Winter weather is tough on area wildlife, particularly birds. To give them a nice treat during this dreary weather, make a Pinecone Bird Feeder. All you need is a pinecone, peanut butter, and twine, yarn, or string. To begin, tie your string around the top of the pinecone. Next, pour out birdseed in a bowl that is deep enough for the pinecone to fit. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone and roll it in Read more…
Stargazing, or looking up at the stars and constellations, is a fun family activity at any time, even during the winter. It is worth the trouble of bundling up in coats, hats, scarves, and mittens to experience the crisp and clear view of the night sky while it is not obstructed by the haziness caused by summer humidity. Plus, because the Earth has rotated, different planets are visible now than during the summer. NASA’s Night Read more…
Start the new year by becoming more organized. Some great places to start include: • Organize your pantry or kitchen shelves to make mealtime preparation go faster. • Have each family member organize their clothes so that getting dressed in the morning and getting ready for bed at night go more smoothly. • Encourage everyone to lay out the things they will need for the following day. Think about things like backpacks, bags, lunches, clothes, Read more…
To turn 🍡 popsicle sticks into a crafty cup of ☕ hot chocolate: First, glue about eight craft sticks together into a square shape. You can use the colored variety or color plain popsicle sticks with crayons or markers. Next, cut an oval 🟤 out of brown paper and glue the oval to the top of the square to represent the hot chocolate. Decorate the brown oval with small white circles to mimic marshmallows. Next, Read more…
Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day this month by doing a few simple things around your house to help lower your energy bills. You can get the whole family involved – young children can be taught to do simple things like turning off lights when they leave a room. Even if they cannot reach the light switch, they can give older family members gentle reminders to turn off the lights. Other simple things that Read more…
If you didn’t get around to sending out holiday cards, don’t worry! New Year’s cards are an option for those who have too many holiday activities to get everything they want done. Sending out a quick note to say “Thinking of You” or even a long letter getting your friends and family caught up on what your family has been up to this past year is a great way to spend the first few days Read more…
Many people do not think of walking outside when the weather is colder but if you bundle up, it can be a refreshing experience. If you have young children, prompt them to talk about how differently everything looks when it is a different season. Ask them questions such as, “What looks differently now than in the summer?” or “How does the air feel on your face?”
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions this year, spend the next few days thinking of all the things that make you happy. Write each one down on a small slip of paper (or type them into a text program, such as Word) and fold each one so that you can’t see the writing. Put them in a jar, box, or other container with a lid to make a Happiness Jar (or Box). Any time you Read more…
If you didn’t have time to send out Christmas cards, send a New Year’s card. Catch up with friends and family by giving them all the best news from your family. Let your kids make the cards using paper, stickers, crayons, markers – whatever you have on hand.
Beaded candy canes are easy to make when using white and red pony beads and a pipe cleaner. Both items can be purchased inexpensively at dollar stores. Just slide each bead onto the pipe cleaner, alternating each color as you go. When you have reached the top, it can be bent over into the familiar hook shape. These crafts would make a great decoration in your home, on your tree, or to give out as Read more…
