Tag: Making memories

Hosting a Friendsgiving

The word Friendsgiving is a term to describe the combination of gathering friends and the Thanksgiving holiday. Reasons for hosting a Friendsgiving vary. Family members may not live nearby. Or you consider your friends like your family. Regardless of your reason, hosting a Friendsgiving is a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Tips for Hosting a Friendsgiving

Honestly, there is no right or wrong way to host a Friendsgiving. The basic concept is about having those you cherish around you for Thanksgiving. Your gathering can be a causal or fantastic dining experience. Here are a few tips to help you plan your Friendsgiving gathering.

Invites

Grab your favorite writing instrument to prepare a list of people to invite to your Friendsgiving. Next, use your list for sending invites. There are five basic ways to invite your friends over for a Thanksgiving meal.

  • Digital: Create a private group on Facebook to invite and discuss your plans for the Thanksgiving meal.
  • Call: If you are short on time, give everyone on your list a quick call.
  • Text: Send your invites via a text or private message.
  • Mail: Make out your invitations and send them through the mail.
  • In-person: This method is great for handing out homemade invites

Menu

After you know how many people are coming to your Friendsgiving event, you must plan a menu. There are three basic ways to prepare and serve your meal.

  • Do it Yourself: Cook and bake the entire meal yourself. The DIY approach is excellent for individuals who love to cook.
  • Pot Luck: Pot luck is a wonderful way to add variety to your meal. This option is perfect when serving a buffet-style meal. Ask people attending your Friendsgiving to bring a dish to pass. Keep a running list of dishes and desserts to ensure a wide array of food.
  • Catered: Have your Thanksgiving meal delivered. The catered approach is perfect for busy individuals.

Use the menu approach that is best for you. If needed, combine the methods to make your Friendsgiving a meal to remember. For example, you could cook the main meal but have the desserts delivered. Or one of your guests could make desserts. The choice is entirely up to you.

Activities

Yes, you may serve your food, eat, and just chill with your friends. Or you can have other activities to make your Friendsgiving fun.

  • Watch football
  • Watch a movie
  • Play board games
  • Play video games

Create a Photo Booth

Remember your Friendsgiving with pictures. Create an area in your home for a photo booth.

  • Use a backdrop (a new sheet or cloth is excellent for an instant backdrop).
  • Add props for more fun. For example, you can use a turkey hat, signs, fake mustaches, and funny sunglasses. The accessories do not have to be expensive. You can even make your own.
  • Develop a unique hashtag for your Friendsgiving.
  • Post the photos in your private group so everyone can see the results.

Whether you are only having a couple people over or an entire household, planning a Friendsgiving is a fantastic spin on the Thanksgiving holiday gathering.

 

 

Please note: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

November Journal Writing Prompts

For many, November marks the start of the holiday season. Take some time out of each day to write in your journal. Quiet moments are perfect for your emotional well-being.

Journal Writing Prompts for November

  1. What would you like to accomplish during November? What steps do you need to take to achieve your goal?
  2. What does the month of November mean to you?
  3. Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving? What steps do you need to take to prepare for the holiday?
  4. When the season changes to cold, snowy, or rainy weather, what do you like to do? Why?
  5. List the top 20 things in your life that make you grateful.
  6. Describe your current mood. Why do you feel this way?
  7. What made you smile or laugh today?
  8. What is your interpretation of gratitude?
  9. If you could write a mission statement about your life, what would it be? Why?
  10. How do you plan to celebrate Veteran’s Day tomorrow? Go to a parade? Or other types of community events?
  11. Happy Veteran’s Day! Do you know a veteran? Is the veteran a member of your family or a friend? What branch did he or she serve?
  12. What happened today at noon? 4 pm? 6 pm? 8 pm? 10 pm?
  13. 13 Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade? If you could enter any type of float in the parade, what would you design? Why?
  14. Write 5 ways you engage in self-care?
  15. If you could invite any person who is living or dead to your Thanksgiving meal, who would you invite? Why?
  16. What is your favorite quote from a television show, book, or movie? Why do you like this quote?
  17. Write a critique of the last movie or television show you watched?
  18. What does your school, work, home, or other schedule look like this week? Are you in for a busy week? What steps can you take to ease the stress of your schedule?
  19. Do you have difficulty expressing your feelings to your family? Friends? Co-workers? Why or why not?
  20. How do you inspire gratitude in yourself, your family, or others?
  21. Who do you have in your life currently who you most thankful for at this moment? Why?
  22. List 5 things you do well. List 5 things you would like to improve.
  23. Is there a project or goal you would like to finish in the last two months of 2019? What do you need to accomplish this goal?
  24. Are you going to participate in Black Friday? Why or why not?
  25. Describe in detail your typical childhood Thanksgiving? What is your first memory of Thanksgiving?
  26. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? What is this one so important to you?
  27. Are you ready for your Thanksgiving? How do you think tomorrow will go?
  28. Happy Thanksgiving! How did your holiday go? Did everything go as planned? What was your favorite memory?
  29. Do you have leftovers? What do you make? What’s your favorite Thanksgiving leftover?
  30. What are you looking forward to next month?

