Tag: family time

Hosting a Graduation Party on a Tight Budget

Do you have a child graduating this year? Do you want to host a graduation party to celebrate but your budget is tight? Hosting a graduation party on a tight budget can still be memorable and fun! Consider the following tips for inspiration.

  1. Plan: Start planning as soon as possible. Make lists of food, drinks, people to invite, and everything you need to host a graduation party.
  2. Choose a Budget-Friendly Venue: Consider hosting the party at your home, a park, or a community center instead of renting a pricey venue. Depending on your community, many party venues are cheaper to rent for residents of the county or town. Ask around.
  3. Sales: Take advantage of various sales and discounts. Check out ads in your local supermarket and department stores. Purchase items on sale to help reduce costs.
  4. DIY Decorations: Get crafty and create your decorations using inexpensive materials like paper, balloons, and streamers.
  5. Potluck Style: Instead of providing all the food, make your graduation party a potluck where guests bring a dish to share. Friends and family are usually happy to provide a dish to pass.
  6. Bake Your Cake: Skip buying a cake from a retailer and bake your own. There are numerous ready-made graduation decorations to top a cake. Sheet cakes are easy to bake and decorate.
  7. Budget-Friendly Food: If you cannot do a potluck style, stick to simple, affordable dishes like sandwiches, pasta salads, and finger foods.
  8. Digital Invitations: Save on paper and postage by sending out digital invitations through email or social media.
  9. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage): Ask guests to bring their drinks to share or select budget-friendly options like homemade punch or lemonade.
  10. Use What You Have: Make use of items you already own for decorations and serving dishes to avoid unnecessary expenses. If you need extra serving bowls, check out your local thrift store for lower-cost items.

Remember have fun! This is a celebration not a chore. With some creativity and careful planning, you can throw a memorable graduation party without breaking the bank!

Family-Friendly Earth Day Activities

April 22, 2024, is Earth Day! Are you searching for ideas to do with your family? Spending time outdoors is a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day. If you are searching for ideas, consider the following family-friendly activities for Earth Day.

earth blue banner sign
Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com
  1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items found in nature in your area like leaves, rocks, flowers, or animal tracks. Print the list as a guide. Then go on a scavenger hunt in a local park or forest. Check off the items on your list as you go.
  2. Planting Trees or Flowers: If you have the space and the weather cooperates, spend the day planting trees, and flowers, or create a vegetable garden. Or plan your garden to plant when the time is appropriate for your area.
  3. Beach or Park Cleanup: Organize a cleanup at a local beach, park, or trail. Many communities host cleanup events. Volunteer to help. Bring gloves and trash bags if not provided. If you are cleaning up your area make a game out of who can collect the most trash.
  4. Nature Crafts: Collect natural materials like leaves, sticks, pinecones, rocks, and flowers to create Earth-themed crafts. Create leaf rubbings or nature collages to hang in your home or bedroom.
  5. Outdoor Picnic: Pack a zero-waste picnic with reusable containers and utensils. Spend an afternoon at your local park and enjoy a meal outdoors surrounded by nature.
  6. Nature Walk: Take a stroll through a nearby nature reserve, local or state park, or botanical garden.  Spend time observing the plants and wildlife. Do not forget your camera. Take photos to print later. Nature and wildlife photos are fantastic for decorating your home.
  7. DIY Birdhouses or Insect Hotels: Use recycled materials to build birdhouses or insect hotels. If durable, place your creations in your yard to provide habitats for local wildlife.
  8. Environmental Documentary Night: Make homemade pizza and watch a family-friendly environmental documentary together. Discuss the program or ways you can reduce your environmental impact as a family.
  9. Upcycling Project: Find items to upcycle. If you have nothing around the house, go to your local thrift store to find an item to upcycle. Turn old household items or clothing into something new and useful through upcycling crafts. For example, turn old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags or make wall art from recycled materials.
  10. Energy-Saving Challenge: Challenge your family to reduce energy consumption not just for Earth Day but as a continuing practice. Remind them to turn off lights in rooms not in use. Unplug electronics when not in use and opt for energy-efficient activities like reading books or playing board games. Small changes do make a difference.

