Sunday, November 24, 2013

Crafting with Kids :: Easy Birdseed Ornaments


Last week, I taught some of my Junior Master Gardeners how to make hand-made birdseed ornaments to decorate our garden trees. I love the idea of teaching our children how to make outdoor spaces animal friendly, especially as the colder weather moves into our region. This was a very inexpensive and easy do-it-yourself project that the children adored!

Materials:

3/4 cup flour 
1/2 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tbsp. corn syrup
4 cups birdseed (avoid the type with sunflower seeds)
a variety of cookie cutters
nonstick spray 
drinking straw cut into once inch sections
waxed paper and a tray
ribbon/twine




Let's begin!

First, combine the water, flour, corn syrup and gelatin into a bowl. Mix until it becomes a slurry. Gradually add the birdseed, stirring well to combine. Now, you're ready to play!

Line a tray with wax paper. Spray each cookie cutter with the non-stick spray. With one hand, hold a cookie cutter in place. With the other hand fill the cutter with birdseed all the way to the brim. Smooth the top. Carefully insert a section of straw to form the hole for your ribbon to attach. Leave the straw in place while the ornament is drying. Gently remove the cutter. 

Let the ornament dry overnight for best results. Once dry, remove the straw and attach the ribbon or twine of your choice. Viola! 

These make wonderful Christmas gifts for friends, family and teachers. They also make a sweet decoration for your yard and help feed the birds over winter. In addition, these would be adorable made for Easter or any other holiday. Get creative with a variety of cookie cutters and molds!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

The Sparkle Box :: A Holiday Tradition in Giving



Are you looking for a new tradition this Christmas to begin with your family? Is your child old enough to begin to understand the meaning of Christmas and are you ready to reinforce this idea through actions? Are you seeking less commercialism during this special time of year?  Have you heard about The Sparkle Box?

Created and written by Jill Hardie, The Sparkle Box is not only a story, but also a family tradition. Eight years ago, the Hardie’s were looking for a better way to celebrate the season of Christ with their children. In doing so, they developed a Sparkle Box – a glittery box filled with gifts (actions completed by family members to honor the true meaning of the holiday) to Jesus and placed under the tree to be opened on his birthday, Christmas day. 

The Sparkle Box opens with a lovely dedication by Hardie – “Dear reader, you are the light of the world. Make it sparkle.” I absolutely adore this quote because it rings so true for me. As an avid community volunteer, I strongly urge my children to help when and where they can, as we are all capable of shining our light. 




The story begins with a young boy, named Sam, giddy about the coming holidays. He peeps through a through a toy store window admiring a train engine. Later in the evening, he notices a special sparkly box on the mantle and asks if it is for him. His mother replies that it is a special gift to be opened later.  Throughout the majority of the story, Sam and his family are engaged in helpful tasks – donating food and blankets to those in need in their community, helping fund a well in Africa for clean water and even giving mittens to the homeless. After each day, Sam inquires about the Sparkle Box and if it has been filled yet. His parents tell him they have added something new each time, but that it is not filled yet. 

On Christmas morning, Sam is allowed to open the Sparkle Box. He doesn’t find the newest gadget or the train engine inside, but finds little slips of paper instead. Each piece of paper records the good deeds the family has performed over the holiday season. Sam’s parents explain how each of these actions were actually a gift for Jesus. 

Beautifully written and illustrated, The Sparkle Box is not only a lovely children’s story about the true meaning of Christmas, but also a wonderful and encouraging tradition for families. I loved the idea of reviewing our actions of kindness on Christmas morning, further cementing the importance of Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply: ‘Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” 

Included with the book is a Sparkle Box for families to use or they are encouraged to create their own. For more information please visit the author’s website.

__________________________


Jill Hardie is a writer and marketing professional with a great deal of enthusiasm for the Sparkle Box concept; her family enjoys this tradition yearly. Jill, her husband and their two children live in North Canton, Ohio. 


Illustrator Christine Kornacki was classically trained as a realistic oil painter. Inspired by painters such as Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish, her illustrations are rich and full of emotion. 

{Disclaimer: I received this product for free from PR by the Book for review.}

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Revamping the Holidays :: Memories in the Making



 
I sometimes feel that holidays can become rather obnoxious with mundane undertones and silent negativity. We allow stress to overshadow these special occasions which in turn can put a damper on times that should be joyfully spent with loved ones and friends. We take these times for granted and keep expectations higher than they should be.

