Author: Rebecca C.

I am just a person who loves to photograph and write about the world around me.

Going Back to Hogwarts

“Whether you come back by page or big screen,

Hogwarts will always be there to

welcome you home”

~J.K. Rowling

For fans of the beloved J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, September 1st represents going back to Hogwarts. Celebrating the return to Hogwarts can be fun with the following activities for you, your family and friends to enjoy.

Host a Craft and Activity Day

Gather your family or friends and enjoy a craft day. Creating Harry Potter inspired crafts is easy with the help of Pinterest or Internet search.

Searching for activities, you can make a wide range of crafts including:

Make a wand with wooden craft sticks, hot glue, and paint.
  • Make a wand
  • Holiday ornaments
  • Coloring pages
  • Owl crafts
  • Create potions
  • Suncatchers

    Melt pony beads on old pizza pans to create large Harry Potter inspired sun catchers.

Harry Potter Inspired Recipes

Create a Harry Potter inspired meal, beverage, or snack. Search Pinterest, some of the recipes include:

  • Butterbeer
  • Pumpkin Pasties
  • Pumpkin Juice
  • Chocolate Frogs

Listen or Read Harry Potter

Simply spend the day relaxing. Spending a day immersed in the Wizarding World, listen or read your favorite Harry Potter book.

Host a Movie Marathon

Call your friends to watch your favorite Harry Potter movie or host a family movie marathon.

For Harry Potter fans, celebrating the day is like visiting an old friend. Consider doing one or combination of activities to enjoy the day.

25 Staycation Ideas for a Holiday Weekend

Holiday weekends do not automatically require travel. Staying close to home may be more relaxing than heading out into holiday traffic. Consider the following ideas for fun close to home.

25 Staycation Ideas for a Holiday Weekend

  1. Go hiking
  2. Have a picnic
  3. Host a movie night
  4. Host a game night
  5. Go to the bookstore
  6. Read the book
  7. Have a BBQ
  8. Go to the local park
  9. Attend a free outdoor concert
  10. Have a BBQ
  11. Try a new recipe
  12. Cook a family meal with your children
  13. Bake cookies
  14. Host a craft day
  15. Visit your parent, grandparents or elderly relatives
  16. Volunteer
  17. Spend the afternoon at the beach
  18. Host a bonfire
  19. Be a tourist in your own town
  20. Go to the local Farmer’s Market
  21. Have a girl’s night
  22. Go to the movies
  23. Go to a wine tasting
  24. Find a family event
  25. Do nothing

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate the 3-day holiday weekend, enjoy your time with family and friends.

 

Tips for Camping With Your Dog

Are you planning a camping trip? Do you plan to take your dog with you? Hitting the open road with your beloved companion is a great way to spend your vacation or weekend getaway.

Tips for Camping With Your Dog

Planning ahead is the best way to have a fun and safe camping trip. Before you head out on your next adventure, consider the following tips for camping with your dog.

Research

Prior to going to a campground or park area, research the location. Knowing the rules and restrictions will help make your vacation fun and relaxing. Simply go online and check out the locations web site for up to date information.

Hiking

If you plan on going hiking as part of your camping experience, being prepared is the best way to ensure a successful day.

  • Lightweight Packs: Larger dog breeds may carry lightweight packs. The small packs are perfect for smaller items.
  • Collapsible Containers: Water bottles and food dishes that collapse helps save room when hiking.
  • Reflective Collar: Attach flashy lights, bells, LED collar, or use reflective collars to help spot your dog when the sun goes down.

Documents

Many pet-friendly establishments welcome your furry companion as long as you have proper documentation. Place your dog’s current records in an envelope for safe keeping. If you do not have the information on hand, copies of licenses and vaccination information may easily be obtained at your vet’s office or county facility.

When picking up the documents, take the time to ask your vet about proper tick and mosquito prevention. Generally, a pill or application is part of routine checkups. Depending on your vacation destination, the preventative measures may help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Pack Supplies

Just like other areas of your vacation planning, your pet should have a checklist of supplies to bring. As a pet owner, you know exactly the types of items your dog needs. Some of the needed supplies may include:

  • Leash: Keeping your pet with you at all times is a must. A secure leash and collar are critical for your dog’s well-being. At a campsite, you may be able to attach a longer leash for a dog run area.
  • Water and Food Containers: Collapsible containers work well for a campsite. Keep water readily available for your pet. When placing dog food outdoors, keeps in mind, wild animals may be close. Removing the food after your dog eats will help keep your area safe.
  • Emergency Pet Kit: Pack an emergency kit for your dog. Purchase one or ask your vet about the items you should bring for emergency situations.
  • Pickup Bags: Keeping camp areas clean is critical. Use pickup bags to clean up after your dog. Dispose of the contents in the proper locations.
  • Bed: Nights in a tent may be cooler. Having a bed or blanket in the tent with you helps keep your pet warm.

