tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14658676777623953742024-03-18T18:06:20.125-04:00Raising Memories: Making & Documenting Family MemoriesHeather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.comBlogger1616125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-80400330587719197212024-03-18T18:05:00.000-04:002024-03-18T18:05:21.352-04:008 Day Easter Week Advent & Printables<center style="text-align: left;">
I love to find fun ways to teach my kids about the real meaning behind our holidays and today's Easter Week Advent printables do that! Mandy from <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Sugarbee Crafts</a> has come up with this Easter Advent with daily activities for your family from the Sunday before Easter until Easter Sunday. She also created some free printables to go with it (which you can find below).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center>
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<img alt="Real Meaning of Easter Advent Activities" height="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A5x1m5RTsU/VtOlWuVzSjI/AAAAAAAAKN8/_IYFnZiKn0s/s1600/Easter%2BAdvent%2Bvertical%2BWEB.jpg" title="One Week Easter Advent with Activities True Meaning of Easter" /></center>
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</b></u> <u><b>Here are the supplies you'll need:</b></u><br />
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- 8 plastic eggs<br />
- Number stickers or a sharpie to label your eggs<br />
- Twine, a branch, and a vase or other container (if you want to hang the eggs)<br />
- paper, a printer, and the free download below :)<br />
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<img alt="Easter Week Advent & Printables" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTw5qmR4xSo/VtOlYV0aAEI/AAAAAAAAKOE/u69uqyM_FKA/s16000/easter%2Begg%2Bnumbers%2BWEB.jpg" title="Easter Egg Advent #Hallelujah" /></center>
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Activities range from journaling as a family to watching an online video to baking treats and delivering them to a neighbour. It is focused on learning more about Jesus and His teachings and the events that led up to Easter Sunday.<br />
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One of my favourite activities included is instructions for making "Resurrection Rolls". For these you'll need:<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
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- large marshmallows<br />
- crescent roll dough<br />
- butter<br />
- cinnamon & sugar<br />
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<img alt="" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaPgO3euo4w/VtOlYAxd-vI/AAAAAAAAKOA/ZGY9Htq0Stw/s1600/Easter%2BResurrection%2BRolls%2BWEB.jpg" title="Easy Resurrection Rolls Recipe" width="750" /></center>
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The idea is to wrap the marshmallow up with the dough and after baking it, the roll will be empty inside (representing the empty tomb). All of the details are in the set of printables at the bottom of this post!<br />
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<a data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-tall="true" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2016%2F03%2F8-day-easter-week-advent-printables.html%23more&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2kU_XJkFLY4%2FVtOlWfvOHiI%2FAAAAAAAAKN4%2FhQZ5t8yXLgQ%2Fs1600%2FEaster%252BResurrection%252BRolls%252Bfinal%252BWEB.jpg&description=Resurrection%20Rolls%20Free%20Printable%20Recipe%20for%20Easter"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png" /></a><br />
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<img alt="" height="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kU_XJkFLY4/VtOlWfvOHiI/AAAAAAAAKN4/hQZ5t8yXLgQ/s1600/Easter%2BResurrection%2BRolls%2Bfinal%2BWEB.jpg" title="How to Make Resurrection Rolls for Easter" /></center>
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You'll find everything you need for your Easter Advent Week in the download below. Simply print out the advent, cut the strips apart, fold them up and put them in the coordinating numbered eggs.<br />
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There are also cute quote printables, journaling pages, and more!<br />
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<img alt="" height="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BmMsDQ_sEE/VtOlY1Oe3AI/AAAAAAAAKOI/lWvkuaXy6kQ/s1600/easter%2Bprintables%2BIG%2BWEB.jpg" title="He Is Risen Easter Advent with Free Printables" /><br />
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<a data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-tall="true" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2016%2F03%2F8-day-easter-week-advent-printables.html&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-pTw5qmR4xSo%2FVtOlYV0aAEI%2FAAAAAAAAKOE%2Fu69uqyM_FKA%2Fs1600%2Feaster%252Begg%252Bnumbers%252BWEB.jpg&description=An%208-Day%20Easter%20Advent%20for%20the%20Week%20before%20Easter.%20Includes%20Easy%20Resurrection%20Rolls%20Recipe%20%26%20Free%20Printables.%23Hallelujah"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png" /></a></center>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/udjf7jdgcmvwlfvqoky1h9k2rmgmv8kg" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to download a copy to print for yourself! :)</span></b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Find more Easter Printables Here:</span></span></center>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/04/tons-of-free-easter-printables.html"><img height="295" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_35qypNO0Q/WOPKNFUV-3I/AAAAAAAALJ4/bywiI8e9zL0N-XZykeVAeUTgb9IApUy_wCLcB/s400/Easter%2BPrintables.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><br />
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-69452104220411265282024-01-09T15:17:00.004-05:002024-01-09T15:39:12.234-05:00Come Follow Me Lesson Helps – Study Bookmarks<div><div><div>If you’re looking for Come Follow Me lesson helps, check out these Book of Mormon Study Notes Bookmarks!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbKqX8Jkxc3fud7eHQZLqwZTuwiM98i1lHzezxAlFwP7x7-RET_sWT3G2O9XugFyfLYzDfbRKNUEj4ygBRpKSoOI_MGzRwQYWYwym2qteojLs4kphTyzhXmZFt4KkHLo_Cat7Nag_zU5t1fyhjDebGDK3wqxc_zQejnPG0XsepHFEx7rju5SD-T9i7BY/s1000/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come Follow Me Lesson Helps" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbKqX8Jkxc3fud7eHQZLqwZTuwiM98i1lHzezxAlFwP7x7-RET_sWT3G2O9XugFyfLYzDfbRKNUEj4ygBRpKSoOI_MGzRwQYWYwym2qteojLs4kphTyzhXmZFt4KkHLo_Cat7Nag_zU5t1fyhjDebGDK3wqxc_zQejnPG0XsepHFEx7rju5SD-T9i7BY/w640-h480/3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> Book of Mormon - Come Follow Me 2024</h3><div><br /></div><div>Our church chooses a different book of scripture to focus on each year. Last year we studied the New Testament and this year, we’ll focus on the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng" target="_blank">Book of Mormon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our classes for adults, teens, and children this year are all centered around the same topics from this book of scripture. This makes studying at home, as a family, more cohesive and meaningful because we’re thinking about the same sections in scripture in our personal study as our family and class discussions. We use the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-book-of-mormon-2024?lang=eng" target="_blank">Come Follow Me manual</a> as a guide for classes and home study. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Weekly Study Plan</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-book-of-mormon-2024/02?lang=eng" target="_blank">This week</a>'s reading is <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Nephi 1-5</a>. While going over the lesson, I noticed it encouraged us to look for ways the word of God directly or indirectly blessed Lehi’s family, while reading those chapters.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our family decided we’d do the assigned readings individually, reading at least one chapter per day so we’ll cover the 5 chapters over 5 weekdays. We try to have daily Come Follow Me discussions throughout the week, but when we gather for our final scripture study on the weekend, we’ll share our insights and thoughts on the overall focus outlined on the bookmark.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Book of Mormon Bookmarks as a Study Help</h3><div><br /></div><div>To help us in this week’s study, I created these Book of Mormon bookmarks for each of us. </div><div><br /></div><div>The bookmarks include a reminder at the top of the designated scriptures and our study focus, serving as a visual cue during individual readings. There’s also space for us to jot down notes so we remember our observations when we discuss as a family.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwiRr2nHukSLUHal3ti7LeeOR_t3arb-zMpe5F59UbgIzgcSnhZBFNWLYDuiyTkLA5K3II0M_G3KUF0uM2GFsIS2LILATjgi9tfLtJIAFc8H4MJCoTM25TaQik_b26-sC993O2v4KmHY0Y8BUxEfOl8aY5IHvrAd7X3Sjn3QgQK8hC2Zwf_-fogVP7wc/s750/Book%20of%20Mormon%20Study%20Notes%20Bookmark%20Photo%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come Follow Me 2024 Book of Mormon Bookmarks" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwiRr2nHukSLUHal3ti7LeeOR_t3arb-zMpe5F59UbgIzgcSnhZBFNWLYDuiyTkLA5K3II0M_G3KUF0uM2GFsIS2LILATjgi9tfLtJIAFc8H4MJCoTM25TaQik_b26-sC993O2v4KmHY0Y8BUxEfOl8aY5IHvrAd7X3Sjn3QgQK8hC2Zwf_-fogVP7wc/w640-h427/Book%20of%20Mormon%20Study%20Notes%20Bookmark%20Photo%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Since I’m making a printable Book of Mormon book mark for us, I thought I’d share the downloadable file here in case you’d like to try them in your family, or for a Sunday School, Primary, Relief Society, or Seminary class that you teach. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Book of Mormon Study Guide in Action:</h3><div><br /></div><div>Incorporating these bookmarks into our routine will keep our attention on the themes suggested by the "Come Follow Me" manual and encourage deeper reflections and more meaningful conversations.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Download Your Book of Mormon Bookmarks:</h2><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to incorporate these bookmarks into your family or class study, you can <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NPA7z9Sqkgg5toc9VvcgMz_9gM2Gjhkk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">download them HERE</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I suggest printing on sturdy cardstock.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSibeB7D7rTc8LiHvMr0jXuv40DOwU1thsRb-fLkHMT5zkroCHNsIxWFvpaCxAVyzegFgB64JJ3BPE6tcCBI5ESOS6jPOsdf9AqlVvRmxsyF6_GqwHSgYbfGBf8Rxm90YqYqhzSHRCw-vmtybPz9uuf106hgGjy2SKK6NJqHz3RpHFT26aDXJu14iKwwo/s1000/Bookmark%20Printable%20Mockup.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book of Mormon Bookmarks" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSibeB7D7rTc8LiHvMr0jXuv40DOwU1thsRb-fLkHMT5zkroCHNsIxWFvpaCxAVyzegFgB64JJ3BPE6tcCBI5ESOS6jPOsdf9AqlVvRmxsyF6_GqwHSgYbfGBf8Rxm90YqYqhzSHRCw-vmtybPz9uuf106hgGjy2SKK6NJqHz3RpHFT26aDXJu14iKwwo/w640-h480/Bookmark%20Printable%20Mockup.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope these bookmarks prove to be valuable additions to your Book of Mormon study routine for Come Follow Me 2024. Download them, try them out, and share your thoughts. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I make bookmarks for future weeks, I’ll share them on the blog for you (and I’ll try and get them out early so you can be prepared with them in advance)!</div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div></div><div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><p>
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-54264641948880190632023-12-15T19:51:00.003-05:002023-12-15T19:54:29.142-05:00Easy Christmas Holly Wreath TreatsThis Corn Flakes version of Rice Krispies Wreaths is my go-to treat to add to a Christmas cookie plate for neighbours or for a holiday party food display. <div><br /><center>
<img alt="Corn Flake "Rice Krispies" Wreaths" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfV2f0hx6Sc/TvE43qEfLyI/AAAAAAAACR8/0GCniWtZMbw/s16000/5.jpg" /><br />
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<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://gb.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2011%2F12%2Feasy-christmas-holly-wreath-treats.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zfV2f0hx6Sc%2FTvE43qEfLyI%2FAAAAAAAACR8%2F0GCniWtZMbw%2Fs1600%2F5.jpg&description=Easy%20Holly%20Wreath%20Christmas%20Treats%20Recipe%20and%20Tutorial%20by%20www.RaisingMemories.com%20%23ChristmasTreats%20%23Christmas%20%23Recipe%20%23HollyWreaths%20%23Cornflakes%20%23GreenFoodColoring%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br /><br />These Holly Wreaths are one of my favourite holiday treats to make because they remind me of when I was little. :) They're only slightly more work than Rice Krispie Squares which is a great bonus- and they're fun for kids to help with, too!</center><center><br /></center><span><a name='more'></a></span><center><br /></center><h3><center>Corn Flake "Rice Krispies" Wreaths Recipe</center></h3><center>
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</center><h4><center><strong><u>How To Make Holly Wreath Cookies:</u></strong></center></h4><center>
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<img alt="holly wreath recipe corn flakes" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MvBc-n_8y4/TvE42Wmzf0I/AAAAAAAACRM/uczUdKNI0Y4/s16000/1.jpg" /><br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
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1/2 cup butter<br />
30 large marshmallows<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. green liquid food coloring <br />
4.5 cups corn flakes<br />
red candies (crushed hard candies, or cut up chewy candies)<br />
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<img alt="rice krispie christmas wreath recipe" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynsVAUN9-lE/TvE42iSEqcI/AAAAAAAACRU/isabi_ab1LQ/s16000/2.jpg" /><br />
1. Mix butter & mallows over low heat, until melted.<br />
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<img alt="rice krispie christmas wreaths recipe" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOX3SW7xdF8/TvE4230xLZI/AAAAAAAACRk/hIv2QMyoL6Y/s16000/3.jpg" /><br />
2. Add vanilla & colour.<br />
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<img alt="christmas wreaths "rice krispie" treats with corn flakes" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_8pm3PUwkw/TvE43frxyTI/AAAAAAAACRw/APeulaN3_3M/s16000/4.jpg" /><br />
3. Add flakes, mix, & form into small, flat-ish balls.<br />
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<img alt="holly wreath marshmallow treats" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfV2f0hx6Sc/TvE43qEfLyI/AAAAAAAACR8/0GCniWtZMbw/s16000/5.jpg" /><br />
4. Add red candies on top, to make your treats look like holly wreaths & you're done! :)</center><center><br /></center><center>They're the perfect colorful cookies to add to your Christmas cookie plate!</center><center><br /></center><center>If you liked this Corn Flakes version of Rice Krispies Wreaths, check out these other Christmas cookie recipes!</center>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">More Great Christmas Cookie Recipes:</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/11/christmas-baking-junior-mint-thumbprint.html"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUbksoisihw/VGpmRPUjolI/AAAAAAAAIFk/9l_eU3AayMU/s1600/Christmas-Junior-Mint-Thumbprint-Cookies.jpg" width="250" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/11/play-dough-cookies.html"><img alt="christmas cookie plate" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXeuJLJ5dwE/VGJgyB5DV7I/AAAAAAAAICA/aZ2yhFnK6n8/s16000/Christmas-Play-Doh-Cookie-Tutorial.jpg" width="250" /></a></center>
<center><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></center>
</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-45630437389092871082023-11-21T10:51:00.001-05:002023-11-24T09:54:40.347-05:00100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for KidsMy girls & I put together this list of 100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids.<div><br /></div><div>It can be tricky to come up with some stocking stuffer ideas for kids that are new and exciting. We like for our stocking stuffers to have good reason to stick around past the new year whenever possible, and to actually bring some fun and joy to the receiver.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hj_UGGXqq4/XdQ5MtEmthI/AAAAAAAAOqk/mH2kSKqywIACWPTezhDnPPOQe4fd8BWGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100%2BStocking%2BStuffer%2BIdeas%2Bfor%2BKids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hj_UGGXqq4/XdQ5MtEmthI/AAAAAAAAOqk/mH2kSKqywIACWPTezhDnPPOQe4fd8BWGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/100%2BStocking%2BStuffer%2BIdeas%2Bfor%2BKids.jpg" title="Kid Approved Stocking Stuffers" /></a></div><br />
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This year I did some brainstorming with my kids and we came up with the ultimate list of 100 kid-approved stocking stuffer ideas... let's get to the list!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids</h3>
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1. Lip balm (Some of our favourite brands are Burt’s Bees, Lip Smacker, and EOS)<br />
2. Stamps/Ink Pads<br />
3. Magnifying Glass<br />
4. Reusable Straws<br />
5. Baking supplies (cookie cutters, icing tips/bags<br />
6. Beanie Boos or other small stuffed animals<br />
7. Play-Doh<br />
8. Pez candy<br />
9. Tic Tacs<br />
10. Life Savers<br />
11. Kinder Surprise Eggs<br />
12. Christmas coloured candies (M&Ms, Hershy kisses & hugs, mini eggs, etc.)<br />
13. Chocolate Orange<br />
14. Regular orange or clementine in the toe of the stocking<br />
15. Tooth Brush/Paste<br />
16. Underwear/socks<br />
17. Razor/shaving cream/foam for older kids<br />
18. Deodorant<br />
19. Small craft kits<br />
20. Digging Dinosaur eggs<br />
21. Card game<br />
22. Small/travel size board game<br />
23. Small toy car (Hot Wheels)<br />
24. Individual Little People toys<br />
25. Hex Bugs (vibrating bugs toy)<br />
26. Hand lotion/hand sanitizer<br />
27. Slinky<br />
28. Whoopi cushion<br />
29. A candy they tend to ask for but rarely get<br />
30. <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2019/08/a-family-service-project-for-homeless.html" target="_blank">Hasbro surprise/collectible toys</a><br />
31. Pens/pencils, markers, etc. , coloring book/notepad/book<br />
32. Craft supplies<br />
33. Mitts/gloves/hat/scarf<br />
34. Pop socket or phone case<br />
35. Gift card to a food/treat place<br />
36. Gift card to a store (ie. Michaels if they like crafts)<br />
37. Small book<br />
38. Make Up (or play make up)<br />
39. Nail polish/nail stickers/nail tools (just <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/04/monday-moments-nail-polish-in-night.html" target="_blank">be careful</a> ;)<br />
40. Small hairbrush/travel mirror<br />
41. Hair things (scrunchies, clips, bows, ponytail elastics)<br />
42. Spray colour for snowmen<br />
43. Glow sticks<br />
44. Silly string<br />
45. New Year/Christmas crackers<br />
46. Personalized stationery<br />
47. Iron on patches<br />
48. Stick on/clip on/real earrings<br />
49. Other jewelry<br />
50. Reusable plastic snowmen parts<br />
51. Snowball maker/launcher, snow brick maker (we've found these at dollar stores)<br />
52. Hair chalk<br />
53. Slime<br />
54. Hot Chocolate Packet<br />
55. Pick Up Sticks Game<br />
56. Slippers<br />
57. Post-it notes<br />
58. Bookmark<br />
59. Face mask packet<br />
60. Paint & Paint Brushes<br />
61. Bath color things (crayons/fizzies)<br />
62. Bubble bath<br />
63. Pencil Case<br />
64. Watch<br />
65. Fun band-aids<br />
66. Chocolate Coins<br />
67. Ear buds<br />
68. Joke book/puzzle book/comic book<br />
69. CD<br />
70. DVD<br />
71. Fun shoe laces (or the kind that make it so you don’t have to tie them yourself)<br />
72. Cool water bottle<br />
73. Doll clothes/accessories<br />
74. Kit refills<br />
75. Sidewalk Chalk<br />
76. Harmonica/recorder/kazoo<br />
77. Small Flashlight (my kids keep theirs near their beds)<br />
78. Clip-On Book light<br />
79. Key chain<br />
80. Christmas ornament (tradition: new one each year)<br />
81. Wallet<br />
82. Cute mini packet of tissues<br />
83. Washi tape<br />
84. Magnets or push pins or paper clips that are fun designs/colours (try the dollar store!)<br />
85. Small doll or toy<br />
86. Stickers<br />
87. Walkie Talkie (maybe one half in one child’s stocking, the other in their sibling’s)<br />
88. Mini fairy lights for their bedroom<br />
89. Small Lego kits or figures, or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4kkbRGBL9f/" target="_blank">similar toys</a><br />
90. Compass<br />
91. <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/04/tutorial-tuesday-rubber-glove-finger.html" target="_blank">Finger puppets</a><br />
92. Glow-in-the-dark stars for their bedroom wall<br />
93. Candy necklace/bracelet/watch<br />
94. Sunglasses<br />
95. Name Labels<br />
96. Dental Floss or flosser sticks<br />
97. Accessories/Refill for something they already have (ie. Film for an <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/03/sharing-my-love-of-photography-with.html" target="_blank">Instax Camera</a> or Nerf darts)<br />
98. Rubik’s Cube<br />
99. Chopsticks<br />
100. Yo-yo<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Did we miss one of your favourite stocking stuffers on this list?<br />
Please comment & share your ideas that we didn't think of!</h3><br />
Happy Holiday Shopping!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">--------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're looking for more Holiday Gift Ideas, </div><div style="text-align: center;">try my <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/12/ultimate-list-100-non-toy-gift-ideas.html" target="_blank">Ultimate List of 100 Non-Toy Gift Ideas</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/12/ultimate-list-100-non-toy-gift-ideas.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-govUxrfdH7Y/UrXt-WjjaaI/AAAAAAAAGV8/wI-Nat2ClG4/s320/UltimateList100NonToyGiftIdeas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">& this year's Holiday Gift Guide where I'm giving away every item on the list!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/11/holiday-gift-guide-parents-families-giveaway.html" target="_blank">2020 Gift Guide for Parents & Families</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh6NT0t3AOQ/X66gXrTuuBI/AAAAAAAAPeI/diY61FiZ8eod1qBHwJcwsOKPPY_kStqAQCNcBGAsYHQ/s650/2020%2BHoliday%2BGift%2BGuide%2BGiveaway%2BParents%2BFamilies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="650" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh6NT0t3AOQ/X66gXrTuuBI/AAAAAAAAPeI/diY61FiZ8eod1qBHwJcwsOKPPY_kStqAQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/2020%2BHoliday%2BGift%2BGuide%2BGiveaway%2BParents%2BFamilies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/11/kids-stocking-stuffers.html" target="_blank">2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids & Stocking Stuffers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fODLZcBEz6k/X7gDalMokHI/AAAAAAAAPgU/KiugMCNezsswbXfZfZTexsjIob_0NxETACNcBGAsYHQ/s650/2020%2BHoliday%2BGift%2BGuide%2BGiveaway%2BKids%2BStockings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="650" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fODLZcBEz6k/X7gDalMokHI/AAAAAAAAPgU/KiugMCNezsswbXfZfZTexsjIob_0NxETACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/2020%2BHoliday%2BGift%2BGuide%2BGiveaway%2BKids%2BStockings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><br />
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Please subscribe or follow to keep in touch.</div></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-60023804060173526742023-11-08T15:05:00.000-05:002023-11-08T15:05:03.746-05:00The Ultimate List of 100 Non-Toy Gift Ideas<div>Stop filling your home with too many toys! End toy overwhelm today with this huge list of specific, FUN non-toy gift ideas! </div><div><br /></div>
<center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Ultimate List of 100 Non-Toy Gift Ideas by www.RaisingMemories.com" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jImxFSkR9G0/ULzuJXrXHMI/AAAAAAAAEcY/JqrY5-qoaHk/s16000/rm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Is this how you feel when you survey the growing collection of toys in your home?</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
I was recently interviewed on several radio shows across Canada about the idea of a Toyless Christmas, so I thought I would share a list on the blog of Non-Toy Gift Ideas that can serve as a reference for birthdays and Christmas when you're feeling overwhelmed with toys!</center><center><br /></center><span><a name='more'></a></span><center><br /></center><center>There are so many non toy gifts for kids but we tend to get stuck on toys. Let's get you out of that rut!<br />
