Category: Months of the Year

Simple Ways to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

The first official day of Autumn is approaching quickly. In the Northern Hemisphere, the fall season brings cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and earlier sunsets. Are you looking for simple ways to celebrate the Autumn Equinox? Check out these family friendly activities to welcome the fall season.

Get Outdoors

Being outdoors is the best way to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

  • Go hiking: Check out your local, state, or national park for nearby hiking trails. Most hiking areas post the difficulty of the trail. Basic trails are great for young children or just starting to hike.
  • Go on a nature walk: The fall foliage is perfect for taking pictures. You can easily turn your nature walk into a learning experience for your children or yourself.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Spend time watching the day begin or end. Sipping a nice cup of tea or hot cocoa is bonus.
  • Go on a fall picnic: Pack a lunch and head out to the park for a fall picnic.
  • Bonfire night: Host a bonfire for family and friends. Don’t forget the S’mores. A warm bonfire on a crisp fall evening is a great way to start the season.  
  • Stargaze: Spend a cool, crips evening looking at the stars. Don’t forget the hot cocoa.
  • Outdoor Photo Shoot: Grab your camera or hire a professional for an outdoor photoshoot.

Get Crafty

Doing crafts does not require a large expense. Many dollar stores have fall accents perfect for crafty use. Or use items found in nature.

  • Fall wreath
  • Leaf rubbings
  • Center pieces
  • Door hangers
  • Mason jar crafts

Consider making an extra craft item to give away. A small center piece or door hanging could really cheer up someone’s day. 

Make a Harvest Meal

Plan a meal with an Autumn theme. Check out your local farmer’s market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples, corn, squashes, tomatoes, and other root vegetables are bountiful this time of year. Turn your abundant harvest goodies into delicious dishes.

  • Homemade Cornbread
  • Apple Bread
  • Apple Crisp
  • Stuffed Squash
  • Butternut Soup
  • Tomato Soup

These are only a few ideas to add to your harvest meal to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

The Autumn Equinox brings numerous changes to the landscape. Step back and recognize the changing season. Make a gratitude list. Be grateful. Enjoy the moment, winter is coming.  

A Quick History of Labor Day

In the United States, millions of people celebrate Labor Day with a 3-day weekend, parades, picnics, travel, family gatherings, and parties.  But do you know the history of Labor Day? The holiday has roots dating back to the 1800s. The beginning of the labor movement was fueled by violence and death.

Why Celebrate Labor Day?

Are you wondering why we celebrate Labor Day every year? Labor Day celebrates the ongoing accomplishments and daily contributions of the American worker to the economy. It’s the average working person’s holiday.

How Did Labor Day Begin?

Labor Day, recognized every first Monday in September, did not have celebratory beginnings. In fact, the holiday originated from poor working conditions during the Industrial Revolution. During the time, workers, the extremely poor, migrants, and young children, spent 12 hours a day, 7 days a week in unsafe working environments.

The unsanitary, poorly ventilated mills, factories, and coal mines took a toll on the American workforce. Eventually, the exploited workers participated in protests, strikes, and rallies. The workers demanded better working conditions and higher compensation for their hard labor.

The protests were not peaceful. Violent encounters between the police and strikers were prevalent during this period. Ultimately, the unrest turned deadly. In Chicago, the Haymarket Riot of 1886 resulted in the death of several people, policemen and protestors.

The First Labor Day Parade

Unlike today’s celebrations, the first Labor Day parade did not have floats, festive music, clowns, or attractions. The parade comprised of 10,000 workers from New York. Marching from City Hall to Union Square, the workers took the day off without pay to bring attention to the dismal working conditions.

Making Labor Day Official

Despite the march in New York, Labor Day did not become official until years later. During the time more American laborers died in unsafe working environments and violent protests. At one point, troops were sent to Chicago to break up the Pullman strike, a boycott of railway cars. The clash between troops and workers resulted in more deaths.

Finally, to repair the damage, Congress introduced an Act for the District of Columbia and other areas recognizing the daily efforts of American workers. The recognition began to grow in other states. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland turned the act into law.

As you sit down to enjoy a BBQ or watch a parade, take a moment to thank the workers who started the holiday over a century ago.

Staycation Ideas for Labor Day Weekend

It’s here the long 3-day holiday weekend. Millions of people will travel this weekend, the unofficial end of summer. Did you decide to stay home for the long Labor Day weekend? Don’t worry; there are still plenty of things to do close to home. Many of these staycation ideas are free or have minimal costs.

