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  • Winter Fun – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Winter is coming! These fun activities, delicious recipes, and creative crafts will provide fun for the whole family, all winter long. Enjoy the snowy outdoors and ways to stay warm inside. Remember, there are those in need of assistance, so lend a helping hand. Give back, be it with financial support, energy, or your time. A little gesture goes a long way.  

    Winter Activities  

    These activities are perfect whether you’re celebrating winter indoors or out.  

    • Instead of one giant snowman, make a family of several small snowman. You can have fun naming them and dressing them up as your family or friends. 

    • Have a dance party with this curated list of happy music! Make a night of it by hanging decorations and getting dressed up. For dancing fuel put out yummy snacks and these winter cocktail recipes.  
    • Create your own relaxation station and treat yourself:  
    • Here are some great activities you can do together outside while practicing social distancing.  
      • Build snow creatures and animals. 
      • Meet at the best local hill for sledding. 
      • Ice skate at a local rink.
      • Make snow angels.  
      • Go snowshoeing or hiking.  
      • Build an igloo or snow fort.  

    • Set up virtual craft time with your friends. Have a wine and paint night or schedule a time to tackle a Pinterest project. Everyone will be safe and warm in their own homes but get to catch up while participating in the same activity.  
    • Have a virtual winter party. You can pick a theme beforehand and all dress up in that specific attire. Check out these simple appetizers for your next zoom party.  
    • Game on! Uncover these fun family game night ideas.  
    • There’s snow place like home. Here are 14 ways to make your home warm and welcoming this winter.  

    • Here are a few things you can do to avoid the winter blues.  
      • Look into getting an artificial “sunbox” with special lights designed to mimic the sun’s beneficial rays. We recommend using it first thing in the morning to help maintain your body clock.  
      • Discover how to create a calm work environment at home. There are ways you can improve your surroundings, scents that help with relaxation, and even sounds that have been proven to reduce stress.    
      • Try putting flowers or even fake plants around your home. Looking at plants is proven to boost your mood.  
      • Check out these apps that can help improve your state of mind.  

    Winter Crafts 

    It’s the perfect time to get crafty and let your creative side shine.  

    • Create a winter wonderland in your home! Pick one room to focus on. Hang up sparkling string lights that look like stars. Buy white felt that looks like snow and cover the tables and shelves before you put out décor. Cut snowflakes out of paper and hang them all over the room. Spray pinecones with fake snow paint or splatter it with plain white paint so they look nice and frosted. Place silver and white globes in glass vases. Paint your old candlesticks white and place them on the mantle under a frosted garland.   
    • Make winter themed DIY mason jar snow globes. 
    • On those days it’s way too cold outside here are easy indoor crafts for kids.  
    • Spruce up your front door with this beautiful DIY ombre pinecone wreath.  

    • Below are tons of snowflake craft ideas 
      • No two crafts are the same, here is an assortment of snowflake crafts.  
      • Glue together popsicle sticks in the shape of a snowflake. Once it’s dry paint it white and add silver glitter to make it sparkle. If you don’t have paint, wrap a white string around each stick and make sure no part of the popsicle stick is showing. 
      • For a more natural snowflake, try this DIY natural wood snowflake.  
      • Draw a few snowflakes onto a thick piece of paper and then carefully cut them out using an exacto knife. Attach the snowflakes to an old vase and then paint the entire vase. Once it’s dry, take off the snowflakes. For an extra pop, place a candle inside and watch the light shine through the snowflakes.  
      • Learn how to make perler bead snowflakes. 
    • Get cozy and toasty with this DIY weighted blanket.  
    • Start a new hobby and learn how to crochet.  

    Winter Recipes 

    Fill your winter with scrumptious recipes that can satisfy any craving.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    If you are looking to make a real, lasting difference this winter season, check out these impactful ideas.  

    • It may be cold outside, and those less fortunate may not be able afford heat or warm housing. Make or donate blankets and warm clothing. Items people need this time of year include socks, jackets, mittens, hats, pants, blankets, and scarves.  
    • Shovel snow for those who are unable to do it themselves.   
    • Set up a toy drive and collect toys before the holidays arrive. A small stuffed animal can put a smile on child’s face for years.  
    • Many animals are in need during the cold winter months. You can help by fostering a fury friend or collecting pet supplies to drop off at a shelter.  
    • There is always a need for blood. If you are able, visit a local center and donate. 

     

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  • Snowball Trees – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Source: Better Homes and Gardens

    These adorable trees will bring the festivities to any holiday get-together! Celebrate around the best part of the party and dig in!

