“Fall FUN-raising Idea: How to Host a Trunk or Treat” is a great way to raise money while hosting a memorable family night at school or church. Families fund the event by donating candy, prizes, and baskets for raffles or rent a space to park their decorated car. The article includes ideas to keep the party going like offering concessions, a craft tent, a bake sale, a chili cook-off and even a pet parade. I also included a side bar with suggestions specifically for school hosted trunk or treat. Word count: 652 words plus 153 word sidebar.
“Strong Roots Make Flowers Bloom: Spend the Day with Grandma” Perfect for Grandparent’s Day! Today’s active family has a full schedule. With work and school and activities, our generation finds little time to squeeze in enough visits with Grandma. When we do spend time with her, we are rushed, distracted or not completely there. Make the most of your time with Grandma with these fun activities. Word count: 720 words.
“Ten Halloween Party Games for Teens and Tweens” Looking for something to entertain your teen and their friends this Halloween? I offer a variety of creative, challenging and really gross games that even the most reluctant teen will enjoy. Find party success with simple household items, a few pet store creatures and a Halloween staple – candy! I have included an optional side bar with dinner ideas for teens that goes beyond ordering a pizza. Word count: 825 words plus 187 word optional sidebar.
“A Spooktacular Halloween Classroom Party Plan” includes fresh ideas that are age appropriate, fun and PTA budget friendly. Choose from three games, two crafts and one memorable activity. Word count: 640 words, plus an optional 202 word sidebar.
“Celebrate Thanksgiving Charlie Brown’s Way” This year make the kids’ table the best one in the house with Charlie Brown Thanksgiving themed games and crafts. Make it a Thanksgiving your kids will never forget! Word count: 688 words plus 2 sidebars: 210 and 126 words. (Optional high res photo also available.)
“Seven Family Games for all the Turkeys at Your Thanksgiving” Don’t let your family get lost in their electronics, watching football or ducking out early to shop the sales. This article offers game ideas for all ages and skill levels. Games break the ice, stimulates conversation between the generations and creates memories of good times with family. Word count: 554 words plus an optional side bar – 184 words.
“Five Steps to Hosting a Progressive Holiday Brunch” Hosting a progressive brunch is a great way to spend time together during the holiday season without infringing on your other obligations. Make it a semi-adult affair by keeping the children together with a babysitter, craft and their own brunch during your meal and meet up again as a family for desserts. Not sure what to serve? I have also included an optional sidebar of menu ideas to make your brunch a success. Word count: 670 words plus 112 word optional sidebar
“Make Our World a Better Place: 44 Random Acts of Kindness” This article give readers 44 ways to spread the holiday spirit now and throughout the year. Broken up into five categories, the reader will find ideas simple enough for a child, something for the adults or an act that you can perform as a family. Word count: 729 words.
“35 Steps to a Carefree Winterized Home” I encourage readers to work like an ant this fall to prepare their house for winter. Like in the fable, when winter arrives, the grasshoppers in the neighborhood will be fighting overflowing gutters, drafty doors and machinery that won’t run while the ants are cozy and carefree. The article is broken down into seven categories of home winterizing chores including home exterior and interior, garage, garden, pantry and more. Word count: 708 words
“The Hostess with the Mostest: How to Make your Holiday House Guests Feel at Home” I offer seven suggestions for making the visit guest-friendly. By planning ahead of time, you can share time conflicts, provide ideas for the trip itinerary, offer a private space as a home away from home and find out about food allergies before you shop for food. I also provided a 165-word side bar about how to be a good guest. Word count: 640 words.
“Encourage Curiosity: 10 Fall Stem Projects for Kids”I offer ten simple, yet fun science activities including a candy corn lava lamp, learning the best method for preventing brown apple slices, making an oozing jack-o’-lantern, changing the color of fire with pinecones and watching water make its way through a leaf. Word count: 714 words.