Low Cost or No Cost Activities for Labor Day Weekend

  1. Go Hiking: Get outdoors and enjoy nature. Find a new trail to hike. Hiking is a great activity for the entire family.
  2. Beach Day: Pack a lunch and spend an entire day at the beach.
  3. Go to a Local Winery: Many wineries allow taste testing. Gather your friends, enjoy the sights, and sample different wines.
  4. Host a BBQ
  5. Classic Game Night: Dust off your favorite Monopoly or other board game for a fun night of friendly competition. Don’t forget the snacks.
  6. Picnic in the Park: Pack your favorite goodies and head to a local park.
  7. Host a Bonfire Night: Don’t forget the S’mores.
  8.  Host a Themed Movie Night: Order pizza, make popcorn, and play your favorite movies.
  9. Do Crafts: It’s never too early to start holiday crafts.
  10. Read a Book: How long has that book been setting on the shelf? Labor Day weekend is a great time to snuggle under a cozy blanket and read.
  11. Go to a Local Sporting Event: Football and other events are a fun activiy for everyone. Don’t forget to tailgate.
  12. Attend a Local Community Event: Parades, concerts, and other events are generally part of the Labor Day weekend.
  13. Volunteer: MDA and other organizations use the 3-day to collect funds. Volunteer to help locally.
  14. Make a Themed Meal: Create a meal based on your favorite movie. Or use the vegetables from your recent trip to the Farmer’s Market.
  15. Go on a Day Trip: Travel close to home. Visit sites in the next town over. Or go on a long car ride.
  16. Go for Bike Ride: Enjoy the sunshine. Before cold weather sets in, get out and ride your bike.
  17. Visit a Local Restaurant or Business: Is there a new cafe, restaurant, or other local business in town? Go check out the establishment. Who knows you may find a new favorite spot.
  18. Be a Hometown Tourist: Visist all the local sites.
  19. Get Organized: Spend time organizing your living space.
  20. Just Relax: There’s no harm in doing absolutely nothing over the Labor Day weekend. Take long naps or sleep in.

Have fun! Enjoy time with family and friends.

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50 Activities for Your Fall Bucket List

The first official day of Autumn is almost here. Are you ready for new Autumn adventures? Gather your family or friends together and enjoy the season. Do you need ideas to add to your Autumn bucket list? Check out the following for inspiration.

50 Fall Activities to Add to Your Bucket List

  1. Decorate
  2. Go Hiking
  3. Go on a Hayride
  4. Go Apple Picking
  5. Fall Themed Puzzle
  6. Build a Scarecrow
  7. Go to a Corn Maze
  8. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte
  9. Go on a nature Scavenger Hunt
  10. Host a Chili Cook Off
  11. Go Geocaching
  12. Go on a Nature Walk
  13. Host a Bonfire Night
  14. Eat S’mores
  15. Eat a Cider Donut
  16. Drink Apple Cider
  17. Visit a Cider Mill
  18. Go to a Fall Sporting Event
  19. Tailgate
  20. Take Fall Family Photos
  21. Host a Fall Photo Shoot with Friends
  22. Play Football
  23. Jump in a Pile of Leaves
  24. Make Cookies with an Autumn Leaf Cookie Cutter
  25. Purchase a Special Fall Themed Mug
  26. Make Pumpkin or Spice Cupcakes
  27. Make a Homemade Apple Pie
  28. Plan an Autumn Picnic
  29. Plant Bulbs for Spring Flowers (Tulips are beautiful in the Spring)
  30. Make Homemade Applesauce
  31. Light an Autumn Candle
  32. Make Fall-themed Crafts to Giveaway
  33. Go to the Farmer’s Market
  34. Make Caramel Apples
  35. Drink a Spicy Tea
  36. Make Pumpkin Bread
  37. Go to Oktoberfest
  38. Read or Write by Candlelight
  39. Movie Night in your Pajamas
  40. Host a Fall Crafting Session with Friends
  41. Roast Chestnuts
  42. Take a Long Drive to View the Fall Foliage
  43. Make a Fall Wreath
  44. Collect Colorful Leaves
  45. Try a New Soup Recipe (Perfect for a chilly day).
  46. Replace Batteries in Smoke Detector
  47. Make a Corn Husk Doll
  48. Bake Apple Chips
  49. Make Granola or Trail Mix (Great for hiking)
  50. Grab Your Favorite Book and Read Outside

Enjoy the Autumn Season!

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September Photo Prompts

September brings Labor Day weekend, the start of fall, and cooler weather. Get outdoors! Enjoy the month before the snow sets in and holidays take over your schedule. Are you looking for photo inspiration?