Enjoy Earth Day. Spend time outdoors. Pledge to help the environment.  Remember there is no alternative planet. Happy Earth Day!

Easter Movies for the Entire Family

The Easter weekend has arrived! How will you celebrate this joyful holiday? Embrace the tradition of coloring eggs, embark on thrilling Easter egg hunts, and watch your favorite shows. Perhaps you are considering an Easter-themed family movie night? If you’re searching for heartwarming Easter movies that the entire family can delight in, look no further than the following list for inspiration.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. “Hop”  (2011)
  2. “Easter Under Wraps” (2019)
  3. “VeggieTales Double Feature: ‘Twas the Night Before Easter/An Easter Carol”
  4. “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (1974)
  5. “Peter Rabbit”  (2018)
  6. “Peter Rabbit 2” (2021)
  7. “An Easter Story”  (1984)
  8. “The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town” (1977)
  9. “The Dog Who Saved Easter”  (2014)
  10. “Daffy Duck’s Easter Egg-Citement” (1980)
  11. “Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Easter Adventure”  (2012)
  12. “Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade” (2016)
  13. “Yogi: The Easter Bear”  (2016)
  14. “Here Comes Peter Cottontail”  (1971)
  15. “Peppa Pig: The Easter Bunny” (2018)
  16. “Baby Looney Tunes: Eggs-traordinary Adventure”
  17. “The New Adventures of Peter Rabbit” (2004)
  18. “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005)
  19. “Easter Bunny Adventure”
  20. “Guess How Much I Love You: An Enchanting Easter”  (2018)
  21. “Easter Someday” (2021)
  22. “OddBods – Easter Special” (2023)
  23. The First Easter Rabbit (1976)
  24. “The Easter Promise” (2006)
  25. “Curious George: Egg Hunting” (2017)
  26. “The First Easter Egg” (1999)
  27. “Easterland”  (2019)
  28. “Easterland 2” (2023)
  29. “An Easter Bunny Puppy”
  30. “Bugs Bunny: Easter Funnies”
  31. “Easter With Max & Ruby”
  32. “Rolie Polie Olie: An Easter Egg-stravaganza”
  33. “The Easter Egg Adventure”
  34. “Spark Story Bible Adventures: The Story of Easter” (2017)
  35. “The Tale of the Bunny Picnic” (1986)
  36. “The Lion of Judah” (2011)
  37. “Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo” (2004)
  38. “Rabbit School: Guardians of the Golden Egg”  (2017)
  39. “Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza”
  40. “Eggs” (2004)
  41. “Baby Huey’s Great Easter Adventure”
  42. “BabyFirst’s Easter Special” (2016)
  43. “Easter Parade” (1948)
  44. “A Waltons Easter” (1997)

Happy Easter weekend!

55 Spring Bucket List Ideas

Today, March 19, 2024, is the first official day of Spring. Are you looking forward to celebrating the season? Plan a Spring bucket list with your family or friends. If you are searching for activities, consider the following Spring bucket list ideas.

person holding yellow and white flowers
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
  1. Decorate your living space for Spring.
  2. Purchase new rain boots.
  3. Make a lemon cake for dessert.
  4. Plant flowers.
  5. Do Spring cleaning.
  6. Declutter.
  7. Host a BBQ.
  8. Go on a picnic.
  9. Go Geocaching
  10. Host a Spring Garden Tea.
  11. Go on a nature walk.
  12. Go hiking.
  13. Host a game night.
  14. Host a bonfire night.
  15. Attend a Spring Festival.
  16. Go to a baseball game.
  17. Visit a local, state, or national park.
  18. Go to the library for Spring-themed books.
  19. Go on a bike ride.
  20. Go on a weekend road trip.
  21. Feed frozen peas to the wild ducks.
  22. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
  23. Use sidewalk chalk.
  24. Blow bubbles.
  25. Search for rainbows.
  26. Fly a kite.
  27. Celebrate Easter.
  28. Plan and plant a garden.
  29. Purchase a new plant or bouquet of Spring flowers.
  30. Go to a butterfly house.
  31. Go a scavenger hunt to find items in nature.
  32. Make smoothies.
  33. Plant a new tree.
  34. Volunteer.
  35. Go birdwatching.
  36. Celebrate Earth Day.
  37.  Play mini golf.
  38. Unplug from social media and go out.
  39. Create a Spring playlist.
  40. Write a poem about the season.
  41. Paint plant pots.
  42. Clean your vehicle.
  43. Start a journal.
  44. Set up a rain barrel (if allowed, in your area).
  45. Create a composting area.
  46. Set outside and enjoy the warmer weather.
  47. Learn a new skill.
  48. Plant herbs.
  49. Do Random Acts of Kindness.
  50. Visit a museum.
  51. Go to an art gallery.
  52. Host a movie night.
  53. Set up a bird feeding station for the returning birds.
  54. Go to a nature preserve.
  55. Spend time with friends and family.