<br />
<center class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-govUxrfdH7Y/UrXt-WjjaaI/AAAAAAAAGV8/wI-Nat2ClG4/s1600/UltimateList100NonToyGiftIdeas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="List of 100 Specific Non-Toy Gift Ideas by www.RaisingMemories.com" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-govUxrfdH7Y/UrXt-WjjaaI/AAAAAAAAGV8/wI-Nat2ClG4/s1600/UltimateList100NonToyGiftIdeas.jpg" title="The Ultimate List of 100 Non-Toy Gift Ideas by www.RaisingMemories.com" width="300/" /></a></center><center></center><center><a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2013%2F12%2Fultimate-list-100-non-toy-gift-ideas.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-govUxrfdH7Y%2FUrXt-WjjaaI%2FAAAAAAAAGV8%2FwI-Nat2ClG4%2Fs1600%2FUltimateList100NonToyGiftIdeas.jpg&description=The%20Ultimate%20List%20of%20100%20Non-Toy%20Gift%20Ideas%20for%20Christmas%20or%20Birthdays%20by%20www.RaisingMemories.com%20Gift%20Ideas%20Non-Toy%20Gifts"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><br /></center><center class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></center><center><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">100 Specific Non-Toy Gift Ideas:</span></h2></center><center><br />
</center><h3><center><center><center><b>Season Passes</b></center></center></center></h3><div><br /></div>
A gift that keeps on giving, season passes are great gifts for the child who has everything and the home that has no space left!<center><center><center><br />
- Zoo<br />
- Museum<br />
- Butterfly Conservatory<br />
- Aviary<br />
- Aquarium<br />
- Amusement Park</center><center>
<br />
</center><center><br /></center></center></center><h3><center><b>One-Time Passes</b></center></h3><center><b><br /></b><br /></center><center><center><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AH2zvK9fPr0/X8fW1Ks37YI/AAAAAAAAPjA/IDnXjwFEbgQL-9NoTlhr8jXbNUdVoKNTgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Medieval-Times-Sword-Fight-Toronto.jpg"><img alt="Non Toy Experience Gift Ideas" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="750" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AH2zvK9fPr0/X8fW1Ks37YI/AAAAAAAAPjA/IDnXjwFEbgQL-9NoTlhr8jXbNUdVoKNTgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h470/Medieval-Times-Sword-Fight-Toronto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><center><br /></center><center>
- Movies<br />
- Bowling<br />
- Swimming<br />
- Theatre Performance</center><center>- Dinner & A Show</center><center>(we went to <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/01/medieval-times-dinner-tournament.html">Medieval Times</a>)<br />
- Go see a sporting event<br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/01/how-to-gift-surprise-trip-to-disney-on.html">Disney On Ice</a><br />
- Circus<br />
- Ice Skating<br />
- Roller Skating<br />
- Mini Golf<br />
- Concert<br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center></center></center><h3><center><center><center><b>Experience Gifts for Kids</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><br /><b><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKKFHdbMNUE/X8fWXIol9xI/AAAAAAAAPi4/CIlCqKk-7TgsRf8vri9S1AGvZlsAmKbPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/firestation.jpg"><img alt="Non Toy Gifts for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="750" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKKFHdbMNUE/X8fWXIol9xI/AAAAAAAAPi4/CIlCqKk-7TgsRf8vri9S1AGvZlsAmKbPgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h544/firestation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b></center></center></center><div><br /></div><div>Some of the best non toy gifts for kids are the ones that create special memories and allow them to spend time with the people they love. Why not give the gift of time with the promise of a special day trip together? Here are a few ideas to get you started:</div><center>
</center><center><br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/03/a-horse-drawn-maple-sugar-bush-tour.html" target="_blank">Horse & Buggy Ride</a><br />
- Train Ride<br />
- Ice Cream Vouchers<br />
- Special dinner out<br />
- A Trip to the <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/08/a-trip-to-fire-station.html">Fire Station</a><br />
- A Trip to Chuckie Cheese (buy the tokens ahead of time so you have something to wrap!)<br />
- Coupon book with "time" gifts (ie. an afternoon <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/08/chocolate-chip-cookies-from-my-childhood.html" target="_blank">making</a> <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2011/03/rainbow-cookies.html" target="_blank">cookies</a> with mom)</center><center><br />
</center><center>
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<p></p></center><h3><center><center><center><b>Experience Gifts for Parents & Big Kids</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><b><br /></b></center></center><center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uozq8N0N0Ss/X8fXx52yvgI/AAAAAAAAPjM/K-Gt1IL78MY7HkZu6kzVp_3aBIYMoKElwCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Ste-Annes-Spa-Nature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Experience Gifts for Big Kids and Adults" border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="750" height="524" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uozq8N0N0Ss/X8fXx52yvgI/AAAAAAAAPjM/K-Gt1IL78MY7HkZu6kzVp_3aBIYMoKElwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h524/Ste-Annes-Spa-Nature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></center>We can get stuck giving physical gifts to adults and big kids too! To get you thinking about special experience gifts for parents or teenagers, I've included this list of ideas:<br /><center><br /></center><center>
- Hot Air Balloon Ride<br />
- Wine Tasting<br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/06/tutorial-tuesday-make-your-own-zip-line.html" target="_blank">Zip Lining</a><br />
- Helicopter Ride<br />
- Trip to the Spa (Mani/Pedi, Massage, Facial, etc.)</center><center>- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2016/06/recharging-mind-body-and-spirit-at-ste.html" target="_blank">Overnight Getaway to a Spa</a><br />
- Rock Climbing<br />
- Trip to Arcade<br /></center><br /><br /><h3><center><b>A Class or Season of Lessons</b></center></h3><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rc_IOWLOJg/X8fZmYfUqfI/AAAAAAAAPjY/eqtALrq3gkAiZZ2UcM0tlhBhcwZDs7kogCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/ballet%2Bclass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Non Toy Gift Ideas for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rc_IOWLOJg/X8fZmYfUqfI/AAAAAAAAPjY/eqtALrq3gkAiZZ2UcM0tlhBhcwZDs7kogCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h470/ballet%2Bclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Lessons are excellent non toy kid gifts because they get to keep going to them week after week and they develop a skill while they're at it. They can be excellent confidence builders! Here are a few lesson or class gift ideas:<div><br /><center>
- Swimming<br />
- Sports<br />
- Gymnastics<br />
- Dance<br />
- Karate<br />
- Musical Instrument<br />
- Pottery Class- or paint your own pottery<br />
- Art Class<br />
- Craft class (ie. knitting)<br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/08/a-trip-to-farm-and-dream-come-true.html" target="_blank">Horseback riding</a> lessons<br />
</center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><h3><center><center><center><b>Family Experience Gifts</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><b><br /></b></center></center></center><center><center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3L0_Y9DH3Q/X8fa4zkHjkI/AAAAAAAAPjk/uq76jMWOyiAexdMI9l39dSNAt0LwgO0OwCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Disney%2BTrip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Non Toy Gift Ideas for Families" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="750" height="582" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3L0_Y9DH3Q/X8fa4zkHjkI/AAAAAAAAPjk/uq76jMWOyiAexdMI9l39dSNAt0LwgO0OwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h582/Disney%2BTrip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><center><br /></center><center>
- A night(s) away at a local hotel (with a pool)<br />
- A hotel with an indoor waterpark<br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/07/camping-in-comfort-at-niagara-falls-koa.html">Camping</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/08/family-road-trip-across-eastern-canada.html" target="_blank">Road trip</a></center><center>- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/05/how-to-make-best-of-your-family-beach.html">Trip to the Beach</a><br />
- Give each family member the travel/camping gear, swimsuits, or other accessories needed for the experience you'll be gifting so that they have a physical item to unwrap</center><center>- Let them unwrap something that reveals where they'll be going!</center><center>(Here's <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2016/01/how-to-surprise-your-kids-on-christmas.html" target="_blank">how we told our girls we were going to Disney World</a>)<br />
<br />
</center><center><br /></center></center></center><h3><center><center><center><b>Physical Gifts that aren't Toys</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><b><br /></b></center></center></center><center><center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_NouoeDY3k/X8fbSqN5ifI/AAAAAAAAPjs/fU4LkQUWf3wzNDZCtxYSBXmoKwQIW3QJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Instax%2BMini%2B8%2BRaspberry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Non Toy Gift Ideas for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_NouoeDY3k/X8fbSqN5ifI/AAAAAAAAPjs/fU4LkQUWf3wzNDZCtxYSBXmoKwQIW3QJQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h470/Instax%2BMini%2B8%2BRaspberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><center><br /></center><center>
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/search/label/books" target="_blank">Books</a><br />
- Games<br />
- DVD<br />
- CDs of fun kids music<br />
- Craft kits (or supplies <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/01/diy-tic-tac-toe-game-gift-kids-can-make.html" target="_blank">to make something fun for themselves</a>!)<br />
- Science kit<br />
- New art supplies<br />
- Magazine Subscription<br />
- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/02/kiwi-crate-tinker-crate-unboxing.html" target="_blank">Monthly Craft or Science Kit Subscription</a><br />
- Fun Bath Supplies (colour-changing water, crayons that write on walls, foamy soap, etc.)<br />
- A wagon to pull kids in when you go on walks<br />
- Stationery<br />
- Special Christmas Tree Ornament</center><center>-<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/03/sharing-my-love-of-photography-with.html" target="_blank">Camera</a><br />
- Wrist watch<br />
- Piggy bank<br />
- Memory/Photo Book<br />
- Journal</center><center><br />
</center><center><br /></center></center></center><h3><center><center><center><b>Fun "Needs"</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><b><br /></b></center></center></center><center><center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-js1o3n2eFLk/X8fboNWfj-I/AAAAAAAAPj0/NsC7cya_rN0RCcCgM0Qd7efIb6GmiBbkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Plasma%2BCars%2BOntario.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-js1o3n2eFLk/X8fboNWfj-I/AAAAAAAAPj0/NsC7cya_rN0RCcCgM0Qd7efIb6GmiBbkwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h470/Plasma%2BCars%2BOntario.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><center><br /></center><center>
- Kid furniture <br />
- New bedding that they really like (check out our awesome <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/04/easy-bed-making-with-beddys-zipper.html" target="_blank">bedding</a>- we love it!)<br />
- Bedroom décor/Promise of a total <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/04/shared-girls-bedroom-bunkbed-makeover.html" target="_blank">room makeover</a><br />
- New hat, mitts, etc.<br />
- Bike<br />
- Scooter</center><center>- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/05/outside-fun-with-plasmacars-giveaway.html" target="_blank">PlasmaCar</a><br />
- Roller skates/blades<br />
- Basketball hoop<br />
- Trampoline<br />
- Swing set (for big ticket items like this, grandparents can pitch in)<br />
- An item they need, but they wanted a more expensive version than you would normally buy (ie. boots/clothes)<br />
- Colourful band aids<br />
- Sled/toboggan/other winter outdoor things<br />
- Sleeping bag<br />
- Flashlight <br />
- Toy box<br />
- Personal set of scriptures<br />
- Jewelry box<br />
<b><br />
</b></center></center></center><h3><center><center><center><b> Learning Tools</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><br />
- Telescope<br />
- Magnifying glass<br />
- Strong Magnet<br />
- Science Kit<br />
- Magic Kit<br />
- Cookbook & Apron/Chef Hat<br />
- Easel<br />
- Chalkboard<br />
- Gardening tools<br />
- Bug-catching tools (better if you don't live somewhere that's snowy ;)<br />
- Binoculars<br />
- Globe<br />
<br />
</center></center></center><h3><center><center><center><b>Other Non-Toy Gift Ideas</b></center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><br />
- Educational App they can play on your phone/iPod/tablet or Computer Game<br />
- Items they need for lessons (costume/instrument/etc.)<br />
- A new game for a game console<br />
- A refill for an easy bake oven or other toy requiring refills<br />
- A pet! (perhaps a "certificate" saying that you will go and pick one out together)</center><center>- Contribute to an education savings plan (<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2016/12/education-savings-plan-contribution-how.html" target="_blank">Ideas for how to make that more Fun</a>)<br />
- Pet Accessories/supplies<br />
- iTunes gift card<br />
- grandparents can take the grandchildren for a sleepover and let their parents go on a <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/04/when-parents-need-getaway-sterling-inn.html">getaway</a>!<br />
<br />
If you want to refer to this list in the future, you can <a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2013%2F12%2Fultimate-list-100-non-toy-gift-ideas.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-govUxrfdH7Y%2FUrXt-WjjaaI%2FAAAAAAAAGV8%2FwI-Nat2ClG4%2Fs1600%2FUltimateList100NonToyGiftIdeas.jpg&description=The%20Ultimate%20List%20of%20100%20Non-Toy%20Gift%20Ideas%20for%20Christmas%20or%20Birthdays%20by%20www.RaisingMemories.com%20%23GiftIdeas%20%23NonToyGifts"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a> on Pinterest for later!</center><center></center><center>--------</center><center><br />
</center></center></center><h3><center><center><center>Need some Stocking Stuffer Ideas too?</center></center></center></h3><center><center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2019/11/100-stocking-stuffer-ideas-for-kids.html" target="_blank">100 Kid-Approved Stocking Stuffer Ideas</a></center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2019/11/100-stocking-stuffer-ideas-for-kids.html"><img alt="Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hj_UGGXqq4/XdQ5MtEmthI/AAAAAAAAOqk/mH2kSKqywIACWPTezhDnPPOQe4fd8BWGQCNcBGAsYHQ/w267-h320/100%2BStocking%2BStuffer%2BIdeas%2Bfor%2BKids.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><center><br /></center></center><center><center></center></center><center><center><center><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and if you're visiting for the first time, check out the "</span><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/p/about.html"><span style="font-size: large;">About Page</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">" for a place to start with looking around my blog! :)</span></center><center><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></center><br />
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Please subscribe or follow to keep in touch.</div></center></center></center></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com229tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-55032820658401345522023-10-04T08:23:00.000-04:002023-10-04T08:23:48.860-04:00How to Make a Pumpkin Roll Video<center>It's Fall and it's time for my How to Make a Pumpkin Roll Video! I recently had a friend ask for this recipe, and I thought it was about time I shared this recipe on the blog again. With Canadian Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's a great time for Pumpkin Roll!</center><center><br /></center><center>
Years ago, I <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/the-best-pumpkin-roll-recipe-ever/">posted at HowDoesShe</a> about the Pumpkin Roll recipe that I use that seems to be a hit everywhere I've taken it.<br />
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Since then I've had several people say that even with all of the photos in the tutorial, they're hesitant to try it. A friend of mine mentioned that a video tutorial might be helpful, so last time I made the pumpkin roll I had Ken video tape the process for me and I squished it into a 5 minute video.</center><center><br /></center>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCYTWkJYHEA/VgCL3K9pk3I/AAAAAAAAJkY/JxPanZowUaw/s1600/Pumpkin%2BRoll%2BVideo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Make a Pumpkin Roll Video" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCYTWkJYHEA/VgCL3K9pk3I/AAAAAAAAJkY/JxPanZowUaw/s16000/Pumpkin%2BRoll%2BVideo.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'll add in the photo tutorial as well, as it has all of the instructions whereas the video mostly shows you how to do it (so scroll to the bottom of this post for the video!)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odFAZBjJDBg/Wbfw-2Jr99I/AAAAAAAALxs/hGE_M8aKSVQKMKHkU_sYO0fjPBmHpDk7QCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Pumpkin Roll Recipe" border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odFAZBjJDBg/Wbfw-2Jr99I/AAAAAAAALxs/hGE_M8aKSVQKMKHkU_sYO0fjPBmHpDk7QCLcBGAs/s16000/PumpkinRoll1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the recipe:</div>
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</center><h2><center><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pumpkin Roll Recipe</span></strong></center></h2><center>
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<b>Roll</b><br />
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1 cup sugar<br />
1 tsp. soda<br />
3/4 cup flour<br />
2/3 cup pumpkin (canned- not pie filling, pure pumpkin)<br />
3 eggs<br />
1/2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup walnuts (optional- I exclude them cuz I'm not a fan of walnuts)<br />
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Mix everything except nuts.<br />
Grease & wax cookie sheet.<br />
Pour into pan & sprinkle nuts.<br />
Bake 15 min. at 375 degrees.<br />
Roll into T-towel for about 10 minutes.<br />
Unroll & spread in filling.<br />
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<b>Filling</b><br />
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8 oz. cream cheese (250g)<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
2 tbsp. soft butter<br />
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Mix well.<br />
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Here are the photos & description:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1JEDHo965I/WbfxHZKT7gI/AAAAAAAALxw/FcnCThkcpXE-Hx8UZNLzTm5x02NclJkvwCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1JEDHo965I/WbfxHZKT7gI/AAAAAAAALxw/FcnCThkcpXE-Hx8UZNLzTm5x02NclJkvwCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Above is a photo of the grease & wax part (wax paper first, then grease).<br />
I crease the wax paper around the edges so that it stays in place better, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f09eX1rIEe8/WbfxQohXZWI/AAAAAAAALx0/LdpgqmcmV8QszeIkNdTvnJKFxkqfEk5NACLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll2b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Detailed Pumpkin Roll Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f09eX1rIEe8/WbfxQohXZWI/AAAAAAAALx0/LdpgqmcmV8QszeIkNdTvnJKFxkqfEk5NACLcBGAs/s16000/PumpkinRoll2b.jpg" /></a></div>
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(which helps the shape of the cake-ish part of the roll)... also, grease it really really well (it's not cool when the cake won't come off of the wax paper).<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gZAzveGt-8/WbfxVI-3l8I/AAAAAAAALx4/J_5BgyaOaawJJLjuqXQa229yh7Xi0WpXgCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gZAzveGt-8/WbfxVI-3l8I/AAAAAAAALx4/J_5BgyaOaawJJLjuqXQa229yh7Xi0WpXgCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now pour your mixture onto the pan & smooth it out so that it fills the pan like so:<br />
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...and you're ready for baking. Keep an eye on it near the end of the baking time- you want it a bit brown- if it turns black... you've gone too far!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un722Ol2A_g/WbfxfecNmJI/AAAAAAAALyA/Ypy-h8pasO8fFmgwEPU0iVoFx3pV7FVnQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un722Ol2A_g/WbfxfecNmJI/AAAAAAAALyA/Ypy-h8pasO8fFmgwEPU0iVoFx3pV7FVnQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once you've got it out of the oven, you're at the flip stage. I usually put the pan down first, then a tea towel, then an upside down pan. (I was using my other pan this time, so I used a pink lunch tray- but you get the idea). Grab hold of the whole thing (with oven mitts on!) and flip it over onto the cool tray.</div>
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Congratulations, you pulled off the flip! (are you still with me?) I threw the above picture in for you in case it helps illustrate the order of things (I've now removed the pan I cooked it in, and we're ready to remove the wax paper).<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkTcXwR4O_M/WbfzvBR8PJI/AAAAAAAALyY/ckf8K3Cwu90UZIY2YIJsD21ykEKc4J6zwCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkTcXwR4O_M/WbfzvBR8PJI/AAAAAAAALyY/ckf8K3Cwu90UZIY2YIJsD21ykEKc4J6zwCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Carefully pull the wax paper away- you really don't want your cake to stick to the wax paper or start to come apart- this part is really important (that's why I wanted you to grease your wax paper really well).<br />
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...oh, and now you know what my other pan was busy doing (did you notice the tea towel switch?)<br />
I was making 2 rolls when I photographed this (you only need one tea towel ;) ).</center>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4R42DLjhOIc/WbfzrPYvoOI/AAAAAAAALyU/15oJq7am24g8QbIKqQlzC3OE4Y1x6riaQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4R42DLjhOIc/WbfzrPYvoOI/AAAAAAAALyU/15oJq7am24g8QbIKqQlzC3OE4Y1x6riaQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next you're going to roll up the end of your tea towel (as shown above) and then continue rolling- with the cake and the tea towel. Do this carefully- the cake can crack at this stage if you're not gentle with it.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ozGKayIlPU/Wbf0OZMq51I/AAAAAAAALyg/N8r_4-GW-l05zMrTA_rD2uOO81F5N8kfACLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Roll a Pumpkin Roll" border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ozGKayIlPU/Wbf0OZMq51I/AAAAAAAALyg/N8r_4-GW-l05zMrTA_rD2uOO81F5N8kfACLcBGAs/s16000/PumpkinRoll8.jpg" /></a></div>
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Leave your roll sitting like that for 10 minutes so that it'll cool before you spread your filling in. You can mix your filling during this time.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8u87zplUT0/Wbf0sluHb9I/AAAAAAAALyo/mgnmgzKX_EAvZEjPPxcBiwU83e8DoetfQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8u87zplUT0/Wbf0sluHb9I/AAAAAAAALyo/mgnmgzKX_EAvZEjPPxcBiwU83e8DoetfQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll9.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unroll (careful that the cake doesn't stick to the tea towel & get pulled apart). Plop the filling on top.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIikLhsRNig/Wbf2ARtbuRI/AAAAAAAALy0/Ef-KxbkoFa4i5s6CryLWYx-du7bGWviQQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIikLhsRNig/Wbf2ARtbuRI/AAAAAAAALy0/Ef-KxbkoFa4i5s6CryLWYx-du7bGWviQQCLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll10.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spread it around- almost to the edges, but you don't have to quite go all the way or it'll just goosh out when you roll it again.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPTvENIYuxI/Wbf2i2SAK2I/AAAAAAAALy8/bFWGWfryAWwfydX8-wzDomFMRCsbG9ejACLcBGAs/s1600/PumpkinRoll.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Perfect Pumpkin Roll Recipe Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPTvENIYuxI/Wbf2i2SAK2I/AAAAAAAALy8/bFWGWfryAWwfydX8-wzDomFMRCsbG9ejACLcBGAs/s16000/PumpkinRoll.jpg" /></a></div>
