LadyPens » Holidays

Food for Thought: Are You Stuffed This Season?

Janice Russell — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:20:01 +0000

Christmas is just around the corner, and along with bringing holiday cheer it also brings holiday “stuff.” As you look around your home does it seem inevitable that clutter will be a part of your holiday celebrations? Maybe some of the items belong to other family members, regardless has all of the stuff been around so long that it seems it has grown roots? Things without a specific home become clutter, and clutter has a way of morphing from a small pile into part of your home décor (décor that’s eye catching in a bad way!). Full Article

Celebrating Fall in a Warm Weather Climate

Tracy Roberts — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:36:38 +0000

Raising a family where the weather is usually warmer than the rest of the country can pose some challenges especially when it comes to celebrating fall or other cooler weather holidays. The leaves don’t generally change color. The weather is balmy 80 degree days on any given day and only hint of Fall exists in the chilly 60-ish mornings. There aren’t many leaves to rake and no fireplaces need stoking. Sweaters hardly see the light of day. Full Article

Gifts For Cooks Under $10

Stephanie Martin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:33:01 +0000

I love to cook and bake. My favorite place is to be in the kitchen cooking meals for my family. And I’m always looking for new gadgets or replacement utensils for my kitchen. I’m sure that there are many of you out there that also have cooks/bakers on your gift lists and you’re not sure what to buy for them, so I thought I’d give you a few ideas: Full Article

Gifts For Crocheters Under $10

Stephanie Martin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:22:28 +0000

I, myself, love to crochet, as does my oldest daughter. But, it can be a very expensive habit hobby to have. I would love it if someone were to give me a gift that would help me support my habit hobby. It’s one of those hobbies that I find very relaxing, and I can take it with me just about anywhere. So, I thought I would share with you some of the things that I would enjoy receiving as a gift that you might give the crocheter on your gift list this year. Full Article

Alternative Idea To Dressing Up For Halloween

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:25:08 +0000

Every year at this time, the stores are filled with a wide variety of assorted costumes from cute little pumpkins and lady bugs to scary witches and vampires. Growing up, I did dress up and go trick-or-treating. My husband and I took our children for a few years, but then decided that it was just not for us. We’ve never really lived in a subdivision where we knew a lot of people who were handing out candy so going door-to-door was not really an option for us. Also, I’m not a great seamstress, so trying to sew a costume was not really an option, even a simple one. So, we came up with an alternative plan that has worked really well for us and our children love it! Full Article

Tips for Making Your Holiday Dinner a Success

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:04:13 +0000

Everyone enjoys going getting together with family and friends for a big holiday meal, but sometimes the stress of preparation is almost too much to bear. But, there are just a few simple things that you can do to help reduce and/or eliminate the stress. Full Article

Christmas Toys For Boys – 3 Top Choices

Chloe Alice Wilson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:34:02 +0000

The prestigious list of the top 12 toys that the Toy Retailers Association thinks are a good buy for parents this Christmas has just been released. This article will give you a little bit of information about three of them – Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin Levin’s Action Cruiser, Gormiti Guardian Creatures from The Lords Of Nature Return and the Bladez Salvation 3D Helicopter with Flight Stick. Full Article

Thoughtful and Practical Gifts from the Heart

Tammy Paquin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:14:22 +0000

Despite recent predictions that we’re coming out of the recession, I know many people are still struggling. Holidays like Christmas where there is financial pressure to spend money on stuff makes it hard for people to find the joy in giving so instead of looking at these situations as a burden on your wallet, look at them as an opportunity to give from your heart. Full Article

Reusable Halloween Costumes

Tammy Paquin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:26:34 +0000

I have three boys and in general they all like the same costumes, so I’ve been able to reuse our costumes year after year. One year the littlest one didn’t want ANY costume! He didn’t like having to put the costume over his clothes (a common thing in our Northern climates). Well, I was determined. He was agreeable to wearing his red hat and sweatshirt, so with some felt I had on hand, I made eyes and ears for his hat and he went as Clifford, the Big Red Dog. Full Article

Low Stress Event Tips

Tammy Paquin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:09:53 +0000

Over the years, I have hosted quite a few gatherings at our home. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I didn’t enjoy them. Why you ask? I was always running around, forgetting things and just plain exhausted by the work and felt like I needed a vacation to recover from the event! I started keeping track of things that worked and didn’t work and now I’ve come to enjoy the gatherings just like everyone else. Full Article

A Fancy Holiday Dinner Party… For Kids?

