A Grandma's spin on crafts, games, recipes & lifestyle

Month: September 2020

DIY Halloween Spell Books

Utilizing books for home decorating has been a popular trend for quite some time.  Whether you are using them as a riser to heighten something small or wanting to display the whole book to add to your ensemble, books can definitely finish off the look!  Decorating for Halloween is no exception, and you are going to love making this spooky DIY Halloween spell book to proudly display with your other festive decor.

DIY Halloween Spell Books

Here is What You Will Need:

  • Embellishments
  • Craft Letters (wooden, puffy–any with a raised surface)
  • Hard Cover Book
  • Paper Towels (cheap ones 😆)
  • Mod Podge
  • Black Paint
  • Metallic Paints
  • Paint Brushes – sponge and small craft types
  • Hairdryer
  • Old Coffee or Distressing Ink
  • Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

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Meet Meddy Teddy ~ Meditation for Kids!

I AM BEYOND EXCITED TO HAVE DISCOVERED THIS AMAZING AND ADORABLE FLUFFY FRIEND!!!!!  We all strive to raise happy and healthy children.  Likewise, we all struggle with these very things at times as well.   Every parent witnesses tantrums, stress, and anxiety that we so desperately seek to alleviate for our kids, as well as for our own sanity!  Meet Meddy Teddy to help your kids with meditation and yoga!

MEET MEDDY TEDDY ~ YOGA & MEDITATION BEAR

***Coupon code down below ⬇⬇⬇

                         

This cute little guy is 100% poseable.  As your children learn different poses, they can mimic the same poses on Meddy Teddy.  He’s a perfect little yoga buddy with a great big heart!

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR KIDS~

  • Improves academic performance, learning & memory
  • Reduces anger & anxiety
  • Increases self-esteem
  • Fosters calmness & compassion
  • Improves self control
  • Boosts confidence
  • Enhances focus
  • Increases social skills

 

Do you now or have you ever done Yoga and/or meditation?  Can  you remember the benefits you received from it…or are still receiving?  Studies show that the earlier you introduce this concept to children the better the benefits.  Children actually have a natural feel for it because their minds are not yet biased or stressed with all of the things we adults deal with.  Now more than ever is a great time for extra help on raising happy and compassionate kiddos.

Code:  Mimi15

Use this link to check out Meddy’s website…..Meddy Teddy – the Original Yoga Bear!  Even better, use this code for 15% off!!!

This code expires Wednesday, September 30 ….SO ACT FAST!

Accessories & Free Yoga Classes ~

Of course there are accessories too….you knew that was coming right?  But a yoga mat and yoga clothes????  How adorable.  EVEN BETTER THOUGH..they provide a schedule on their website for FREE YOGA CLASSES!  Here is the link…..  FREE Yoga classes! All Times PST – perfect for kids of all ages (and adults too!)

This is updated monthly with available class times.  BUT WAIT….. They also provide FREE “Meddytations” to help calm and relax your kiddos!  Seriously, I am so loving EVERYTHING about this adorable guy and all he has to offer.

Mimi’s Favorite Toy of 2020 ~

Are you feeling as obsessed as I am with this little guy and all of the fun and benefits he offers?  I actually placed my order today (with that awesome code MIMI15) for Addi and Max.  Without a doubt, they will love him!   I also can’t wait to see how it helps Lauren with bedtime routines.  Updates coming soon…..

Until then….Namaste! 🧘‍♀️

 

 

Coffee & Halloween

Just a quick drop in to help you get ready for Halloween.  This post contains 3 of my favorite things…Shopping, Halloween & Coffee.  I spent a little time rounding up some fun new items for you to add to your Fall and Halloween Decor….it’s everything Coffee & Halloween!!!!!

Pictures & Links~

Check out the pictures below and if you just HAVE to have it, click on the green link below each pic….how fun is this????

Funny Halloween Shirt Halloween Shirt Halloween Tshirt Pebble

Such a festive Halloween shirt (and I like how they have it paired as well!)….a little different than what you see in the stores…Check out “This Witch Needs Coffee Before Any Hocus Pocus” shirt

 

Black Cats N Pumpkins Iced Coffee Cozy image 0

I am LOVING this Black Cats & Coffee print.  I have seen it on shirts as well.  Hurry…this Black Cats & Coffee Cozy is going fast!

 

Small 6 x 5.5Wood SignCoffee Spelled Backwards EEFFOC image 0

Ok…..so it’s not Halloween related, but this is just way too funny to not share…come visit and you will see this hilarious sign at my coffee bar!    😂😂You Will Definitely Want to Add this to Your Sign Collection!

 

OMG I'm Like Literally Dead Coffee Mug Halloween Mug Funny image 0

Another hysterical play on words….LOVE!  Because it’s just too funny…..I need to get this one…do you?