    Prep: 1 hr 10 min
    Bake: 10 min to 12 min at 325° per batch
    Cool: 2 min per batch
    Yield: about 36 cookies

    Ingredients

    Cookie Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter, softened 
    • 1/2 cup sugar 
    • 1 tablespoon milk 
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla 
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 
    • Green paste food coloring 
    • 1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing 
    • Decorative candies 

    Powdered Sugar Icing Ingredients 

    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 3-4 tablespoons milk

    Directions:

    Step 1
    In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in milk and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Remove 1/2 cup of the dough. Tint the remaining dough with green food coloring. 

    Step 2
    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. For each cookie, use the green dough to shape ten 1/2-inch balls. On an ungreased cookie sheet, arrange balls in a row of four, topped by a row of three, then two, then one on top. As you arrange the balls, gently press them into each other. Use the plain dough to make a 3/4-inch ball and place it at the bottom of the tree for a trunk. Repeat with the remaining dough, leaving 2 inches between cookies on cookie sheet.     

    Step 3
    Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.     

    Step 4
    Drizzle Powdered Sugar Icing back and forth over cookies to look like strings for lights. Add decorative candies to icing for lights. Let stand until icing sets.     

    Step 5
    In a medium bowl stir together powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk (3 to 4 tablespoons) to make drizzling consistency. 

    Courtesy of Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

     

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  • Pistachio-Vanilla Bean Cookies – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Source: Better Homes and Gardens 

    Salty pistachios are the perfect counterbalance for sweet but subtle white chocolate and vanilla bean. Use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop the pistachios. 

    Prep: 30 min
    Chill: 2 hrs
    Bake: 10 min at 375° per batch
    Servings: 56

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter, softened 
    • 3/4 cup sugar 
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
    • 1 vanilla bean 
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour 
    • 1 cup finely chopped salted dry-roasted pistachio nuts 
    • 6 ounces white chocolate (with cocoa butter), cut up 
    • 2 teaspoons shortening 

    Directions

    Step 1: 
    In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Using the tip of a knife, scrape seeds from vanilla bean halves into butter mixture. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Stir in pistachios. 

    Step 2: 
    Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 1 1/2-inch-thick log (about 7 inches long). Wrap each log in waxed paper; twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. 

    Step 3: 
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Cut chilled or frozen logs into 1/4-inch slices. Place slices about 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake about 10 minutes or just until firm and browned on the bottoms. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer to wire racks; cool. 

    Step 4: 
    In a heavy small saucepan combine white chocolate and shortening; heat and stir over low heat until melted. Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate mixture; place on a wire rack over waxed paper and let stand until set. 

    To Store

    Layer chocolate-coated cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies before serving. 

    Courtesy of Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

     

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  • New Year’s Eve – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    2020 has been unique. It has drastically altered our daily routines and lives, but it has also reminded us of what’s important. 2020 led to more people spending time at home with their families. It allowed nature to thrive. It led to people reconnecting with loved ones and old friends they hadn’t spoken too in a long time. Let’s go into the new year with a fresh outlook on life. Let’s go into 2021, focusing on the positive and uncovering ways to we add more good into the world. Whether you want to have a relaxing night in, or celebrate with a few friends, below are activities, crafts, recipes, and ideas on how you can give back. 

    New Year’s Activities 

    Check out these fun New Year’s activities–perfect for a relaxing night in or a small party with friends. 

    • Get decorating with these clever and easy ideas for New Year’s tables.  
    • Here are great tips and tricks for hosting a great NYE party.  
    • Instead of looking at the negative aspects of 2020, sit down and write a list of things you are thankful for from the past year. Think about the things you might not have appreciated or gotten to enjoy if it had gone differently. In 2021, start a gratitude journal. Each night before you go to sleep write down one thing you are thankful for from that day. Keeping a gratitude journal can reduce stress, increase positivity, help you sleep better, and even improve your self-esteem.   
    • If you prefer a romantic night in, take a look at these New Year’s Eve ideas for couples.   
    • Ring in 2021 with a relaxing and cozy night at home.  
    • Get it popping with a few friends with this chic champagne party.  
    • Perfect party games for all!
    • Create a family goal list for the upcoming year. Below is a list of potential things you can add: 
      • Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. 
      • Give back more! Visit www.volunteermatch.org for tons of ways you can virtually help out others.   
      • Spend more time as a family without screens. You can schedule a game night once a month or cook dinner together and each time have a different theme or type of cuisine.  
      • Learn how to do something new. There are tons of virtual and free classes online. 
      • Instead of a weight loss goal, try just having a goal to move around more. Dance in your room for 10 minutes a day or take a walk and enjoy nature.  
    • These New Year’s toasts will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the New Year.  

    New Crafts for a New Year  

    Wrap up 2020 with remarkable crafts.  

