Thanksgiving can be one of the most joyful — and challenging — holidays to host. Below you’ll find twelve tips to ensure you keep calm and centered so you don’t lose your mind when hosting Thanksgiving this year. Thanksgiving is a time of: Gratitude, love, and family. And if you’re the one hosting a multi-generational celebration at your home, it’s probably also a time of:…
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This slow-cooker mulled cider recipe is a MUST-TRY holiday favorite. It’ll have you wishing for cold weather. One sip and you’ll agree . . . This hot mulled apple cider is literally WARM CHEER in a mug! A big thanks to Meijer for sponsoring this heartwarming recipe. I’m telling you . . . There’s nothing more inviting than the smell of hot mulled cider wafting all throughout…
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Sheet-pan–roasted sausage and potatoes with apples! This easy, one-pan recipe — made with only 6 ingredients — is a quick and healthy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. BONUS: It happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo-friendly, too. A big thanks to Meijer for sponsoring today’s family dinner recipe. On a busy weeknight, there’s nothing better than a one-pan recipe…
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Your house will smell amazing with this Crock-Pot potato soup. The slow cooker makes this meal super-easy: Just dice a few fresh ingredients, pop ’em into the Crock-Pot, and wait for the magic to happen . . . It’s literally comfort in a bowl. As the kids hang their backpacks after school I hear excited variations of: It smells soooOOOooo good in here.” “Yum…
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Help your children understand and feel gratitude through art. Below you’ll find 10 gratitude drawing prompts for your children. This sponsored post was originally published on Melissa & Doug’s Playtime Press. Time and again, studies have shown that cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” can increase one’s hope, happiness, self-esteem, empathy, and optimism. Phew! That’s a hefty list of benefits for something so EASY to do! Or…
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Learn the best way to pack a suitcase; how to maximize space & pack like a pro. The packing tips below will help your family consolidate down to a single suitcase! A big thanks to our affiliate EzPacking for sponsoring today’s post. The excitement is tangible. As we drive to the airport, the kids are full of energy. With all the commotion, it sounds like…
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This crockpot beef and noodles recipe makes dinner easy. Whip these five ingredients together (Hint: They’re not what you’d expect!) and you’re done. Best beef stew ever. Your family will be BEGGING for more. It’s literally comfort in a bowl. A big thanks to Reames® Frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles for sponsoring today’s dinner recipe. I remember being a kid during Wisconsin winters like it…
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Feeling out of sorts? Check out this list of 21 easy things you can do TODAY to make yourself happier. Thank you to goodnessknows® for sponsoring this happy list. It always sneaks up on me. Even now. Even though I know the warning signs that it’s coming… I start to tap my fingers impatiently. I begin to feel my jaw clench with irritation. I’ll…
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Teach your kids to focus on the good… Get your tween or teen involved in this completely inspiring Words of Gratitude project. A big thank-you to Animoto for sponsoring today’s post; they’re officially one of my favorite Fall Finds—Click here to see why for yourself. Teaching gratitude to little kids is simple. There are literally HUNDREDS of ideas online for children’s gratitude crafts and activities….
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Most people will probably associate hearts with Valentine’s Day — not Thanksgiving — but stick with us on this one. This free Thanksgiving printable for kids along with the “Thankful Heart” project is sure to be an ongoing family tradition. We are honored to have contributor Katie from Live Craft Eat sharing a new Thanksgiving activity for kids and families. My husband and…
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Easy ideas and useful ways to help you get started on a kids’ gratitude journal. A perfect activity for Thanksgiving or any time of the year! Thank you to Growing Book by Book for today’s inspiration. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. This…
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Your family and friends will be WOW’ed over the holidays by this DELICIOUS turkey in a bag recipe. Roasting bags ensure a moist and tender turkey without the hassle of basting. Get our family’s favorite Champagne Turkey recipe below! This turkey in a bag recipe (aka Champagne Turkey) is a family favorite. When you use an oven bag, you get…
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Below are five things to try when life feels too hard and heavy. A big thank you to Simply Margi for sharing her insights with us today. I have a really great life. I have a husband who loves me more than anything; I have four kids who are growing into the most fantastic human beings (hey, I know they’re…
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Looking for the perfect dessert to please a crowd? Below are twenty cookie bars that are quick and easy, including THE BEST Chocolate Coconut Bar recipe (AKA: Bite-Sized Samoa Cookies). Watch the step-by-step recipe video below! JUMP TO PRINTABLE RECIPE If you’re in a time-pinch or if you don’t have the patience to bake dozens of cookies for a group…
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Got Netflix or Amazon Prime? There are some fantastic online documentaries for kids available. Below is a list of ten of THE BEST educational documentaries and series streaming right now! As parents, we need to recognize (and teach our kids) that not all screen time is equal. In the blog post Why Our Family Doesn’t Limit Screen Time, I explain……
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Your kids will look forward to these hot and fresh Baked Apple Cider Donuts. You don’t need to wait for a trip to the orchard to pick up a dozen; celebrate the fall season with your family and make these baked donuts at home. The season is starting to shift and the crisp breeze of autumn always makes me smile….
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