“Thank You! A Holiday Tip and Gift Guide” offers eight gift ideas for the people who touch our lives throughout the year. While cash is still king, selecting a one-size-fits-all gift is another way to show your appreciation. Gift ideas include gifts that entertain us, gifts that have the ability to freeze time and gifts that keep giving long after the holidays are over. The article comes with two optional side bars that include a gift giving checklist and guide to help you with cash gifts. Word count: 575
“Look on the Bright Side: 20 Ways to Embrace Winter Inside and Out” After the holiday season, winter can be a big letdown. While we were busy celebrating, we failed to notice Old Man Winter’s arrival. We are saddened by the shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures and the days that seem to drag on. Look on the bright side of winter and enjoy 20 different things to do until spring arrives. Word count: 800 words.
“Spread the Cheer throughout the Year” The January blues are common after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Many people blame the weather, but is it possible that the January blues are caused by the absence of the holiday spirit? Unlike Grandma’s china, the feelings of goodwill and joy should not be limited to holiday use. Word count: 770 words.
“Seven Games to Liven up your Holiday Party” Most parties include festive decorations and delicious food and drink, many lack the extra something that makes a party successful. Playing a game brings your guests out of their shell and gets them interacting with others. Whether hosting for children or adults, these games will liven any crowd and promise a memorable party. Word count: 840 words.
“Weeding out the couch potatoes: 50 things to do instead of screen time” Memories of last year’s winter include children slumped over game controllers and our own mindless scrolling on Pinterest. Is this the only way we can fight the strangle hold of cabin fever? No way! This article offers 50 family friendly suggestions to pass the time until the spring thaw. Word count: 559 words.
“40 Holiday Traditions to Start this Year!” Looking to add a few new family traditions this season? Choose something that fits your lifestyle, interests and the ages of your children. This article will give you plenty of new ideas for families of all ages in six different catergories. Word count: 650 words.
“A Dozen Ways to Exercise without Spending a Dime” This article offers the reader twelve ideas for exercise outside of the gym. I have also included an optional side bar which shows the number of calories burned for several free activities. Word count: 641 words with optional 160 word sidebar.
“Six Cool Gift Ideas for Tweens and Teens” As teenagers, most of us have received a gift that made us struggle to remember it is the thought that counts. With a little imagination, you will find something here that makes your teen happy and stays within your budget. Word count: 730 words.
“Ring in the New Year with Family-Friendly Party Games” Check out these eight games that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The games are simple, yet guaranteed to keep everyone entertained. Fill your evening with laughter as you roll dice, draw, stomp, untangle and search. A good time will be had by all! Word count: 655 words
“How to Host a Holiday-Themed My Favorite Things Party” Looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays and exchange gifts with friends? At this party, each guest brings five of their favorite thing to be exchanged with for five different things. This is a great alternative to a cookie or ornament exchange and can be adjusted to work for either a kids’ party or Mom’s Night Out. I have included an optional sidebar with three variations for this party. Word count: 625 words plus a 215 word optional sidebar.
“Calling All Room Moms: A Valentine’s Day Party Plan” It’s hard to come up with ideas for your child’s classroom party that is age appropriate, fun and fits your limited PTA budget. This article includes three new craft ideas and five classroom appropriate games. The kids can make festive vases, custom family jewelry or a pushpin heart frame. Games include “Plant a Kiss on the Mascot” and the fast moving, “Musical Hearts” game. The optional sidebar includes three easy games to play if you still have time left at the end of the party. Word count: 640 words, plus an optional 285 word sidebar.
“Bring the Family Closer: Winter Resolutions that Inspire Togetherness” offers the reader a dozen ways to reconnect with your family. Ideas include engaging in creative projects together, sparking conversation at dinner that goes beyond the day’s events and making time together to volunteer, cook a meal or get outside. Word count: 810.
“A Dozen Activities that Put the “Win” in Winter” I offer 12 fun things to do outside with your kids. They can run off some energy in the snow maze and ice cube scavenger hunt. They can get creative with ice mosaics and snow people stencils. And there are plenty of messes to be made with snow volcanos and a winter picnic. My article also includes a winter scavenger hunt list that can be done in the woods or in your neighborhood. Word Count: 659 words with optional 74 word sidebar.
“15 Must Have Apps for a Successful Holiday Season”I found 15 holiday apps to make life flow better this holiday season. I have included fun apps, (Capture the Moment), productive apps (justWink), an app to help those in need (One Today), an app to guide us to restaurants for my gluten & dairy free daughter (Allergy Eats) and even a DIY advent calendar app to send texts, pictures and gifts to people each day. Word count: 743