Tag: family

Memorial Day Weekend Ideas

The last Monday in May honors men and women who have died during their service in the United States military. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday. Observing the holiday is different for everyone. Many families attend community events, host BBQs, go on a road trip or simply stay home for the extended weekend.

If you need ideas for the weekend, consider the following:

  • Go to a Memorial Day Parade: Many communities hold a wide variety of Memorial Day events. A parade is generally a fixture of the scheduled activities.
  • Moment of Silence or Prayer: Another activity generally involves the United States flag raising ceremony. Depending on the sponsorship of the event, the activity may hold a moment of silence for the fallen or a prayer.
  • Attend a Community Concert: Many communities will sponsor free outdoor concerts with a patriotic theme. Gather your family or ask your friends, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the music.
  • Attend a Fireworks Show: Another popular community event is a fireworks show. Enjoy the fireworks display with your friends and family members.
  • Go to a National or State Park: With over 50 National Parks and ten thousand state parks, getting outdoors to view the beautiful scenery is a must. Check your state to find the one closest to your location and go.
  • Volunteer: Volunteering is always a self-rewarding activity. For example, many organizations place flags on the headstones of military members. The process is simple to carry out. The activity provides you with a chance to remember the meaning of Memorial Day.
  • Learn Your Family’s Military History: Search your family’s history. Finding information about family members who served is a rewarding experience.
  • Host a BBQ: Gather your family or friends for a BBQ at your home, park, lake or other areas of interest. When serving, take a moment to toast those who have fallen in service.
  • Be Thankful: Whether you chose to travel, attend events, or stay home, be thankful for your choice.

Celebrating Memorial Day is a great way to enjoy the company of your family or friends. The Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer. Celebrate, remember, and appreciate the weekend.

 

25 Ideas for Your Spring Bucket List

The weather is slowly turning warmer, time to gather your family or friends to create a spring bucket list. Do you need some ideas? Check out the following list.

  1. Go for a walk and simply enjoy the sunshine.
  2. Spend a day at the playground, nearby park or other local attraction. (Pack a lunch)
  3. When the weather turns to rain, host a spring crafting day.
  4. Turn off all of your devices and listen to a rainstorm.
  5. Host a movie or game night for your family and friends.
  6. Get in your vehicle and go. A Sunday drive with a packed cooler may be the best refresher for chasing away the winter blahs.
  7. Make a birdhouse or bird feeder for your yard.
  8. Visit a museum.
  9. Pack a sack lunch and eat outside.
  10. Paint rocks.
  11. Set up a recyclable area in your home or garage.
  12. Plant flowers or vegetables.
  13. Visit an art gallery.
  14. Go on a nature hike. Take lots of pictures and create a scrapbook of your experience.
  15. While watching the sunset, drink your favorite beverage.
  16. Get a professional portrait of your family or group of friends.
  17. Dye Easter eggs.
  18. Host or go on an Easter egg hunt.
  19. Sit under a tree and read a book.
  20. Fly a new kite.
  21. Blow bubbles. (They have some really cool accessories out now.)
  22. Go on a picnic or host a bonfire
  23. Volunteer to clean up trash at a local park, nature area or other organized community event.
  24. Go on a bike ride with your family or friends.
  25. Walk around barefoot on a warm day.

Even the smallest activity can turn into an adventure.

Photo Prompt Ideas for April

After a long winter, April generally brings warmer weather. Unfortunately, with the changing temperatures, rain is often in the forecast. Just remember the old saying, April showers bring May flowers.