 

Hocus Pocus Coffee Mug Halloween Decor Fall Halloween image 0

When do you EVER have enough of the Sanderson sisters?  Because we can NEVER have enough Hocus Pocus!!!

Handstamped spoon coffee spoon magic potion spoon Halloween image 0

I love adding that little something extra when entertaining.  Coffee/Tea spoons are a must in my household!  You Always Need Festive Spoons When Sharing Coffee & Tea!

Halloween Tags/ Wooden Tags/ Tiered Tray Decor/ Halloween image 0  Halloween Tags/ Wooden Tags/ Tiered Tray Decor/ Halloween image 4

Whether you have a small or large coffee serving station, it is so much fun to spice it up with extra festive decor!  Those Little Extras Make Your Decor Complete!

Halloween Witch Mini Sign Collection 6x6 Farmhouse image 0

And finish that coffee station off with some whimsical and festive signs!  These Whimsical Signs Add Just the Perfect Touch!

I hope this helps you get in the spirit of Halloween…..don’t you just love Coffee & Halloween?????

Grilled Caramelized Onion, Apple and Canadian Bacon Flatbread

When it comes to pizza and flatbread, Pappy and I definitely have different opinions on which ingredients make a great pizza.  Traditional toppings are wonderful, but sometimes I like to get adventurous.  Sunday was a perfect day for grilling pizzas with Pappy on the Penarve.  The weather was crisp, the tv was roaring with football games and fun ideas were rolling through our heads of our upcoming creations.  My final outcome was grilled caramelized onion, apple and Canadian bacon flatbread…..AHHHmazing!!!!

The wonderful thing about flatbread pizza is that everyone can create their own masterpiece.  They are just the right size for one…or two if you decide to share.  However, the only one I was sharing my grilled caramelized onion flatbread with was a nice glass of Chardonnay!

THIS RECIPE IS SO VERSATILE!!!

Caramelizing onions is a must for this yummy recipe.  However, you may wish to alter the recipe a bit after you prepare the onions.  Maybe you wish to use only onions and no fruit.  Apples were used in this recipe, but peaches or pears would be just as delicious.  The trick is that whatever you choose to add in, you must cook them over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes to get the caramelizing to take place.

The flavors mixed very well with Canadian bacon, but maybe you prefer no meat….it would still be fantastic!

While the onion mixture is cooking, you will need to prepare your flatbread. Brush it with a thin layer of olive oil then layer fig spread over the top of the oil.  Add the caramelized onion mixture on top of the fig glaze.  Top with fresh spinach or other greens of your choice.  Next will be your choice of cheese.  We prepared this with blue cheese.  Goat cheese, brie or feta would work wonderfully as well.  Lastly, top it off with some toasted walnuts and dried cherries.

IT’S TIME TO GRILL ~

Slide a pizza board or pizza peel under the flatbread to transfer to the grill.  If you do not have a pizza peel, it’s a good idea to add it to your cooking arsenal….once you taste these babies you are definitely going to be making more.  Here is a link to one of my favorites.   I absolutely love this pizza peel with a foldable handle for easy storage!

Once you have transferred the flatbread to the grill, close the cover and grill for 8 to 10 minutes.  Check on it after 5 minutes to decide the correct amount of time for the level of crispiness you prefer.  Then top it off with balsamic glaze….perfection!

KID FRIENDLY~

Now you are looking at me like I am crazy!  Kid friendly you ask?  What child likes blue cheese?  Well, I know there are some kids out there that do eat different cheeses, but if they don’t, substitute mozzarella.  Easy peasy!

The really cool thing about flatbread pizzas, is you can have a small layout of different toppings and let everyone make their own.  Psst…..kids are more apt to eat their dinner when they take part in the process of preparation.  So let them dig in and have fun!!!!

 

Get Outside!

Well hello weekend….and what a beautiful weekend it is!  What is on your agenda?  Laundry, housework, cleaning the garage, paying bills?  Put all of these chores aside, if only for a while, and get outside!!!

It’s Good For Your Health!

Everyone “knows” it’s good for your health to get outside.   Why is it that so often we simply “forget” just how good it actually is for us?

  • Vitamin D boosts your mood AND your immune system
  • Nature helps lower cortisol levels and reduce stress
  • Natural environments improve mood
  • Nature helps improve memory and attention
  • Fresh air increases your energy level

It’s Good For Your Family!

Whether you plan a day trip or a weekend getaway, hiking creates wonderful family memories for years to come.  It’s just a bonus that it also provides so many health benefits.  Sit and think for a moment…how long has it been since you decided to do an impromptu family fun day?   The unplanned activities are many times some of the best!

Do you find yourself always going to the same one or two parks?  I am sad to admit that we have not taken advantage of all of the amazing places available to us, some less than a half hour away!  I don’t know if I would call it a bucket list, but I decided that our family needs to branch out and try some new spots.  Included below is a small list of some of the parks of various sizes that have hiking trails as well as other amenities.