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Re-roll it & voila!</div>
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Wait 'til you taste it... I'm in love with the filling!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">How to Make a Pumpkin Roll Video</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4dDI1Hrj208" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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If you want to make this, be sure to pin this post for reference when you do! <a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://gb.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fhow-to-make-pumpkin-roll-video.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-yM6MLm5Suxo%2FVD_OlR3O95I%2FAAAAAAAAH10%2FGIU-V1jyZlw%2Fs1600%2FBest-Pumpkin-Roll-Recipe-Tutorial.jpg&description=THE%20Best%20Pumpkin%20Roll%20Recipe%20(includes%20photo%20and%20video%20tutorial)%20by%20www.RaisingMemories.com%20%23PumpkinRoll%20%23Pumpkin%20%23Thanksgiving%20%23Tutorial"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">"Cinnabon" Cinnamon Roll tutorial- <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/10/cinnabon-cinnamon-roll-tutorial-with.html">click here</a> to check it out!</span></small></div>
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<small><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></small><br />Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-64689078931712931472023-09-12T16:16:00.006-04:002023-09-12T21:29:19.988-04:007 Different Types of Self-Care - How to Figure Out What YOU Need<div><div style="text-align: left;">We all know "you can't pour from an empty cup" but we often forget to prioritize ourselves. This can be especially difficult while parenting young kids, but I encourage you not to wait for any particular stage of life, and to look for self-care techniques that work for you in your current life circumstances. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we think of self-care, too often we stop at ideas for pampering ourselves, like bubble baths and naps. I want to encourage you to look beyond those to see many different types of self-care! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03bh73qbO4wyniQl6XoXJtkYdqyub0qQuWYGkTyqp7cJNby4JBOZMB8BmBMy7d6NxGaALKByot5_817EpYvDpqigsWtY7FTrY76GlchQ3eXDLDF-nYDLeyYvZDGls1TVsUNLZB-d4bcPBFVf6wsjedK_YuxPxxtn_J6T7qvBfiTcqZ98nHyI8iysjdXM/s1280/YouTube%20Thumbnails%20(4).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Different Types of Self Care" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03bh73qbO4wyniQl6XoXJtkYdqyub0qQuWYGkTyqp7cJNby4JBOZMB8BmBMy7d6NxGaALKByot5_817EpYvDpqigsWtY7FTrY76GlchQ3eXDLDF-nYDLeyYvZDGls1TVsUNLZB-d4bcPBFVf6wsjedK_YuxPxxtn_J6T7qvBfiTcqZ98nHyI8iysjdXM/w640-h360/YouTube%20Thumbnails%20(4).png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I created a video series of 7 different types of self-care that can empower you to nurture your physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and occupational well-being. I hope you'll use the videos and a <b>free downloadable workbook</b> (at the end of the post) to help organize your ideas & plans after watching the videos!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">7 Different Types of Self-Care (Video Series)</h2><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1: Introduction & Physical Self-Care</h3><div><br /></div><div>Kickstart your self-care journey with an introduction to the seven types of self-care. In this opening video, we'll explore the foundational importance of physical self-care. Discover practical tips and insights to revitalize your physical well-being and lay the groundwork for a healthier life.</div><div><br /><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O61ViV_S4vk?si=yAVijCOhc8VQeOYf" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center><p></p><div><br /></div><span><!--more--></span><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2: Emotional Self Care Ideas</h3><div><br /></div><div>Our emotions are the compass of our inner world. In this video, delve into the realm of emotional self-care. Learn how to navigate your feelings, cultivate resilience, and build emotional strength to enhance your overall well-being with 10 emotional self care ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-QPTzHkJIY?si=9aJvbZCQ7NtyyGMY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">3: Social Self Care</h3><div><br /></div><div>Your social life plays a pivotal role in your happiness. Explore the significance of social self-care and discover ways to foster meaningful relationships, set boundaries, and create a supportive social network that nourishes your soul.</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ae7ADD4Yctk?si=JaHVBbSMf4FBUcpC" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4: Spiritual Self Care</h3><div><br /></div><div>Spiritual self care goes beyond religion; it's about finding meaning and connection in life. Join us in this exploration of your inner spirituality. Learn how to nurture your soul, find purpose, and embrace mindfulness as part of your daily routine.</div><div><br /></div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SdOdO1qcx68?si=-2RUNPlSUpB2AtSE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5: Intellectual Self-Care</h3><div><br /></div><div>The mind is a powerful tool, and intellectual self-care ensures it stays sharp. Dive into the realm of intellectual self-care, where lifelong learning, creativity, and curiosity take center stage. Discover how to expand your horizons and challenge your mind.</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dhecam10iOg?si=ETVtPUron62mLzAu" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">6: Balancing Your Finances & Career</h3><div><br /></div><div>In this comprehensive video, I've combined financial and occupational self-care to help you achieve stability and satisfaction in your work life. Explore strategies for managing your finances, setting career goals, and creating a harmonious work-life balance.</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfsF-tqPiH4?si=OXcCPrtb28BqZGaw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Free Downloadable Self Care Workbooke</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YS8y_Ay6Duz8r8yPQy-m2d-MVVuYPvrVZq8jLbmohwgd2z32C8KN2ahVP8lnCO0rSEHwprL_2XVuCgpGeQCWPxyi6fotIzQ8KMrLIPp6OKN5awrZiMTdDrtiMhXBsVX65oFqszjuouVWZAm5MLGrOQxT_KRBBbBHtia0hTrCUY_Ygp4PFJLY8_QfTnU/s1280/YouTube%20Thumbnails%20(4).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="self-care workbook" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YS8y_Ay6Duz8r8yPQy-m2d-MVVuYPvrVZq8jLbmohwgd2z32C8KN2ahVP8lnCO0rSEHwprL_2XVuCgpGeQCWPxyi6fotIzQ8KMrLIPp6OKN5awrZiMTdDrtiMhXBsVX65oFqszjuouVWZAm5MLGrOQxT_KRBBbBHtia0hTrCUY_Ygp4PFJLY8_QfTnU/w640-h360/YouTube%20Thumbnails%20(4).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Download your free printable workbook <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2hmM05yTERfekY2WWtYdUQ0QWVqQ0hldGFRd3xBQ3Jtc0ttQm1BN3kyNm5VRmszYnhWRWJlcEJMUGZZVjAxVzdNS3Vsd09qMVdHSTR3WkFqQS1QTGtVaXprUGdRMHR3cHotSHplZW8ySVhsYmdGOVo5STQzMnMtZGFfYVJfRzYwLXJmckdGVjBYRmZnSUVJWHVFdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1zWFTAt3Pna4fnnRZD2VBW7GBm1jSIJXP%2Fview&v=AfsF-tqPiH4" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>To further empower your self-care journey, I've created a complementary self-care workbook. This resource will guide you through each of the seven self-care areas, allowing you to assess your current status and develop a personalized self-care plan using the insights from the video series. Download it today and start your transformative journey towards balanced well-being.</div></div><div><br />
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-70878138851999064092023-07-21T17:11:00.000-04:002023-07-21T17:11:13.239-04:00Disney's Epcot in One Day - Our Top 10After our last Disney trip, I promised that I would write a post about each of the parks at Disney World in Florida, and our favourite things to do at each. Today it's Epcot's turn, so here's what we'd recommend if you're going to do Epcot in one day.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PYk8UnisNs/WyhT6be48gI/AAAAAAAANQA/xx_YigixnfELzM5GEP09EPIIqxf3T7YiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Walt-Disney%2527s-Epcot-Top-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Epcot Top 10 Disney World with Kids" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="415" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PYk8UnisNs/WyhT6be48gI/AAAAAAAANQA/xx_YigixnfELzM5GEP09EPIIqxf3T7YiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Walt-Disney%2527s-Epcot-Top-10.jpg" title="Top 10 Things to Do at Epcot in Disney World" /></a></div>
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Epcot is like a mini trip around the world, under the sea, and into outer space. While it includes many attractions and experiences tailored to children, I often think of it as the park I'd be most interested in attending as a couple or with just a group of adults. That being said, we visited as a family, so these top 10 will be keeping a family trip in mind.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Epcot in One Day</h3>
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When you first enter Epcot, you see the infamous giant golf ball (officially called the Spaceship Earth geosphere). Then you walk through "Future World"- rounded buildings surrounding a fountain and a courtyard. Past Future World is the World Showcase- a loop surrounding a man-made lake. Walking the loop, you can get a taste of many countries as you walk through Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Japan, Canada, and others.<br />
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Frozen Ever After Ride</h3>
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The Frozen Ever After ride is in Norway. It's an indoor boat ride that's calm at times, and a little more thrilling at others. Of course, it's also a feast for the eyes as you follow the story around you with projected and animatronic scenes. We loved it!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvXopYMQSZU/Wyq6P-3E-zI/AAAAAAAANRs/62iEYL6JKV4l2afsx-hdkmVdiSfDF1ZrACLcBGAs/s1600/frozen%2Bride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 10 Rides at Epcot Disney World Florida" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvXopYMQSZU/Wyq6P-3E-zI/AAAAAAAANRs/62iEYL6JKV4l2afsx-hdkmVdiSfDF1ZrACLcBGAs/s1600/frozen%2Bride.jpg" title="Frozen Ever After Ride in Norway at Epcot" /></a></div>
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Soarin' Around the World</h3>
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I know this ride has been around for a long time and the first time we went to Disney World, everyone recommended it to us but it was closed on the day we were there. I am so glad we got to ride it this time- it is definitely one of my top attractions! I found this photo that gives you a pretty good idea of what it's like. You sit in a chair that is lifted up and you face a curved screen that makes you feel like you are soaring above the world, taking in amazing scenes around you- it's magical and I highly recommend it! You'll find it in Future World.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWKU8V1c_1U/Wyq6GlPWmII/AAAAAAAANRk/e2oDv8bLOlQVpua6cQN_UP9g9X1k7SjMACLcBGAs/s1600/soarin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soarin around the World Epcot Florida" border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWKU8V1c_1U/Wyq6GlPWmII/AAAAAAAANRk/e2oDv8bLOlQVpua6cQN_UP9g9X1k7SjMACLcBGAs/s1600/soarin.jpg" title="Top 10 Rides at Epcot Disney World" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Turtle Talk With Crush</h3>
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Also in Future World, this is such a clever attraction for kids- and entertaining for adults, too. You sit on the floor in front of a screen that shows you Crush from Finding Nemo (among other fish & characters from the movie), swimming around. Then Crush talks to the audience in an interactive way- but it isn't just staged, he's actually asking kids questions and responding to them. It's like he's really right there with you, and he brings humor along for the ride. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhRZ_SYIygM/Wyq57pAdKvI/AAAAAAAANRg/alvsoUQVV8Mpe_Lq_e8vbKjNtbITjLNtQCLcBGAs/s1600/turtle%2Btalk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 10 Things to do with Kids at Epcot" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhRZ_SYIygM/Wyq57pAdKvI/AAAAAAAANRg/alvsoUQVV8Mpe_Lq_e8vbKjNtbITjLNtQCLcBGAs/s1600/turtle%2Btalk.jpg" title="Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot Disney World Florida" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Test Track</h3>
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Another must-try in Future World, while waiting in line for this ride, you get the opportunity to design your own vehicle. When you get to the ride, you watch a screen that shows you the car you designed, and then embark on a thrilling test drive! Talia loved this one because it was fun and thrilling- more like a roller coaster than a lot of the other rides at this park, with some small drops.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FABG8pCGUB0/Ww3OGKULD3I/AAAAAAAANFo/kpw07QUu_XQ68kI5ngLHuplaw-iMxO6cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Test-Track-Epcot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 10 Rides at Epcot Disney World" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="464" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FABG8pCGUB0/Ww3OGKULD3I/AAAAAAAANFo/kpw07QUu_XQ68kI5ngLHuplaw-iMxO6cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Test-Track-Epcot.jpg" title="Test Track Thrill Ride at Epcot Disney World Florida" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Impressions of France </h3>
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Les Halles in the France area of the World Showcase is a definite favorite place to stop for a treat! In the past we have tried (and loved their) crème brûlée.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xasWW-syzv0/Ww3NZuJosNI/AAAAAAAANFg/Q0eTCX8P_S4bk2mRJUYczqt3dOVlQDyeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Epcot-Les-Halles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Les Halles in France World Showcase Epcot" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xasWW-syzv0/Ww3NZuJosNI/AAAAAAAANFg/Q0eTCX8P_S4bk2mRJUYczqt3dOVlQDyeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Epcot-Les-Halles.jpg" title="France in Epcot Disney World Florida" /></a></div>
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This year I tried the macaroons which were delicious as well. If you're going to buy yourself a treat, we highly recommend France as the place to do it!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae4QJu8tEbI/Ww3L7gcfyEI/AAAAAAAANFU/Xs0PKoOxStsDtoveftl1TP8v8VofvHOlwCLcBGAs/s1600/Epcot-France-Les-Halles-Macaroons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 10 Things to do in Epcot with Kids" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae4QJu8tEbI/Ww3L7gcfyEI/AAAAAAAANFU/Xs0PKoOxStsDtoveftl1TP8v8VofvHOlwCLcBGAs/s1600/Epcot-France-Les-Halles-Macaroons.jpg" title="Best Food at Epcot in Disney World Florida" /></a></div>
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Mexico </h3>
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There aren't a ton of rides in Epcot and some of them are sort of tucked away in places you wouldn't expect. When you step inside this pyramid in Mexico, you'll find a beautiful restaurant as well as the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (an entertaining Mexican boat ride).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKgm4eywE6s/WsV_g8jdbnI/AAAAAAAAM34/Qt2_2O72IigRo1p5YzKtkLFuqUhrkGGOgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mexico%2BEpcot%2BDisney%2BWorld.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Food in Epcot World Showcase" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKgm4eywE6s/WsV_g8jdbnI/AAAAAAAAM34/Qt2_2O72IigRo1p5YzKtkLFuqUhrkGGOgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mexico%2BEpcot%2BDisney%2BWorld.jpg" title="Mexico Epcot Walt Disney World Florida" /></a></div>
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We ate Tacos Al Pastor (one of Ken's favorite authentic mexican foods from the 2 years that he lived in Mexico) at a quick service snack kiosk called Choza de Margarita, just to the left of the pyramid. They were amazing and if you like Mexican food, we highly recommend that you try them!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKul5lX5zcw/XTDRetOzcQI/AAAAAAAAOUY/ZxB0Ogl6uI4vjuMiPxnpwfNWLJ3ryhDDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Epcot-Mexico-Tacos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Food World Showcase at Epcot in Disney World Florida" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKul5lX5zcw/XTDRetOzcQI/AAAAAAAAOUY/ZxB0Ogl6uI4vjuMiPxnpwfNWLJ3ryhDDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Epcot-Mexico-Tacos.jpg" title="Tacos Al Pastor from Choza de Margarita in Epcot at Disney World" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Innoventions Fountain Show</h3>
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In the middle of Future World is a fountain with awesome shows that you'll want to stop and watch if you have the time!<br />
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<h3>
Flavors of Club Cool</h3>
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There is a shop called Club Cool that sits across from the fountain in the middle of Future World in Epcot. Our kids love stopping to try free samples of many different soda flavors from around the world!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YDf7msM0s0/WzE0ftbZGII/AAAAAAAANSo/ZI2f6EjRHa8BLAKvQ38TYkxen8ACKF6YACLcBGAs/s1600/flavors-of-club-cool.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 10 Things to Do with Kids at Epcot in Disney World Florida" border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YDf7msM0s0/WzE0ftbZGII/AAAAAAAANSo/ZI2f6EjRHa8BLAKvQ38TYkxen8ACKF6YACLcBGAs/s1600/flavors-of-club-cool.jpg" title="Club Cool Free Soda Tasting in Future World at Epcot Disney World" /></a></div>
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</b> <b>Sidenote:</b> I've heard rumors that this fountain and Club Cool will be removed and replaced with a new garden. I'm not sure when these will close, but I hear that the changes are expected to be completed in 2022, so if you're heading to Epcot soon, you may want to check them out before the changes are made!<br />
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Spaceship Earth</h3>
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Inside the Epcot ball is an attraction called Spaceship Earth, a classic Disney animatronic showcase of great moments in the earth's history. At the end of the ride you can answer a few questions on a touch screen inside your vehicle and get to see a glimpse of what your "tomorrow" looks like.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V269jhfW_u8/WzESvkhWakI/AAAAAAAANSc/_5s1hLr1vzAIN2Mt4kDeHP-AiwdxeIr9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Spaceship-Earth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Big Golf Ball Top 10 Rides at Epcot" border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V269jhfW_u8/WzESvkhWakI/AAAAAAAANSc/_5s1hLr1vzAIN2Mt4kDeHP-AiwdxeIr9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Spaceship-Earth.jpg" title="Spaceship Earth ride at Epcot in Walt Disney World Florida" /></a></div>
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Meeting Characters</h3>
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In our experience, Epcot is not as packed with children as some of the other parks at Disney World. This makes Epcot the perfect place to visit characters because there aren't as many people competing for their attention! With some of the changes happening right now in Epcot, the spots to find characters is sometimes changing, so you can look up the best place to find them on t<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/entertainment/epcot/character-meet-mickey-and-friends/" target="_blank">he website</a>.<br />
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That's it for our Epcot Top 10! </h3>
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If you liked this post, you might like to check out my other Disney Parks Top 10 Posts:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2018/06/disneys-hollywood-studios-our-top-10.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Things to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios</a></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLxRz0aoOZQ/WxWyvSD8mQI/AAAAAAAANI8/9s57ntTn0YIvzDLLL5tnhwNDcZ_GWw9iACLcBGAs/s640/Our%2BHollywood-Studios-Top-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best things to do at Disney World" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLxRz0aoOZQ/WxWyvSD8mQI/AAAAAAAANI8/9s57ntTn0YIvzDLLL5tnhwNDcZ_GWw9iACLcBGAs/s320/Our%2BHollywood-Studios-Top-10.jpg" title="Top 10 Things to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2018/07/disneys-magic-kingdom-our-top-10.html" target="_blank"><b>Top 10 Things to do at Disney's Magic Kingdom!</b></a></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcHwiWYQTkI/WyhQaSzjYSI/AAAAAAAANPk/zFlxBa0rvKE9Sdy_az6JwBk8Jco9HiPfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney-Magic-Kingdom-Top-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="433" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcHwiWYQTkI/WyhQaSzjYSI/AAAAAAAANPk/zFlxBa0rvKE9Sdy_az6JwBk8Jco9HiPfgCLcBGAs/s320/Disney-Magic-Kingdom-Top-10.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/01/disneys-animal-kingdom-our-top-10.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Things to do at Disney's Animal Kingdom!</a></h3>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><small>Disclosure: We attended the Disney Social Media Moms Conference 2018 for a discounted fee. All opinions shared are, as always, my own. Photos shared without my blog's web address on them are press photos from Disney Photographers, </small></i><br />
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-57835035282240576192023-04-17T14:28:00.000-04:002023-04-17T14:28:09.099-04:00Lessons on Quitting From Sara Beth Liebe, American Idol Contestant<div><div>Is quitting always a bad thing? It's common to think of quitting as a sign of weakness, that it's giving up before the finish line. But what if quitting could actually be a wise decision, one that leads us to a better path in life?</div><div><br /></div><div>That's what my latest YouTube video is all about.</div><div><br /><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qo2hEagYFYU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In a world that values perseverance, hustling, and "never give up" mantras, it can be difficult to see quitting as anything other than a failure. However, the truth is that sometimes we need to quit in order to move forward. If we're on a path that isn't leading us where we want to go, sticking to it just because we're afraid of quitting won't do us any favours!</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9rssnftLcBH2TC3Dg3b66GaoWZatTRk_sisenEBOu0UuNzSt5CJUp2vlSEz-xKw1ZUODt3iM5CpiqG2Nte_o46CnPIKWAli314_Ul-o129tB8RtPl0DN7PtrWb3I7yd63COdFsXLKNcB9ilMj75GfMuyXi2b61yzK_6J_SWA8NyUs0hL9utLFy0K/s3200/pexels-james-wheeler-1578750%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="lessons on quitting" border="0" data-original-height="2146" data-original-width="3200" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9rssnftLcBH2TC3Dg3b66GaoWZatTRk_sisenEBOu0UuNzSt5CJUp2vlSEz-xKw1ZUODt3iM5CpiqG2Nte_o46CnPIKWAli314_Ul-o129tB8RtPl0DN7PtrWb3I7yd63COdFsXLKNcB9ilMj75GfMuyXi2b61yzK_6J_SWA8NyUs0hL9utLFy0K/w640-h430/pexels-james-wheeler-1578750%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>In the video I shared above, I reference Sara Beth Liebe, a contestant on American Idol 2023. She auditioned and went through the "Hollywood" round of auditions, but instead of being eliminated, she quit the show. Many saw her decision as foolish and a missed opportunity. But Sara saw it differently. She knew that she didn't want to pursue a career in music <i>this way</i> if it meant compromising time at home with her young kids. I'm sure plenty of other factors came into consideration for her, but my point in sharing her story is that her decision has allowed her to pursue a path that feels true to her (and she continues to pursue music in other ways).</div><div><br /></div><div>Sara's story is a great example of how quitting can actually be a smart move. Sometimes we need to try something out before we can truly know if it's the right path for us. We may think we want something, only to discover that it doesn't fulfill us or align with our values. When this happens, quitting can be an important step in finding our true purpose. By eliminating the wrong path, we're able to focus on the right one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, this isn't to say that we should quit every time things get tough or we encounter obstacles. There's a difference between quitting out of fear or laziness and quitting because we've realized that something isn't right for us. It takes self-awareness and courage to make the decision to quit, but when we do, it can open up new possibilities and opportunities that we may not have seen before.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the next time you're faced with a decision about whether to quit or continue on a path, consider whether it aligns with your values and goals. If it doesn't, quitting might just be the best decision you ever make. Remember, sometimes the wrong path can lead you to the right one!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><p>