  1. Selfie (Always begin each new month with a selfie. For added fun, do something foolish. After all, it is April Fool’s Day).
  2. Peanut butter and jelly
  3. Sunrise/Sunset
  4. Flowers
  5. Breakfast
  6. Noon
  7. Pink
  8. Umbrella
  9. Favorite food
  10. Trees
  11. View from far away
  12. View from up close
  13. Memory
  14. Relaxing
  15. Monday inspiration
  16. Favorite beverage
  17. Easter decorations
  18. Easter bunny
  19. Your view on Good Friday
  20. Easter eggs
  21. Easter fun
  22. Earth Day inspiration
  23. Black and white
  24. Action
  25. Texture
  26. Friday fun
  27. Nature
  28. Landscape/waterscape
  29. Siloutte
  30. Looking forward to May

30 days are in the month of April. Each day is a chance to tap into your creative side. Use the photo prompts to explore the world around you.

 

Genealogy Series: Ideas for Writing Your Personal History

Writing your personal history is a great addition to your genealogy research. Your personal story will intertwine with the rest of your family’s history. As your own author, the subject matter is endless. If you need ideas for writing your personal history, consider the following areas for inspiration.

Names

  • Are you named after someone in your family? Who? Why?
  • Do you know the meaning or story behind your name?
  • Did you name any of your children after a family member? Who? Why?
  • Do you have a nickname?
  • How did you get the nickname?

Birthdates

  • When and where were you born?
  • Is there a story about your birth?
  • When and where were your children born?
  • Share your experience about their birth.

Significant Other

  • What is your current relationship status?
  • Are you married?
  • How did you meet your partner?
  • Describe your first date.
  • Describe your wedding.
  • What is your favorite moment with your significant other?

Parents

  • Where were your parent born?
  • How did they meet?
  • Favorite memory of your parents from your childhood?
  • What did your parents teach you?
  • Write any other information you would like to share about your parents.
  • Describe yourself as a parent? (or a pet parent)

Childhood

  • Describe your childhood home? Did you move around a lot? Did you grow up in the city or country?
  • Do you have siblings? How many?
  • Are you close to your siblings?
  • What was your favorite activity as a child?
  • Who were your childhood friends? Do you still keep in touch?
  • Did you like school?
  • Describe your holidays as a child.
  • What family traditions do you still carry on with your own family?
  • Describe your children at this moment in time.

Extended Family

  • Write about your grandparents include names, dates, and other important information.
  • Write about your aunts and uncles. Did you have a favorite?
  • Write about your cousins and other family members.
  • Were there people in your life that you considered family who was not related?
  • Did you spend a lot of time with your extended family?
  • Do your children spend time with extended family?

Every piece of information provides insight into your life. Remember when writing to keep your personal and families’ information private. Always be careful about publishing information online. Keep a journal. Using lined notebook paper is an easy way to continuously add information photos and other material to a 3-ring binder. Do not forget to have fun when writing your personal history.

 

Celebrate! Love Your Pet Day

Did you know, today, February 20th is Love Your Pet Day? Whether you have a dog, cat or other furry little critter, pets bring companionship, joy, and fun to your home. Dedicated pet owners always show love to their furry or feathered friends. Today just focuses on the love you have for your pet. Life should be about small celebrations.

How to Celebrate Love Your Pet Day?

Being a responsible pet owner, you already know the activities your dog (or cat) enjoys the most. Set some time aside to engage in your pet’s favorite pastime. If you are looking for new activity, consider the following ideas to celebrate Love Your Pet Day:

Time

Work, family, school, or other commitments keep you busy. Being home alone may leave your pet feeling lonely. Spending some extra quality time with your faithful companion is the perfect way to celebrate Love Your Pet Day.

  • Go to the local dog park or find a new one to explore
  • Go hiking on a new trail
  • Go for a car ride together to find a special treat
  • Snuggle on the sofa

New Toy

Pick up a new toy for your beloved pet. A new squeaky toy for your dog or cat nipped filled mouse for your feline friend will brighten your pet’s day.

Homemade Treats

Head over to Pinterest to search for homemade animal treats. Baking homemade dog or cat treats shows extra love for your pet on this special day. Most recipes require basic ingredients that you may already have on hand. The wide range of recipes available ensures the perfect fit for your pet.

Spa Treatment

Many dogs love pampering (cats not so much). Send your pooch to the local doggy spa for a fresh bath, nail trimming, and more.