Why do we allow these things to steal our joy? I enjoy our family; my family enjoys our family. Simply put, I think the real problem with holiday gatherings can be found in the lack of new memories being made and the routineness we face yearly.

Does your Thanksgiving sounds similar to this?

The week before the big day, you sit down and plan out the feast of feasts which no mortal family could possibly consume in one setting, less alone three. Two to three days prior to the event, you make your shopping list, head to store, delegate family members to help circumnavigate everyone else in the store doing the exact same thing only to realize, your a day short on the last can of cranberry sauce.

On Turkey Day, you wake up earlier than you have all year to baste the bird, start the dressing (especially if you live in the South) and proceed with your marathon cooking spree while family members arrive (bringing more food) talking about Black Friday sales, the weather and how last year's aspic was prettier. Just so you know, I don't really make aspics!

After a lunch you were barely hungry for, the guys gather to watch the game, the ladies talk/gossip/yak about the kids, sales, getting ready for Christmas, etc...you know, what us ladies talk about! And then, in about five to six hours, we eat again....

{Now, before I go any further, I want to make it very clear that I really enjoy cooking, talking, planning Christmas, and a slew of other things that I do with my family. But sometimes, change can be a lot of fun.}

Every year, our Thanksgiving goes pretty much the same way. Some years, we spend it with different family members or at different locales, but it really is very similar. And, holidays shouldn't just be routine. They are our special times, our several chances a year to gather as a family and enjoy one another. So, why not change it up every once and a while???

How can you do that, you ask? Get creative!

One of my favorite shows as a child was A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving - why not have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving themed day? Don't bother with the turkey and gravy - let the kids prep lunch for a change! I don't know any child who would turn down the opportunity to devour jelly beans, pretzels, popcorn, buttered toast and ice cream sundaes. I know for a fact, this would be one Thanksgiving for scrapbook!

Break out some new games - families that play together, stay together! You don't have to use the old standbys like Monopoly or Clue, unless you just want too. Head to your local specialty toy store for unique games no one has played before. Or, visit the library and check out a book on children's games. You'll find several great games to play outside, including King of the Mountain and Red Rover. Disc golf makes for another great family outing after lunch.

My brother-in-law suggested renting a bounce house and making gourmet Panini's this year. Can I just say, that I LOVE this idea! How fun and easy and unique - definitely new memories being made.

It's easy to change up a traditional holiday and still enjoy the family time. Be sure to let everybody know a couple of days in advance of your plans, to encourage maximum participation and to build excitement. Remember, creativity is key and really, the sky is the limit when reinventing your family gatherings!

How have you change the way your family celebrates not only Thanksgiving, but also other holidays?

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Fall Cleaning 101 :: Don't Neglect the Patio


Each Spring, homemakers across the country begin in the yearly ritual of Spring Cleaning. We break out our mops and dust clothes in an effort to ready our homes for the warmer weather. However, did you know, we need to do the same type of cleaning in the Fall?

Fall Cleaning is not as arduous as it's Springtime counterpart (thank goodness!), but it is necessary to ensure our homes are ready for the season and holidays.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will remind everyone of tasks they can do each day to accomplish their Fall Cleaning; thus, making the season a little less hectic.

Fall Cleaning Tip #4:

Clean patios, foyers, and any other outdoor surfaces.  Make sure to wash off patio furniture; this is also a great time to change over your Spring themed cushions for seasonal printed cushions. If you don't plan on using your outdoor patio furniture, now is the time to store furniture cushions.

By properly caring for your outdoor furniture, you are sure to prolong their usage life and provide a nice clean and welcoming area for your home during the holidays.

Be on the lookout for fire pit sales at your local hardware stores. One of our family's favorite times during the Fall is snuggling up in front of nice fire.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Giveaway :: Enter to win a copy of The Prodigals by Clark Rich Burbidge


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Giveaway ends on 11/21/2013!

Fall Cleaning 101 :: Gut Check!


Each Spring, homemakers across the country begin in the yearly ritual of Spring Cleaning. We break out our mops and dust clothes in an effort to ready our homes for the warmer weather. However, did you know, we need to do the same type of cleaning in the Fall?

Fall Cleaning is not as arduous as it's Springtime counterpart (thank goodness!), but it is necessary to ensure our homes are ready for the season and holidays.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will remind everyone of tasks they can do each day to accomplish their Fall Cleaning; thus, making the season a little less hectic.

Fall Cleaning Tip #5:

This is the perfect time of year to clean out your gutters and sweep off the roof. Be very careful when performing these duties. Make sure you have a good ladder, gloves, a trash bag and someone to assist you, especially if you have a problem.