Peggy Baron — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:13:01 +0000

The holidays are here and it’s time for food and fun. For a different twist, why not host a fancy holiday dinner party… for your kids and their friends? Our whole family had so much fun with this that it’s become a yearly tradition. Full Article

Kids Holiday Cookie Party

Peggy Baron — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:08:32 +0000

The holidays are upon us and we’re busy with everything from decorating the house to wrapping presents. The kitchen plays a big role during this time, and depending on your kids’ cooking skills they can play the lead or be part of the supporting cast. One fun way for your kids to get involved in the kitchen now is to have a Kidsâ€™ Cookie Exchange Party. Christmas is a good time to have this kind of party, but you can do this whenever you want. Just ask your kids, cookies are good anytime! Full Article

Cooking With Your Kids This Thanksgiving

Peggy Baron — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:44:56 +0000

Thanksgiving can be a little stressful when you have company coming and you have to cook the whole meal. Sure the company is bringing a pie and will help with the dishes and clean up, but you’ve got a whole lot of work ahead of you when you wake up on that special Thursday morning. Don’t despair and stress – rally the troops! Full Article

Fun Halloween Recipes and Ideas

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:50:21 +0000

Halloween has always been a favorite time of year for me. Not only is it my birthday, but the air is clean and crisp, the leaves have turned colors and it’s just a very pretty time of year. Full Article

Experience is Better Than an Object

Lisa Akers — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:10:44 +0000

It’s mid-December and it seems all our energies and money goes into buying the perfect gift for those special people in our lives. Some people are easy to shop for, but others are a real challenge. I know that I have been struggling with shopping for a few years now. Christmas is always the hardest. For some reason, I seem to be able to find something that works for birthdays and anniversaries. Perhaps it’s because those don’t all happen at once and in the middle of decorating, parties, and social events! Full Article

Preschool Party Games

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:06:46 +0000

Planning a birthday party for your preschooler? Party games are
a great way to keep young children entertained and engaged in the
party. Make sure every child gets a prize of some kind so child
every goes home a winner! Full Article

Enjoying Christmas with Toddlers

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:06:17 +0000

The holiday season can be stressful if we try to do too much, but
throw in a couple of toddlers and things can become very
overwhelming quickly, not to mention stressful for your kids! Full Article

Lighted Holiday Potpourri Jars

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:05:49 +0000

Lighted potpourri jars are a festive addition to any holiday decor. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and make great hostess gifts. Full Article

Canning Jar Candles

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:04:55 +0000

Canning jar candles are very easy to make, make great gifts, and are only limited by your imagination! Full Article

Keepsake Christmas Album

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:04:28 +0000

Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year as much as I do? This year I decided to try to come up with some way to preserve our Christmas cards, as well as find a way to organize all the Christmas letters I’ve been faithfully filing away for the past six years. I decided to make an album for our Christmas letters using decoupage to decorate the covers with this year’s Christmas cards. Full Article

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:04:01 +0000

It’s fun to buy stocking stuffers for teen girls. I always use this time of year as an opportunity to give them the little treats they want and/or need throughout the year but that I don’t want to spend the extra money for. Here are some items our teenage daughters will find in their Christmas stockings this year: Full Article

Writing the Perfect Christmas Letter

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:03:35 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I always look forward to receiving Christmas letters from family and friends during the holiday season. Often it is the only news you receive from some of them throughout the year. Full Article

How to Make a Tin Can Luminary

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:03:11 +0000

Tin can luminaries are a fun, easy craft project for all ages.
They are great for any holiday and only limited by your
imagination! You can transfer any simple shape onto a tin can to
create a beautiful candle holder for any occasion. Full Article

