
I hope your today is blessed and joyful! I am truly thankful for my dedicated readers who allow me to share my journey with them!
xoxo,
Megan
I hope your today is blessed and joyful! I am truly thankful for my dedicated readers who allow me to share my journey with them!
xoxo,
Megan
Autumn is my favorite season of the year with all of its festivities, decorations, and beautiful colors. Let’s not forget about all of the wonderful scents this time of the year brings. There is nothing better than smelling the scents of pumpkin spice, apple pie, and cinnamon in every home, store, or place in town. Bringing the amazing aromas into your own home is a quick and simple task that can be completed by trying these do-it-yourself fragrance recipes. The collection also includes a yummy treat that appeases more than one of your five senses!
Crockpot Cinnamon Spice Air Freshener:
Ingredients:
Directions:
Stovetop Potpourri:
Ingredients:
Directions:
This stovetop potpourri recipe can also be made in a crockpot.
Crockpot or Slow Cooker Baked Apples:
Ingredients:
Directions:
Cinnamon Scented Pinecones:
Materials:
Directions:
This DIY is great for kids!
Your home will never smell better than it does with these fall fragrances filling the air. Plus, all recipes can easily be used as gifts for housewarming parties, birthdays, and more!
xoxo,
Megan
Fall- my favorite season of them all and the start of the new season is almost here. Every year, there are several things I MUST do before it ends, so here is my fall bucket list:
It’s (almost) fall, y’all!
xoxo,
Megan
“Dun dun…dun dun…dun dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnn.”
If the theme song from Jaws popped into your head as you read the lyrics above, then you are correct. How can we not keep this song on constant replay this week? After all, it is Shark Week.
In honor of Discovery Channel’s annual animal marathon and one of my favorite TV weeks, I’m celebrating with a few shark-related posts. For starters, a Shark Attack Wreath that is fun and simple for all ages to create. Enjoy!
Materials:
Directions:
You can also get creative and add decorations on your wreath, such as shark stickers, images, life preservers, and other ocean garnishes. Paint pens work great, as well!
Have fun; just stay aware of sharks!
xoxo,
Megan
The Fourth of July is commonly associated with fireworks, barbeques, and parties. Planning events, especially for holidays, is one of my favorite things to do. If you are hosting a patriotic get-together that is going to be all red, white, and blue for July 4th, I’ve got some ideas you don’t want to miss.
Decorations:
When one thinks of decorations for a Fourth of July party, one probably automatically thinks of anything red, white, and blue. For tables, use a tablecloth that is either red-and-white checkered, blue-and-white checkered or a plain color. Take it a step farther and use bandannas. All you need to do is sew together red, white, and blue bandannas, enough to cover your table or to make a table runner.
As for centerpieces, there are many options you can create. One example is using flowers in jars. Choose white flowers, such as daisies, and place in clear jars, filled with water. Using food color, tint the water in one container with red dye and another with blue. This simple arrangement is just another way to include some patriotic zest to your party decorations.
Lastly, banners, bunting, and streamers are perfect additions for tables, ceilings, fences, and more. Colorful fabric and paper can be used for the designs, and don’t forget about the flag—a must-have at any Fourth of July extravaganza!
Food:
A party isn’t a party without tasty food! Offer your guests a wide variety of choices, from sweet and salty to healthy. Watermelon, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries are your go-to fruits. One of the cutest ways to serve them is by crafting Fourth of July Fireworks Kabobs. First, take a star-shaped cookie cutter and cut out pieces of watermelon into stars. Then, use a skewer and place the watermelon star on one end and follow up with blueberries. Another fun idea is utilizing fruit slices and making an American flag on a plate or serving tray.
A common staple at Fourth of July parties is hot dogs and hamburgers. Staying with the fireworks theme for food, treat your family and friends to Firecracker Dogs. All you need to do is wrap uncooked crescent dough around a hot dog and cook until done. Then, place onto a skewer with a star-shaped piece of cheese on top.
Desserts and sweets are always a must, and s’ mores are the perfect touch. Want something cool to eat in the hot weather? Take ice cream sandwiches and roll the edges in red, white, and blue sprinkles. The key with food is for all dishes to be simple and easy to eat, whether you’re standing up or sitting down. You don’t need to have a full five-course meal, but you do need to make sure you have all parts of a meal available for guests. Remember always to include something fruity, something veggie, something sweet, something salty, and something hearty, such as meat, and refreshments.
Music:
There are many patriotic jams to play during the festivities. A few favorites to include in your playlist are:
Games:
Classic games, such as cornhole and ladder golf, are always a hit at Fourth of July parties. However, there are ways to bring the holiday spirit into other games, as well. Lead your guests on a patriotic scavenger hunt. Some items to look for: a picnic basket, an American flag, something red, stars, streamers, and sparklers.
Since it is summer, include outdoor games. One suggestion would be to paint a twister board on the grass. Use the spinner from the board game and have fun. Also, host challenges, such as a watermelon or pie-eating contest. Attendees will love getting in on the party action. Plus, great memories will certainly be made!
Party Favors:
Give your guests something to take home and remember the event. Many people like to hand out sparklers, but this can be a little tricky with multiple ages at the party. A creative idea is deconstructed s’ mores in bags with a tag, commemorating the day. In addition, you could fill favor bags with candy that is red, white, and blue. Some options are M&Ms, lollipops, and Hershey’s kisses.
The Fourth of July is a day full of fun. Enjoy the holiday by having a party for your family and friends. Don’t know where to start? Use the tips above. These ideas will help you remember the real reason for the day.
xoxo,
Megan
2018 has taught me many things, including that I am stronger than I think and capable of overcoming challenges. I am a better person because of this year.
I hope you have a great New Year’s! Check back tomorrow to see what my goals are for 2019.
Xoxo,
Megan
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Stop and give thanks for your many blessings. Thank you for following along on this journey with me!
xoxo,
Megan
Many people are spending today relaxing by the pool, eating BBQ, or soaking in some sun at the beach. However, there is one thing not to be missed: the real reason for the holiday.
Today isn’t about the fireworks, opening of pools, or ringing in the summer season. It’s about remembering the military members who gave the ultimate price for our country’s freedom.
Let us not forget to remember our fallen soldiers today and everyday. Add a new tradition to your backyard BBQ this year with a few of the ideas below.
1: Raise your American flag outside your home.
2: Visit a veteran’s home and capture their story.
3: Share a picture of a beloved fallen military member on social media.
4: Write thank you notes to our troops serving throughout the world.
5: Watch or listen to the National Memorial Day Concert.
xoxo,
Megan
Planning parties and making checklists—two of my favorite things! No matter how many times I plan an event, there are things I forget. Did the invitations get out at the appropriate time? Did I order the cake and other refreshments ahead of time? To make sure a party can go as smoothly as possible, it is helpful to use a party checklist. Below is a handy list for all types of festivities, which can be personalized to meet your needs.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE
THREE WEEKS BEFORE
ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE
THREE DAYS BEFORE
ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE
PARTY DAY
ONE WEEK AFTER
ALWAYS REMEMBER
xoxo,
Megan
Article published in Forsyth Family Magazine
From my family to yours, a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you for taking this blog journey with me. I look forward to the many wonderful things to come!
xoxo,
Megan