30 Photo Prompts for September

  1. Self-Portrait
  2. Clouds
  3. Black & White
  4. Distance
  5. Water
  6. Happy Labor Day!
  7. Macro (Close-Up)
  8. Vintage
  9. Cityscape or Landscape
  10. Home
  11. Food
  12. A drink
  13. Orange
  14. Sunrise/Sunset
  15. Tourist Location
  16. Architecture
  17. Animal
  18. Nature
  19. Something Tiny
  20. Bokeh
  21. Framed
  22. First Day of Fall!
  23. Trees
  24. Leaves
  25. Fall Vibes
  26. 3-of-a-Kind
  27. Noon
  28. Dusk
  29. Patterns
  30. Photographer’s Choice

Enjoy the month!

Drawing Prompts for September

September ushers in cooler weather and rainy days. When you cannot get outdoors, embrace your creative side. Drawing is a wonderful stress reliever. By focusing on your art, you tune out your surroundings and relax. Do you need some drawing inspiration to get you started?

30 Drawing Prompts for September

  1. Self-Portrait
  2. Nature Scene
  3. Animal
  4. Eyes
  5. Clouds
  6. Sun
  7. Moon
  8. Galaxy
  9. Flowers
  10. Friends
  11. Family
  12. Love
  13. School
  14. Peace
  15. Historical
  16. Buildings
  17. City
  18. Trails
  19. Your Name
  20. Smiles
  21. Food
  22. Happy 1st Day of Fall!
  23. Trees
  24. Leaves
  25. Scarecrow
  26. Pumpkin Patch
  27. Fall Scene
  28. Colorful
  29. Fantasy Creature
  30. Artist’s Choice

Enjoy September!

30 Self-Care Ideas for September

September brings the start of Autumn, cooler weather, and multiple chances to engage in self-care. Check out the following ideas for self-care in September.

30 Days of Self-Care for September

  1. Commit to Healthier Choices
  2. Go to the Farmer’s Market for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  3. Get Your Annual Physical
  4. Keep a Daily Mood Tracker
  5. Write a Gratitude List
  6. Hike a New Trail
  7. Join a Support Group
  8. Spend Time in Prayer or Meditation
  9. Keep a Journal
  10. Go for a Nature Walk
  11. Spend a Day Doing Nothing
  12. Go to Church
  13. Stay Hydrated (Commit to 8-10 Glasses of Water a Day)
  14. Create a Weekly Fitness Routine
  15. Create a Playlist
  16. Make a Meatless Dinner
  17. Go on a Social Media Detox
  18. Make a Healthy Smoothie
  19. Take a Long Nap
  20. Grab Your Favorite Book, Wrap Up in a Fuzzy Blanket, and Spend an Afternoon Reading
  21. Go to a Fall Community Event
  22. First Official Day of Fall! Get Outdoors!
  23. Try Yoga or Other Stretching Exercises
  24. Order Take Out
  25. Bake Cookies and Share
  26. Create a Vision Board
  27. Volunteer
  28. Get Organized
  29. Create
  30. Figure Out What Brings You Peace and Do More of That Activity

Remember be kind to yourself.

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It’s Here Again–Friday the 13th

Another Friday the 13th is here? Are you superstitious? Do you fear the date? Do not worry you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide fear Friday the 13th.

Intersting Facts about Friday the 13th

Superstitions always bring curiosity. The problem with Friday the 13th is the origin. No one really knows how the fear of the date began. One possible belief of the fear centers around the day of the crucifixion of Jesus, a Friday. In combination with the day, the number 13 focuses on The Last Supper. The night before the crucifixion Jesus ate his final meal with his 12 disciples. Together the two events form Friday the 13th.

Others believe the fear derived from a book published in 1907, Friday the Thirteenth by Thomas Lewson. In some cultures, the 13th is not unlucky at all. In Italy, 17 is the unlucky number.

Despite the unclear history, the fear of Friday the 13th, communities, organizations, and individuals are cautious on the day and avoid the use of the number. Here are a few other interesting facts about date and the number:

  • The fear of Friday the 13th is known as friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia. The fear of the number 13 is triskaidekaphobia. Can you pronounce those?
  • Many communities do not have a 13th street or 13th Avenue.
  • When building high rises, hospitals, or other structures, planners skip the 13th floor.
  • Many hotels do not have a room 13.
  • Airplanes do not have a row 13.
  • Every year, the calendar has at least one Friday the 13th but can have up to three.
  • For the month to have a Friday the 13th. The first day must start on a Sunday.
  • Businesses and airline suffer financial loss on Friday the 13th.
  • The date is inspiration for a successful movie franchise.  