Photo of the Occasion

A photo of the occasion is the best way to mark Love Your Pet Day.

  • Take a selfie
  • Set up your own photo shoot
  • Get a professional portrait

Need a Pet? Adopt

Bringing home a pet from a local rescue or animal shelter immediately shows love. Celebrating Love Your Pet Day with a new furry companion goes beyond recognizing the day, the action may actually save a life.

February Photo Prompt Inspiration

Are you ready for the shortest month in the year? February brings Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl and much more. Enjoy the month by making memories. Take pictures. Gather inspiration. And, simply enjoy.

February Photo Prompts

  1. Selfie
  2. Outside your window
  3. Something small
  4. Landscape or skyscape
  5. Pet or animal
  6. Warm drink
  7. Favorite romance
  8. Flowers
  9. Love
  10. Something fuzzy
  11. Valentine’s Day or other sweet treats
  12. Red/pinks
  13. Hearts
  14. Valentine’s Day fun
  15. Sign or symbol
  16. Stuffed animal or toy
  17. Favorite meal of the day
  18. Patterns
  19. Low view
  20. Snack or special treat
  21. Water
  22. Something blue
  23. High view
  24. Birds
  25. Sunrise or sunset
  26. Clouds
  27. Happiness
  28. Dream

January Photo Prompt Ideas

Happy New Year! Did you make any resolutions? Is engaging in creative ventures, part of your resolution list? Photo prompts are perfect for inspiring your creative side. Consider the following for the first month of the New Year.

Photo Prompt Inspiration for January

  1. Selfie on the first day of the New Year (Even if you look tired from last night’s activities, celebrate the first day of 2019.)
  2. New Year Resolution
  3. Snow or cut out Snowflakes
  4. Favorite hot beverage
  5. Landscape/waterscape
  6. Pet
  7. Your current view
  8. Friendship
  9. Close up
  10. Favorite book or current read
  11. New purchase
  12. Something old
  13. Nature
  14. Something up high
  15. Something down low
  16. Motivation
  17. Breakfast
  18. Desert
  19. Night time plans
  20. Black and white
  21. Something blue
  22. Snack
  23. Reflection
  24. Current mood
  25. Rough surface
  26. Smooth surface
  27. Your happy place
  28. Wildlife
  29. Stuffed animal
  30. Family
  31. Last photo of January 2019

Photos represent your current mood. Print your photos. Make a scrapbook. Ask friends or family members to join. Create a group page to share. Be creative.

100 Ideas for Christmas Stockings

The week before Christmas is generally the busiest. Are you ready? Are the gifts wrapped? Do you have all your stocking stuffers? Check out these 100 stocking stuffer ideas to help find the perfect items for everyone on your list.