 

November Photo Prompt Ideas

November brings numerous opportunities for photos. Depending on where you live, you may begin to see snow. Holiday decorations will start appearing. Thanksgiving (US) is at the end of the month. Make memories with photography is a perfect way to remember the month of November.

November Photo Prompts

  1. Selfie (always begin each month with a new selfie)
  2. Clouds
  3. Landscape or Skyscape
  4. Water
  5. Chocolate
  6. Love
  7. Socks
  8. Thanksgiving or Harvest decorations
  9. Sunset/Sunrise
  10. Current view
  11. Close
  12. Grateful
  13. Animal
  14. Time
  15. Orange
  16. Signs
  17. Soft
  18. Favorite Snack
  19. Yellow
  20. Something to Your Left
  21. Distance
  22. Weather or Snow
  23. Nature
  24. Turkey
  25. Beverage
  26. Green
  27. Something to Your Right
  28. Happy Thanksgiving! Your Thanksgiving View
  29. Favorite Pie or Other Dessert
  30. Holidays

Throwing a Last Minute Halloween Party

Is the perspective Halloween forecast limiting your trick-or-treating options? Keep your children inside, throw a Halloween party. Planning an impromptu Halloween is the perfect way to celebrate on a cold, windy night. 

Tips for Last-Minute Halloween Party Planning 

The key to throwing a last-minute Halloween party is organization. Grab a tablet and begin to make plans. Do you need some help? Consider the following tips to make your party planning go smooth.

Guest List

The guest list is essential. Start by writing out a potential guest list. Begin calling, texting, or emailing the people on your list. If you are on Facebook, consider making a private group or invite page for the Halloween party. The group allows you to keep track of the number of people coming. Parents will be able to ask questions about the party. Most parents will ask what can they do to help. Do not be afraid to accept their help.  

Menu

When you get an estimate on the number of people attending, you can start food shopping. Finger food is always a party favorite. Mini sandwiches, snacks, and punch are simple treats for quick party planning. Or if your budget allows order pizzas. 

Craft Area

Set up a corner with different crafts for children to enjoy. The crafting material does not need to be elaborate or costly. 

  • Paint 
  • Paintbrushes 
  • Glue 
  • Glitter 
  • Pompons 
  • Markers 
  • Yarn
  • Googly eyes

Use small gourd-shaped pumpkins for painting. Or go to your local store to find some Halloween themed wooden cutouts. Even a posterboard can be a template for a spooky theme. Allow children to create and decorate. The party-goers will love the fact they get to take their creation home with them.

Games & Activities

Kids love to participate in fun, easy games. 

  • Long-Standing Tradition: Bobbing for apples is a Halloween tradition.
  • Ghost Toss: Make ghosts from white lunch bags.  Stuff the inside with newspaper or other lightweight material. Set up baskets to toss the ghosts in. 
  • Pumpkin Smile: Instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, play pin the smile on the pumpkin. Use large orange poster board to make a pumpkin cut out. Draw in the eyes and nose. Use yellow or black poster board to cut out mouths.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide Halloween themed items throughout the house. Make out clues that will lead your partygoers from one place to another. 
  • Ghost Hunt: Use tissue paper to wrap suckers in the shape of ghosts. Hide the ghosts throughout the house for your Halloween guests to find. 
  • Photo Booth or Display: Use a black sheet or other cloth to set up a photo area. Set out Halloween themed props. Designate someone at your party to be the official photographer.
  • Fear-Factor Inspired: Putting your hand in a box without knowing what is inside can be scary. Cold spaghetti noodles can pass for worms. Peeled grapes can be eyeballs. Just use your imagination. Or have some edible insects on hand for those who are brave enough to try. 

