Creating A Winter Wonderland: Outdoor Holiday Lighting Tips

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's the perfect time to start creating a magical wonderland in your outdoor space with some cozy holiday lights! With summery patio furniture put away and bags of fallen leaves just waiting to be swept off driveways, now is the ideal moment for homeowners to start getting creative with their outdoor holiday décor.

Creating A Winter Wonderland: Outdoor Holiday Lighting Tips


Whether you're simply replacing existing lighting fixtures or planning an elaborate display, these helpful tips will help you create a winter wonderland that will light up your home and neighborhood this festive season.

Grandparent's Day Craft Free Printable

 I am happy as can BEE because the best Grandparents belong to me! I was searching for an easy printable craft to make with my 2k preschoolers for Grandparents Day. I found some on Esty, but they either had spelling errors or they weren't at the price point that I thought was fair to other teachers, especially private school preschool teachers. Since I am pretty handy at making printables, I thought I would give it a shot. A free bee image later and here is what I came up with. ENJOY!


Grandparent's Day Craft Free Printable

Staying Organized with Name Bubbles This Holiday Season

This post is sponsored by Name Bubbles and contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

I love decorating my home top to bottom each year. But I hate the cleanup. Having a place for everything and everything in its place makes the process easier whether we are getting it out or putting all the decorations away. So started utilizing an organization system for my Christmas decorations a few years ago. I noticed that if I didn't put things away correctly that they would end up messed up or broken. Some of my decorations mean so much to me so I want to take special care of them.

 
organizing the holiday decorations



Before anything else, in order to keep your holiday decorations organized is making sure everything is properly labeled. Finding the right label is key. Name Bubbles Write-On Labels are reusable, writeable, and waterproof and are here to keep you organized. The best part is they can used for years and years to come.

Make Six Flags Holiday in The Park Part of Your Traditions

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia continues their tradition! We went this past Saturday for the opening night to enjoy all the festive classics like lights, sweet treats, and more!




Make merry memories with over a million twinkling lights, festive foods, and your favorite thrilling rides. From coasters to cocoa, it’s a holiday spectacular for the whole family. Holiday in the Park is a dazzling winter spectacular featuring the sights and sounds of the holiday season with millions of twinkling lights and seasonal music favorites!

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Must Haves

Traditional Thanksgiving dinner must haves are what make the holiday feel like home. Some people like to shake up some of their traditions or even put a twist on old favorites. Sticking to the traditional must haves reminds me of family even if they are no longer with us, so that's why I like to have the staples. The holiday of Thanksgiving originated from the Wampanoag tribe's philosophy of selflessness.



THE GRINCH is stealing Christmas in Atlanta! Broadway's #1 Holiday Hit at The Fox Theatre!

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is proud to present the Atlanta return engagement of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical for ten performances at the Fox Theatre from Dec. 7 to Dec. 12 as part of the 40th Anniversary Season. Hailed by The New York Times as "100 times better than any bedtime story," this classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike. My kids had such a great time and I'm so grateful that they finally had the opportunity to experience the Fox Theatre.




Tickets are on sale now, starting at $40, by visiting FoxTheatre.org/TheGrinch. To celebrate Broadway in Atlanta’s 40-year anniversary season, a select number of $40 tickets will be sold for each performance.

THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. More than 2.1 million theatergoers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which the Gannett papers hailed as "A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults."

Hosting the Holidays Essentials

Hosting the Holidays Essentials


This year is a little different than last year. Events are opening up and we are enjoy more get togethers. This is such an exciting time. Are you planning on hosting a get together for Thanksgiving or Christmas or some other holiday event this year? I have compiled my essentials including decorating, houseware, and kitchen items that will have your home ready to host the holidays this season!

Easy Homemade Ornaments Perfect for Kid Parties

These Rae Dunn or Frozen 2 inspired homemade ornament craft for kids were created with products received from Oriental Trading. Although complimentary products were received, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

If you have been following me since 2014, then you know that I have enjoyed collaborating with Oriental Trading off and on even though I have been a huge fan of theirs for years. I love the variety of products they provide whether it is birthday decorations, educational toys, costumes for the entire family, or crafting supplies. They even have home décor that you can check out as well.