 If you have never been camping with your dog, start slowly. Consider taking day trips. Spending an entire day walking, hiking and exploring nature is a valuable experience for you and your dog.  

 

National Iced Tea Day

Today, June 10th is National Iced Tea Day. Enjoying a tall glass of iced tea on a summer day is a great way to quench your thirst. Cold, plain tea by itself is a perfectly fine beverage. But if you want to try something new, adding different flavors may be a surprising twist to an old classic.

Ways to Enhance Your Iced Tea

Experimenting with diverse flavoring is the best way to find a perfect match for you. Do not be afraid to try something new. Who knows, you may find the best combination to serve at your next family gathering.

Mint

Adding fresh mint from your garden provides a refreshing taste to your iced tea. Simply wash, chop leaves to the desired size, and add to your tea. Or chop mint leaves into smaller pieces and freeze in your ice cubes. Later add the frozen cubes to your tea.

Berries

Experiment by adding different fruits to your iced tea. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and other types of berries are a wonderful addition to your beverage. By experimenting you are able to find the perfect one to quench your taste buds.

Citrus

Along with berries, lemons, oranges, and grapefruit are another perfect addition to your iced tea. Simple wash and cut the citrus into slices to add to your tea.

Sweet

Of course, along with the healthier alternatives to add to your iced tea, you may add a sweetener. Many individuals prefer a sweet tea as an extra pick me up on a warm summer day.

So are you ready to add something new to your iced tea? Or are you happy drinking the tea without any new additions? Honestly, the choice is completely up to you. Just take the time to relax and enjoy an ice cold glass of tea on hot summer’s day.

 

 

 

Your Dog’s Summer Bucket List

Bucket lists do not need to be grand scale adventures or limited to family activities. Bucket lists are all about trying something new. For most individuals, pets are a valuable family member. Including your furry companion in activities is a great way to spend the summer. Create a bucket list for you and your dog.

Bucket List Ideas for You and Your Dog

Prior to heading out to any destination, ensure the place is pet-friendly. Simply call or research the rules and guidelines for bringing along your faithful companion. Many travel areas strive to include family pets. Others may have specific restrictions in place. By knowing the rules ahead of time, you will not disappoint your fur baby.

Go Hiking

After a long work week or hectic schedule, both you and your pet will need some outdoor time. Hit the trails. Pack the essentials for you and dog, and spend a day exploring the natural world.

Go Camping

Many campgrounds cater to pets by adding dog runs and other play areas. Finding the best campground for you and your dog may take some research. Being outdoors for a weekend is a great way for you to unplug. Not to mention, time for you and your dog explore.

Visit a Dog Park

Dog parks are an excellent way for socialization and play. Try to visit the dog park regularly. Consider going to a variety of dog parks in your city. Different play areas provide new adventures for your dog.

Go to a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Need a relaxing getaway. Consider going to a pet-friendly hotel. Many hotels strive to include pets in their accommodations. Order room service. Enjoy a night of relaxation with your fur baby.

BBQ a Special Meal

Cook a steak on the BBQ for you and your pet to enjoy. Or host a party for friends and their pets.

Go to the Lake

If your dog loves to swim, head to the lake. Pack a picnic. Enjoy your day.

Create a Pet-Friendly Backyard

Redesign your backyard space with your dog in mind.

  • Dog activity area with ramps for running
  • Swimming spot (child’s wading pool works well)
  • Watering station
  • Shade area
  • Relaxation area
  • Dog run

Get a Professional Photo

As a pet owner, you probably have hundreds (or thousands) of photos or selfies with your pet. Perhaps the time has come for a professional portrait of you and your fur baby.

A Night In

Perhaps, the best activity is a night at home. Watching videos, sitting on your couch, and cuddling with your pet may be the perfect way to spend an evening.

Regardless of the activity, your dog will love the extra attention.Yo

Boredom Busters: Creating a Summer Bucket List

School’s out! Now, what is the first thing you hear –“I’m bored.” Consider creating a summer bucket list with your children to help chase away the boredom. Keep in mind, the list should be ideas you are willing or able to do.

Creating the Bucket List

Make the summer bucket list a family project. Use a notebook or purchase a poster board to write out your ideas. Consider using a different colored marker for each child. Allow each family member to come up with different activities. Of course, younger children may need help with the writing part of the project.