Have a fantastic Spring!

Easter Bucket List Ideas

Easter is almost here. Are you ready for the Spring holiday? Do you want to do Easter-themed activities with your family or friends? If you are searching for activities, consider the following Easter bucket list ideas.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Dress up for a professional Easter photo.
  2. Dye Easter eggs.
  3. Shop for Easter dresses.
  4. Make homemade Easter cards for family and friends.
  5. Go on an Easter egg hunt.
  6. Buy bunny or chick Peeps. (They are fun to watch in the microwave.)
  7. Eat jellybeans.
  8. Make Easter baskets for your family.
  9. Attend Easter services. (Good Friday, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday services)
  10. Buy an Easter Lily for your centerpiece and another to give away.
  11. Buy chocolate Easter bunnies to give to family, friends, and coworkers.
  12. Cook at a big Easter dinner.
  13. Have an Easter-themed movie night and watch “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.”
  14. Go to the library to check out Easter-themed books.
  15. Create an Easter wreath. (Make an extra to give to your best friend.)
  16. Make Easter slime.
  17. Decorate your home and yard.
  18. Get your photo with the Easter Bunny. (Yes, you can do this as an adult too)
  19. Host an afternoon Easter crafting session.
  20. Paint rocks with an Easter theme or Bible passages and hide around town.
  21. Do a Random Act of Kindness.
  22. Try a new Easter dessert recipe.
  23. Make Hot Cross Buns.
  24. Create an Easter tree.
  25. Make egg-shaped salt dough ornaments for your Easter tree. (Paint and decorate the ornaments. Add names to everyone coming to Easter dinner for a take-home gift.)
  26. Wear bunny ears (Make extra ones for your family or cat).
  27. Attend an Easter parade.
  28. Create and wear an Easter bonnet.
  29. Create an Easter greeting via TikTok or YouTube video.

Have fun! Happy Easter!

27 Children’s Books to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Are you looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day? Do you want to do an easy but fun activity with your children? Stop at your local library or bookstore to find St. Patrick’s Day-themed books. Spend an afternoon reading books together. If you are searching for ideas, consider the following books for kids to celebrate St. Partick’s Day.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. “How to Catch a Leprechaun” (2016) – Adam Wallace
  2. “Wilford and Blue, Paddy’s Day Pincher” (2022) – Rebecca McDonald & James McDonald
  3. “Liam the Leprechaun Loves to Fart” (2021) – Humor Heals Us
  4. “Valerie Fox and the Leprechaun’s Box” (2022) – K.A. Devlin
  5. “The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day” (2009) – Natasha Wing
  6. “Spot’s Lucky Day” (2022) – Eric Hill
  7. “The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day” (2021) – Mike Berenstain
  8. “Thing One, Thing Two and the Leprechaun” (2022) – Dr. Suess
  9. “Leo the Farting Leprechaun and the Great Rainbow” (2022) – Emma Sill Publishing
  10. “The Itsy-Bitsy Leprechaun” (2018) – Jeffrey Burton
  11. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George” (2014) – H.A. Rey
  12. “Whiskers Finds His Luck” (2024) – Shana Gorian
  13. “I Spy St. Patrick’s Day Book: St Patrick’s Day” (2022) – Flora Sootie
  14. “Elmo’s Lucky Day” (2020) – Andrea Posner-Sanchez
  15. “St. Patrick’s Day” (1994) – Gail Gibbons
  16. “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato” (1997) – Tomie dePaola
  17. “The Secret Life of Leprechauns” (2020) – Luna James
  18. “Rosco the Rascal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade” (2017) – Shana Gorian
  19. “St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning” (1983) – Eve Bunting
  20. “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!” (2012) – Lucille Colandro
  21. “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” (1992) – Tomie dePaola
  22. “That’s What Leprechauns Do” (2009) – Eve Bunting
  23. “Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun” (2019) – Deborah Diesen
  24. “Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase” (2019) – James Dean
  25. “Ten Lucky Leprechauns” (2013) – Kathryn Heling
  26. “Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk” (1992) – Gerald McDermott
  27. “Lucky Day” (2020) – Matt Donnelly