DIY Rae Dunn or Frozen 2 inspired ornaments



My daughter celebrated her 9th birthday today and we held a slumber party over the weekend. While thinking of activities to include, I decided on having the children make homemade ornaments. I didn't want anything too involved or messy, so we settled on these Rae Dunn or Frozen 2 inspired ornaments. The writing reminds me of Rae Dunn collection pieces while the inside reminds me of Frozen 2. I loved the idea of making ornaments for a winter slumber party because it was a great activity plus they got a little party favor to take home.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Lazy Parents

If you are new to Elf on the Shelf or considering it for the first time, this list may or may not be for you. I was forced into the tradition of Elf on the Shelf. My mother-in-law gifted us the little creature when my daughter wasn't quite three years old. It was annoying to deal with as it was just another thing for us to deal with during the holidays aka our busiest time of year. Then my son was born and became mobile, so I realized I was gifted this wonderful incentive to help him behave because no child wants to send a bad report to Santa himself aka the big guy.


Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Lazy Parents


My husband and I tend to forget to move our elf so we tell our kids "Annie (or elf) must really like that spot". But unfortunately, we can't do this for 25 straight days. So, I have created the Elf on the Shelf ideas for Lazy Parents who are like me and don’t like messy are super involved mischiefs for their elves to get up to.

Get Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Ready + Giveaway

My friends have been getting together more frequently during the holidays. It can still be hard to get everyone together especially since most of us are married with children, but we still feel it is important to spend time together. This year we did our first Thanksgiving and for the past few years we have been getting together for a Christmas/New Years shindig. This year, I suggestion we do an Ugly Christmas Sweater party because honestly? Themed parties are so MUCH FUN!


I personally love the variety to choose from at UglyChristmasSweater.com. Whatever you like, they have something for you. Rick and Morty, a variety of Disney, plenty of different Christmas movies, etc. Plus they have onesies, leggings, and more on top of sweater options. They even have ones that light too.

How To Keep The Kids Calm In The Build Up To Christmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year as the song says, it is also very, very exciting for children. Perhaps a little too exciting and as the Christmas decorations go up in the town so early these days, the supermarket shelves are full of Christmas it can seem a long time for children to wait for Christmas Day. However, it doesn't have to be, this can all be part of the fun of preparing for Christmas, so how can you do that without your child expecting it always to be Christmas tomorrow?


Image by candice_rose from Pixabay


DIY Winter Princess Holiday Wreath

I use to love different crafts projects and I still do, but I am one of those people that has to be in the mood and it isn't an everyday occurrence. Once I start a project, I like to finish it so finding the time is key for me. That's why I tend to lean towards easy projects, like this DIY Winter Princess Holiday Wreath. It is perfect for winter, Christmas, or a winter birthday theme. And it was VERY easy to make. I was sent a ton of items from Oriental Trading to provide this craft. All opinions are my own.


DIY Winter Princess Holiday Wreath



What my favorite part about this craft is that you can use different color tulle and make what ever kind of wreath you wanted! Red, White, and Blue for Independence Day. Red and Green for Christmas. Black and Orange for Halloween! It's seriously so versatile. I love easy, peasy home décor ideas and wreaths are a perfect way to keep your home festive.

Perfect Toy Gift Ideas for Girls

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This list says gift ideas for girls, but I personally you can buy whatever a child wants for them. If they like it, then buy it. This list is for those aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., who simply have no clue what to give the child in their life. These are some hot toy items for all ages. I have separate each in to their own age category for your easy viewing. I do suggest paying attention to age requirements when making a gift purchase for a child.

Getting Ahead For The Christmas Period: Here’s What You Can Do

You may be thinking that discussing Christmas right now is a little too soon, but in all fairness, the way the year has gone it is soon going to be coming around once more. The issue many people find with occasions such as Christmas is the fact it can sneak up on you. Christmas costs and there is no escaping that, and even if you vow to try and take it easy each year their are gifts you might want to buy, decorating your home and that amazing feast we all look forward to on Christmas Day itself. But the problem many face is the lack of preparation for the holiday season. With that in mind, it seems the perfect time to suggest some of the ways you can begin preparing right now, to ensure you have a fabulous Christmas this year.