How to Make Country Christmas Ornaments

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:02:46 +0000

If you are looking for a fun Christmas craft or a quick gift
idea, these homemade country Christmas ornaments are very
easy and inexpensive to make. You probably already have most of
what you need to make them. Full Article

Keepsake Christmas Ornament Box

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:01:52 +0000

I love handmade Christmas ornaments. Throughout the years I have
collected a number of them, made by myself and several family
members. These ornaments will make great keepsakes for our
children and grandchildren. Full Article

A Christmas Ornament Tradition

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:01:01 +0000

When my husband and I got married, my mother-in-law introduced me
to one of her favorite Christmas traditions. She has five
children, and for years she has been collecting ornaments for
each of her children so that they can take their collection of
ornaments with them when they have their own families. Full Article

Mother’s Day Gift Basket Ideas

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:44:07 +0000

Mother’s Day baskets are a great way to show off your creative talents while also showing your mom, mother-in-law, grandma, or another special mom how much you care. Full Article

Four Homemade Mother’s Day Cards to Make

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:43:37 +0000

There is nothing as special or personal as a homemade Mother’s
Day card. Surprise your friends and family with your handmade
creations. Here are some ideas to get you started. Full Article

Four Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards to Make

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:12:19 +0000

There is nothing as special or personal as a homemade Valentine’s
Day card. Surprise your friends and family with your handmade
creations. Here are some ideas to get you started. The link at
the end of the article shows photographs of the finished cards. Full Article

Fun with Foamies Valentine’s Day Cards

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:11:45 +0000

Foamies have become very popular during the past couple of years.
You can find them in all shapes and sizes and for almost every
holiday. They are great for children’s craft projects, but
anyone can use them to make easy, creative greeting cards. I
found a big tub of Valentine’s Day foamies at Walmart for just a
couple of dollars, so I decided to try my hand at making homemade
Valentine’s Day cards with them. Full Article

Easter Basket for Coffee-Loving Teens

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:39:13 +0000

You may think that your kids have outgrown Easter baskets by the time they’re teens, but Easter is a fun time to show your teen how much you care about them and that you’re thinking of them. Full Article

Christmas Activities To Keep The Kids Busy

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:08:27 +0000

Waiting all December long for Christmas day can be quite a challenge for a child. Do you remember how hard it was to wait for Santa as a kid? Here are some great Christmas activities to keep the kids busy until the big day. These are great ways to enjoy the anticipation and waiting for Santa together as a family. Full Article

Why Do We Dress Up For Halloween?

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:07:35 +0000

Have you ever wondered where the idea of dressing up for Halloween, or the
idea for Halloween in general came from? After all, it is kind of an odd tradition. Children dress up in costumes, pretending to be someone else and
then “threaten” to play a trick on their neighbors, unless they receive some
candy. Full Article

Halloween Costume Ideas for Toddlers

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:06:52 +0000

Dressing up your toddler for Halloween is a lot of fun. Enjoy it while you can. Before you know it your sweet little toddler will be in kindergarten or first grade and will have developed a much stronger opinion on his or her costume choices and you’ll no longer be able to dress him in the costume of your choice. Here are a few ideas for toddler Halloween costumes to get you
started. Of course there are plenty of other options out there as well. With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless. Full Article

Tips for Fun-Filled Trick-or-Treating For Your Kids

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:06:15 +0000

What’s a child’s favorite part of Halloween? Going trick-or-treating, of course. What could be more fun than dressing up, and then walking from door to door collecting plenty of candy along the way? Best of all, this fun tradition takes place at night. Make this the most fun trick-or-treating experience for your child with these simple tips. Full Article

Make Paper Mache Halloween Masks

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:05:26 +0000

You’ll need just a few things to make just about any mask you can imagine. Those items include balloons, newspaper, wallpaper glue and some acrylic paint. A pair of sharp scissors comes in handy to cut out eyes and mouth. Wear old clothing, or put an apron on both you and your child. Making the mask can get a bit messy. Full Article