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-77454230852516986752023-04-10T21:10:00.000-04:002023-04-10T21:10:00.165-04:0010 Things We Don't Buy or Pay For - We Save Money Instead!<div><div>Living frugally and saving money now can make things easier in the future. In a recent video I shared 10 things we don't buy or pay for, and an alternative way that we either get the item or service or fulfill the need.</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MmCp3tLsPWA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><div>Read on for some helpful money saving suggestions in these 10 categories:</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Books</h3><div>Cookbooks can be expensive and take up a lot of space in your kitchen. Instead, create a recipe box, Pinterest board, or binder with your favourite recipes that your family loves. </div><div><br /></div><div>For books that you read, use the library, where you can also get free ebooks and audiobooks. If you want a hard copy book, use a Book Outlet website, where you can get books at a fraction of the cost of regular bookstores. You can use my <a href="https://bookoutlet.ca/loyalty/referral/8R7ASNH5?c=url " target="_blank">BookOutlet.ca referral link</a> for $5 off your first purchase of $25 or more.</div><div><br /></div><div>The library is amazing for getting kids interested in reading early, too! One of my first blog posts (14 years ago!!) was about <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2009/11/library-topic-of-week.html" target="_blank">using the library with kids</a>, and I'd say it worked because now I have two teenagers who are obsessed with <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/search/label/books" target="_blank">reading books</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrrkEYdT1pt3CIRsTqDdnR35tMfyCCZs3jDxR1eF7505Z5qLvzXZIaz5cEzL70nuPDWZLpl8GFM-IuUsGZXZifgdfohFh6xVVinM1P8OXo951J0_R5UdoG1hy4Vj6dyLc6TRLiy-i2Psv86XIcSSmQC6SAJD31A14kLsmEqU9_H9rSjuxDRBA3uxT/s5715/pexels-pixabay-159711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 things we don't buy or pay for" border="0" data-original-height="3800" data-original-width="5715" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrrkEYdT1pt3CIRsTqDdnR35tMfyCCZs3jDxR1eF7505Z5qLvzXZIaz5cEzL70nuPDWZLpl8GFM-IuUsGZXZifgdfohFh6xVVinM1P8OXo951J0_R5UdoG1hy4Vj6dyLc6TRLiy-i2Psv86XIcSSmQC6SAJD31A14kLsmEqU9_H9rSjuxDRBA3uxT/w640-h426/pexels-pixabay-159711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Aesthetic Services</h3><div>Hair and nail services can add up if you get them done professionally every time. Invest in a pair of hair scissors and try trimming your hair or your family's hair at home. Consider asking a family member or friend who has experience instead of paying for a professional. Use high-quality nail polish to do manicures and pedicures at home instead of paying for a salon every time. It's convenient to be able to easily do touch-ups at home, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>There are <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2011/11/diy-nail-art-templates.html" target="_blank">fun ways to get kids involved</a> in this, too. Just make sure to keep the nail polish out of their reach!! (<a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/04/monday-moments-nail-polish-in-night.html" target="_blank">Learn from my mistakes</a>... and this goes for <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/03/she-cut-her-hair.html" target="_blank">the scissors</a> too!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43ISqKZzgEzoxCemwOVlPqjdWGBP2j03sChxcn4fvpBxwrwibRWfSgL8EcJkkgyMZR1XAGU2I5fslIpWkOlF3iQicH_x_1bvcfZ1Khxt9sHAh5XtcCDCr_-GT5xffxAdz91qf96KtRT71lVKdy4V-i8ULpyuUuEqH175FJSKucQGrBxsd45zxiUOz/s5837/pexels-element-digital-973405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="things to stop buying to save money" border="0" data-original-height="3897" data-original-width="5837" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43ISqKZzgEzoxCemwOVlPqjdWGBP2j03sChxcn4fvpBxwrwibRWfSgL8EcJkkgyMZR1XAGU2I5fslIpWkOlF3iQicH_x_1bvcfZ1Khxt9sHAh5XtcCDCr_-GT5xffxAdz91qf96KtRT71lVKdy4V-i8ULpyuUuEqH175FJSKucQGrBxsd45zxiUOz/w640-h428/pexels-element-digital-973405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Car Wash Services</h3><div>Save money by washing your car yourself instead of paying for a car wash. You can also save money by detailing your car yourself. Consider paying your kids to do it as an extra chore, or make it a <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/05/family-fun-cleaning-car.html" target="_blank">car wash family activity</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRjwcn5JydiPbuYp86Fir0wJk8soTP-2c2iQs3fEbD3VWurEI8dfXoSpogJhxZoBG2XiO4fVl5pf-GEhfM7eXVJx_l69QGa_O2IgmtdPCWqHEp1-QL-ltloZEnxFJR5VklMRwps_-vcR81JjFzP_UT5N1cjk5oMLlOvRZxAGgFq3NsBhhrPjgkxag/s3960/pexels-gustavo-fring-4173088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="things to stop buying or paying for" border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="3960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRjwcn5JydiPbuYp86Fir0wJk8soTP-2c2iQs3fEbD3VWurEI8dfXoSpogJhxZoBG2XiO4fVl5pf-GEhfM7eXVJx_l69QGa_O2IgmtdPCWqHEp1-QL-ltloZEnxFJR5VklMRwps_-vcR81JjFzP_UT5N1cjk5oMLlOvRZxAGgFq3NsBhhrPjgkxag/w640-h426/pexels-gustavo-fring-4173088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cell Phones</h3><div>Spend as little as possible on your cell phone. Use hand-me-down phones or buy second-hand phones. Look for open-box phones at cell phone stores for a cheaper price. Don't be tempted to buy the latest and greatest phone every time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Shop for a cheaper cell phone plan that can work for you. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Skincare & Makeup</h3><div>Use the same products regularly instead of buying a huge variety of makeup. Wait until the products you're currently using have run out before buying something new. When it comes to skincare, resist the urge to try new products and stick with what works for you- at least until you run out of them. These are just a few examples of things to stop buying to save money.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlD0GG4i2N4nOTGupsGVvlXgkkt3UtFmYHMnQnccuqfAjNivES9YPWnoK-RroA0AArg9-mfOXLykIkJwT96D4o0AHINscT-jXXum5V6oaLcV4cGXlIa2gs4puuq-M67dAoR6RqnnfpvDN5u_m599klOniHkonDq462C94tig-flj4JU7wZBYMrbPd/s3210/pexels-kinkate-gruber-208052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to stop buying things" border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="3210" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlD0GG4i2N4nOTGupsGVvlXgkkt3UtFmYHMnQnccuqfAjNivES9YPWnoK-RroA0AArg9-mfOXLykIkJwT96D4o0AHINscT-jXXum5V6oaLcV4cGXlIa2gs4puuq-M67dAoR6RqnnfpvDN5u_m599klOniHkonDq462C94tig-flj4JU7wZBYMrbPd/w640-h426/pexels-kinkate-gruber-208052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Home Décor</h3><div>Avoid spending money on décor by sticking with a color scheme and keeping the same look as long as possible. Sell items you no longer need before replacing them. Consider DIY projects to refresh your home décor. </div><div><br /></div><div>We <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2018/11/pink-blue-small-living-room-decor.html" target="_blank">made over our living room</a> 5 years ago and have kept our décor the same, even though we've lived in 3 different homes since then!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Groceries</h3><div>Save money by making coffee or tea at home instead of buying it every day or every week. Meal plan and cook at home instead of eating out. Buy groceries in bulk and look for sales and coupons. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uSJb-Id1J_O74CJAd6YT0Rv1AtRVS-b_XA-13k9hNHhbB_20QjZk7E5_sK-V52wNBQ8jQKq1WT7N-HEpvhQbFY3OERWDa3mV8G8nGlsMr9A-EZaCuH8jgfoKjVkv5KcW1zeMgfbN9vKAfl2odIDdbyZWlFESf1gukiIbmndIyW1tD2oQ7qXO9MUz/s5934/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-7879835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stop buying things like unnecessary groceries" border="0" data-original-height="3956" data-original-width="5934" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uSJb-Id1J_O74CJAd6YT0Rv1AtRVS-b_XA-13k9hNHhbB_20QjZk7E5_sK-V52wNBQ8jQKq1WT7N-HEpvhQbFY3OERWDa3mV8G8nGlsMr9A-EZaCuH8jgfoKjVkv5KcW1zeMgfbN9vKAfl2odIDdbyZWlFESf1gukiIbmndIyW1tD2oQ7qXO9MUz/w640-h426/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-7879835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Restaurants</h3><div>Eating out can be expensive, so consider packing your own meals when you're on the go. When you do eat out, look for coupons or deals, and order water instead of fancy drinks. You can also split a large meal with your partner to save money. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Laundry</h3><div>Save money on laundry by using a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer. Replace dryer sheets with reusable dryer balls. Use cold water instead of hot water to save on energy costs. Wash clothes less frequently and wear items more than once if they're not dirty. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyaqo0js0KDuZcIJwa5Xc2NtrArhdNjllMrFMXDsQLLsWsdX345wl0OJBfowall0EEQ_RKlW1iYjoYtRUfsZyuauTMw6G60bpQlmtU_IgY9G_EtRHmGZmFiyRZoGMtc30ORaDYufI5L2GH00e8Ncm7f29Rgkj8dmDUSM8eiHtQU9-RFWxS29dpp7G/s5830/pexels-skitterphoto-1122167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to save money" border="0" data-original-height="3900" data-original-width="5830" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyaqo0js0KDuZcIJwa5Xc2NtrArhdNjllMrFMXDsQLLsWsdX345wl0OJBfowall0EEQ_RKlW1iYjoYtRUfsZyuauTMw6G60bpQlmtU_IgY9G_EtRHmGZmFiyRZoGMtc30ORaDYufI5L2GH00e8Ncm7f29Rgkj8dmDUSM8eiHtQU9-RFWxS29dpp7G/w640-h428/pexels-skitterphoto-1122167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Gym Memberships</h3><div>Save money on gym memberships by working out at home or outside. Use free workout apps or YouTube videos for workouts. If you prefer working out at a gym, consider a cheaper gym or negotiate a lower price. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>These are just a few examples of how to stop buying things that you don't need. Living frugally doesn't mean you have to go without the
things you need. With a little creativity and effort, you can save money and
still have everything you need to live a happy and fulfilling life.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div align="center"><i><br /></i></div><div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><p>
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-85009723019137433472023-03-28T19:59:00.001-04:002023-03-28T19:59:00.165-04:00My Meditation Experience & How You Can Get Started Too<div><div>Meditation can seem strange or unfamiliar at first- that was definitely my meditation experience in the beginning! I've found that it can be both weird and transformative! In this post, I'll share my meditation experience and the benefits of meditation that I've discovered along the way. Continue to the end of the post to see two videos on the subject!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZr8jy_8poYyZRs0DSMdsPT2X-ys2EvmNJ1PkMYqi24A5KhFdJzfuwMFrpPcyMloHoPxXgKdanTQ65SY6YLxtdKCwYWB7P_PdhWflFdyzqlWp14MiQJVwXO-gs_pO3EQQeOLUuYopUDj-H197mLDwx6-zdpp9yuhuCJqVNjN8IXB8hV0G5R8OJIS1/s1280/04%20MeditationThumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="my meditation experience - how to get started" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZr8jy_8poYyZRs0DSMdsPT2X-ys2EvmNJ1PkMYqi24A5KhFdJzfuwMFrpPcyMloHoPxXgKdanTQ65SY6YLxtdKCwYWB7P_PdhWflFdyzqlWp14MiQJVwXO-gs_pO3EQQeOLUuYopUDj-H197mLDwx6-zdpp9yuhuCJqVNjN8IXB8hV0G5R8OJIS1/w640-h360/04%20MeditationThumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Meditation can feel weird at first. Initially, it may seem like you're not doing anything, and you might question the point of sitting there in silence. But if you're able to let go of those thoughts and just focus on your breath and being present in the moment, you may start to experience a level of peace that comes with being mindful and aware.</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mindfulness</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2021/04/mindful-hand-washing.html" target="_blank">Mindfulness</a> is about paying attention to how you feel through your five senses, including what you smell, feel, hear, and see. You can do this with your eyes closed or open, whichever feels more comfortable. By focusing on your breath and observing your thoughts without judgment, you can begin to let go of the constant chatter in your mind and just be in the present moment.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Distracting Thoughts</h3><div><br /></div><div>Don't beat yourself up over the thoughts that come into your head- the goal is not a mind void of anything! Instead, think of those thoughts as clouds passing by in a clear sky. When a thought comes up, simply acknowledge it and then return your focus to your breath. Over time, with regular practice, you'll learn to let go of distracting thoughts more easily.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Benefits of Meditation</h3><div><br /></div><div>For me, meditation has been a way to find peace and connection with myself. The way I describe it in the following video, my meditation experience is that I've been able to let go of the thoughts that surround and consume me. It's as if you can create an opportunity for your soul or spirit to peek out from behind the wall of noise in your mind. This can allow you to tap into your deepest self, the part of you that has the answers to the questions that the internet or other people can't provide.</div><div><br /><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLGwOx2BH-I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My meditation experience has been slow-going at times, but I've found that bit by bit, I'm making progress. It's not an instant fix, but with consistent practice, I'm learning to be more present and aware, and to let go of thoughts and feelings that don't serve me. Meditation is an experience worth exploring if you're looking to find more peace and connection with yourself.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Getting Started With Meditation</h3><div><br /></div><div>If you're curious about meditation, I encourage you to give it a try and see for yourself. In this video, I discuss the benefits of meditation and provide tips on how to begin your practice with the free version of the Headspace app. The video explores different meditation methods, explains the basics of the app, and suggests which videos to start with.</div><div><br /><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qORsbHoFaG8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the benefits of meditation come with practice, so be patient with yourself as you learn to let go and be present in the moment.</div></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><p>
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-40756644706368360262023-03-21T17:14:00.001-04:002023-03-21T17:14:28.013-04:007 Easy Nightstand Organization Ideas for a Clutter-Free Bedroom<div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div><div>If you're tired of waking up to a cluttered and chaotic bedroom, your nightstand may be to blame. It's amazing how much of a difference a little organization can make in your space. Don't worry if the thought of decluttering your nightstand feels overwhelming. I have seven easy nightstand organization ideas that will make tidying up a breeze!</div><div><br /></div><div>I also have a video with a simple step-by-step process for night stand decluttering and cleaning motivation here:</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Ghysj21eSg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><div>Continue reading for some additional organization ideas!</div><div><br /></div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">7 Easy Nightstand Organization Ideas</h2><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sort by Category</h3><div>Start by taking everything off of the top of your nightstand and putting it on your bed. Sort items by category, such as electronics, books, and beauty products. This will make it easier to see what you have and avoid duplicates. (This is one of the steps in the <a href="https://youtu.be/9Ghysj21eSg" target="_blank">night stand decluttering video</a> I shared at the start of this post).</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Create a "To Be Donated" Pile</h3><div>Be honest with yourself about what you actually use and need. Create a "to be donated" pile for items that you haven't used in a while or no longer serve a purpose. This will make space for the items you actually use and care about.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsXAy5ZHVf8s8XZmomB5mPM4STpxBQD_inIcnmBA5N-nyUGq-iCDbsBTFXFDBcl2ThT6uNiJUIl_Bo5poBb2Bi6dep2wfFKboVnJHZGLFeRXTIWhfHglNKVbxGehZy9b4zVncgPlYPOqmTh2gKmRzMDW-gZgJyMumhqBCyj3Q4remjrK54YRAqqdF/s4592/pexels-towfiqu-barbhuiya-11200117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="declutter your nightstand" border="0" data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsXAy5ZHVf8s8XZmomB5mPM4STpxBQD_inIcnmBA5N-nyUGq-iCDbsBTFXFDBcl2ThT6uNiJUIl_Bo5poBb2Bi6dep2wfFKboVnJHZGLFeRXTIWhfHglNKVbxGehZy9b4zVncgPlYPOqmTh2gKmRzMDW-gZgJyMumhqBCyj3Q4remjrK54YRAqqdF/w640-h429/pexels-towfiqu-barbhuiya-11200117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Use Drawer Dividers</h3><div>Drawer dividers are a great way to keep items organized and easy to find. They also prevent items from shifting around and becoming disorganized over time. Use them to separate items like charging cables, jewelry, and reading glasses. If you watch the video, you'll see that I like to use old cell phone boxes as dividers. I also like to use inexpensive plastic or acrylic dividers that can be found at dollar stores.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Opt for Space-Saving Solutions</h3><div>If your nightstand is short on space, consider using vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or baskets. These can hold items like books and journals, freeing up valuable surface space on your nightstand.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWejaP3HvIaSk_ebZxq4DG0bIMIiEL00h9EN1GTdDUlRMMC8TCvdGAS-P1XTwJ5KMkLsg4ihpjTj2MnNULzF8LIin6TxglBZwyrGGcfAlAdzwF7S8K55q7DcCfPq6t9xiFw91KszAP4_sXh-nDNDTHZCkjM6tk6o-87z9y_g3qDdrSlp1H42Vqs8r/s6377/pexels-max-rahubovskiy-7005280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="space-saving tips for nightstand" border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="6377" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWejaP3HvIaSk_ebZxq4DG0bIMIiEL00h9EN1GTdDUlRMMC8TCvdGAS-P1XTwJ5KMkLsg4ihpjTj2MnNULzF8LIin6TxglBZwyrGGcfAlAdzwF7S8K55q7DcCfPq6t9xiFw91KszAP4_sXh-nDNDTHZCkjM6tk6o-87z9y_g3qDdrSlp1H42Vqs8r/w640-h492/pexels-max-rahubovskiy-7005280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy</h3><div>Keeping cleaning supplies like microfiber cloths within reach can encourage you to clean your nightstand more frequently. A clean nightstand will help you feel more relaxed and at ease in your bedroom. This is also great if you have any allergies or sensitivities to dust!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Incorporate Minimalist Décor</h3><div>When it comes to decorating your nightstand, less is more. Incorporate minimalist décor like a small vase with fresh flowers or a scented candle to create a peaceful and calming atmosphere in your bedroom. I always have a lamp, a tissue box, and a coaster for my water bottle on my nightstand.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipGxrQ1MOC6ZV12zcaCCA9TTHto2jEnahlP47zRQO1RZ-UoDGKsbTszNAdA21HfmmHuOUJpHH-ZtfeSby6s7bFBxK7ifAZfdl4WVkGp4L2V_9-V5wM6siCAbcqeO9YQsD2Co2VxEzTkRmFih5iDkB5bL1PrNxk0UqTE7vwj_JY-WOkFj5E587eF_k/s7360/pexels-max-rahubovskiy-7061089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="easy nightstand organization ideas" border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="7360" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipGxrQ1MOC6ZV12zcaCCA9TTHto2jEnahlP47zRQO1RZ-UoDGKsbTszNAdA21HfmmHuOUJpHH-ZtfeSby6s7bFBxK7ifAZfdl4WVkGp4L2V_9-V5wM6siCAbcqeO9YQsD2Co2VxEzTkRmFih5iDkB5bL1PrNxk0UqTE7vwj_JY-WOkFj5E587eF_k/w640-h428/pexels-max-rahubovskiy-7061089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Make it a Habit</h3><div>Finally, make organizing your nightstand a habit. You can spend a few minutes every night tidying up and putting things back in their designated spot. This will prevent clutter from accumulating over time and make it easier to maintain a clean and organized bedroom.</div><div><br /></div><div>By incorporating these easy nightstand organization ideas, you'll be on your way to a clutter-free and peaceful bedroom in no time. Don't let the thought of organizing overwhelm you anymore. With a little motivation and these sorting tips, home organization can be a breeze!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>
<div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><p>
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-84110959076844906672023-03-06T14:27:00.000-05:002023-03-07T18:21:04.064-05:00Rainbow Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">This rainbow cookies post became very popular so I created a <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/11/play-dough-cookies.html">recipe tutorial with pictures of how to make these cookies</a> if you would like to check it out and try making them yourself!</span></div>
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In honour of St. Patrick's Day one year, we made some fabulous rainbow cookies! :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rainbow Cookies" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVyUKa8GRGM/TX--muVgNFI/AAAAAAAABX4/LhbTqw8gzrk/w582-h640/rainbowcookies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="582" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Cookies</td></tr></tbody></table><center>
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It was like playing with playdoh and in the end, you got to eat your creations (and they tasted good! :)<br />
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<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Cookies Recipe</span></h3><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">You can find the fabulous recipe we used <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/11/play-dough-cookies.html">here</a>. I created a separate blog post with a step-by-step photo tutorial when we made the cookies again for Christmas!</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">
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<br />Do you have any St. Patrick's Day traditions?</span></div></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-43054889992867029502023-02-01T13:56:00.000-05:002023-02-07T23:24:24.484-05:00A Valentines Day Countdown for KidsCheck out this Valentines Day Countdown for kids! I've included instructions to make your own Valentines Countdown and a couple of lists of Kid Friendly Valentine's Day Activities and FREE Valentine printables for kids!<br />
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For Valentine's Day this year, I wanted to do some fun things with my kids so we put together this Valentine Countdown for Kids! There is a little envelope for each day and inside is a little note, with a valentine activity for the kids or the family to do together that day, in preparation for Valentine's Day! I'm excited about the things on our list (which I will share in this post)!<br />
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Valentines Day Countdown Supplies:</h1>
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<li>Scrapbook Paper</li>
<li>String or Twine or Ribbon</li>
<li>Scissors or Paper Cutter</li>
<li>Clothes Pins</li>
<li>Small Envelopes</li>
<li>Stickers</li>
<li>Pens or Thin Markers</li>
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I found the stickers at a dollar store, the envelopes and clothes pins at Michaels, and we already had everything else we used.</div>
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Valentine's Day Countdown Instructions:</h1>
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Here's how we put together our countdown. I love how it ended up looking like a little bunting, so that it doubles at Valentine's Day decor.<br />
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1. Decorate the Envelopes</h4>