    • Ring in the New Year with this festive party decor.  
    • Create a centerpiece out of bottles. Find 4 bottles, paint them all black, and place them in a line. Using gold or silver cardstock cut out 2-0-2-1. Glue each number to a stick and then place them in the bottles in order.  
    • Create a family friendly New Year’s bash.  
    • Make your very own countdown clock using a paper plate. Paint the plate whatever color you want and paint numbers around the edge to represent the time. Make a small hole in the center of the plate. Cut two dials with arrows on the end out of cardboard and paint them a different color than the plate so you can see them. Connect the dials to the plate using a pin so the dials can rotate.  
    • End the year on a high note with homemade disco balls, firecracker centerpieces, and more DIY New Year’s Eve crafts.
    • Create personalized party favorites like confetti poppers and more with these New Year’s crafts.

    • Make your own photobooth at home! To construct your own props you’ll need scissors, heavy weight cardstock, a glue gun, and either chopsticks or plain art sticks. To create a backdrop, you can simply use a solid wall or hang up a sheet or curtain. For a more fun background add metallic balloons, hang fun streamers or string lights. The props can be anything you want! Make your own things to cut out or look up free downloadable photo booth prop designs. Use the cardstock and cut out silly mustaches, talking bubbles with funny sayings, or silly hats. After you write what you want in the talking bubbles, add glitter or anything else you want just the glue the end of a stick to the back of the prop. All that’s left is take fun photos you will cherish forever.  

     

    New Year’s Recipes 

    Before the clock strikes 12, make sure you try these delicious food and drink recipes.   

    • These drink recipes will be a hit.  
    • Stir it up with dazzling cocktails.
    • Finger-foods that are as cute as they are delicious.   
    • From sweet-and-sour to cranberry-sauced, these meatball recipes are a must-have.   
    • Check out the following New Year’s Eve party menus and recipes–great for any type of gathering you choose. 
    • Dip pretzel rods into melted white chocolate and then immediately pour silver or gold sprinkles onto the chocolate before it melts. Place the candy-coated pretzel rod onto wax paper, let it dry, and then enjoy! 
    • The best way to end 2020 would be with cakes, truffles, cookies and tons of luscious desserts. 
    • It’s no surprise that this surprise-inside New Year’s Eve cake is not only fun but tastes incredible.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    Start off the New Year by giving back. Discover several ways you can help those less fortunate.  

    • Get stirring! Bringing someone baked goods or food will surly put a smile on someone’s face! Here are several things you could whip up for a neighbor or a hungry family.  
    • Help neighbors with tasks around their home or run errands for them if you are able. People might need help raking leaves, cleaning out their gutters, shoveling snow, or picking up groceries and other items.  
    • Donate clothes and warm weather items! You might have lots of clothing you haven’t warn in years that could benefit many people. If you can purchase items many people will be in need of socks, hats, warm clothing, mittens, and blankets as it starts to get colder outside. 
    • Many parents are trying to work full time while also teaching or monitoring their children, which, to say the least, can be a bit overwhelming. Lend a helping hand by offering tutoring services. This not only helps kids learn but can allow parents to focus on work and other things. Plus, you can do it all virtually!  

  • Kwanzaa – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Discover great ways to celebrate Kwanzaa this year. Below are activities, recipes, and crafts you can do with the ones you love. Get ready for seven great nights of celebration!  

    Kwanzaa Activities 

    Dance, decorate, and explore with these fun Kwanzaa activities.  

    • It’s time to dance! Look up traditional African dances and learn them together as a family. If you can’t be together in person, set up a virtual party with friends or family and dance together.  
    • Spend time together learning about Kwanzaa history traditions. 
    • Make an unforgettable Kwanzaa tabletop decoration. Place fruit in a basket on the table to represent the beautiful harvest and add a pop of color to the table. Some things you can incorporate to add a mix of texture are straw mats, ears of corn, and of course the zawadi for the last night. Make beaded napkin rings using red, black, and green beads on a wire and simply wrap them around the middle.  
    • Break out some of the zawadi from previous years and play games together as a family. 

    Kwanzaa Crafts 

     Check out fun craft ideas to get you ready for Kwanzaa.  

    • Make a handprint kinara by painting the palm of your left-hand gold, your middle, ring, and little finger red, and your index finger black. Place your hand onto a piece of paper. Then paint the palm of your right-hand hold gold, your middle, ring and little finger green and your index finger black. Place your hand on the paper overlapping the index finger where the other index fingerprint was previously placed. Then dip one of your fingertips into yellow paint and place your print at the top of each candle on the paper to look like they are lit.  
    • Buy air dry clay to shape and make your very own kinara. Mold yellow or brown clay into a rectangle and before it dries use the bottom of candles and push them into the clay so when it dries you can pop the candles in easily.   
    • Make flower vases that will brighten up the table. Take an old glass and cut corn husks to match the height of the glass. Then simply glue the corn husks to the outside of the glass and trim any overlap on the top. Then take a paint brush and paint a red, black, and green stripe around the side. All that’s left is to place beautiful flowers in it!  
    • Learn how to make a clay necklace using traditional Kwanzaa colors.  
    • Create bright and colorful tie-dye items using red, black, and green! 