100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

  1. Gift cards or phone cards
  2. Rolled quarters decorated with holiday paper and ribbon. (This is great for college kids who do their own laundry).
  3. Lip balm
  4. Hand cream
  5. Makeup bag
  6. Makeup/Perfume
  7. Nail polish
  8. Earrings
  9. Necklaces/Bracelets
  10. Hand sanitizer
  11. Toothbrush
  12. Bubble bath
  13. Bath bombs
  14. Sleep mask
  15. Art pens
  16. Mini sketch pads
  17. Journal
  18. Gel or glitter pens
  19. Pencil sharpener
  20. Pencils
  21. Post it notes
  22. Mini notepads
  23. Booklight
  24. Paperback book
  25. Stickers
  26. Decorative Tape
  27. Crayons
  28. Mini coloring books or activity pads
  29. Markers
  30. Glow sticks
  31. Playdough
  32. Modeling clay
  33. Do-it-yourself craft kits
  34. Water paints
  35. Paintbrushes
  36. Acrylic paint
  37. Mini canvases
  38. Designer scissors
  39. Colorful erasers
  40. Stuffed animals
  41. Mini Lego sets
  42. Trading cards
  43. Calculator
  44. Jump rope
  45. Yo-yo
  46. Bubbles
  47. Toy cars
  48. Water bottle
  49. Coffee mug
  50. Hair brushes
  51. Combs
  52. Travel sized hair products
  53. Hair ties and accessories
  54. Mittens or gloves
  55. Hats
  56. Scarves
  57. Slippers
  58. Festive socks
  59. Earmuffs or headband
  60. Golf balls
  61. Golf Tees
  62. Magnifying glass
  63. Small photo frames with or without a picture
  64. Mini photo books
  65. Keychains
  66. Car air fresheners
  67. Earbuds
  68. Concert or community event tickets
  69. Movie tickets
  70. Lottery scratch off
  71. Theme park tickets
  72. Monthly subscription to Netflix or Hulu
  73. Favorite magazine or note of a new subscription to the magazine
  74. Comic book
  75. Temporary tattoos
  76. Small figurines or action figures
  77. SD cards
  78. USB Flash drives
  79. Carphone charger
  80. Fidget spinner
  81. Wallet or money clip
  82. Desk supplies including colorful paperclips, stapler, and staples
  83. Bath time toys
  84. Eyeglass cleaning kit
  85. Sunglasses
  86. Flameless candles
  87. Votive candles
  88. Christmas ornament (Make this a yearly tradition)
  89. Trail mix packs
  90. Microwave popcorn packs
  91. Hot cocoa packets
  92. Lifesavers
  93. Fruit snacks
  94. Variety packs of crackers
  95. Cookies
  96. Snack-sized packages of chips
  97. Bubblegum
  98. Breath Mints
  99. Jerky
  100. Christmas themed candy, Candy Canes, and Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs

Creating Traditions for the Holiday Season

Are you looking to start a new family or friends’ Christmas tradition? From volunteering to outdoor fun, creating new traditions is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Call a family meeting or text your friends to find your next tradition. Who knows maybe you will find more than one.

Ideas for Creating New Traditions for the Christmas Season

Before starting a new tradition, ask your friends or family members’ input. Use the following ideas as inspiration to find the perfect new tradition for the Christmas season.

Family Night or Friend Gatherings

Work, school, and other commitments take up a lot of your valuable time. Making the time to spend with family and friends is important to your well-being.

  • Board game night
  • Make homemade hot cocoa
  • Christmas movie night
  • Host a Christmas craft day
  • Christmas cartoon movie night
  • Dress up and go out to eat at a fancy restaurant
  • Bake cookies and other goodies
  • Make homemade ornaments
  • Make Christmas crafts
  • Pack some snacks and go look for Christmas light displays

Volunteer

Giving back to your community is a wonderful contribution at Christmas.

  • Volunteer at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen or other community non-profit organizations
  • Adopt a Family in need
  • Visit a nursing home
  • Collect can goods and other non-perishable items for a local food pantry
  • Buy toys for community programs

Attend Community Events

Search your city’s website or other hosting pages to find different Christmas themed events in your area. Along with community events, churches offer a wide array of Christmas concerts, plays, pageants, and other activities. Even if you are not a member, most events are free or require a minimum donation to attend.

  • Attend a live Nativity
  • Go to a community Christmas concert
  • Go to Christmas church service or midnight mass
  • Attend a Santa Parade
  • Attend a tree lighting ceremony
  • Go to a Festival of Trees event

Host a Holiday Party     

Hosting a holiday party is a great way to gather friends and family under one roof.

  • An Ugly Sweater Party
  • A Harry Potter themed Christmas Party/Yule Ball
  • A birthday celebration for Jesus
  • Christmas party for your children and their friends
  • Ornament swap party
  • A Grinch themed party
  • A Christmas tea

Go Outdoors

Being outdoors allows you and your loved ones a chance to get away of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

  • Go sledding
  • Go skiing
  • Go hiking

Gathering friends and family together is part of the Christmas season. Creating new traditions or expanding on old ones provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy activities year after year.