Summer Bucket List Ideas

Summer bucket lists can be simple everyday items to planned vacation adventures. The choice is up to you.

  • Have a bonfire
  • Make S’mores
  • Have a water balloon fight
  • Go to the zoo
  • Ride in a canoe
  • Have a slumber party
  • Get an ice cream cone
  • Go hiking
  • Have a pool party
  • Sleep in a tent
  • Listen to music in the park
  • Go to an amusement park
  • Go to the library
  • Volunteer
  • Ride a roller coaster
  • Go for a bike ride
  • Go skateboarding
  • Make root beer floats
  • Bake cookies
  • Paint rocks
  • Have an arts and crafts day
  • Have a Harry Potter movie marathon
  • Pick strawberries
  • Go to a lake
  • Go for a walk
  • Make art with sidewalk chalk
  • Go swimming
  • Visit grandma and grandpa
  • Day road trips
  • Visit an art gallery
  • Go to a museum
  • Go to a sporting event
  • Go to a splash park
  • Go to a fair or festival
  • Make homemade popsicles
  • Make a fort
  • Go fishing
  • Go to petting zoo or local farm
  • Have a family game night
  • Cook a meal together
  • Take swimming lessons

If you are uncertain on the type of activities, become a tourist in your town or surrounding towns. Use an Internet search. Local activities often get overlooked. Providing you a chance to join in on the fun on a weekly basis, community activities are free or minimal costs to participate.

End of the School Year Celebration Ideas

Time marches by quickly. Embrace the daily triumphs. Ending a school year is a milestone in your child’s life. Not to mention, you deserve recognition for last minute school snacks, homework help, field trips, and on some days simply getting your child to school on time.

As the last day of school arrives, take the time to celebrate. Scheduling conflicts may not allow your celebration to occur exactly on the last day, still take the time to recognize the accomplishment. The celebration can be a simple family dinner with a special dessert to a large party with your child’s friends.

End of the School Year Party Ideas

If you are uncertain how to celebrate, ask your child for input. Often your child’s idea may be something you would have never thought about as a fun way to celebrate. Or you can consider any of the following:

  • Special family dinner
  • Family game night
  • Trip to the local bookstore to purchase books for summer reading
  • Backyard BBQ
  • Pool party (if the weather permits)
  • Backyard beach party
  • Harry Potter theme party
  • Comic book, princess or other theme party
  • End of the school year theme party
  • Trip to the local ice cream shop
  • Dinner out at your child’s favorite restaurant
  • Pizza party
  • Video game night
  • Arts and crafts party
  • Outdoor games party
  • Trip to the park, zoo or other local attraction
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Movie night
  • Picnic in the park or your own backyard
  • Attend a major or minor league baseball game or other sporting events
  • Water balloon “fight” or other water-related activities

The possibilities on how to celebrate the end of a school year are endless. Surprisingly, a simple ice cream pie to celebrate the end of the school year may easily become a lasting memory.

Editor’s note: This blog is an updated version from one on my other site.

 

 

 

National Love A Tree Day

Today, May 16, 2018, is National Love a Tree Day. How can you not love trees? They provide shade, oxygen, food, and a natural habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Now you may be wondering how to celebrate this unique holiday?

Tips for Celebrating National Love a Tree Day

Busy work and school schedules may require you to wait until the weekend to celebrate. Taking the time to notice the beauty of trees will not be a waste.

Go Outdoors

Simply spending time outdoors is the best way to celebrate National Love a Tree Day.

  • Go for walk around your neighborhood.
  • Sit under a tree at lunchtime
  • Find a perfect tree to sit and read a book.
  • Have a picnic under your favorite tree.
  • Go hiking.
  • Photograph trees from different angles for an art project or wall mural.

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree is a great way to recognize National Love a Tree Day. Adding a shade, ornamental or fruit tree to your landscape provides you with numerous benefits.

Arts, Crafts and More

If the weather does not allow you to be outdoors, try some arts and crafts as part of your family time to recognize the day.

  • Draw or paint trees
  • Make a construction paper tree with bright colored leaves
  • Make pinecone crafts
  • Paint with pinecones
  • Make homemade bird feeders to place in your trees
  • Create a greeting card with a tree to send to grandparents or elderly relatives
  • Write a story about a tree
  • Read a book about trees

Special Meal

Fruit trees produce a wide variety of tasty treats. Use the fruit as part of your meal plan. Getting your children involved with the meal will add to the experience.

  • Make a fruit pie or other special dessert for dinner
  • Eat applesauce for lunch
  • Make homemade fruit snacks
  • Break open a coconut
  • Try a fresh pineapple

Having fun is the best part of celebrating everyday holidays. Take a moment to celebrate the natural wonder of trees as part of National Love a Tree Day.

