We recently looked at some good ways to green your holidays this year. However, we didn’t look at one of the most eco-friendly actions you can take – homemade gifts. Homemade eco-friendly gifts cut down on new materials (if you go with recycled ideas), are fun, cost less, and can be as eco-friendly as you like since you decide what goes into the gift. The problem with most homemade holiday gifts is they look homemade though. That said, there are plenty of options that look good and would make a great gift even for a picky, “I’m a snot about …read more

If you are anything like me, you love to have candles all over the house. I don’t always have them lit up; I just like the way they look and the feel that they give to a room. For this project you can use a regular pillar candle, it doesn’t have to be white. It can be any color you choose.
Here is what you will need to get started:

A white pillar candle (again, you can use any color – I used white)
A thanksgiving paper napkin with images
Modge Podge or white glue thinned out with water
Sharp, fine pointed scissors
A paint brush
Rubbing …read more

Columbus Day was a fun fall holiday from school when I was a child. 
 Nowadays, it’s not always celebrated on the exact day, but usually spans a weekend.  This year, the Monday holiday is October 12.
In New Hampshire, where I live, this is the height of the foliage season, when the leaves are at their most colorful somewhere in the state.  So we’re visited by many travelers who enjoy this season, too.
It’s a weekend for festivals, travel, visits to relatives, barbecues and fun.  It’s pumpkin time and apple picking, too.
How are you recognizing Columbus Day…in school and at home?  Are they learning …read more

With the Fourth of July just over a week away, it’s time to start putting together a menu plan for those who are going to be getting together for more than just firework-watching! What barbecue/picnic/get-together is complete without some cool, refreshing drinks?

Whether you’re wanting to keep things non-alcoholic or plan to imbibe over the holiday weekend, you can still keep a festive theme going with tons of summery, delicious drinks. (Just remember that anyone drinking the harder stuff should not be the ones setting off the fireworks!)
Firecrackers
from sofakingdrunk.com
1 1/2 oz Tequila
Cracked ice
Tonic water
Lime wedge
Pour tequila over the ice in a …read more

Even though Memorial Day is celebrated today, instead of on the actual date of May 30, we’ll still see many parades, patriotic celebrations and family gatherings.  Young and old will be watching if they’re not marching.  Some towns hold other festivities and recognition of the men and women who have fought to keep our country free.
When I was a youngster, veterans’ service to our country was well recognized and not criticized as we appreciated being free.  I lived during the years of World War II and knew about black-outs, bomb scares, rationing, scarcity of food, aluminum drives and everyone working together to support the military.
Then …read more

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day.
Thank goodness I don’t have any fallen soldiers to remember.
I have lots of veterans though.
My dad recently retired after 30 years in the Air Force and Utah Air National Guard. (Yeah, I’m a total military brat.)
My sister-in-law served 5 years in the Army and is still, knock-on-wood, subject to recall. (End the war quickly, she just had a baby!)
My grandfather served in World War II.
Thanks so all of our soldiers. Hope your weekend has been fabulous.