    Kwanzaa Recipes 

    Here are some delicious recipes that will have your mouth watering.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    Help others and learn how you can make a difference in your local community.  

    • Collect books to donate to those less fortunate.  
    • Create gifts for those who won’t be able to afford their own this year. You can spend time together as a family making beaded jewelry and baskets.   
    • Cook and bake a few of the delicious recipes above and bring the meals to an elderly neighbor.

  • Hanukkah – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Below are activities, recipes, and crafts you can do with the ones you love this Hanukkah. Tzedakah is also important, so don’t forget to help those in need whether you donate your time, energy, or items. Get ready for eight great nights of celebration!    

    Hanukkah Activities

    The festival of lights is approaching! Here are some fun things you can do to celebrate.  

    • Light the candles as a family. Each night set up a video call so you can celebrate with those near and far. Send out an invite, get dressed up, and share a virtual meal together. 
    • Have a small and cozy Hanukkah party outside. If you have a heater, you can have an outside gathering and still be nice and toasty. Since Hanukkah is the festival of lights, set up candles and string lights and enjoy! If you don’t have a heater, have your gathering during the day so you can feel the warm sunshine. Lay a giant blanket or sheet in the grass and place pillows and blankets in a circle.  

    • Create a new family tradition and do one unique thing each night. Maybe you can build something together and add one piece each night? Perhaps it’s a game where each night you get a new clue.  
    • Click here for beautiful and unique ways to set the Hanukkah table. 
    • After you light the candles have a dance party! Cue the happy music!  
    • Play pin the candle on the menorah.  
    • Spend time together as a family with a game night.
    • Build a menorah out of Legos.  
    • Put on a play about the story of Hanukkah. Another option would be to put on a puppet show. 

    Hanukkah Gift Ideas

    Give a gift that will put a smile on your loved ones faces. This year try giving personal gifts or even making your own gifts for friends and family. 

    • Find a glass jar or cute bag and fill it with your loved one’s favorite things. Some items you can include are their favorite candy, something that will remind them of a moment you shared, your favorite photo of you together, and a list of your five favorite things about them. 
    • Create a customized calendar using photos of their favorite things.  
    • Discover personal and easy crafts with photos your friends and family will appreciate.  
    • We could all use a little relaxation this holiday season. Create a relaxation kit with some of the following: bath salts, candles (with relaxing scents such as ylang ylang, lavender, or lemon), warm string lights, face masks, a soft blanket, tea, or coloring books. You could make your own coupons to include such as “two hours of YOU time” and “breakfast in bed” that they can cash in whenever they want.   
    • Frame a map of somewhere you went on vacation together and pin photos from that trip around the map. 

    • Photo transfers are personal, homemade, and something your loved one will treasure forever. Just pick the photo they would love and follow these photo transfer steps. Here is another how to photo transfer tutorial.  
    • Buy someone an online learning class for something they love. You can find cooking classes, wine tastings, craft classes, acting classes, exercise courses and tons more.  
    • Take drinking glasses up a few notches by etching something personal onto them. All you need is armor etch, an exacto knife, masking tape, and a set of plain beer glasses, cocktail glasses or whichever drinkware they use. One option would be to tape a stencil to the outside of the glass wherever you want the shape or letter to go. Put on gloves, dip a paint brush into the armor etch and apply a coat on the stencil carefully. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and then wash off the etching cream and peel off the tape and stencil. You can also use the exacto knife to cut out a shape, sports logo, or anything you would like out of thick paper and tape that to the glass. Make sure the paper isn’t so thin the armor etch will go through it, otherwise just follow the same steps above.  
    • Homemade gifts from the heart… and for the stomach. Baking shows you took the time to make your loved ones something tasty. Click here for delicious holiday baking recipes.  

    Hanukkah Crafts 

    Break out the scissors, popsicle sticks, and glue… it’s time to make some Hanukkah crafts.  

    • Create a stained-glass Star of David using 6 popsicle sticks. Glue three popsicle sticks together to make a triangle and then repeat with the other three. Then place them on top of each other and glue them together in the shape of a star. Put some glue in a bowl and mix in water to thin it out. Lay different colored strips of tissue paper over the popsicle sticks and paint the glue mixture on. Let it dry and let the light shine through!  
    • These traditional Hanukkah handcrafts are perfect for decorating. 
    • Since Hannukah is the festival of lights, here is a classy way to shed some light on your eight nights. Take large glass vases and fill them with small string lights and place a few dreidels around it. It will light up and would make a beautiful centerpiece.  
    • Buy air dry clay to shape and make your very own menorah. Mold the clay into any shape you want and before it dries use the bottom of candles and push them into the clay so when it dries you can pop the candles in easily.   
    • Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel… make a paper dreidel garland.  
    • Use fabric markers and paint to design your dog their very own Hanukkah bandana.  