  1. Broad Ripple Park
  2. Brookside Park
  3. Brown County State Park
  4. Clifty Falls
  5. Eagle Creek
  6. Fort Harrison State Park
  7. Holliday Park
  8. Indiana Dunes State Park
  9. McCormick’s Creek
  10. Mounds State Park
  11. Pokagon State Park
  12. Shades Park
  13. Spring Mills Sate Park
  14. Turkey Run State Park

Let’s Talk Food!

I absolutely love the ideas that sweetcharli.com shares here…Creative picnic lunch ideas….CLICK HERE!

  Sandwich kebobs, apple sandwiches and banana rollups…sounds delish!

Lilluna.com also has some fun and healthy ideas…Check out these easy picnic lunch ideas!

Lots of protein and veggies!

Extra Activities For When You Get Outside!

Hiking and picnicking definitely make for a fun-filled day, but since we are on a roll, let’s add some extra fun.  Why not add in a little scavenger hunt for the kids?  Print out as many copies as you need of the activity sheet I created to help enjoy the day further.   Download and print outdoor scavenger hunt!

So get outside…and don’t forget to take pictures of this fun-filled day!  I would love for you to share other parks your family goes to so we can add them to the list!  Happy Weekend!!!!

The Best Halloween Picture Books

Are you tired of reading the same Halloween picture books to the kids every year?  Yes, there are always the favorites that everyone looks forward to each year, but maybe it’s time to spice up your collection.  You are going to want to try this list of the best Halloween picture books.

Last year I hosted a Witches’ Tea Party for the kids.  I’m not sure who had more fun…me preparing for the big event or the kids when they got to partake of it.  I will do a separate post on that later, but suffice it to say that it was a huge hit!  As I was planning all of the festivities for that day, I was overjoyed to discover that there are actually books titled The Witches’ Tea Party….how frightfully awesome!  (I was happy to see that there are other crazy Halloween lovers like myself out there in the big world 😉)

Below are some of the new books I have purchased over the last couple of years…and one that I am ordering this week to add to our spooky collection of Halloween books!  There are also some fun FREE printable coloring pages🖍 included at the end of this post!!!! Continue reading

Let the Crafting Begin!

Ok!  I realize that I am a little early.  Here it is September 11, and fall doesn’t officially begin until Tuesday, September 22.   But seriously, aren’t you ready for some fall fun?  Let’s start enjoying the wondrous blessings of the fall season.  I have started bringing out a few items of festive decor, and those warm colors of fall just make the house seem so much cozier.  Add a bit of spicy cinnamon to the candle warmer and voila…I have entered the happy

The fun craft ideas are certainly abundant–some old favorites as well as all of the new ones that people create every year.  So before we look at some of the fun craft ideas, I want to share with you a coupon code I for some crafting supplies that you need to be sure to have on hand.

COUPON CODES BELOW…………

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Flank Steak With Pappy on the Penarve

The time is here folks!!!  Pappy on the Penarve, with his AMAZING grilling tips and techniques, will be rolling out new recipes on the reg. (lol, do you like my attempt at sound young and hip??  🤣)  We are starting out with a recipe that Pappy has become very famous for among our family and friends.  So read on for this awesome recipe for Flank Steak with Pappy on the Penarve.

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The Joy of Reading

Reading is magical.  It sweeps you up and whisks you away to far away places, finds you in the middle of an exciting event, engages you with new lifestyles of people all around the world!  I could go on and on about the wondrous places you find yourself when you throw yourself into a good book.  Introducing young children to this magical wonder is critical in helping  them to understand the joy of reading throughout their life.

Add in the excitement of getting to run out to the mailbox monthly and open it up to find a package just for them…priceless!  We have discovered this great monthly book club, Owl Post Books, that caters to the age of your child.  There are different options available:

  • Book of the Month Club
  • Imagination Box Subscription
  • Young Adult Writer’s Subscription

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Planning for HALLOWEEN!!!🦇

The verdict has not yet been reached, but many statistics are showing Halloween 2020 will still be taking place!  I am hoping that is true.  It may look a little different than the past years, but surveys are showing that a high percentage of people are still planning to celebrate whether it be the traditional trick-or-treating or through new social distancing events.  Not to mention, it is now more socially acceptable than ever to wear a mask!!!  So let’s start planning for Halloween now!!!

I am so excited to announce that I have partnered up with HalloweenCostumes.com to share the amazing costumes, accessories and decorations they have…many being UNIQUE to their company.  AANNNDDD…..we have coupons!!!  Get Coupon Codes Here!!!👻

I’ve been perusing their site, and I must say I am completely hooked!  We all know I LOVE Halloween, and I am beyond excited about all of their unique products.  Here are pics of some of my favorite costume ideas…

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