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We started by decorating the envelopes. You could number the envelopes or decorate with stickers, markers, drawings, etc. There's no limit to what you could do to make your envelopes pretty! I found these cute stickers that were just the right size for our envelopes, so we just added the stickers to the envelopes.</div><div><br /></div>
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2. Make the Cards</h4>
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For this step, I just measured the envelope and used my paper cutter to cut the scrapbook paper just a little smaller so that it would fit easily within the envelope. I wrote an activity on each paper and put them inside the envelopes.</div>
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3. Plan the Order of Activities</h4>
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I carefully arranged which activity went into which day's envelope because I wanted to do certain activities earlier in the countdown, or on a particular day of the week.</div>
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4. Put It All Together</h4>
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The girls had fun helping me to assemble the countdown. It turned into such a cute little piece of Valentine decor for our home! I'm excited to get started on the activities (some of which were suggested by the girls, and some will be surprises).</div>
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Here's a list of the kid-friendly Valentine activities we'll be using as well as a few extra ideas you might want to incorporate into your countdown!<br />
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<h1 style="text-align: left;">Kid Friendly Valentine's Day Activities</h1>
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<li>Make a <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/01/valentine-craft-for-kids-easy-heart_26.html" target="_blank">heart bunting</a> and hang it up to decorate!</li>
<li>Make Valentine <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/04/long-distance-auntie-how-to-remember.html" target="_blank">Cards to mail</a> to far-away cousins</li>
<li>Write 2 or more things that you love about each family member on their own paper heart (don't look at them yet- these are for a future day!)</li>
<li>Make Valentine Cards for School Friends (we bought cards this year, so we'll get them all addressed & decorated & ready to go!) <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/01/valentine-printables-printable-valentine-cards.html" target="_blank">Here </a>are a <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/01/pear-tree-greetings-in-canada-review.html" target="_blank">few </a>different <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/02/our-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">Valentine</a> posts for <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/02/kiss-cards.html" target="_blank">ideas </a>and <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2011/02/valentines.html" target="_blank">inspiration</a>!</li>
<li>Valentine Mad Libs (I'm going to print some pages & do them with the kids for fun)</li>
<li>Make a Family Back Massage Chain</li>
<li>Make a "Heart Attack" for someone's door</li>
<li>Make heart shaped cookies or Rice Krispie Squares</li>
<li>Deliver the Valentine Treats we made yesterday to someone we love</li>
<li>Make <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2011/02/valentine-breakfast-heart-shaped.html" target="_blank">heart shaped pancakes</a></li>
<li>Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt (we'll make up some clues & send the girls around the house. At the end, their treasure will include the notes we write to each other on Day 3 of our countdown.. and maybe we'll throw in some surprise treats from Mom & Dad, too!)</li>
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<h1 style="text-align: left;">
More Valentine Activities and Free Valentine Printables for Kids</h1>
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<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/02/love-one-another-wall.html" target="_blank">Love One Another Valentine Wall</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/02/powdered-sugar-heart-brownie-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Icing Sugar Heart Brownies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/01/handmade-flowers.html" target="_blank">"Hand"made Flowers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2011/02/valentine-treat-toppers-candy-bar.html" target="_blank">Free Printable Valentine Treat Toppers & Candy Bar Wrappers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/02/contacttissue-paper-sun-catcher.html" target="_blank">Tissue Paper/Contact Paper Sun Catcher</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/02/valentine-bed.html" target="_blank">Valentine Bed</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/01/melted-crayon-wax-suncatcher.html" target="_blank">Crayon Wax Sun Catcher</a></li>
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<h3>
Valentine's Day Idea Roundup</h3>
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And while we're sharing Valentine's Day ideas, I've teamed up with 30 bloggers to share some great ideas with you from kids' activities to recipes to home decor! Check these out! (links are below the images)<br />
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<a href="https://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/valentines-day-cherry-pie/">Valentine's Day Cherry Pie</a> by Jo-Anna of A Pretty Life<br />
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<a href="https://wp.me/p56S0a-2vH">Valentine's Triple Berry Breakfast Parfait</a> by Joanna at Lazy Moms Blog<br />
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<a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2018/02/valentines-day-mini-bouquet-with-free-wrap-printable.html">Valentine's Day Mini Bouquet with Printable Wrap</a> by Lucy of Craftberry Bush<br />
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<a href="http://www.womaninreallife.com/2018/02/diy-iron-on-mini-tote-bags-for.html">DIY Iron-On Mini Tote Bags for Galentine's Day</a> by Joann of Woman in Real Life<br />
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<a href="https://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/diy-clay-valentine-heart-wall-hanging/">DIY Clay Valentine Heart Wall Hanging</a> by Jen of Kitchen Counter Chronicles<br />
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<a href="https://wp.me/p7SY5t-12d">Valentine's Day Smoothie Bowl</a> by Kristeena of Motherhood in Stilettos<br />
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<a href="http://thediymommy.com/make-a-chunky-crochet-heart-banner/">Chunky Crochet Heart Banner</a> by Christina of The DIY Mommy<br />
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<a href="http://hashtagblessedblog.com/2018/02/stuck-on-you-valentine-free-printable/">'I'm Stuck On You Valentine' Free Printable</a> by Chandra of HashtagBlessed Blog<br />
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<a href="https://www.lemonthistle.com/diy-love-tees/">DIY Love Tees</a> by Colleen of Lemon Thistle<br />
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<a href="http://www.kimpowerstyle.com/2018/02/red-velvet-cheesecake/">Red Velvet Cheesecake</a> by Kim of Kim Power Style<br />
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<a href="http://wp.me/p6vKO7-1R8">Custom Floral Dishware DIY with Temporary Tattoos</a> by Christine of Amidst the Chaos<br />
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<a href="https://wp.me/p31k0X-240">Valentine's Day Keto Cheesecake</a> by Thalita of The Learner Observer<br />
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<a href="http://www.kelseydianeblog.com/2018/02/how-to-host-motherdaughter-galentines.html">How to Host a Mother/Daughter Galentine's</a> by Kelsey of Kelsey Diane Blog<br />
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<a href="https://akadesign.ca/free-printable-farmhouse-style-valentines-day-cards">Free Printable Farmhouse Style Valentine's Day Cards</a> by Shannon of AKA Design<br />
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<a href="https://satoridesignforliving.com/galentines-day-tea-party-vintage-style">GALentine’s Day Tea Party</a> by Shauna of Satori Design for Living<br />
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<a href="https://thediydreamer.com/crafts/valentine-heart-necklace/">Valentine Heart Necklace</a> by Christine of The DIY Dreamer<br />
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<a href="https://www.aburstofbeautiful.com/2018/02/simple-valentines-day-decor-and-free-printables.html/">Simple Valentine's Day Decor</a> by Alicia of A Burst of Beautiful<br />
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<a href="https://fromtheplaypen.com/rolling-in-love">Valentine's Sushi Recipe</a> by Stefania of From the Playpen<br />
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<a href="https://www.lifeisaparty.ca/2018/valentines-day-decor/">Valentine’s Day Decor</a> by Dannyelle of Life is a Party<br />
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2018/02/a-valentines-day-countdown-for-kids.html">Valentine Countdown for Kids</a> by Heather of Raising Memories<br />
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<a href="http://rowhousenest.com/diy-rustic-wood-sign/">Love Sign</a> by Meagan of Row House Nest<br />
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<a href="http://www.ramblingrenovators.ca/2018/02/valentines-day-kindness-countdown-calendar.html">Valentine's Day Kindness Countdown Calendar</a> by Jen of Rambling Renovators<br />
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<a href="http://theprojectpile.com/home-decor/rustic-valentines-day-decor/">Rustic Valentine's Day Decor</a> by Sarah of The Project Pile<br />
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<a href="http://www.brittanystager.com/2018/02/peach-raspberry-crisp/">Peach Raspberry Crisp</a> by Brittany of My Daily Randomness<br />
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<a href="https://sustainmycrafthabit.com/how-to-make-pine-cone-roses/">How to Make Pine Cone Roses</a> by Jane & Sonja of Sustain My Craft Habit<br />
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<a href="https://wp.me/p8h5nQ-1JR">Handmade Paper Gift Boxes</a> by Jessica of The Vanderveen House<br />
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<a href="http://www.designinsidethebox.com/diy-valentines-day-pouch">DIY Valentine's Day Pouch</a> by Lidia of Design Inside the Box<br />
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<a href="http://www.joyinourhome.com/valentine-oreo-cookies/">Valentine Oreo Cookies</a> by Kendra of Joy In Our Home<br />
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<a href="http://www.chaosandcaffeine.blog/valentines-day-lunch-idea-3">Valentine's Day Lunch Idea</a> by Adriana of Chaos and Caffeine<br />
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<a href="https://www.daydreamingofelsewhere.com/single-post/2018/01/30/Chocolate-Cherry-Baileys-Cookies">Chocolate Cherries Baileys Cookies</a> by Emily of daydreaming of elsewhere<br />
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-45453482850829196292023-01-19T15:02:00.001-05:002023-01-19T15:02:37.462-05:00Rock Climbing Accident - Ankle Injury <div>Before we were a week into 2023, I had an ankle injury from a rock climbing accident! </div><div><br /></div><div>We got a family rock climbing membership in the summer and it turned out to be an excellent family activity- both for exercise and for building camaraderie! We decided to pause our membership & reactivate it in the new year to use rock climbing as an indoor activity during the part of the year when weather is not so nice for spending time outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we reactivated the first week of January, and that week during one of our visits, the accident occurred. Here's what happened:</div><div><br /></div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MfqJ78XmAGs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center><div><br /></div><div>If you want the whole detailed story, watch the video above. For a summary, read on:</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Here are a couple of things to understand about bouldering (what I was doing when I injured myself).</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What is Bouldering?</h3><div><br /></div><div>Bouldering is rock climbing without a harness. When you finish a bouldering route, you either jump down onto a matt or you "back-climb", down the route a bit, and then jump down onto the matt. I usually back-climb before jumping down, but this time was different.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0QZA7Od6IG0Hqzcql_6CBcTc2TiggXgMSkw1FgGb6yZ39CFVBRDG-pPxYb5yAKfmKaA2IUROX_8emhL-ptqJ7M18ROwj7J5VAjIrV2qDBEaSAhdbydmKIbXJ3C2R1wOc_j2PmKug_c_ZRKdhhTeGjnFFsyk-u4DYyCrenLwtrLgYNEDxDzul0uYf/s3500/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6700633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="what is bouldering?" border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0QZA7Od6IG0Hqzcql_6CBcTc2TiggXgMSkw1FgGb6yZ39CFVBRDG-pPxYb5yAKfmKaA2IUROX_8emhL-ptqJ7M18ROwj7J5VAjIrV2qDBEaSAhdbydmKIbXJ3C2R1wOc_j2PmKug_c_ZRKdhhTeGjnFFsyk-u4DYyCrenLwtrLgYNEDxDzul0uYf/w640-h426/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6700633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to Fall When Bouldering</h3><div><br /></div><div>When you land, you're supposed to tuck your arms in front of you, across your chest, and bend your knees when you land, to roll onto your back.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3>My Rock Climbing Accident</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>This particular route was new to me. The wall had an outcrop, so by the time I got to the top of the route, I could let my feet fall away from the wall holds and let my body dangle while hanging from my two hands.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcHbLvP-dEZb7OmdRRwHp4DzszvBs6WmogjfkZPtV-V6r9riBkLbIP6-3gEmcinl0UP4z0sKhv6svD_E20opGNS19Y-qGPjG0QWgxZyN-eSH5LzGUe_ZHyjPpPuls84fed6UKMYs27z5gkrGy3vnDY7PeXCOkpYv_S-5s2T7gdbgrqCaUqkKC-OZF/s6000/pexels-allan-mas-5384161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="my rock climbing accident" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcHbLvP-dEZb7OmdRRwHp4DzszvBs6WmogjfkZPtV-V6r9riBkLbIP6-3gEmcinl0UP4z0sKhv6svD_E20opGNS19Y-qGPjG0QWgxZyN-eSH5LzGUe_ZHyjPpPuls84fed6UKMYs27z5gkrGy3vnDY7PeXCOkpYv_S-5s2T7gdbgrqCaUqkKC-OZF/w640-h427/pexels-allan-mas-5384161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I had watched my girls (age 13 & 16) and husband drop from climbs like that plenty of times before, so I figured I could do it. As I let my feet leave the wall and was dangling from the hold, I had a few thoughts pass through my mind quickly- I didn't want to hang there too long and hurt my arms or shoulder, and I didn't want to risk my hands' skin ripping either, so I needed to land soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I let go, but my body must have swung backward more than I realized before I let go because I landed with my weight too far forward. (I explain it in a little more detail in the video above).</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">My Ankle Injury</h3><div><br /></div><div>The way that I landed caused my shin & knee to drive forward too far over my foot, causing a lot of pain in my ankle.</div><div><br /></div><div>I spent the rest of the day "R.I.C.E"ing my ankle. (Resting, Icing, Compressing, & Elevating)</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day I went to a clinic where they determined I most likely didn't have a break (but ordered an X-ray just in case), gave me some anti-inflammatory medication, and told me to keep resting it.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Update</h3><div><br /></div><div>It's been over a week now and I'm able to limp around. Hoping for a full recovery in time!</div><div><br />
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-46572213250751569562023-01-06T17:38:00.000-05:002023-01-06T17:38:35.411-05:00Family Goal Setting (with Worksheets)<div>For several years, we've been holding a little family meeting where we all sit down and do a couple of worksheets to help us to figure out some goals for the year (and beyond). This post includes family goal setting worksheets and approaches. </div>
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We've tried several different goal-setting approaches throughout the years and there are a few goal setting worksheets we've found to be most helpful for brainstorming what you want your goals to be.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf0HbSs8P7k/Xl5yNLpeCuI/AAAAAAAAO8Y/jH5c12C2fgcsW_8YxX77IRdBkr6gbImeACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Goal%2BSetting%2BIdeas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free Printable Family Goal Setting Worksheets" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf0HbSs8P7k/Xl5yNLpeCuI/AAAAAAAAO8Y/jH5c12C2fgcsW_8YxX77IRdBkr6gbImeACNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Goal%2BSetting%2BIdeas.jpg" title="Family Goal Setting Teach Kids and Teens" /></a></div>
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This year, we broke these steps up into more than one family meeting, to make them more tackle-able and to give us some extra time to think about the next step.<br />
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If you're more of a video person, I've explained much of what I've written in this post in this video:<br />
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I hope sharing these ideas will give you some ideas & inspiration for how you'd like to approach goal setting in your family!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWaWJy4B-_I/Xl1ScSmdACI/AAAAAAAAO7g/5x7NLq51RGMW8GRbkjiFKS0SlwALlzl6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/50%2BGoals%2BWorksheet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free Printable 50 Goals in 5 Years Worksheet" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWaWJy4B-_I/Xl1ScSmdACI/AAAAAAAAO7g/5x7NLq51RGMW8GRbkjiFKS0SlwALlzl6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/50%2BGoals%2BWorksheet.jpg" title="Teaching Kids & Teens how to Set Effective Goals" /></a></div>
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<h3>
1. 50 Things To Do in the Next 5 Years</h3>
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The first thing we do, is pass out a sheet with space for a list of 50 things. We then take some time for everyone to write down everything they can think of that they would like to do in the next 5 years. You're not supposed to think about how likely you are to be able to do that thing, or what it would take to make it possible- you just write everything down that comes to mind!<br />
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Sometimes we make it to 50, but often we stall out a little before that. Just write down as many as you can!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uZxt1DSc6HsXzf_xwFTbxhOsKgk5Dgu/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click this link to get your free 50 Goals in 5 Years Printable</a>!<br />
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<iframe height="830" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uZxt1DSc6HsXzf_xwFTbxhOsKgk5Dgu/preview" width="640"></iframe></center>
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2. Share Your Dreams!</h3>
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When everyone has filled out their list of 50 dreams/goals for the next 5 years, we take a few minutes to go around and let everyone share some (or all) of the things they wrote down. It's fun to dream together! It's also helpful to get an idea of what your family members dream of, and to think about how you might be able to help them to get closer to achieving some of their goals and dreams!<br />
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<h3>
3. Choose Specific Goals to Work On</h3>
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Now it's time to shop your list! This is when you think about what would be required to achieve or accomplish some of the things on your list. Which ones seem more urgent or important to you?<br />
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This year, we tried to choose 8 or less goals per person. Any more than that, and you can become quite overwhelmed!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbT2EFlgqxU/Xl5k_0h3yYI/AAAAAAAAO78/sxLOrCf1WowO6sJsF9_oe2anQYWknGKjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SMART%2BGoals%2BWorksheet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teaching Goal Setting as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbT2EFlgqxU/Xl5k_0h3yYI/AAAAAAAAO78/sxLOrCf1WowO6sJsF9_oe2anQYWknGKjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SMART%2BGoals%2BWorksheet.jpg" title="Free Printable SMART Goals Worksheet" /></a></div>
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<h3>
4. Plan of Action</h3>
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Choosing and writing down your goals is important, but don't stop there! Break each goal down into smaller steps or goals, so you have a clear idea of what is required of you, to get closer to achieving that final goal.<br />
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This is a good time to teach your family about SMART goals! Encourage them to think about each goal this way, and tweak it as needed, to make it a better goal!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/02/smart-goals-for-kids-teens.html" target="_blank">this Link</a> to go to a post all about <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/02/smart-goals-for-kids-teens.html" target="_blank">SMART goals</a>, what they are, and a free printable <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ZvneD8liVfeMaKIXZxbKqvX4y_3HlPa/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">simple goal setting worksheet pdf</a> to help your family members to break their goals down, to make sure they're "SMART"!<br />
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<b>Another Idea: </b>This year, I have started using a planner that is especially designed for goal setting and tracking that has really helped me with the planning part of goal-setting. It's called <a href="https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/2020-powersheets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Powersheets by Cultivate What Matters</a> (and I'll be sharing details with you about it soon!).<br />
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5. Display Your Goals</h3>
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Out of sight, out of mind! You've worked hard to make great goals, now keep them visible to you daily, so you can remember to keep working on them!<br />
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Here are a few ways we've tried this:<br />
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- Draw a Vision Board (I sketched out pictures of my goals)<br />
- Digital Collage (I used Photoshop to make a photo collage to represent my goals and then I saved it to my desktop so I'll see it every day, when I work on my computer. You could also print a collage like this, and hang it up)<br />
- Goal Boards (We created bulletin boards with 4 sections- Physical, Intellectual, Social, & Spiritual- and each family members pinned their goals to their board, using photos, drawings, or written notes. We will hang ours in a grid in the hallway near our bedrooms and because they're bulletin boards, we can switch the goals out as we complete or change them.)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEpD2wtdQsw/Xl5ti8iQKyI/AAAAAAAAO8M/iZf867imhvg0kEhwR9--Pc35UgrKZAZmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Children%2Band%2BYouth%2BDream%2BVision%2BGoal%2BBoards.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Setting Goals as a family with kids and teens" border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEpD2wtdQsw/Xl5ti8iQKyI/AAAAAAAAO8M/iZf867imhvg0kEhwR9--Pc35UgrKZAZmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Children%2Band%2BYouth%2BDream%2BVision%2BGoal%2BBoards.jpg" title="Children and Youth Goal Boards" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are a few examples of different ways we've done "Dream/Vision/Goal Boards"<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Having your goals displayed in a place where family members can see them also means that we can help and encourage each other in our goals!<br />
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<h3>
6. Evaluate Progress Regularly</h3>
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Once you've got everything set up, schedule a time to meet for another family meeting to talk about how everyone is doing with their goals. You decide when feels like a good time to you. You might do this every few months, or more often if you think you'll need the reminder.<br />