    Hanukkah Recipes

    L’Chaim and to delicious food and drinks.  

    • Get your Latke on! Click here for a recipe to make mouthwatering classic potato latkes. Don’t forget to dip them in sour cream and applesauce! 
    • Check out these yummy side dish recipes.  
    • For scrumptious sweets look into these Hanukkah desserts, including dreidel-shaped cakes and traditional treats.  
    • Cheers to Hanukkah themed cocktails.  
    • Marshmallow dreidels anyone? Dip the bottom of a chocolate kiss into melted chocolate and then press it onto a marshmallow. Place it into the fridge for 15 minutes. Then slowly press a pretzel stick into the other end of the marshmallow to serve as the handle. Dip the entire bottom of the dreidel into a bowl of melted chocolate. Fill a plastic bag with melted white chocolate or white icing and pipe the Hebrew letters onto each side. If you want to make it sparkle, before the chocolate fully melts sprinkle some blue sprinkles on the outside.

    Ways to Give Back:  

    This holiday season open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference.   

    • Since Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, gather one item of clothing or thing you can donate each night. Every night you can add to a donation box and after Hanukkah is over, take it to a donation center.  
    • Tzedakah time! Teach your children the significance of charity. Do something generous. Donate your time or items, listen to someone in need, or reach out to those less fortunate.  
    • Make or donate gifts to those in will not be able to afford their own this year. 

  • Halloween – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Halloween might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a Spooktacular time! From fun ways to celebrate at home to costume ideas perfect for a mask, we have you covered. Check out our scary good recipes and compilation of great Halloween movies.  

    Boo-tiful Crafts 

    • Use balloons to create fun ghosts and creatures. You can draw a ghost on white balloons, Jack-O’-Lanterns on orange balloons, or create silly monster faces using sharpies. Step it up a notch by adding googly eyes or ribbons as hair. Remember not to use a hot glue gun, or it might pop. 

    • Transform your house into a Halloween world and give every room a theme! Turn your kitchen into Frankenstein’s lab with test tubes and fill different shaped glasses with different color food coloring. Fill the room with spooky fog using dry ice. Make the living room into a pumpkin world with orange streamers, pumpkins, and Halloween decor. Convert a bedroom into a witch’s room with candles, a fake spell book, and of course witch hats. Wrap purple or green ribbons around a broom handle in case a witch wants to fly. Here are 36 free Halloween printables you can also download right now to help you decorate! 
    • Create your own monsters with the kids using empty tissue boxes. Flip them upside down and paint the outside to make fun little creatures. Try painting one green for Frankenstein, an orange one with a pumpkin face, and a white one with a skeleton smile.  
    • Click here for more clever and fun craft ideas.  
    • Make a giant spiderweb on the wall with black string.  
    • Take old white candles from your linen closet and give them a spooky twist. Take red crayons and melt them so it looks like blood is dripping down the sides.  

    • Take old ping pong balls, paint eyeballs onto them and place them all over the house.  
    • Make your own family Frankenstein. Since Frankenstein is a creation assembled from an assortment of humans… do the same. Each person in your family can contribute an article of clothing and stuff it with newspaper. Set all the “body parts” up in a chair and draw a face on a pumpkin to be the head. You will have a silly family Frankenstein. Don’t forget to give it a name! 
    • Hang spider webs all around your home. Cut out little spiders to hang in the webs and glue pictures of your family’s faces on them for some added fun.  
    • Create your own bats! Cut old coffee filters in half and paint them black. Glue a small black circle on the straight side in the middle and glue eyes onto the head.  

    No Tricks, Just Treats

    Just because you may not go trick–or–treating doesn’t mean you cannot have something good to eat. Here are some easy to make Halloween treats you can enjoy with the whole family. 