So, is Friday the 13th unlucky? People who fear Friday the 13th often call into work, avoid going outdoors, and simply wait for the day to pass without any misfortunes. The big question is what do you believe?

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Last Minute St. Patrick’s Day Activities

St. Patrick’s Day usually brings large parades, community events, and other social activities. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic restrictions mean the yearly events are canceled. Are you looking for last-minute activities to safely celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Check out the following St. Patrick’s Day ideas for you or your entire family to enjoy.

Make a Leprechaun Trap

St. Patrick’s Day would not be complete without tales of leprechauns. Use the tales as inspiration to make a leprechaun trap. Cereal boxes and craft materials are perfect supplies to build a trap. Get creative. Take photos and try to catch a leprechaun for his gold.

Shamrock Art

Draw, trace, or print a blank shamrock. Use the shamrock as a template.

Image by L Gould from Pixabay

  • Paint or color the shamrock.
  • Glue glitter, split peas, yarn, sequins, macaroni, or other material to your shamrock. (If you do decide to glue items to your shamrock template, use card stock to print the outline)
  • Decorate and hang your shamrocks around the house.
  • Use your decorated shamrocks as placemats for a traditional Irish meal.

Traditional Irish Meal

Preparing a traditional Irish meal is one of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Pinterest has numerous recipes to follow. Whether you prepare the meal yourself or involve the entire family, try something new.

Image by HomeMaker from Pixabay

  • Colcannon
  • Dublin Coddle
  • Irish Champ
  • Irish Lamb Stew
  • Irish Soda Bread
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Guinness Cake

Watch St. Patrick’s Day Movies

St. Patrick’s Day is a great day for family movie night. (Yes, you and your cat count.) Make popcorn, eat green candies or order pizza. And watch a great movie to celebrate the day.

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. Buy green carnations or pots of clover. Don’t forget to look for a lucky four-leaf clover.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

 

 

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25 Quotes for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is only a few days away. Do you need a quote, blessing, or a toast for St. Patrick’s Day? Check out the following St. Patrick’s Day quotes and sayings for inspiration.

Image by InspiredImages from Pixabay

  1. “St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time — a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic. —Adrienne Cook
  2. “May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.”—Irish Blessing
  3. “Whether I drink often or just once in a while; I’m always sure to raise a glass to the dear old Emerald Isle.” — Pat Maloney
  4. “May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold—and at the end of your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.”—Old Irish Blessing
  5. “You gotta try your luck at least once a day because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.”—Jimmy Dean

    Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay
  6. “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”—Irish Blessing
  7. “May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need the most.” —Irish Blessing
  8. “Ireland is a land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels.” –Nora Roberts
  9. “Luck is not chance / It’s Toil / Fortune’s expensive smile / Is earned.”—Emily Dickinson
  10. “Here’s to you and here’s to me, I pray that friends we’ll always be, but if by chance we disagree, the heck with you and here’s to me.” — Irish Toast
  11. “The list of Irish saints is past counting; but in it all, no other figure is so human, friendly, and lovable as St. Patrick.” — Stephen Gwynn

    Image by Geraldine Dukes from Pixabay
  12. “A best friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” —Irish Proverb
  13. “Imagine if we were all magical leprechauns, and every wish ever made on a four-leaf clover obliged us to help others obtain their wishes. Now imagine if people simply lived like this were true.”—Richelle E. Goodrich
  14. “Friendship is one of the most tangible things in a world that offers fewer and fewer supports.” —Kenneth Branagh
  15. “For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o’ March!” –Thomas Augustine Daly

    Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
  16. “For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way: Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.”—Irish Blessing
  17. “Love is never defeated, and I could add, the history of Ireland proves it.” –Pope John Paul II
  18. “Love is never defeated, and I could add, the history of Ireland proves it.”—Norman Reedus, “The Boondock Saints”
  19. “Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck.” —Irish Proverb

    Image by kachi from Pixabay
  20. “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.” — Irish Blessing
  21. “St. Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate our green heritage. The ancestry of Ireland. It is a day to celebrate what it means to be Irish and of Irish descent.” — Anthony T. Hicks
  22. “May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road downhill all the way to your door.” —Irish Blessing
  23. “There is luck in leisure.” —Irish proverb

    Image by Ivan Ilijas from Pixabay
  24. “May you only grow old in the face, be treasured and cared for with grace.” —Irish blessing
  25. “I am of Ireland, / And the Holy Land of Ireland, / And time runs on’ cried she. / ‘Come out of charity / And dance with me in Ireland.” William Butler Yeats

    Image by Konrad Janik from Pixabay