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When you meet, congratulate each other for the progress you've made, talk about what's holding you back from making progress on some goals, and see if you can help each other out! Help each other to figure out ways to be more effective at making progress, offer to help each other to work closer to goals. It's a great family bonding experience to help and support each other in this way!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
More Posts About Goal Setting:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/02/5-benefits-of-goal-setting-planning.html" target="_blank">5 Benefits of Goal Setting</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/02/smart-goals-for-kids-teens.html" target="_blank">SMART Goals for Families</a> (with Worksheet)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2020/04/2020-powersheets-goal-planner-review.html" target="_blank">Powersheets Goal Planner Giveaway</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2018/01/40-by-40-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">My 40 by 40 Bucket List</a></div>
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-83575766886081062742022-12-05T12:39:00.000-05:002022-12-05T12:39:50.104-05:00Soft Sour Cream Cookies<div>Soft Sour Cream Cookies... yep, the secret to those soft sugar cookies you can get in store bakeries is sour cream! Did you know this? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well I'm about to share the recipe, so you can give it a try yourself! ;) Aren't these snowflake cookies adorable?</div><div>
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I originally shared this post on the blog a few years ago, but I thought it was time to bring these sour cream sugar cookies to the forefront again. Just yesterday, the girls were requesting that we make some for Christmas. :)<br />
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<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6MudcW75oVY/TRE4cajjmWI/AAAAAAAABRM/CT2KLi1SzMQ/s16000/sugarcookies.jpg" title="Soft Sour Cream Cookies" /></center>
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I'm using <a href="http://www.gaylea.com/" rel="nofollow">Gay Lea's Premium Sour Cream</a> (which is their thickest, richest sour cream made with 3 simple ingredients. It's amazing with chips (if you're like me ;) or to use to make a flavoured dip, and it's awesome in baking! This sour cream is only available in Ontario and only in the 425ml size.<br />
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Now, let me share this recipe with you!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iengwmvyUf0/VJBsbaGDMvI/AAAAAAAAIOg/R8IxPSQZMIk/s1600/Soft-Sugar-Cookies-Ingredients.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="soft sour cream sugar cookies" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iengwmvyUf0/VJBsbaGDMvI/AAAAAAAAIOg/R8IxPSQZMIk/s16000/Soft-Sugar-Cookies-Ingredients.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Soft Sour Cream Cookies</b></h3></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What You'll Need:</b><br />
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5 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 cup butter (softened)<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
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Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda & salt) in a bowl (set aside for later).<br />
In your mixer, mix together sour cream and butter.<br />
Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla and mix until combined.<br />
Slowly add the dry mixture and mix. Your dough will look like the photo below (top right).<br />
Divide dough into two balls and wrap with plastic wrap.<br />
Refrigerate for 1-2 hours (longer is fine if you need to come back to it later).<br />
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<img alt="sour cream sugar cookies" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hd2pj5DvqYk/VIhkOHEzX2I/AAAAAAAAINs/JB_7f-CM9K4/s16000/Soft-Sugar-Cookie-Tutorial.jpg" /><br />
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This is the fun part, when your kids will really want to help!<br />
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your baking sheet with parchment paper, so they're ready to go. <br />
Flour your work surface (so the dough won't stick to it) and your rolling pin.<br />
Put one of your dough balls down and start rolling until it's around 1/4" thick (or whatever thickness you like).<br />
Sprinkle flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to the table or rolling pin.<br />
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<img alt="soft sugar cookies" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-GF8STPRsA/VIhkPNzBroI/AAAAAAAAIN4/rs_PdPwEkw8/s16000/Soft-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" /><br />
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Once it's rolled out the way you like it, it's time to get your cookie cutters and cut your shapes out!<br />
If your cookie cutters are sticking, you can dip them in flour to prevent that.<br />
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<img alt="sour cream cookies recipes" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmVO20ADnP8/VIhkNHIBooI/AAAAAAAAINg/w94ES57-JGE/s16000/How-to-Make-Soft-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" /><br />
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Place your cookies on your cookie sheets (on parchment paper) and bake for 8-10 minutes.<br />
Try to take them out just before they get brown on the bottom if you want them to be nice and soft.<br />
Frost with your favourite frosting and dig in! :)<br />
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<img alt="cookies made with sour cream" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPFP5Sq0uiQ/VIhkMk8Ck6I/AAAAAAAAINY/rzx-rAsRZe4/s16000/Soft-Snowflake-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" /><br />
<br /><h3>Can You Freeze Sugar Cookies?</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>
You can store them in an airtight container (up to 2 weeks) or freeze them in a freezer ziplock bag for up to a month!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Can You Freeze Sugar Cookie Dough?</h3><div><br />
You can also freeze the dough for up to a month, and finish the rolling/cutting/baking process at a later date.<br />
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<img alt="can you freeze sugar cookies" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-0CxMWmjp8/VIhkMPsNxNI/AAAAAAAAINU/FC2dVLM9FpM/s16000/Freeze-Soft-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" /><br />
<br />
We love this recipe and used it for Katrina's <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/02/how-to-make-olaf-cake-for-frozen.html" target="_blank">Frozen birthday party</a>. Hope you love it too!<br />
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You can find more great recipes and information on Gay Lea products on <a href="http://www.gaylea.com/">their website</a>.<br />
<br />
<i><small>Disclosure: I am part of the Gay Lea Ambassador Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.</small></i><br />
<br />
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<i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><br />
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-14328292570234718392022-10-12T14:11:00.000-04:002022-10-12T14:11:38.163-04:00Decorative Thanksgiving Blocks (Craft With Your Kids!)<center>For Thanksgiving several years ago, my kids & I made these easy decorative "Give Thanks" Thanksgiving Blocks together. It was a gem of a project & I still use the blocks every year! We originally did this for a sponsored post with products we found at Michaels Arts and Crafts Stores.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RplXL-wah34/UkTQpE7qbfI/AAAAAAAAFyE/6CcyxsT7D2s/s1600/ThanksgivingKidsCraftMichaels.jpg"><img alt="Give Thanks Decorative Thanksgiving Blocks by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RplXL-wah34/UkTQpE7qbfI/AAAAAAAAFyE/6CcyxsT7D2s/s16000/ThanksgivingKidsCraftMichaels.jpg" title="Thanksgiving Craft with your kids! by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" /></a><br />
<br />
It was such a fun project to do together and I wanted to share it again this year so you could give it a try if you'd like. It was from way back in 2013, so re-posting seemed in order! :)</center><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div>
<b>My Goal</b><br />
<br />
I was determined to make it a group effort (not a mom project), and I learned a lot about what my kids are capable of! I think normally, I have a tendency to want to just take over and be in control of everything- especially with something like this that I intend to have on display in my home. This time I wanted the kids to do as much of the work as possible because I wanted them to remember making them so that when we pull the blocks out to display each year, they'll feel responsible for them :) I'm planning for these to be a tool in teaching them about Thanksgiving and gratitude.<div><i>(A note from me, in 2020: They </i>have <i>become a tradition, and the tradition is that every morning I come downstairs to see the blocks arranged differently, to make different words ;)</i></div><div>
<br />
Here's what we used:<br />
<br />
<b>Supplies</b><br />
<br />
- 10 2" wooden blocks<br />
- sand paper<br />
- foam paint brushes<br />
- paint <i>(we used FolkArt's Pumpkin, School Bus Yellow, Parchment, Patina, and Burnt Umber)<br />
</i>- brown vinyl & a Cricut <i>(we used the Sophisticated cartridge)</i><br />
<small>[Note: You could also use a stencil and brown paint, or glitter for the letters- or Mod Podge paper letters onto the blocks]</small><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEXpkIQJ7eo/UkTQuOwmHKI/AAAAAAAAFyM/SJFD8qm3YWE/s1600/thanksgivingblockssupplies.jpg"><img alt="Painted Blocks for Fall Decoration by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop #bizdev" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEXpkIQJ7eo/UkTQuOwmHKI/AAAAAAAAFyM/SJFD8qm3YWE/s1600/thanksgivingblockssupplies.jpg" title="Supplies for Thanksgiving Blocks by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop #bizdev" /></a><br />
<br />
While the girls were at school, I sanded the edges of the blocks with sandpaper. <br />
When they got home, the project was ready for them! :)<br />
<br />
We started by squirting the paint out and letting the kids paint the blocks. <br />
(All I did was decide how many of each colour we would make)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mGjVDsjq6A/UkTQwK3_TJI/AAAAAAAAFyU/K18_BhWBozo/s1600/PaintThanksgivingBlocks.jpg"><img alt="Give Thanks Decorative Blocks by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mGjVDsjq6A/UkTQwK3_TJI/AAAAAAAAFyU/K18_BhWBozo/s1600/PaintThanksgivingBlocks.jpg" title="Paint Wooden Blocks for Thanksgiving Craft by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" /></a><br />
<br />
I decided I wanted the colours to be a bit muted, so we added a touch of the brown paint to the orange, teal, and yellow and painted over the first layer of paint. My girls love to paint!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbsJYzlcN_Q/UkTQzKNg6uI/AAAAAAAAFyc/9CFXupsElz0/s1600/kidsthanksgivingcraft.jpg"><img alt="Give Thanks Decoration Kids can Make by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbsJYzlcN_Q/UkTQzKNg6uI/AAAAAAAAFyc/9CFXupsElz0/s1600/kidsthanksgivingcraft.jpg" title="Thanksgiving Crafts with Kids by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" /></a><br />
<br />
The next day (after the blocks were all dry), we used the brown paint to dry brush the edges of the blocks. You just need a very small amount of paint on the tip of the brush for this, and paint gently along the edges, for that distressed look. <br />
<br />
I controlled the amount of paint going onto the brush for this part, and my 4 year old did a very nice job of distressing those edges!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MQRCttyrDk/UkTQ1u_sXvI/AAAAAAAAFyk/GrU7cQzZ08Y/s1600/DryBrushThanksgivingBlocks.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MQRCttyrDk/UkTQ1u_sXvI/AAAAAAAAFyk/GrU7cQzZ08Y/s1600/DryBrushThanksgivingBlocks.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The next step was to create our vinyl letters. I sized them at 1.5" since we used 2" blocks. My daughter got to push the buttons, and was captivated (as usual) by watching the Cricut work ;) When we had our "stickers", I positioned them on the blocks and she pressed them down. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOQb4RaMxZo/UkTQ5TWz3mI/AAAAAAAAFys/fsZYwOSQM4Y/s1600/VinylLettersThanksgivingBlocks.jpg"><img alt="Use Vinyl for Give Thanks Wooden Blocks by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOQb4RaMxZo/UkTQ5TWz3mI/AAAAAAAAFys/fsZYwOSQM4Y/s1600/VinylLettersThanksgivingBlocks.jpg" title="Vinyl Letters on Thanksgiving Blocks at www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" /></a><br />
<br />
We were so happy with the result! I am impressed with what a 4 year old and a 7 year old can do! :)<br />
I'm excited about talking to the girls more about Thanksgiving and the importance of gratitude. I'm hoping that these blocks will become a representation to them of what Thanksgiving is all about!<br />
<br />
What a fun activity to do together, and the beginning of a new tradition :)<br />
<br />
<a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raisingmemories.com%2F2013%2F09%2Fdecorative-thanksgiving-blocks-craft.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RplXL-wah34%2FUkTQpE7qbfI%2FAAAAAAAAFyE%2F6CcyxsT7D2s%2Fs1600%2FThanksgivingKidsCraftMichaels.jpg&description=Give%20Thanks%20Decorative%20%23Thanksgiving%20Blocks%20~%20A%20Craft%20you%20can%20make%20with%20your%20Kids!%20by%20www.RaisingMemories.com"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WwKk6wVswac/UkTQ9VlbihI/AAAAAAAAFy0/7NIWnItmFhk/s1600/ThanksgivingBlocksKidsCraft.jpg"><img alt="Wooden Blocks Fall Decor by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WwKk6wVswac/UkTQ9VlbihI/AAAAAAAAFy0/7NIWnItmFhk/s1600/ThanksgivingBlocksKidsCraft.jpg" title="Give Thanks Thanksgiving Kids Craft by www.RaisingMemories.com #shop" /></a><br />
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</center><div align="center"><i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><br />
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<span><!--more--></span></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-55774774143446397012022-09-22T10:14:00.000-04:002022-09-22T10:14:02.372-04:00DIY Spider Pops Video Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do your kids have Halloween Parties at school and need to bring a snack or treat?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">DIY Spider Pops are a really cute treat you can make with your kids that they'll love to hand out to friends </span><span style="font-size: large;">at a party, or on Halloween! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(This is coming at you from a previous year, but it's too good not to share again this year!)</span></div>
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Katrina woke up sick on Thanksgiving morning so she (& Ken) missed our extended family Thanksgiving dinner. She stayed home from school yesterday to finish recovering even though she was feeling a lot better than she was on Monday. We decided to break up the relaxing on the couch & watching My Little Pony routine with a little Fall crafting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WuB3URkUEg/Wd1lWAsJSJI/AAAAAAAAL78/GsNdW28wrFkrvuyMl1LLlBBJ6DkNBqo9ACLcBGAs/s1600/DIY-Spider-Pops.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WuB3URkUEg/Wd1lWAsJSJI/AAAAAAAAL78/GsNdW28wrFkrvuyMl1LLlBBJ6DkNBqo9ACLcBGAs/s16000/DIY-Spider-Pops.jpg" title="DIY Halloween Spider Pops Treats Tutorial" /></a></div>
<br />
We gathered our supplies and grabbed some tootsie pops to make these cute (and super simple) Halloween themed treats.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Supplies Needed Per Spider Pop:</h3>
<br />
1 Tootsie Pop<br />
4 Pipe Cleaners<br />
2 Googly Eyes<br />
White Glue<br />
<br />
Happy to see this girl smiling after a sad day of <i>"I just want to feel normal!"</i> and missing her chance to visit with her cousins. I'm glad the sickness was short lived (even if it was poor timing)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Svwp-Tk5g/Wd1mvO-F1FI/AAAAAAAAL8I/w_UKUXydtXU5bEnQJvLz_281642tMoRngCLcBGAs/s1600/Crafting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Svwp-Tk5g/Wd1mvO-F1FI/AAAAAAAAL8I/w_UKUXydtXU5bEnQJvLz_281642tMoRngCLcBGAs/s1600/Crafting.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided this would be a fun craft to share on the blog, but rather than photograph the steps, it seemed like it would be easier to understand as a video. So here you are, a little one minute video tutorial that shows how to make these cute Halloween Spider Pops:<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6dtz7lKyhc4" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
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<i>Thanks for visiting my blog!</i><br />
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-67935355183760257722022-07-18T20:00:00.000-04:002022-07-18T20:00:14.826-04:00How to Have a Great StaycationShortly after we moved to Utah, I was on FOX 13’s lifestyle T.V. show, <a href="http://fox13now.com/2018/06/07/tips-for-a-memorable-staycation/">The PLACE</a>, discussing tips for how to have a great Staycation!<br />
<br />
As we're down to about a month of summer, I thought I'd share those tips here again, along with a few links to resources on the blog that will give you some more specific or detailed ideas and inspiration for planning your own Staycation!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPShPh5WBOY/WxlD5kQMI8I/AAAAAAAANKE/AZI0KLQAl40fcX4TbqcRG-rXUsEGtUNYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fabulous-Family-Staycation-Tips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ideas for Family Staycations" border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPShPh5WBOY/WxlD5kQMI8I/AAAAAAAANKE/AZI0KLQAl40fcX4TbqcRG-rXUsEGtUNYwCLcBGAs/s640/Fabulous-Family-Staycation-Tips.jpg" title="Staycation Tips" width="479" /></a></div>
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<br />
Happy Staycation planning!<br />
<br />
Here's the video first, and then I'll outline all of my tips (not all of them were in the video)<br />
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<center>
<div class="scripps_iframe_embed" style="position: relative;"><div style="display: block; height: auto; padding-bottom: 56.25%; width: 100%;"></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" border="0" frameborder="0" height="100%" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://assets.scrippsdigital.com/cms/videoIframe.html?&host=www.fox13now.com&title=Have%20a%20memorable%20staycation&m3u8=https://content.uplynk.com/60b156a6961a46d7b3c7ebacff0ec106.m3u8&purl=/2018/06/07/tips-for-a-memorable-staycation/&story=0&ex=1&s=kstu" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; width: 100%;" webkitallowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</center>
<br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">How to Have a Great Staycation</h3><div><br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3>
<h3>
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do Something New!</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Li7OjuVnbIk/Wxk_oIGzU9I/AAAAAAAANJM/MxElmHNpA3EKaDxDEIw56VdJlzknBaPagCLcBGAs/s1600/Do-Something-New-Staycation-Tips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Li7OjuVnbIk/Wxk_oIGzU9I/AAAAAAAANJM/MxElmHNpA3EKaDxDEIw56VdJlzknBaPagCLcBGAs/s1600/Do-Something-New-Staycation-Tips.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Whether you choose to do a staycation because you want to save money on travel & hotels, or because you want to explore your local area more, you can find lots of local options you’ve never tried before that fit within any budget!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Go somewhere local that you've never been before</li>
<li>S<span style="white-space: pre;">earch for "(Your Location) Attractions" or "(Your Location) Tourism"</span> and you can find lists of things that people come to visit your area for. Look over the list and if you haven’t done it before, add it to your list of ideas</li>
<li>If you're looking for fun in your own backyard, you might like to try an <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2014/08/easy-backyard-camp-out.html">easy backyard campout</a>!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Document Your Adventures (But Don't Overdo it!)</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKzkHKExvoo/Wbqj8IriM1I/AAAAAAAAL0Q/lOQDAyl94vUen10zhVwjcA3L4XMAi1QfwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fujifilm-XA3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Family Vacation Tips for Local Fun" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKzkHKExvoo/Wbqj8IriM1I/AAAAAAAAL0Q/lOQDAyl94vUen10zhVwjcA3L4XMAi1QfwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fujifilm-XA3.jpg" title="How to Plan a great Staycation" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It’s so nice to be able to look back on and re-live the memories you make!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Take the right equipment with you (camera, video camera, even underwater cameras) or just your smart phone</li>
<li>Document the moments but don’t document EVERYTHING. Remember to put that tech down & enjoy what’s happening in the moment. Don’t interrupt the fun to get everyone to pose for a photo or “do that again so I can get a photo”... sometimes over-documenting can ruin the moment!</li>
<li>Want some basic tips to up your photography game? I did a series called "<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/12/BetterPhotosTips7.html">How to Take Better Photos with the Camera You Already Have</a>"</li>
<li>Here's some of my favourite <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/10/canada-150-travel-photography-fuji-x-a3.html">travel photography</a> from our trip across Eastern Canada!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Exclude Technology</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OU0878AdYNI/WxlAyaIkQOI/AAAAAAAANJc/7uLWskMQpyE6gqmELaJDOc9gEjU7LZ-QwCLcBGAs/s1600/Staycation-Tips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fun Ideas for Summer Day Trips" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OU0878AdYNI/WxlAyaIkQOI/AAAAAAAANJc/7uLWskMQpyE6gqmELaJDOc9gEjU7LZ-QwCLcBGAs/s1600/Staycation-Tips.jpg" title="Family Staycation Tips and Ideas" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Most of us are entertained by movies, shows, games, social media and screens in general during our regular daily life- vacation is the time to leave the norm behind! Just don't do it- put it away as much as possible and make connections with the people around you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Check out these <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2016/08/how-to-manage-summer-break-screen-time.html" target="_blank">Tips for Managing Screen Time During Summer Break</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be Flexible, Adventurous, & Spontaneous!</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zttApX7ortE/VbfY5MXiiZI/AAAAAAAAJbM/N5_wOFkrajY/s1600/KOA-Kids-Activities.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fun Staycation Tips for Families" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zttApX7ortE/VbfY5MXiiZI/AAAAAAAAJbM/N5_wOFkrajY/s1600/KOA-Kids-Activities.jpg" title="Summer Bucket List Ideas" /></a><br />
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You may be staying around home, but you’re on vacation- don’t forget that! Sometimes it's hard for us adults but be spontaneous!<br />
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<ul>
<li>Your kids want to play soccer with a tumbleweed? Drop what you're doing & join in!</li>
<li>Someone wants to know what's down a path they just spotted? Put your plans on hold & go, explore together!</li>
</ul>
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5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be Prepared</h3>
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Don’t forget to prepare for expected (and unexpected) weather and changing temperatures<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prbauLJRdOk/WxlBpcZTs9I/AAAAAAAANJ4/ea14oP3nrrA4lZTCwk6UX5cWMa1CwvFJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Beach-Staycation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fun Ideas of Things to do with Kids during the Summer" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prbauLJRdOk/WxlBpcZTs9I/AAAAAAAANJ4/ea14oP3nrrA4lZTCwk6UX5cWMa1CwvFJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Beach-Staycation.jpg" title="How to Plan a Great Staycation" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Pack sunblock, bug spray, allergy medication, hats, sun glasses, sweaters, & umbrellas if you think you might need them</li>