    Scary Fun Activities

    • Schedule a zoom so you and your loved ones can carve pumpkins together. Maybe make it a contest and let your friends vote for the winner on social media. 
    • If trick-or-treating is off the table instead of just giving your kids candy, try to make it fun with a candy scavenger hunt! Hide candy all over your home and give them little cards with clues written on them. Here are some to help you get started:  
      • We usually come in a pair, we go with sneakers that you wear, so come and find us if you dare (Hide candy bars in their sock drawer) 
      • I am somewhere you go to get clean, where rubber duckies can be seen (Hide candy in the bathtub) 
      • When it’s dark I make it bright, I can help you see when it’s night (Tape candy to a lamp) 
      • I am where cold things get hot, come discover what sweet treats we got (Place some candy in the microwave) 
      • I am hiding somewhere that you eat, I’m also surrounded by many seats (Tape candy under the kitchen table) 
      • Find me where you dream at night, and the bed bugs never bite (Hide candy in their bed)  
      • You can find me underneath where you like to brush your teeth (Put candy under the sink the bathroom)
    • Have the kids strut their stuff on a Halloween runway! Lay out towels or sheets and make a “red carpet” for the kiddos to rock their costumes. Don’t forget to film it and send it to your family.  
    • Costumes are meant to be seen so schedule a zoom costume party and let everyone take turns showing off their costumes.  
    • If you are not comfortable leaving home, talk to your neighbors about setting up a safe trick-or-treating situation or neighborhood block party. Everyone can set up a table outside their doors in the fresh air and have candy laid out on the table so kids can touch only the candy they are taking. People can make little individual candy grab bags as well. That way you can avoid ringing doorbells and reaching hands into candy bowls but still trick-or-treat. 
    • Tape a bunch of small orange balloons onto a wood sheet outside in the shape of a pumpkin and play darts.  
    • It will be hard to keep your laughing under wraps as you make your family members into mummies. All you need… toilet paper.  

     Hauntingly Great Costumes 

    Here is a list of costumes that work great with a face mask underneath. By wearing masks under their costumes or helmets, children might feel that Halloween is still “normal” while also staying safe. 

    • Power Rangers  
    • Astronaut  
    • Super Heroes: Spiderman, Black Panther, Iron Man, Hulk  
    • Transformers 
    • Robot 
    • Ninja 
    • Mortal Kombat characters: Subzero, Scorpion, Kitana, Milenna, Jade, Ermac, Rain 
    • Buzz Lightyear 
    • Star Wars: Chewbacca, Darth Vader 
    • Pumpkin Queen/King 
    • Knight – with helmet 
    • A Lego character   
    • Pokémon 
    • Gladiator with helmet 
    • Sonic the Hedgehog 
    • Minecraft character 
    • Bubble Boy  
    • Gorilla 
    • Alien 
    • Mummy 

    DIY Costumes and Mask Ideas

    For those of you who don’t want to wear a helmet or full-face mask another option would be to decorate your own and incorporate it into your costume. Below are some ideas you can create or spend some time making with your family. 

    • Make a mermaid mask! Glue little confetti circles on a mask slightly overlapping to make them look scales. 
    • Paint any mask to look like an animal’s mouth. Paint a dog’s mouth, a cat nose and whiskers, or cute bunny teeth.  
    • Paint the mouth like a Dia de los Muertos skull mouth and then just paint the rest of your face as you normally would.  
    • Here are some ideas for no sew halloween costumes.   
    • All fairy’s need fairy dust… so why not cover the outside of your mask with glitter? Make sure you use a non-toxic glue and that it’s completely dry before wearing it.  
    • Create a robot with an old box, flip it upside down, cut the flaps off and then glue two straws on the top as antennas. Cut out a rectangular window for eyes in the front. For the body do the same thing with a larger box and cut out two holes for the arms on either side. Paint the boxes silver or cover them in aluminum foil. For buttons and added details you can paint different colored bottle caps and glue them on the front. You can cut out gears and other things using construction paper. 
    • Here is a great DIY Lego Costume  
    • Make an Astronaut Space Helmet and blast off! 

    Pet Costume Ideas

    We all knows pets are part of the family. Do a photoshoot of your four-legged friends in their costumes so you can share them and put a smile on other people’s faces. If you don’t want to buy a costume here are a few DIY pet costume ideas. 

    • Business Pup: Take any fun fabric and cut out a cute little tie that you can attach to their collar. Add polka dots or stripes to kick it up a notch.    
    • Beanie Baby: Take red construction paper and cut out a heart. Then paint a TY in white on the heart and tie it their collar so they can be the cutest Beanie Baby on the block. 
    • Ride Em Cowboy: Repurpose an old harness and glue a small stuffed animal or lightweight toy on the back of it so it looks like it’s riding your dog. If you have an old cowboy toy even better. 
    • Martini: Find an old cone and add some olive props.  
    • Out of This World Doggo: Have fun crafting with the kids while transforming your dog into an alien. Glue googly eyes onto an old harness or take pipe cleaners and any other materials you have and attach them in fun ways.  
    • Pumpkin Poodles: Take orange felt and cut out a piece large enough to wrap around your dog’s waist. Draw a Jack-o-lantern face on the top using a black sharpie or fabric markers. Use green felt and cut out a little leaf and stem to glue or sew onto the top of the pumpkin. To attach it to your dog or cat add strings to either side of the fabric and then you can tie it around their tummy. You can also buy Velcro and adhere that to either side so you can adjust the size as needed.  
    • Super Hero: Take fabric or an old t-shirt and cut out a cape for your pet. Add a string so you can tie around their neck or attach it to a collar. As a family come up with their very own superhero name and using fabric markers write it on the top of the cape.  