National Scrapbook Day

Every year, the first Saturday of May is dedicated to the creative world of scrapbooking. National Scrapbook Day or National Scrapbooking Day is a celebration about preserving memories, family trees, parties and normal everyday life. The only limit is your own imagination. A scrapbook can be as lavish or simple.

Supplies for Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking supplies can basically be a wide range of material. Finding your likes and dislikes may take some trial and error. If you are first starting out and uncertain where to start, consider purchasing a scrapbook kit. Generally, a kit will contain the basic supplies to get you started. Or simply stop at your local craft store and pick out whatever catches your eye.

Some of the basic scrapbooking material may include:

  • Scrapbooks, Extra Pages
  • Markers, Pens, Pencils, Crayons
  • Crafter’s Tape, Adhesive Squares, Designer or Washi Tape
  • Clear Glue, Glitter Glue, Glue Sticks
  • Die Cut Embellishments, Die Cut Machine
  • Stickers
  • Scissors or Decorative Edge Scissors
  • Rubber Stamps and Ink
  • Designer Paper or Card Stock
  • Designer Envelopes
  • Newspaper Clippings
  • Photos
  • Artwork

Scrapbooking Themes

Creating scrapbook pages or albums may be difficult in the beginning. The themes are endless.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

  • School Events, School Year, First or Last Day of School, Day Care
  • Sporting Events, Practice, Game Day
  • Anniversary, Engagements, Weddings,
  • Birthdays
  • Baby Showers
  • Birth of a Child
  • Church Events
  • Getting a New Pet, Celebrating Your Pet’s Birthday or Holiday
  • Holidays
  • Vacations
  • Rainy or Sunny Days
  • Day In Your Life
  • Movie or Game Night
  • Changing Seasons
  • Family History
  • Parties
  • Swimming Pool Fun or Lessons

Celebrating Scrapbooking Day

Are you wondering how to celebrate scrapbooking day? Here are a few ideas to celebrate the unofficial holiday.

  • Do Something: Scrapbooking is all about capturing the moment. Go to the park, a local event, outdoor concert, or trip to the farmer’s market.
  • Do a Photo Session: Create a scene or go outdoors to take pictures of your children, partner, friends or pets. Use the photos as part of your next scrapbook.
  • Go to the Craft Store: Find the perfect items for your next scrapbook.
  • Give as Gift: Purchase a scrapbooking kit for a friend, give one to each of your children to record summer fun, or provide one for a family member.
  • Host a Party: Throw an impromptu gathering. As friends or family members over to share afternoon tea and create scrapbook pages.
  • Family Time: Creating a scrapbook is the perfect way to get your family involved. During the creative process, ask your children the best part of the event. Recording answers may provide you with a long-term memory.
  • Share Ideas: Show off your creative side on social media.

Scrapbooking is fun and easy to create. The end result of the creative endeavor is a lasting treasure.

Pinterest Success: DIY Ice Cream Cone Bird Feeders

Pinterest offers numerous opportunities for do-it-yourself projects. Being an avid bird watcher, I am always looking for easy ways to attract and feed the birds. Following the basic directions from the 30 Seconds blog, the ice cream bird feeders were a complete success. Not to mention, the feeders were easy to make. The ice cream cone bird feeders would be a perfect project for kids or family time. While attracting birds, take the time to learn about the different species. The learning experience could turn into a lifelong interest in birds or animal welfare.

Materials Needed

  • Ice Cream Cones
  • Peanut Butter (Crunchy or Plain)
  • Mixed Bird Seed
  • Cheerios
  • Nuts
  • Twine or Pipe Cleaners
  • Wax Paper

Directions

Simply coat the ice cream cone with peanut butter and roll in the birdseed.

Placing the cones on the waxed paper, allowed for easy cleanup.

 

After coating the cones, place them on a baking pan lined with wax paper.

Do not be afraid to try different types, I added plain Cheerios and nuts to some of the cones.

Birdseed, Cheerios and nuts, the birds loved them.

 

Using pipe cleaners instead of twine, I secured a hanger on each one. The pipe cleaners push right into the side of the cones. Forming a loop, the pipe cleaner made a perfect hanger.

The pipe cleaners worked great for hangers,

Placing the finished cones on a baking pan, I was able to easily carry the bird seed project out to hang in my trees.

 

My only regret with the pipe cleaners was the use of white. When the ground is still snow covered, the white pipe cleaners blend in. But I found all the pipe cleaners for the next round of ice cream bird feeders.