How Snowflakes Form: Homeschool Lesson Plan

Like it or not, it's the beginning of winter.  Some of us have snow and others don't.  Snowflakes are one of the tiniest miracles and a perfect opportunity to introduce science into your lesson plan.  Everyone knows that each snowflake is different, but do you know how they are made?  Here are some ideas for your homeschool lesson plan. Books About Snowflakes Kenneth Libbrecht has numerous books about snowflakes and their beauty.  I highly recommend The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art and Science of Snowflakes  and Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes. Image credit and link sources: Amazon  These books easily explain the formation of ice crystals into snowflakes, not to mention they are full of beautiful images.  The books will even help you learn which … [Read more...]

Winter Wedding Reception Drink and Food

Snowflakes, twinkle lights, lace, and evergreen garland all come to mind when I begin to think of a winter wedding. But more importantly what comes to mind are the flavors that accompany the winter season. Thoughts of mint, cocoa, butterscotch, pumpkin, and sugared cranberries are whirling through my mind at this very minute. Embrace these flavors at your wedding and add a few personal touches to keep your guests oohing and ahhing all night long. Welcome As your guests arrive, welcome them in from the cold with a Hot Chocolate Bar. Hot Chocolate can be made alcoholic by adding vanilla vodka or crème de la mint or as a traditional non-alcoholic drink. Offer add- ins such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and mint stir sticks displayed in beautiful glass jars. Some Great Homemade Hot … [Read more...]

5 Decadent Winter Desserts

The snow is falling, the fire is crackling and you're snuggled under your quilt wondering what to make for the book club meeting. Not just any dessert will do for these girls; you need decadence and frill. From finger foods to oh-so-smashing cakes these wintertime desserts will impress your guests! 1. White Chocolate Snowdrift Cake - BHG.com Even the name begs for another slice. A marbled cake with a cream cheese, whipping cream, and white chocolate frosting garnished with candied cranberries? Melt in your mouth snowy goodness. 2. Winter Fruit Crockpot Crisp - Steph's Bite by Bite Drag out your crockpot, girls, and use up that winter crop of apples and pears! I really like that this recipe doesn't take up extra space in the oven, making it the perfect winter dessert for those evenings … [Read more...]

Get Cozy with Starbucks Hot Cocoa Keurig K-Cups

(Sponsored) This post was sponsored by Starbucks as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review. Living in Florida, it honestly doesn't get too terribly cold here. I know you all in the north get super low temps, and you'll  probably laugh when I tell you what "cold" is to me. Yesterday we woke up to a frigid 40 degrees, and it didn't get any warmer than 65 degrees all day. When it's that cold in Florida you'll see everyone in scarves, down jackets and fur-lined boots. Folks who have retired from the north, or who didn't grow up here, will probably be wearing shorts and flip flops in our "cold" weather. I'm not kidding. On days like this my kids enjoy coming home from school and fixing a nice … [Read more...]

Winter Photography Ideas

Now that the excitement of the holidays is over, many of us are settling in for a long winter's nap. Cold temperatures, early sunsets and adverse weather conditions make most of us want to bundle up and stay inside until spring arrives. But just because we are in the thick of winter doesn't mean that you have to stop taking photos and working on your photography! Here are five winter photography ideas to get you through the rest of the season. Icicles and Snowflakes - Embrace the season and photograph two of the more beautiful aspects of winter - icicles and snowflakes! If the sun is shining you can get some amazing photos of icicles (check out more inspiration here) and use the macro setting on your camera to get close ups of snowflakes. Just make sure you bundle up before heading … [Read more...]

6 Winter Red Tablescapes

Winter can be a gray and dreary season and there's nothing like a big splash of vibrant red to bring a winter tablescape to life! Whether it's a Valentine's Day tea party, a winter wedding or a romantic dinner for two these winter red tablescapes will evoke feelings of romance and elegance. This Aspen Welcome Party is inspirational! I love the warmth of the twine and linen paired with the bright red tin cups and flowers. The red border on the tablecloth pulls it all together for this romantic western table setting featured on Style Me Pretty. If you're looking for a classic table setting that will impress your dinner guests, Got My Reservations' A Nice Italian Red is sure to set warm up the room. Serve up a scruption lazagna and finish off the evening with a homemade tiramasu and … [Read more...]