Take-Home Treat Bags 

Fill treat bags with goodies. The Halloween take-home bags do not necessarily have to be filled with just candy. Balls, fangs, spider rings, skeletons, puzzle pads, and other Halloween themed items are available. The size of the treat bags is entirely up to you. If you use the ghost toss game, the extra white bags are perfect for take-home treats. 

 

Rebecca’s Top 20: Halloween Movies for Family Night

Changing leaves, cooler weather, football, and Halloween are all a significant part of October. For added fun, incorporate Halloween themed movies into your family night.

Rebecca’s Top 20

  1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (An all-time Halloween favorite)
  2. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (the collection has The Legend of Sleepy Hollow)
  3. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie
  4. Curious George: A Halloween Boofest
  5. Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Treat
  6. Casper’s Halloween Special
  7. Sesame Street: Trick or Treat on Sesame Street
  8. Paw Patrol: Halloween Heroes
  9. Toy Story of Terror
  10. Spongebob Squarepants-Halloween
  11. Scared Shrekless
  12. The Halloweentown series including  Halloweentown, Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown
  13. Any of the Scooby-Doo movies
  14. The Addam’s Family
  15. Hocus Pocus
  16. Ghostbusters
  17. The Harry Potter series including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2. 
  18. Beetlejuice
  19. Little Vampire
  20. Any of the Goosebumps movies

What is your favorite family-friendly Halloween movie?

 

Please note: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

October Photo Prompt Ideas

Leaves are changing, cooler weather is setting in, and Halloween is just around the corner. October is the perfect month of photos. Do you need some help on what to take? Try this list of 31 photo prompts for October.

  1. Selfie
  2. Leaves
  3. Crafty
  4. Nostalgic
  5. Decorative
  6. Up-close
  7. Witchy
  8. Meal
  9. Signs
  10. Harvest
  11. Pumpkins
  12. Fog
  13. Candy Corn
  14. Far Away
  15. Black and White
  16. Water
  17. Something Purple
  18. Spooky
  19. Sweet
  20. Snack
  21. Magical
  22. Current View
  23. Clouds
  24. Orange and Black
  25. Fall
  26. Sunset/Sunrise
  27. Nature
  28. Candy
  29. Cats (National Cat Day)
  30. Costume
  31. Happy Halloween!

Have fun. Take lots of photos and make memories.

 

31 Days of Halloween Fun

Cooler nights, changing leaves, pumpkins, October is the perfect time to enjoy Halloween fun. Whether you participate in activities with friends or family, try out these ideas for 31 Days of Halloween Fun. 

31 Halloween Themed Activities 

  1. Visit a pumpkin patch. Bring home a pumpkin or several 
  2. Decorate for Halloween.
  3. Go to the library or bookstore to find Halloween themed books. 
  4. Make homemade Halloween cards. 
  5. Make monster cookies.
  6. Plan and make a homemade Halloween costume.
  7. Make two loaves of pumpkin bread. One to keep and one to give away to a friend. 
  8. Create a Halloween diorama. 
  9.  Watch classic monster movies. 
  10. Paint zombie, monster, or pumpkin-themed rocks to hide around the neighborhood. 
  11. Make a Halloween themed meal.
  12. Make orange tye-dyed t-shirts.
  13. Go on a haunted hayride.
  14. Walk or drive around to see the different pumpkin and Halloween decorations. 
  15. Tell or write a spooky tale. 
  16. Host a Halloween cartoon movie night. 
  17. Drink freshly pressed cider or warm apple spice cider. 
  18. Create a Halloween playlist. 
  19. Carve pumpkins.
  20. Roast pumpkin seeds.
  21. Visit a haunted house.
  22. Host a Halloween themed craft day. 
  23. Attend a pumpkin weighing contest.
  24. Go through a corn maze. 
  25. Attend a trunk or treat event. 
  26. Go on a haunted tour or ghost walk. 
  27. Host a bonfire night. 
  28. Have a Halloween themed photoshoot for you, your friends, your family, or your dogs. 
  29. Attend a Halloween parade or other community event. 
  30. Host a Halloween party. 
  31. Trick-or-treat. Happy Halloween!

