Good Manners for the Holidays in Four Easy Steps (Prep your kids with games that ACTUALLY work)

‘Tis the season for giving, being grateful and holiday gatherings. Are your kids ready? Does your child know how to accept a gift gracefully? How to be a great host or guest? Write a kind thank-you note? Or do you sometimes feel as if you go to a family gathering with your fingers crossed – “Please let my child behave today”? We all have those moments when our children embarrass us by not behaving properly. The possibilities of what can happen at a holiday gathering are endless! The best way to try to relax and enjoy the festivities is to offer your kids a pre-holiday refresher 101 course on being a good host and guest. Don’t fear. Help is here! Prep your kids with these four game-changing rules to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Play these simple games to equip your kids … [Read more...]

16 Fall Containers for Gorgeous Porch Decor

Fall is the time many of us enjoy getting outdoors again, as summer heat gives way to more comfortable temperatures. Plus with fall inspiring so many gorgeous colors, it's the perfect time to redo your porch containers. These beautiful fall containers will give you plenty of inspirations as you consider how to decorate your porch for the autumn. 1. Tall Wooden Box 2. Knock Out Basket Container Garden 3. Dress up  Boring Wooden Container With an Upscale Tiled Container by Untrained Housewife 4. Elevated Autumn Urn 5. Singletons Flowering Kale 6. Pumpkin Surprise 7. Make an Accent 8. Easy and Festive 9. Tall and Slender [sc:adsense ] 10. Bountiful Birdbath 11. Topsy Turvy Planter by Cottage at the Crossroads 12. Mix … [Read more...]

Skillet S’mores Mini Dessert Recipe

When you can't swing a bonfire or face the mess of traditional s'mores, these skillet s'mores are the perfectly portioned desserts. Whether you want to make them during the middle of the heat of summer or in the dead of winter, this mini dessert is easy to whip up and will satisfy those cravings. Use the graham crackers to dip into the marshmallows and melted chocolate. This gives you all the S'mores yumminess with the chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers together, without a bonfire! Brilliant! Mini Skillet S'mores from From Brazil To You Ingredients 60% cacao chocolate chips marshmallows low-fat honey graham crackers [sc:adsense ] How-To In an oven safe container (I used mini skillets), line the bottom with chocolate chips. Broil in the oven until … [Read more...]

DIY Halloween Costumes for the Entire Family

Halloween is one of my most favorite times of year. There's something about the cooler weather, the over-abundance of candy {mmm...Reese's!}, and the adorable kiddos dressed in Halloween costumes. When my kids were younger I dressed them in theme. The first year my two boys were Batman and Robin. The following year they were Captain Hook and Peter Pan. When we had our third son they all dressed as Star Wars characters, Darth Vader, a Storm Trooper and the baby was Yoda. Once my oldest son formed his own opinion, I lost my say-so in who wore what. And, that's okay, I guess. We all still have fun deciding on who or what they'll all dress-up as. Some years, they choose something that really makes me put on my thinking cap and get down and dirty with the glue gun. Other years, it's as easy as … [Read more...]

15 Unusual and Gorgeous Wreaths for Your Autumn Door

Who says wreaths are just for the winter holidays? Here are 15 wreaths sure to inspire your creativity as you look for ways to decorate your home for autumn. Acorn Wreath This acorn wreath is gorgeous and takes advantage of something so simple, you may even find them in your yard. For a full tutorial visit Acorn Wreath Tutorial. Felted Flower Wreath How gorgeous do these fall colors look against the blue door? Source: Little Things Bring Big Smiles Glitter Leaf Wreath Perhaps you need some sparkle this fall. This glitter leaf wreath will add some shine to your entryway. Find the tutorial at Homemade by Jill Corn Wreath Indian corn is appearing at craft stores and farmers markets. This gorgeous wreath should come together quickly. Source: Midwest Living Corn Husk … [Read more...]

29 DIY Halloween Crafts and Decor

It’s that time of year...football games, fall festivals and of course, Halloween. We've got 29 crafts and DIY projects to keep you and your little goblins busy. DIY Drilled Pumpkin Drilling a pumpkin... an idea I wish I had thought of first, brilliantly executed on Curbly. Halloween Countdown This Halloween Countdown is a little more involved than some of the other crafts featured here, but it’s a statement piece for your front porch (or living room) that is worth your time investment. Thank you, I Heart Naptime! Chalkboard Paint Mason Jar Labels I am in love with mason jars - there are just so many great uses for them! Try out these mason jars with chalkboard paint labels from Untrained Housewife for your Halloween party or just for a great … [Read more...]