If you plan on hanging lights for Christmas, why not make the most of your time and go ahead and attach the light hooks to your gutters. I'm always a fan of multi-tasking, plus, your significant other will thank you!

The Review Is In :: The Prodogals - Giants in the Land by Clark Rich Burbidge

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Award winning author, Clark Burbidge, returns with another superb piece of juvenile fiction in the form of his second novel - The Prodigals - of The Giants of the Land series. This novel is also illustrated by Karl C. Hepworth.

During Burbidge's first novel, The Way Things Were, our hero, Thomas, overcomes trials as he travels the unknown lands seeking out the town's missing giant friends. Along the way, Thomas learns that no matter how small we may be, we all have the capacity to be giants so long as we live like them, as a giant's heart is measured by his deeds for others.

In The Prodigals, our hero, Thomas, once again finds himself facing a threat not only to his land, but to his very way of life. This time, however, Thomas is much older and wiser, as well as the Land's Forest Ward. He has two grandchildren, Tommy and Rose, who unknowingly will become the saviors of the land.

Throughout the land, raiders have begun attacking towns and taking whatever they please, including people. Tommy's sister, Rose, is taken captive during one such raid by a man named Big John to be pressed into slavery. Tommy is eager to save his sister and in turn save the land. But, he cannot do it alone and must call upon his grandfather, Thomas, his giant friend, Earthwatcher, and a lost band of prodigals. Together, they can move mountains.

Excerpt: My mother is a wise and beautiful woman, so perhaps you are partly right. She taught me that we cannot runaway from who we are becoming. We carry it with us. What I carry is something worth having. You act like you carry nothing. I don't believe it. Surely in the past you have felt hope born of mercy. I sense in you a spark of hope that may still help you become something of greater worth...(Rose to Big John)

What I love most about Burbidge's juvenile novels is that they are clean and pure and very different from the majority of literature for this age range. I often have to review books my boys bring home from the library and several times say, "I'm sorry, but you can't read this as it is inappropriate." I definitely do not have to do this with Burbidge's books.

My eldest son (7th grader) recently read this novel and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He felt the novel was a toned down version of Ranger's Apprentice and Robin Hood.

I'd personally recommend this book for sixth graders and above. 

Included in this book was an illustrated map of the land, as well as a sneak peek of book three in the series.

Clark Burbidge's next novel out is book three of Giants of the Land series. It will be titled The Cavern of Promise. You can keep up with the Giants here.

 {I was provided a copy of this novel to review by the publishing house: PR by the Book, LLC.}

Monday, November 11, 2013

Fall Cleaning 101 :: Tackle the Craft Closet or Bins!


Each Spring, homemakers across the country begin in the yearly ritual of Spring Cleaning. We break out our mops and dust clothes in an effort to ready our homes for the warmer weather. However, did you know, we need to do the same type of cleaning in the Fall?
Fall Cleaning is not as arduous as it's Springtime counterpart (thank goodness!), but it is necessary to ensure our homes are ready for the season and holidays.
This past weekend, I was able to complete many of my Fall Cleaning goals, but I still have a few to finish. Over the next couple of weeks, I will remind everyone of tasks they can do each day to accomplish their Fall Cleaning; thus, making the season a little less hectic.
 
Fall Cleaning Task #6:
 
If you have a craft closet or bin, this is definitely another area that needs to be inventoried, cleaned and regularly updated, especially before the holidays.
 
Be sure to check your craft stock and make note of what items need to be replaced or purchased. In addition, spruce up your cabinet with baskets, jars and baggies in order to keep it better organized.
 
Include some fall seasonal crafts for the children to work on as they finish with school and are needing something to do during their time off.
 
It is important to purchase items you will need early as some stores will sell out of the most regularly used items. For instance, last year, glue sticks were in high demand. I ended up looking at three different stores before I finally found a package.
 
If you plan on using natural elements, send the kids outside to gather them sooner than later! They may be in short supply and the weather may be a little cooler than usual.

Fall Cleaning 101 :: Rotate, rotate, rotate!!!

 
 
Each Spring, homemakers across the country begin in the yearly ritual of Spring Cleaning. We break out our mops and dust clothes in an effort to ready our homes for the warmer weather. However, did you know, we need to do the same type of cleaning in the Fall?
Fall Cleaning is not as arduous as it's Springtime counterpart (thank goodness!), but it is necessary to ensure our homes are ready for the season and holidays.
This past weekend, I was able to complete many of my Fall Cleaning goals, but I still have a few to finish. Over the next couple of weeks, I will remind everyone of tasks they can do each day to accomplish their Fall Cleaning; thus, making the season a little less hectic.
Fall Cleaning Task #2:
 
Launder or dry clean blankets, duvets and bedding. Rotate your wardrobe and donate/sale those items you no longer wear or need.
 