September Photo Prompt Ideas

September marks the end of summer, the beginning of a new school year, and changes in weather. Enjoy the colorful fall season. Grab your camera and head outdoors to view summer’s transformation into fall.

Photo Prompts for September

  1. Selfie
  2. Labor Day
  3. Black and white
  4. Back to school
  5. High angle
  6. Beverage
  7. Water
  8. Sunset/sunrise
  9. Trees
  10. Words
  11. 9-11 Remembrance
  12. Shapes
  13. Something up close
  14. Feelings
  15. Shadows
  16. Red
  17. Food
  18. Collection
  19. Weather
  20. Current view
  21. Low angle
  22. Nature
  23. 1st day of Autumn
  24. Leaves
  25. Off-centered
  26. Toy
  27. Memories
  28. Apples
  29. Clouds
  30. Love

Enjoy fall. Take and print photos. Make a scrapbook. Have fun.

Staycation Ideas for the Holiday Weekend

What is a staycation? The term refers to staying at home or close to home during vacation time. The Labor Day weekend generally provides three days off without school or work commitments. The time can be spent on the road heading toward a travel destination. Or you and your loved ones may participate in staycation activities. Spending a leisure weekend with your family may turn into a lasting memory.

25 Staycation Ideas for Labor Day Weekend

  1. Host a family BBQ
  2. Go hiking
  3. Visit a local landmark
  4. Attend a community event
  5. Go on a picnic
  6. Visit a dog park
  7. Volunteer
  8. Go swimming
  9. Read a book
  10. Eat ice cream
  11. Make banana splits
  12. Go for a walk
  13. Go stargazing
  14. Go miniature golfing
  15. Visit older family members
  16. Go to a farmer’s market
  17. Visit a petting zoo or farm
  18. Relax in a hammock
  19. Host a bonfire
  20. Visit an art gallery or museum
  21. Host a craft day
  22. Go for a bike ride
  23. Go on a local tour
  24. Visit mom and pop style restaurants or businesses
  25. Have a movie or game night

 

Celebrating World Photography Day

Did you know August 19th is World Photography Day? Starting with film and advancing to digital, cameras have been around for decades. A camera can catch a glimpse of reality before passing away into history. From haunting disasters to daily routines, every photo tells a story. 

Ways to Celebrate World Photography Day

Photography is your personal journey. Taking pictures is the best way to celebrate World Photography Day. Do not be afraid to show others your view of the world. 

Unplug from Your Computer

Unplug from your computer or other devices during your lunch hour, for the afternoon, or the entire day. Grab your camera or mobile phone and head out to take some pictures. Find your personal inspiration.

  • Go outdoors. 
  • Go for a nature walk. 
  • Take your dog for a hike. 
  • Enjoy the scenery.
  • Photograph a meal.
  • Set up a scene.
  • Photograph your family, pets, or friends.
  • Photograph from different angles.
  • Make your photo adventure a family activity.

Buy a Good Camera

If you enjoy taking pictures, consider investing in a high-quality camera. 

  • Do your research to find the right fit for you. 
  • Ask friends or family members for input.
  • When you go to purchase a new camera, ask questions. 
  • Hold the camera. 

Remember a camera is just a tool. True photography comes from your inspiration and personal viewpoint.

Learn the Rules

Photography has rules. Composition, exposure, balance, and lighting are just a few of the common areas. 

  • Take a class.
  • Attend a workshop.
  • Go to the library or local bookstore for photography books.
  • Join social media groups.

Break the Rules

Yes, photography has rules. Do not be afraid to break them. Every person views a subject differently. Your pictures are your own personal viewpoint. Let your personal inspiration shine through in your photo. 

When you get to caught up in the right way to take a photo, you miss out on the experience. Have fun. Photography is an art form, your art. Never let anyone diminish your art.