Enjoy! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Movies

St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, March 17, 2024! Do you plan to celebrate the Irish holiday with your family? Hosting a movie night is a great activity for everyone to enjoy! If you are searching for family-friendly movies for St. Patrick’s Day, consider the following ideas.

shallow focus photography of four leaf clover
Photo by Djalma Paiva Armelin on Pexels.com

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. “Walt Disney’s “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” – (1959)
  2. “Song of the Sea” – (2015)
  3. “The Secret of Roan Irish” – (1994)
  4. “OddBods-St. Patrick’s Day Special” (2013)
  5. “The Secret of Kells” – (2009)
  6. “The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns” – (1999)
  7. “The Luck of the Irish” – (2001)
  8. “The History of St. Patrick’s Day” – (2010)
  9. “Magical Legend of Leprechauns” – (1999)
  10. “Finian’s Rainbow” – (1968)
  11. “Patrick: Brave Shepherd of the Emerald Isle”
  12. “The Last Leprechaun” – (2001)
  13. “Dwegons and Leprechauns” – (2014)
  14. “10 Little Leprechauns” – (2017)
  15. “A Shine of Rainbows” (2009)
  16. “Leapin’ Leprechauns” – (1997)
  17. “St. Patrick’s Day” (2016)
  18. “Patrick” – (2023)
  19. “The Best of Riverdance” – (2005)
  20. “How to Catch a Leprechaun” – (2017)
  21. “Leprechaun Tales” – (2022)
  22. “A Very Unlucky Leprechaun” – (1998)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Easter Traditions to Start This Year

Do you want to start a new Easter tradition with your family and friends this year? Starting new Easter traditions can be a fun way to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones. If you are searching for ideas, consider the following Easter traditions to start this year.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Easter Egg Hunt: Organize a traditional Easter egg hunt in your backyard. You can fill plastic eggs with candy, coins, or small Easter-themed toys for children to find.
  2. Decorating Eggs: Get creative by dyeing or painting Easter eggs together. You can try different techniques like marbling, using stickers, or even creating unique designs with markers.
  3. Host an Easter Dinner: Cook and bake a traditional Easter meal. Ask friends and family members to join and bring a dish to pass.
  4. Easter Brunch: If you do not want to do an entire meal, host a special Easter brunch with family and friends. Prepare delicious dishes like quiches, hot cross buns, and carrot cake.
  5. Planting Seeds: Start a new tradition of planting seeds or flowers as a symbol of new beginnings and growth. You can plant them in your garden or in pots to keep indoors.
  6. Easter Crafts: Spend some time crafting Easter-themed decorations or cards. You can make paper bunnies, wreaths, or even homemade Easter baskets. Check your local dollar store, discount store, or thrift shop for supplies.
  7. Attend a Sunrise Service: Consider attending a sunrise service at a local church on Easter Sunday.
  8. Charitable Acts: Embrace the spirit of giving by volunteering at a local shelter, or donating food at a homeless shelter. Or volunteer at your local dog rescue by being a dog walker.
  9. Family Game Day: Plan a family game day with old-fashioned Easter-themed games and activities. You can have egg races, sack races, or even a bunny hop relay race.
  10. Easter Movie Marathon: Host a movie night. Watch Easter-themed movies or classics like “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” or “Hop” while enjoying snacks and treats.
  11. Hiking: Get outdoors. Go for a hike, nature walk, or watch the sunset on Easter Sunday.