    Spooktacular Halloween Movies

    Create a scary movie watching zone to spook up the experience. Hang cobwebs all over your living room and use orange or purple lights to add ambiance. Cut out a few black bats to attach to the wall and create some ghosts out of white sheets or towels.  

    Here is a list of family friendly movies (that won’t result in the kiddos crawling into your bed scared): 

    • Hocus Pocus  
    • Halloweentown 
    • The Addams Family  
    • Toy Story of Terror 
    • Twitches  
    • Hotel Transylvania 
    • Casper 
    • Super Monsters Save Halloween 
    • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown 
    • Under Wraps 
    • The Haunted Mansion 
    • Corpse Bride 
    • The Nightmare Before Christmas 
    • Double, Double, Toil & Trouble    

    Scary movies for adults 

    • A Nightmare on Elm Street  
    • Halloween (all 900 of them) 
    • The Shining  
    • Get Out 
    • The Exorcist  
    • A Tale of Two Sisters 
    • The Blair Witch Project 
    • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre  
    • A Quiet Place    

    Ways to Give Back

    Although it’s been a tough year there are a variety of ways you can give back to your local community this Halloween.  

    • As we all know – kids grow fast. Instead of just putting old Halloween costumes in a box in your closet, donate them to those who might not be able to afford their own. 
    • If you have time and enjoy crafting, sew costumes for those who can’t afford to buy them. If you’re not an expert sewer try creating simple pieces such as super hero capes. For some costume ideas that don’t require sewing, visit the DIY costumes section above. 
    • Donate your left-over candy. Operation Gratitude is a Halloween Candy Give-Back program where you can donate candy to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders.  
    • Offer to help your elderly neighbors decorate offer their front yard. Make sure you’re following the proper safety guidelines while decorating.  
    • Some families might want to decorate their yards but not be able to afford it. Try cutting out pumpkins from simple construction paper and attaching a string so they can hang them up outside. You can repurpose old sheets or towels to make spooky ghosts. 

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

        

     

  • Simple Appetizers for Your Next Zoom Party

    The world has changed, at least for the time being, and meetings and parties have moved online. Zoom has become invaluable to businesses, families, and friends alike. As we strive to connect remotely, there’s much need for the ability to chat and even celebrate via video from the safety and comfort of home. If you’re planning to celebrate a momentous occasion (or just a Friday night) via Zoom, here are some easy appetizers for a party that you can prepare for yourself and whoever else is at home with you. Now more than ever, no one needs a reason to eat well and have a party.

    Quick Deviled Eggs

    One of the many drawbacks to quarantining has been the difficulty finding the variety of food we usually enjoy. Fewer trips to the grocery store and limited quantities of items once you get there means trying new and different recipes made of strange ingredients, or eating pantry staples more than you ever have before.

    Herein lies the beauty of a recipe like deviled eggs. Chances are good you have eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard at home. These staples make a delicious appetizer that’s ready in just a few minutes. First, hard boil six eggs on the stovetop. Run them under cold water when finished, then peel the eggs. Next, cut the eggs in half lengthwise.

    Scoop the yolks out of each egg and place them in a bowl. Add ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon mustard. You can choose any variety of mustard you prefer. Mash the yolks and the condiments together. You might also wish to include black pepper, onion powder, or a few teaspoons of sweet relish.

    Once the mixture is well combined, scoop it back into the egg whites. Top the deviled eggs with smoked paprika or chopped chives to taste. The beauty of this recipe is it’s quick, easy to prepare, and simple to scale depending on how hungry you are.

    Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip

    Munching plus Zoom parties equals great fun. For a delicious summery treat, make this hot crab and artichoke dip for your next Zoom gathering. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and coat a one-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

    Next, microwave two ounces of cream cheese for about 20 seconds. Spread it into the bottom of the dish. In a bowl, stir together ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, ¾ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and 3/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. If you wish, you can also add some hot sauce, either ¾ teaspoon or to taste.

    If you have one teaspoon of lemon zest and one tablespoon lemon juice, add those, too. Add ½ cup finely shredded artichoke hearts, four ounces crabmeat, one ounce of mozzarella, and 2 ounces of Parmesan.

    Stir the entire mixture together until well-blended. Then, spread the mixture on top of the cream cheese in your baking dish. Top it with additional Parmesan to taste.

    Bake the dip for about 25 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly. Serve with your favorite vegetables, chips, or crackers.

    Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

    For a delightfully refreshing Zoom appetizer, make this strawberry shortcake ice cream bar dessert. You’ll certainly thank yourself later. First, heat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9” by 9” baking dish with parchment paper, and allow it to hang over the sides of the dish by two inches.