Fun Halloween Games

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:04:42 +0000

Make a Spider Web
All you need for this fun game is a ball of black, white, or silver yarn or string and a few kids. Have everyone stand around in a circle. Ask one child to hold one end of the string and then toss the ball to another kid. Each child holds on the string and then tosses it to someone else. Before you know it you’ll have a great spider web. Full Article

Healthy Treats For Little Trick-Or-Treaters This Halloween

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:03:55 +0000

Candy and other sweets don’t have to be the only treats you hand out to little trick-or-treaters this Halloween. There are also plenty of healthy options available that will be just as fun without causing a sugar rush and cavities. Here are some ideas for healthy treats you can use this year. Full Article

Halloween Cakes â€“ Centerpiece and Dessert

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:03:13 +0000

A Halloween cake is not only the perfect dessert for any Halloween party and a must have for someone with a birthday on or around October 31st, but also makes a great center piece for your food table if you are throwing any type of Halloween party. Here are two simple, yet impressive Halloween cakes that you can try this year. Full Article

Yummy Halloween Treats

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:02:32 +0000

Other than dressing up in costumes, Halloween is all about yummy treats. Of course you are not limited to just candy when it comes to Halloween food. Here are some great snack and meal ideas. These are perfect for a Halloween party, or as a way to enjoy the excitement as you count down to the big day. Full Article

Easy Kids Crafts For Halloween

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:01:43 +0000

Are your kids excited about Halloween yet? We don’t have a day go by where my daughter doesn’t ask me if it’s time to go trick-or-treating yet. Keep them busy while they wait with these easy kids craft ideas you can do together. Full Article

Healthy Easter Treats â€“ Easter Bunnies Bring More Than Chocolate Eggs

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:57:51 +0000

Easter baskets don’t have to be full of chocolate and peeps. Here are some great ideas that will fill your Easter basket without all the extra fat and sugar. Full Article

April Foolâ€™s Day Treats â€“ You Are Serving WHAT For Dinner?

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:57:05 +0000

April Fool’s Day is the perfect day to have fun with the meals you serve. Surprise your family on April 1st with these fun meal ideas. Full Article

Mother’s Day â€“ Surprise Mom With Breakfast

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:25:13 +0000

Mother’s Day is all about showing Mom how much you appreciate everything she does all year long. Why not start the day of right for her this year by surprising her with breakfast. It’s one of the easiest meals to prepare and with a little help from Dad, even young kids can put together some delicious dishes for Mom to make her feel appreciated on this special day. Full Article

Make Dinner For Dad This Fatherâ€™s Day

Susanne Myers — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:23:25 +0000

With the weather being nice and warm outside, why not let the kids help prepare dinner for dad on Father’s Day and make it a fun night out by the grill. Full Article

Valentineâ€™s Day Treats for School and Work

Christine Steendahl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:07:26 +0000

Are you as tired as I am of those little white heart-shaped candies with messages like “I like You” printed on them? Be a little creative this year and come up with some new Valentine’s Day treats to take to school and work. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Full Article

This Valentineâ€™s Day say â€œI Love Youâ€ with Cookies

Christine Steendahl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:06:48 +0000

What better way to tell your sweetie “I Love You” than with some fresh baked cookies? Give some of these sweet treats a try this Valentine’s Day. Cupid himself would be impressed by these yummy creations. They are sure to be a hit with your Sweetheart, Children, Neighbors or anyone else special to you as well. Don’t forget to get the kids involved! I still have memories of making Valentine’s Day Cookies as a child. Full Article

How To Decorate Easter Eggs

Christine Steendahl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Easter is just about here and one of the fun activities to enjoy this and every Easter season is to decorate Easter eggs. Easter eggs are easy and enjoyable to decorate; you just need to adhere to the following hints. Full Article

Work at Home Moms – Save Money This Holiday Season

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:50:10 +0000

As the holidays approach, many work at home moms begin feeling a sense of dread – Full Article

Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:48:40 +0000

Are you looking for inexpensive Christmas gift ideas this season? Full Article

Make Affordable Holiday Gift Baskets

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:47:59 +0000

Gift baskets are a great gift for families. You can make your own Holiday Gift Baskets inexpensively and easily using some of the ideas below. Full Article

Organize your Christmas Shopping

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:47:03 +0000

Grab a notebook. Grab a pen. It’s time to get serious about your Christmas shopping by making your list (and checking it twice). Full Article

Holiday Sanity Savers from a Mostly-Sane Mom

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:46:27 +0000

The Holidays are a stressful time. Between the additional errands, the extra traffic, and the stress of spending money that you don’t have – even the sanest mom will be questioning her sanity as the holidays near. Full Article

Christmas Fun in the Kitchen

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:45:52 +0000

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is cook. Not only is it a great way to cut down on my own chores list, but it’s an easy way to interact with your kids and learn more about their lives. Christmas-time may be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to cook with your kids. If you look at the opportunity right, your kids can be big helpers during this stressful time. Full Article

Planning a Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:44:53 +0000

This time of year, many churches and organizations plan a special type of fundraiser. You may hear it called a Pancake Breakfast with Santa or simply Breakfast with Santa. In fact, this is one of the easiest and most fun fundraisers imaginable. Full Article

Educational Christmas Activities for Children

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:44:09 +0000

Christmas is not about the number of gifts we receive. The season is about good will and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Get the kids involved in activities that will give them a better understanding of the holiday season. Full Article

Romance on a Budget – Love Is Patient, Kind, and Cheap!

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:41:28 +0000

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and men from Alaska to Florida are breaking into a cold sweat. They’ve bought into the fallacy that romance equals money. Men everywhere have been frightened off by television and movies and believe that romance is something outside of their budget. They are wrong. Full Article

Orgin of Valentine’s Day

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:39:58 +0000

Each February, in places around the world, friends exchange flowers, gifts, and candy in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The name of St. Valentine is known across the globe as a patron saint. Most of us however, do not know the true origin of St. Valentine and how this special day came to be. What we do know is that February is the month of romance. As we know it today, St. Valentine’s Day contains elements of both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three martyred saints names Valentine or
Valentineus. Full Article

Make Valentine’s With Your Kids

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:38:35 +0000

Homemade Valentine’s are great for your kids to give to the really special people in their lives like Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, Aunt’s and Uncle’s, brothers and sisters, best friends and of course, Daddy! But unless you start them at Halloween, we suggest you stick to boxed cards for all their friends at school! Here are some fun and easy ideas to make Valentine’s Day cards with your kids… Full Article

Quick, Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:32:24 +0000

You can find a large variety of Halloween costumes available at stores in your neighborhood. However, when you consider the cost and lack of originality, homemade costumes are a more fun and oftentimes more cost-effective option. Plus, if you involve your children in creating the homemade costumes, the results will be worth more than any store-bought costume in any store. Full Article

Halloween Craft Projects For Children

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:30:38 +0000

Fall means more inside time for the little ones. Naturally, they’re going to need something fun and creative to keep them busy. Help your kids prepare for Halloween by constructing these adorable craft projects! They’re easy and fun to make and the kiddos will love displaying them for the holiday. Full Article

Pumpkin Halloween Activities for Toddlers

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:29:27 +0000

Halloween inspires all kinds of activities to do with your toddler, especially pumpkin fun! Visiting the pumpkin patch together, shopping for (or making) Halloween costumes, and decorating the house. But one of the best Halloween activities is doing art projects together. Full Article

Halloween Costumes you Can Make out of a Cardboard Box

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:27:41 +0000

Do you have a cardboard box that is large enough to fit around your child? If so, you can easily make a costume for your child for Halloween – and save a lot of money in the process. Full Article

Does the Easter Bunny show your Hubby the Love?

Nicole Dean — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:10:25 +0000

I was talking with some girlfriends and the topic of Easter came up. I asked, “What do you put in your Husband’s Easter Basket?” Full Article