popcorn
- Kristoff’s pretzels
- Frozen Hearts- white chocolate covered strawberries
- Olaf’s summer lemonade
**I used these Frozen labels from Posh Tart Parties. All of the containers either came from the dollar store or came from my kitchen cabinets.
The Fun
What would a party be without fun?
Besides all the decorations, the craft, the food and games, there was an even BETTER idea! Two high school gals dressed up as Elsa & Anna…… score!!!
I had seen a post on one of the local garage sale groups on facebook from a mom whose daughter and her friend were earning money by coming as the characters and participating in all the fun. I didn’t know what to expect but it ending up being absolutely fabulous!
The plan kind of unfolded as the party got started but everything went smoothly. I’ll tell ya a little bit about it:
When all of Julia’s friends arrived, they got their snack and a couple kids started on the craft. I had asked a mom to let me know when the special guests arrived. Once they did, I had the kids finish up their snacks.
Elsa and Anna rang the door bell and I told Julia to go see who is was. When she looked out the door, she was in shock. She waved her hand for me to come. I went over and said excitingly , “Wow, Elsa and Anna have come to see you and celebrate your birthday!” The gals came in and ALL the kids were in amazement.
Queen Elsa and princess Anna read the Frozen inspired book A Sister more like Me. Each gal read her part. A few of us moms couldn’t believe how quiet all the kids were.
Once the book was read, the gals talked with the kids, then it was time for some photo ops. It was funny because when I asked who wants to take a picture with the princesses, one of the little boys raised his hand and he was first in line lol.
After it was time for the games (you can read in games section) then finishing up the craft. And of course you can’t have a frozen party without singing “Let it Go”.
Lastly, we sang Happy Birthday to my princess Julia, enjoyed cupcakes and then she opened her gifts. Before we knew it, it was time for Queen Elsa and Anna to go. We walked them out and waved goodbye. It was so, soooo much fun.
And I’ll take it as a huge compliment, when Elsa’s mom, who accompanied the teen girls told me before heading out, “this was the most organized party I have ever been to.” If you know me personally, you know I am last minute type of person, so that was such a nice compliment to me.
The Games
We played two games. Limbo and Toilet Paper Olaf.
For limbo, I simply unscrewed the broom from the stick and tied on yellow streamers. Elsa and Anna held the stick, the music played was “In Summer” from the Frozen soundtrack and went until there was a winner.
Next we played Toilet Paper Olaf.
Toilet Paper Olaf Game
Supplies:
For each pair or team, you’ll need a bin with a roll of toilet paper, a scarf, a cap or hat and 3 paper buttons with tape already attached, taped to bin. *Optional- paper carrot, also with tape on backside.
How to Play:
- Line up kids, tell every other kid to come on one side, then to find a partner. (You can choose teams how ever you would like to, that’s what I did)
- Then explain to the kids they are to make a toilet paper snowman/Olaf and must use things provided, be sure to show the supplies (I would not recommend telling them they have to use the whole roll of toilet paper)
- Choose a judge
- Give them a time limit. I played “Do you want to build a Snowman” from the Frozen soundtrack twice
- Once song is over, the judge can choose a winning team
- Have fun!
Both games were fun and easy. I had purchased a few $1 items from Target for the winners.
The Cake
As always, the cake, or shall I say cupcakes? Y’all, cupcakes are so easy. And I have used the same cupcake stand I got at hobby lobby with the 40% off coupon for years and years.
I ordered the pictured white cupcake wraps from Oriental Trading and used these and these free printables for the toppers. (I printed them out, laminated them and taped them to toothpicks)
I used this natural cake mix (in the chocolate and vanilla flavors) and my friend made a delicious vanilla butter cream frosting made with Kerrygold Pure Butter
.
Side note: I am ever thankful for my awesome friend Christina who came to help me out!! She is SUCH a blessing and has such a servant’s heart!!
The Elsa Dress
On the invitation email, I had invited all the friends to come dressed as a princess (or superhero for the boys) and a lot of the girls did come dressed in you guessed it, Elsa.
And of course Julia wanted an Elsa dress too.
My mom made this beautiful one and she sells them on her Etsy shop.
To end this Magical Frozen Birthday party post I have a question for you… Would you like to win an Elsa dress for your little girl?!? You have a chance to win one because she is actually doing a giveaway. Go here for all the details!
It was a MAGICAL party! Julia absolutely loved it!
Some more resources:
- For some extra fun, check out this Frozen Slime recipe
- These Popsicle sticks snowflakes are a fun decoration
- Here are some fun Frozen photo booth props
- I mentioned Oriental trading a few times, they always offer Free Shipping on Orders Over $49! Use Code: OTC757
- Amazon has tons of Frozen party supplies
and Frozen gift ideas
*post contains affiliate links, see disclosure here
What are your best birthday party tips? Do you have a Frozen fan in your house?
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