Have fun! Enjoy your time with friends and family! Happy Ester!

Tips for Hosting an Easter Dinner

Easter is quickly approaching. Are you planning an Easter dinner? Are you uncertain where to start? Consider the following tips for hosting an Easter dinner.

  1. Plan & Lists: Use a notebook or your phone’s app to make lists and notes. Create the guest list first. Then, create a menu and plan your shopping to avoid last-minute stress.
  2. Decorate: Add a festive touch with Easter-themed decorations. Think pastel colors, flowers, and maybe some Easter eggs as centerpieces. If you are on a tight budget, check out your local dollar store or thrift shop.
  3. Centerpiece: Get creative and make a centerpiece for your table. Or purchase a bouquet of fresh flowers.
  4. Easter-themed Dishes: Include traditional Easter dishes like ham, lamb, or spring vegetables. Get creative with recipes to add a unique touch. Cook or bake a traditional family recipe.
  5. Drinks: Plan a selection of beverages to accommodate everyone. Punch, tea, coffee, or water are great options. Consider a signature Easter punch with lemon-lime soda and sherbert for a special touch.
  6. Egg Hunt: If you have kids (or adults), organize an Easter egg hunt. Use plastic eggs and hide small gifts, including candy, Easter-themed trinkets, or coins. The activity adds a fun and interactive element to your Easter celebration.
  7. Music: Create a playlist with cheerful and light music to set the mood. Consider the preferences of your guests and choose a mix of genres.
  8. Seating Arrangements: If you have numerous guests attending your Easter dinner, consider creating a seating arrangement to encourage mingling. Set up a kids’ area with their table, crafts, coloring books, and other activities to keep them busy. Create place cards and placemats for an added special touch to your Easter table.
  9. Dessert Buffet: Easter is known for sweets, so have a dessert buffet with various treats. Include classics like carrot cake or hot cross buns. Consider creating a sundae bar for the kids.
  10. Relax and Enjoy: Do not forget to enjoy the celebration yourself. Plan as much as you can in advance.

Happy Easter!

Easter Basket Filler Ideas

Easter is at the end of the month. Are you planning to include Easter Baskets in your holiday celebration? Are you already thinking about what items to put in your children’s baskets? If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following Easter Basket filler ideas.  

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Candy: Add a variety of Easter-themed candies, chocolates, and jellybeans to the Easter Basket. A chocolate bunny is always a favorite. Easter candy has many themes like Marvel, Harry Potter, and more.  
  2. Easter Eggs: Include plastic eggs with surprises, such as small toys, stickers, or coins.
  3. Stuffed Bunny: A cute plush bunny or other stuffed animal makes a great addition to the basket. Squishmallows are a popular favorite right now.
  4. Art Supplies: Add coloring books, drawing paper, construction paper, paint, crayons, and markers for creative fun. Check out your local dollar store for inexpensive art supplies.
  5. Outdoor Toys: Include items like bubbles, jump ropes, balls, or sidewalk chalk for outdoor play.
  6. Puzzle Fun: Age-appropriate puzzles or brain teasers can entertain and educate.
  7. Books: Choose Easter-themed books or stories that match the child’s age and interests.
  8. Craft Kits: DIY craft kits for making Easter-themed projects can be entertaining and creative. Or add different craft supplies like beads, string, googly eyes, pompons, feathers, Styrofoam shapes, unfinished wooden pieces, and other materials. Once again, your local dollar store is a great resource for craft supplies at a low cost.
  9. Sticker Sheets: Kids love stickers, especially those with Easter themes. Consider buying stickers books or random packs of stickers to use.
  10. Glow-in-the-Dark Eggs: Unique eggs that glow in the dark can add an extra element of excitement.

Remember to tailor the basket to the child’s age and preferences for a personalized touch! Have fun picking out different items. Happy Easter!