Enjoy the Season with "The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection" + Giveaway

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

Invite the magic of Christmas into your home this winter with The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection. This spellbinding Christmas storybook and dazzling tree ornament set will inspire new traditions and pull readers, both young and old, into a world of holiday splendor. The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection includes an heirloom quality case bound hardback book, an ornament just like the one in the story, and a beautiful decorative package, perfect for making the gift of Christmas a lasting memory.




On Christmas Eve, Victoria’s father gathers her and her brothers, Joseph and John, around the fireplace to tell the story of a very special ornament that has hung on their tree for as long as they can remember. Their father found the ornament in a mysterious tree one snowy evening when he was seven years old, and brought it home. After hearing the story and going to bed, Victoria, Joseph, and John sneak back downstairs, and discover the ornament has magical powers! It whisks them away to the happiest place on Earth: Santa’s workshop!

Tips to Throw the Perfect Egg Hunt

Thank you Finders Keepers™ for sponsoring this post. Finders Keepers™ are milk chocolate candy eggs that come with a surprise toy in every box. You can try to collect them all!


My family hosts a family Easter egg hunt every year. Everyone in the family is invited on mine and my husband's sides. It is an awesome celebration that brings our entire family together. I started this tradition the year my son was born. I had been wanting to make sure this was an annual tradition that combined our family and my son was only a few weeks old on his first Easter so everyone decided to come to my house so we didn't have to travel far.




The fun thing about this year is that we will have even more kids. And since all of the children are in different age groups, I have some tips to share to throw the perfect egg hunt gathering.

Awesome Easter Basket Ideas Under $5

Make sure to get those last minute Easter Basket stuffers in! I have a great list of stuffers that you can buy on Amazon if you have Prime to get them in time or you can find them in store at Walmart, Target, Kroger, and other retailers all for less than $5!


We have a huge egg hunt ever year with my husband's and I combined families. It is so much fun. We go to church that morning and then have a wonderful cook out. Sometimes we have more traditional food, but we always have a huge egg hunt that the kids enjoy. 

Here are some great Easter Basket Stuffer Ideas for Under $5:

Unicorn Easter Basket Ideas

My daughter is obsessed with unicorns and so are my nieces. So I wanted to incorporate that into a cute Easter basket idea. They also love JoJo Siwa and since she loves all things unicorn, I thought the two could go hand in hand if you are looking for some basket filler ideas! So if you're child is like mine and a little unicorn obsessed, then you'll love this Unicorn Easter Basket Tutorial and stuffer ideas.



I originally saw the idea of creating an Easter Basket Tutu from my friend Jamie who blogs at The Denver Housewife. She has done so many cute ones including a Shopkins Easter Basket. And I am all about reusing items found around the house to create new projects. I think it is more economical to do it that way, but you could very easily buy many of the items featured in Target's Dollar Spot or on Amazon like she did. I will try and link to some similar items. My mother-in-law gave me the tulle I used and I had the unicorn topper from some old party supplies. That's why I decided to recreate this look for a Unicorn theme.

Non-Candy Classroom Valentine Ideas for Kids

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. And I thought I would share some non-candy valentine ideas for kids with you all that I have found on Pinterest. There are so many different ideas and I love that they are allergy friendly too! From slime to glow sticks, bubbles to bookmarks - there is something here for everyone! And the best part is that they all come with easy, free printables to make your life super easy!

Easy Classroom Valentine Ideas for Kids


Check out these Easy Non-Candy Classroom Valentine Ideas for Kids below!

How to Make Reindeer Food {Plus FREE Printable}

We set out cookies and milk for Santa. But what about for his reindeer? Some set out carrots, but we like to make reindeer food! It is super easy to make and I also have a few tips and tricks to make it all that more magical.

Reindeer Food Recipe