My boys often get lovely new clothes for Christmas or due to amazing retail sales, so I really like to know what they are needing prior to making purchases. By  having my family's current sizes on hand or a need-list, (in my Household Management Notebook) shopping sales becomes easier. 

Fall Cleaning Task #3:

Rotate your mattresses. This is also a good time to vacuum mattresses. Store laundered warm-weather bedding;  and update beds with cool-weather bedding.

By taking care of these items now, you won't find yourself searching last minute for blankets on those extra chilly nights! Plus, when guests come to visit throughout the season, you'll be ready.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Giving Back this Season :: Locally, Nationally or Globally Making a Difference

 

This year, why not make a big impact in someone else's life? There are many ways you or your family can shine a light this season locally, nationally or even globally.

Every year, the boys and I help in some facet of our community. By doing so, I hope to instill a lifelong understanding that helping others in not only Godly, but also an important component of human nature. To watch those in need, when at one time, our family has been in their shoes, is something intolerable. To know the kindness of strangers who helped us our first year in California, is a blessing. To reciprocate that, is yet, another blessing.  


This year, I've worked with The Toy Place and Ellis Home & Garden of Longview to set up a giving tree for Buckner Family Services' a Buckner Family Christmas program. In doing so, individuals in East Texas can visit either location and pick a tag from our trees, shop at The Toy Place for gifts, and leave them there for wrapping and delivery to Buckner by December 11th. If families would rather make a monetary donation for toys, they can call The Toy Place and they will gladly assist you over the phone. (The Toy Place 112 Johnston St, Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-8741, Ellis Home & Garden3110 N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75605(903) 663-9111 )


I am honored to be a part of this wonderful program and excited two of my favorite stores want to support such a fantastic community driven organization and the families they represent.



In addition, my Junior Master Gardener program will be holding a Fall Can Food Drive to assist one of city's most revered ladies, Mrs. Horaney, with her annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. If you are interested in starting a food drive at your work for the JMG to collect and deliver to the master drive, please let me know and I will provide you with a box and signage. We will collect our food drive items until November 22nd and then deliver to the Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 25th.

If you don't live close by for our food drive, there are still ways to help. You could partner with a food drive in your area by collecting canned goods and non-perishables or you could volunteer your time to help sort and organize all the donations. If you would prefer a more personal way to help, contact your local food kitchen. Those is need would love to see a smiling face!

Go Boxes
 

On a much larger scale, one of my favorite ministries, Samaritan's Purse, has a wonderful opportunity for your children to serve other children through Operation Christmas Child. Help your children bless their peers this year by packing a shoebox filled with goodies they, themselves, love.  All child-friendly and toy-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child are due nationally the week of November 18th - 25th. You can, however, visit your local Lifeway Store and check for their delivery date. The Longview store is accepting shoe boxes on November 16th.

These are just a few ways to help others this season. In December, I will be sharing another frugal way to reach out and lend a helping hand.



Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Fall Cleaning 101 :: Let's Tackle the Pantry!

 
Each Spring, homemakers across the country begin in the yearly ritual of Spring Cleaning. We break out our mops and dust clothes in an effort to ready our homes for the warmer weather. However, did you know, we need to do the same type of cleaning in the Fall?

Fall Cleaning is not as arduous as it's Springtime counterpart (thank goodness!), but it is necessary to ensure our homes are ready for the season and holidays.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will remind everyone of tasks they can do each day to accomplish their Fall Cleaning; thus, making the season a little less hectic.

Fall Cleaning Task #1: Organize your pantry! Throw out what's old, donate items (still in date) you won't use and get ready for Holiday cooking! Only 3 weeks until Thanksgiving (for those readers in the US!) and not too much longer until Christmas baking for family and friends.

By getting your pantry organized prior to the fantastic holiday food sales, you'll know what you still need for your kitchen. As an added bonus, you won't end up with 5 extra cans of condensed milk because you will know exactly what you have on hand!

To better help organize your pantry, consider grouping items together you know you will be using for certain meals or Thanksgiving. Adding a basket to your pantry helps keep these items together.

And while you're at it - don't forget to clean out and inventory your spice rack! You'll thank me later!

What are some of your favorite organizing tips for the pantry?