    Next, set four cookies to the side, and blend the remainder of approximately 10 ounces of butter shortbread cookies (this is similar to two packages of Walker’s shortbread cookies). Stir in ¼ cup of salted butter, and then press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Bake the dish for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the crust to an iron rack and let it cool.

    While the crust is cooling, let a carton of vanilla ice cream soften on the countertop. Once the crust is cooled, spread vanilla ice cream onto the crust. Freeze the dessert for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, let a carton of strawberry ice cream soften on the countertop.

    Finally, layer the softened strawberry ice cream onto the dessert. Top the mixture with the remaining four shortbread cookies, roughly crumbled. Then, dig in and enjoy, all while making your Zoom buddies jealous.

  • Have a Blast this July 4th

    Let Your Crafts Soar 

    Whether you’re celebrating with family or a small group of friends, it’s always fun to decorate. Spruce up your home for July 4th with these crafts. 

    • Here is a fun list of patriotic craft ideas from beautiful flower arrangements to festive coloring sheets.
    • Use toilet paper or paper towel tubes to make little rockets! You and the kids can paint the cardboard red, white, and blue and then glue ribbons or tassels onto one end. Paint little stars on the outside to give it a boost! Another option is to cut construction paper and glue it to the outside of the tube. For the top of the rocket make a cone shape out of paper to glue it to the top.
    • Build a rocket out of cardboard boxes so the young ones can fly high. Take a large cardboard box and cut out ½ of one side. Cut out two wings and tape one to each side. For the top of the rocket cut out a triangle and attach it to the top. If you want to take it another level, you can paint the outside or wrap it in fun wrapping paper. Glue painted bottle caps on to look like buttons and use a paper plate as a wheel. Blast off! 

    Recipes for a Good Time 

    July 4th is all about firing up that grill and snacking on some delicious red, white, and blue treats.  

    • For dessert try a yummy berry-topped flag cake recipe. 
    • Cupcakes are always a crowd favorite. An easy way to make them festive is by adding red, white, and blues sprinkles to the icing or using food coloring in the cake mix.
    • Red, white, and blue popsicles are a must–have on a hot summer day. You can even make them yourselves with this tasty recipe. 
    • If you’re looking to bake with the littles ones try this giant cookie pizza recipe. It’s simple and fun to make! 
    • This patriotic red white and blueberry shortcake is perfect for a picnic outside.

    Festive Fun 

    Whether you are together or apart, you can still celebrate July 4th with those you care about. 

    • Create a fun July 4th menu and email it to friends or family before Independence Day.  
    • Get decked out in red, white and blue and schedule a video chat time so you can all eat the same great food together.  
    • Game on. Discover some family fun fourth of July games for kids.   
    • Make a photobooth at home! Hang a sheet up as a backdrop or stand in front of a white wall. Use construction paper to cut out July 4th themed props such as red hats and blue bowties. Take silly photos and share them with loved ones.  
    • Don’t forget the sparklers!

  • Ten Tasty Finger Foods for Party People on the Move

    Get the party started with delicious nibbles that will make entertaining fun for every host. Finger foods are easy to grab, reducing the stress of guests who may not have room to sit down for a traditional meal and giving guests a tasty way to start conversations. Explore 10 finger foods that will have loved ones already saving the date for your next event.

    1. Stuffed mushrooms

    Stuffed mushrooms are easy to make and gobble up, making them the ideal choice to serve at a party. They can be made for vegans or meat lovers/carnivores. Combine a black rice, vegetable stock, vegan cheese and crushed walnuts for your veggie-lover friends. For carnivores, add sausage.  This incredibly rich blue cheese and Parmesan option for friends who fall somewhere in the middle will be a hit.

     

     

    2. Pigs in a blanket

    For many decades, pigs in a blanket have been popular. Kids love them just as much as adults, and they are easy to make. Just pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees, wrap mini hotdogs in crescent roll squares and bake for about 10-15 until golden brown.

     

     

     

    3. Avocado and pesto tomatoes

    You can thank us for this one later: avocados, tomatoes, and some lemony, cheesy sauce, all secured on the same toothpick. This is one of the easiest finger foods for a party, and all you need is a food processor.

     

     

     

    4. Bacon water chestnut wraps

    Because it’s impossible to eat just one these hors d’oeuvres, you can expect they’ll disappear quickly. Cut some bacon strips in half, heat until almost crispy and wrap each strip around a water chestnut. Secure with a toothpick and glaze with brown sugar and a little mayonnaise. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Serve hot.

    5. Potato salad bites

    Potato salad is a favorite dish at a sit-down BBQ. However, at a party where guests are mingling, it’s not exactly convenient. Thankfully, you can halve small red potatoes, bake them at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes with a little olive oil and then, once soft, scoop out the inside, mash it with some sour cream, chives, salt and pepper. Voila, potato salad bites!