<li>5 Tips to <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2018/05/be-summer-smart.html" target="_blank">Be Summer Smart</a> </li>
<li>Take everything you need for the activities you have planned (<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>hiking shoes, quilt, folding chairs, snacks, a first aid kit, etc.)</li>
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6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have A Backup Plan</h3>
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If you have outdoor activities planned and, despite all your preparations, the weather just isn't cooperating, have some indoor options in mind:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Indoor fun places (pools, bounce houses, escape rooms, laser tag, restaurants)</li>
<li>Activities at home (pull out the board games, play a creative active game, think of <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/04/turning-outdoor-activities-into-indoor.html" target="_blank">ways to bring outdoor activities inside</a>)</li>
<li>Maybe you need to take a break at home for rest or naps, but there are some family members who need something to do- here's a fun outdoor idea: <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/08/water-gun-target-practice.html">Water Gun Target Practice!</a></li>
<li>Here's another great idea, for all ages: <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2016/07/tutorial-how-to-make-sidewalk-chalk.html">How to Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint</a></li>
<li>And if you've got older kids, we had some <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/09/end-of-summer-phd-party.html">fun outdoor games and activities at an end-of-summer party</a> last year!</li>
</ul>
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7. Have a Surprise Up Your Sleeve!</h3>
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If you're vacationing with kids (or kids at heart), have a bonus plan ready that you haven't told everyone about!<br />
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<ul>
<li>Plan to stop for a surprise treat</li>
<li>Pull out glow stick or sparklers for an evening activity</li>
<li>If you want an at-home surprise, try a fun treat! My kids loved this <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2011/07/watermelon-ice-cream-cake.html">homemade watermelon ice cream cake</a>! If that's not your style, here's a list of <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/06/25-snacks-treats-for-summer-break.html">25+ snack & treat ideas for summer break</a>!</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that you're in planning mode for summer adventures, you might like to check out my post on <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2015/05/how-to-make-best-of-your-family-beach.html">How to Make the Best of Your Family Beach Trip</a>!</span><br />
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Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-79235039183992653882022-06-22T18:18:00.000-04:002022-06-22T18:18:39.402-04:00Top Notch Lobster Fishing Excursion (Prince Edward Island)<div>If you're planning a trip to P.E.I., you'll want to know about the Top Notch Lobster Fishing Tour because it was one of our favourite experiences!</div>
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Without a doubt, if you ask Ken what his favourite experience of our entire Eastern Canada road trip was, he'll tell you about our <a href="http://markscharters.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lobster fishing tour</a>! It's definitely up there in my top moments, too. This was SUCH a memorable, educational, delicious, and fun experience!<br />
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We started that day in <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/08/moncton-new-brunswick-road-trip-with.html" target="_blank">New Brunswick</a> and we were having so much fun collecting seashells at the beach that we left later than planned and made it to Prince Edward Island JUST in time for our Lobster tour! The girls and I hurried to the boat to make it for our boarding time (15 minutes before the boat would set out) while Ken parked our car and ran to meet us! We still can't believe how close we cut it, and we are<i> so glad</i> we made it because it was an experience I would recommend to anyone visiting P.E.I.<div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top Notch Lobster Fishing Tour</h3>
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On board the boat, there is plenty of seating for all passengers. There were 12 guests on our tour which we thought was perfect. It was a small enough group that we were all able to ask questions and get hands-on experiences. <br />
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We were pleasantly surprised by how educational this experience was! Captain Mark (from <a href="http://markscharters.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Top Notch Lobster Tours</a>) taught us a lot about lobsters, lobster fishing, and the fishing industry in this area. He also shared personal stories of Tuna and lobster fishing that kept everyone interested and excited to hear more (even for someone as young as our 8 year old).<br />
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We made several stops to haul lobster traps up from the bottom of the ocean and our girls were very excited when they got to help with that!<br />
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In one of the traps, we found a crab that we learned about and had the opportunity to hold. It was really interesting to see it up close like that!<br />
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In another trap, we found a lobster and I was very surprised and impressed when Katrina decided she wanted to hold the lobster! That's a brave little 8 year old! Talia was totally brave and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYN5EVlFIf9/?taken-by=raisingmemories" target="_blank">willing to touch everything</a>, too! :)<br />
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It's funny, the moment the girls have brought up the most from this experience was when they got to put the elastics on the lobsters' claws. Every time we go by the lobsters in the grocery store, they excitedly talk about how they got to put the elastics on a lobster when they were in P.E.I.!<br />
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Captain Mark even let the girls have a turn driving the boat! This was right up there with putting an elastic band on a lobster claw! haha I love how serious Katrina was about this. She describes it in detail when she gets the opportunity to tell the story. </div>
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This is something we really loved about this tour. Mark was great with our kids (and really, everyone on the boat no matter their age). He really made a point of involving everyone and giving us all opportunities to get right in there and experience things first hand. </div>
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If you go on an afternoon or evening tour, a lobster meal is included! We dropped our anchor, sat at picnic tables on the boat and enjoyed a delicious meal!<br />
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I loved seeing the girls learn to eat something new. Ken helped them a lot with getting the meat out, but they ate it and they liked it! (Lucky for Ken & I, Katrina couldn't finish her lobster, so there was more for us- <i>bonus!</i>)<br />
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Isn't this view beautiful? This is what we could see around us while we ate our dinner. It was so pretty and such a lovely way to begin our time on the island!<br />
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This was such an excellent, authentic P.E.I. experience and one that I would definitely recommend if you're headed to P.E.I.! We were impressed with how well it was run and will probably never forget it!<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><small>Many thanks to Tourism P.E.I. for their hospitality and assistance with planning our trip, and to </small></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><small>Top Notch Tours for this wonderful experience!</small></i></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="font-size: 12.8333px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Open Sans;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.8333px;">This post was originally shared on August 23rd, 2017</span><br /></i></span>
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-85827853789955877662022-05-31T10:52:00.000-04:002022-05-31T10:52:04.690-04:00Meaningful Mothering - Making Moments Matter<div>Some of the best memories of my family while I was growing up are of times when we were<b> having fun together</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have distinct memories of doing unusual fun things with my parents like going to a fair where my dad walked through a fun house, pausing every time he came to a window to make crazy faces at us (we were watching from outside). Once when my dad was out of town for the night, my mom moved all of the furniture out of the kitchen and got the skipping ropes so she & I and my sisters could play Double Dutch! That night we also made cookie dough and ate it before cooking it. I won't forget that day!<br /><br />Those kinds of special memories are a big part of <b>strengthening our relationships with our children</b>.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64QWVpQJShU/U6hne2rejvI/AAAAAAAAHPs/C_P1gEi8Omw/s1600/Fun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64QWVpQJShU/U6hne2rejvI/AAAAAAAAHPs/C_P1gEi8Omw/s1600/Fun.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>I taught a workshop with two other women at a Women's conference on Meaningful Mothering (in 2013) and shared some of my notes and thoughts from it here:<div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br />
I started out be reviewing a section from <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation">The Family: A Proclamation to the World</a> that talks about how we are "supposed" to spend time together with our families:<br />
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<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-CA; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.38in; margin-top: 10.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="color: #fd353a; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 44pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FD353A; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Successful… families are established and maintained on principles of </span><span style="color: #fd353a; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 32pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FD353A; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and </span><span style="color: #fd353a; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 54pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FD353A; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">wholesome recreational activities.</span></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>
My co-presenters covered some other areas of meaningful mothering, and I focused on the "wholesome recreational activities" part.. basically, I wanted to talk about FUN!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f8f8f; font-family: "Hobo Std"; font-size: x-large;">Let’s Talk About Fun!</span></div><br />
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I think I was asked to speak at this conference because someone had heard about my blog. Blogs are great for sharing ideas. I love that I can get on the computer and find out how to make a certain kind of cake, or get inspiration for birthday party decor, or something fun to do with my kids on a summer day. I love being invited to look through a little window into another person's life and thoughts by reading their blog. It's inspiring and encouraging to hear about the experiences that other people are having in their lives. But there is another side to the internet and to blog reading and that is the discouragement that can come from comparison.<br />
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That quote above is so true! Social media can overwhelm us with everything we COULD be doing. I think it's important for us to remember a couple of things:<br />
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Maybe you don't <i><u>want</u></i> to spend hours preparing for your child's birthday party, making everything by hand and creating a magazine-worthy event... <b><i>that's okay!</i></b><br />
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Maybe you love doing that stuff... and <i><b>that's okay too!</b></i><br />
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<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-CA; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Hobo Std';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. We go through Phases</span></span></div><br />
We all go through different phases. Phases of more or less energy, more or less time, more or less desire to do "extra" things.<br />
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I know I do. There have been times when I have gone all out on a party and spent hours preparing. I do that because I like to do it (I want to!), I have time to do it, and I have the energy needed to do it. There have also been times when I have not had the time or the energy to do it even though I have the desire to. When that happens, I have learned that I need to accept the phase that I'm in and adjust!<br />
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<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-CA; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Hobo Std';"><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t get overwhelmed- </span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Hobo Std'; font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">SIMPLIFY!!!</span></div><br />
You can totally satisfy your desire to do something unusual/special while simplifying and catering to your lack of energy & time. An example I'll give is of birthday cakes. In 2011, I threw a "<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2012/04/tangled-birthday-party.html">Tangled Birthday Party</a>" for Talia. For this party I made a pretty deluxe cake (which took a lot of time and basically exhausted me). The kids loved it!<br />
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In 2012, when Talia's birthday rolled around I was having problems with the <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/01/thursday-thoughts-these-hands.html">joints in my fingers</a> and there was no way I could handle piping icing onto a cake. So, I made a basic cake, frosted it, and plopped a toy on top of it for her "<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/11/lalaloopsy-birthday-party.html">Lalaloopsy Birthday Party</a>". The kids loved it!<br />
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The fact is that kids are generally pretty easy to please. We can do really fun things with them without putting a lot of time or energy into it!<br />
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All of the examples below took very little preparation and involved supplies that were easily found around the house:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><small>[Top Left to Right: <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/april-showers-10-outside-activities-to-bring-inside/">Indoor Reading Picnic</a>, <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/11/chocolate-marshmallow-pancakes.html">fun pancakes</a>, <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/02/build-your-own-doll-furniture-with.html">Doll Furniture from Blocks</a>]</small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small>[Bottom Left to Right: <a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2010/01/indoor-ice-skating.html">Indoor Ice Skating</a>, Roasting Marshmallows on the Stove, Indoor Water Guns]</small></div><br />
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When you want to do something a little more involved with your kids, you can lower the stress for you by involving your kids with the preparation and cleanup! There are lots of good reasons to do this!<br />
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</span> As we embark on summer vacation with our kids, I'll be keeping these things in mind. I love doing special, fun things with my girls and making memories with them. (That's what this blog is all about- making memories while raising our kids!) Sometimes that goal can seem overwhelming when we get caught up in all of the fabulous, time intensive ideas floating around us on the web. Let's remember that we can have a lot of fun without exhausting ourselves! If you've got the time, energy, and desire to do something major, then GO FOR IT! If not, then cut yourself a break, simplify, and remember that you can make fabulous memories with your kids without wearing yourself out!<br />
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Please subscribe or follow to keep in touch.</div><br /></div></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-5959706089893581552022-05-24T13:11:00.003-04:002022-10-21T15:46:46.109-04:00Things to do in Cavendish PEI (Our P.E.I. Vacation)<div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 17.6px;">This post shares some great things to do in Cavendish PEI. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 17.6px;"> We went on a P.E.I. vacation with our kids in 2017- it was an awesome trip across Eastern Canada, from Ontario to Prince Edward Island. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 17.6px;">Now that travel is more available after the pandemic, I'm sharing this post as it's the perfect time of year to start thinking about planning your own trip! Perhaps seeing what we did will give you some ideas or inspiration for your own trip! (This post was originally shared on August 28th, 2017)</span></div><div><br /></div>I've always loved nature. One of the things I love most about L.M. Montgomery's books is her descriptions of the beauty of her surroundings in Prince Edward Island. I always hoped I would be able to see it in person someday. When we arrived at Cavendish Beach, I came over a grassy hill to take in an idyllic view: sandy beach surrounded by red cliffs with blue skies. I had a moment to myself, feeling very alive and like I had "made it" to a place in time that I had spent years thinking of while never being quite sure that I would make it. It was pretty awesome and I'm glad I got to share it with my little family!<br />
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Prince Edward Island Beaches</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prince Edward Island Beaches are beautiful! This is the gorgeous view as you approach Cavendish beach. Doesn't it look like something out of a painting?</div>
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Just over that hill is a beautiful beach where we spent time playing with sand, cooling off in the water, and just taking in the beauty of nature and the peaceful sound of the gentle waves. </div>
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Katrina decided to build a "<a href="http://www.raisingmemories.com/2017/08/quebec-city-road-trip-with-kids.html" target="_blank">Quebec</a> Fortress". I thought that was pretty funny and was also happy to know that she was really soaking up the things she had been learning through our experiences on this trip! High five for a photo with me in it, that isn't a selfie! ;) </div>
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In one area of the beach there were a lot of rocks along the shore. This was also the spot that was the most "red" and Katrina was determined to dip her toes into the ocean by the red sand, despite the challenges of the rocks!</div>
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Another fond memory from this trip to the beach was participating in the Sensational Sandcastles program run by Parks Canada. This was so cool! There were sandcastle experts stationed at a section of sand with lots of buckets and tools, ready to instruct you (in English or French) and train you to build fabulous sandcastles. This program is free, and it's amazing! We can't wait to try to repeat what we learned next time we're at a beach!!</div>
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Cavendish Breeze Inn</h3>
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We stayed two nights at a cottage at the <a href="http://www.cavendishbreezeinn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cavendish Breeze Inn</a>. The couple that runs this Inn is fabulous. We were continually greeted with genuine smiles and kindness. </div>
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From what we saw, they were totally on top of any problems, too. When we went to do our laundry, we found that one of the machines was out of order. When I returned to switch our laundry to the dryer, I found the owner working to fix the broken machine already. I was impressed to see that he was committed to solve the problem right away!</div>
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Our cottage had everything we needed: a large kitchen and living room, a bathroom, and two bedrooms. We were so busy during our trip that we didn't get a chance to cook in the kitchen, but the fridge, sink, table, and microwave all came in very handy for us!</div>
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There is wifi here, but the signal is not very strong and there were several times that I gave up on getting connected or went out to our little porch or the main building (separate from our cottage) to get a signal. This is probably not such a bad thing if you're staying at a cottage to get away from everything and relax, but if wifi is a necessity, be prepared for this. If you followed me on Instagram during our trip, you know that my posts dropped off when we got to P.E.I. and that's because I went too long without reliable wifi, so I just caught up after our return.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLBFutI9vv4/WaBlJrQO0HI/AAAAAAAALpI/hyabZJCacxwM8sPLVC_WK8pkjkVsUojkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cavendish-Breeze-Inn-PEI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLBFutI9vv4/WaBlJrQO0HI/AAAAAAAALpI/hyabZJCacxwM8sPLVC_WK8pkjkVsUojkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cavendish-Breeze-Inn-PEI.jpg" title="Cavendish Breeze Inn Cottage PEI" /></a></div>
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Our kids were, of course, thrilled to see that there was a pool behind our cottage! </div>
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There was also a swing set and a laundry room. That laundry room came at a perfect time for us as we were at our halfway point for the trip, so we needed to wash everything. The Cavendish Breeze Inn is an excellent location to stay at if you're headed to the Cavendish area. So many things are within a 5 minute (or less) drive including the Green Gables house, Avonlea Village, Cavendish beach and more. There's even an amusement and water park just down the road!</div>
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Prince Edward Island Preserve Company</h3>
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Our first night in Cavendish was also the night we drove back to Charlottetown for the Anne of Green Gables Musical. On our way from Cavendish to Charlottetown, we stopped in New Glasgow for dinner at <a href="https://preservecompany.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Preserve Company restaurant</a>. We had a beautiful view of a river, out the window beside our table!</div>
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The food was delicious. Pictured in the top left are the Maritime Fish Cakes which were made with potatoes and cod fish and were really delicious!. On the right is a children's menu item (Nacho chips, cheese & salsa) and in the bottom left is what was left of the cheesecake we ordered- it was gone before I could snap a photo! Next to that is the seafood bubbly bake and salad. This included shrimp, scallops, and salmon in a garlic butter and cream sauce topped with panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese- very tasty!</div>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anne of Green Gables House - Heritage Place</h3>
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Of course Anne of Green Gables is a fictional story but the author lived on the island and this house belonged to her cousins. It sure looks like the inspiration for Anne of <a href="https://www.tourismpei.com/anne-of-green-gables" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Green Gables</a> House and it was another bucket list moment, to see it in real life! :) Here I am with my girls, happily having made it to this little landmark!</div>
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<h3>
Avonlea Village</h3>
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This little village inside of Cavendish is a collection of adorable buildings with shops and restaurants in them. You feel like you're walking around in Anne's time!<br />
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We stopped here for lunch, at a place called <a href="http://www.moomoogrilledcheese.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moo Moo Grilled Cheese</a> in Avonlea Village where we tried some Raspberry Cordial and PEI Pulled Pork grilled sandwiches.<br />
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We also made a visit to <a href="http://avonlea.ca/food/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doughnuts By Design</a> (the two photos on the right in the collage below). Sadly they were so busy that day that they were out of most of their flavours, but we tried one and it was amazing!! I wish I could go back and sample more flavours!! <br />
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The two photos on the left in the collage below are of the Moo Moo Grilled Cheese building, and our pulled pork grilled cheese! :)<br />
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<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Anne of Green Gables Chocolates</h3><div><br /></div><div>
One of my favourite shops in Avonlea Village was <a href="https://annechocolates.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables Chocolates</a>. I would have loved to have sampled one of everything in that shop! One unique treat they have in this store is called Cow Chips (they're plain rippled chips covered in milk chocolate and they're <i>amazing - </i>salty, crunchy and sweet milk chocolate all in one bite!)<br />
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<h3>
Cavendish Cliffs and Dunelands </h3>
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Here we've come to another one of my favourites from the whole trip: Cavendish Cliffs and Dunelands. We took an afternoon and walked down this path just to the side of the entrance to Cavendish beach (another vista out of a painting) and then drove out along the shore, to see some red cliffs.<br />
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The cliffs were breathtaking. We pulled off the road in one place and came to a spot that looked pretty normal but had a little path that we followed. I am so glad we did, because at the end of the path, this came into view:<br />
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There we were on red rock, with red sand and red cliffs- like our own private beach with no one around. It was so beautiful and pretty awesome to be the only ones there, with no crowds of tourists to share it with. I have more photos of this place, but I'll save them for another post.<br />
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We set up our camera on the timer setting to get the photo above, and while Ken was on that rock, I looked down from the other rock and spotted a jellyfish in the water! Ken had our waterproof camera in his hand, so here he is doing his best to get it on video without falling in the water! You'll get to see the video when I get the vlog edited and uploaded! :)<br />
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North Rustico Harbour & the Blue Mussel Cafe</h3>
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That was our last night in PEI and we planned to eat at the <a href="http://bluemusselcafe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Mussel Cafe</a>. This restaurant is ridiculously popular! I have never waited so long for a table (one hour and 45 minutes) but apparently that is not uncommon! North Rustico Harbour is beautiful though, and we took some time to explore it while we waited. I got this photo of the <a href="http://northrusticolighthouse.com/web/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">North Rustico Lighthouse</a> while we were there.</div>
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Talia and I both tasted our first mussels during this meal. I was impressed with her for trying them! I ordered scallops and loved them (middle, right photo). The kids' menu food was delicious and well priced, which I appreciated because it allowed us to eat somewhere nice without spending too much on kids who didn't want to eat the fancier food.<br />
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<br /><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Handpie Company</h3><div><br /></div><div>On our way out of PEI, we stopped in Borden-Carleton at <a href="http://handpie.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Handpie Company</a>, to try out their hand held pies and then we stopped to get a photo in front of Confederation Bridge before crossing it back to the mainland. We timed our crossing and we were on that bridge for a full 10 minutes, at 80 km/hr- that's got to be the longest bridge I've ever been on, for sure! :)<br />
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Our trip to PEI was everything I hoped for and more. I thought it appropriate to end this post with a quote from the woman who sparked a love for PEI in myself and so many others:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Dear old world', she murmured, 'you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”<br />― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables</span></blockquote>
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It really is a lovely world, and it has been lovely to travel with my family to see some of it this summer! Keep following along because I'll be sharing our experience in Nova Scotia next!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cavendish Map of Things To Do</h3><br /><script>window.wanderlogEmbedKeys=window.wanderlogEmbedKeys||[];window.wanderlogEmbedKeys.push('xskvunuckf');window.wanderlogEmbedOptions={"alwaysShowRouteLines":true,"omitExternalLinks":true,"omitWebsitePhone":false,"version":2};!function(){var c=document.querySelectorAll("script"),r=!1;if(c.forEach((function(c){"https://wanderlog.com/embed.js"===c.src&&(r=!0)})),!r){var t=document.createElement("script");t.async=!0,t.src="https://wanderlog.com/embed.js",document.body.appendChild(t)} }();</script><div id="Wanderlog__mapEmbed_xskvunuckf" style="display: block; width: 100%;"><div style="font-size: smaller; margin-bottom: 8px;">Map provided by <a href="https://wanderlog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wanderlog, a travel planner</a> on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wanderlog/id1476732439" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wanderlog.android" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a></div><div style="font-size: smaller; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;">You can open this interactive map to see the locations of the things to do in Cavendish that I've mentioned in this post. </div></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><small>Many thanks to Tourism P.E.I. for their hospitality and assistance with planning our trip!</small></i><br />
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</div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-31887357645763849512022-05-02T09:00:00.005-04:002022-05-25T20:36:16.412-04:00Cottage Rentals in Eastern Ontario - Loughborough Inn<div>We weren't looking for cottage rentals in Eastern Ontario at the time. We were looking for a hotel in the heart of downtown Kingston while our family relocated for my husband's job. Instead we found ourselves living north of the city on the shore of Loughborough Lake, surrounded by the peace and beauty of nature in a cottage at Loughborough Inn for the month of August. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihFMthaf7bbIaHYYDAifLSNmTXV3x5h5j8ELrZ5svGK-Zpfh5LJFpKK8L84E3hgzTzlyUbX68hbzgOpeWIDHP0WVO6mwEKd2nDEna_A07pDvUNKoLtniVUBZ0sgQXINdBqT1F4t-YoUdoxvT4NNhYQCbUfQLokU4Itg8IiVSBpgjzdEJ0cdZ6cNNIU=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cottage Rentals in Eastern Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihFMthaf7bbIaHYYDAifLSNmTXV3x5h5j8ELrZ5svGK-Zpfh5LJFpKK8L84E3hgzTzlyUbX68hbzgOpeWIDHP0WVO6mwEKd2nDEna_A07pDvUNKoLtniVUBZ0sgQXINdBqT1F4t-YoUdoxvT4NNhYQCbUfQLokU4Itg8IiVSBpgjzdEJ0cdZ6cNNIU=s16000" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our booking was quite last minute so there wasn't one, single cottage available for the full duration of our stay which meant that we had the opportunity to stay in a couple of different cottages. Of course, we got pretty familiar with all that Loughborough Inn has to offer its guests, so you can take our experience and the details I'll share into consideration in case you want to plan your own family getaway in Ontario!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMTWz8_ZgYpavqCsEeMypXTT-Hv5zoT9M9HqLn1XNKYZc_UnnvGy5jzL48eZSiyypZs-p9ATVHUQ6n5h-a89Wzd_o6V_bS9zeG3n3iBiwXfpulPF83P1_z5ziPPIufJUmohZZKI4f2Mp9mUtWkdwkYxZayjh4FJJYrdeFEMF38onu80fnYg63FX3Eb=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="renting a cottage in ontario" border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMTWz8_ZgYpavqCsEeMypXTT-Hv5zoT9M9HqLn1XNKYZc_UnnvGy5jzL48eZSiyypZs-p9ATVHUQ6n5h-a89Wzd_o6V_bS9zeG3n3iBiwXfpulPF83P1_z5ziPPIufJUmohZZKI4f2Mp9mUtWkdwkYxZayjh4FJJYrdeFEMF38onu80fnYg63FX3Eb=s16000" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Renting A Cottage in Ontario</h3><div><br /></div><div>Although we hadn't thought of renting a cottage in Ontario at this time (we were so focused on finding a hotel), I'm so glad the hotels were booked up because that caused us to look a little further (12 miles) away from town and we found ourselves a little haven that turned out to be just the right place for us to be during our <a href="https://www.raisingmemories.com/2021/07/were-moving.html" target="_blank">moving transition</a>!</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Loughborough Inn offers both cottage rentals and cabin rentals. I'll share some photos and our experience staying in both!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGixKy1jncpwtKfuU-8oDd9p8BMH_fv95cuRDoKhbG5DxvI_t8Tq3-bkfywmlCO6rFaClYw6075yjcr7Uo1norwTSVv2cvftDa36blqLUNJ5dnRcd1qaOPE620U6OLfgq9N-avYrbuDrK0VbNmKdP1YK05wgbfMKV04fl3_CMBKAEUOXZJruEAIeQq/s750/Sunset%20Cottage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Loughborough Lake Cottage Rentals" border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGixKy1jncpwtKfuU-8oDd9p8BMH_fv95cuRDoKhbG5DxvI_t8Tq3-bkfywmlCO6rFaClYw6075yjcr7Uo1norwTSVv2cvftDa36blqLUNJ5dnRcd1qaOPE620U6OLfgq9N-avYrbuDrK0VbNmKdP1YK05wgbfMKV04fl3_CMBKAEUOXZJruEAIeQq/s16000/Sunset%20Cottage.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Loughborough Lake Cottage Rentals</h3><div><br /></div><div>Each cottage is unique! There are Lakefront Cottages (right on the edge of the lake) and Lakeview Cottages (set back from the water). Both types of cottages are available in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our favourite cottage that we stayed in was a lakeview cottage named Sunset (pictured above). Below are some photos from the interior of the Sunset cottage.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyH4KlG8p608_AdaQyLo5N6w88xISVEiGZ5BWP0362mnGMmbGBhPiSnvfIiHc0WvKw4Nu_VI3kQxqJ9wP_5PFqtSNlDB2S3bOKrVq5N7vXKM2S-Jd2JC_vkw6l2WMi6adM-IcxLcJSwqLHjF4aMwyKc1dqzF9xd01R6ZSfLchT9AsVXl7cSw2qcALg/s750/Cottage%20Interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyH4KlG8p608_AdaQyLo5N6w88xISVEiGZ5BWP0362mnGMmbGBhPiSnvfIiHc0WvKw4Nu_VI3kQxqJ9wP_5PFqtSNlDB2S3bOKrVq5N7vXKM2S-Jd2JC_vkw6l2WMi6adM-IcxLcJSwqLHjF4aMwyKc1dqzF9xd01R6ZSfLchT9AsVXl7cSw2qcALg/s16000/Cottage%20Interior.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>This cottage has air conditioning, a living room with cable T.V. and lots of windows. The newly installed kitchen included all the dishes and cookware you need, a dishwasher, fridge, oven, stove, and microwave. This cottage had two bedrooms (each with a double and single bed) and a full bathroom with a door connecting to each bedroom.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKstvpjr-uy6XZ7eIN_pFgfG2imY60Oj90Ngxq3dKD3TQhDVWkWNhaeF506Q8Ib7rvwclm5ASymgft6HxDBOtKl9YNDCIw8QAwmH-vp_s-8e_dCXGBytxhQHYPL9Xr5FwDNVHw6eI9reutWfMPNsJNR-3MY8E4YBP0DdCTYL77EhzLHWo3Xdyx0Vyk/s750/cottage%20bathroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKstvpjr-uy6XZ7eIN_pFgfG2imY60Oj90Ngxq3dKD3TQhDVWkWNhaeF506Q8Ib7rvwclm5ASymgft6HxDBOtKl9YNDCIw8QAwmH-vp_s-8e_dCXGBytxhQHYPL9Xr5FwDNVHw6eI9reutWfMPNsJNR-3MY8E4YBP0DdCTYL77EhzLHWo3Xdyx0Vyk/s16000/cottage%20bathroom.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>The Sunset cottage is conveniently located right near the pool and is a very short walk from the lake. Below is a photo of one of the lakefront cottages, right on the water.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOYp9Dc-BJAw7rVrnQ7eLYPG8bXOmCWlFlvrml2kdd7QTGi_o53BXQ6-iuNFNCUSA534CnQwevEsMBfPWMTEKDGEGFGCxBHWXjFZn9JUR6t9vMZjWshMxjp0oyA8Nmtcf7wCOz7EJfVT1EUQQJvkwLZeBfYBS24i-LCA1Mv3KJO0p5RVett6-a48D/s750/Lakefront%20Cottage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Renting a Cottage in Ontario" border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOYp9Dc-BJAw7rVrnQ7eLYPG8bXOmCWlFlvrml2kdd7QTGi_o53BXQ6-iuNFNCUSA534CnQwevEsMBfPWMTEKDGEGFGCxBHWXjFZn9JUR6t9vMZjWshMxjp0oyA8Nmtcf7wCOz7EJfVT1EUQQJvkwLZeBfYBS24i-LCA1Mv3KJO0p5RVett6-a48D/s16000/Lakefront%20Cottage.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ontario Cabins for Rent at Loughborough</h3><div><br /></div><div>You can also rent a cabin at Loughborough Inn. We stayed in one of the square log cabins which include a living room, beautiful kitchen, and 2 bedrooms (each with an en suite bathroom). Both bathrooms had jetted tubs and walk-in showers. There was also a screened in porch, satellite TV, wireless internet, and central air conditioning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO94FEyl0uIjyoGQ0NC9yZizci1WbJgyzbeX3zppr4dhw55A9R4dm27H76BDzPRwHhr74dDhp5umuCZsjGMTzRebxul4lt8OGfW4U32k3v1aweuZHzXSqwUcnIEG3l8FYTzLOC30iB0IYe98X3s0S2VW4Ja7KUMCcgNajFUY5wBzJTPhIiYz5__ok/s750/square%20log%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO94FEyl0uIjyoGQ0NC9yZizci1WbJgyzbeX3zppr4dhw55A9R4dm27H76BDzPRwHhr74dDhp5umuCZsjGMTzRebxul4lt8OGfW4U32k3v1aweuZHzXSqwUcnIEG3l8FYTzLOC30iB0IYe98X3s0S2VW4Ja7KUMCcgNajFUY5wBzJTPhIiYz5__ok/s16000/square%20log%20cabin.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The above photos give you a glimpse of the cabin interior, but the video below will show you everything.</div><div><br /></div><div><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/epyKNjNP4Sk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><div>The cabins are surrounded by trees, away from the lake but a short walk from the playground and walking trails. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Loughborough Lake Marina & Other Amenities</h3><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of which type of cottage you book, all Loughborough Lake cottage rentals give you access to the Loughborough Lake Marina for fishing, boat rentals and water activities. There are also hiking trails, a pool, a field with soccer nets, and a playground. There is also a restaurant and you can set yourself up with a meal plan if you don't want to use your kitchen for cooking meals.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqfz6sQw5oNQC8fCaglK-WKUnO8Xc5TtkouUlhLCILeB8j750If3lDBXe69URJlLtINCrS0dKEcCH7g9tp9qOC_0TX-u-M1Y-zD7qRnwFl34-7WuyGGFUFwX7LykM5YtQpnV-5oHPaO-aS7L2RjC2rUdVAap24Bw_25QK89Ja8x086thMRVSyIpun/s750/Loughborough%20Inn%20Activities.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqfz6sQw5oNQC8fCaglK-WKUnO8Xc5TtkouUlhLCILeB8j750If3lDBXe69URJlLtINCrS0dKEcCH7g9tp9qOC_0TX-u-M1Y-zD7qRnwFl34-7WuyGGFUFwX7LykM5YtQpnV-5oHPaO-aS7L2RjC2rUdVAap24Bw_25QK89Ja8x086thMRVSyIpun/s16000/Loughborough%20Inn%20Activities.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to sharing more about the resort itself and some of the activities and experiences we had while there, in further detail in future posts! If you're looking for Ontario resorts for families, I would definitely recommend the Loughborough Inn- not only are they a great place for Eastern Ontario cottage rentals, but you get access to so much on the grounds! The resort is open this year from May 15th to October 22nd and you can <a href="https://loughboroughinn.on.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">book now</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />
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</div></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465867677762395374.post-81188210123820513982022-04-25T13:50:00.002-04:002022-04-25T14:00:53.437-04:00How to Raise a Monarch Butterfly<div>After our little adventure raising butterflies for the first time, I wrote a blog post on how to raise a Monarch butterfly and everything we learned about it. If you assume it would be a task you just don't have time for, I encourage you to read this post! I didn't think I wanted to do it at first, but now that I know how easy it is to do, I'd definitely do it again!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyMSfofdWS4/X2JN2kQ8o0I/AAAAAAAAPUA/zbIAcH7uzK8hAQW7JaE2rwSB49l96MlSACNcBGAsYHQ/s650/How%2Bto%2BRaise%2Ba%2BMonarch%2BButterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to Raise a Monarch Butterfly" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyMSfofdWS4/X2JN2kQ8o0I/AAAAAAAAPUA/zbIAcH7uzK8hAQW7JaE2rwSB49l96MlSACNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2BRaise%2Ba%2BMonarch%2BButterfly.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to Raise a Monarch Butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>It all started when the girls came home from a visit to their grandparents' house. They got their caterpillars while out on a nature walk there. Their grandma helped them to get jars, mesh, and leaves to get them started.<div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">How to Raise a Monarch Butterfly</h3><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 18.72px;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 18.72px;">When Can You Find Monarch Caterpillars and Monarch Eggs?</span></h3><div><br /></div><div>According to <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/monarch-butterfly">worldwildlife.org</a>, Monarchs travel 1200-2800 miles from the Northeast U.S. and Southeast Canada to Central Mexico to hibernate from November to mid-March. You should be able to find Monarch Eggs and Monarch Caterpillars in Southern Ontario, Canada in mid-May and June.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where to Find Monarch Caterpillars</h3><div><br /></div><div>You can find Monarch caterpillars or eggs on Milkweed. Milkweed leaves are soft with a milky sap that leaks out of it. You can confirm that you've found the right thing by tearing a leaf- if it's milkweed, it'll have milky sap coming from the tear! Our girls found caterpillars.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Supplies Needed to Raise a Monarch</h3><div><br /></div><div>Our girls put their caterpillars in jars with mesh covering the top, with milkweed in the bottom for them to eat. You can also put a stick in the jar or across the top for when they're ready to become cocoons but ours ended up just hanging from the mesh itself!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What to Feed a Monarch Caterpillar</h3><div><br /></div><div>You can gather Milkweed plants and store them in the fridge in a plastic bag for 4-5 days. Then replace the leaves in the jar with fresh ones as needed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVFr4v5UCdM/X2N42QDsOKI/AAAAAAAAPU8/KjzR1U8pGlAH1TQR4qntpJcmKwkuucdRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Milkweed%2Bfor%2BMonarchs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVFr4v5UCdM/X2N42QDsOKI/AAAAAAAAPU8/KjzR1U8pGlAH1TQR4qntpJcmKwkuucdRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Milkweed%2Bfor%2BMonarchs.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">What is J Hanging?</h3><div><br /></div><div>When your Monarch Caterpillar is ready, it will hang upside down in a "J" shape. This is called a J Hang. It will stay like this for around 24 hours while it prepares to create its cocoon. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug9__LlPH5o/X2JN7X0LudI/AAAAAAAAPUE/YGMLSX4fzu44cfGocQHtc3QqIP15pVXLACNcBGAsYHQ/s750/J%2BHanging.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug9__LlPH5o/X2JN7X0LudI/AAAAAAAAPUE/YGMLSX4fzu44cfGocQHtc3QqIP15pVXLACNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/J%2BHanging.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>We thought they needed to hang from a stick or something sturdy so we were nervous when ours did this from the mesh itself! It turns out that they were just fine that way though- the silk they spin to hang from must be pretty sturdy!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJf3ajYHmzw/X2JN-QfRglI/AAAAAAAAPUI/mMJmrhnYbeQfIhjPJVUxaq4DqsH-lFoTgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/J%2BHanging%2BMonarch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJf3ajYHmzw/X2JN-QfRglI/AAAAAAAAPUI/mMJmrhnYbeQfIhjPJVUxaq4DqsH-lFoTgCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/J%2BHanging%2BMonarch.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Monarch Chrysalis</h3><div><br /></div><div>The next stage is for it to become a chrysalis. It's a beautiful colour- it matched the backsplash in our kitchen! ;) They'll stay in this stage for a week or two (ours was a week and a half) before they're ready to hatch.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik6dTSWj0OE/X2JOOsuviwI/AAAAAAAAPUg/U7OiR4jSXNwTl6V-H7H5fQUv7RIFInqlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/waiting%2Bfor%2Bmonarch%2Bcocoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik6dTSWj0OE/X2JOOsuviwI/AAAAAAAAPUg/U7OiR4jSXNwTl6V-H7H5fQUv7RIFInqlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/waiting%2Bfor%2Bmonarch%2Bcocoon.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>You'll know your butterfly is almost ready to emerge when the chrysalis turns dark and you can see through it- it's so cool to see the Monarch butterfly wing pattern through the chrysalis at this stage!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUvWc9ub8eQ/X2JODLMtFJI/AAAAAAAAPUQ/JPRjLm8tffYw7HdrSfWnbDPODrJMBoiLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Monarch%2BCocoon%2BReady%2Bto%2BHatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUvWc9ub8eQ/X2JODLMtFJI/AAAAAAAAPUQ/JPRjLm8tffYw7HdrSfWnbDPODrJMBoiLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Monarch%2BCocoon%2BReady%2Bto%2BHatch.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They usually emerge in the morning, so be sure to keep an eye on yours in the morning when it starts to look like this! We were raising two butterflies and one of them hatched in the morning when we weren't looking, the other emerged in the afternoon and we were able to watch! </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Monarchs Need to Hang After Eclosing</h3><div><br /></div><div>After the butterfly emerges (this is called eclosing), it needs to hang upside down to let its crumpled wings straighten and dry. Both of ours hung from the empty chrysalis casing to hang (even though we gave them a twig to hang from), so I guess they're fine with that!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJr7a98AH8Y/X2JOEtvgT1I/AAAAAAAAPUU/EqnaExCU3PkElEhGF9StNSTbIIPmUCzrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Monarch%2BButterfly%2BJust%2BHatched.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJr7a98AH8Y/X2JOEtvgT1I/AAAAAAAAPUU/EqnaExCU3PkElEhGF9StNSTbIIPmUCzrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Monarch%2BButterfly%2BJust%2BHatched.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><div>We just barely caught Talia's butterfly hatching on video! It happens pretty quickly, so it's easy to miss! Here's a little video I made, showing the butterfly hatching and then its release:<br />
<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JmBMHVXNhZc" width="560"></iframe></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Releasing Katrina's butterfly was a totally different experience! It was able to fly, but it didn't fly away. It stayed on her finger and then it stayed for a long time on the flower she placed it on. Maybe its wings weren't as dry as Talia's were when we released it, but it did fly away eventually (& we appreciated the photo opps that came from it hanging around!).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65eZ8RSVPk0/X2JOcJrEdLI/AAAAAAAAPUs/KviCtecaGfM0OA4AP2nwz9laeVmfbwFDgCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Butterfly%2BRelease.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65eZ8RSVPk0/X2JOcJrEdLI/AAAAAAAAPUs/KviCtecaGfM0OA4AP2nwz9laeVmfbwFDgCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Butterfly%2BRelease.jpg" /></a></div><br /><center style="text-align: left;">I hope sharing our experience and what we learned along the way helps you to see that it's not too difficult to raise a Monarch- maybe you'll decide to give it a try too!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center>
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</div></div></div></div>Heather @ Raising Memories Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196945014117018777noreply@blogger.com21